Online PHD Programs

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Introduction to PhD Programs

Prospective doctoral students do not have to take a sabbatical or arrange any other form of extended leave in order to earn a PhD. In fact, even those with full-time responsibilities can steadily work their way towards a doctoral degree without having to sacrifice their current schedules. Accredited online PhD programs,which are available in a wide variety of subject areas, allow students to take their classes from any place with a stable Internet connection and at any time, freeing them from the limitations of campus commutes and class timing. In fact, professionals across all fields are more concerned with getting a degree that will challenge them and prepare them for high-level careers in research, practice, consulting, and academia rather than with whether that degree is earned on campus or online.

Here, we have outlined every online PhD offered by a university that holds regional or national accreditation. In addition, the courses for these programs are taught by experienced faculty who hold terminal degrees in their field, ensuring that they possess the expertise to impart a meaningful educational experience.

Why Get a PhD?

The PhD is the highest degree level that can be obtained in any one discipline, and affords graduates the credentials they need to teach at the college level, to shape public policy, to conduct research that helps contribute knowledge or solve problems in their field and to write scholarly books as an expert on a particular topic. Those who are passionate about a subject have the opportunity to be immersed in that subject for several years as they take intense courses, conduct individual and collaborative research and complete a dissertation while working toward an online PhD. Another benefit of earning a PhD online is your earning potential. Those who hold doctoral degrees earn more on average and have lower rates of unemployment on average than those who hold undergraduate or even master's degrees, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. To be specific, doctoral degree holders in 2010 earned $1,550 per week on average compared to the $1,272 per week average for master's degree holders and the $1,038 per week average for bachelor's degree holders, the Bureau asserts. In addition, those who hold doctoral degrees had a 1.9 percent unemployment rate in 2010 while the unemployment rates for master's degree holders and bachelor's degree holders were 4.0 percent and 5.4 percent respectively, the Bureau notes.

A Challenging Journey

Before committing to earning a PhD, though, students need to realize that earning an online doctorate is no walk in the park. Students should only pursue one if they are certain their future career pursuits demand it and they possess the passion and determination to see it through. Learners must dedicate themselves to four to seven years of intense study, conduct arduous original research and submit a book-length dissertation. Students in doctoral programs must also be prepared to defend their thesis orally in front of a faculty review panel. Recent graduates of online doctoral programs are judged more for their research and published work than on the grades they made in their courses, although students certainly must keep their grades up in their courses as well to remain in the program. At the doctoral level, research projects are long-term and could last a year to several years, depending on the research topic. Students in accredited programs will need to possess creativity, interpersonal skills, oral presentation skills, excellent time management and a good deal of tenacity to complete doctoral programs online. It's no surprise that such a small percentage of Americans hold a doctoral degree.

How Does It Work?

Students must apply to and be accepted into doctoral programs, a process which requires you to take qualifying exams, submit college transcripts, and provide letters of recommendation. Only the best students are accepted into doctorate programs online. Students must have completed a minimum of a bachelor's degree, although many online doctorate programs require the completion of a master's degree as well. Students then enroll in a number of challenging courses on a full-time or part-time basis, depending on the type of online PhD program they chose.

The content and curriculum of traditional PhD programs and online PhD programs are the same. Both are rigorous and require a time commitment of 15 or more hours a week outside of lectures for a student to be successful. The key difference is the method of delivery. Instead of taking classes on a college campus, the online student logs in to a course management system, accesses his or her individual courses and watches his or her lectures online. All assignments and research projects are posted here. Students communicate with their professors via e-mail, live chat, video conference or phone. Students often communicate with their fellow classmates through online message boards, where lively discussions take place on topics relevant to their discipline and class participation is gauged.

Students completing their PhD online generally must complete anywhere from 45 to 65 credit hours, which include advanced research methods (including qualitative and quantitative methodology), statistics, the social, political and ethical aspects of your subject area, electives, one to two on-campus residencies and focused dissertation research. Instead of meeting on a campus for seminars, labs and other hands-on learning experiences, online students in PhD programs apply what they learn in the classroom in the field. The online PhD program may even require that students be employed or participate in internships so that they can apply the theory they learn in an organizational setting.

After students enrolled in online doctoral programs have completed all coursework required outside of their dissertation, they must sit for a comprehensive exam, which measures a student's overall understanding of advanced topics in their field. These are not multiple-choice exams; they are exams that challenge students to provide a detailed, written response to complex questions. The comprehensive exam is generally pass-or-fail, but students working toward online PhD degrees are typically given a limited number of tries to pass the exam.

Along the way, students must speak with a team of faculty advisors to develop a research topic suitable for their dissertation. The selection of the topic itself can be a lengthy process, let alone actually writing the dissertation. Most of the time, in-depth work on developing a dissertation topic is done in mandatory on-campus residencies. In these residencies, faculty advisors help students narrow the focus of their research from something broad to something very specific. Students establish timetables by which they will complete certain portions of their dissertations. Upon completion of the dissertation, students schedule an oral defense of their thesis. This defense also generally takes place on a college campus. Finally, once the dissertation has been successfully defended, it must be filed with the university before the title of "doctor" can be awarded.

All learners should be aware that an online doctoral program, while more convenient, is not any easier than a classroom-based one. They will still be expected to complete doctorate-level work and commit hours each week to studying and researching their degree subject. But online education is a great alternative to traditional classroom learning for those who cannot attend a campus-based program for whatever reason. As long as online students remain dedicated to studying and working hard, they will have the opportunity to earn a PhD that will be respected in the job market.

Programs by Category

Arts & Humanities

Divinity / Divinitatis

Students who earn an online divinity PhD, which requires the completion of at least 60 credit hours over the course of up to 2 years, typically work as ministry outreach coordinators, church administrators, religious program coordinators and clergy members. Although wages vary by employer and setting, average salaries are around $85,000.

Ministry

Those who earn their online ministry PhD, which takes five to eight years to complete, can become a professor of religion in a university or work as a church consultant or church leader. Because of the varying job options, an average salary may range from anywhere between $30,000 and $60,000.

Philosophy

After completing an online philosophy PhD, which first requires the completion of a bachelor's in philosophy or a closely related subject, students typically find university teaching positions. They may also work directly with sociologists, psychiatrists, political advisors and economists. Graduates can expect an average salary of $72,000.

Practical Theology

Practical theology is the study of religion and how it influences human behavior. Students studying for an online Practical Theology PhD often specialize in areas such as congregational studies, religious education and evangelism. This degree is useful for religious leaders as well as those who work in professions such as counseling and social work.

Professional Studies

At the doctoral level, professional studies refers to interdisciplinary and applied programs. Rather than earning an online PhD in professional studies, doctoral students in this area are awarded the Doctor of Professional Studies, also known as the D.P.S. or DProf. programs are pragmatic and results-oriented, emphasizing actual practice more than theory.

Sacred Theology

Online sacred theology PhD programs include courses in scripture, international religions and religious history. They are only available to those who have already obtained a master's degree in sacred theology. Following the program, graduates often work as pastors, ministers and post-secondary school teachers. Salaries range from $40,000 to over $60,000, depending on job title.

Theology

An online PhD in Theology is an excellent path of furthered education for any individual working in the educational or ministerial fields and is a very effective professional cross-training program. Theologians are considered the elite of their field and an online PhD in Theology would maximize salary levels for any doctoral graduate.

Theology and Apologetics

Persons earning their Online Theology and Apologetics PhD gain a better understanding of their faith and its implications on society and the community. Those with this degree often will go on to write books, instruct others in the faith, give lectures or interact with leaders in and around the community.

  1. Divinity / Divinitatis
  2. Ministry
  3. Philosophy
  4. Practical Theology
  5. Professional Studies
  6. Sacred Theology
  7. Theology
  8. Theology and Apologetics

Business & MBA

Accounting

Those who wish to earn their PhD online in Accounting can expect a bright future after graduation. These degrees prepare an individual to practice in a business or teaching setting and can lead to future earnings of up to $50,000 or more. Extensive training is given in business practices, financial management and book keeping.

Business

Students who pursue an online business PhD program usually start by obtaining a master's degree in human resources, accounting, business administration, finance, marketing or a related field. After graduation, many find work as business consultants, business researchers, business analysts, HR managers and professors. Salaries vary from $50,000 to $100,000 depending on experience, employer, job description and other factors.

Business Administration

Those who earn an online business administration PhD, which requires between four and five years of study and a dissertation, often find work as business managers, consultants, high-level executives, educational administrators and administrative services managers. Salaries range from $70,000 to well over $100,000 per year.

Business and Management

Online business and management PhD programs cover topics including sales management, marketing, logistics, quantitative analysis, behavioral management and management theory. Those who complete the 6 to 8 year program work as cost estimators, budget analysts, construction managers, distribution channel managers, financial managers and more. Salaries range from $50,000 to $100,000 for most positions, with financial managers being capable of making up to $135,000.

Emergency Management

Agencies that respond to all variety of man-made and natural disasters have a serious need for people who can be leaders in emergency management. With an online Emergency Management PhD, individuals are prepared to be in charge of emergency groups and advice on the proper management of complicated emergency situations. They will also be able to teach others to be the leaders of the future.

Finance

Individuals who earn an online PhD in Finance will be equipped to obtain positions as Finance faculty members in top rated colleges and universities. The online Finance PhD enables one to become a researcher in the areas of asset pricing and corporate financing, with further research into theoretical and empirical work.

General Organization and Management

Students in an Online General Organization and Management PhD program research human interactions, communication methods and various management techniques. They develop management skills that enable them to get a human resource job making about $70,000 to $85,000 a year. This is an increasingly popular field of study, so graduates can expect stiff competition.

Human Resource Management

Those who obtain an online human resource management PhD will be prepared to manage and develop human capital. They provide instruction on organization policy, civil rights, motivation and many other aspects of the work place. They earn an average salary of $141,180 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Information Technology Management

If one is looking for an online PhD in Information Technology Management they must first hold at the very minimum a bachelors or associates degree in a related field. Those with an online PhD in Information Technology Management help manage a companies IT department, so people skills and time management skills are a must. These individuals are often hired by large corporations, with a small percentage being hired in academic settings.

Information Technology Project Management

If you are interested in information technology and would like to become a project manager in the field, an online Information Technology Project Management PhD may be for you. When you study for this degree, you will develop the advanced skills needed to manage IT projects and well as learn how to research IT topics.

IT Management

An online PhD in IT management will have you immersed in a field which is one of the most exciting industries. You will be responsible for administering IT consultants and technology officers in their various applications and implementations. Prerequisite work for a PhD in IT Management of a computer science degree will have you leading teams that create web-based applications for organizations, universities and business institutions with salaries starting around $100,000.

Leadership

An online PhD in Leadership degree also has specializations in organizational leadership and business leadership. As a graduate with a PhD in Leadership, you should have the skills to get the best performance out of your organization or company while promoting leadership, efficient relationships and better group dynamics. Graduates can expect to start work in various levels of high-paying jobs in administration capacities.

Management

By completing a management PhD program online, students prepare themselves for careers as project managers, senior consultants, management analysts, HR managers and college professors, with salaries ranging from $60,000 to over $100,000 depending on job title. Students complete these programs in four to five years.

Management of Nonprofit Agencies

Working with an online PhD in Management of Nonprofit Agencies will most likely find you in a nonprofit sector that is both rewarding and can lead you to significant contributions in your community. A PhD in Management of Nonprofit Agencies is a degree which has become much more popular in recent times. Students will be required to complete a dissertation and write in publications similar to what they would be doing when they become involved in a professional manner with a nonprofit agency.

Management Science

Students in an online PhD in Management Science will be required to solve many complex managerial problems that many companies face on a constant basis. The requirements for a PhD in Management Science include an aptitude for problem-solving, experience in a related field of science, an understanding of the principles of economics, and possibly even research in the field of organizational management. Coursework often includes probability, data analysis, and game theory.

Management through Environmental and Social Sustainability

Successful candidates for an online PhD in Management Through Environmental and Social Sustainability will find themselves earning lucrative pay in a field which has become a major global cause. Prior course work most often involves Master degrees in environmental management. Typical coursework to earn a PhD in Management Through Environmental and Social Sustainability covers topics such as sustainability issues and social policy agendas. Graduates tend to work or small to mid level companies and nonprofit organizations that have environmental goals as part of their core philosophy.

Management through Organizational Development and Change

When organizations go through major changes, they often require the services of a consulting professional to help ease them through the transition. These consultants can earn as much as $150,000 a year and often have many high-profile international clients. In order to reach this level, however, they generally need a doctorate degree such as an online Management Through Organizational Development and Change PhD.

Management through Organizational Leadership

Those who receive an online management through organizational leadership PhD are able to effectively lead any organization, and they earn between $100,000 and $150,000 annually as a result. Programs prepare students for leadership positions with courses covering research techniques, theoretical approaches, social responsibility, marketing strategies, financial management and accounting.

Management with Concentration in Finance

Masters degrees are not necessary for admission into an online PhD in Management with Concentration in Finance. However, a strong foundation in math is a prerequisite. This knowledge should include coursework in calculus, probability, and linear algebra among others. Candidates will also be well served to have coursework in computer science, and strong testing scores are recommended. Students who pursue a PhD in Management with Concentration in Finance should expect about two years of coursework that covers topics such as investments, capital markets, taxes, and economics.

Operations Research

The field of operations research combines mathematics, engineering and psychology. This discipline uses information technology to develop ways to solve problems and make decisions. It is applicable to a wide range of situations, so graduates of an online Operations Research PhD program have many different career options. It is very common for them to make a starting salary of $90,000 a year or more.

Organization and Management

People who receive an Online PhD in Organization and Management will become educated on the way that organizations communicate with one another and the dynamics of organization within social structures. They will become experts in maximizing relationships between people in a way that is productive, as well as in making tough decisions and minimizing conflict.

Organizational Leadership

As more and more changes in the workplace occur, the need for staff with an online PhD in Organizational Leadership grows. These well-educated managers shepherd a company through growth, down-sizing, market fluctuations, leadership changes and more that face an organization. Obtaining an online PhD in Organizational Leadership is a ticket to success.

Project Management

Project management involves analyzing, streamlining, and generally overseeing project plans. An online PhD in project management prepares students to teach at university or work in IT development, manufacturing, and other industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that project managers in software had a median salary of $112,210 in 2008.

  1. Accounting
  2. Business
  3. Business Administration
  4. Business and Management
  5. Emergency Management
  6. Finance
  7. General Organization and Management
  8. Human Resource Management
  9. Information Technology Management
  10. Information Technology Project Management
  11. IT Management
  12. Leadership
  13. Management
  14. Management of Nonprofit Agencies
  15. Management Science
  16. Management through Environmental and Social Sustainability
  17. Management through Organizational Development and Change
  18. Management through Organizational Leadership
  19. Management with Concentration in Finance
  20. Operations Research
  21. Organization and Management
  22. Organizational Leadership
  23. Project Management

Computers & IT

Computer Science in Enterprise Information Systems

As leaders in the field of managing large-scale innovative technologies, individuals that obtain an online Computer Science PhD in Enterprise Information Systems earn an average salary of $104,000 annually. Individuals in this field are capable of managing IT implementations at the senior level, and often practice consults to hefty corporate firms.

General Information Technology

An Online PhD in General Information Technology provides excellent opportunities for those who hold a passion for technology. This industry allows professionals to choose careers ranging from consulting and research to establishing academic programs for postgraduate studies. Combining technology with education is extremely specialized and therefore offers very rewarding salaries.

Industrial Technology

By completing online industrial technology PhD programs, students prepare themselves for careers as cost estimators, industrial engineers, computer systems analysts, industrial production managers and manufacturing engineers. Salaries range from $73,000 to over $110,000. The program itself can be completed in four to six years.

Information Assurance and Security

In the digital age we live in today, informational security is becoming increasingly high on the list of priorities for virtually every business. If you would like a career in this high-demand field, you may want to consider an online Information Assurance and Security PhD. Upon graduation, you will be qualified for a leadership or consulting position in such places as government or the military.

Information Security

Individuals who earn their online Information Security PhD have a wide range of careers to choose from, including but not limited to System, Network, or Web Penetration Tester, Vulnerability Researcher or Exploit Developer, and Security Analyst. Those who hold a doctorate in the field often earn yearly salaries of over $98,000.

Information Technology

With an online Information Technology PhD, you have a wide variety of options. You can choose to focus on a particular IT field or to study IT practices specific to a particular industry. Whatever you choose, however, you can expect to have a large selection of career opportunities in this rapidly expanding field.

Information Technology Education

Online PhD information technology education programs prepare students for upper-level IT careers through diverse coursework including Information Technology Technical Foundations, Survey of Applied Research Methods and Advanced Qualitative Research. Graduates of these programs make between $50,000 and $100,000 working as post-secondary technology educators, corporate trainers, instructional designers and more.

  1. Computer Science in Enterprise Information Systems
  2. General Information Technology
  3. Industrial Technology
  4. Information Assurance and Security
  5. Information Security
  6. Information Technology
  7. Information Technology Education

Criminal Justice

Canon Law

During online canon law PhD programs, students cover topics such as church studies, moral theology, Latin, religious terminology and philosophy. Those who complete the program help to create a body of regulations and laws used by the Roman Catholic Church, among others. Before entering the program, students must first obtain a Licentiate of Canon Law.

Civil Law

Students who earn a civil law PhD online are eligible to take the Bar exam and work as practicing lawyers. The program includes courses such as civil rights, tax-exempt organizations, immigration, communications, torts, arbitration, contracts, civil procedures and criminal law. Courses are typically completed in three years, and graduates may eventually work as judges as well as lawyers.

Comparative Law

Online comparative law PhD programs teach students about the legal systems used in other countries, and how these systems compare to the one used in the US. These programs prepare students to work as government advisors with competitive salaries. Some graduates also become educators, or work in international organizations such as the United Nations.

Criminal Justice

By completing online criminal justice PhD programs, which take roughly four years, students learn about topics such as criminal justice organization and management, social science research, public safety issues, and accepted theories of crime. Graduates work as forensic psychologists, CIA agents, FBI agents and crime scene investigators, making $40,000 to over $100,000 per year.

Criminology

Individuals who earn their Online Criminology PhD may choose to focus on a variety of different areas within the field, including but not limited to crime prevention, crime scene investigation and criminal litigation. Certain criminologists work within the community, helping evaluate and devise policy for federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies.

Juridical Science

Online juridicial science PhD programs are appropriate for students interested in the philosophical and theoretical aspects of legal practice. Graduates commonly work as private practice lawyers and legal educators, making upwards of $100,000 per year. The degree is commonly awarded following coursework and an original dissertation, though honorary degrees are available as well.

Juris Doctorate

Online juris doctorate PhD programs are unique among other doctoral programs because they do not require the completion of a dissertation. Students who complete this degree, which typically takes around three years, are prepared to work as lawyers and make upwards of $108,000 per year. Other available careers include professor, government consultant and elected official.

Law and Policy

An online PhD in Law and Policy is a respectable career where the pursuant will be recognized as a leader in the community. The types of law and policy degrees available are numerous. With PhD in Law and Policy, graduates will be involved in various levels of government and law enforcement as well as statewide and nationwide policy making.

Management in Homeland Security

With an online PhD in Management in Homeland Security, students learn to take the research from the classroom and apply this knowledge in the formulation of plans and strategies that deal with homeland security and crisis execution. Candidates for a PhD in Management in Homeland Security should have core work that includes a Masters degree in a related field such as criminal justice, law, or a similar field of study.

the Science of Law

Those who earn an online science of law PhD, which takes roughly four to six years, study topics including legal research, contract drafting, legal writing and federal litigation. Graduates go on to work as educators, legal critics, legal researchers, politicians and judges, making up to $160,000 annually.

  1. Canon Law
  2. Civil Law
  3. Comparative Law
  4. Criminal Justice
  5. Criminology
  6. Juridical Science
  7. Juris Doctorate
  8. Law and Policy
  9. Management in Homeland Security
  10. the Science of Law

Education

Counseling Education

An online Counseling Education PhD is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to act as mentors and educators to counselors entering the field. Through comprehensive research, students in this program develop counseling theories that reflect recent changes in the profession. Earning this degree is essential for individuals that wish to pursue a career in mental health administration or higher education.

Counselor Education and Supervision

n Online Counselor Education and Supervision PhD offers the opportunity to help train young professionals in your field. The program shows you how to be an effective supervisor and increase your earning potential through consultation. With this PhD you can supervise therapists while maintaining your own therapeutic work with clients.

Curriculum and Instruction

Pursuing an Online PhD in Curriculum and Instruction is certainly for innately strong individuals. Not only do these expert individuals hold challenging responsibilities of establishing effective curriculum and instruction techniques for a culturally diverse classroom, but they must also ensure the needs of budgeting and other involved parties are met.

Education

An online Education PhD prepares students to work in higher education jobs. Many of these degree holders work as administrators, school principals, college instructors, and education directors. They may work as a college dean or university president. The salary for these positions varies, but these jobs often pay $70,000-$100,000 annually.

Education and Psychology

Thanks to advances in technology, individuals may pursue an Online PhD in Education and Psychology. Graduates of this industry obtain careers in universities as Professors or in primary schools as Educational Psychologists. Other positions include research. Professionals of Education and Psychology greatly contribute to developing effective teaching methods and techniques.

Education Policy

For those studying an online PhD in Education Policy subjects include classroom management, school law, disadvantage student teaching and school financial management. Graduates can work in a variety of settings, most commonly in school districts as administrators. Pay is quite high for graduates, and with experience one can expect to make $90,000 or more.

Educational Leadership

Individuals who earn their online PhD in educational leadership and then go on to become superintendents of school districts earn an average of 75,000 to an average of 92,000 in the upper twenty-fifth percentile. An online Educational Leadership PhD enables the individual to contribute meaningfully in their community by shaping student lives.

Educational Leadership through Curriculum and Instruction

Due to advances in technology, students may obtain an Online PhD in educational Leadership through Curriculum and Instruction. This postgraduate study allows individuals to gain much credibility and become an expert in the educational field. Degree holders work on the administrative side of education by creating syllabus and academic curriculum.

Educational Leadership through Educational Technology

Students pursuing an Online PhD in Educational Leadership through Educational Technology have amazing opportunities. Not only will they contribute to developing academic curriculum that promotes successful learning, but they will also incorporate the learning strategies with technological uses. Furthermore, knowledgeable postgraduates help provide technological communication capabilities among teachers and students.

Educational Psychology

Individuals who possess an online Educational Psychology PhD and work as professionals in elementary and secondary school settings can expect to earn an average of $68,340 a year. Educational Psychology professionals who choose to work in the area of research and development usually earn around $85,060 per year on average.

Health Education

For those looking to get their online PhD in Health Education the process can be a simple and fast one. First, students must obtain an undergraduate degree in any education related field whether it is a 2 year or 4 year degree. Next, students must express interest in administration of health education in either a public or private setting, with the degree of a PhD in Health Education taking around 2-4 years to complete.

Higher Education

In order to obtain an online PhD in Leadership for Higher Education, you will need to have your goals set on leadership in higher education. Virtually no one obtains a job in this field without a PhD in Leadership for Higher Education degree. Graduates have a wide range of jobs to choose from such as dean of a college or university.

Higher Education Administration

An online Higher Education Administration PhD prepares an individual for an administrative position in a college or university. Students of this degree study such things as policy making, curriculum planning and higher education law. When they graduate, they have the credentials needed to become a department chair, a dean or a director of student services.

Instructional Design

Students who graduate from an online Instructional Design PhD program are prepared to lead in the research, creation and assessment of curriculum. In many programs, the emphasis is placed on learning to design online curriculum. This can be done not only for colleges and universities, but for health care institutions, government entities, businesses and the military as well.

Instructional Design for Online Learning

An online Instructional Design for Online Learning PhD focuses specifically on researching the best ways to develop online curriculum. This type of curriculum is used in a wide variety of situations, such as military instruction, employee training and health care certification. Graduates are qualified to work as deans or instructional directors in any of these settings.

IT Education

The internet is clearly the communication focus of the future and an online PhD in IT Education has never been a more lucrative training and employment field. An online PhD in IT Education can establish the right individual for a career as a professional IT educator, often making over $100,000 annually.

K-12 Studies in Education

If you plan on advancing your degree in the field of education and teaching, chances are you will be pursuing an Online PhD in K-12 Studies in Education. A program of this nature will prepare classroom educators to enter teaching administration positions, provided that they have completed a secondary degree as well is working full time as a teacher. Once the program has been completed, a teacher with an online PhD in K-12 Studies in Education will earn a high paying job as a university administrator or in a college leadership role.

Leadership Education Administration

Professionals seeking a career as a school principal, dean of students, superintendent, or director of admissions often earn an online PhD degree in Leadership Education Administration. Coursework in higher education and the law, current trends in education, and educational research is supported by a specialization that refines each student's educational experience. An example of such a specialization is K-12 Education.

Leadership for Higher Education

In order to obtain an online PhD in Leadership for Higher Education, you will need to have your goals set on leadership in higher education. Virtually no one obtains a job in this field without a PhD in Leadership for Higher Education degree. Graduates have a wide range of jobs to choose from such as dean of a college or university.

Management Education

Getting an online PhD in Management Education is a good way to earn a secure job that pays in excess of $100,000 per year. Students who pursue a PhD in Management Education will learn how to make their teaching methods more effective and efficient as well as communicate their learning theory and translate it into the classroom environment. There are specializations in this course category and candidates who would benefit include not only future professors but business instructors as well.

Nursing Education

The current shortage of nurses may have a lot to do with the fact that there aren’t enough nurse educators. As a result, nursing schools refuse thousands of candidates every year. With an online Nursing Education PhD, you can become a part of the solution. You will learn advanced nursing theory and educational methods and conduct research to help the field of nursing move forward.

Post-secondary and Adult Education

Graduates of online PhD Post-Secondary and Adult Education programs understand that adults learn at a much different pace than adolescents. This degree program is designed to address the special educational needs of adults for professionals seeking a career in higher education. Most students complete this degree in around four years, with a significant amount of time being spent conducting research.

Professional Studies in Education

A student who decides to get an online PhD in Professional Studies in Education can go on to work in the school system. Depending upon their goals, they will learn what they need to become anything from an elementary teacher to a high school principle and this means learning about governance, accounting, leadership, and statistics.

Special Education Leadership

People with an online Special Education Leadership PhD are in high demand. They can make as much as $100,000 a year as administrators in special education schools, educational consultants for children with special needs, and special education researchers. Courses taken during this program include educational finance, special education law and curriculum development.

Training and Performance Improvement

An online Training and Performance Improvement PhD focuses on improving training methods and enhancing performance of students and employees. In this degree program, students take courses in areas such as management, communications and educational technology. Upon graduation, they may be eligible for a job helping to create training programs. The average salary for a graduate in this field is $90,000.

Workforce Development Education

An online PhD in Workforce Development Education is an excellent training in a field that has grown greatly in the past decade. Professional degree holders in this discipline are rare and doctoral graduates in this field are the highest paid in their branch of the public sector, often making in excess of $75,000 annually.

  1. Counseling Education
  2. Counselor Education and Supervision
  3. Curriculum and Instruction
  4. Education
  5. Education and Psychology
  6. Education Policy
  7. Educational Leadership
  8. Educational Leadership through Curriculum and Instruction
  9. Educational Leadership through Educational Technology
  10. Educational Psychology
  11. Health Education
  12. Higher Education
  13. Higher Education Administration
  14. Instructional Design
  15. Instructional Design for Online Learning
  16. IT Education
  17. K-12 Studies in Education
  18. Leadership Education Administration
  19. Leadership for Higher Education
  20. Management Education
  21. Nursing Education
  22. Post-secondary and Adult Education
  23. Professional Studies in Education
  24. Special Education Leadership
  25. Training and Performance Improvement
  26. Workforce Development Education

Engineering

Engineering

To obtain an online PhD in Engineering one must first hold a four year bachelors degree from a reputable institution. Many companies will pay for this further education, so candidates who are currently employed by an engineering firm should inquire about the company paying for their online PhD in Engineering.

Engineering Science

Individuals who receive an Online PhD in Engineering Science can work in a variety of fields from chemical engineering to biomedical engineering. Private consultants with these degrees can earn over $400 an hour, while other Doctors of Engineering Science earn annual salaries in excess of $150,000 plus royalties and the opportunity to pursue their own lines of research.

Environmental Science and Engineering

Environmental Science and Engineering is the study of pollution clean-up, public safety, and sustainability. More specifically, online Environmental Science and Engineering programs prepare graduates to design systems for public safety, such as engineering safe water treatment systems for communities. However, graduates of this degree program have more jobs available to them than environmental engineering, having opportunities such as environmental research, consulting, and reclamation project management as potential career paths.

Financial Engineering

Individuals who earn their online Financial Engineering PhD often choose a career in investment banking, investment funds, energy and utilities, financial services software, or some other form of financial services. Salaries for those with a Financial Engineering PhD range from $73,000 on the low end to $2,500,000 on the high end.

  1. Engineering
  2. Engineering Science
  3. Environmental Science and Engineering
  4. Financial Engineering

Health & Medicine

Health Administration

There is no field that is growing and changing as rapidly as health care. The job seeker with on online PhD in Health Administration can be certain of a career ladder that goes straight up. Timely and desperately needed, health administrators are the ones facilitating the drastic changes in health care.

Health and Safety

Those who receive an online health and safety PhD are qualified for positions in Health and Safety administration. With this level of educations they learn to combat public health hazards and what precautions to take when certain situations involving risk to health are involved. They are eligible for jobs not just in public health and safety but also in as law enforcement management as well.

Health Care Administration

Many experienced health care professional or managers in the health care field choose to pursue an online Health Care Administration PhD. With a degree like this plus their experience in medicine, they can achieve faculty positions in colleges and universities, find high-level positions in the health care industry, or become consultants in public and private health care.

Health Care Services

Professionals who earn an Online Health Care Services PhD can expect to find positions as professors or researchers at universities and colleges. They are also qualified for administrative openings at hospitals and larger medical corporations. Salaries for these PhD occupations can range from $72,000 to $130,000 and sometimes higher. Since baby boomers are becoming senior citizens with increasing medical needs, there is a current high demand for experts holding this advanced degree.

Nursing

Nurses with an Online Nursing PhD have a wide array of meaningful career choices, with salaries typically starting around $72,000. An Online Nursing PhD opens the door to such specialties as research, consulting, hospital administration and university teaching — positions that gain the highest recognition in the field of nursing.

Nursing Practice

There is no job with a better career track than nursing. Obtaining an online PhD in Nursing Practice will only lead to more success for the dedicated nurse. With so many options in this field, it is beneficial to learn about all the different types of opportunities in health care.

Nursing Science

Nurses who complete an online PhD in Nursing Science are prepared for a world of research in the nursing profession. These individuals will play a role in the advancement of nursing knowledge as nurse scientists. They will also become lead faculty members in the education of today’s nurses in universities and nursing schools.

Physical Therapy

An online Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy is a three-year degree program designed to prepare students to act as health professionals in the treatment of bodily disorders such as injuries and diseases. Careers available to students that obtain this degree include physical therapists, medical doctors, and human factors specialists. However, this degree does not automatically qualify the graduate as being certified.

Rehabilitation

Awarded after a three to four-year period of research and intensive medical study, a Rehabilitation PhD program online is geared towards professionals seeking a psychological and physical approach to patients' health needs. Rehabilitation professionals typically work with patients that have suffered severe accidents. However, some students that earn this degree work in educational settings as administrators or professors.

Science and Hygiene

While a Science and Hygiene PhD online will typically take around three years to complete, adding an internship or laboratory focus can increase the amount of time this degree program takes by two years or more. Students studying Science and Hygiene approach health from a social standpoint and are interested in public health problems such as disease outbreaks or environmental health concerns.

  1. Health Administration
  2. Health and Safety
  3. Health Care Administration
  4. Health Care Services
  5. Nursing
  6. Nursing Practice
  7. Nursing Science
  8. Physical Therapy
  9. Rehabilitation
  10. Science and Hygiene

Math & Science

Financial Mathematics

An online Financial Mathematics PhD is perfect for the individual who wants to help companies solve difficult financial problems or aid in the development of innovative economic analysis methods. A strong math background is needed to enter this program, but graduates can work for prestigious firms making anywhere from $50,000 to $200,000 a year.

Mathematical Finance

An online PhD in Mathematical Finance covers courses in education, finance, and business administration. A solid foundation in mathematics and mathematical sciences is recommended although a Masters degree in math is not necessarily require. Candidates who pursue a PhD in Mathematical Finance will have a variety of high-paying jobs available to them including being a math professor, working in research education, or working for a large organization in high-level administration and management.

Mathematics with Focus on Computational Finance

An online Mathematics with Focus on Computational Finance PhD equips individuals with the skills needed to make positive changes in the world of finance. It is a rigorous degree focusing heavily on financial management, statistics and business administration; completion takes about six years of coursework, research and dissertation preparation. However, graduates with this degree often have a global influence on the financial world.

Quantitative Finance

The Online Quantitative Finance PhD curriculum prepares graduates for an exciting and lucrative career with fund management firms and investment banks. Students will learn to apply the science of mathematics to the price movements of assets and their derivatives. After rigorous training in the theory of stochastic processes, students will learn how to calculate the risk of a given position, how to effectively hedge against it, and how to construct a quantitatively sound portfolio. Graduates are highly sought after, and both employment prospects and compensation are notably high.

  1. Financial Mathematics
  2. Mathematical Finance
  3. Mathematics with Focus on Computational Finance
  4. Quantitative Finance

Psychology

Counseling Studies

While it might sound like a fairly broad degree, an online Doctorate in Counseling Studies still allows the student to choose a specialty, such as substance abuse counseling, when performing research. Coursework in this program is centered on human services and qualitative research techniques. Students earning this degree often pursue careers as a private practice counselor in a specialty like marriage/family or child counseling.

General Psychology

Industrial/organizational psychologists, psychology professors, and clinical psychologists all often earn a General Psychology PhD online. In addition to general coursework in areas such as human communication, lifespan development, and systems of psychology, students in this program will choose a specialization such as clinical psychology or educational psychology.

Industrial and Organizational Psychology

Industrial-organizational psychology is a burgeoning field that aspires to improve the satisfaction and performance of employees as well as the quality of office environments. Psychologists in this field analyze jobs, conduct interviews and study the characteristics of successful employees. An online Industrial and Organizational Psychology PhD is a great way to gain entry into this field.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology

An Online Industrial/Organizational Psychology PhD is designed to enhance research skills in students interested in the psychological aspects of managing a business. This degree program takes four to seven years to complete and focuses on courses such as theories of teamwork and organizational development. Graduates can go on to pursue a career as a selection systems manager or a behavioral analyst.

Philosophy in Psychology

Those who want to further their education in psychology, often pursue an Online PhD in Philosophy in Psychology. These individuals seek insights into different aspects of psychology to understand many different fields in terms of human psychology, including criminal investigation, law and medicine. With this degree, PhD graduates begin with an annual income of more than $50,000.

Psychology

An individual who has earned an online PhD in Psychology is highly trained to intervene in the educational and behavioral areas of groups, school settings, families, and individuals. Professionals with an online Psychology PhD often work in universities, mental hospitals, school districts, and health organizations, providing psychological services and research.

  1. Counseling Studies
  2. General Psychology
  3. Industrial and Organizational Psychology
  4. Industrial/Organizational Psychology
  5. Philosophy in Psychology
  6. Psychology

Social Science

General Human Services

Individuals who are already practicing social workers but are interested in expanding their education and expertise may find an online General Human Services PhD is the best way to become a human services professional. They can go on to become leaders or managers in settings like treatment facilities, health care agencies, and social services agencie

Human Services

Students that earn an online PhD degree in Human Services are prepared for a career in a broad field addressing the improvement of life for all people. Human services students learn about subjects such as psychotherapy and the family in social contexts. Persons with a Human Services PhD work as therapists, conflict resolution managers, and college professors.

Public Administration

Anyone seriously considering earning an online PhD in Public Administration has chosen a highly specialized discipline, as many traditional universities do not offer the specific program. Online Public Administration PhD programs provide pragmatic study of the curriculum and these public administration professionals often make in excess of $100.000 per year in salary.

Public Health

A graduate with an online Public Health PhD can work as a public health officer on planning, managing and evaluating public health care services and facilities. An online PhD in Public Health graduate is trained in many areas including medical, social, political, ethical, and economic factors of a public health system.

Public Policy

Online Public Policy PhD students study a wide range of topics including environmental, economic and technological policies, international security, risk assessment and decision making. Graduates who earn an online public policy PhD can expect to begin a career a teacher, researcher or policy analyst for a domestic or international organization.

Public Safety Leadership

People with an online Public Safety Leadership PhD help to ensure the safety of individuals and society as a whole. They may work in police departments or as homeland security experts, and they often assist in designing laws and protocols meant to increase safety and security. In an event such as a terrorist attack, individuals with this degree can be invaluable.

Social and Community Services

A Social and Community Services PhD program online is designed to help students learn the skills necessary to become a leader in their community. Courses are research based and include topics such as social welfare, policy analysis, and social theories. With a PhD in Social and Community Services, you are prepared for a career as a social worker, educator, counselor, or public health administrator.

Social Science

Online social science PhD programs are available in the classic social science disciplines of psychology, sociology, and political science as well as more timely areas including homeland security, criminal justice, and criminology. Students generally pursue these doctorates in order to become professors, researchers, or private practitioners such as clinical psychologists.

Social Work

Students who pursue an Online Social Work PhD can expect to study the practice and science of social work, research methods and policy trends. Graduates will be prepared to assume roles as teachers or practitioners of social work in today’s multicultural society, and will work toward the goal of social justice.

  1. General Human Services
  2. Human Services
  3. Public Administration
  4. Public Health
  5. Public Policy
  6. Public Safety Leadership
  7. Social and Community Services
  8. Social Science
  9. Social Work

Top 3 Schools

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  1. University of Phoenix

  2. Walden University

  3. Capella University

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Features

  1. Types of PhD's

    You can obtain a doctorate, whether on-campus or online, in a variety ...