Best PhD and Doctoral Programs in Alabama: Online & Campus
Reach the highest level of education by graduating from one of the many doctoral and PhD programs in Alabama. Learn more about this terminal degree and what earning a doctorate can do for your career.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or currently earning your master’s, you may be considering a doctoral degree. Alabama offers a wide range of options, including PhDs and professional doctorates like the DNP, DBA, PsyD, PharmD, and EdD.
While a doctorate isn’t always required to enter a field, it can provide advanced training and opportunities for leadership roles. This guide explores top programs in Alabama and what to expect before and after enrolling.
Top-Rated PhD and Doctoral Programs in Alabama
Alabama offers a wide range of PhD and doctoral programs, but choosing the right one depends on your goals.
When comparing programs, look for:
- Affordability
- Program options
- Student support
- Learning flexibility
Below are several top programs to help you get started.
Expert Insight
There are a lot of great doctoral programs in Alabama. It’s important to find one that will meet your academic needs while remaining flexible and affordable.
Samford University
Samford University has various online and on-campus doctoral programs to choose from. The major areas of study for the online doctoral programs include the EdD, DNP, and Doctor of Public Health.
Because of the high level of instruction and need for experiential learning, many of these online doctoral programs are available in a blended format. Most classes can be completed online, although there may be one or more hybrid classes and experiential learning requirements, like clinicals or applied practice experiences. Students who want an in-person learning experience will have even more doctorate program options, such as Theology of the Church, Physical Therapy, and Pharmacy.
Tuition rates vary depending on the program but typically range from $509 to $1,701 per credit. To help students defray the cost of their education, Samford University offers interest-free payment plans and program-specific graduate scholarships.
The University of Alabama at Huntsville
While not as well-known as its Tuscaloosa counterpart, the University of Alabama at Huntsville offers students a wide selection of doctoral programs. Its online offerings are mostly in the engineering and nursing fields and include degrees such as a Doctor of Nursing Practice and PhDs in Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Civil Engineering.Students willing to enroll in an on-campus program have a wider selection, like a PhD in Applied Experimental Psychology, PhD in Materials Science, or PhD in Applied Mathematics.
Proximity to Redstone Arsenal, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is a key reason the University of Alabama at Huntsville offers so many PhD programs, many of which are in science and engineering fields. As a result, the school excels in research opportunities and has achieved elite Tier 1 status according to the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education.
The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama offers the widest selection of doctoral programs in the state. For example, you’ll find more than 40 PhD programs listed in its comprehensive slate of graduate programs, which doesn’t even count the various professional doctoral programs like the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Social Work.
Most of these graduate programs offer most of or the entire curriculum on campus. However, 10 programs can be completed mostly online or in a hybrid format. Some of these programs include PhDs in Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, EdD in Educational Leadership, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Social Work. Most of these programs are blended programs, meaning much of the coursework is online, although there could be some on-campus courses and/or other in-person requirements such as clinicals or practicums.
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in Alabama
Even though most doctoral and PhD programs in Alabama are terminal degrees and follow a master’s degree, there are many different variants of doctoral programs available, even within the same field of study. The following section looks at some of the more common formats of on-campus and online doctoral programs in Alabama.
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alabama
Depending on the program and school, a full-time course load at the doctoral level is usually 6-9 credits. Doctoral students are more likely to work full time while in school, and much of the studying takes place outside the classroom.
There are many full-time doctoral programs in Alabama, including the PhD in Computer Science from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and the PhD in Global Leadership from Troy University.
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alabama
Most PhD and doctoral programs in Alabama are set up so students can continue working while in school, yet some students still prefer a slower pace of learning. That’s where part-time doctoral and PhD programs come in. Requiring students to take just one or two classes per term can make managing a personal, professional, and academic life far easier.
Despite the inherently self-paced nature of doctoral study, some programs provide formal part-time study tracks for doctoral students. Two examples include the online PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Alabama and the PhD in Interdisciplinary Engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alabama
Higher education is expensive, and doctoral-level programs are no exception. Some doctoral programs offer funding packages that cover tuition and related costs. These may include scholarships, fellowships, or assistantships that require work or teaching commitments.
Fully funded programs can be found in various study areas, like the PhD in Social Work from the University of Alabama or the PhD in Chemistry program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alabama
The graduate school admissions process sometimes requires entrance exam test scores. The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is the most popular, but others might be required, like the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). But some schools have determined that these tests are a poor predictor of future graduate school success.
As a result, programs like the PhD in Animal Sciences from Auburn University and the Clinical Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Alabama State University either don’t require the GRE or make it (or any other entrance exam) optional.
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alabama
Given the expansive nature of a dissertation or final project, many doctoral students need up to two years just to write their dissertation before they graduate, and this is after they complete their required credits. But some students want a doctoral program that allows them to expedite their coursework and research or project, even completing their degree in about one year.
Keep in mind, this accelerated timeline can often only be accomplished if you have transfer credits. Two examples of where this is possible include Faulkner University’s PhD in Health Sciences and Columbia Southern University’s online Doctor of Business Administration.
No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in Alabama
The defining feature of a PhD program is the dissertation. However, some doctoral programs in Alabama don’t require a dissertation. Many of these are for students seeking professional degrees, like the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs at Auburn University at Montgomery and the University of South Alabama.
Just remember that even if no dissertation is required, students will usually complete a culminating final project.
Expert Insight
If you are planning on going into academia to teach with your doctorate, a traditional dissertation is often a central part of that equation. It will also likely be the foundation for your initial journal or book publications.
Popular Fields to Earn Your PhD and Doctoral Degree in Alabama
Doctor of Nursing Practice
The DNP is one of the most popular doctoral degrees in Alabama. It provides advanced clinical training for registered nurses.
Graduates can:
- Move into leadership or administrative roles
- Deliver advanced patient care
- Work as specialized or primary care providers
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Doctor of Education
The EdD prepares professionals for leadership roles in education and training.
Graduates may work in:
- School systems or universities
- Businesses or government organizations
- Roles focused on training and development
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- Samford University
- Alabama State University
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Doctor of Philosophy in Business
A graduate degree isn’t always required in business, but many professionals pursue a doctorate to stand out. The PhD in Business is a popular option, focusing on theory and research to develop new ideas in areas like finance, management, economics, and consulting.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Doctor of Physical Therapy
To become a licensed physical therapist, an individual must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited institution. In other words, anyone who wants to become a physical therapist will need to earn a DPT. During the program (which often lasts about three years), students will obtain theoretical medical knowledge, and they will also receive hands-on training through extensive clinical work and supervised field instruction.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Alabama A&M University
- Samford University
- Alabama State University
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology
A PhD in Psychology is a popular choice for those pursuing careers in research or clinical practice. While it’s often geared toward academic or research roles, it can also meet licensure requirements for becoming a licensed psychologist.
Even when not required, a doctorate can lead to higher pay, greater specialization, and more advanced career opportunities.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- Auburn University
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- The University of Alabama
Quality Example of Hybrid/Online Program
Earning Your PhD or Professional Doctorate Online in Alabama
Online doctoral programs in Alabama were once rare, but growing demand for flexible learning has made them far more common. Many programs, like the Doctor of Nursing Practice at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, are primarily online but include in-person practicums or intensives.
Some online courses are synchronous, requiring you to log in at set times. Even fully online programs may include in-person components, such as dissertation defenses.
Where to Get Help Paying for Your PhD or Doctoral Degree in Alabama
Not all doctoral programs are fully funded, so many students need additional financial support.
Many Alabama schools offer gift-based financial aid, including:
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Fellowships
These options don’t need to be repaid and may be offered by schools, specific programs, or state organizations like the Alabama Commission on Higher Education.
Earnings for Doctorate Holders in Alabama
Earning a doctorate can lead to higher income and career advancement.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- Doctorate: $2,083/week
- Master’s: $1,661/week
- Bachelor’s: $1,432/week
This trend holds in Alabama. For example, a public school teacher with five years of experience earns about $47,689 with a bachelor’s degree, compared to $63,433 with a doctorate.
To learn what other doctoral-trained professions typically earn, see the below table.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) / Online PhD in Business | $136,930 | $239,200+ |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) / PhD in Psychology | $83,930 | $132,410 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | PhD in Computer Science | $59,610 | $151,770 |
| Economists | PhD in Economics | $113,240 | $205,950 |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | PhD in Education / PhD in Special Education | $65,250 | $102,730 |
| Engineers (Civil) | Doctorate in Engineering (DEng/PhD) | $83,930 | $132,410 |
| Epidemiologists | Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) | $62,230 | $94,870 |
| Financial Managers | Finance Doctorate (PhD/DBA) | $127,210 | $219,020 |
| Instructional Coordinators | Doctor of Education (EdD) | $77,030 | $119,560 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | $101,150 | $131,300 |
| Pharmacists | Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) | $129,200 | $153,160 |
| Physical Therapists | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | $97,360 | $135,770 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022