The 10 Best Part-Time PhD Programs in 2025

Doctoral degrees are the highest level of degree you can earn, and one of the most common types of doctoral degrees is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). PhDs are primarily research degrees, often leading to roles in research or academia.

Many students pursue PhDs while they're already in the workforce, which can be difficult. To help, some schools offer part-time enrollment options for PhDs. Keep reading to learn more about the best part-time PhD programs.

Can You Do a PhD Part-Time?

Several schools in the U.S. offer part-time PhD programs. These allow busy students to pace their coursework so they can also handle their other obligations.

As for how to do a PhD part-time, it's pretty simple: you take one to two courses per term instead of the standard three to four. Once in the dissertation phase of your program, you'll continue to do your research at a slower pace than full-time students.

Can I Earn My Part-Time PhD Online?

While PhDs are less common online than master's programs, there are still a few schools that offer online part-time PhD programs. Schools may also offer other part-time doctoral programs, such as the Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) online as well.

What Types of PhD Degrees Are Offered Part-Time?

PhDs are available in a range of fields, and as a result, there are many PhD programs with part-time schedules. Some options include PhDs in:

• business
• computer science
• criminal justice
• data science
• education
• engineering
• nursing
• public administration

How Long Does It Take to Finish a Part-Time PhD Program?

PhD programs can already vary in length simply depending on how long it takes you to complete your dissertation. Four to six years is common for full-time students. On a part-time schedule, you can complete your PhD in anywhere from five to eight years.

Best Part-Time PhD Programs

Part-time PhD programs for working professionals provide the flexibility to work and study simultaneously. We've highlighted some of these top programs below.

1. Colorado State University Global

Colorado State University (CSU) Global is the online campus of the public CSU system. It offers a PhD in systems engineering that can be completed at a part-time pace.

This flexible program helps students hone their problem-solving skills, especially within complex systems. It requires 72 credits, and part-time students usually take one or two courses each term.

• Estimated tuition cost: $85,896 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. George Mason University

At George Mason University (GMU), students can earn PhDs in education at their preferred pace through online and hybrid courses. These PhDs are available in areas like education leadership, teaching, and education policy, and students create their own personalized plans of study.

GMU, a public research university, is located in Fairfax, VA. It also offers part-time PhDs on campus in biodefense, political science, and public policy through its Schar School of Policy and Government.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,136 per year (in-state); $36,480 per year (out-of-state)
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

3. George Washington University

George Washington University (GWU) offers a flexible PhD in public policy and public administration. GWU is a private, nonprofit research university in Washington, D.C.

Students in this program complete core courses in research methods, politics, public management, and more. They then complete a dissertation in an area like public budgeting and finance, program evaluation, or social policy.

• Estimated tuition cost: $2,091 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

4. Missouri University of Science and Technology

Several PhDs are available online at the Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T), including PhDs in:

• aerospace engineering
• computer science
• engineering management
• systems engineering

Missouri S&T, located in Rolla, MO, is a public research university. Most of the online PhDs give students up to eight years to finish their doctorate.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,200 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: HLC

5. National University

National University is a nonprofit, private institution in San Diego. It offers numerous PhDs in areas like:

• business administration
• computer science
• education
• psychology

PhDs at National University are offered on campus and online. Some can be completed in as little as four years, but most allow students to work at a slower pace if they prefer.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,000 to $1,300 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WASCUC)

6. New Jersey Institute of Technology

The New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) offers collaborative PhD programs designed for engineers, executives, scientists, military personnel, state and federal government employees, and educators who want to pursue a PhD degree part-time while continuing full-time employment.

NJIT, a public research university, is located in Newark, NJ. Part-time PhDs here are available in areas such as science, engineering, technology, and management.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,574 per credit (in-state); $2,167 per credit (out-of-state)
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: MSCHE

7. Nova Southeastern University

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) offers numerous online PhD programs and doctoral degrees. NSU is a private, nonprofit research institution in Fort Lauderdale, FL.

PhDs here are available in fields like computer science, criminal justice, health sciences, and information technology. Students can study part-time by taking one course per term instead of two.

• Estimated tuition cost: $741-$1,400 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. Tufts University

Several part-time PhDs are available through Tufts University's School of Engineering. These include PhDs in biomedical engineering, computer science, civil and environmental engineering, and mechanical engineering.

Tufts University, located in Medford, MA, is a private, nonprofit research institution. Most of these part-time PhDs are on-campus, but some offer online or hybrid options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,799 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

9. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama is a public research institution in Tuscaloosa, AL. It offers a handful of online and hybrid PhDs that can be completed part-time, including PhDs in:

• aerospace engineering
• communication and information sciences
• mechanical engineering
• nursing science

These programs are all designed with working professionals in mind. Students work with their advisors to create a study plan that works for them.

• Estimated tuition cost: $480 per credit
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

10. University of Maryland

Through the University of Maryland (UMD), students can choose from a few part-time PhDs. These include PhDs in chemical and biomolecular engineering, nursing, and public policy.

UMD, a public research university, is located in College Park, MD. Some PhDs here offer online learning options.

• Estimated tuition cost: $16,891 per year (in-state); $36,822 per year (out-of-state)
• Program length: Varies
• Accreditation: MSCHE

How We Rank Schools

To choose the part-time doctorate programs listed above, we focused on:

• Accreditation: Every school on this list is regionally accredited.
• Program flexibility: All PhDs offer part-time and flexible learning options.
• Program reputation: Each institution is nonprofit and known for offering high-quality doctoral programs.

FAQs About Flexible PhD Part-Time Programs

A part-time doctorate allows you to reach your career goals without sacrificing your current career in the process. We've answered some frequently asked questions about part-time PhDs to help you determine if this is the right option for you.

How Much Does a Part-Time PhD Program Cost?

The cost of a part-time PhD can vary significantly depending on multiple factors, including:

• what school you choose
• whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• the number of credit hours you need
• what financial aid you qualify for

Because tuition rates and credit hour requirements can differ, it's hard to determine a specific number. You can earn a PhD for less than $30,000, or you may spend over $100,000.

Many schools offer special funding options, like fellowships and research stipends, to PhD students. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to find out what you may be eligible for.

Is It Worth Doing a PhD Part-Time?

Whether it's worth doing a PhD part-time depends on your career goals and your schedule. If you're wanting to earn a terminal degree but don't have a schedule that allows you to study full-time, then a part-time PhD can absolutely be worth it.

What Is the Easiest PhD To Earn Part-Time?

The easiest part-time PhD to earn will depend on your strengths and skill set. Generally, programs in business and education are considered easier, but this isn't true for everyone.

What Is the Quickest You Can Do a PhD?

Usually, the fastest timeframe that you can complete a PhD is three to four years. To complete a PhD this quickly, you generally already need to have a master's degree and need to study during summer terms.

Are Part-Time PhDs Funded?

PhD funding varies from school to school and program to program. The part-time PhD you're considering may be funded, but you'll need to check with your program coordinator.

Discover Online Doctoral Degrees

Find the perfect PhD for you by exploring the part-time doctorates featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual schools to find out more about admissions, financial aid, and enrollment options.