Best PhD Programs in North Carolina - Online & Campus
North Carolina offers some of the nation’s most accessible and affordable doctoral programs, with options ranging from research-focused PhDs to applied professional doctorates.
Whether you’re a recent graduate planning to pursue advanced research or a working professional aiming for leadership or teaching roles, the state’s universities provide high-quality, flexible programs designed to fit your schedule.
This guide highlights the top doctoral programs in North Carolina, explores different program types and delivery formats, and outlines funding and salary potential for doctorate holders across the state.
Exploring PhD and Doctoral Programs in North Carolina
When searching for the best PhD or professional doctorate, most students prioritize academic quality, flexibility, and affordability.
The following North Carolina universities stand out for delivering all three, with diverse programs offered online, hybrid, and on-campus.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. offers multiple doctoral programs for healthcare and research professionals, many of which can be completed partially or fully online.
Programs Offered:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- PhD in Nursing
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
- PhD in Public Health
Format: Coursework available online in self-paced, asynchronous formats; some exams or clinical requirements must be completed in person.
Learning Experience: Combines virtual learning with hands-on training in clinical and research settings.
Why it stands out: UNC-Chapel Hill balances flexibility and academic rigor, making it ideal for healthcare professionals advancing their credentials while working.
North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University (NC State) offers over 60 doctoral programs, including a strong selection of online and hybrid options.
Program Delivery: Hybrid programs combine online coursework with evening or weekend campus sessions, making them convenient for full-time professionals.
Example Programs:
- PhD in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development
- PhD in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media
- Doctor of Design (DDes)
Career Outcomes: Designed to prepare graduates for academic, leadership, and research positions.
Why it stands out: NC State’s combination of flexible scheduling and comprehensive research opportunities makes it a leader among North Carolina’s public universities.
East Carolina University
East Carolina University (ECU) is known for its emphasis on healthcare and education-focused doctoral programs, with several degrees offered fully online.
Programs Offered:
- PhD in Public Health (Environmental & Occupational Health or Health Policy & Leadership concentrations)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- PhD in Nursing
- EdD in Educational Leadership
Admissions: Most health programs require a master’s degree and professional experience.
Scholarship Example: The J. Craig Souza Scholarship ($4,000) supports doctoral students in healthcare administration who demonstrate financial need.
Why it stands out: ECU’s affordability and focus on public health and education leadership make it a strong option for working professionals pursuing career advancement.
Types of Doctoral Programs in North Carolina
Doctoral students in North Carolina can choose from a range of program formats, each of which is tailored to different learning preferences, career goals, and schedules.
Full-Time Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students who want to complete their degree as quickly as possible and can dedicate full-time attention to coursework and research.
- Typically completed in 4–5 years
- Common in research-intensive disciplines
NC Examples:
- North Carolina State University – PhD in Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media
- The University of North Carolina at Charlotte – Doctorate in Business Administration
Part-Time Doctoral Programs
Best for: Professionals balancing work, family, and academic goals.
- Take 5–8 years to complete
- Offer flexible schedules with weekend, evening, or summer courses
NC Examples:
- UNC Chapel Hill – PhD in Information and Library Sciences
- NC State – PhD in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development
Fully-Funded Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students focused on research or academic careers who want to minimize costs.
- Cover tuition, fees, and living stipends through fellowships or assistantships
NC Examples:
- UNC Chapel Hill – English and Comparative Literature PhD (fully funded via research and teaching fellowships)
- NC State – PhD in Geospatial Analytics (includes $25,000 stipend plus tuition support)
No-GRE Doctoral Programs
Best for: Applicants with strong academic or professional experience.
- Admission decisions based on GPA, experience, and personal statements rather than GRE scores
NC Examples:
- UNC Chapel Hill – PhD in City and Regional Planning (GRE waived)
- UNC Charlotte – PhD in Biology
Accelerated Doctoral Programs
Best for: Students seeking to graduate sooner through condensed or year-round coursework.
- Can be completed in as little as 3–4 years
NC Examples:
- NC State – Direct-to-PhD Program in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (for qualified undergraduates)
- Campbell University – Doctor of Health Sciences (8-week accelerated courses)
No Dissertation Doctoral Programs
Best for: Professionals in applied fields who prefer hands-on, project-based learning.
- Replace dissertations with practicums, portfolios, or capstone projects
NC Examples:
- Gardner-Webb University – EdD in Organizational Leadership
- UNC Chapel Hill – Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Popular Doctoral Fields in North Carolina
With top-ranked universities across the state, North Carolina offers doctoral degrees in nearly every discipline. Below are some of the most popular options:
Clinical Psychology
People in the psychology field who want to work at the highest level of the profession can earn a PhD in Psychology or PsyD degree.
By completing this degree, professionals are able to earn a license so they can prescribe medicine, provide treatment, conduct high-level research, and teach at the college level.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Physical Therapy
Although professionals used to be able to practice physical therapy with a master’s degree, a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is now required for this profession.
DPT students learn the theory and practice of evidence-based physical therapy, as well as develop the advanced critical thinking, leadership, and communication skills needed to work with patients and run a practice.
This is a good degree for people who are already working as physical therapy assistants and aides and want to advance in their careers.
Quality Examples of Programs
Accounting
Since the curriculum is research heavy, accountants who earn this degree are generally interested in conducting research or working as college or university professors.
In addition, a PhD in accounting is for people who want to demonstrate their expertise and open consulting or financial management businesses.
Quality Examples of Programs
Applied Mathematics
Those who want to earn a PhD in applied mathematics get the preparation they need to solve numerous types of advanced problems in different work environments.
After completing this program, students may go on to work for government agencies, manufacturers, insurance firms, medical companies, and communications service providers. Students who want to become college professors may also earn this PhD.
Quality Examples of Programs
Dentistry
The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) are rigorous programs that provide a deep understanding of biology, anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.
In addition, students get extensive hands-on laboratory and clinical training so they can apply the skills they learned in class to real patient experiences.
Quality Examples of Programs
Earning Your Doctorate Online in North Carolina
Online PhD and doctoral programs in North Carolina provide the same academic rigor and accreditation as traditional on-campus degrees — with added flexibility for working students.
Many universities, including NC State and UNC, offer hybrid and online programs that blend asynchronous learning with mentorship and research collaboration.
Examples:
- NC State – Doctor of Design (hybrid, includes faculty mentorship and committee-based support)
- NC State – PhD in Educational Leadership, Policy, and Human Development (evening and weekend coursework)
Online programs are particularly popular in education, nursing, and public health, allowing students to work full-time while earning their degrees.
Best Online Doctoral Programs in North Carolina
Carolina University offers multiple doctoral programs that span a wide range of areas of study. For those interested in healthcare or religion, there are the Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Philosophy in Healthcare Administration. For more general doctoral programs, students can choose from Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Leadership, Organizational Management, Innovation, and Educational Administration. All of these programs are offered mostly online; the Doctor of Ministry is 100% online. Additionally, applying to any of these programs doesn't require applicants to take the GRE or GMAT. To accommodate the unique professional needs of every student, each doctoral program offers various concentrations or elective courses, making a customized curriculum possible.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Ministry
- Credits: 36
- Length: About 3 years
- Cost: $410/credit
- Mode: Fully online
- Accreditation: TRACS
PhD in Healthcare Administration
- Credits: 73
- Length: About 4 years
- Cost: $610/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: TRACS
PhD in Innovation
- Credits: 73
- Length: About 3 years
- Cost: $610/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: TRACS
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
The Doctor of Nursing (DNP) Program from University of North Carolina Wilmington is ideal for anyone looking to earn a terminal nursing degree with as much flexibility as possible. Students choose from the following concentrations: family nurse practitioner, nurse executive leadership, post APRN, and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Students can enroll part-time or full-time, with the exact program length dependent on whether the student has a bachelor's degree or master's degree in nursing. Lastly, most of the coursework can be completed online; some concentrations allow students to earn their DNP without any in-person requirements.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Nursing Practice -- Nurse Executive Leadership
- Credits: 36
- Length: 5-8 semesters
- Cost: $384.19/credit (resident) and $1,227.30 (nonresident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice -- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Credits: 70
- Length: 8-14 semesters
- Cost: $384.19/credit (resident) and $1,227.30 (nonresident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CCNE
Doctor of Nursing Practice -- Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Credits: 70
- Length: 8-14 semesters
- Cost: $384.19/credit (resident) and $1,227.30 (nonresident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CCNE
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio16
The Doctor of Philosophy in Leadership Studies is a unique online degree offered by North Carolina A&T State University. It's designed for individuals who want to carry out social science research in the leadership arena. Students in this program come from a variety of professions and fields, from law to education to corporate management. The program consists of 60 credits, with 12 of these devoted to the dissertation process. Of the 48 credits allotted to coursework, 18 will be in one of the following three specializations: health services leadership, educational leadership, or organizational leadership.
Program Highlights:
PhD in Leadership Studies
- Credits: 60
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $240/credit (resident) and $867 (nonresident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio19
Wake Forest University offers two doctoral programs online: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Ministry (DMin). Both programs offer most coursework online but require students attend occasional in-person learning sessions. Both of these programs are also part-time, making it easier for students to work while taking courses. One special feature of the DNP program is that the curriculum is interdisciplinary, with students taking three credits from the Wake Forest School of Law. As for the DMin program, students enjoy three one-week on-campus residencies throughout the program that provide excellent opportunities to directly interact with professors and classmates.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 30
- Length: 2 years
- Cost: $25,146 first year, $19,558 second year
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
Doctor of Ministry
- Credits: 30
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $21,220/year
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: SACSCOC
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio10
Western Carolina University offers several online doctoral programs across two primary fields of study. On the education side, there's the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership. This cohort program includes both online and on-campus coursework (in-person classes meet one weekend a month). Classes are offered at a part-time pace, allowing students to continue working in their respective leadership positions. On the healthcare side, Western Carolina has several Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) academic pathways, including a general DNP track and Family Nurse Practitioner track. Both of these programs offer the bulk of the coursework online, although each has clinical residencies that require face-to-face experiential learning.
Program Highlights:
EdD in Educational Leadership
- Credits: 52
- Length: 3 years
- Cost: $277.92/credit (resident) and $873.42 (nonresident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: NCATE
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 34
- Length: 4-7 semesters
- Cost: $544.59/credit (resident) and $1,140.09 (nonresident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CCNE
DNP -- Family Nurse Practitioner
- Credits: 83
- Length: About 3 years
- Cost: $544.59/credit (resident) and $1,140.09 (nonresident)
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CCNE
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio15
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio20
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio18
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio11
Funding Your Doctoral Degree in North Carolina
Tuition doesn’t have to stand between you and your doctoral goals.
North Carolina universities and organizations offer a variety of scholarships, assistantships, and fellowships to reduce costs.
Examples include:
- Duke University: Guaranteed funding for PhD students through scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships
- North Carolina A&T State University: Multiple assistantships and scholarships for doctoral candidates
- ECU Department of Public Health: J. Craig Souza Scholarship ($4,000) for aspiring healthcare administrators
You may also qualify for external funding from government agencies, professional associations, and private organizations tied to your field.
How Much You Could Earn with a PhD or Doctorate
Earning a PhD or doctorate can significantly increase your salary and open the door to senior-level positions in academia, research, and industry.
According to ZipRecruiter, professionals in North Carolina with a doctoral degree earn an average of $103,361 per year, compared to $61,398 for those with a master’s degree.
Here’s a look at specific salary ranges by field:
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Psychologist | PhD in Psychology | $84,940 | $131,470 |
| Clinical Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) | $96,100 | $168,870 |
| College Education Administrator | Doctor of Education (EdD) | $102,610 | $209,870 |
| Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | $126,260 | $168,030 |
| Physical Therapist | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | $99,710 | $130,870 |
| Operations Manager | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | $101,280 | $232,110 |
| Anthropologist | PhD in Anthropology | $63,800 | $102,150 |
| Biomedical Engineer | PhD in Biomedical Science | $100,730 | $154,350 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics