Best PhD and Doctoral Programs in Texas: Online & Campus 

Tarleton State University offers two doctoral programs, with the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership offering the curriculum partially online. The program is open to students regardless of their level of education and uses a cohort model, allowing students to progress through the program together over the course of three years. Because most students continue working full-time, many of the courses can be completed online. When not attending class online, students complete face-to-face learning at Tarleton State University's Fort Worth campus. Students choose from the following four concentrations: EC-12 Education Leadership, Educational Technology Leadership, Educational Finance, and Higher Education Leadership.

Program Highlights:

EdD in Educational Leadership

• Credits: 63
• Length: 3 years
• Cost: $509.27/credit (resident) and $775.37/credit (nonresident)
• Mode: Partially online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

One of Texas State University's more unique program offerings, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Geographic Education is a great option for students who want to advance their teaching and research skills as they relate to the subject of geography. Throughout the program, students complete research projects and participate in conferences and journal publications. The curriculum places a heavy emphasis on research and the development of theoretical concepts that can be applied to real-world challenges. After completing their PhD in Geographic Education, students will be ready for careers in a variety of settings, including academia, government, and the private sector. And because most students will already have established careers, the program can be completed fully online.

Program Highlights:

PhD in Geographic Education

• Credits: 46
• Length: Varies
• Cost: $357.36/credit (resident) and $765.36/credit (nonresident)
• Mode: 100% online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

The Doctor of Management program from Wayland Baptist University is designed for students looking to develop and apply the most advanced and effective management theories and techniques to their work environments. This program is ideal for any professional, whether they work in government, education, nonprofit, or corporate settings. Much of the curriculum examines how to utilize research skills and procedures to tackle various personnel challenges. There are two things to note when applying to this program. First, only those with a master's degree can apply. Second, applicants must complete a personal interview. To help speed up the time it takes to complete the program, students may meet up to 40 of the required 60 credits for the Doctor of Management degree through transfer credits. Of the 60 credits, 48 relate to coursework and 12 relate to the dissertation.

Program Highlights:

Doctor of Management

• Credits: 60
• Length: Varies
• Cost: $829/credit
• Mode: Partially online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership from Stephen F. Austin State University is a mostly online cohort program. This cohort model is ideal to promote interactive learning and networking opportunities. Each cohort begins classes during the summer, with a single admissions cycle each academic year. Of the required 60 credits, 21 cover educational leadership topics, 12 relate to research, and 18 will be in either the K-12 Leadership or Higher Education Leadership concentrations. As for the dissertation, students complete at least nine credits of coursework. Even though almost all of the curriculum can be completed online, students should expect to gain in-person experiential learning when completing a leadership internship.

Program Highlights:

EdD in Educational Leadership

• Credits: 60
• Length: Varies
• Cost: $599.50/credit (resident), $629.50/credit (border state resident), and $1,019.50/credit (nonresident)
• Mode: Partially online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

Texas Tech University is one of the biggest institutions of higher learning in Texas and offers more than a dozen online doctoral-level programs. Many of the programs are for education-oriented professionals. These include a Doctor of Education (EdD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Agricultural Education, Curriculum and Instruction (with various concentration options), Educational Leadership, Educational Leadership Policy, Educational Psychology, Family and Consumer Science Education, Higher Education Administration, Higher Education, and Special Education. Other doctoral programs from Texas Tech University include a PhD in Systems and Engineering Management and a PhD in Technical Communications and Rhetoric. The majority of these programs can be completed fully or mostly online, with a handful of programs following a hybrid model of both online and in-person learning elements.

Program Highlights:

PhD in Technical Communications and Rhetoric

• Credits: 60
• Length: 2-3 years
• Cost: $475.90/credit (resident) and $884.90/credit (nonresident)
• Mode: Partially online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

PhD in Systems and Engineering Management

• Credits: 72
• Length: Varies
• Cost: $475.90/credit (resident) and $884.90/credit (nonresident)
• Mode: Partially online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

PhD in Special Education

• Credits: 90
• Length: Varies
• Cost: $475.90/credit (resident) and $884.90/credit (nonresident)
• Mode: 100% online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC