10 Self-Paced PhD & Doctoral Programs Online in 2025

Enrolling in a doctoral program, like a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program, is an excellent way to advance professionally. A doctoral degree affords you more options in the job market, opens the door to leadership roles, and enables you to earn a higher salary.

There are various online doctorate and other self-paced PhD programs designed for working adults to complete while balancing professional and personal commitments. In this article, we explore ten accredited self-paced online colleges that offer a range of doctorate-level degree pathways, and answer commonly asked questions about self-paced doctoral programs. If you're ready to take the next step in your professional development journey, read on.

What Is a Self-Paced Doctoral Program?

A self-paced doctoral program is an advanced degree program that allows you to complete the required coursework and any dissertation projects within your own timeframe. Self-paced online doctoral programs typically conduct the majority, if not all, of their courses online in an asynchronous format. Some degree programs require doctoral students to visit the campus a few times per year or occasionally participate in synchronous online meetings with fellow students.

There are general limits on either end. Typically, you can't condense the coursework to less than two years, and most accredited schools require doctoral students to complete their degree requirements within seven to eight years.

Types of Self-Paced Doctoral Degrees Available

There are various self-paced doctoral degrees available. Some offer 100% online programs; while others offer online, self-paced courses but still have an in-person component. For example, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) candidate must complete clinical rotations to get the hands-on experience essential to providing quality healthcare.

Traditional PhD programs have dissertation projects. Other doctorate programs, like the examples that follow, are PhD programs without dissertation requirements

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): PhD programs focus on advanced research, where students demonstrate a mastery of their chosen subject. You can earn your PhD in a broad range of specializations, from data science to English literature.
• Doctor of Education (EdD): An EdD is a doctoral degree program with an emphasis on education, particularly leadership aspects and their practical applications. EdD programs sometimes require dissertations, though sometimes doctoral candidates complete a capstone project instead.
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): DBA programs focus on business administration and management. Graduates with their DBA can move on to leadership, executive, and consulting roles. DBAs sometimes require capstone projects instead of theory-based dissertation projects.
• Doctor of Public Health (DrPH): A DrPH degree program prepares public health professionals for leadership roles. The program emphasizes practical knowledge of real-world public health issues while developing management and leadership skills.

Top Self-Paced Online Doctoral Degrees

The following programs represent numerous high-quality, online education options from accredited colleges and universities.

1. Augusta University Online

August University Online offers an EdD with a concentration in Educational Innovation designed for leaders who want to make positive changes in education. This 55-credit online doctoral program has coursework conducted in an asynchronous format; students have the option to join synchronous sessions with their peers.

Graduates move on to careers in educational policy, nonprofits, higher education, special education, and more.

• Estimated tuition cost: $318 per credit hour (in-state)/$906 per credit hour (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. California Coast University

California Coast University is a private school that specializes in online learning. Its EdD degree program is 66 credits and requires a doctoral dissertation based on original research. The program's coursework is fully online and self-paced. Doctoral students choose one of three concentrations for their EdD program: organizational leadership, educational administration, or educational psychology.

• Estimated tuition cost: $320 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)

3. University of Kentucky

Based in Lexington, KY, the University of Kentucky (UK) offers a 100% online EdD program option. The doctoral program is designed for education professionals who already hold a master's degree and who are pursuing careers as school leaders, directors, administrators, or academic deans.

Students complete coursework online and at their own pace. Exams and dissertation defenses are completed remotely as well. Students are required to visit UK's campus for one week once during their studies, and participate in synchronous online activities five times per semester.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,093 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

4. South College

South College offers an online EdD program focusing on leadership, strategy development, research, and data analysis. The doctoral program consists of 10 courses and a dissertation project.

EdD students may choose from one of six specialty areas, including higher education leadership, adult learning and development, and instructional design and technology. Students complete coursework at their own pace and receive one-on-one mentoring from faculty, advisors, and staff.

• Estimated tuition cost: $3,975 per quarter (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

5. Liberty University

Liberty University (LU) is a Lynchburg, VA-based school with an online Doctor of Business Administration program option. Liberty University's DBA program focuses on strategy formulation, quantitative research methods, and human resource management.

Courses include Foundations of Applied Research Methods, Marketing for Competitive Advantage, and Managing the Supply Chain. Courses are completely online and have multiple start dates, allowing learners to schedule coursework according to their own needs.

• Estimated tuition cost: $610 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

6. Walden University

Walden University offers an online DBA program with five specialization options, including healthcare management, human resource management, and entrepreneurship. The program is 45 credits total, and coursework is conducted online at your own pace.

If you have earned your master's degree or certain certifications (like a Global Professional in Human Resources certification), you may be eligible to accelerate your degree program. Walden University recommends that students request information to find out which transfer credits are eligible for its DBA program.

• Estimated tuition cost: $695 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

7. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) offers an online, self-paced DrPH program through its Gillings School of Global Public Health. The UNC Gillings School was recently ranked America's number two public school of public health by U.S. News & World Report.

Doctoral students complete the program coursework entirely online. Coursework consists of readings, recorded videos, and narrative case studies. Students are expected to meet in person six times throughout the program; visits may be on campus or to other locations across the country.

• Estimated tuition cost: $10,764 per year (in-state)/$29,421 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

8. The University of Arizona Online

The University of Arizona's College of Engineering offers an online PhD in software engineering program. The doctoral program covers topics like computing, machine learning, network and data sciences, and software development. Courses include Software Project Management, Distributed Computing, and Cloud Computing.

Students complete their coursework entirely online. PhD students design, develop, integrate, and evaluate various software products and systems. The PhD program includes a research project.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,000 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

9. University of Massachusetts Global

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) has an EdD in organizational leadership program. The EdD program is entirely online and designed for working professionals. Courses are taken at your own pace, and there are opportunities to connect with peers during virtual networking events on the weekends.

UMass Global's EdD program has three start dates throughout the year. Students can determine their financial aid eligibility by applying for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). UMass also offers benefits to military members and veterans.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,100 per credit hour (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: WSCUC

10. University of Miami

The University of Miami offers an online EdD in applied learning sciences that emphasizes learning design, training, and organizational development in both education and corporate landscapes. The program is entirely online, consisting of 15 courses, which students can progress through at their own pace.

The University of Miami's online learning platform provides access to course materials, real-world case studies, immersive simulations, and collaborative projects. Doctoral students receive guidance from faculty members and dedicated advisors.

• Estimated tuition cost: $47,592 per year (in-state and out-of-state)
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Rank Schools

We use the following criteria to ensure our featured schools provide quality, accredited programming.

• Accreditation: All colleges and universities must be accredited by independent organizations. This ensures that degree programs meet education standards for faculty and curriculum. You can check a school's accreditation status at the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
• Program length: The doctoral programs here must have a large (or entirely) online component and include self-paced coursework as part of their curricula.
• Program reputation: A degree program's reputation is determined by its accreditation status, curriculum, experienced faculty, and graduation success rate.

FAQs About Self-Paced PhD and Doctoral Degrees

Here we answer some frequently asked questions about self-paced online doctoral programs, from general timeframes to free PhD program options.

What Is the Shortest Doctoral Program Online?

Traditional doctoral programs, both in-person and online, take anywhere from three to six or more years to complete. The timeframe varies greatly according to the type of degree, field of study, and any clinical requirements required to earn your doctorate. The shortest online doctoral programs generally take two years to complete.

Applying credits from a master's program or certification can help accelerate your degree pathway. For example, both Walden University and Liberty University encourage students to apply transfer credits to their DBA programs, enabling you to earn your doctorate in less than two years.

What Is the Easiest Online Doctoral Degree?

What you consider to be the easiest degree pathway depends on your personal interests and professional goals. Genuinely enjoying your coursework and having a professional and educational background in your field of study will help your studies go more smoothly.

It's important to consider your time commitment capacity when choosing your online doctoral degree program. Even the easiest types of PhD programs involve independent research, coursework, and exams. You will likely find your studies easier if you opt for a program that allows flexibility for any work and personal commitments.

Can I Complete a PhD in One Year?

Not many students can complete a PhD program in one year. This is due to the number of credits required to earn a PhD, which typically ranges between 60 and 120 credit hours.

If you have already earned your master's degree or hold certifications in your field of study, you can apply transfer credits to your doctoral program and expedite the degree process.

Can I Get a PhD While Working Full-Time?

Yes, there are many doctoral students who earn their PhDs or other doctorate degrees while working full-time. Self-paced online programs are particularly suitable for working professionals, as you can take your coursework asynchronously and according to your schedule.

Attending school and working full-time can be challenging. Many schools offer resources to distance learning students, like mentoring, tutoring, and online support.

Are There Any Free Online PhDs or Doctoral Programs?

Free online PhDs or doctoral programs are not realistic options. There are no true 100% cost-free degree programs offered exclusively online. You can, however, find a variety of financial aid opportunities, such as scholarships and grants, to help offset educational costs.

Many traditional doctoral programs offer financial support in exchange for work (e.g., teaching or research assistantships) that necessarily requires students to be on campus. In these cases, funding comes via tuition reimbursement, stipends, and healthcare coverage.

Discover Online PhD and Doctoral Degrees

Online doctoral programs can offer you a world of opportunity. We invite you to connect with Learn.org's partner schools and find education programs that best serve your professional goals.