US Distance Learning Ph.D. Programs
Updated: Aug 11
This post on distance learning includes Ph.D. and D.A. (Doctor of Arts) degrees that can be earned through dissertation-only, independent studies, mentoring models, modular/intensive weeks, once-a-month courses, online, reading courses, self-paced study, synchronous courses/live-streaming, weekend courses, and hybrid (a combination of all the above).
There’s an increase in new professional/practitioner-oriented doctorates. Examples include the Doctor of Criminal Justice, Doctor of Emergency Management, Doctor of Forensics, Doctor of Global Leadership, Doctor of Strategic Leadership, etc. There’s also been a slight re-emergence of the Doctor of Science degree (e.g., New Jersey City University, Jacksonville State University, etc.). While someday I want to blog on new practitioner degrees, please note that I’m choosing not to list practitioner doctorates. Also, the Doctor of Business Administration and Doctor of Social Science degrees are omitted even though these degrees can be seen as equivalents to a Ph.D. (depending on the school).
***Depending on the concentration, some Ph.D. concentrations might be listed more than once.
Enjoy and check back often, as I will be updating this list often.
Biblical Studies, Theology, Ministry
Business, Leadership, Management, Organizational Psychology/Development
Communication-Related, Marketing, Media
Criminal Justice, Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Management
Economic Studies, Finances, Philanthropy
Education- Age Specific, Reading, Literacy
Education- Curriculum & Instruction
Education- Educational Leadership
Education- Educational Psychology
Education- Educational Technology
Education- Higher Education Leadership
Education- Policy, Students, Advising
Exercise Science, Physical Science, Kinesiology, Sports, Nutrition
Fine Arts- Media, Film, Performing Arts
Human Services, Community Engagement, Family Studies
Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Studies, English, Literature
Information Systems & Technology, Computer Science
Intercultural Studies, Cultural Studies
Psychology (Psychology-Related)
Psychology- Counseling, Marriage & Family
Psychology- Counselor Education & Supervision
Public Administration, Public Policy
Science- Agriculture, Earth Sciences, Environmental Studies, Geography
Social Science, Sociology, Social Work
Aerospace
The University of Alabama
Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering & Mechanicals
University of North Dakota
Architecture
Morgan State University
Ph.D. in Architecture, Urbanism & Built Environments
University of Missouri- Columbia
Ph.D. in Architectural Studies
Applied Behavior Analysis
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Endicott College
Ph.D. in Applied Behavior Analysis
Simmons University
Biblical Studies, Theology, Ministry
***See my post entitled U.S. Distance Learning Ph.D. Programs in Leadership, Ministry, Bible, and Theology
Business, Leadership, Management, Organizational Psychology/Development
***See my post entitled Distance Graduate Degrees in Leadership, Management, and Organizational Psychology
Communication
Liberty University
Regent University
University of North Dakota
Communication-Related, Marketing, Media
American University (Washington D.C.)
Clemson University
Ph.D. in Rhetorics, Communication & Information Design
Idaho State University
Ph.D. in Rehabilitation & Communication Science
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Ph.D. in Media & Communication Studies
Texas Tech University
Ph.D. in Technical Communication & Rhetoric
University of Alabama
Ph.D. in Communication & Information Sciences
Criminal Justice, Security, Emergency Management
Dakota State University
Keiser University
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice & Homeland Security, or Public Policy & National Security Policy
National University
Nova Southeastern University
Ph.D. in Criminal Justice or Cybersecurity Management
Oklahoma State University
Ph.D. in Fire and Emergency Management Administration
Texas A&M International University
University of North Georgia
Economic Studies, Finances, Philanthropy
Indiana University
Ph.D. in Philanthropic Leadership
Kansas State University
Ph.D. in Personal Financial Planning
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Public Policy and Economic Policy
University of Scranton
Education
Biola University
Claremont Graduate University / San Diego State University
Johns Hopkins University
Lesley University
Ph.D. in Educational Studies (Individually Designed)
Regent University
Seattle Pacific University
Trinity International University
Union Institute & University
University of Arizona- Global Campus
University of Idaho
University of North Dakota
Ph.D. in Educational Foundations & Research
Utah State University
Ph.D. in Education (various concentrations available)
Education- Age Specific, Reading, Literacy
Clemson University
Ph.D. in Learning Sciences or Literacy, Language & Culture
Concordia University- Chicago
Ph.D. in Leadership & Early Childhood Education -or- Leadership in Reading, Language & Literacy
East Tennessee State University
Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education
Georgia State University
Ph.D. in Early Childhood and Elementary Education
New Mexico State University
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction (majors- Bilingual/TESOL, Critical Pedagogies, Early Childhood Education, and Language, Literacy & Culture)
St. John University
The State University of New York- Albany
Texas Woman’s University
University at Buffalo- The State University of New York
Ph.D. in Curriculum, Instruction, & the Science of Learning
University of Wyoming
Education- Curriculum & Instruction
Andrews University
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Concordia University- Chicago
Ph.D. in Leadership and Curriculum & Instruction
Grand Canyon University
Ph.D. in Psychology- Cognition & Instruction (Qualitative or Quantitative)
Kansas State University
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Keiser University
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Education, Curriculum & Instruction -or- Advanced Educational Studies, Curriculum & Instruction
Mercer University
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
The State University of New York- Albany
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Texas Tech University
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Texas Woman’s University
Ph.D. in Child Development & Early Education
University of Toledo
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
University of Wyoming
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction
Education— Educational Leadership
Andrews University
Columbia International University
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
Concordia University- Chicago
Ph.D. in Leadership & Educational Leadership -or- Leadership & Teacher Leadership
Hampton University
Ph.D. in Educational Management
Indiana State University
Ph.D. in Educational Administration
Keiser University
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Advanced Educational Studies & Educational Leadership -or- Higher Education, Administration & Educational Leadership, or Education & Organizational Leadership
Mercer University
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & P-12 School Leadership
Old Dominion University
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
Pacific University- Oregon
Ph.D. in Education & Leadership
Purdue University
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Texas Tech University
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership Policy
Texas Woman’s University
Ph.D. in Education, Leadership & Organization
University of Kentucky
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
Ph.D. in Educational Studies and Educational Leadership & Higher Education
University of North Texas
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
University of Texas- Arlington
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Education- Educational Psychology
Grand Canyon University
Ph.D. in Psychology- Cognition & Instruction (Qualitative or Qualitative)
Michigan State University
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology & Educational Technology
Texas A&M University-Commerce
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology
Texas Tech University
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology
University of South Dakota
Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychology in Education: Human Development & Education Psychology
The University of Tennessee- Knoxville
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology & Research
University of Washington
Education- Educational Technology
Concordia University- Chicago
Ph.D. in Leadership and Educational Technology
Georgia State University
Ph.D. in Instructional Technologies
Grand Canyon University
Ph.D. in Psychology- Educational Technology Integration (Qualitative or Quantitative)
Keiser University
Ph.D. in Instructional Design & Technology
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Advanced Educational Studies and Instructional Design & Technology or Education and Instructional Design & Technology
Michigan State University
Ph.D. in Educational Psychology & Educational Technology
Mississippi State University
Ph.D. in Instructional Systems & Workforce Development
Old Dominion University
Ph.D. in Education, Industrial Design & Technology -or- Education & Technology Education
University of Hawaii- Manoa
Ph.D. in Learning Design & Technology
University of North Texas
Ph.D. in Learning Technologies
University of Wyoming
Ph.D. in Learning, Design & Technology
Education- Higher Education Leadership
Andrews University
Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration
Azusa Pacific University
Colorado State University
Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership
Concordia University- Chicago
Ph.D. in Leadership and Higher Education
Hampton University
Ph.D. in Educational Management
Indiana State University
Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership
Kansas State University
Ph.D. in Adult Learning & Leadership
Lesley University
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Education and Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Administration & Educational Leadership -or- Higher Education Administration & Student Affairs
Mercer University
Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership
Mississippi State University
Ph.D. in Community College Leadership
Old Dominion University
Ph.D. in Community College Leadership
Texas Tech University
Troy University
Ph.D. in Global Leadership & Higher Education
University of Kentucky
Ph.D. in Educational Leadership
University of Nebraska- Lincoln
Ph.D. in Educational Studies and Educational Leadership & Higher Education
University of North Texas
Education- Policy, Students, Advising
Kansas State University
Ph.D. in Leadership in Academic Advising -or- Student Affairs in Higher Education
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Education & Educational Law -or- Public Policy & Education Policy
Oklahoma State University
Ph.D. in Higher Education/Educational Leadership & Policy Studies
Old Dominion University
Ph.D. in Education & Human Resources
Regent University
Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies and Human Services for Student Affairs
Education— Special Education
Concordia University- Chicago
Ph.D. in Leadership and Special Education
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Advanced Educational Studies & Special Education -or- Education & Special Education
Texas Tech University
University of Northern Colorado
University of Toledo
Ph.D. in Curriculum & Instruction & Special Education
Engineering
Auburn University
Ph.D. in Polymer & Fiber Engineering
Binghamton University- The State University of New York
Boston University
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University
Ph.D. in Electrical & Computer Engineering
Clarkson University
Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering
Colorado State University
The George Washington University
Johns Hopkins University
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
Michigan Technical University
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
Mississippi State University
Ph.D. in Computational Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering (Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Engineering Education, and Mechanical Education), or Industrial & Systems Engineering
Texas A&M University- College Station
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Engineering
Old Dominion University
Ph.D. in Engineering Management & Systems
The University of Alabama
Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering & Mechanicals or Mechanical Engineering
University of Alabama- Huntsville
Ph.D. in Industrial & Systems Engineering (Majors: Engineering Management, Industrial Engineering, and Systems Engineering)
University of Maryland
Ph.D. in Reliability Engineering
University of North Dakota
Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering -or- Electrical Engineering -or- Energy Engineering -or- Environmental Engineering -or- Geological Engineering -or- Petroleum Engineering
University of South Carolina
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering -or- Computer Engineering -or- Mechanical Engineering -or- Nuclear Engineering
The University of Tennessee- Knoxville
Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Exercise Science, Physical Education, Kinesiology, Sports, Nutrition
Ball State University
Concordia University- Chicago
Ph.D. in Leadership, Health & Human Performance -or- Leadership & Sports Leadership
Drexel University
Ph.D. in Health & Rehabilitation Sciences
Grand Canyon University
Ph.D. in Performance Psychology
Middle Tennessee State University
Troy University
University of Houston
University of Kentucky
University of Texas- El Paso
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences- Kinesiology
Fine Arts- Media, Film, Performing Arts
Liberty University
Texas Woman’s University
University of the Arts (Philadelphia)
University of Kentucky
Health-Related
Azusa Pacific University
Ph.D. in Rehabilitation & Movement Science
Clemson University
Ph.D. in Healthcare Genetics & Genomics
Concordia University- Chicago
Ph.D. in Leadership & Gerontology -or- Leadership, Health & Human Performance
Faulkner University
The George Washington University
Ph.D. in Translational Health Sciences
Idaho State University
Ph.D. in Rehabilitation & Communication Science
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Health Sciences (Majors: Exercise & Sport Science or Trauma-Informed Care) or Psychology & Behavior Health Leadership
Nova Southeastern University
Ph.D. in Health Science or Occupational Therapy
Oklahoma State University
Ph.D. in Health, Leisure & Human Performance
Seton Hall University
Simmons University
Ph.D. in Health Professions Education
Texas A&M University- College Station
Texas Woman’s University
Ph.D. in Health Studies or Occupational Therapy
University of Minnesota
Ph.D. in Health Services Research, Policy & Administration
University of North Dakota
University of South Dakota
University of Vermont
Ph.D. in Interprofessional Health Sciences (concentrations in Biomedical & Health Sciences, Communication Sciences & Disorders, Integrative Health, and Rehabilitation & Movement Science)
University of Wisconsin- Madison
Ph.D. in Clinical Investigation, Epidemiology, or Population Health
University of Texas- El Paso
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Health Sciences
Virginia Commonwealth University
Ph.D. in Health Related-Sciences
History
Florida International University
Ph.D. in History & Atlantic History
George Mason University
Liberty University
University of Florida
Ph.D. in Classical Civilization or Latin & Roman Studies
Hospitality, Fashion
Iowa State University
Ph.D. in Apparel, Merchandising, & Design
Human Resources-Related
Bellevue University
Ph.D. in Human Capital Management
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Mississippi State University
Ph.D. in Instructional Systems & Workforce Development
Old Dominion University
Ph.D. in Education & Human Resources
Regent University
Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Development
University of Louisville
Ph.D. in Human Resources & Organizational Development
The University of Texas- Tyler
Ph.D. in Human Resource Development
Human Services, Community Engagement, Family Studies
Concordia University- Chicago
Ph.D. in Leadership & Gerontology
Illinois State University
Ph.D. in Leadership, Equity & Inquiry
Lesley University
Ph.D. in Human Development & Learning
Point Park University
Ph.D. in Community Engagement & Leadership
Regent University
Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies and Human Services Counseling
Texas Tech University
Ph.D. in Family & Consumer Science Education
Texas Woman’s University
University of Arizona- Global Campus
University of San Diego
Ph.D. in Education for Social Justice
Walden University
Ph.D. in Human Services (M.Phil. or M.S. in Human Services earned en route)
Humanities, Interdisciplinary Studies, Liberal Studies, English, Literature
Amridge University
Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies
Faulkner University
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Ph.D. in Composition & Applied Linguistics or Literature & Criticism
Murray State University
Old Dominion University
Salve Regina University
Texas State University
Texas Woman’s University
Union Institute & University
Information Systems & Technology, Computer Science
Binghamton University- State University of New York
Dakota State University
DePaul University
Ph.D. in Computer & Informational Sciences
Dominican University
George Mason University
Ph.D. in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
Mississippi State University
Nova Southeastern University
Ph.D. in Computer Science or Information Systems
University of Arkansas- Little Rock
Ph.D. in Computer & Information Science
University of the Cumberlands
Ph.D. in Information Technology (see also the Executive Ph.D. in Information Technology)
University of Missouri- Columbia
Ph.D. in Information Science & Learning Technologies
University of North Dakota
University of North Texas
University of Rhode Island- Kingston
University of South Carolina
Intercultural Studies, Cultural Studies
Biola University
Ph.D. in Intercultural Education or Intercultural Studies
Columbia International University
Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies
Evangel University
Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies
Georgia Central University
Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies
Navajo Technical University
Ph.D. in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability
Trinity International University
Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies
International Studies
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Public Policy and Foreign Policy
Southern New Hampshire University
Ph.D. in International Business
Library Science
Emporia State University
Ph.D. in Library & Information Management
Simmons University
Ph.D. in Library & Information Science
The State University of New York- Buffalo
University of Alabama
Ph.D. in Communication & Information Sciences
Mathematics
Binghamton University- State University of New York
University of Wyoming
Ph.D. in Mathematics Education
Music
Indiana University
Liberty University
Nursing
Barry University
Catholic University of America
Duquesne University
Ph.D. in Nursing or Nursing Ethics
East Carolina University
East Tennessee State University
Endicott College
The George Washington University
Nova Southeastern University
Hampton University
Idaho State University
Indiana University- Bloomington
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Nursing & Nursing Education
Mercer University
St. Louis University
Texas Woman’s University
University of Alabama / University of Alabama- Huntsville
University of Central Florida
University of Kansas
University of Massachusetts- Boston
University of Memphis
University of Missouri- Columbia
University of Missouri- Kansas City
University of Missouri- St. Louis
University of Nevada- Las Vegas
University of Northern Colorado
University of Oklahoma
The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Tennessee- Knoxville
The University of Texas- Tyler
University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee
Villanova University
Parks & Recreation
Clemson University
Ph.D. in Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management
Psychology (Psychology-Related)
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Ph.D. in International Psychology (Major: Organization & Systems and Trauma)
Grand Canyon University
Ph.D. in Psychology- Performance Psychology (Qualitative or Qualitative)
Lesley University
Ph.D. in Psychology & Expressive Therapies
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Psychology -or- Psychology & Behavior Health Leadership -or- Psychology & Developmental Psychology -or- Ph.D. in Psychology & Social Psychology
National University
Ph.D. in Psychology (various majors available)
Saybrook University
Ph.D. in Psychology (various majors available)
Walden University
Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology (M.Phil. earned en route)
Psychology- Counseling, Marriage & Family
Amridge University
Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy or Professional Counseling
Antioch University
Ph.D. in Couple & Family Therapy
Eastern University
Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy
National University
Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy
Oregon State University
Regent University
Ph.D. in Counseling & Psychological Studies
Texas Woman’s University
Ph.D. in Marriage & Family Therapy
University of Wisconsin- Madison
Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology
Psychology- Counselor Education & Supervision
Adams State University
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
Concordia University- Irvine (The Townsend Institute)
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
Grand Canyon University
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision (Qualitative or Quantitative)
Hampton University
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
James Madison University
Ph.D. in Counseling & Supervision
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
Regent University
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
University of the Cumberlands
Ph.D. in Counselor Education & Supervision
University of West Georgia
Ph.D. in Professional Counseling & Supervision
Public Administration, Public Policy
Liberty University
Ph.D. in Public Administration or Public Policy & Social Policy
Old Dominion University
Ph.D. in Public Administration & Policy
Tennessee State University
Ph.D. in Public Policy & Administration
Union Institute & University
Ph.D. in Public Policy & Social Change
University of Colorado- Denver
University of Maryland- Baltimore County
Science- Biology, Physics
University of Texas- Arlington
Ph.D. in Physics & Applied Physics
University of Wyoming
Science- Agriculture, Earth Science, Environmental Studies
George Mason University
Ph.D. in Bioinformatics & Computational Biology
Mississippi State University
Ph.D. in Plant & Soil Sciences (majors in Horticulture or Weed Science)
Prescott College
Ph.D. in Sustainability Education
Texas A&M University- College Station
University of Missouri- Columbia
Ph.D. in Agricultural Education
University of North Dakota
Ph.D. in Earth Science & Policy
University of Vermont
Ph.D. in Transdisciplinary Leadership, Creativity, and Sustainability
Social Science, Sociology, Social Work
Baylor University
Boston University
Dominican University
Ph.D. in Applied Social Justice
Our Lady of the Lake University
Sacred Heart University
Simmons University
Texas Women’s University
University of North Dakota
University of Texas- Arlington
University of Utah
Technology
Bowling Green State University
Ph.D. in Technology Management
Indiana State University
Ph.D. in Technology Management
Texas Tech University
Ph.D. in Technical Communication & Rhetoric
University of Central Missouri