Texas offers a vast selection of programs for those seeking to obtain a PhD or doctorate degree. With a range of affordable options and high-quality education, many doctoral programs in Texas also offer online or hybrid instruction. In this guide, we will explore the top-rated PhD and doctoral programs in Texas, the most sought-after PhD and professional doctorate degrees in the state, and provide a glimpse into what a typical online program entails.
This guide will equip you with the information needed to kickstart your search for the ideal on-campus or online PhD or doctoral program in Texas, whether you aspire to become a psychologist in Corpus Christi or an engineer in El Paso. By the end, you will be well-prepared to embark on your journey towards finding the perfect program that aligns with your career aspirations.
Top-Rated PhD and Doctoral Programs in Texas for 2023
While the definition of “best” may vary depending on individual preferences, the following three universities provide a wide range of high-quality on-campus and online doctoral programs in Texas. These programs offer flexible study options and reasonable tuition costs, making them a great choice for prospective students. Even if these universities are not the ideal fit, they can serve as a benchmark for quality when evaluating other doctoral and PhD programs in Texas.
Texas Tech University
Texas Tech University provides a variety of high-quality doctoral programs with the option to take some courses online. While tuition is about $20,000 per year in-state, programs at Texas Tech offer many opportunities to be fully funded, especially for in-person students who can hold teaching or research assistantships alongside their coursework. Another option for funding is doctoral fellowships, which cover tuition and provide a stipend for students. The school also offers top-notch grad student resources, from the graduate student writing center to leadership training programs. Nine of Texas Tech’s doctoral degrees are fully online and five are hybrid.
University of Texas at Tyler
The University of Texas at Tyler (UT Tyler) offers six doctoral programs, including a Doctorate in Nursing and a PhD in Human Resource Development. Each program boasts not only a rigorous curriculum but also access to resources available throughout the University of Texas system. UT Tyler also offers generous fellowships and assistantships to help offset the cost of tuition. Currently, the school has three on-campus programs, two online PhDs, and one hybrid program. Most programs don’t require a dissertation and directly correlate to a career outside of academia, including as a pharmacist, nurse, or HR director.
Texas Woman’s University
Texas Woman’s University (TWU) offers over 25 programs at the doctoral level across a variety of disciplines – and many are offered in either a fully-online or in a hybrid format. TWU was one of the pioneers of online and hybrid research and has many resources available to help online students with their dissertations. Additionally, TWU allows doctoral students to customize their learning experiences to their specific goals through flexible curricula and research opportunities. Because the university is overwhelmingly female, many programs, including the PhD in Psychology, offer a uniquely female-focused perspective. To offset the cost of tuition, TWU offers graduate assistantships both as research assistants and as teaching assistants.
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in Texas
It’s essential to recognize that not all PhD and doctoral programs in Texas are created equal. To ensure that you enroll in a program that meets your needs, it’s crucial to explore the following six different types of programs, including what they entail, and who they are a good fit for:
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Texas
The most traditional kind of PhD or doctoral program in Texas is a full-time program. Often, this includes three years in PhD-level courses and two years completing a dissertation. Because of the academic rigor of these programs, students typically don’t work full-time while completing their full-time PhDs. Two full-time PhD programs in Texas to check out include the University of Texas at Austin’s full-time PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology and the Psychological and Brain Sciences PhD from Texas A&M.
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Texas
Similar to a full-time PhD, a part-time PhD program in Texas is available in a variety of disciplines and often requires a dissertation. Unlike a full-time program, which can be completed in four to five years, a part-time program typically takes five to eight years. Some popular part-time programs in Texas include the Doctoral Degree in Developmental Education from Texas State and Texila American University’s PhD in Management.
Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in Texas
If finances are a concern you’ll want to consider a fully funded PhD or doctoral program in Texas, which means the cost of your PhD is covered by the university. Often, this funding is in exchange for being a research or teaching assistant. The good news is fully funded PhD programs are quite common, especially in the sciences and liberal arts. For example, both the PhD in Biology from Texas A&M and University of Texas at Austin PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology are fully funded.
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in Texas
The GRE is an entrance exam required by some in-person and online PhD/doctoral programs in Texas. If you don’t want to take the GRE, you’re in luck—some PhD and doctoral programs don’t require it. No-GRE programs are diverse in discipline, course requirements, and format (online, hybrid, or in person). They range from the PhD in Counseling Psychology at Texas Woman’s University to Texas A&M Commerce’s PhD in Educational Administration.
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in Texas
If you want to fast-track your PhD and get it done in three to four years, consider an accelerated PhD program in Texas. While these programs usually require a dissertation, they require less PhD coursework. They’re most popular in education and business and are sometimes offered in an online format. Two accelerated PhD programs in Texas include the University of Texas at Austin’s PhD in Management and Texas Fort University’s PhD in Education.
