Best Part-Time PhD and Doctoral Programs (Online & Campus)
Looking for a part-time doctorate that lets you balance school, work, and personal commitments? Explore some of today’s best part-time doctoral programs with online components, review the most popular fields for these programs, and read FAQs from future students just like you.
Want to advance your expertise and become a leader in your field?
If you already hold a bachelor’s or master’s degree and want to move forward in your career, earning a PhD or professional doctorate may be your next step.
However, balancing a full-time job with the demands of a doctoral program can be challenging. That’s why many universities now offer part-time and online doctoral programs designed for working professionals.
This guide highlights the best part-time PhD and doctoral programs, explores common fields of study, and answers frequently asked questions about flexible doctoral options.
Featured Part-Time PhD and Doctorate Programs
When choosing a part-time doctorate, consider quality, affordability, and accreditation, but also how well the program fits into your work-life balance.
Below are top universities offering flexible, high-quality doctoral programs designed for working professionals.
Johns Hopkins University — Part-Time Online Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
Johns Hopkins University offers a robust Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) for early- to mid-career professionals in domestic and international public health roles.
Students choose from 10 concentrations and receive individualized support in selecting courses, research projects, and opportunities aligned with their goals.
- Enrollment: Part-time or full-time
- Completion Time: As little as 1 year full-time
- Eligibility: MPH from an accredited institution and 3+ years of work experience
- Cost: $1,429/credit
Program Details:
- 11 concentration options
- 57 coursework credits
- 7 proposal & thesis credits
- 1 practicum and dissertation
- GRE/GMAT optional
George Mason University — Part-Time PhDs in Public Policy and Government
George Mason University’s Schar School of Policy and Government offers part-time PhDs in biodefense, public policy, and political science.
These programs emphasize research excellence, allowing students to conduct groundbreaking studies while maintaining their professional roles.
Graduates often work in academia, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Program Highlights:
Although each of the three programs has different options and requirements, they have a number of key characteristics in common. These include:
- 72 credits, primarily in major field
- Minor field study
- 1 dissertation
- Advanced research coursework
- Customizable curriculum (part-time or full-time)
Admission Requirements:
- Graduate application and fee
- Official GRE scores
- Unofficial transcripts
- Current resume
- 3 letters of recommendation
- Statement of purpose (750–1,000 words)
- Writing sample (10–25 pages)
- Interview (if requested)
Cost: $752/credit (in-state)
Boston College — Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education (Part-Time)
Boston College’s Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education prepares professionals to lead in academia with an emphasis on innovation, diversity, and global perspective.
The program’s cohort model brings together students from varied backgrounds to foster collaboration and new ideas.
Courses are offered online and structured around standard work hours.
Program Highlights:
- Summer residencies in Boston and Dublin
- 3-year completion timeline
- Global research and networking focus
- Requires 7+ years of experience and a master’s degree
Learning Outcomes:
- Evaluate global and U.S. higher education issues
- Lead with innovation and manage institutional resources
- Promote diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Use design thinking to solve complex educational challenges
- Write professional, research-informed work
- (Catholic Higher Ed concentration) Define and assess institutional mission
Cost: $1,834/credit
Wayne State University — Part-Time PhD in Social Work
Wayne State University offers one of the nation’s best part-time doctoral programs in social work for MSW graduates.
Students can focus on anthropology, gerontology, or infant mental health. The first three years include coursework, followed by a dissertation phase. The program must be completed within 7 years.
Graduates often move into academic, policy, and clinical leadership roles.
Program Highlights:
- 90 credits (65 major, 25 elective)
- Joint MSW/PhD option available
- 3.0 minimum GPA
- 2 years of post-MSW experience
Admissions Requirements:
- Current résumé
- Three recommendation letters
- Official transcripts
- Personal goal statement
- Writing sample
Drexel University — Part-Time Online Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA)
Drexel University’s Executive DBA allows business professionals to earn a doctorate entirely online while maintaining full-time careers.
The program emphasizes applying business theory to real-world challenges and encourages interdisciplinary learning through PhD-level electives from other fields.
- Designed for professionals with 10+ years of experience
- Highly selective admissions (cohorts of 12–18 students)
- Completion in 2.5 years full-time or part-time
Cost: $2,100/credit | scholarships available
Expert Insight
Try not to compare your timeline to that of full-time doctoral students. Part-time programs are designed differently, and progress should be measured against your own goals and responsibilities.
Most Popular Part-Time Doctoral Fields
Part-time PhDs and doctorates are offered in numerous disciplines. Here are some of the most common fields where you can balance work and doctoral study.
Criminal Justice
PhD and doctorate programs in criminal justice cater to working professionals in the field.
- PhD programs focus on research.
Example: University of North Georgia’s Ph.D. in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Intelligence. - Professional doctorates focus on practical application.
Example: Texas State University’s School of Criminal Justice and Criminology’s Doctoral Degree.
Most are offered online or part-time, with flexible formats to fit full-time schedules.
Nursing
For nurses pursuing leadership or academic careers, DNP and PhD in Nursing programs are available part-time.
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs focus on clinical application and leadership.
Example: Baylor University’s Online DNP Programs. - PhD in Nursing programs focus on original research and academia.
Example: George Washington University’s PhD in Nursing.
Business
DBA and PhD in Business programs are among the most flexible options for working professionals. Examples include:
Both programs are online and offer part-time formats that are ideal for experienced business leaders.
Education
Education-focused doctorates allow teachers and administrators to expand their influence.
- Ed.D. programs emphasize practical leadership and reform.
Example: Northeastern University’s Online Doctor of Education - PhD in Education programs focus on academic research.
Example: Harvard University’s Doctor of Philosophy in Education
Communication
A PhD or doctorate in communication helps professionals deepen expertise in areas like media, messaging, and strategy. Examples include:
Public Health
Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programs are commonly designed for part-time or online study. Some integrate work experience directly into coursework, allowing professionals to advance while contributing to their organizations.
Examples include:
FAQs: Part-Time PhD and Doctoral Programs
Are part-time PhD and doctoral programs offered online?
Many doctoral programs are available online, but availability often depends on both the field of study and the type of degree.
Professional doctorates are commonly designed for working professionals and frequently offer flexible online or hybrid formats. Examples include the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) at Johns Hopkins University and the public policy PhD programs at George Mason University.
Research-focused PhD programs are less likely to be fully online because they often include in-person research, laboratory work, or other residency requirements.
How long does it take to complete a part-time PhD?
The time it takes to complete a part-time PhD program depends on the curriculum, how many courses you take each semester, and the timeline for your dissertation.
On average, expect a part-time PhD to take 3 to 5 years, with some programs having a 7-year maximum you can spend on your coursework and dissertation.
Are part-time PhD students eligible for financial aid?
Yes, PhD students enrolled in part-time programs are eligible for financial aid.
Students are often eligible for PhD-specific grants and scholarships, as well as fellowship and tuition reimbursement opportunities. For more information on completing your PhD on a budget, check out our financial aid guide.
Am I still required to do a dissertation as a part-time PhD student?
Most part-time PhD programs still require a dissertation. This research project is typically completed after coursework and remains a core component of many doctoral degrees.
Some professional doctorates use a capstone project or applied research project instead. These options are often more practice-focused and may require less time than a traditional dissertation.
Research requirements vary by program, so review them carefully before applying.
Do part-time doctoral programs have residency requirements?
Residency requirements vary by program and field of study. While they are common in healthcare and social work programs, many doctoral programs in other disciplines also require short on-campus residencies.
For example, Boston College’s Executive EdD includes summer residency sessions. These experiences are often designed for working professionals and may be scheduled around standard work commitments.
Review residency requirements carefully before applying, as expectations can differ significantly between programs.
Expert Insight
Look closely at a program’s dissertation completion rates. A flexible schedule is valuable, but it becomes a major issue if students struggle to finish the degree in a particular program.
