Affordable Online PhDs in Gender Studies & Sexuality 2025

Students from different backgrounds can earn a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in gender studies completely online from multiple schools. Earning a PhD in human sexuality gives students an interdisciplinary and holistic understanding of topics like equity, social justice, and gender methodologies. Continue reading to explore affordable PhD in gender studies online programs.

What Is a PhD in Gender Studies?

A PhD is a terminal degree, meaning it is the highest-level graduate program. Students typically learn how to conduct academic research in their field of study, ultimately adding to the breadth of knowledge in their field. A PhD can also equip students to be more effective leaders and educators.

PhD programs in gender studies, feminist studies, women's studies, and other fields typically explore concepts like sexuality and social/political constructs. Students may focus on the intersectionality of gender and race or class, as well as social justice, equality, and activism.

Can I Earn a Gender or Sexuality Studies PhD Online?

Gender studies and related PhD programs are only offered online by a few schools at this time. Depending on the program, students may be able to earn their degree without ever going to campus. Other online programs require some on-campus components, such as weekend sessions a few times per year.

How Much Do Online PhD Programs in Gender Studies Cost?

The cost of an online gender studies PhD depends primarily on the tuition rate and the number of credits required, although students also have various fees each semester. Doctoral programs often include around 60 credit hours, and PhD tuition ranges from around $300 to more than $1,500 per credit. Not including applicable fees, total program tuition can range from $18,000 to $90,000.

Cheapest Online PhD in Gender Studies and Sexuality Programs

A few schools offer gender and sexuality studies PhD programs online, including both hybrid and fully virtual options. Below are some top programs for an online gender studies PhD.

1. National University

National University offers an online PhD in psychology, with a specialization in gender and sexual fluidity. The 60-credit program includes coursework in gender studies, LGBTQ identity, global advocacy, and social contexts. Students have access to mentorship and asynchronous coursework and can finish their program in less than four years.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,114 per credit
• Financial aid: National University has a handful of in-house scholarships and accepts various types of outside aid.
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

2. California Institute of Integral Studies

The PhD in human sexuality at California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS) is offered online as a cohort program. Students attend virtual weekend seminars three times each term as well as two in-person residencies per year. Program coursework includes concepts in sexual theory, global sexualities, intersectionality, reproductive rights, and queer theory.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,587 per credit
• Financial aid: Full-time students can apply for in-house financial aid, including need-based and research-specific scholarships.
• Accreditation: WSCUC

Other Affordable Gender Studies and Sexuality Doctoral Degrees

While doctorate in human sexuality degrees are not commonly offered online, students can also complete on-campus options or online programs that emphasize gender studies. Below, we discuss more of the best options, including a PhD in women's studies and other human sexuality PhD programs.

Texas Woman's University

Texas Woman's University (TWU) has an on-campus PhD in multicultural women's and gender studies that integrates critical thinking, research, leadership, and transdisciplinary studies. Students can earn a Master of Arts (MA) during the PhD program. Courses can include topics like feminist theories, Black feminist thought, gender studies, cultural studies, and queer theories.

• Estimated tuition cost: $323 per credit (in-state); $728 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: TWU offers several types of scholarships, including $1,000 merit-based graduate/doctoral awards.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Liberty University

Liberty University offers two online PhD programs that can include more socially focused coursework: a PhD in psychology and a PhD in public policy.

The psychology program offers concentration options in social psychology and behavioral health leadership, as well as a general psychology option with a customizable curriculum via elective courses. The public policy program similarly offers generalized, education, and social policy concentration options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 to $675 per credit (varies by enrollment)
• Financial aid: Liberty has some in-house scholarships and accepts various forms of aid from external sources.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T) has an online PhD in leadership studies program that is an interdisciplinary mix of psychology, social behaviors, political science, and social justice. The program is designed to develop leaders, scholars, and critical thinkers to drive change and engagement. Students can choose several of their program courses and focus on gender studies topics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $260 per credit (in-state); $887 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: Students can apply for in-house endowment scholarships and may be eligible for program-specific aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

Our team reviews online, hybrid, and in-person programs to determine which ones have the best features for students interested in gender studies. Some of the key criteria that we evaluate are cost, format, program length, and quality.

• Accreditation: Each featured school is accredited by a regionally accrediting body, meaning it meets various academic standards.
• Affordability: We look for the most affordable programs in the subject field, so that they are more accessible to students from all backgrounds.
• Program reputation: Featured programs have faculty with terminal degrees and experience in the field that they teach.

What To Expect From an Online Gender Studies PhD

PhD programs in gender studies, women's studies, and related fields typically include courses like gender theory, sexual concepts and theories, gender and sexuality psychology, and advocacy. Students complete coursework online, and may have some synchronous components (specific log-in times).

Students learn the theoretical, social, and psychological foundations of gender and sexuality. Gender studies PhD programs especially develop critical thinking and research skills, both in analyzing research and creating independent research. The knowledge and skills developed can equip students for roles such as educators, researchers, leaders, and advocates.

FAQs About the Cheapest Online PhDs in Gender Studies

If you are thinking about pursuing a graduate program in gender studies, you should consider what characteristics are most important to you. For example, make sure that you haven't missed the application deadlines and that your prior GPA meets the criteria. The top FAQs below can help you better understand what to expect in a gender studies PhD program.

Is an Online PhD in Gender Studies Worth It?

It depends on what your career aspirations are, but graduate degree holders earn significantly more than those with a bachelor's degree on average. If you are interested in social movements and making contributions to the field, a gender studies degree can give you the tools to make an impact in various settings.

Can You Get a PhD in Women's Studies?

Yes, women's studies degree programs are offered by some schools, although women's studies concepts are included in gender studies. Gender studies PhD students can also focus their research interests on specific areas, such as women's studies.

What Are the Career Prospects After Completing an Online PhD in Gender Studies?

Unlike a master's degree, a PhD in gender studies qualifies graduate students to teach at universities. Graduate school students can also look for fellowships to gain practical experience and preparation for work beyond graduation, whether in education or other social sciences/leadership roles.

How Many People Have a PhD in Gender Studies?

There is no current data on how many people already have a gender studies PhD. Around 25 universities offer PhDs in gender and women's studies in the U.S., and an estimated 70 new students begin their program each year.

Discover Online Doctoral Programs

Explore more of the best programs in gender studies and related cultural studies fields on Learn.org. Reach out to the schools you are interested in to get started.