Key Takeaways
Online doctorates and Ph.D. programs are the highest academic degrees; completion generally takes 4‑7 years depending on discipline and program load.
Ph.D. degrees focus on original research and a dissertation, while other doctorates (e.g. Ed.D., DBA) emphasize applied knowledge and professional leadership.
Graduates with doctorates often move into careers in academia and research or assume leadership roles in industry or government.
Online Ph.D. programs and doctorates can be challenging — but they're often worth the cost and effort, especially if you have a clear passion and career path in mind. With a doctorate, you can become an expert in your field and qualify for leadership roles in academia, research, professional settings, and the government sector.
Whether you're considering a doctorate in nursing, computer science, education, or business, an online program can help you maintain flexibility while achieving your goals.
Keep reading to learn about the different types of doctorates and Ph.D. programs available online. We'll cover popular subjects you can study and what jobs you can get after earning your degree.
Doctorate vs. Ph.D.: How Do They Differ?
Many people use the terms "Ph.D." and "doctorate" interchangeably, but they don't necessarily mean the same thing.
A doctorate, or doctoral degree, is the highest educational credential you can achieve. Typically, a doctorate takes 4-7 years to earn, though this length can vary depending on your field and program.
Doctorates come in many forms. Professional doctorates are geared toward specific roles and industries. For example, an aspiring business professional might earn a doctor of business administration (DBA), while a budding physician would need to enroll in a doctor of medicine (MD) program.
A doctor of philosophy, or Ph.D., is a specific type of doctorate focused primarily on academic research. Ph.D. students are expected to conduct original research and add to their field's discourse. Most Ph.D. programs also require you to write and defend a dissertation.
All Ph.D.s are doctorates, but not all doctorates are Ph.D.s.
Online Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Business
Earning an online doctor of business administration (DBA), Ph.D. in business, or Ph.D. in accounting can give you the credibility and expertise needed to expand into managerial roles at companies and organizations.
In addition to qualifying you for promotions to C-suite positions like CEO and CFO, a doctorate in business allows you to teach at the college level, go into research, or even become president of a college. Most DBA and Ph.D. in business programs require 3-6 years of study.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), chief executives earned a median salary of nearly $190,000 in 2024.
Criminal Justice & Legal
In an online Ph.D. in criminal justice program, you can choose from concentrations in areas such as forensic science, homeland security, criminal justice policy, criminology, and juvenile justice.
Typically, you'll spend 4-8 years completing degree requirements. Potential careers with a doctorate in criminal justice include criminal justice professor, forensic scientist, law enforcement leader, and policy analyst.
If you're interested in law, you can also get a juris doctor (JD). This professional degree is the minimum requirement to become a lawyer. According to the BLS, lawyers earned a median salary of $151,160 in 2024.
Education & Teaching
Interested in education administration or other education leadership roles? Then you might want to consider getting an online doctor of education (Ed.D.) or Ph.D. in education.
These programs can prepare you to develop curricula, oversee a school or school district, conduct research on educational theory, or teach the next generation of educators at a college or university. Unlike other doctoral programs, you can complete an Ed.D. in as little as two years.
One of the highest-paying roles you can get with an Ed.D. or Ph.D. in education is postsecondary education administrator. These professionals take home a median salary of $206,420 (BLS, May 2024).
Healthcare
Healthcare plays a large role in the economy, and the number of jobs in this sector continues to increase. Earning an online doctorate in healthcare can put you on the path to becoming a medical provider or securing leadership roles at hospitals, clinics, and more.
If you want to become a medical provider, such as a physical therapist, you'll likely need to complete any clinical or practicum requirements in person. In contrast, a doctorate in a subject like healthcare administration or healthcare management can qualify you for high-level positions without necessarily requiring in-person training.
Healthcare roles are some of the highest-paid jobs in the U.S., according to the BLS. For example, physical therapists and occupational therapists both earned median salaries of over $98,000 in 2024.
Humanities & Social Sciences
The humanities and social sciences cover a wide array of subjects, including English literature, anthropology, political science, communication, public administration, and economics.
Earning a Ph.D. in one of these fields usually means you plan to work in academia or research, though some graduates find work in professional or government roles. Most online humanities and social sciences Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete and require you to submit a dissertation.
College professors earned a median salary of $151,160 (BLS, May 2024). Some of the highest-paid humanities and social sciences professors are economics teachers and anthropology teachers.
Nursing
Looking to advance your nursing career? With a doctorate in nursing, you can move into advanced practice, leadership, and academic roles.
A graduate degree in nursing pays off for many students. Nurses with a doctorate often work in high-paying, in-demand advanced practice roles. With a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), you can become a nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner.
These in-demand nursing careers report a median annual salary of $132,050 (BLS, May 2024). Advanced practice nurses also benefit from high demand, with 35% projected job growth from 2024-2034.
By pursuing a Ph.D. or other doctorate in nursing, you can also qualify for roles like nursing professor and nurse researcher.
Psychology & Counseling
If you have a passion for mental health, an online doctorate in psychology or counseling could be right for you. Earning a Ph.D. in one of these subjects qualifies you to work with clients of various ages, identities, and backgrounds.
To become a clinical psychologist, you must have a Ph.D. in psychology or a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) degree, in addition to getting state licensure. You can choose from many types of psychology for your degree, such as forensic, school, or clinical psychology.
Psychologists take home a median salary of $94,310 (BLS, May 2024). Jobs for psychologists are also projected to grow by 6% between 2024 and 2034, which is faster than average.
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
Prepare for cutting-edge STEM careers with a doctorate in a science, technology, engineering, or math field.
As a doctoral student, you can advance your expertise in areas such as biomedical engineering, artificial intelligence, and materials science. You'll take advanced coursework in your specialty and conduct original dissertation research to earn your STEM degree.
With a doctorate, you can become a computer scientist, mathematician, or college professor. And STEM professors tend to earn high salaries. Engineering professors, for example, earn a median annual salary of $106,120, while earth and space professors make $101,390 (BLS, May 2024).
Social Work
A doctorate prepares you for top careers in social work. While you need a master's degree to become a licensed social worker, a doctorate can advance your policymaking, research, and leadership abilities.
A Ph.D. in social work prepares graduates for academic and research roles, including as a college professor. Meanwhile, a doctor of social work (DSW) emphasizes clinical practice and prepares graduates for leadership roles.
With a DSW, you can lead social work organizations and mentor clinical social workers. You can also play a key role in setting policy. Social and community services managers report a median salary of $78,240, with a faster-than-average projected job growth (BLS, May 2024).
How Much Do Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates Cost?
The cost of an online doctorate can add up, especially when you're typically spending at least three years in your doctoral program.
On average, graduate tuition and fees cost around $20,510 in 2021-2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
But tuition costs vary widely, with public schools averaging $12,600 per year in tuition and fees and private nonprofit institutions averaging $29,930. When factoring in other expenses, the total cost for a doctorate can increase to over $40,000 per year.
Several factors can affect costs, including the program length and school; however, you'll likely have many funding options in an accredited doctoral program. In fact, according to numbers shared by the Urban Institute, over 70% of doctoral students receive grant aid.
You might also qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to cover costs. And don't forget: You can take out federal loans as a doctoral student.
What Can You Do With an Online Ph.D. or Doctorate?
Earning an online Ph.D. or doctorate signals to employers your industry expertise and commitment to developing your skills and knowledge. It can also lead to rewarding leadership roles, many of which boast above-average salaries.
Here are some popular roles you can get with an online doctorate.
| Position | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Job Growth Rate (2024-2034) | Recommended or Required Degree |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | $151,160 | 4% | JD |
| Nurse Practitioner | $129,210 | 40% | DNP or Ph.D. in nursing |
| Economist | $115,440 | 1% | Ph.D. in economics |
| Data Scientist | $112,590 | 34% | Ph.D. in data science |
| Top Executive | $105,350 | 4% | DBA or Ph.D. in business |
| Postsecondary Education Administrator | $103,960 | 2% | Ed.D. or Ph.D. in education |
| Physical Therapist | $101,020 | 11% | Doctor of physical therapy (DPT) |
| Psychologist | $94,310 | 6% | Psy.D. or Ph.D. in psychology |
| Postsecondary Teacher | $83,980 | 7% | Ph.D. in desired subject area |
| Anthropologist | $64,910 | 4% | Ph.D. in anthropology |
Is an Online Doctoral Degree Worth It?
For many students, earning an online doctorate is worth it for several reasons.
In addition to opening the door to professional leadership opportunities, these degrees routinely provide a pathway to higher salaries. Online programs can also offer increased flexibility for students with full-time jobs, children, or other commitments.
According to the BLS, people with a bachelor's degree as their highest credential earned a median salary of around $74,000 in 2022, while those with a master's degree earned a median salary of around $86,000.
However, people with a doctoral degree earned much more, with a median annual salary of around $108,000. This means doctorate-holders earn about $22,000 more each year than those with master's degrees — and a whopping $34,000 more than those with bachelor's degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates
Yes, you can earn a Ph.D. in a fully online format. Many doctoral programs in business, education, healthcare, and STEM use an online learning format. In these programs, you'll complete coursework in a virtual learning environment while meeting any hands-on or clinical requirements in your local area.
Online doctorates from accredited programs meet the same high academic standards and licensure requirements as in-person doctoral programs.
