20 Part-time PhD Programs For Working Professionals (Online/Campus) 2026
20 top Part-time PhD Programs For Working Professionals (Online/Campus). A PhD or professional doctorate degree is the logical next step if you already have your bachelor’s or master’s and want to take your expertise even further. Part-time programs are available from quality universities that can make earning your doctorate much more manageable.
There are many reasons why students opt to study a PhD part-time. It enables people to study around current commitments. People intending to do a PhD may already have a full-time job. The Part-Time PhD program has been designed to cater to the scholarly needs of the students who are doing full-time employment.
Contents
Most Popular Careers from PhD Programs
- Nurse Practitioner
- Economist.
- Clinical Psychologist.
- Epidemiologist.
- Top Executive.
- Electrical Engineering Researcher.
- Information Research Scientist.
- Human Resources Manager.
- Fundraising Manager
- School Principal.
- Postsecondary Education Administrator.
Why study part-time PhD programs?
A part time PhD program is something that has become useful for many individuals who want to pursue PhD along with some other job. It gives flexibility to a student to keep doing something that he/ she loves while studying and researching for a PhD. The other benefits are:
- The candidates won’t have to abide by all the decisions made by the faculty and supervisors.
- The course fee of a part time Ph.D. program is less than the full time PhD program.
- For individuals who want to teach, a part-time PhD program is highly beneficial as they gain many years of teaching while they finish up their Ph.D. program.
- The students don’t have to limit their research work to the university/ college. In part time PhD programs, you will be allowed to conduct study and research off-campus.
- In a part-time Ph.D. program, you don’t have to worry about time limitations. You can complete the course and can write the Thesis at your own pace.
Part-time PhD: Admission Process for International Students
The following is the step-by-step admission process with the necessary documents.
- Test scores: Many colleges and universities use GRE or GMAT scores to determine whether you have what it takes to succeed in a Ph.D. program. If you’re an international applicant, you may also need TOEFL exam scores to demonstrate your proficiency in the English language.
- Personal statement or research proposal: This is your chance to communicate your study goals with the admission faculty. That way, the institute can determine whether your interests align with the expertise of the faculty.
- Application and fee: Candidates must fill the application form of their chosen college/university and choose their specialization and field of research.
- College transcripts: Fill out the application form with all the necessary details and upload your transcripts as proof of your graduation and post-graduation.
- Letters of reference: These should come from academic or professional colleagues who can attest to your commitment and character. Nearly two to three letters may be required.
How Does a Part Time PhD Degree Program Works?
No matter what type of Ph.D. program it is, whether it is a part time or an online accelerated Ph.D. program, they can be competitive and the candidate will want to make sure that their application stands out to the admissions committee. A part-time PhD isn’t that different from a full-time PhD. The main difference is that you spend less time researching each week. But remember, no part-time PhD looks the same. While it is common for students to work on weekends or in the evenings, your schedule will entirely depend on what works best for you.
How many hours is a part-time PhD?
If you work on the basis that a part-time PhD takes twice as long as it would full-time then you should expect to work half the weekly hours. As a standard, universities recommend full-time students to work 35 hours a week, though many may study more (and some less). Therefore, a part-time student might aim to work around 17 hours a week.
Part-Time PhD and Doctoral Programs
1. George Mason University’s School of Policy and Government Part-Time PhD Programs
George Mason University offers three PhD programs – biodefense, public policy, and political science – to those working in the public policy sector. The Schar School PhD programs are designed for those who want a heavy research focus and the opportunity to conduct ground-breaking research in their fields. Each program is available part-time or full-time and offers opportunities to customize the curriculum to your career goals. Prospective students need previous educational and work experience in the public policy field.
2. Drexel University’s Part-Time Online DBA
The Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program from Drexel University offers business professionals an online option to gain a high-quality doctoral education on their own schedules. The program prepares leaders for the business world and focuses on applying business theory to real-world scenarios. Students can also take PhD-level courses from other disciplines to integrate non-business ideas into their dissertations and projects.
3. Wayne State University’s Part-Time PhD in Social Work
Wayne State University offers one of the best part-time doctoral programs in social workin the country for those who already have a master’s in social work. Students can also pursue dual PhDs with social work and either anthropology, gerontology, or infant mental health emphasis. The first three years in the program are comprised of coursework with the remaining time devoted to a dissertation.
4. Johns Hopkins University’s Part-Time Online DrPH.
John Hopkins University provides public health professionals with a robust Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). The program helps early- to mid-career professionals working in international or domestic public health roles become leaders in their fields. There are ten concentrations, and the program helps connect students with the right courses, opportunities, and research projects to reach their individual goals.
Can you get a funded part time PhD? | Financial Aid for PhD Students
- Government loans: You may have the option to take out low-interest loans from the federal government or your state.
- Stipends: Some schools grant PhD candidates a small stipend. There are usually stipulations to this, and the rules may differ for part-time students.
- Private loans: To supplement your financial package, you may also need private loans. Just be aware that these can come with high interest rates.
- Fellowships: Based on your personal merits, your school or a private organization may give you fellowship money intended to further your research goals.
- Government grants: If your income qualifies, you may get free tuition help from the state or federal government.
- Scholarships: You can apply for gift money from a scholarship-granting organization, such as a professional association in your field.
Is a part-time PhD easier?
Pros
Studying part-time offers:
- It gives people the option to research their passion who might not be able to study full-time.
- Fees and additional costs are more spread out making the degree more financially manageable.
- Less time is dedicated to studying each week, freeing up more time for work or personal commitments.
Cons
- There is more time for personal and work issues to crop up and take precedent over your studies.
- You may find it harder to interact with the research community if you’re balancing work.
- It can be hard to motivate yourself when the degree can take more than five years to complete.
Top Part time PhD and Other Doctorate Programs Online/Campus
1. Doctor Of Nursing Practice (DNP)
A doctorate or PhD program in nursing is a great option for nurses want to become nurse practitioners, teach at the college level, or conduct original research. Since candidates usually need master’s degrees and previous work experience, many online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are designed for working professionals. There are two types of advanced nursing programs commonly offered, the PhD in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Baylor University and the online PhD program at George Washington University are examples of these types of advanced nursing programs.
2. North Carolina A&T State University Online Graduate Degrees
North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is a public, historically black university located in Greensboro, North Carolina. A total of 54 bachelor’s, 29 master’s, and nine doctoral degrees are offered through the school’s eight colleges. PhD in Leadership Studies, PhD in Technology Management.
3. Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
A Doctor of Public Health is one of the most common part-time advanced programs and is designed to be completed while working full-time. Many online public health doctorates work especially well for working professionals, some with work requirements built into the curriculum. That means having a full-time role can actually help you progress more quickly through the program. Boston University and Penn State University both offer part-time PhD programs.
4. Ph.D. in Communications
A doctorate or PhD program in communication is a great option for those already in the communication field who want to enhance their expertise. Since candidates often need a master’s degree and previous work experience in the field to apply. The online PhD in Communication program at American University and Columbia’s PhD in Communications give examples of popular doctorate and PhD programs in education.
5. University at Buffalo PhD in Information Science
The University at Buffalo a public research university with campuses in Buffalo and Amherst, New York. Nearly 32,000 students are enrolled in what is considered to be the largest public university in New York. UB offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across 13 academic schools and colleges.
6. Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Education doctorates and PhD programs work well for teachers and educators wanting advanced leadership influence in the field. The programs are usually part-time and work around a typical academic schedule. The PhD program from Harvard University, available on campus and either part-time or full-time, and the part-time Doctor of Education, Online with Residency program from Northeastern University are examples of popular advanced education degree programs.
7. University of Alabama – Huntsville Online Programs & Courses
The University of Alabama in Huntsville is one of three members of the University of Alabama System. UAH school awards 44 bachelor’s, 30 master’s and 15 doctoral degrees across nine colleges to a study body of nearly 10,000. UAH is a space-grant university with a large focus on engineering and science programs. PhD in Industrial Engineering, PhD in Joint Nursing Science, PhD in Civil Engineering, PhD in Engineering Management, PhD in Systems Engineering.
8. Doctoral Program in Criminal Justice
A PhD is more research-focused, like the Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Intelligence (Ph.D.) program at the University of North Georgia. A professional doctorate program, like the Doctoral Program in Criminal Justice at Texas State University, is focused on applying academic theories to professional settings. Many of these degrees are available online and on a part-time or full-time basis.
9. Indiana State University Online Graduate Programs
ISU offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and 75 graduate. Students can pursue 20 bachelor’s degrees, 22 master’s degrees, and seven doctoral degrees on campus and online through ISU’s six academic colleges. PhD in Educational Administration – Higher Education Leadership, PhD in Educational Administration – School Administration, PhD in Technology Management.
10. Liberty University Online Degree Programs
Liberty University is a private evangelical Christian university founded in Lynchburg, Virginia. The school consists of 17 distinct colleges offering a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Programs are divided between 366 on-campus options and 280 online options.
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