Are you eager to expand your expertise and become a leader in your field? Perhaps you have already obtained a bachelor’s or master’s degree and are looking to advance your career further. Pursuing a PhD or professional doctorate degree is the next logical step. However, you may be hesitant about taking on an intense doctoral program while also working full-time.
Fortunately, quality universities offer part-time programs (including convenient online options) that can make earning your doctorate much more manageable. This guide provides insight into the best part-time PhD and doctoral programs, explores common fields of study that offer part-time programs, and answers frequently asked questions about these programs. Keep reading to determine if a part-time doctoral program is right for you and find the one that can take your career to the next level.
Part-Time PhD and Doctoral Programs: Best in 2023
Quality, affordability, and accreditation are important when searching for the best part-time PhD and doctoral programs. The best choice for you, though, often boils down to how well a program fits with your full-time work schedule and everyday life. We’ve rounded up the top part-time PhD and doctoral programs that are flexible for maintaining work, life, and education balance while also providing a high-quality education.
Johns Hopkins University’s Part-Time Online DrPH
John Hopkins University provides public health professionals with a robust Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). The program helps early- to mid-career professionals working in international or domestic public health roles become leaders in their fields. There are ten concentrations, and the program helps connect students with the right courses, opportunities, and research projects to reach their individual goals.
This program offers part-time enrollment and can be completed in one year when attending full-time. To be eligible, applicants must hold an MPH from an accredited university and have at least three years of work experience in the field. Additionally, John Hopkins offers competitive scholarships to help offset the program’s costs.
George Mason University’s School of Policy and Government Part-Time PhD Programs
George Mason University offers three PhD programs – biodefense, public policy, and political science – to those working in the public policy sector. The Schar School PhD programs are designed for those who want a heavy research focus and the opportunity to conduct ground-breaking research in their fields. Alumni find success working in academia, for government organizations, and at nonprofits thanks to the school’s robust dissertation program, rigorous coursework, and networking opportunities.
Each program is available part-time or full-time and offers opportunities to customize the curriculum to your career goals. Prospective students need previous educational and work experience in the public policy field.
Boston College’s Part-Time (Ed.D.) in Higher Education
Boston College’s Executive Ed.D. in Higher Education program exists for those looking to advance their careers in higher education. The program develops innovative leaders who are ready to tackle the big problems facing higher education today. A unique feature of this program is how the school designs cohorts so each student comes from a different background to increase the diversity of thought in the program. Courses are all offered online and at times that work around a typical nine-to-five career.
Program requirements include summer residencies in Boston and Dublin. This three-year program also boasts a global focus with research and networking opportunities across the globe. Successful applicants need at least seven years of professional experience and a master’s degree.
Wayne State University’s Part-Time PhD in Social Work
Wayne State University offers one of the best part-time doctoral programs in social work in the country for those who already have a master’s in social work. With options in anthropology, gerontology, or infant mental health emphasis, the first three years of coursework prepare students for the final phase of the program – a dissertation. Graduates of WSU’s doctoral programs often take on leadership roles in academia, clinical scholarship, and social welfare policy. While part-time enrollment is possible, students must complete the program within seven years.
Drexel University’s Part-Time Online DBA
The Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program from Drexel University offers business professionals an online option to gain a high-quality doctoral education on their own schedules. The program prepares leaders for the business world and focuses on applying business theory to real-world scenarios. Students can also take PhD-level courses from other disciplines to integrate non-business ideas into their dissertations and projects.
Drexel designed its program for those with over ten years of experience in business, and the admissions process is highly selective with each cohort consisting of only 12-18 students. While most PhD programs are completed in three years, this program can be completed in two and a half when enrolled full-time, though part-time enrollment is also an option.
Most Popular Part-Time PhDs and Doctorates
Part-time PhD and professional doctorate programs are available in various fields of study. While professional doctorate programs emphasize applying research in practical settings and are commonly offered in part-time or online formats, PhD programs require original research contributions. Nevertheless, there are several popular part-time PhD and professional doctorate programs to choose from. The list below provides an overview of some of the most sought-after programs and can help you explore your options.
Criminal Justice
Since PhD and doctoral programs in criminal justice are for those already working in the criminal justice field, many are part-time and online. A PhD is more research-focused, like the Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Intelligence (Ph.D.) program at the University of North Georgia. A professional doctorate program, like the Doctoral Program in Criminal Justice at Texas State University, is focused on applying academic theories to professional settings. Many of these degrees are available online and on a part-time or full-time basis.
Nursing
A doctorate or PhD program in nursing is a great option for nurses want to become nurse practitioners, teach at the college level, or conduct original research. Since candidates usually need master’s degrees and previous work experience, many online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs are designed for working professionals. There are two types of advanced nursing programs commonly offered, the PhD in Nursing and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP). The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Baylor University and the online PhD program at George Washington University are examples of these types of advanced nursing programs.
Business
A PhD in business or Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) are some of the most common part-time programs designed to be completed while working full-time. Many online DBA programs and online PHD programs in business work especially well for busy professionals. The DBA at Washington University and the Katz Executive DBA from the University of Pittsburgh are examples of online, part-time options for advanced business degrees.
Education
Education doctorates and PhD programs work well for teachers and educators wanting advanced leadership influence in the field. The programs are usually part-time and work around a typical academic schedule. Online education doctorates focus on applying academic theories to educational settings, while online PhD in education programs are more focused on academia. The PhD program from Harvard University, available on campus and either part-time or full-time, and the part-time Doctor of Education – Online with Residency program from Northeastern University are examples of popular advanced education degree programs.
Communications
A doctorate or PhD program in communication is a great option for those already in the communication field who want to enhance their expertise. Since candidates often need a master’s degree and previous work experience in the field to apply, many online communications doctorate programs are designed for working professionals. The online PhD in Communication program at American University and Columbia’s PhD in Communications give examples of popular doctorate and PhD programs in education.
Public Health
A Doctor of Public Health is one of the most common part-time advanced programs and is designed to be completed while working full-time. Many online public health doctorates work especially well for working professionals, some with work requirements built into the curriculum. That means having a full-time role can actually help you progress more quickly through the program. Boston University and Penn State University both offer part-time PhD programs.
Key Questions About Part-Time PhD and Doctoral Programs
Are part-time PhD and doctoral programs offered online?
While it is highly subject-dependent, many PhD and doctoral programs are offered online. However, it’s not only the subject matter that can determine if a program is offered online but the type of degree, too. Since a professional doctoral program is designed for working professionals, it is often offered online and around a typical work schedule. The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) from John Hopkins University and the public policy PhD programs from George Mason University are examples of these types of flexible programs. However, PhDs are more academia focused and less likely to be offered online since they often have an in-person research component.
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 three to five years with some programs having a seven-year maximum you can spend on your coursework and dissertation.
Are part-time PhD students eligible for financial aid?
While PhD programs cost more than undergraduate and master’s programs, there’s also often more financial aid available to doctoral students. PhD 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 PhDs still have a dissertation requirement. Some professional doctorate programs have shorter research projects or capstones instead, which are less of a commitment than a dissertation. If you are looking for a program with a capstone instead of a dissertation, it’s best to talk directly to the programs you’re interested in about research requirements.
Do part-time doctoral programs have residency requirements?
This depends on your chosen field of study. Health-related fields and social work programs typically have residency requirements, but many programs outside of health and social work have them as well. For example, Boston College’s Executive EdD program has summer residency requirements for students. Residencies are often tailored around a working professional’s schedule, though, and work experience can sometimes be substituted in place of the requirement.