Best PhD and Doctoral Programs in Minnesota: Online & Campus

Est. Time: 6 mins

Updated: 04/20/2026

Explore the top campus-based and online PhD and doctoral programs in Minnesota today and discover how earning your doctorate can propel you into the top ranks of your profession.

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Financial Aid
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Salary Outlook

Is earning a doctoral degree in Minnesota worth it? That depends on your goals, especially whether you’re aiming to reach the top of your field.

If you are, a PhD or professional doctorate can help you get there.

This guide covers program options, formats, costs, and career outcomes so you can decide what makes sense for you.

Top-Rated PhD and Doctoral Programs in Minnesota

We’ve highlighted three top doctoral programs in Minnesota to help you get started.

While “best” can mean different things, these schools stand out for their academic quality, affordability, flexible formats, and student support.

Use these profiles as a starting point as you compare your options.

Winona State University

Winona State University offers eight doctoral programs across fields like nursing, education, and law.

Most programs are delivered in a hybrid format, combining online coursework with in-person components.

Program highlights:

Multiple advanced nursing tracks
Doctor of Education (EdD) available fully online
Juris Doctor (JD) offered on campus

Why it stands out: Winona State provides flexible learning formats with strong options for students in healthcare and education fields.

Bethel University

Bethel University, located in Saint Paul, offers two Doctor of Education (EdD) programs focused on leadership.

Programs include:

Higher Education Leadership
K-12 Administration

Both are designed for working professionals and feature:

Fully online coursework in eight-week terms
Flexible start dates throughout the year
A required one-week on-campus intensive annually

Programs can be completed in about three years, plus time for the dissertation.

Why it stands out: Bethel offers flexible, online EdD programs with a clear focus on education leadership.

University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers 100+ doctoral programs across a wide range of disciplines.

Most programs are campus-based, though many include online components for communication and coursework.

Program formats include:

Primarily online options in nursing and healthcare
Hybrid programs in nursing and education
Required on-campus sessions for certain online programs

For example, some online programs require short, multi-day campus visits each semester for coursework and advising.

Why it stands out: UMN combines a broad program selection with flexible formats, especially in healthcare-related fields.

Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in Minnesota

Your choice of doctoral program will, of course, depend first and foremost on your academic field. But there are lots of other very important features to consider in choosing the right program for you.

Below are descriptions of some of the most common of those features, along with examples of current doctoral programs in Minnesota for each.

Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Minnesota

Full-time doctoral programs used to be the standard, but today there are more flexible options for working professionals.

That said, full-time doctorates in Minnesota are still widely available and can help you finish faster.

Most programs take two to six years, depending on the field and how long it takes to complete your dissertation.

Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Minnesota

Part-time doctoral programs in Minnesota are widely available, especially for students balancing work and school.
Timelines can vary, but these programs offer the flexibility to progress at your own pace.
Options include programs in business and nursing, making it easier to advance your career without stepping away from it.

Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in Minnesota

Fully funded doctoral programs in Minnesota are less common, but they do exist.

These programs typically cover:

Tuition costs
A monthly stipend for living expenses

In return, students usually work as teaching or research assistants and must maintain strong academic progress.

While competitive, these opportunities can significantly reduce the cost of your degree.

No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in Minnesota

The GRE requirement is becoming less common for doctoral programs.

Many schools in Minnesota have made test scores optional or eliminated them entirely, shifting focus to your experience, academics, and goals.

Programs in fields like management and social work are part of this growing trend, making the application process more accessible.

Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in Minnesota

Accelerated doctoral programs in Minnesota are designed to help you finish your degree faster than traditional timelines.

Some programs, especially in education, can be completed in about three years, though timelines vary by school and field.

These options are a good fit if you want to advance your career sooner without committing to a longer program.

No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in Minnesota

Most doctoral programs, especially PhDs, require a dissertation, but there are alternatives.

Some programs replace it with:

Comprehensive exams
Capstone or applied projects

These options are more common in practice-focused fields like nursing and education.

If your goal is hands-on work rather than research, a no-dissertation program may be a better fit.

You’ll get the most out of your degree if you find a program that’s a good academic fit. Students who match well with the strengths and specialties of their faculty have a much more rewarding graduate school experience. Be sure to research programs thoroughly and ask questions if needed.

Timon Kaple

Popular Fields to Earn Your PhD and Doctoral Degree in Minnesota

Business

With so many MBA holders in the workforce, many professionals pursue a DBA or PhD in Business Administration to stand out.

PhD programs: Focus on research and academic careers
DBA programs: Emphasize applied leadership and business practice

Most business doctorates in Minnesota are campus-based, but many offer part-time formats to support working professionals.

These programs are ideal if you’re aiming for senior leadership, consulting, or academic roles.

Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs

Education

Doctoral degrees in education are designed for those looking to move into leadership roles.

EdD programs: Focus on administration and leadership in K-12 and higher education
PhD programs: Emphasize research and academic careers

Education doctorates are among the most widely available in Minnesota, with options across:

Specialized fields
Full-time and part-time formats
Online, hybrid, and on-campus delivery

These programs are a strong choice if you’re aiming to lead and shape education systems.

Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs

Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs

Nursing

Nursing doctoral programs in Minnesota are among the most common, with a wide range of options.

DNP programs: Focus on clinical practice and leadership
PhD in Nursing: Designed for research and academic careers

DNP programs are especially popular and often include specialized tracks.

You’ll find both campus-based and online options, though most online programs use a hybrid format with some in-person requirements.

Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs

Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs

Psychology

Psychology doctoral programs in Minnesota come in two main types: the PhD and the PsyD.

PhD programs: Focus on research and teaching
PsyD programs: Emphasize clinical practice and patient care

Common specializations include:

Clinical psychology
Counseling psychology
School psychology

While online options exist elsewhere, Minnesota programs are currently campus-based, especially for clinical training.

Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs

Social Work

Social work doctorates in Minnesota fall into two main categories: the PhD and the DSW.

PhD in Social Work: Focuses on research, policy, and academic careers
DSW programs: Emphasize clinical practice and leadership roles

Currently, options in Minnesota are limited, with:

One campus-based PhD
One primarily online DSW with short annual residencies

These programs are ideal if you’re looking to move into advanced practice, leadership, or research in social work.

Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (PhD)

Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs

University of St. Thomas (DWS)

Earning Your PhD or Professional Doctorate Online in Minnesota

Online doctoral programs in Minnesota are still less common than campus-based options, but they’re growing — especially in fields like education and nursing.

Some schools now offer fully or partially online programs, though availability varies by discipline.

Online formats may include:

Asynchronous classes: Learn on your own schedule
Synchronous sessions: Live, often held evenings or weekends
Hybrid models: Mostly online with short on-campus residencies

Because formats differ, it’s important to check each program’s structure and requirements before applying.

Here are a few examples of fully or partially online programs:

Online learning formats offer great flexibilty, especially for people with families and outside employment. Of the formats above, asynchronous learning is the most self-paced and fluid. I found the structure of synchronous and hybrid models to be more aligned with my personal learning style.

Timon Kaple

Where to Get Help Paying for Your PhD or Doctoral Degree in Minnesota

A doctoral degree can be a smart investment, but it can also be expensive.

The good news is that many students qualify for funding options that can significantly reduce costs, including:

Scholarships and grants
Fellowships
Work-study roles
Teaching and research assistantships

Some of these opportunities also provide hands-on experience and networking, which can be just as valuable as the funding itself.

It’s best to start your search early, and a great first step is reviewing the financial aid pages of the schools you’re considering. Here are a few examples:

Earnings for Doctorate Holders in Minnesota

Earning potential is a key reason many students pursue a doctoral degree — and the numbers are encouraging.

In Minnesota, average salaries are about:

$93,600 (doctoral degree)
$63,783 (master’s degree)
$39,293 (bachelor’s degree)

Your actual earnings will depend on factors like industry, experience, job title, and location.

The table below highlights median salaries for doctoral-level careers to give you a clearer picture of what to expect.


Physicists	PhD in Physics	$125,340	$208,000

Job Title	Related Doctoral Degree(s)	Median Earnings	90^th Percentile Earnings
Chief Executives	Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) / Online PhD in Business	$167,540	$239,200+
Civil Engineers	Doctorate in Engineering (DEng/PhD)	$91,160	$130,970
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists	Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) / PhD in Psychology	$100,510	$174,510
Computer and Information Research Scientists	PhD in Computer Science	$111,230	$193,430
Economists	PhD in Economics	$93,660	$146,090
Education Administrators, Postsecondary	Doctor of Education (EdD)	$97,820	$168,460
Education Teachers, Postsecondary	PhD in Education / PhD in Special Education	$75,840	$116,600
Financial Managers	Finance Doctorate (PhD/DBA)	$133,040	$233,790
Nurse Practitioners	Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)	$128,020	$151,580
Pharmacists	Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)	$137,190	$168,100
Physical Therapists	Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)	$91,610	$103,010

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022