A PhD is an exciting step in any student’s journey, especially as it’s typically the highest degree awarded in any given field. For students in the Buckeye State, you’ll be joining an elite group when you earn your doctorate, as only 11.7% of Ohioans have a master’s or professional degree. This means your PhD or professional doctorate will open the door to abundant opportunities with high wages and low competition.
When you’re considering which PhD programs in Ohio might be best for you, you have many factors to consider. That’s where our guide comes in: We’ve compiled the top programs, made lists of the best fields for earning a doctoral degree, and summarized salary expectations. Ready to begin?
Top-Rated PhD and Doctoral Programs in Ohio for 2024
When choosing an online PhD program in Ohio, the obvious first step is choosing a school, though which programs are “best” will vary depending on each person’s goals and expectations. However, a few outstanding schools are particularly notable in Ohio for their combination of high-quality offerings in a variety of fields, flexible study environments — including some online or hybrid options — and reasonable costs with opportunities for funding. Below is a snapshot of three of the top-rated PhD programs in Ohio.
Ohio State University
The Ohio State University, or OSU, is the state’s largest public university offering 102 different doctoral programs — including both Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA) degrees. As a large research university, OSU offers world-class facilities for high-level doctoral projects at its Columbus campus and satellite campuses throughout the state. Students at OSU develop independent research skills to create new knowledge in their chosen field and to pursue careers based on those skills.
Many of the school’s PhD students are funded through student associateships, which provide financial support and teaching opportunities during students’ graduate education. While the terms of associateships vary from subject to subject, they will typically provide students with full tuition for their program, coverage of any additional fees, a living expenses stipend, and subsidized health insurance.
University of Cincinnati
The second-largest public university in Ohio with a history dating back over 200 years, the University of Cincinnati is a public research university in an urban setting in Cincinnati, the southernmost city in Ohio on the border with Kentucky. The University of Cincinnati offers 16 different doctoral programs in Ohio spanning STEM fields, the humanities, and the social sciences. Each program has its own admissions process and program requirements.
PhD students at the University of Cincinnati are not guaranteed full funding but are eligible for financial assistance in the form of scholarships and paid work opportunities through the university. Student residents in Ohio are also eligible for traditional in-state tuition, or, in the case of Kentucky or Indiana residents, in-state tuition from a reciprocity program.
Miami University
Not to be confused with Miami, Florida, Miami University is one of Ohio’s top-ranked public universities. While it is a smaller institution than OSU or University of Cincinnati, Miami University still offers some of the most prestigious online PhD programs in Ohio. Boasting 12 doctoral programs, Miami University offers degrees in popular fields like chemistry and english, as well as more unusual pursuits, like a PhD in Social Gerontology.
While doctoral students at Miami University are not guaranteed full funding, some of the individual PhD programs offer teaching and research positions to offset tuition. One example is the PhD program in Psychology, which guarantees all admitted students a fully funded, five-year assistantship with tuition waiver and stipend.
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in Ohio
Attending online PhD programs in Ohio is not a one-size-fits-all approach; the number of years you attend, how you handle the financial aspect of your studies, and the type of program you choose are just some of the different factors to consider. Luckily, with so many doctoral programs in Ohio to choose from, you can see which of the following options works best for you.
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Ohio
For students who want to earn their doctorate quickly and can dedicate ample time to the process, a full-time PhD program is likely the best option. However, full-time doctoral study is similar to having a full-time job, making it a significant commitment. Ohio’s most prestigious schools, from Case Western Reserve University to The Ohio State University, offer full-time PhD programs.
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Ohio
Looking to work while you study, or fit your studies in with other commitments? A part-time PhD allows students to pursue a doctoral degree without the time commitment of a full-time degree, although you will be studying for a longer overall length of time before you graduate. Many Ohio schools offer these popular part-time PhD programs, including Ohio University’s Doctorate in Higher Education and Miami University’s Educational Leadership program.
Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in Ohio
Pursuing a doctorate is a major undertaking, and funding it can be complicated. However, with a fully-funded PhD program — such as those offered to all admitted students in OSU’s Fisher School of Business — students can focus on study without worrying about paying for tuition and living expenses. Fully funded students often pay their way by working for their department as research or teaching assistants, like 90% of those in OSU’s School of Engineering.
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in Ohio
While most graduate programs require applicants to take the GRE and submit their scores, that isn’t always the case. Some PhD programs in Ohio offer students acceptance without a GRE score, instead basing their decision on previous academic and professional records, admissions essays, and more. Both The Ohio State University and Bowling Green State University offer doctoral programs with no GRE requirement.
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in Ohio
For those who want to earn their doctorate as quickly as possible, an accelerated PhD program can offer a chance to earn a doctoral degree over a shorter period of time. These programs are often well suited to those who already have a master’s degree (or who have been accepted to a master’s program), or to those who want a specialized degree, like Walsh University’s three-year doctorate in Physical Therapy. Others, like the combined MS/PhD programs at OSU, offer an accelerated means to earn multiple degrees.
No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in Ohio
Traditionally, a doctorate is completed when a student has written and successfully defended their dissertation. However, not all PhDs require a dissertation. Some programs, like the PhD in Accounting offered by the University of Cincinnati, may have a series of smaller assignments rather than a traditional dissertation.
Popular Fields to Earn Your PhD and Doctoral Degree in Ohio
Chemistry
Students who love the sciences, possess strong mathematical skills, and are interested in high-level research may be attracted to a PhD in chemistry. Chemistry PhDs are in high demand in the professional world, and graduates often land exciting and well-paid careers in medicine and pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics development, and academic research.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Education
A doctorate in education can take a few different forms. If you’re looking for a more research-oriented degree, you can pursue a PhD in Education; on the other hand, a Doctor of Education (EdD) is more useful for practitioners who want to pursue educational leadership roles. Whatever you choose, a doctorate in education will position you at the leading edge of the science of pedagogy and will enable you to help students at any level learn.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Clinical Psychology
Psychology is a popular field, and the inner workings of the human mind can be deeply fascinating. With a doctorate in clinical psychology, graduates will be able to pursue a wide range of careers. Some decide to work in industrial psychology, helping businesses learn how their employees and customers think and function, while others work as a counselor and help individuals improve their mental health.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Electrical Engineering
Electrical engineering is a subset of engineering involving anything and everything powered by electricity. Because electricity can be complicated and even dangerous, highly specialized training, like that of a PhD, can be vital for higher-level electrical engineering roles. Engineers looking to advance in their careers to senior roles may choose to pursue a doctorate for exactly this reason.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
English Language and Literature
For those with a strong love of reading, writing, and linguistics, a doctorate in English Language and Literature may be the right fit. English PhDs are well-positioned for a scholarly career focused on instilling a love of literature in others. This can result in a career in academia, teaching English at the secondary level, or even a professional writing career.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Earning Your PhD or Professional Doctorate Online in Ohio
Not all doctoral students want a fully on-campus experience. Whether that’s due to family or professional responsibilities, physical difficulties that make coming to campus a challenge, or something else altogether, there are many students who are best suited for online or hybrid PhD programs in Ohio. These programs allow students to pursue a fully online education or a blended learning experience with a mixture of on-campus and online components.
Many schools in Ohio, particularly but not exclusively large university systems, offer at least some doctoral programs online or as a hybrid program. Some major university systems, like the University of Toledo’s Higher Education program or Ohio State’s College of Nursing, offer hybrid doctoral programs where you may need to complete on-campus requirements such as labs and clinical work, but take lectures online for increased flexibility.
Wondering which Ohio colleges offer the best online doctoral programs? Our rankings list below is a great place to start your search for a top-rated program you can feel confident enrolling in.
Best Online Doctoral Programs in Ohio for 2024
Students interested in getting a doctoral degree online have three degree programs to choose from at Ashland University. Individuals seeking a terminal theological degree can consider the Doctor of Ministry. This hybrid degree has five concentration options. The courses typically start out online, then the middle of the course requires students to spend one week on campus. The final part of the course usually is completed online. The Doctor of Education (EdD) degree in Leadership Studies has two tracks available: a traditional track and an accelerated executive track. Both feature online and on-campus course components. Lastly, there's the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, with three specializations available: Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Systems Leadership, and Advanced Practice. Each features online coursework along with in-person clinical experiences.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Ministry
- Credits: 32
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $778/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: ATS-COA
Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies
- Credits: 59
- Length: About 3 years
- Cost: $780/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 32-77
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $770/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CCNE
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio12
Aspiring doctoral students looking for a terminal degree in a unique field (especially those who also like to keep up with recent changes in the world) should consider the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Global Leadership and Change from Tiffin University. This program is mostly online, with two terms of coursework each semester. A limited number of on-campus visits are also needed to graduate. Specifically, students complete three two-day residencies hosted on the Tiffin University Campus. The curriculum has been designed with working business and education professionals in mind and includes courses that teach leadership, writing, research, and analytical skills. Students must graduate in less than seven years, although most do so in less than five. To apply, individuals must have a master's degree, although no entrance exam tests are required.
Program Highlights:
PhD in Global Leadership and Change
- Credits: 60
- Length: About 3.5 to 4.5 years
- Cost: $800/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: HLC
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio19
Walsh University's Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program stands out from similar programs because of the flexibility it offers. It's an online program, meaning that outside of the clinical training requirements practically all of curriculum can be completed online. And when it comes to completing the required clinicals, Walsh University offers a placement coordinator to help students find the most convenient and effective clinical sites and preceptors. The admissions process is also flexible because the DNP program accepts students with either a BSN or MSN degree. Finally, the curriculum is largely self-paced, with students able to progress at either a full-time or part-time rate. Students who want to graduate as quickly as possible can do so in about three years (for BSN-prepared students) and 20 months (for MSN-prepared students).
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 34-63
- Length: About 2-3 years
- Cost: $745/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CCNE
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio14
Aspiring academic leaders will be interested in Youngstown State University's online Doctor of Education (EdD) program offerings. To better fit the curriculum to each student's professional needs, three concentrations are available. These include Educational Leadership, Educational Leadership with Superintendent Licensure, and Educational Leadership in Health and Human Services. The general Education Leadership concentration is mostly online, although students must complete a clinical experience. As its name implies, the Educational Leadership with Superintendent Licensure path is best suited for those who want to progress into the highest levels of school administration. Finally, the Health and Human Services pathway is available to students who want to complete their degree 100% online and work in a field with extra emphasis on academic assessment and management of educators and students. Tuition is also very affordable, including for nonresidents of Ohio.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Education
- Credits: 60
- Length: About 3 years
- Cost: $415/credit (resident) and $420/credit (nonresident)
- Mode: Varies
- Accreditation: CAEP
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
The Ohio State University is one of the most well-known institutions of higher learning in the Midwest. While the school offers many doctoral programs, only two are online and they're both in nursing. One program is the Doctor of Nursing Education, which trains future nurse educators. Because of its academic focus, there are no clinicals or other in-person requirements. However, most of the online courses are offered synchronously, meaning students must attend class at preset times. For those who'd rather work at the highest levels in a clinical setting, there's the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. It's open to both BSN- and MSN-prepared students, with the bulk of the coursework taking place online in a synchronous format, usually scheduled later in the day. Students should also expect to attend an on-campus orientation and to defend their final project on campus toward the end of the program.
Program Highlights:
Doctor of Nursing Education
- Credits: 50
- Length: 2-3 years
- Cost: $1,154.20/credit
- Mode: 100% online
- Accreditation: NLN CNEA
Doctor of Nursing Practice
- Credits: 36 or 72
- Length: Varies
- Cost: $1,154.20/credit
- Mode: Partially online
- Accreditation: CCNE
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio18
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio12
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio11
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio14
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio7
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio20
Paying for Your Doctoral or PhD Program in Ohio
If you’ll be attending one of the top-rated PhD programs in Ohio, you’re likely wondering how to pay for your degree. Many universities offer financial aid opportunities to doctoral students to help offset the cost of your degree, including scholarships/grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and graduate research assistantships.
The Ohio State University offers a wide range of associateships for graduate students, with programs and opportunities varying by department. Similarly, Miami University offers PhD student assistantships, which include a living stipend.
In addition to checking with your school to learn about funding options, also check with the Ohio Department of Higher Education for specific state-funded opportunities and advice that may be applicable to your school and circumstances; you may or may not be eligible based on your state residency status.
Earnings for Doctorate Holders in Ohio
A doctorate can offer not only intellectual fulfillment, but also a major bump to graduates’ earning potential. Graduates of traditional or online PhD programs in Ohio are likely to see high wages; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), management occupations in Ohio — one of the categories of work most likely to require advanced educational qualifications — paid average salaries above six figures in May 2021.
Further, for those looking at the general earning potential of PhDs across the nation, the BLS estimates doctoral and professional degree holders to be among the highest earners in the nation, with six-figure average salaries for PhD graduates in fields ranging from business and economics to nursing and physics, as reflected in the table below.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executive Officer | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | $179,680 | $208,000 |
| Computer Research Scientist | PhD in Computer Science | $119,140 | $163,340 |
| Economist | PhD in Economics | $104,730 | $162,140 |
| Human Resources Executive | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | $123,270 | $207,520 |
| Mathematician | PhD in Mathematics | $109,350 | $165,470 |
| Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice | $103,310 | $135,180 |
| Physical Therapist | Doctor of Physical Therapy) | $95,620 | $124,380 |
| Physicist | PhD in Physics | $130,760 | $178,970 |
| Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) / PhD in Psychology | $105,500 | $132,390 |
| School Principal/Administrator | Doctor of Education (EdD) | $97,320 | $125,300 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021