No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in Texas
The dissertation is often the scariest part of completing a PhD. While a dissertation can be rewarding to write, authoring and defending it can take two years or longer. Luckily, some doctoral programs in Texas don’t require dissertations. Take a look at the Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Texas Tech and Baylor University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
Popular Fields to Earn Your PhD and Doctoral Degree in Texas
Universities in Texas offer doctoral degrees in nearly every field. Check out some of the most common options below, along with a list of quality online and on-campus programs for each.
Counseling/Psychology
If you’re interested in advancing a career in counseling or psychology, you most likely will need to complete a PhD program in Texas. Often a PhD in Psychology or PsyD degree is needed to act as a licensed therapist or psychologist. Having your doctoral degree can also lead to a variety of opportunities in research or teaching.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- Texas A&M PhD in Psychological and Brain Sciences
- Texas Woman’s University PhD in Counseling Psychology
- The University of Texas at Dallas PhD in Psychology
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Education
Earning a PhD in education or Doctor of Education (EdD) can open doors to a variety of opportunities, from becoming a school administrator to working as a curriculum designer to conducting educational research for a university. This is the perfect doctorate for you if you already have experience in the educational field and want to deepen that knowledge.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- Texas State Doctoral Degree in Developmental Education
- University of North Texas PhD in Higher Education
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Business
If you’re an experienced business professional looking to become an expert in your field, consider a PhD in Business or Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) through a program in Texas. Many of these programs are specialized by business discipline (management, marketing, business analytics, etc.) and require both educational and professional experience in the field to apply.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
- Texila American University’s PhD in Management (fully online)
- University of North Texas PhD in Business (hybrid)
Physical Therapy
To become a physical therapist, you must get a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. This hands-on degree is the perfect fit for anyone with an undergraduate degree in a related health science field and a passion for helping others recover from injuries and other mobility issues. Most programs are in person, with Baylor University offering the only hybrid program in the state.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Biology
If you aspire to conduct scientific research in the field of biology, completing a PhD program in Texas is likely to be necessary, particularly if you aim to become a research leader. Due to the substantial laboratory hours required, it is challenging to find online PhD programs in this field, although some hybrid programs do exist.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- University of Texas at Austin’s PhD in Cell and Molecular Biology
- Texas A&M PhD in Biology
- University of Houston PhD in Biochemistry
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Earning Your PhD or Professional Doctorate Online in Texas
If you find it difficult to get to campus every day and are looking for a more flexible option, a hybrid or online PhD or doctoral program in Texas might be for you. But hybrid or online programs look different than in-person ones. Some online programs, like Texas Tech University’s PhD in Curriculum and Instruction offer all classes online and don’t require any campus visits. Other programs, such as Baylor University’s Doctorate of Physical Therapy, are hybrid programs. In Baylor’s program, students can take their first year of classes online. In the second year, students must take their courses on campus. During the second year, students must also complete field experiences in a physical therapy office.
To explore other quality doctoral degrees you can earn online in Texas, browse our college rankings below. We rated schools on important criteria like low tuition, quality academics, and robust student services to help you find a program you can feel confident enrolling in.
Best Online Doctoral Programs in Texas for 2023
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
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio21
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
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio22
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
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio9
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
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
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
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio21
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio18
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio18
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio21
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio14
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio19
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio17
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio25
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio16
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio20
CounselingYes
PlacementYes
Faculty Ratio13
Where to Get Help Paying for Your PhD or Doctoral Degree in Texas
To help offset the cost of tuition, a variety of financial aid opportunities are available to on-campus and online doctoral students in Texas. These include scholarships and grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and graduate research assistantships. Scholarships can come from your university or other organizations, such as PEO, which offers scholarships to women. Fellowships are usually offered through your school, and work-study programs involve working on campus in exchange for money toward tuition.
For most PhD and doctoral candidates in Texas, the most popular type of financial assistance is graduate assistantships. Assistantships can involve teaching undergraduate courses, such as the assistantships offered at Texas A&M Commerce. They can also involve helping with research in a lab, such as the University of Texas at Austin research assistantship from the biology department.
Earnings for Doctorate Holders in Texas
Getting your doctorate not only allows you to become an expert in a topic you’re passionate about, but it also can lead to a bump in your paycheck. For some professions, such as psychology or physical therapy, a doctoral degree is required to enter the field above the assistant level. For other fields, such as education and finance, you can expect to make $18,000-$30,000 more annually compared to those with a master’s or bachelor’s in the field. If you’re interested in how much you can earn with popular on-campus and online doctoral programs in Texas, check out the chart below.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical/Counseling Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) / PhD in Psychology | $78,000 | $126,870 |
| Curriculum and Instruction Director | Doctor of Education (EdD) | $63,740 | $97,360 |
| Physical Therapist | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | $99,040 | $136,870 |
| Financial Officer | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | $133,900 | $208,000 |
| Public Health Director | Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) | $102,110 | $171,180 |
| Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | $121,010 | $154,080 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2021