Top PhD Programs in Georgia - Online & Campus
Thinking about earning your PhD or doctorate in Georgia? You’ll find no shortage of respected universities ready to help you reach your next academic and career milestone. GA is home to top-tier research institutions and innovative online programs that make advanced education both flexible and attainable.
Whether you’re aiming to teach at the university level, advance into executive leadership, or conduct groundbreaking research, doctoral programs in Georgia offer a path forward.
With options that include fully online, hybrid, and traditional on-campus programs, you can find a degree that fits your goals and schedule without putting your career on pause.
This guide highlights Georgia’s top PhD and doctoral programs, explores popular fields of study, and explains key program formats to help you choose the best path for your professional and personal growth.
Popular PhD and Doctoral Programs in Georgia
Choosing the right doctoral or PhD program is a major decision. To help you get started, we’ve spotlighted three of Georgia’s leading universities known for the academic excellence, affordable tuition, and flexible delivery formats.
Even if these schools aren’t the perfect fit, they’ll give you a benchmark for what to look for in quality doctoral education.
University of North Georgia
The University of North Georgia (UNG) offers five doctoral programs, many available fully or partially online:
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT): Offered in both traditional and post-professional formats for licensed physical therapists. Coursework is primarily on-campus with some online components.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP): Designed for advanced practice nurses pursuing leadership or teaching roles. Most classes are asynchronous online.
- Doctor of Education (EdD) and PhD in Criminal Justice (Intelligence Concentration): Both are fully online and allow for flexible, self-paced study.
Why it stands out: UNG combines affordability, academic rigor, and a career-focused curriculum, making it a strong choice for working professionals in healthcare, education, and criminal justice.
Georgia State University
Georgia State University (GSU) is one of Georgia’s largest and most diverse public institutions, offering nearly 70 doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines.
- Programs Offered: From applied linguistics and computer science to business administration and public health.
- Format: Five doctoral programs are available fully online or hybrid, while most others are in person at the Atlanta or Buckhead Center campuses.
- Cost: Around $11,680 per year for full-time, in-state students.
- Funding: Multiple options, including fellowships, assistantships, and scholarships.
Why it stands out: GSU delivers high research impact and broad doctoral diversity, offering students exceptional access to faculty mentorship, funding, and professional networks.
Kennesaw State University
Kennesaw State University (KSU) provides 11 doctoral programs, several of which are available fully online.
Online Options:
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Instructional Technology
- EdD in Teacher Leadership
- EdD in Secondary and Middle Grades Education
Tuition: $296-$1,066 per credit | $383 per credit fee for online students
Financial Aid: Includes graduate assistantships, scholarships, and emergency assistance.
Why it stands out: KSU is known for flexible scheduling, affordable tuition, and strong online infrastructure, making it ideal for students balancing work and graduate study.
Types Doctoral Programs in Georgia
Doctoral education in Georgia isn’t one-size-fits-all. From accelerated programs to those that waive standardized tests, here are six common pathways available to aspiring doctoral students.
Full-Time Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students able to commit full-time to coursework and research.
- Typically completed in 4–5 years
- Requires 3–4 courses per term and a multi-year dissertation
GA Examples:
- University of Georgia – PhD in Higher Education
- Georgia State University – PhD in Public Health
Part-Time Doctoral Programs
Best for: Professionals balancing full-time work with academic goals.
- Take 5–8 years to complete
- Offer 1–2 courses per term for flexible pacing
GA Examples:
- Georgia Southern University – Doctor of Public Health
- Mercer University – PhD in Nursing
Fully Funded Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students seeking to minimize tuition costs.
- Cover tuition and fees, sometimes including stipends and living expenses
- Funding often comes through teaching or research assistantships
GA Examples:
- University of Georgia – PhD in Art
- Georgia Tech – PhD in Digital Media
No-GRE Doctoral Programs
Best for: Applicants with strong professional or academic experience.
- Admission focuses on GPA, recommendations, and research background instead of test scores
GA Examples:
- Middle Georgia State University – Doctor of Science in Information Technology
- University of West Georgia – EdD in School Improvement
Accelerated Doctoral Programs
Best for: Highly motivated students ready to fast-track their degree.
- Allow heavier course loads or year-round enrollment
- Shorten completion time relative to traditional programs
GA Examples:
- Clark Atlanta University – EdD in Higher Education
- University of Georgia – PhD in Communication Studies
No Dissertation Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students focused on applied or professional careers.
- Replace the dissertation with capstone projects or practical fieldwork
- Common in healthcare, education, and business
GA Examples:
- Georgia College – Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Emory University – Post-BSN Doctor of Nursing Practice
Popular Doctoral Fields in Georgia
Georgia’s universities offer doctoral programs across every discipline, but some fields stand out for their strong career demand and flexible delivery options.
Here are a few of the most popular:
Nursing
Best for: Nurses seeking academic or leadership roles.
A PhD in Nursing focuses on research and education, while a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) emphasizes clinical excellence and practice-based leadership.
Examples of On-Campus Programs
Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Business
Best for: Professionals aiming for research, teaching, or executive leadership.
A PhD in Business builds deep expertise in areas like management, finance, and organizational strategy..
Examples of On-Campus Programs
Psychology (PsyD)
Best for: Students pursuing clinical careers in counseling or assessment.
A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) emphasizes applied skills and patient interaction over academic research.
Examples of On-Campus Programs
Computer Science
Best for: Researchers and technologists focused on innovation.
A PhD in Computer Science prepares graduates for advanced research or university teaching roles.
Examples of On-Campus Programs
Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Education & Leadership (EdD)
Best for: Educators ready to move into administration or policy roles.
An EdD in Leadership builds expertise in organizational management, curriculum design, and decision-making.
Examples of On-Campus Programs
- Georgia Southern University
- University of Georgia
Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Earning Your Doctorate Online in Georgia
Online doctoral programs in Georgia make advanced education more accessible for working adults and nontraditional students.
Most universities now offer fully online or hybrid formats that let you complete coursework from anywhere while fulfilling in-person requirements when necessary.
For instance:
- Georgia Southern University’s Doctor of Nursing Practice allows students to complete nearly all coursework online while fulfilling clinical hours in approved healthcare settings.
- UNG’s online DNP offers flexible asynchronous learning, allowing students to complete coursework on their own schedule.
Some programs include optional synchronous sessions for real-time engagement with faculty and peers — ideal for those who value collaboration but need scheduling flexibility.
Whether you’re earning a doctorate in nursing, education, or business, online options in Georgia provide the same academic rigor and outcomes as traditional campus programs — just with greater convenience and balance.
Ranking the Best Online Doctoral Programs in Georgia
Higher education is a personal journey. It sounds cliché, but what works for one student may not for another.
To help you find the right online doctorate, we’ve ranked many of Georgia’s top schools using multiple key criteria. Click “About the Ranking” to read how we did it, and review each school below to see who stands out.
Working professionals interested in advancing their careers by earning an education doctorate can choose from among four online EdD options offered by the University of West Georgia in Carrollton. Of particular interest is the Doctor of Education in Nursing Education program that prepares current MSN holders to train future nurses. The program is 100% online in an asynchronous format to allow students to access and complete coursework anytime. Other degree options include EdDs in Higher Education Administration, School Improvement, and Professional Counseling and Supervision. Tuition rates for all these EdD programs are notably affordable with the same rate charged regardless of residence status.
Program Highlights:
EdD in Nursing Education
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 to 5 years
- Cost: $312/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
EdD in Professional Counseling and Supervision
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $312/credit
- Mode: Online plus an on-campus orientation
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
EdD in Higher Education Administration
- Credits: 60
- Length: 3+ years
- Cost: $312/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio19
Education and nursing students wanting to earn their doctorate in the intimacy of a small, private institution should consider the three online degree programs available through Georgia's Brenau University. The Doctor of Education program allows them to choose from among five program tracks: Elementary Education, Higher Education: Leadership, Higher Education: Teaching and Learning, Middle Grades Education, and Special Education. Brenau's nursing doctorate options include Advanced Practice Nurse and Leadership and Management DNPs. Both DNP programs require an MSN degree for admittance. The hybrid DNP programs are available through Brenau's North Atlanta campus, while the fully online EdD program is offered through Brenau's historic campus in Gainesville.
Program Highlights:
DNP Advanced Practice Nurse
- Credits: 40
- Length: 7 semesters
- Cost: $1,310/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DNP in Leadership & Management
- Credits: 41
- Length: 7 semesters
- Cost: $1,310/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Doctor of Education
- Credits: 54
- Length: 28+ months
- Cost: $1,037/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio9
The University of North Georgia (UNG), a public university with five campuses in North Georgia, is also one of only six schools in the nation designated as a senior military college. UNG offers three affordable online doctorate programs, all of which feature fully online courses with no required campus visits. Online content is delivered in an asynchronous format to allow students to complete their coursework anytime that fits their busy schedules. The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program is a terminal nursing practice degree program open to RNs with master's degrees and at least two years of RN work experience. Nursing education and executive leadership specialization options are also available. The EdD in Higher Education Leadership and Practice provides current higher education administrators and professionals with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to succeed in top-tier positions in the field. UNG's Phd in Criminal Justice prepares graduates for operational, research, analytic, and investigative intelligence careers in the public, private, and military sectors.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 38
- Length: 5 to 8 years
- Cost: $375/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
EdD in Higher Education Leadership & Practice
- Credits: 60
- Length: Minimum 3 years
- Cost: $303/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
PhD in Criminal Justice
- Credits: 54
- Length: Up to 7 years
- Cost: $303/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio18
Education professionals in western Georgia looking to advance into top-tier positions in educational research, professional learning, and school improvement should consider the online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Leadership program at Columbus State University. The program has three track options: Curriculum and Instruction for instructional and classroom educators in P-12 settings, Educational Leadership for P-12 district personnel and school administrators, and Higher Education Administration for current and prospective leaders in postsecondary institutions. The Higher Education Administration track is available fully online, while the Curriculum and Instruction and Educational Leadership tracks are in hybrid formats that combine both online and face-to-face components. All three programs require a master's or higher degree (or international equivalent), a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA on all previous graduate coursework, and at least four years of professional experience in a school setting or leadership role in the private sector.
Program Highlights:
EdD in Curriculum and Leadership
- Credits: 63
- Length: 3 1/2 to 4 years
- Cost: $393/credit (residents); $1,125/credit (out-of-state)
- Mode: Fully online or Hybrid
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio16
Georgia College & State University (GCSU), located in the central Georgia community of Milledgeville, offers two online doctoral degree programs featuring affordable public university tuition. The post-masters Nursing DNP program is an executive-style format that combines online coursework and virtual learning experiences with week-long, in-person immersion experiences each year. Both full-time and part-time study options are available. GCSU's Curriculum and Instruction EdD program prepares educational professionals for leadership roles in P-12 curriculum design, development, and evaluation. Graduates of the EdD program who pass the appropriate GACE assessment are eligible for level seven Georgia Service Certification in Curriculum and Instruction.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 37
- Length: 5 to 8 semesters
- Cost: $373/credit
- Mode: Blended
- Accreditation: Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
- Credits: 60
- Length: 2 years plus dissertation
- Cost: $288/credit
- Mode: Hybrid
- Accreditation: Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio16
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio22
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio18
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio22
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio27
Paying for Your PhD or Doctoral Degree in Georgia
Doctoral students are a lot like undergraduate students in that they need financial assistance to help pay for school. But they have two potential advantages that most undergrads don’t have.
First, because many doctoral students are working while in school, they may have access to an employment tuition reimbursement benefit. This is where an employer pays for some or all of an employee’s education. One such program is the Tuition Assistance Program open to eligible employees of the University System of Georgia.
Second, doctoral and PhD students in Georgia may have greater access to financial aid that doesn’t need to be paid back. In addition to scholarships/grants and work-study, doctoral students are more likely to obtain graduate research assistantships and fellowships. Many of these are school-specific, although most schools, like Georgia Southern University, have websites that explain the financial aid offerings.
Earnings for Doctorate Holders in Georgia
Earning a PhD or professional doctorate can be a powerful way to boost your salary and unlock high-level career opportunities.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, professionals with doctoral degrees earn a median of $2,278 per week, compared to $1,840 per week for those with a master’s degree.
Doctorate holders also experience the lowest unemployment rate nationwide: just 1.2%.
Georgia-Specific Doctorate Earnings
In Georgia, the payoff for earning a doctorate is clear.
Data from the Georgia Governor’s Office of Student Achievement (GOSA) shows:
- PhD graduates: Median annual income of $61,695 (one year after graduation)
- Master’s graduates: Median income of $53,980
- Bachelor’s graduates: Median income of $37,358
That’s nearly a $24,000 income boost between a bachelor’s and doctorate within just one year of finishing school.
To explore specific career earnings across different doctoral fields, check out the salary chart below.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice | $126,060 | $163,970 |
| Clinical Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) | $51,210 | $159,140 |
| University Administrator | Doctor of Education (EdD) | $105,950 | $223,780 |
| Physical Therapist | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | $101,930 | $131,030 |
| Financial Manager | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | $163,450 | $208,000+ |
| Physicist | PhD in Physics | $131,500 | $208,000+ |
| Computer Systems Manager | PhD in Computer Science | $169,170 | $208,000+ |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics