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Best Online PhD & Doctoral Programs

Obtaining a doctoral degree online may help open doors for you to advance your career. Study.com has compiled a list of the top PhD and doctorate degree programs in the country to help you inform your schooling decisions.

Best Online Ph.D. and Doctoral Programs

Study.com's online degree rankings are unique in that they emphasize accessibility, affordability, and quality of education, which we considered the most important attributes in our school rankings. Keep reading to find a great doctoral program that meets your needs.

1. Purdue University

Purdue Universitym in West Lafayette, Indiana offers more than 175 online degree options, including programs for students looking to secure their doctoral degree in areas like nursing and education. Online programs include the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Technology, while the university also offers the Ph.D. in Higher Education and Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in hybrid on-campus/online program formats. Students in these programs get plenty of support in their studies through one-on-one educational advising, free tutoring services, and career counseling assistance.

2. A. T. Still University of Health Sciences

A. T. Still University of Health Sciences in Kirksville, Missouri helps students pursue their goal of earning a doctorate in a variety of fields through flexible online degree options. Doctoral degrees include the Doctor of Health Administration, Doctor of Health Education, Doctor of Medical Science, and Doctor of Occupational Therapy. To support its online students, the university offers access to library databases specific to the health professions like ClinicalKey, the LWW Health Library, and Stat!Ref. The university also provides subscriptions to mobile apps like AccessMedicine, EBSCO eBooks, BrowZine, and Merck Manual Professional.

3. George Washington University

At George Washington University in Washington, D.C., students can choose from several fantastic online doctoral programs, including the Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, Ph.D. in Nursing, and Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management. Depending on the program students choose, coursework could be completed totally online or require a residency that needs just a couple of campus visits. The university's online programs could include synchronous courses in which students and faculty interact in a live online environment or asynchronous courses in which students learn through a self-paced approach. Online students can feel supported in their studies thanks to a wide range of services, including online writing assistance as well as library resources for off-campus students like web-based journal searches.

4. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

At Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, Pennsylvania, students have the opportunity to enroll in a comprehensive four-year Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) online distance learning program. In this program, which is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), students take mostly online courses that focus on basic science in the first year, clinical science training in years two and three and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) in community and clinical settings in the fourth year. On-campus visits are required for casework, labs, and presentations. Pharmacy students are able to delve deeper into their field by learning valuable information from the LECOM School of Pharmacy Center for Drug Information and Research.

5. Liberty University

Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia offers more than 90 doctoral online programs in areas ranging from business administration and strategic leadership to ministry and worship studies. The Office of Online Student Life helps students stay on track throughout their academic studies with fantastic resources like online tutoring, access to a video library, and an online writing center. Students even get the opportunity to take part in Supplemental Instruction (SI) in which they work with peer tutors to overcome academic challenges that could stand in the way of their ability to excel in their programs.

6. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers more than 50 fully online certificates and degrees, including three doctoral degrees: iPharmD, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Ph.D. in Nursing. Students enrolled in degree programs that use the Canvas online learning system can get acclimated with help from free training and tutorials. Online students can also take advantage of a variety of resources like access to 24/7 librarian support and an online writing center.

7. Utica College

Utica College in Utica, New York provides a phenomenal online doctoral program for students interested in physical therapy. The Post-Professional Doctor of Physical Therapy (pptDPT) is a clinical doctoral degree designed for individuals looking to start careers in school-based physical therapy or geriatric physical therapy. The college offers resources that online students can utilize to excel, including articles that offer information about specific academic programs. To help prepare students for life after graduation, the college offers career services that include an online resume builder and the ability to practice your interviewing skills through a virtual interview prep module.

8. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock, Texas is home to more than a dozen distance learning programs, including several doctoral degree options. Students could enroll in the Doctor of Science in Physical Therapy or Doctor of Physical Therapy, Transitional if interested in the field of physical therapy. The university also offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program and a traditional DNP program. Services available to online students include web-based access to the TTUHSC Libraries and TTUHSC Writing Center.

9. MCPHS University

MCPHS University in Boston, Massachusetts prepares students for careers in health professions through a variety of online terminal degrees. Programs include a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Doctor of Acupuncture and Integrative Health (D.A.I.H.), Doctor of Health Sciences (D.H.S.), and Doctor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies. To aid in the pursuit of their career prospects, students can enjoy the support of the Center for Professional Career Development, which offers access to the Career Center Blackboard for interviewing assistance, resume building help and networking opportunities.

10. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Kentucky makes it easy to jumpstart your career in industries like business, education, and information technology with comprehensive online doctoral degrees. Program options include the Doctorate in Business Administration (D.B.A.), Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, and Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision. This university's online learning experience stands out from the pack because of students' ability to take both synchronous and asynchronous classes for top-notch flexibility. The university also offers online tools and resources to help students conduct quality research, communicate regularly with their instructors, and interact effortlessly with their peers.

11. University of New England

The University of New England in Portland, Maine offers a three-year, 51-credit Doctor of Education in Transformative Leadership (Ed.D.) program that is available completely online. This program does not require campus visits and even allows students to present their dissertations online. Students in this and other online programs can enjoy a wide range of resources, including online access to the library and Blackboard learning management system tutorials. The Student Academic Success Center offers online services like help with study skills and academic support via phone conversations, video conferencing, or even synchronous online workshops with other students.

12. University of South Alabama

The College of Nursing at the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama is home to an online Doctor of Nursing Practice program accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education that offers a variety of pathways to the doctoral degree. Students have the opportunity to train for careers in nursing informatics, public health administration, executive nurse administration, or one of several nurse practitioner or specialist roles. While enrolled in their online programs, students can benefit from a variety of resources, including access to online nursing job searches and a comprehensive online collection of evidence-based resources for nursing..

13. Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, Missouri offers a Ph.D. in Nursing as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice for students interested in online terminal degrees in the nursing field. The DNP program offers five concentrations in areas that can lead to careers as nurse practitioners for adult and pediatric populations as well as for families and mental health. In both programs, students are able to strengthen their academic journeys with help from an online library and writing center. They can also benefit from a faculty advisor who guides them from the beginning to the end of their programs.

14. Frontier Nursing University

Frontier Nursing University in Hyden, Kentucky offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice program that can be completed in as few as 15 months. While all courses are taken online, the program requires students to take part in a three-day on-campus experience, complete the clinical-based, eight-week DNP Project, and gain clinical experience through a practicum. Program specialties include Nurse-Midwife, Women's Health Care Nurse Practitioner, and Family Nurse Practitioner. Online students are supported by distance education services like the ability to search online journals and full-text databases through the Alice Whitman Memorial Library.

15. The University of Tennessee - Health Science Center

Students interested in securing an online nursing doctoral degree from the University of Tennessee - Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee will be happy to learn about the school's fantastic Doctor of Nursing Practice program. This program, which received the first Faculty Practice Award from the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties, offers concentrations that include Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner. Students enrolled in this and other online programs can benefit from great support services like educational coaching, online access to the Health Science Library, and learning resources such as online writing assistance.

16. St John's University - New York

St John's University - New York in Queens offers phenomenal online doctoral programs that stand out from the pack, including the Doctor of Professional Studies in Homeland Security that offers online and hybrid delivery modes and a fully online Ph.D. in Literacy. Students in these programs are prepared for success during their schooling and after graduation with access to career services, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The Office of Online Learning and Services also offers student resources like tutoring and writing help.

17. Brandman University

At Brandman University in Irvine, California, students can enroll in an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership program available in a hybrid (on-campus/online) or fully online format. The program is designed for completion in three years with the first two years focused on coursework and the final year focused on the dissertation. While enrolled in this program, online students can benefit from a variety of resources, including virtual meetings with academic advisors who help them during the admissions process and throughout their academic journeys. Tutoring services are also available along with tech support from the Center for Instructional Innovation (CII).

18. Lamar University

Individuals studying education who are interested in an online doctorate could enroll in the 100% online Ed.D. in Educational Leadership program at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. This program, which begins in the summer, is designed for completion in eight semesters with summers included. While enrolled, students can enjoy online tools designed to support their learning and study processes like library research databases. The university also helps students start or further their careers with online career tools like the Handshake online job database and InterviewStream for interviewing practice.

19. The University of Texas Medical Branch

The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston is proud to offer a comprehensive online DNP This program can be completed in 8 semesters and features 16 courses with flexible curriculum and small class sizes that help students get to know their instructors and peers intimately. While in this program, students can access online career resources like interviewing assistance and nursing specialty career guides. School of Nursing students can also enjoy free academic tutoring that helps with assignments, lab work and information about supplemental learning resources.

20. Saybrook University

At Saybrook University in Pasadena, California are doctoral programs that are considered low-residency, hybrid, which means they are completed mostly online but require some in-person instruction. Available programs include the Ph.D. in Mind-Body Medicine, Ph.D. in Organizational Systems, Ph.D. in Transformative Social Change, and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. Students enrolled in these online programs can access fantastic online library resources like Ebrary, NetLibrary, Sage Journals Online, and PsychiatryOnline.

21. Arkansas State University

Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, Arkansas is home to Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs, both of which are available in an online format. Students in these programs have the opportunity to utilize online tools like the OneSearch database for the Dean B. Ellis Library that searches journals, databases, and catalogs. While enrolled or upon graduation, students can take advantage of career services like resume writing assistance and job search help.

22. Wilkes University

Among the many fantastic online programs available at Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania are the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, DNP, and Ph.D. in Nursing. To help online doctoral students excel in these programs, the university offers online access to library resources like a resource collection and other distance learning resources like tutorials for using other library tools. The Center for Career Development and Internships prepares students for job placement while in school or upon graduating.

23. Augusta University

Augusta University in Augusta, Georgia is proud to offer several online doctoral programs in nursing, including the Ph.D. in Nursing (a hybrid program) and Doctor of Nursing Practice options that are either hybrid or online. DNP concentrations include the Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP Post-Master's, and Nurse Executive track. As students navigate their educational experience, they can take advantage of resources designed to support online learners like the library online academic databases.

24. Idaho State University

Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho offers several online doctoral programs like the Ed.D. in Education Administration, Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, Ph.D in Nursing, and Ph.D in Instructional Design. Online students on track to becoming future educators can benefit from support in their programs from the Kent Center, which offers advice to educator preparation candidates. The Career Center is also available to assist students in job searches, which can be conducted online.

25. Maryland University of Integrative Health

At Maryland University of Integrative Health in Laurel, Maryland, students can enjoy access to a variety of programs available in online and hybrid formats. The university's Doctor of Clinical Nutrition is offered in multiple formats depending on the level of education already attained prior to enrollment. Students who opt for the online experience utilize Canvas, a platform that allows them to learn on their own time in a flexible, asynchronous environment. The Office of Digital Learning helps students who are learning online to meet their academic obligations through technology consultations and training for Canvas.

26. Medical University of South Carolina

Students interested in securing online doctorates in health-related fields could find what they're looking for at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston. Program options include the Doctor of Nursing Practice, Ph.D. in Nursing Science, Doctor of Health Administration, and Clinical Doctorate in Nurse Anesthesia. With help from the Office of Enrollment Management (OEM), students can get help with every aspect of their academic experience from enrollment to graduation. Library services available for online students include JoVE Video Collection and online journal and ebook searches.

27. Shenandoah University

Shenandoah University in Winchester, Virginia offers more than half a dozen online doctoral degree programs, including the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) to DNP, MSN to DNP, Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, and Doctor of Pharmacy/Master of Public Health dual degree program. Students in these and other online programs at the university can enjoy academic assistance that includes email tutoring from the Writing Center and even math help for distance learners.

28. Concordia University - Portland

The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program from Concordia University - Portland in Oregon is a fantastic option for students interested in earning their doctoral degree in an online or hybrid format. This program offers a 'virtual residency' feature that allows students to receive the same support they would in face-to-face residencies. Financial opportunities available to Ed.D. students include the $10,000 - $15,500 District Partnership Scholarship and $5,000 Seasonal Scholarship. Students can also benefit from online academic and technical support when taking online courses.

29. University of Nevada - Las Vegas

The UNLV is happy to offer 200 hybrid and online courses each semester, many of which are found in online doctoral programs like the Ph.D. in Nursing: Nursing Education track, Ph.D. in Nursing: Post Doctor of Nursing Practice track, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Online students have the ability to create their own schedule so they can learn during times and in locations that are most convenient to them. While enrolled in these programs, nursing doctoral students have the opportunity to take elective courses through NEXus, which provides access to courses offered at other schools.

30. Faulkner University

Faulkner University, a Christian liberal arts school in Montgomery, Alabama, houses two distance-learning doctoral programs: Doctor of Philosophy in Biblical Studies and Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities. These programs are both available completely online and take around four or five years to complete. A variety of resources can support students' journeys in these programs, including an online academic calendar, online student handbook and schedule for online classes.

31. Logan University

Logan University in Chesterfield, Missouri offers a Doctorate of Health Professions Education degree that is available totally online. The program features a three-trimester system that grants students the flexibility to begin their coursework in January, May, and September. To help students excel in their programs, the university offers the Learning Resources Center (LRC), which provides access to online library research guides, streaming media, and the Logan eBook libguide. Students can also enjoy career services and the Online Career Resource Center.

32. St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota offers a comprehensive online Doctor of Occupational Therapy (Post-Professional) (OTD-PP) degree that touts three alumni and university leaders who have been American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) presidents. Students engage with their professors and fellow students primarily through video chats; however, two on-campus visits are required at the beginning and end of the program. The university offers online writing assistance for graduate students and distance learners as well as online resources like workshop videos and library research help.

33. University of Memphis

The University of Memphis in Tennessee houses online doctoral programs that include a Ph.D. in Nursing, Doctor of Liberal Studies, and Doctor of Education degrees in Higher and Adult Education and Instructional and Curriculum Leadership. Resources for online students in these and other programs at the university include 24/7 online tutoring, access to online library databases and career services like FOCUS 2, a web-based career guidance system that helps you to assess career interests based on your personality, skills, interests, and values.

34. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology at Los Angeles in California offers several online and online-residency doctoral programs, including a Ph.D. in Business Psychology, Ed.D. in Educational Psychology and Technology, Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, and Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis. Most online courses in these programs are taught in a self-paced manner but could require a synchronous component in which students interact in a live online environment. During their time in the program, students will receive a personal Student Advisor who aids in the academic journey from enrollment to graduation.

35. Loma Linda University

Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, California is happy to offer comprehensive online and distant programs in areas like behavioral health, nursing and public health. At the doctoral level, students could enroll in program options like the Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD), Doctorate of Marital and Family Therapy (DMFT) and Doctor of Public Health (DrPh) in Health Education. The OTD and DMFT programs are available 100% online, while the DrPH program requires students to visit the campus for specific projects like research for proposal defenses. To help students excel in their programs, the university grants web-based access to the Del E. Webb Memorial Library through which they can research journals, databases and catalogs online.

36. Indiana State University

Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana provides fantastic online learning opportunities for prospective doctoral students. Program options include a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Ph.D. in Technology Management, Doctorate in Athletic Training and Ph.D. in Educational Administration: School Administration. The university's Career Center offers great services for distance learners to plan for job opportunities while enrolled or after graduating through career advising that can take place over the phone or via video conferencing.

37. Mississippi State University

At Mississippi State University, students have access to a variety of online and distance doctoral programs, including a Ph.D. in Community College Leadership and a variety of engineering Ph.D. programs in areas like civil engineering, computational engineering, and mechanical engineering. The university offers student services that can benefit online learners, including online tutoring, online workshops, and tutorials from the Instructional Media Center. Students can also explore an informative YouTube channel from the Mississippi State University Libraries offering software tutorials.

38. Wilmington University

Students attending Wilmington University in New Castle, Delaware can work toward careers in education or nursing through the school's online doctoral programs. Program choices include the Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Practice, accelerated MSN to DNP and Gerontological Nurse Practitioner and Doctor of Nursing Practice combined accelerated option. To help students succeed in their programs, the university offers online tutoring as well as online workshops. Academic tools specific to doctoral students include assistance with figuring out how to interpret statistics results and free statistics lectures.

39. University of Western States

The University of Western States in Portland, Oregon offers an Ed.D. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Sport and Performance specialization. This 100% online program does not require you to make on-campus visits and even allows for flexible, asynchronous learning; however, during a practicum or internship, students will be required to meet at a certain time each week for online supervision in small groups. Online programs are supported through the Student Resource Center, which offers writing assistance via web chat, an online orientation and other services to making learning as convenient as possible.

40. University of Louisiana at Monroe

At the University of Louisiana at Monroe, students have the opportunity to pursue their career goals through the school's online Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction program or Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy program. Students enrolled in one of these 60-credit programs can benefit from the school's commitment to support distance learners in their academic journeys through intimate guidance and reliable assistance. While enrolled, students can enjoy great opportunities for academic growth through a variety of services, including library database access and the ability to explore online articles focused on specific careers.

41. Chatham University

With help from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, students can work toward careers in the health professions through the Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) or Doctor of Nursing Practice, both offered online with some residency requirements. Both programs aim to save students money on academic costs; in fact, members of the AOTA or other approved occupational therapy associations who pursue the OTD could receive a 20% reduction in their tuition. Online students are granted complete access to the Jennie King Mellon Library as well as career resources through the Programs for Academic Confidence and Excellence (PACE) Center. Online tutoring is also available to help students excel in their programs.

42. The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga

The University of Tennessee - Chattanooga gets students on the right track toward successful careers with an online Doctor of Nursing Practice program and hybrid Doctorate in Learning and Leadership - Executive Delivery. To enhance students' academic progress, the university offers student services like access to library services by phone or asynchronous conferences and assistance with writing development through the UTC Writing & Communication Center.

43. St. Thomas University

Miami Gardens, Florida is home to St. Thomas University, which offers a variety of online graduate programs including the Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation. This 60-credit program features an accelerated format that allows students to finish their studies in as few as 36 months. To help students excel in this program, the university offers library services for online learners, including research assistance by phone and email, online book ordering, and the ability to search for hundreds of thousands of ebooks and e-audiobooks online.

44. University of Michigan - Flint

At the University of Michigan - Flint, students can access several online programs as well as mixed-mode programs that require on-campus visits every four to six weeks. Online programs include the Doctor of Nursing Practice and Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, and mixed online and in-person programs include the Doctor of Education. Students can enjoy the support of academic advising while enrolled in their doctoral programs. Financial opportunities are available through graduate student research assistantships and the Graduate Student Grant, which does not require repayment.

45. University of Northern Colorado

The University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colorado is proud to help its graduate students pursue their doctorates while enjoying the convenience of online learning. Doctoral degree options include a Post-Bachelor's Doctor of Nursing Practice in Nursing: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, and Post-Master's Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice as well as doctoral degree options in special education, nursing education, and educational studies. The university's library offers services to help distance learners excel, including access to ILLiad for article or book chapter requests and the ability to receive books, CDs, and DVDs by mail. Students looking for help in their career searches can use Handshake and get other assistance from the Center for Career Readiness.

46. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico offers 100% online courses as well as distance learning courses that educate students via Interactive Television, online technologies and off-site classes. Doctoral programs at the university, which include a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Ph.D. in Nursing, are taught in a hybrid format that requires some face-to-face instruction at one of the campuses. Students in these programs can benefit from online tutoring assistance and access to online career services and online job boards.

47. The University of Findlay

Findlay, Ohio is home to the University of Findlay, a school providing several distance-learning degree options, including a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). This program is offered completely online, except for a three-day Summer Institute experience, and can be finished in just three years. The university supports students in the Ed.D. program through dissertation support, online tutoring through the Academic Support Center, and the ability to work with an academic counselor who helps with test-taking skills, time management, and more.

48. Northern Kentucky University

Students attending Northern Kentucky University in Highland Heights, Kentucky can find a variety of online graduate programs, one of which being the Post-Masters Doctor of Nursing Practice Online program. This 100% online program requires the completion of 10 core courses as well as a DNP Practicum/Project. While in this program, students can benefit from access to opportunities that include the ability to search the library's databases online. The university also offers career services like interviewing assistance and a Career Library that offers industrial outlooks, resume writing insight, and job search strategies.

49. Clarke University

Clarke University in Dubuque, Iowa is proud to offer a hybrid Doctor of Nursing Practice program that requires students to meet on-campus twice a month. The DNP, which can be earned in as few as three years, boasts a 100% pass rate for students taking national certification exams. The university also offers the mostly online Bridge Program for students who already possess a Master of Science in Nursing (M.S.N.) and want to earn their DNP Among the many resources available to Clarke University online students are the Writing Center, which offers graduate writing assistance and job placement assistance.

50. Loyola University New Orleans

Loyola University New Orleans in Louisiana offers several online Doctor of Nursing Practice programs for post-baccalaureate and post-master's students. These degree options provide students with the opportunity to work toward careers as nurse practitioners, family nurse practitioners and executive leaders. The Office of Writing & Learning Services allows distance and graduate students in need of writing assistance to submit drafts online for feedback from tutors. The university also offers career development assistance for online students, including access to the Handshake career services platform.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

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Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Additional Information

• Download the Doctoral Viewbook
• Admissions & Aid

The Harvard Ph.D. in Education trains cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines to generate knowledge and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Ph.D. in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will collaborate with scholars across all Harvard graduate schools on original interdisciplinary research. In the process, you will help forge new fields of inquiry that will impact the way we teach and learn. The program’s required coursework will develop your knowledge of education and your expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative methods needed to conduct high-quality research. Guided by the goal of making a transformative impact on education research, policy, and practice, you will focus on independent research in various domains, including human development, learning and teaching, policy analysis and evaluation, institutions and society, and instructional practice.   

Curriculum Information

The Ph.D. in Education requires five years of full-time study to complete. You will choose your individual coursework and design your original research in close consultation with your HGSE faculty adviser and dissertation committee. The requirements listed below include the three Ph.D. concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching . 

We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category . These lists are subject to modification. 

Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples

Summary of Ph.D. Program

Doctoral Colloquia  In year one and two you are required to attend. The colloquia convenes weekly and features presentations of work-in-progress and completed work by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside Harvard, and Harvard doctoral students. Ph.D. students present once in the colloquia over the course of their career.

Research Apprenticeship The Research Apprenticeship is designed to provide ongoing training and mentoring to develop your research skills throughout the entire program.

Teaching Fellowships The Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to enhance students' teaching skills, promote learning consolidation, and provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pedagogical development.

Comprehensive Exams  The Written Exam (year 2, spring) tests you on both general and concentration-specific knowledge. The Oral Exam (year 3, fall/winter) tests your command of your chosen field of study and your ability to design, develop, and implement an original research project.

Dissertation  Based on your original research, the dissertation process consists of three parts: the Dissertation Proposal, the writing, and an oral defense before the members of your dissertation committee.

Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS) Concentration

In CIS, you will examine the broader cultural, institutional, organizational, and social contexts relevant to education across the lifespan. What is the value and purpose of education? How do cultural, institutional, and social factors shape educational processes and outcomes? How effective are social movements and community action in education reform? How do we measure stratification and institutional inequality? In CIS, your work will be informed by theories and methods from sociology, history, political science, organizational behavior and management, philosophy, and anthropology. You can examine contexts as diverse as classrooms, families, neighborhoods, schools, colleges and universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and more.

Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE) Concentration

In EPPE, you will research the design, implementation, and evaluation of education policy affecting early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary education in the U.S. and internationally. You will evaluate and assess individual programs and policies related to critical issues like access to education, teacher effectiveness, school finance, testing and accountability systems, school choice, financial aid, college enrollment and persistence, and more. Your work will be informed by theories and methods from economics, political science, public policy, and sociology, history, philosophy, and statistics. This concentration shares some themes with CIS, but your work with EPPE will focus on public policy and large-scale reforms.

Human Development, Learning and Teaching (HDLT) Concentration

In HDLT, you will work to advance the role of scientific research in education policy, reform, and practice. New discoveries in the science of learning and development — the integration of biological, cognitive, and social processes; the relationships between technology and learning; or the factors that influence individual variations in learning — are transforming the practice of teaching and learning in both formal and informal settings. Whether studying behavioral, cognitive, or social-emotional development in children or the design of learning technologies to maximize understanding, you will gain a strong background in human development, the science of learning, and sociocultural factors that explain variation in learning and developmental pathways. Your research will be informed by theories and methods from psychology, cognitive science, sociology and linguistics, philosophy, the biological sciences and mathematics, and organizational behavior.

Program Faculty

The most remarkable thing about the Ph.D. in Education is open access to faculty from all Harvard graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Learn about the full Ph.D. Faculty.

Jarvis R. Givens

Jarvis Givens studies the history of American education, African American history, and the relationship between race and power in schools.

Paul L. Harris

Paul Harris is interested in the early development of cognition, emotion, and imagination in children.

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics. 

Luke W. Miratrix

Luke Miratrix is a statistician who explores how to best use modern statistical methods in applied social science contexts.

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor studies the economics of education, with a particular interest in employer-employee interactions between schools and teachers — hiring and firing decisions, job design, training, and performance evaluation.

Paola Uccelli

Paola Ucelli studies socio-cultural and individual differences in the language development of multilingual and monolingual students.

View Ph.D. Faculty

Dissertations.

The following is a complete listing of successful Ph.D. in Education dissertations to-date. Dissertations from November 2014 onward are publicly available in the Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) , the online repository for Harvard scholarship.

• 2022 Graduate Dissertations (265 KB pdf)
• 2021 Graduate Dissertations (177 KB pdf)
• 2020 Graduate Dissertations (121 KB pdf)
• 2019 Graduate Dissertations (68.3 KB pdf)

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ph.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Philosophy in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

The Human Element of Data and AI

Gahyun Callie Sung's journey to HGSE and the LIT Lab is reflected in her research into data and using AI to improve student outcomes

Improving the Teacher Workforce

With her research work, doctoral marshal Mary Laski, Ph.D.'24, is trying to make teaching in K–12 schools more sustainable and attractive

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PhD Programs

• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has five areas of study: Accounting and Management , Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , management  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

Doctoral Programs

In this section, phd in public policy.

• PhD in Political Economy & Government

PhD in Health Policy

Phd in social policy.

• Job Market Candidates

Health care and politics. Inequality and public policy. Economics and disruption.

You see today's most compelling global issues as complex, interrelated, and urgent. You believe that fresh ideas—and research to carry them through—are critical to building stronger communities and a more just world.

In collaboration with the  Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences  (Harvard Griffin GSAS),  Harvard Kennedy School immerses you in rigorous learning that bridges academic disciplines and draws from leading faculties across the university’s graduate schools. When you pursue a doctoral degree at HKS, you are among extraordinarily bright minds, you’ll work with committed faculty members who are leaders in their fields, and you’ll have unparalleled access to resources across Harvard University.

Prepare yourself for a career in academia or policymaking that demands advanced knowledge of economics, political science, and social policy. Translate your ideas into action that can untangle our world’s unprecedented challenges. Join us.

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Everything you need to know about studying a PhD in Medicine & Health

Medicine and Health is a broad field of study that equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to treat and prevent illnesses and diseases in human beings or animals. Medical professionals take patients through the entire healing journey, from the consultation and diagnosis to the treatment and surgical intervention — if necessary — and all the way through convalescence.

Medicine and Health degrees include subdisciplines such as Biomedicine, Public Health, Human Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Health Management, Nutrition, etc.

Laughter may be the best medicine, but during a Medical degree, you will discover many interesting things like the fact that your left lung is smaller than your right lung to make room for your heart. But, most importantly, medical students will learn how to cure diseases and help people recover. It’s also the doctor’s job to teach patients how to take better care of themselves and prevent diseases from occurring in the first place.

First-year medical students will focus on introductory knowledge about how the human or animal body works. Studies then continue with advanced knowledge about internal medicine, paediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery. Those are followed by a specialisation you’ve decided to pursue. Medicine and Health students will attend supervised medical practice or internship, followed by a residency in a health care facility, where they get hands-on experience and deal with real patients and medical problems.

Medicine and Health graduates enter the following careers: surgeon, medical technician, psychiatrist, nurse, nutritionist, veterinary doctor, and others.

Being a health professional is a difficult but rewarding career. You will need soft skills like empathy, communication, and cooperation to deal with patients efficiently and work well with your peers.

View all PhDs in Medicine & Health . Keep in mind you can also study an online PhDs in Medicine & Health .

Interesting programmes for you

How medicine & health subject ranking lists are created.

Want to know which universities offer the best Master's degrees in Medicine & Health? Check out the university rankings listing the best universities where you can study Medicine & Health according to World University Rankings by Subject from Times Higher Education, and QS World University Rankings by Subject from TopUniversities, Academic Ranking of World Universities in Clinical Medicine and Pharmacy by Shanghai University, and Best Global Universities for Social Sciences and Public Health from U.S. News.

These subject specific-rankings take into account a variety of factors relevant for Medicine & Health. Some of these factors are: published Medical papers, cited Medical research, professors’ performance, the number of international students, the teaching environment, and how employable are graduates from Medical programmes. Data about university, programme and teachers' reputation is usually collected through surveys.

Each ranking gives different weight to these factors to come up with the final subject-ranking in Medicine & Health.

The overall Medicine & Health ranking takes into account study subjects such as Human Medicine, Public Health, Pharmacy, Nursing, Dentistry, etc.

The Medicine & Health degree rankings are helpful tools for selecting the best Master's for your professional and academic development towards a fulfilling Medicine & Health career that matches your skills and interests.

Best Universities for Medicine & Health on PhDPortal

• Ranking (2018)
• Ranking (2017)