Whether you’re a teacher in Acton ready to become a principal or an entry-level engineer in Boston with a desire to excel, doctoral and PhD programs in Massachusetts help you expand your career opportunities and increase your earning potential. Massachusetts is in the top five states with the most doctorate recipients each year—and those new PhDs earn an average of $150,000 per year.
Massachusetts boasts exceptional campuses and online PhD and doctoral programs for various career fields. Keep reading for help sorting through top-rated doctoral and PhD programs in Massachusetts, the types of programs available, popular areas to study, and more.
Top-Rated PhD and Doctoral Programs in Massachusetts for 2024
Are you looking to enroll in one of the best doctoral or PhD programs in Massachusetts? While the definition of “best” is subjective, we selected three standout universities that offer a variety of quality doctoral and PhD programs. Our top picks offer flexible study options, online and hybrid degrees, top-quality academic courses, and reasonable costs. Even if you find these three aren’t your perfect fit, you can use these as a benchmark to help you research other schools and programs to find the one that’s best for you.
Northeastern University
As one of Massachusetts’s largest higher education institutions, Northeastern University offers students world-class PhD and doctoral programs, vast options for extracurricular activities, and powerful diversity resources. Northeastern University offers 33 doctoral programs within the emerging fields of bioengineering, biomedical sciences, computer science, cybersecurity, pharmacology, psychology, public policy, education, and law. The university also offers customizable courses of study with flexible formats, enabling students to combine lab and classroom learning alongside fellowships, internships, and research.
Northeastern University also offers robust financial aid resources, including several university-specific scholarships, assistantships, grants, loans, and work awards. While some specific PhD and doctoral programs have varied levels of costs per credit, most graduate programs cost between $600-$1,752 per credit or about $30,000-$59,000 per academic year.
Harvard University
As one of the nation’s most prestigious nonprofit private research universities, Harvard University has helped thousands of students achieve academic and career excellence. Established in 1636, more than 35,000 students study at Harvard every year. The school has over 400,000 alums throughout the world.
Harvard University offers over 70 PhD subject areas spanning anthropology, physics, engineering, business, computer science, economics, education, English, immunology, music, religion, and more. The university’s Griffin Financial Aid Office provides need-based aid to students, with as many as 55% of students receiving scholarships and 22% paying nothing to attend. The average cost of tuition for one academic year is $52,659.
University of Massachusetts Amherst
While ranking in the top five institutions with the biggest enrollment in Massachusetts, the University of Massachusetts Amherst boasts one of the lowest net costs to attend. The school offers more than 120 graduate, doctoral, and PhD programs across 29 academic disciplines, including accounting, architecture, biology, business, engineering, computer science, education, mathematics, music, nursing, and psychology. The linguistics department is widely recognized, ranking as the second-best program in the world for both undergraduate and graduate students.
Referred to as a higher education that gives students the “most bang for the tuition buck,” half-time graduate, doctorate, and PhD students can expect to pay about $11,400 for in-state tuition and $22,800 for out-of-state tuition. Most financial aid for doctorate students consists of loans; assistantships, TEACH Grants, and federal work-study opportunities are also available.
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in Massachusetts
When choosing the best doctoral and PhD program in Massachusetts, it’s important to consider the different types of programs available. Massachusetts programs offer six formats that vary in length, course structure, and admission requirements. Read about each one to see which program is best suited for you.
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Massachusetts
When enrolling in a full-time PhD or doctoral program in Massachusetts, students should expect to take four to five years to graduate. The state offers numerous full-time PhD and doctoral programs across different fields of study, allowing students the flexibility to complete coursework through in-person, hybrid, and online options to graduate in a timely manner. Popular and reputable full-time programs include the University of Massachusetts Amherst’s PhD in Linguistics and Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Sloan PhD Program.
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Massachusetts
While part-time PhD and doctoral programs in Massachusetts take longer to complete than full-time programs, they allow students more flexibility while balancing work and busy life schedules. These programs usually take up to eight years to complete through in-person, hybrid, or online formats. Popular and reputable part-time programs include Boston College’s part-time EdD in Higher Education and the Tufts University School of Engineering’s part-time PhD program, spanning biomedical, chemical, computer, and mechanical engineering.
Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in Massachusetts
Funding your PhD or doctorate can be expensive. If the cost of earning a higher degree is holding you back, consider pursuing a fully funded PhD or doctoral program in Massachusetts. While these programs often cover the cost of tuition and sometimes offer living stipends, they are limited. Several top universities in Massachusetts offer fully funded PhD programs for eligible students, including Harvard University’s on-campus PhD program in biological sciences in public health, which includes full funding for tuition, health insurance, and a stipend. MIT’s Sloan School of Management is another popular and reputable source for a fully funded PhD or doctoral program in Massachusetts, granting eligible students a $4,000 monthly stipend and benefits to cover the full tuition cost. Boston University also offers PhD funding and benefits packages for several of its programs at the Charles River Campus.
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in Massachusetts
Application and enrollment in graduate school used to require submitting GRE scores. Standardized test scores are falling out of favor as part of the enrollment process for many higher education institutions nationwide, including throughout Massachusetts. These institutions place a bigger emphasis on the student’s likelihood for success by evaluating academic course history, GPA, research and scholarly accomplishments, and extracurricular activities. If you hope to apply and enroll in a PhD or doctoral program and don’t want to take the GRE, no-GRE PhD and doctoral programs are available in Massachusetts. The University of Massachusetts Boston has waived its GMAT/GRE test score requirements for many of its doctoral and PhD programs, including accounting, public policy, public administration, finance, critical and creative thinking, and more. Boston University’s PhD programs in English and American literature also no longer require GRE scores as part of their application process.
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in Massachusetts
Looking to earn your PhD but don’t want to commit five years to obtain it? Consider an accelerated PhD or doctoral program in Massachusetts. Some accelerated programs are available throughout the state, allowing students to graduate in one to two years. These programs can be hard to come by. Usually, they still require students to complete a final project or dissertation but include fewer PhD-level courses compared to full-length programs. The University of Massachusetts Amherst offers multiple accelerated PhD programs, including accounting, animal biotechnology and biomedical sciences, civil engineering, computer science, education, electrical and computer engineering, food science, Hispanic literature and linguistics, mathematics, microbiology, and more. Bentley University offers a part-time, accelerated accounting PhD program, combining rigorous on-campus and online courses in a two-year program, with the third year used to research and write your dissertation.
No-Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in Massachusetts
When you think of earning a doctorate degree or PhD, dissertations are usually a part of the process and a common requirement. While a dissertation allows students to showcase their research and expertise, it can be quite hefty and time-consuming, taking over two years to complete. If you want to obtain a PhD degree in Massachusetts without that time commitment, consider enrolling in a no-dissertation PhD or doctoral program. Instead of one big research project, these programs include smaller research projects, hands-on learning opportunities, or group-based capstone presentations. Popular and reputable no-dissertation PhD and doctoral programs include Regis College’s Dissertation in Practice (DiP) in the School of Arts and Sciences. Here, students earn a three-year education doctorate while studying under the DiP to explore a critical issue in higher education leadership. Boston University also concludes its part-time educational leadership and policy studies doctoral program with a 12-credit DiP program where students work in small teams to tackle a common problem in their school or district.
Popular Fields to Earn Your PhD and Doctoral Degree in Massachusetts
Education
Massachusetts is a great state to earn a doctorate or PhD degree in education because of the variety of programs. A PhD in education can lead you to a wide range of career paths, including leadership roles in school systems, learning design, multicultural and specialized education, college-level instruction, administration, and public policy.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Nursing
Obtaining a doctorate or PhD in nursing in Massachusetts opens doors and gets you on track for advanced leadership positions within the healthcare area. It also allows you to expand your specialized skills in a rapidly growing field.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Psychology
Earning a PhD in psychology in Massachusetts prepares you to dive into—and lead—groundbreaking research or start your career as a clinical psychologist or research lead in human behavior and mental processes. Be sure you’re earning an accredited degree in a program recognized by the American Psychological Association.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Business
Graduating with a PhD in business opens a plethora of career pathways for students. A doctoral business program will accelerate your career, leading to exclusive research opportunities, prestigious leadership and management roles in companies, and the opportunity to develop and apply new theories and specialized knowledge in accounting, management, marketing, strategy, and technology.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Engineering
Whether your focus is on electrical, computer, civil, biomedical, polymer science, mechanical, industrial, or environmental engineering, continuing your education by obtaining a doctorate degree in engineering further sets you up for career success. A PhD in engineering in Massachusetts allows you to start research programs, work with new technologies, become a respected expert in your field, and even continue on an academic track as a faculty member.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Earning Your PhD or Professional Doctorate Online in Massachusetts
Earning a doctoral degree requires a high level of commitment and dedication. Not only is it an investment in your career, but it’s also a major time commitment as well. Thankfully, more higher-level education institutions offer hybrid and online PhD and doctoral programs in Massachusetts, allowing students the same high-quality education as in-person programs but with more flexibility.
Various schools offer fully online PhD programs in Massachusetts, allowing students to work remotely without visiting campus while benefiting from a global education community. The University of Massachusetts Amherst encourages prospective PhD and doctorate students to explore its 10 online programs, which include accounting, education, finance, hospitality and tourism management, management, marketing, nursing, nutrition, operations and information management, and sociology. The University of Massachusetts Global also allows students to search for online-specific doctoral programs, as does Boston University. Northeastern University offers six doctoral programs, either 100% online or with a part-time in-class component, including workshops, seminars, or special class sessions for core or lab classes.
For students specifically seeking to earn a PhD in education, four schools in Massachusetts offer a doctor of education program online: Bay Path University, Boston College, Northeastern University, and the University of Massachusetts Lowell. These programs only require students to make a few trips to campus for required residencies, usually once per academic year.
While Harvard University doesn’t offer fully online doctoral programs, the Ivy League school does offer an extensive catalog of certificate-based online courses and multi-week programs, including business, professional development for educators, and medical education.
To learn more about quality online doctoral programs in Massachusetts, review our 2024 college rankings below.
Best Online Doctoral Programs in Massachusetts for 2024
American International College offers fully online and hybrid programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. To set up distance learners for success, the school offers an orientation class to help them become accustomed to online learning and the school's specific technology tools. Students have access to academic support services, including writing and editing assistance, virtual advising, and tutoring. There is also technology support that helps students navigate the school's learning management system and library services, and more personal support includes access to an online employment database. On the doctoral level, American International College offers a post-professional occupational therapy doctorate degree. This program is for practitioners who have earned a master's and want to prepare for a leadership position in occupational therapy settings, teach, or conduct research. This degree, which is offered entirely online, takes about two years to complete.
Program Highlights:
Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $1,175/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
If you're interested in pursuing graduate study online, Endicott College has a variety of degree programs, including master's degrees, doctoral degrees, and certificate programs. For example, the school offers a PhD in education, which prepares people to conduct education research that adds to the knowledge base of the field. There are two concentrations offered for this degree: curriculum and teacher education, and higher education. In the curriculum and teacher education concentration, you will learn about advanced curriculum theory and teacher development, which you can use to work in a teacher preparation program. In the higher education concentration, you can prepare for leadership roles in colleges and universities. You will learn about the political, sociocultural, administrative, and financial influences that affect higher education. No matter which concentration you choose, you'll have the opportunity to take advantage of a combination of synchronous and asynchronous learning.
Program Highlights:
Applied Behavior Analysis PhD
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $7,376/semester
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Nursing PhD
- Credits: 45
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $49,680 for program
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
Education PhD
- Credits: 60
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $3,300/class
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
For over 100 years, Bay Path University has been dedicated to providing career education programs that allow students to respond to the cultural, economic, and technological influences that drive the workforce. The school has always prided itself on creating innovative solutions to learning, so it's no surprise that Bay Path has online programs to provide flexibility to professionals who want to advance in their education. One of the online doctoral programs is the Doctor of Health Science, which is completed 100% online. The program has several diverse concentrations, so whether you're interested in focusing on health informatics management, leadership and negotiation, productive aging, or public health, you will have the opportunity to sharpen your expertise in a specific subsection of health science. Bay Path also allows you to learn with a small group of students, so your experience is more interactive and you receive more attention from instructors.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Health Science
- Credits: 48
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $995/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
EdD in Educational Leadership
- Credits: 42
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $995/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation New England Commission of Higher Education
Occupational Therapy Doctorate
- Credits: 36-54
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $1,060/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio12
Founded in 1899, Simmons University was established to provide women with a liberal arts education that would help them expand their futures. With its well-established, student-centered philosophy, the school now offers coeducational online doctoral programs that are created with the same passion for excellence that Simmons had when it first opened. The proof of its effectiveness is in its record: Since launching its first online program in 2013, over 4,000 students have earned degrees from the school virtually. Simmons offers doctoral degrees in social work, nursing, health professions education, and behavior analysis online. All of these programs focus heavily on collaboration, so students from around the country have the opportunity to share ideas and explore their perspectives in a safe, welcoming environment. In addition to weekly online class sessions, students participate in live chats, small group breakout sessions, and interactive whiteboards.
Program Highlights:
PhD in Behavior Analysis
- Credits: 48
- Length: 4-7 years
- Cost: $1,158/credit
- Mode Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
PhD in Health Professions Education
- Credits: 48
- Length: 4 years
- Cost: $1,300/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
Doctorate of Social Work
- Credits: 48
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $1,148/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Council on Social Work Education
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio9
Regis College offers online degrees that provide the flexibility busy adult learners need without compromising on the quality of curriculum traditional students enjoy. For nurses who want advancement, the school offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree that allows them to enroll whether they have graduate school experience or not. If you have a bachelor's degree and know you want to continue to the doctoral level, the school has a BSN to DNP degree offered fully online. There are several nursing specialties you can concentrate your studies on, including women's health, pediatric, and family nursing. If you're a nurse who already has a master's, you can earn the MSN to DNP degree, which is a great choice if you want to enter a leadership position, conduct clinical research, or practice the highest level of nursing. To help you prepare for the next steps in your career, Regis College offers courses in advanced epidemiology, healthcare informatics, and advanced research methods.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Nursing Practice (BSN to DNP and MSN to DNP)
- Credits: 27-76
- Length: 2-4 years
- Cost: $1,425/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio18
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio14
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio11
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio15
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio18
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio12
Unlock Financial Aid for Your Massachusetts PhD Program
According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of earning a doctorate degree is $103,700. While the price tag is high, don’t let that stop you from enrolling in a program and becoming a respected expert in your field. Several financial aid opportunities are available to doctoral students in Massachusetts to help offset the costs of earning their degrees. From scholarships and grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and graduate research assistantships, you’ll have many options to consider to help fund your PhD or professional doctorate degree in Massachusetts. Check out these options to learn more:
- American Association of University Women – Has awarded more than $135 million in fellowships and grants to more than 13,000 scholars and organizations in 50 states; Washington, DC; Puerto Rico; Gaum; and 150 other countries, making this one of the world’s largest scholarship programs for women.
- American Psychological Association – Offers a range of fellowships and scholarships for graduate psychology students.
- Boston University’s Fully Funded PhD Programs – Boston University’s PhD programs on the Charles River Campus subscribe to a full funding model. This system guarantees all PhD students in good standing five years of stipend support, a 100% tuition scholarship, and a health insurance credit.
- Fulbright Program – An international program from the U.S. State Department with hundreds of research and fellowship opportunities worldwide.
- Harvard College Griffin Financial Aid Office – The Griffin Financial Aid Office provides need-based aid that allows the school to bring the best students to Harvard, regardless of their ability to pay. About 20% of students pay nothing to attend, and more than half receive need-based scholarships.
- MIT Finding Fellowships – The institute receives funds from individual donors and corporations for fellowships and scholarships. In addition, government agencies and foundations offer fellowships that they award either directly to outstanding students for use at institutions of their choice or, in a few cases, to institutions to administer on behalf of students.
- Northeastern University Fellowships – Offers graduate students the opportunity to apply their talents at research centers, universities, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. Students refine their skills as they work to address issues of regional, national, and international importance.
- University of Massachusetts Amherst Office of National Scholarship Advisement – Acts as a campus representative for a nationally renowned and competitive scholarship portfolio.
- University of Massachusetts Boston Scholarships & Fellowships – Nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships available for University of Massachusetts Boston students.
- University of Massachusetts Dartmouth Scholarships & Fellowships – Nationally competitive, discipline-specific scholarships and fellowships targeted at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth students.
- University of Massachusetts Lowell Office of National Scholarships – Allows students to apply to more than 500 University of Massachusetts Lowell endowed and internal scholarships with one application, as well as University of Massachusetts system scholarships and other national opportunities.
- Valuing Diversity PhD Scholarship – Awarded to an underrepresented minority doctoral student who has completed at least one year of doctoral study in marketing or advertising.
Income Outlook for Doctorate Holders in Massachusetts
While earning a PhD or professional doctorate in Massachusetts requires a significant investment of both time and money, the long-term benefits make it all worth it. Along with excelling in your field, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the average PhD or doctorate degree holder earns a median weekly rate of $1,909. This is 30% more than bachelor’s degree holders, who earn a weekly average of $1,334 and master’s degree holders, who earn $1,574. Some career fields, including being an economist, human resource executive, professor, or nurse practitioner, yield higher earnings. For Massachusetts specifically, a professional with a doctorate living and working in Boston averages $151,830 per year.
Study the table below to learn about earning potential for popular careers requiring a doctorate or PhD degree.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Research Scientist | PhD in Computer Science | $127,780 | $208,000 |
| Economist | PhD in Economics | $133,370 | $152,370 |
| Engineer | PhD in Engineering | $121,760 | $208,000 |
| Human Resources Executive | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | $151,300 | $208,000 |
| Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice | $128,160 | $167,980 |
| Physical Therapist | Doctor of Physical Therapy | $96,410 | $123,620 |
| Physicist | PhD in Physics | $153,310 | $208,000 |
| Postsecondary Teacher | PhD in Education | $83,620 | $208,000 |
| Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) /PhD in Psychology | $112,860 | $133,370 |
| School Principal/Administrator | Doctor of Education (EdD) | $119,250 | $159,380 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021