Key Takeaways
- Online doctorates and Ph.D. programs are the highest academic degrees; completion generally takes 4‑7 years depending on discipline and program load.
- Ph.D. degrees focus on original research and a dissertation, while other doctorates (e.g. Ed.D., DBA) emphasize applied knowledge and professional leadership.
- Graduates with doctorates often move into careers in academia and research or assume leadership roles in industry or government.
Online Ph.D. programs and doctorates can be challenging — but they're often worth the cost and effort, especially if you have a clear passion and career path in mind. With a doctorate, you can become an expert in your field and qualify for leadership roles in academia, research, professional settings, and the government sector.
Whether you're considering a doctorate in nursing, computer science, education, or business, an online program can help you maintain flexibility while achieving your goals.
Keep reading to learn about the different types of doctorates and Ph.D. programs available online. We'll cover popular subjects you can study and what jobs you can get after earning your degree.
Doctorate vs. Ph.D.: How Do They Differ?
Many people use the terms "Ph.D." and "doctorate" interchangeably, but they don't necessarily mean the same thing.
A doctorate, or doctoral degree, is the highest educational credential you can achieve. Typically, a doctorate takes 4-7 years to earn, though this length can vary depending on your field and program.
Doctorates come in many forms. Professional doctorates are geared toward specific roles and industries. For example, an aspiring business professional might earn a doctor of business administration (DBA), while a budding physician would need to enroll in a doctor of medicine (MD) program.
A doctor of philosophy, or Ph.D., is a specific type of doctorate focused primarily on academic research. Ph.D. students are expected to conduct original research and add to their field's discourse. Most Ph.D. programs also require you to write and defend a dissertation.
All Ph.D.s are doctorates, but not all doctorates are Ph.D.s.
Online Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Explore Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates by Subject
Select the jump links below to learn more about the different subjects you can study in an online doctoral program.
How Much Do Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates Cost?
The cost of an online doctorate can add up, especially when you're typically spending at least three years in your doctoral program.
On average, graduate tuition and fees cost around $20,510 in 2021-2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
But tuition costs vary widely, with public schools averaging $12,600 per year in tuition and fees and private nonprofit institutions averaging $29,930. When factoring in other expenses, the total cost for a doctorate can increase to over $40,000 per year.
Several factors can affect costs, including the program length and school; however, you'll likely have many funding options in an accredited doctoral program. In fact, according to numbers shared by the Urban Institute, over 70% of doctoral students receive grant aid.
You might also qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to cover costs. And don't forget: You can take out federal loans as a doctoral student.
What Can You Do With an Online Ph.D. or Doctorate?
Earning an online Ph.D. or doctorate signals to employers your industry expertise and commitment to developing your skills and knowledge. It can also lead to rewarding leadership roles, many of which boast above-average salaries.
Here are some popular roles you can get with an online doctorate.
| Position | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Job Growth Rate (2024-2034) | Recommended or Required Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $151,160 | 4% | JD |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 | 40% | DNP or Ph.D. in nursing |
| Economist | $115,440 | 1% | Ph.D. in economics |
| Data Scientist | $112,590 | 34% | Ph.D. in data science |
| Top Executive | $105,350 | 4% | DBA or Ph.D. in business |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $103,960 | 2% | Ed.D. or Ph.D. in education |
| Physical Therapist | $101,020 | 11% | Doctor of physical therapy (DPT) |
| Psychologist | $94,310 | 6% | Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $83,980 | 7% | Ph.D. in desired subject area |
| Anthropologist | $64,910 | 4% | Ph.D. in anthropology |
Is an Online Doctoral Degree Worth It?
For many students, earning an online doctorate is worth it for several reasons.
In addition to opening the door to professional leadership opportunities, these degrees routinely provide a pathway to higher salaries. Online programs can also offer increased flexibility for students with full-time jobs, children, or other commitments.
According to the BLS, people with a bachelor's degree as their highest credential earned a median salary of around $74,000 in 2022, while those with a master's degree earned a median salary of around $86,000.
However, people with a doctoral degree earned much more, with a median annual salary of around $108,000. This means doctorate-holders earn about $22,000 more each year than those with master's degrees — and a whopping $34,000 more than those with bachelor's degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates
Yes, you can earn a Ph.D. in a fully online format. Many doctoral programs in business, education, healthcare, and STEM use an online learning format. In these programs, you'll complete coursework in a virtual learning environment while meeting any hands-on or clinical requirements in your local area.
Online doctorates from accredited programs meet the same high academic standards and licensure requirements as in-person doctoral programs.
