Best PhD Programs in California - Online & Campus
Are you looking to earn your PhD or professional doctorate in California? The state is home to many top-tier universities offering advanced programs that combine academic excellence with flexible learning options for busy graduate students. This guide will help you find the right school.
From fully funded research doctorates to online professional degrees, California’s universities offer multiple options for students to reach their academic and career goals.
This guide showcases the best online and hybrid PhD and doctoral programs in the state, along with insights into program types, funding opportunities, and salary potential after graduation.
Popular PhD and Doctoral Programs in California
When it comes to finding the right doctoral program, quality, flexibility, and value are key. The universities below stand out for their commitment to excellence, affordability, and accessible learning formats.
California State University, Fresno
California State University, Fresno (CSU Fresno) offers a range of affordable and high-quality graduate programs.
Why it stands out: CSU Fresno blends affordability and flexibility, making it an ideal school for professionals balancing work, study, and personal commitments.
Doctoral offerings:
- EdD in Educational Leadership (available online and on-campus)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Doctor of Physical Therapy
Support: Online resources, academic advising, and library access help reduce the need for campus visits.
Funding: Assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships are available, though most programs aren’t fully funded.
Tuition: Approximately $6,400–$9,000 per semester, depending on the program.
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University integrates health, science, and faith across its graduate programs, with more than 25 doctoral degrees — including 20 offered fully online.
Why it stands out: Loma Linda combines academic rigor with faith-based values, offering strong research and leadership pathways in healthcare and behavioral sciences.
Funding options: Scholarships, loans, and graduate assistantships (more common for in-person students).
Examples programs:
- PhD in Psychology | $12,000 per year
- Doctor of Social Work in Clinical Leadership | $57,000 total
Format: Both online and on-campus options, with flexible pacing.
California Baptist University
California Baptist University (CBU) offers three fully online doctoral programs, making advanced study accessible for students across 37 states.
Why it stands out: CBU offers affordable, fully online doctorates built for adult learners who want academic rigor without geographic limitations.
Programs:
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
- EdD in Organizational Change and Administration
Tuition: $795/credit hour
Format: 100% online, with flexible scheduling for working professionals.
Types of Doctoral Programs in California
California’s universities offer a range of formats to match your goals, schedule, and preferred learning style.
Here’s a look at 6 popular types of doctoral programs available in the state — and who each is best suited for.
Full-Time Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students able to dedicate full-time effort to research and coursework.
- Typically take 4–5 years to complete.
- Include in-depth coursework followed by 2+ years of dissertation research.
- Common in research-intensive fields.
CA Examples:
Part-Time Doctoral Programs
Best for: Professionals balancing work and study.
- Usually take 5–8 years to complete.
- Often include online or hybrid formats for flexible pacing.
CA Examples:
Fully-Funded Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students seeking financial support through research or teaching.
- Cover tuition and fees, and often include a living stipend.
- Require working as a teaching or research assistant.
CA Examples:
No-GRE Doctoral Programs
Best for: Applicants looking to skip standardized testing.
- Admission is based on academic record, experience, and research fit rather than GRE scores.
- Offered in a variety of disciplines and formats.
CA Examples:
Accelerated Doctoral Programs
Best for: Motivated students aiming to finish faster.
- an be completed in 1–4 years, depending on structure.
- Require an intensive course load and streamlined research path.
CA Examples:
No Dissertation Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students interested in applied or professional pathways.
- Replace the dissertation with a capstone project or clinical portfolio.
- Shorten completion time while maintaining rigor.
CA Examples:
Popular Fields for PhD and Doctoral Study in California
From the social sciences to social work, universities in CA offer doctoral programs across every major academic discipline.
Here are some of the most popular fields for PhD and professional doctorate students in the state.
English
A PhD in English deepens expertise in literature, writing, and critical theory. Earning this degree can open doors to careers in academia, publishing, and communication.
Top Programs:
- On-Campus: UCLA | UC Berkeley
- Online/Hybrid: UC Irvine | UC Davis
Biology
A PhD in Biology trains students in advanced research and laboratory methods. These programs often lead to careers in academia, biotech, or environmental science.
Since it is necessary to be involved in lab work, it may be difficult to find an online or hybrid program.
Top Programs
- On-Campus: Loma Linda | UC Berkeley
Education
A PhD or EdD in Education is ideal for those pursuing leadership roles in schools, government, or higher education.
Top Programs:
- On-Campus: UC Davis | UC Berkeley
- Online/Hybrid: CSU Fresno | CBU
Psychology
A PhD in Psychology prepares you for roles in clinical practice, research, and academia.
Top Programs:
- On-Campus: UC Berkeley | UCLA
- Online/Hybrid: Loma Linda
Nursing
A PhD or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) opens doors to advanced practice, academic research, and leadership positions in healthcare.
Top Programs:
- On-Campus: UCLA | San Jose State University
- Online/Hybrid: Loma Linda | CSU Fresno
Funding Your Doctorate in California
California doctoral students have access to a variety of funding options, from fully funded research positions to merit-based scholarships.
Common financial aid sources include:
- Graduate research or teaching assistantships (often fully fund tuition and include a stipend)
- Fellowships and grants for academic merit or research specialization
- University-based scholarships and departmental awards
Examples:
- UC Berkeley’s PhD in Molecular Biology: fully funded with stipend support
- UCLA’s PhD in English: funded through assistantships, fellowships, and research grants
- CSU campuses: mix of financial aid options, including assistantships and tuition support
Doctorate Holder Salaries in California
Earning a PhD or professional doctorate often leads to higher salaries and career advancement.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, doctorate holders earn up to 34% more on average than those with only a master’s or bachelor’s degree.
Below is a snapshot of median and top-tier earnings for doctoral-level careers in California:
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median CA Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice | $164,050 | $227,310 |
| College Math Professor | PhD in Education | $128,080 | $233,440 |
| Clinical Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD); PhD in Psychology | $126,450 | $187,020 |
| K-12 School Principal | Doctor of Education (EdD) | $134,480 | $183,320 |
| Physical Therapist | Doctor of Physical Therapy | $115,550 | $130,870 |
| Human Resources Manager | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | $166,920 | $239,200+ |
| Economist | PhD in Economics | $105,950 | $219,240 |
| Biochemist | PhD in Biochemistry | $127,940 | $224,110 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Best Online Doctoral Programs in California
Finding the right doctoral program can be difficult. In addition to assessing potential outcomes of your degree, there are tuition & fees, curricula, faculty, and more to consider.
So how do you identify the schools and programs in California that give you the best chance for success? The data science team at PhDs.me has researched hundreds of colleges and universities across the state to see which ones stand out.
Start your search here, and then dive deeper into their programs to figure out if it’s right for you.
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is a private university that focuses on providing undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in psychology, public health, and related fields. Headquartered in Chicago, the school also operates in several locations in the U.S., including Los Angeles, California. Through its L.A. location, the school offers five doctoral degree options featuring online formats. They include the fully online PhD in Behavior Analysis and four blended-format options: PhD in Business Psychology (Consulting Track), PhD in Psychology (Industrial/Organizational Track), PsyD in Clinical Forensic Psychology, and PhD in Organizational Leadership. On-campus components are attended at the campus in LA's downtown business district. Online PhD students can also participate in training opportunities in a variety of practice settings at partner agencies located in the community.
Program Highlights:
PhD in Behavior Analysis
- Credits: 61
- Length: 3 to 5 years
- Cost: $1,703/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
PhD in Organizational Leadership
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $1,703/credit
- Mode: Blended
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
PsyD in Clinical Forensic Psychology
- Credits: 105
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $1,703/credit
- Mode: Blended
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio5
California Miramar University, a private university with its main campus in San Diego, offers online and hybrid undergraduate and graduate degree programs in a range of majors. Included is its Doctor of Business Administration program available with four concentration options: Finance, International Business Administration, Marketing, and Strategic Management. All concentrations feature 100% online classes in an asynchronous format. Some courses may also allow for attending lectures via live stream. Admission requirements include a master's degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college or university obtained with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher. Applicants must also submit current resumes and statements of purpose with a minimum of 1,000 words.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Credits: 61
- Length: 4 to 7 years
- Cost: $707/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Distance Education Accreditation Commission
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
Loyola Marymount University is a private Jesuit and Marymount-affiliated institution located in the Los Angeles area. Through its School of Education, Loyola offers a Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice degree designed for students seeking careers working to create a more equitable and just future. The program is offered entirely online to accommodate working professionals. Students can network with faculty and other professionals in a range of fields to collaborate and share research. Additionally, students may have opportunities to conduct their dissertation research internationally and co-author academic papers with faculty members. Support services include one-on-one career coaching and personalized professional development workshops.
Program Highlights:
Doctorate in Educational Leadership for Social Justice
- Credits: 46
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $1,823/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio11
Biola University is a nondenominational, evangelical Christian private institution located in La Mirada, California. Through its Talbot School of Theology, Biola offers two education-related doctoral degree programs featuring online study. The EdD in Educational Studies prepares “leader-teachers” for advanced positions in educational leadership, publishing, and research. Biola's PhD in Educational Studies is geared toward students interested in becoming “research-teachers” and is the preferred degree choice for full-time teaching positions at most Christian higher education institutions. Admission requirements for either program include a master's degree (or equivalent) from an accredited institution and a minimum 3.0 GPA on previous graduate coursework. Additionally, most students enter the program with substantial professional experience in theological education, educational ministry, or Christian higher education.
Program Highlights:
EdD in Educational Studies
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 to 3 years plus dissertation
- Cost: $1,296/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
PhD in Educational Studies
- Credits: 36
- Length: 2 to 3 years plus dissertation
- Cost: $1,296/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
There's probably no more prestigious postsecondary education institution in the Los Angeles area than the University of Southern California (USC). USC offers six high-quality online doctoral degree options in education and teaching, pharmacy, physical therapy, and social work. Delivery formats (i.e., fully online, blended, hybrid) and program lengths (i.e., full-time, part-time) vary by program. However, most online components are delivered asynchronously. Students in USC's online doctorate programs are taught by faculty members renowned in their academic fields. Students also benefit from access to the university's vast network of alumni for career opportunities and support. Tuition rates are notably higher than those for doctorate programs at most other schools, but USC students can mitigate those costs through the generous offering of scholarships, fellowships, and other financial aid resources.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership
- Credits: 43
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $2,244/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Doctor of Regulatory Science (Pharmacy)
- Credits: 64
- Length: 4 to 5 years
- Cost: $2,244/credit
- Mode: Blended
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
Doctorate of Social Work
- Credits: 42
- Length: 28 to 36 months
- Cost: $2,244/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio9
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio22
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio15
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio19
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio22
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio5
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13