Best PhD and Doctoral Programs in Florida: Online & Campus
Florida is one of the best states to earn your PhD or professional doctorate — offering world-class academics, affordable tuition, and flexible formats for working professionals.
Whether you’re a nurse in Tampa looking to become a nurse practitioner, a teacher in Miami hoping to advance into educational leadership, or a professional seeking to expand your career options, Florida’s doctoral programs can help you reach the top of your field.
Residents benefit from in-state tuition at public universities and a growing number of online programs that allow students to maintain full-time work while earning their degree.
This guide explores top doctoral programs in Florida, the most popular fields of study, and financial aid options to help you take the next step toward academic and professional success.
Popular PhD and Doctoral Programs in Florida
The universities below represent the best of Florida’s doctoral education, offering academic excellence, flexibility, and affordability, particularly for in-state students.
University of Florida (UF)
Based in Gainesville, the University of Florida (UF) is one of the state’s premier public institutions, offering multiple in-person and online doctoral programs.
Programs Offered: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), PhD in Latin and Roman Studies, and several EdD and PhD degrees in education-related fields such as:
- Educational Leadership
- Educational Technology
- Computer Science Education
- Higher Education Administration
Format: Many programs blend synchronous and asynchronous coursework for maximum flexibility.
Completion Time: About 4 years, on average.
Why it stands out: UF combines rigorous academics with affordable tuition and diverse online options that fit the schedules of working professionals.
Florida State University (FSU)
Florida State University (FSU) is a top-ranked public research institution offering some of the best doctoral programs in the Southeast.
Online Programs: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy, and PhD in Instructional Systems and Learning Technologies.
Tuition: $444/credit (FL residents) | $1,075/credit (non-residents)
Funding: Scholarships, fellowships, and grants are available to both resident and nonresident students.
Why it stands out: FSU combines research excellence with affordable tuition and robust online delivery options.
University of Central Florida (UCF)
Located near Orlando, the University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the largest public research universities in the U.S., enrolling over 70,000 students — including more than 6,500 online learners annually.
Programs Offered: EdD in Curriculum & Instruction; PhD in Nursing (two tracks); Doctor of Nursing Practice (two pathways); PhD in Aerospace Engineering; PhD in Hospitality Management.
Format: Online and hybrid options available, with asynchronous coursework for working students.
Tuition: $288/credit (in-state) | $785/credit (out-of-state)
Why it stands out: Online and hybrid options available, with asynchronous coursework for working students.
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs in Florida
Doctoral programs vary in length, structure, and admission requirements, giving students the flexibility to choose what fits best.
Here’s an overview of the most common program types offered across Florida.
Full-Time Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students who can dedicate their time fully to coursework and research.
- Typically take around four years to complete.
- Common in research-intensive fields like education and nursing.
FL Examples: UF’s EdD in Higher Education Administration | FSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice
Part-Time Doctoral Programs
Best for: Working professionals seeking flexibility.
- Take 5–7 years to complete.
- Offered in online, hybrid, and in-person formats.
FL Examples: UF’s EdD in Higher Education | Keiser University’s Doctorate in Business Administration
Fully Funded Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students focused on research who want to minimize tuition costs.
- Cover tuition and fees, and often include annual stipends and health insurance.
FL Examples: FIU’s Doctorate Fellowship Program for Underrepresented Students (includes $32,000 annual stipend) | FSU’s Political Science Fellowships for doctoral students
No-GRE Doctoral Programs
Best for: Applicants with strong academic or professional experience.
- GRE scores not required for admission.
- Increasingly common as schools shift to holistic review processes.
FL Examples: USF’s PhD in English | Lynn University’s EdD in Educational Leadership
Accelerated Doctoral Programs
Best for: Motivated students who want to graduate quickly.
- Allow completion in as little as one to three years, depending on prior education.
FL Examples: Breyer State Theology University’s Doctor of Psychology in Grief Counseling (1 year) | UF’s MSN to DNP Nursing Program (5 semesters)
No Dissertation Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students in applied or professional fields.
- Replace the dissertation with capstone projects or field-based experiences.
FL Examples: Nova Southeastern University’s EdD in Curriculum and Teaching | USF’s Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Most Popular Doctoral Fields in Florida
Florida offers doctoral programs in nearly every discipline. Below are some of the most in-demand fields, along with examples of top programs offered in the state.
