Top 10 Direct-Entry PhD Programs: No Master's Required

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees are research-focused doctoral degrees. They're typically for those who want to pursue roles in research or academia, and are available in numerous fields of study.

After completing an undergraduate degree, students generally pursue a master's before pursuing a PhD. However, this isn't always necessary. Some schools offer PhD programs with no master's required, which are also called direct-entry PhDs. Keep reading to discover online direct-entry PhD programs.

Can You Earn a PhD Without a Master's?

It is possible to earn a PhD without a master's. Some programs simply don't require a master's degree, allowing students to go straight from their bachelor's to their desired doctoral degree.

Others require you to earn master's credits in another way. Some include the master's degree program within the PhD program — or may require students without a master's degree to take 30 extra credits.

Certain types of programs are more likely to offer PhD degrees without a master's. For example, PhDs in nursing and engineering commonly accept students with just a bachelor's degree. On the other hand, degrees in the health sciences, educational leadership, humanities, and mental health fields are less likely to accept these students.

Additionally, some professional doctorates, like Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) and Doctor of Social Work (DSW) degrees, commonly offer pathways for bachelor's degree holders. Others, like the Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Education (EdD), are more likely to require a master's.

What Is a Direct-Entry PhD Program?

Most doctorate degrees require a master's degree. However, in a direct-entry PhD program, students can be admitted with just a bachelor's degree. While this can be a great option for some students, it does have its downsides.

Typically, your bachelor's degree must be in a field relevant to your intended doctorate. Your acceptance is often based on your undergraduate GPA. If your bachelor's degree isn't related or your undergraduate GPA is poor, you may want to consider a master's degree to make you more appealing to the admissions committee.

Some programs will accept bachelor's degree students, but require them to have taken and received a minimum score on the Graduate Records Examinations (GRE) or a similar exam. That being said, you may be able to find a PhD without an entrance exam requirement.

How Much Do Direct-Entry Online PhDs Cost?

It's impossible to give a specific number for direct-entry online PhDs, because the cost can range anywhere from less than $500 per credit to over $1,000 per credit. The cost you pay depends on multiple factors, like:

• what school you choose
• if you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• how many credit hours you need
• what financial aid you qualify for

Many schools offer special funding opportunities to PhD and graduate students, like fellowships and assistantships. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you qualify for.

Top Cheap Online PhD Programs That Don't Require a Master's

Multiple universities offer a PhD without a master's degree. We've highlighted some of the top options for students below.

1. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University (MSU) is a public research institution in Mississippi. It offers over a dozen online PhDs that don't require master's degrees, in fields like:

• computer science
• engineering
• plant and soil sciences
• workforce development

Most programs require students without a master's to complete 20 to 30 extra credit hours than those who have completed a master's program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $581 per credit
• Financial aid: MSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. University of North Dakota

At the University of North Dakota (UND), PhD students can find several online program options, including many that don't require a master's degree. These include degrees in areas like engineering, communication, and nursing.

UND, a public research university, is located in Grand Forks, ND. Most of the PhDs here take 90 credit hours,

• Estimated tuition cost: $798.08 per credit
• Financial aid: UND accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

3. National University

National University offers two dozen online doctoral degrees, and of those, nearly ten are PhDs that don't require a master's. National is a private, nonprofit university in San Diego.

Direct-entry PhD programs are available in fields like business administration, cybersecurity, data science, and psychology. Credit requirements vary by program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,100 per credit
• Financial aid: National offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

4. Texas A&M University

At Texas A&M University (TAMU), multiple online PhDs are available that don't require a master's degree. This includes a PhD in biomedical sciences as well as PhDs in several fields of engineering, like computer engineering, mechanical engineering, and nuclear engineering.

TAMU, located in College Station, TX, is a public research university. Most of the online PhDs here require 96 credit hours for students who don't have a master's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $717.89 per credit (in-state); $1,244 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: TAMU offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is a private research institution in Fort Lauderdale, FL. It offers three online PhDs that don't require a master's degree: a PhD in computer science, a PhD in cybersecurity management, and a PhD in information systems.

All three programs offer a Bachelor of Science (BS) to PhD track that requires 66 credits, as well as a 51-credit Master of Science (MS) to PhD option. Other admissions requirements include a 3.2 GPA and an application fee.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,442 per credit
• Financial aid: NSU accepts FAFSA, offers institutional aid, and accepts private financial aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. University of South Carolina

Students at the University of South Carolina (USC) can earn a handful of PhDs online without a master's degree. These include PhDs in computer engineering, computer science, and nuclear engineering.

USC, a public research institution, is located in Columbia, SC. It also offers a civil engineering PhD program that accepts stand-out bachelor's degree holders.

• Estimated tuition cost: $572.25 per credit (in-state); $1,240 per credit (out-of-state)
• Financial aid: USC accepts aid through FAFSA and private sources. It also offers institutional aid.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

7. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri (Mizzou) offers three online degrees at the PhD level that don't require a prior graduate program. Mizzou is a public research university in Columbia, MO.

The PhDs in architectural studies and agriculture education both require 72 credit hours, while the PhD in nursing requires 77 credits. Each program has different GPA and entrance exam requirements.

• Estimated tuition cost: $600 per credit
• Financial aid: Mizzou offers institutional aid and accepts FAFSA and private student aid.
• Accreditation: HLC

8. University of Southern Mississippi

Three online options are available to PhD students without a master's degree at the University of Southern Mississippi (USM). These PhDs are in:

• computer science
• nursing
• research, evaluation, statistics, and assessment

USM, located in Hattiesburg, MS, is a public research university. Both the computer science and research PhDs allow students to earn a Master of Science (MS) over the course of their PhD.

• Estimated tuition cost: $578.12 per credit
• Financial aid: USM offers institutional aid. It also accepts aid through FAFSA and private organizations.
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

To choose the degree programs listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: All schools listed above are regionally accredited.
• Program options: We looked at schools that allow doctoral students to earn their degrees online without a master's degree.
• Program reputation: Every school on this list is known for offering high-quality graduate degrees.

FAQs About Online PhDs Without a Master's

Pursuing a PhD online without having a master's degree can allow you to fast-track your career goals, but it's not for everyone. We've answered some frequently asked questions about these programs to help you determine if this is the right option for you.

Is a Direct-Entry PhD Worth It?

Whether or not a direct-entry PhD is worthwhile depends on many factors, including your career goals and field of study. This type of degree option can help you save money and time, but isn't available in all fields.

Are Direct-Entry PhDs Respected by Employers?

Direct-entry PhDs are still PhDs — and they're just as respected as any other type of doctoral-level program. Direct-entry PhDs are common in certain fields, and most employers won't care whether you earned a master's degree first.

What Are the Admission Requirements for a Direct-Entry PhD Program?

The admissions requirements for a direct-entry PhD program will depend on the program and field of study. Common requirements include:

• a minimum undergraduate GPA
• GRE or other standardized test scores
• prerequisite coursework
• work experience
• letters of recommendation
• personal essays

There may be other requirements as well. For example, a PhD in nursing usually requires you to have a valid registered nurse (RN) license. You can usually find information on admissions requirements through the program or graduate school website.

Can You Work While Completing a Direct-Entry PhD?

Some online PhD programs are designed specifically to allow working professionals to complete their graduate studies. Others are harder to complete while working; it depends on the program.

If you're struggling to manage your job and coursework, consider dropping down to a part-time schedule. These take longer than full-time options, but the course load is less intense.

Discover More Online Doctoral Programs

Start your journey toward reaching your career goals by exploring the programs featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to learn more about their PhD programs without master's requirements, admissions, enrollment, and financial aid.