Explore Delaware's (DE) Top PhDs: Online & Campus Learning
PhD programs in Delaware help students upskill to pursue top jobs and command higher salaries. Learn more about schools offering terminal degrees and the most popular doctoral programs in Delaware.
Considering PhD programs in Delaware? Earning a doctoral degree can help you advance your career, move into leadership roles, or contribute original research to your field.
With a PhD, you may also qualify for teaching positions, higher-level roles, and increased earning potential. Many graduates become subject-matter experts and influential voices in their profession.
In 2021, 212 people in Delaware earned doctorates, reflecting steady interest in advanced education across the state.
Continue reading to explore doctoral programs in Delaware, including:
- Types of programs available
- Schools offering terminal degrees
- Popular academic disciplines
- Ways to pay for your education
You’ll also find insights on salary potential and the job outlook for professionals with doctoral degrees.
Expert Insight
Choose a doctoral program that aligns with your career goals, schedule, and funding needs, not just your interests. Prioritize programs that offer strong support, networking opportunities, and clear outcomes to set yourself up for success.
Top-Rated PhD and Doctoral Programs in Delaware for 2026
You’ve decided to pursue a PhD program in Delaware, and you want to find the best one for your needs and goals. We’ve compiled the following list of top schools to help you get started. Even if a school isn’t ideal based on what you’re looking for, you can still use these profiles to benchmark other doctoral programs in Delaware.
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware offers doctoral programs across multiple fields, including healthcare, business, and the social sciences.
The PhD in Education is ideal for those pursuing research or academic leadership. It uses an interdisciplinary approach grounded in cognitive science, psychology, and sociology.
The PhD in Nursing Science prepares nurses for teaching, research, and leadership roles in academic and healthcare settings.
Graduate tuition is $1,028 per credit, but students have several ways to reduce costs. High-achieving, full-time students may qualify for assistantships that offset tuition.
Assistantship options include:
- Teaching – Support instructors and classrooms
- Research – Assist with faculty projects
- General – Provide academic or administrative support
Most assistantships offer tuition support and a stipend in exchange for about 20 hours of work per week. Graduate scholarships are also available.
Delaware State University
Delaware State University offers a PhD in Optics, one of the few programs of its kind in the country. It prepares students with a physics background for research roles in academia, nonprofits, and private industry.
Students can also access hands-on research opportunities through the Center for Research and Education in Optical Sciences and Applications, funded by the National Science Foundation.
The school’s Doctor of Social Work (DSW) uses a cohort model and emphasizes education, leadership, practice, and research. The program is designed for working professionals.
Key program features include:
- Three-year format with a structured cohort
- Hybrid learning with eight-week asynchronous online courses
- Capstone project culminating in a publishable academic paper
Tuition is $675 per credit for all students, regardless of residency.
Wilmington University
Wilmington University offers doctoral programs online or on campus, with rolling admissions and start dates every eight weeks for added flexibility.
Tuition is $713 per credit, and students can reduce time and cost through credit for prior learning. This may include:
- Portfolio assessments
- Professional certifications or licenses
- Standardized exams
Doctoral programs are available in business, healthcare, behavioral science, and education.
The EdD in Organizational Leadership, Learning, and Innovation focuses on advanced leadership skills at the individual, team, and organizational level. The program includes 18 courses and a 120-hour internship.
The Doctor of Social Science in Prevention Science takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining public health, epidemiology, behavioral science, and public policy. Graduates are prepared for research, analyst, and prevention-focused leadership roles.
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in Delaware
There are several types of doctoral programs in Delaware, each designed to fit different goals and schedules.
You can choose a program based on:
- Time commitment
- Funding opportunities
- Admissions requirements
- Graduation expectations
The right option depends on your career goals and how much flexibility you need.
Let’s take a closer look at the types of PhD and doctoral programs available.
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Delaware
Full-time PhD programs in Delaware typically take four to six years and require a significant time commitment.
Even with some flexibility, online PhD programs can be just as demanding. Balancing work and study is possible, but often challenging.
To succeed, you’ll need to stay fully engaged, dedicate consistent time to coursework, and build connections with peers and faculty.
Quality Examples of Programs
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Delaware
Part-time doctoral programs in Delaware offer more flexibility but typically take longer to complete, sometimes adding several years.
These programs are a good fit for students who want to keep working while earning their degree. However, there are trade-offs to consider.
Part-time students may have fewer opportunities to network with peers and faculty, which can limit access to research, mentorship, and career connections.
Quality Examples of Programs
Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in Delaware
Fully funded PhD programs in Delaware can cover tuition and sometimes include a stipend, though requirements vary.
Many programs offer assistantships, where students work a set number of hours in roles such as:
- Teaching
- Research
- Administrative support
These positions help pay for your education while providing valuable, hands-on experience.
Some students may qualify for scholarships or grants that cover costs without a work requirement, though these opportunities are often competitive.
Quality Examples of Programs
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in Delaware
Busy professionals may struggle to fit both coursework and GRE preparation into their schedules.
The good news is that many schools are now waiving the GRE requirement, making doctoral programs more accessible.
Below are examples of no-GRE PhD and doctoral programs to help you explore your options.
Quality Examples of Programs
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in Delaware
Accelerated doctoral programs in Delaware allow you to earn your degree faster, sometimes in as little as two years.
These programs are intensive and require a significant time commitment, but they can shorten your overall path.
Some options let you earn multiple degrees at once, combining a bachelor’s or master’s with a PhD in a single program.
Quality Examples of Programs
No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in Delaware
Dissertation-based PhD programs are ideal for students interested in research-focused careers and advancing knowledge in their field.
If research isn’t your goal, you can choose non-dissertation programs to save time and focus on applied skills.
Instead of a dissertation, these programs may require a capstone project that provides hands-on experience and helps build practical expertise.
Quality Examples of Programs
Expert Insight
Fully funded PhD programs can offer assistantships aligned with your career goals, since these roles provide both financial support and valuable experience. Before committing, confirm the work expectations and time demands to ensure they’re manageable alongside your studies.
Delaware’s PhD Pulse: Explore the Hottest Doctoral Degrees
Business
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) programs help executives strengthen leadership skills through applied business research.
Students learn to make evidence-based decisions that improve organizational performance.
Earning a DBA can be especially valuable in Delaware, where business, fintech, and financial services are key industries, according to the Delaware Prosperity Partnership.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Nursing
Whether you pursue a PhD in Nursing or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), you can help address the healthcare worker shortage in Delaware.
A PhD in Nursing prepares nurses for teaching and research roles, helping train the next generation of professionals.
A DNP focuses on advanced clinical skills, allowing nurses to move into specialized care and in-demand APRN roles.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Education
Delaware is known for strong knowledge-based industries, making education a key sector. As a result, EdD programs in Delaware can help professionals expand their impact in academic and leadership roles.
These programs focus on advanced teaching methods and research skills, preparing graduates for college-level instruction or education leadership positions.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Chemistry
As the home to many chemical companies leading global innovation, Delaware is a great place to earn a chemistry doctorate. For careers in renewable energy, biotechnology, medical research, or chemical engineering, chemistry doctoral programs in Delaware provide research, laboratory, and analytical skills that employers need.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Agriculture
Agriculture is a growing industry in Delaware, with strong GDP performance and high value per acre.
Through PhD programs in agriculture, students build expertise in:
- Agricultural technology
- Sustainable farming practices
- Plant and animal genetics
- Food production systems
These programs also develop advanced research skills, preparing graduates for careers in labs, policy, or industry, not just on the farm.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Earning Your Online PhD or Professional Doctorate in DE
Online PhD programs in Delaware offer flexible learning options for busy professionals balancing work and personal responsibilities.
Many programs include asynchronous courses, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule. Some also offer synchronous sessions for real-time interaction.
Examples include:
- The PhD in Nursing Science at the University of Delaware, with asynchronous or synchronous formats
- Wilmington University’s EdD in Higher Education Leadership, which includes limited weekly live sessions
Students can choose between fully online or hybrid programs that combine virtual and in-person learning.
Examples of program formats:
Hybrid: Doctor of Social Work (Delaware State University), EdD in Educational Leadership (Wilmington University)
Fully online: Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Nursing Practice (Wilmington University)
Where to Get Help Paying for Your PhD or Doctoral Degree in Delaware
Paying for PhD programs in Delaware can be challenging, but there are several financial aid options available.
Common funding sources include:
- Scholarships and grants
- Assistantships
- Work-study programs
- Fellowships
Some funding comes from state agencies, such as the Delaware Higher Education Office, which offers scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.
You can also find support through professional organizations, including:
- American Library Association
- National Association of Social Workers Foundation
- American Psychological Association
Many schools offer their own funding. For example, Delaware State University’s Bridge to the Doctorate Program provides a $32,000 annual stipend for students in select PhD programs, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
Beyond Graduation: Delaware PhDs’ Earning Potentials
Completing doctoral programs in Delaware comes with a significant return on investment. According to the Delaware Department of Labor, those who have a doctoral or professional degree in the state earn $145,960 on average, while those with master’s, bachelor’s, and associate’s degrees earn $68,974, $82,611, and $59,202 respectively.
If you’re thinking about pursuing opportunities in another state, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports these differences in weekly earnings based on degree attainment level:
- Associate ($1,005)
- Bachelor’s ($1,432)
- Master’s ($1,661)
- Professional ($2,080)
- Doctoral ($2,083)
For more information about the salary you may be able to command based on the different types of PhD programs in Delaware, review the table below, which includes the data for median and top earners in each profession.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biochemist | PhD in Biochemistry | $107,460 | $175,790 |
| Biostatistician | PhD in Statistics | $104,110 | $163,360 |
| Computer Research Scientist | PhD in Computer Science | $145,080 | $233,110 |
| Economist | PhD in Economics | $115,730 | $216,900 |
| Epidemiologist | PhD in Public Health/Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) | $81,390 | $132,230 |
| Materials Scientist | PhD in Material Science | $106,160 | $170,900 |
| Pharmacologist | PharmD | $128,090 | $162,900 |
| Professor | PhD | $79,870 | $177,050 |
| Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)/ PhD in Psychology | $117,750 | $157,420 |
| Systems Engineer | PhD in Systems Engineering | $111,970 | $177,020 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023