Best PhD and Doctoral Programs in Louisiana: Online & Campus

Est. Time: 6 mins

Updated: 04/17/2026

Ready to kick things up a notch? Hone your skills and develop new expertise by earning your doctoral degree. This guide to the top PhD programs in Louisiana has everything you need to get started.

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Best Programs
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Program Types
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Popular Fields
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Online Learning
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Financial Aid
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Salary Outlook

Doctoral programs in Louisiana offer a wide range of options, from full-time and part-time to online and on-campus formats.

Whether you’re advancing your current career or starting a new path, you can find a program that fits your goals and schedule.

This guide highlights top programs, key formats, and funding options to help you move forward with confidence.

Ranking the Best Doctoral Programs in Louisiana

When choosing a doctoral program, key factors include academic quality, cost, specialization options, and student support.

The universities below stand out for their strong programs, flexible formats (online, hybrid, and on-campus), and affordability.

Use these schools as a starting point for your research to help you make an informed decision.

As you compare programs, look beyond prestige or convenience and prioritize those that align with your goals, budget, and career outcomes. The best program is one that will prepare you for success, not just a path to graduation.

Timon Kaple

University of Louisiana at Monroe

The University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) offers five doctoral programs in health sciences and education.

Programs include:

Pharmacology (multiple tracks)
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Psychology (two tracks)
Doctor of Education (EdD)

Some programs offer online options, including the EdD and PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Program highlights:

Accelerated EdD with no dissertation
Completion in as little as two years
No GRE required

Students benefit from small cohorts, strong faculty support, and access to assistantships with stipends.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

The University of Louisiana at Lafayette (ULL) offers 11 doctoral programs across humanities, STEM, education, and healthcare.

Program highlights:

Traditional fields like English, math, and education
Unique options like Francophone Studies

ULL also offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) designed for working nurses, with tracks for both BSN and MSN graduates.

Why it stands out:

Strong funding support, including assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships
Affordable tuition
Flexible online options

Louisiana State University

Louisiana State University (LSU) offers 50+ doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines.

Program highlights:

Strong focus on research and innovation
Opportunities to participate in cutting-edge projects
Unique offerings, including the state’s only veterinary medicine PhD

LSU’s large graduate community provides access to extensive faculty expertise and peer networks.

Flexible option: An online doctorate in leadership studies offers an affordable path for working professionals.

Why it stands out: LSU combines research strength, program variety, and flexible learning options.

Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Offered in Louisiana

Every student’s path is different, and doctoral programs in Louisiana are built to support a range of goals and life situations.

Whether you’re continuing your education, advancing your career, or balancing school with other responsibilities, there’s an option for you.

Explore the six common PhD formats below to find the best fit.

Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs

Full-time PhD programs in Louisiana remain the most common option, offering a focused and immersive experience.

Studying full-time can help you finish faster and qualify for funding opportunities like assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships.

If you’re ready to fully commit, many schools across the state offer strong full-time doctoral programs.

Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs

Part-time PhD programs offer flexibility for students balancing work, family, or other responsibilities.

These programs extend your timeline, allowing you to complete coursework and your dissertation at a manageable pace.

If this option fits your needs, explore part-time programs in Louisiana to find the right balance.

Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs

Fully funded PhD programs can cover tuition and provide a stipend, making them one of the most affordable options.

The most common funding comes through graduate assistantships, where students work in teaching, research, or administrative roles.

While availability varies, many schools offer these opportunities each year. Some will have especially robust funding programs.

No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs

Many doctoral programs in Louisiana no longer require the GRE, making the application process simpler.

Skipping the GRE can save time and money, allowing you to focus on stronger parts of your application.

Explore no-GRE programs in Louisiana to find schools that have removed this requirement.

Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs

If you’re not able to commit to a five- to seven-year PhD, consider accelerated doctoral programs in Louisiana.

These programs are designed for students with career goals or time constraints, offering a faster path to completion. Depending on the program, these degrees can take 1-2 years.

Explore accelerated options to find a program that fits your timeline.

No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in Louisiana

Not all doctoral paths require a traditional dissertation.

Some no-dissertation doctoral programs in Louisiana focus on applied projects or capstones instead of long research papers.

These options can save time and are especially common in professional doctorates.

Pay attention to the expectations of each program, not just the degree title. Factors like time commitment, dissertation requirements, and support systems can greatly impact your ability to finish successfully. I researched and applied to eight different PhD programs to find the right fit, and that effort paid off.

Timon Kaple

Popular Fields to Earn Your PhD and Doctoral Degree in Louisiana

Education

EdD and PhD programs in education are among the most common doctoral options in Louisiana.

While many focus on areas like curriculum or early childhood education, others emphasize leadership and administration.

These degrees are valuable across industries and can prepare you for high-level leadership roles.

Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs

Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs

Nursing

A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) helps nurses build specialized knowledge and leadership skills.

Graduates can move into roles in education, administration, or advanced clinical practice.

Many DNP programs in Louisiana offer online formats and flexible scheduling, making it easier to continue working while earning your degree.

Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs

Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs

Counseling and Psychology

A PhD in counseling or psychology can expand your skills and impact in the mental health field.

These programs deepen your knowledge of research, theory, and clinical practice, helping you stay current with new approaches.

If you plan to become a licensed clinical psychologist, a PhD is typically required.

Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs

Public Health

Public health doctoral programs in Louisiana offer diverse paths across both scientific and social disciplines.

Earning a PhD or DrPH can prepare you for roles in research, leadership, and policymaking.

These degrees are ideal for those looking to make a broad impact on community health and public policy.

Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs

Justice

Juris Doctor (JD) programs in Louisiana prepare students for legal practice and the bar exam.

Students develop skills in legal analysis, client work, and courtroom procedures.

JD programs also offer specialization options such as environmental, civil, international, and sports law.

Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs

Earning Your Doctorate Online in Louisiana: What to Expect

Online doctoral programs in Louisiana offer the flexibility to study from anywhere, so you don’t have to relocate or pause your life.

Many programs include asynchronous coursework, letting you complete classes on your own schedule — especially helpful if you’re working full time.

Online options are most common in fields like nursing and education, where professionals often continue working while earning advanced degrees. These programs typically include:

Local clinical or field placements arranged near you
Occasional campus visits for key requirements

Before enrolling, review the program’s in-person expectations and time commitments to make sure it fits your schedule.

Where to Get Financial Aid for Your PhD in Louisiana

Paying for a PhD in Louisiana can be more manageable than you might expect, thanks to a wide range of funding options.

Many programs offer graduate assistantships, which can:

Cover tuition costs
Provide a monthly stipend
Offer experience in teaching or research

These positions may be awarded by individual departments or offered school-wide, depending on the university.

Additional funding sources include:

Grants, scholarships, and fellowships (some schools provide searchable databases)
Employer tuition reimbursement for working professionals

Funding can be complex, but exploring your options early can make a significant financial difference.