Top 25 Free Phd Programs Online 2026 [Fully funded online phd programs]
Top 25 Best Free Phd Programs Online [Fully funded online phd programs]. When selecting one of the shortest online doctoral programs or easiest online Ph.D. programs, you can access more info by visiting the links provided in each school description to ensure that you find the best program for you.
Traditional, on-campus doctoral degree programs, on average, take about 5.9 years to complete. Not only is this a long duration, but the time spent throughout those 6 years can also be tremendous. With online doctoral programs, students have the leisure of flexible, asynchronous class times that nurture one-on-one relationships between students and professors. They can take as little as 2 years.
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What is a PhD?
A PhD is an internationally recognized postgraduate academic degree granted by universities and colleges to candidates who have completed a thesis or dissertation based on extensive and original study in their chosen topic. The specifics of PhD degrees differ based on the student’s location and field of study.
What is the difference betweeen PhD vs Doctorate Degree?
Ph.D. programs focus more on the theoretical and abstract aspects of their respective fields of study to understand it as a school of thought rather than just a practical application. Usual doctorate programs tend to be more practical in their study and focus on the application of knowledge rather than understanding more abstract perspectives.
Ph.D. degrees are often offered in the same fields that have standard doctoral degrees available usually offered in fields such as engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
These online schools represent some of the finest academic institutions in America, with outstanding online doctoral programs that can be completed in a fraction of the time compared to traditional programs.
18-month doctorate without dissertation Programs
1. Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy – University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
The U of North Carolina – Chapel Hill offers a range of educational options for students who wish to pursue a doctorate degree in health sciences. One option is to earn an online Ph.D. in Nursing, while another option is to earn their Medical Degree at the same time as their Master of Business Administration, but the Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical therapy may be earned in 24 months fully online.
2. Doctor of Education (Ed.D) Program – Liberty University
Liberty University offers a Doctor of Education degree program that can be completed fully online. The minimum time to earn the degree is about 30 months for completion of all 54 credits. The courses are each 8 weeks long and no dissertation is required. The Doctor of Education degree program provides a curriculum that focuses on developing innovative programs, as well as a capstone project.
3. Post Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy Degree – Boston University
Boston University offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program that can be completed in 18 months. The program consists of 10 courses, which are about 33 to 37 credits. Students may concentrate on various areas and can then choose what else they would prefer to learn to complete their credit requirements. This is a fully online degree program that accelerates each semester’s worth of class to take only seven weeks to complete with new courses starting every September, January, and May.
4. Doctor of Social Work in Clinical Practice and Leadership (DSW) Program – The University of Tennessee – Knoxville
The University of Tennessee – Knoxville offers a fully online Doctor of Social Work in Clinical Practice and Leadership program. The program takes 36 months to complete, depending on the type of courses taken. This is designed as a fast-track format for those who are already working in the field or may allow students to move through courses quickly and keep working while learning.
5. Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree Program – Frontier Nursing University
The Maryville University of St. Louis offers a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program that is available online. The DNP program requires students to complete a total of 33 credit hours, including 18 to 20 months for completion. Many students in the online DNP program are working as nurses in the field, and this affords them a flexible program that allows many students to achieve their academic goals while active in the healthcare industry.
List of Best Free PhD Programs Online 2024
1. PhD in English Language and Literature
The English Language and Literature PhD requires a total of 90 credits, including the Research Thesis. This online doctorate program can be finished in three years. To be eligible for this PhD Programs Online, applicants must possess a master’s degree.
2. PhD in Information Systems or Technology
Consider pursuing a doctorate in information technology to be at the forefront of this area. Businesses and organizations rely on systems to keep their data and records secure and accessible. This degree may qualify you for job as a C-suite executive, director in a technology department, consultant, government agency leader, or strategist. You may also be well-suited for starting your own business.
3. PhD in Public Policy
The PhD in Public Policy program at Liberty University consists of 60 credit hours and can be completed in three years. This program will provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct research and transform two worlds of public policy. Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship can fund this program. The SBCV is granted annually and covers solely tuition. It is granted to members of the SBCV church.
4. PhD in Bible Exposition
The PhD in Bible Exposition program at Liberty University consists of 60 credit hours and can be completed in three years. Biblical exegesis is designed to help you understand the Bible and equip you for a lifetime of study and application of God’s Word. Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship can fund this program. The SBCV is granted annually and covers solely tuition. It is granted to members of the SBCV church.
5. PhD in Psychology
The PhD in Psychology at Liberty University is a 60-credit-hour program that can be completed in three years. The PhD in Psychology prepares students to analyze research and comprehend the truth about human behavior from a biblical perspective. Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship can fund this program. The SBCV is granted annually and covers solely tuition. It is granted to members of the SBCV church.
6. PhD in Psychology (Development Psychology)
The Developmental Psychology PhD in Psychology consists of a total of 101 credits, including the dissertation. The program is intended to provide a comprehensive grasp of human development and change. This PhD in Psychology program is eligible for the $20,000 Capella Progress Reward.
7. PhD in Applied Statistics
The Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Statistics consists of a total of 90 credits, including the Research Thesis. This online doctorate program can be finished in three years. To be eligible for this PhD Programs Online, applicants must possess a master’s degree.
8. PhD in English Language and Literature
The English Language and Literature PhD requires a total of 90 credits, including the Research Thesis. This online doctorate program can be finished in three years. To be eligible for this PhD Programs Online, applicants must possess a master’s degree.
9. PhD in Nursing
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing comprises of 90 credits, including the Research Thesis. This online doctorate program can be finished in three years. To be eligible for this online PhD program, applicants must possess a master’s degree.
10. PhD in Human Services
A PhD in human services can qualify you for a position of leadership in an organization or program that provides services or assistance to diverse populations. Schools, clinics, community outreach initiatives, and nonprofit organizations are examples of work environments. A Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services prepares graduates for positions of leadership and as policymakers in the public and human services sectors.
11. PhD in Business Management (General Business Management)
The doctorate in business administration with a concentration in general business administration consists of 75 credits, including the dissertation. Through specialized courses and rigorous in-person learning experiences, you will master essential concepts in areas like as strategic management, marketing, accounting, and finance. The Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management, General Business Management is also eligible for the $20,000 Capella Progress Reward.
1 Year Ph.D. Programs Online
Are There Any 1 Year PhD Programs Online? While most online doctoral degree programs last 2 or more years, we’ve found one university that offers an accelerated 1-year online doctoral program. Despite the fact that a lot of colleges offer expedited PhD Programs Online, there are no approved universities that provide the quickest PhD Programs Online in one year. However, there are other universities that offer 30-credit doctoral degrees that might be finished in a year if there is no dissertation required.
If you enroll in accelerated classes, have transfer credits, choose one of the shortest doctoral programs in terms of credit hours, and select 100% PhD Programs Online that do not require a dissertation, you can achieve your PhD online quite quickly (which is time-consuming).
List of Shortest Ph.D. Programs Online and On-campus
- Franklin University – online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), 58 credit hours, transfer up to 24 hours of previously earned credit, 36 months + 1 year for dissertation
- Walden University – online Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology, up to 53 credits, fast-track option, earn MPhil at the same time
- Frontier Nursing University – online Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN with DNP, 675 clinical hours for MSN plus 360 additional for DNP
- Boston University – Online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, PP-OTD, 33-37 credits
- University of Florida – online MSN to DNP, 35 credits, five semesters.
- Baylor University – online EdD in Learning and Organizational Change, 54 credits, 36 months.
- Liberty Univesity – Doctor of Ministry, online DMin, 30 credit hours, 24 months
- University of Florida – Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN to DNP, 35 credits, 5 semesters
- University of North Dakota – Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 36 credit hours, 5 semesters
- Indiana University of Pennsylvania – Safety Sciences, online Ph.D., 54 credit hours
- East Carolina University – Doctor of Nursing Practice, hybrid online DNP.
- Maryville University – online Doctor of Nursing Practice (Online DNP), 20 months, no GRE or no GMAT requirement
- University of Dayton – online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership for Organizations, 36 months, 60 credits.
- Seton Hall University – Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 31+ credits for post-MSN students, 73-79 credits for post-BSN students.
- Regis University – Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 28-33 credit hours, 8-week terms.
- Georgia State University – Curriculum and Instruction EdD, Educational Leadership EdD, on-campus EdD, 54 credit hours
- Bowling Green State University – Technology Management, web-based Ph.D., 66 credit hours.
- Hampton University – Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management, online Ph.D., 60 credit hours.
- Capella University – online Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision, 0 max transfer credits, 60 credits, CACREP accredited.
- Gwynedd Mercy University – Accelerated Executive Doctorate of Education ABD (All But Dissertation) Completion Program, online EdD, 27 credit hours, 18 months.
- Duquesne University – Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), 35 credit hours.
- The College of St. Scholastica – Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, online tDPT, 16 credits.
Fastest Online Doctoral Degree (Ph.D. and Ed.D.) Programs
1. Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Mercy University’s online Accelerated Executive Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership is revered by many respectable sources as one of the speediest doctoral programs available, which can be completed in less than three years. This degree consists of 54 credits in a motivational learning community that develops the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to lead and transforms educational institutions. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is another GMercyU accelerated program that can be completed in as little as two years.
2. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is a superbly respected and competitive online school that has been one of the foremost purveyors of distance education for many consecutive years. This school offers doctoral students the opportunity to earn their degree in 2-3 years through various specializations. The Doctor of Physical Therapy has been celebrated by U.S. News and World Report as being housed in the number one physical therapy school in the United States.
3. Duquesne University
Duquesne University offers online doctoral students more than just degrees that earn them a diploma in less than three years, but rather “expansive academic knowledge and skills while learning more about themselves and making a difference in the community and the world.” Ranked as one of the top small research universities in the United States, doctoral students benefit from a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, wherein they have direct interactions with peers and professors.
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