Psychology
A PhD in psychology prepares students for research, teaching, or clinical practice.
Most programs include 90 credits and offer concentrations in behavior analysis, social psychology, and developmental psychology.
Examples of On-Campus Programs
Business
A PhD in business or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) equips students for research, consulting, and executive leadership roles.
Examples of On-Campus Programs
Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Education
A Doctor of Education (EdD) degree or PhD in education develops leaders in teaching, administration, and curriculum design.
Examples of On-Campus Programs
Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Nursing
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or PhD in Nursing prepares nurses for advanced practice, policy, and teaching roles.
Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Pharmaceutical Sciences
A PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences trains experts in drug development, molecular medicine, and pharmacogenomics.
Examples of On-Campus Programs
Earning Your Doctorate Online in Florida
Not all programs translate easily to online formats, but many do.
Fields like education and nursing are especially compatible with distance learning, since students can apply coursework directly to their current professional settings.
For example:
- Online education doctorates (EdDs) allow teachers to continue classroom work while completing coursework asynchronously.
- Online DNP programs are ideal for registered nurses already licensed to practice, combining flexibility with hands-on clinical requirements.
When exploring online programs, confirm whether there are in-person requirements such as residencies, weekend intensives, or live virtual sessions. These hybrid elements ensure quality interaction and practical experience while preserving convenience.
Paying for Your PhD or Doctoral Degree in Florida
Even with strong state funding and low in-state tuition, many doctoral students need financial assistance.
Florida universities and external organizations offer several aid options, including scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.
Opportunities in Florida include:
- McNair Graduate Assistantship Program
- McKnight Doctoral Fellowship
- University of South Florida Scholarships and Fellowships
- Florida Institute of Technology Graduate Student Assistant
- Florida State University Prospective Student Fellowships
Pro tip: Always contact your school’s financial aid office early to explore available funding, eligibility requirements, and application deadlines.
Salaries for Doctorate Holders in Florida
Earning a doctorate represents a major investment, but one that can pay off substantially.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), doctorate holders often earn 6-figure salaries and qualify for senior-level positions in their industries.
For example, registered nurses in Florida earn about $77,600 annually, while nurse practitioners with a DNP can make over $130,000 per year.
Similarly, high school principals with an EdD can earn double what most classroom teachers make.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | $101,110 | $130,630 |
| High School Principal | Doctor of Education (EdD) | $94,120 | $122,860 |
| Physical Therapist | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | $95,450 | $120,750 |
| Economist | PhD in Economics | ||
| Computer Research Scientist | PhD in Computer Science | $126,950 | $192,770 |
| Epidemiologist | Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) | $82,380 | $161,140 |
| Clinical Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) | $70,320 | $166,460 |
| Director of Marketing | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | $127,140 | $208,000 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Best Florida Schools for Online Doctorates
A big school with a big student population of over 60,000, the University of Florida (UF) in Gainesville is the flagship campus of the state's public university system. UF is currently home to eight online doctoral degree programs in the fields of civilization studies, education, and nursing. There are five EdD options alone available in the areas of leadership, administration, and education technology. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students can study full-time or part-time. Program formats vary by program with both fully online and hybrid programs offered. As a public university, tuition rates are very competitive for both Florida and out-of-state residents.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 35 (MSN to DNP); 75 to 78 (BSN to DNP)
- Length: 5 semesters (MSN to DNP); 8 semesters (BSN to DNP)
- Cost: $530.69/credit (Florida residents); $1,255.41/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Mode: Online plus periodic campus visits
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Doctor of Education in Higher Education
- Credits: 90
- Length: About 5 years
- Cost: $517.98/credit (Florida residents); $656/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Mode: Blended
- Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
PhD in Classical Civilization
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $424.67/credit (Florida residents); $1,004.47 (out-of-state residents)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
Nursing and education professionals can advance to the top levels of their professions by earning a doctoral degree online through the University of Central Florida (UCF) in Orlando. For nurses, UCF offers two options each for both its Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and PhD in Nursing programs. DNP degree seekers can choose from either the Advanced or Executive track. The program is currently open to residents of Florida and NCSBN nurse compact states. Nurses interested in top-tier careers in research and academic settings can opt for the PhD in Nursing program, offered in both MSN to PhD and BSN to PhD tracks. UCF's online EdD in Curriculum and Instruction program is designed for educators interested in teaching on the postsecondary level or leading in education program improvement in a range of settings. UCF's online doctorate programs are particularly notable for their affordable tuition rates.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction
- Credits: 54 to 57
- Length: As little as 3 years
- Cost: $327.32/credit (Florida residents); $1,151.72/credit (out-of-state residents)
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 42
- Length: 7 to 9 semesters
- Cost: $309.32 (Florida residents); $676.82 (out-of-state residents)
- Mode: Fully online plus in-person intensives
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
PhD in Nursing
- Credits: 63 (MSN to PhD); 72 (BSN to PhD)
- Length: 11 to 15 semesters (MSN to PhD); 12 to 16 semesters (BSN to PhD)
- Cost: $309.32 (Florida residents); $676.82 (out-of-state residents)
- Mode: Fully online plus in-person intensives
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio30
One of the many excellent public colleges and universities in the state, Florida State University in Tallahassee offers four online doctoral degree programs, two in education and two in nursing. The EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy prepares mid-career professionals for senior-level positions as educational leaders, policymakers, and policy researchers. The EdD in Learning Design and Performance Technology is for students interested in creating data-based solutions to performance and learning problems. Nursing professionals seeking to advance to top nursing science positions can opt for the research-intensive PhD in Nursing program, while those seeking to enter the highest levels of clinical nursing can do so through the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The DNP program offers five specialization tracks: Acute Care NP, Family NP, Health Systems Leadership, Lifestyle Medicine, and Psychiatric Mental Health NP.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 41 to 79
- Length: Varies by track and entry point
- Cost: $444.26/credit (Florida residents); $1,075.66/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Primarily online with short-term on-campus sessions
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
PhD in Nursing
- Credits: 68 to 78
- Length: 8+ semesters
- Cost: $444.26/credit (Florida residents); $1,075.66/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Primarily online with on-campus summer intensives
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Doctor of Education in Education Leadership & Policy
- Credits: 69
- Length: 9 semesters
- Cost: $444.26/credit (Florida residents); $1,075.66/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Primarily online with on-campus summer intensives
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio22
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is a private university with academic programs focused on aviation and aerospace fields. Through its Daytona Beach campus, Embry-Riddle offers two doctoral-level degree programs featuring online studies. The one-of-a-kind Doctor of Aviation Business Administration degree combines core business administration coursework with applied knowledge in aviation to prepare graduates for leadership positions in the full range of aviation business industries. The PhD in Aviation provides working professionals with the knowledge and skills needed for leaders in teaching and research careers throughout the aviation field. Specialization options in the PhD program include Aviation Safety, Aviation Human Factors, and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Aviation Business Administration
- Credits: 62
- Length: 3 to 4 years
- Cost: $1,379/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
PhD in Aviation
- Credits: 60
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $1,379/credit
- Mode: Primarily online with on-campus summer residencies
- Accreditation: Aviation Accreditation Board International
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio22
The University of South Florida (USF) currently offers four doctoral programs with fully or partially online formats, all featuring the affordable tuition rates for residents expected from a public university in Florida. USF's Doctor of Business Administration provides current business leaders with the knowledge and skills required to conduct research and apply their findings to solve real-world issues in all sectors of business. The blended format features substantial online components that supplement face-to-face classes on USF's Tampa campus. Other doctoral degree programs available include a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Career and Workforce Education and two Doctor of Public Health degrees: Public Health and Clinical Laboratory Science and Practice and Advanced Practice Leadership in Public Health.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Business Administration
- Credits: 72
- Length: 3 to 5 years
- Cost: $431.43/credit (resident); $877.17/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Blended
- Accreditation: Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
PhD in Curriculum & Instruction with Career and Workforce Education Concentration
- Credits: 59
- Length: 3 to 4 years plus dissertation
- Cost: $431.43/credit (resident); $877.17/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Primarily online with short-term campus visits
- Accreditation: Southern Association of College and Schools Commission on Colleges
Doctor of Public Health in Public Health and Clinical Laboratory Science and Practice
- Credits: 46
- Length: 3+ years
- Cost: $431.43/credit (resident); $877.17/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online with clinical hours completed at work
- Accreditation: Council on Education for Public Health
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio22
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Faculty Ratio16
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PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
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PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio15
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio21
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio16