Best PhD and Doctoral Programs in Utah: Online & Campus
Are you thinking about advancing your education to upskill for new career opportunities? Discover how PhD programs in Utah can help you achieve your goals and learn what you can expect when you enroll in this PhDs.me guide.
Thinking about earning a PhD in Utah? You’re not alone. Many students across the state pursue graduate and doctoral degrees to advance their careers.
This guide covers doctoral program types, top schools, funding options, and salary potential, helping you understand what to expect and how to get started.
Top Choices for PhD and Doctoral Programs
Choosing a PhD program is a major investment, so it’s important to find one that fits your goals, budget, and learning style.
The schools below highlight what strong programs have in common, giving you a useful benchmark as you compare your options, even if these aren’t your final choice.
University of Utah
The University of Utah offers a wide range of doctoral and professional programs in fields like business, engineering, humanities, and healthcare.
Students have access to strong support services, including a Thesis Office that provides guidance on formatting and submitting dissertations.
Additional resources include mentoring opportunities and professional development programs, helping students succeed both academically and professionally.
Utah State University
Utah State University offers doctoral programs in fields like biology, economics, and computer science, along with unique options such as an online PhD in career and technical education.
Tuition varies by residency, and students can access support through options like the Seely-Hinckley Scholarship for those with financial need.
The university also offers graduate assistantships, where students work about 20 hours per week in teaching or research roles in exchange for stipends and financial support.
Weber State University
Weber State University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) designed to prepare nurses for advanced clinical and leadership roles.
The program includes training in patient care, leadership, and research, giving students a well-rounded understanding of modern nursing practice.
Two pathways are available:
- Master’s to DNP: For experienced nurses pursuing leadership roles in healthcare settings
- BSN to DNP: For nurses with a bachelor’s degree aiming to become nurse practitioners
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs
One of the ways to figure out if a PhD program in Utah is the right choice for you is to consider the types of programs available. Some may fit better into your lifestyle than others. To help you with your decision, the different types of programs available are described below along with examples of schools offering them.
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs
Although it can be a rigorous experience, enrolling on a full-time basis may be worth the challenge if you want to complete your degree in a reasonable amount of time.
In addition, full-time PhD programs in Utah can give you a more well-rounded experience because you’re able to fully immerse yourself in your studies and take advantage of increased opportunities to network with professors and peers.
Quality Examples of Programs
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs
If a full-time program doesn’t fit your schedule, part-time doctoral programs in Utah can offer a more flexible path.
These programs take longer to complete but make it easier to balance school with work and other commitments — so you don’t have to put your goals on hold.
Quality Examples of Programs
Fully-Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs
Since paying for a PhD program in Utah is often a big concern, some schools help students financially by providing opportunities for full funding.
This can take the form of scholarships and grants from the school as well as assistantships.
If you’re chosen for an assistantship position, you’ll work for your department a certain number of hours per week in exchange for having your tuition waived.
Quality Examples of Programs
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs
You already have a lot on your plate, and you may not want to deal with taking a GRE to be admitted into a PhD program in Utah. Luckily, you don’t necessarily need to. Schools started offering no-GRE doctorate options in recent years, so you don’t have to also invest time in preparing for the standardized test as you juggle your professional and personal responsibilities.
Quality Examples of Programs
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs
Full-time PhD programs in Utah help you complete your degree in a reasonable amount of time, but you can finish even faster through an accelerated program if you’re able to dedicate more of your schedule to your studies.
Accelerated PhD programs are an intensive experience, many only take a year and are offered online, but often worth it to graduate significantly faster than is usual.
Quality Examples of Programs
No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs
A dissertation is valuable for students pursuing research-focused careers, but it’s not the only option.
If your goals are more practice-based, some doctoral programs offer alternatives like a practicum or applied project instead.
Quality Examples of Programs
Expert Insight
Applying to no-GRE programs can save you a lot of time, money, and energy. I applied to eight schools, all of which required GRE scores. I had to hire a tutor and spent months preparing for that exam, all while finishing my bachelor’s degree.
The Best Fields to Earn Your PhD and Doctoral Degree
Engineering
A PhD in engineering is ideal for professionals looking to specialize and advance in their field.
These programs are often chosen by those pursuing research roles or academic careers, with concentrations like industrial, electrical, civil, and mechanical engineering.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Nursing
There is an abundance of opportunities for nurses in Utah, especially since the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity considers life sciences and healthcare to be among the state’s targeted industries. In fact, Intermountain Health and the University of Utah Health are some of the biggest employers in the state. Whether you want to teach future nurses or provide advanced care at the top of your license, a nursing doctoral degree opens up a wealth of opportunities in already fertile ground for growth.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Psychology
A doctorate in psychology can help you specialize and advance in the field.
Programs may offer concentrations like social, school, sports, and abnormal psychology, allowing you to focus on your specific interests and career goals.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Biology
At the doctoral level, biology degrees are among the most common in Utah.
Because the field is broad, these programs prepare you for roles in industry, academia, or government, as well as opportunities in consulting within the life sciences sector.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Education
A doctoral degree in education helps you advance your teaching and leadership skills.
These programs prepare you for specialized instruction, administration, or leadership roles both inside and outside the classroom.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Expert Insight
At schools like the University of Utah, prospective students are often encouraged to discuss their research interests with professors in advance. Your success can hinge on finding the right faculty match, not just getting accepted. This goes for all programs.
Earning Your Online PhD or Professional Doctorate
Understanding how online doctoral programs in Utah work can help you choose the right fit.
These programs offer the same academic quality as in-person options, with added flexibility for your schedule.
Program formats may include:
- Fully online: No campus visits required
- Hybrid: A mix of online learning and occasional in-person sessions
Course delivery can also vary:
- Synchronous: Scheduled class times, even if online
- Asynchronous: Learn on your own schedule with no set meeting times
Choosing the right format depends on how much flexibility and structure you prefer.
Paying for Your PhD or Doctoral Degree
Cost is an important factor when choosing a PhD program in Utah, but there are many ways to make it more affordable.
Common funding options include:
- Scholarships and grants from schools, government agencies, and private organizations
- Fellowships for doctoral students
- School-based aid, which varies by institution
For example, the University of Utah offers fellowships and scholarships to support graduate students.
Earnings for Doctorate Holders in Utah
Earning a doctoral degree in Utah can lead to higher earning potential.
Data from the Utah Department of Workforce Services shows that salaries typically increase with each level of education, with doctoral and professional degree holders earning the highest averages.
The table below highlights earnings by career for roles that require or benefit from a doctorate.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) / Online PhD in Business | $160,660 | $239,200 |
| Civil Engineers | Doctorate in Engineering (DEng/PhD) | $80,300 | $132,540 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) / PhD in Psychology | $82,280 | $163,580 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientists | PhD in Computer Science | $91,920 | $135,100 |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | PhD in Education / PhD in Special Education | $76,470 | $139,210 |
| Epidemiologists | Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) | $60,320 | $91,520 |
| Financial Managers | Finance Doctorate (PhD/DBA) | $123,220 | $220,090 |
| Instructional Coordinators | Doctor of Education (EdD) | $56,560 | $98,210 |
| Nurse Practitioners | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | $112,490 | $163,780 |
| Physical Therapists | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | $86,280 | $125,440 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics