online english phd programs

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English Doctoral Program Online

• Doctor of Philosophy
• College of Arts & Letters
• Department of English

Why ODU for English?

ODU's PhD in English integrates writing, rhetoric, discourse, technology, and textual studies. The course work and research opportunities appeal to those pursuing an academic career as well as professionals with careers outside the classroom.

Your research will examine texts in a variety of overlapping and sometimes competing language-based worlds. You'll focus on texts and media when it comes to form, purpose, technology, audience, cultural location, and communities.

Focus your studies by choosing two of four emphasis areas from:

• Literary and cultural studies
• Writing, rhetoric, and discourse studies
• Technology and media studies
• A student-designed emphasis

When you graduate, you will earn a Doctor of Philosophy degree in English.

Want to learn more? Contact us!

Most Affordable Online PhD in English, 2023 - AcademicInfluence.com

Required Courses

• 48 credit hours

All part-time students must attend two Summer Doctoral Institutes at ODU's main campus. This satisfies the residency requirements for this degree.

Contact us to talk with an advisor to determine if you have credits that will transfer. 

• See courses in the ODU Graduate Catalog

Online Learning Environment

Participate in live, regularly scheduled online class meetings and access course materials online from any location. All courses follow ODU's regular academic calendar.

This program requires attendance at two Summer Doctoral Institutes at ODU's main campus. Each institute is two weeks long and is held in July.

• Online Experience

Careers in English

• Writing/Editing
• Advertising
• Public Relations
• Business/Industry
• Digital Design
• Explore Career Data for Your Region at Our Career Coach Website

Calculating Cost

Rates are effective Fall 2024 and subject to change. * In-state rate assumes residency requirements are met.

• Explore ODUGlobal Cost & Aid

Meet Your Team

You'll have a dedicated academic advisor for this program.

Contact us if you have questions about admission requirements, transferring credits, or application deadlines.

Ready to get started?

How to apply.

If you don't have some significant background in an English-related field, the department encourages you to take master’s level coursework in English before applying. Detailed information about admission to the PhD in English program is available from  the department's website .

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Want to get started now?

You may be able to take up to four courses (12 credit hours) as a non-degree graduate student, before you are accepted into a specific degree program. 

Please contact us to discuss this option with an expert advisor.

Online PhD in English

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Timelines, Programs and Resources for English Students

The time commitment for earning and online PhD in English is equal to that of earning the same degree on campus. Students will hone their research skills, take on self-motivated projects, collaborate with elite academics and ultimately present a culmination of their research as a contribution to the area of English they chose to study. After graduation, students can pursue careers in academia, as well as fields like business, law or advertising. English PhD graduates are typically excellent communicators, and this guide explores where and how to earn these doctoral credentials through distance learning.

Timeline: Earning an Online PhD in English

Earning an English doctoral degree through an online program tests a student’s ability to study and research intensively on their own time. It requires a great deal of commitment, but even distance learning programs include students in academic discussions with their thesis advisors and other faculty members in the English department. The following timeline provides a helpful guide for online students to navigate through their program with, from applications through graduation.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Because an English PhD is such a high-level degree, applicants must be prepared to provide examples of their best work and explain why they would do well in a certain program. They must show their commitment to English and literature in order to be accepted.

• COMPLETED MASTER’S DEGREE AND TRANSCRIPTS This prior graduate degree should be in English or a closely related field, and applicants should have earned it through an accredited institution. Programs will ask for official transcripts to be sent from all higher learning institutions that an applicant attended.
• GRE SCORES There may be a minimum scoring requirement in the reading and verbal areas of the GRE for doctoral level English applicants, but all programs will want to see general scores from this exam taken within the last five years.
• PERSONAL STATEMENT This personal essay is where an applicant outlines their professional, academic and research goals and how the specific online PhD program in English will help them achieve these goals. Applicants should also note what degree emphasis they are interested in pursuing within English, depending on what the school offers.
• WRITING SAMPLE English PhD applicants must include a writing sample with their application, usually around 20 double-spaced pages, that is on a topic related to their specialization or English expertise.
• RECOMMENDATION LETTERS Online PhD programs will ask for letters of recommendation from sources that are able to comment on an applicant’s readiness to attend a graduate program in English.
• RESUME English PhD programs will take academic qualifications and professional experience into account. Some consider this an integral part of application requirements for doctoral-level English students.
• DEMONSTRATION OF LEARNING COMMITMENT Because online English PhDs require self-motivated, research-intensive study, applicants may be asked to demonstrate their ability to make time, use relevant technologies and facilities, and commit fully to distance learning. Previous experience with online education programs is helpful.

YEAR 1 MILESTONES

The first year of an online English doctoral program is the last chance a student has to play the academic field. After this year, or sometimes even before applying to the program, English PhD students must choose an area of English to specialize in and study intensively. This is where they will devote all of their attention to throughout their PhD program.

• CHOOSE A CONCENTRATION Any undecided students need to choose a focus within English in the first year of an online PhD program in order to direct their future research and prepare for their final thesis. Concentrations may be in a specific time period of literature, or more general concentrations like technology and media studies.
• REFINE RESEARCH PRACTICES Throughout the English PhD program, students will design and conduct empirical research with literature, including various scholarly approaches to writing such as ethnography and feminist research.
• INVESTIGATE FACULTY MEMBER ADVISORS Because professors are such a major component of a PhD program in English, students should begin looking for faculty advisors early. This usually involves finding a professor who specializes in the student’s chosen area of specialty.

YEAR 2 MILESTONES

Second-year English doctoral students must complete all specialized courses in their area of specialty. Some may choose to take more electives, which may mean more time in school. This is also the year English PhD students will begin to prepare for their final theses and dissertations.

• CONCENTRATION COURSES AND ELECTIVES Because English PhD areas of specialization vary, students are usually required to complete courses within their specialization during this year. These can be in subject areas such as historical literature, or theories around rhetoric and writing. There will also be other required courses and a certain number of electives second-year English PhD students must take in addition to these specialty studies.
• CRITICAL RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS Online PhD programs teach English students to think and reason outside the box, using uncharted paths. They will have to investigate topics with a critical eye, exploring previous research but not relying on others’ opinions for their own findings.
• PREPARE FOR A RESEARCH PROJECT Students should begin cultivating ideas and relevant sources of research material for their final English PhD thesis as soon as they have decided on concentrations. This final, culminating project will exemplify their academic achievement and is needed to become experts in their field.

YEAR 3 MILESTONES

The final year of an English PhD program is completely devoted to a student’s final thesis and dissertation. Their entire academic career has honed their research skills, critical thinking, writing and speaking abilities to reach this pinnacle of academic achievement.

• DISSERTATION HOURS Different online PhD programs in English may have specific dissertation courses that prepare students to develop, initially research, refine, and organize a topic for their thesis and defense. Faculty members oversee research and bibliography construction. All core, field, specialized and elective coursework needs to be completed before undertaking preparations for a dissertation.
• DOCTORAL CANDIDACY EXAMS After completing class and research requirements, some online English PhD programs require students to pass an exam designed specifically for student’s chosen field and the projects they hope to pursue. If a student does not pass, they will not be allowed to submit their research proposal or work on their dissertation. These students will need to re-evaluate and re-test.
• APPLY FOR A RESEARCH PROJECT Before starting research preparing for the defense on their English PhD thesis, students must find a faculty advisor and submit a research proposal. This is to ensure that they are pursuing interesting, relevant, original research in the field, that they have planned their research and thesis well and that they are completely prepared for rigorous academic work.
• INDEPENDENT, RELEVANT RESEARCH The final stage of a student’s English doctoral program focuses completely on research into the specialization that they have chosen to study. English PhD students must apply their researching, analysis and writing skills, under the supervision of a faculty advisor, to complete their thesis.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduating from a PhD program in English is a testament to a student’s research ability and their commitment to the subject. They have defended their skills before a panel of successful academics. This is the most important requirement for a PhD, but there are a few other key requirements for an online degree that English PhD students must also meet.

• COMPLETED COURSEWORK Because English doctoral degree studies build upon a student’s experience with research in their chosen field, they must complete each online course to the professor’s satisfaction before proceeding in the program. Most PhD programs have minimum GPA requirements that students must meet to remain in the program.
• TESTS AND TRAININGS While individual English professors may administer exams to their PhD students, the online university itself may have test requirements that accepted students must fulfill, usually to establish a common base knowledge of good research practices.
• ON-CAMPUS REQUIREMENTS Some programs may require online PhD student to attend a specified amount of English classes on-campus. These residential credit hours must be fulfilled before a student can graduate.
• THESIS AND DEFENSE All English PhD programs require students to complete an original thesis or dissertation under the supervision of an advisor. Defending the value and work of this thesis to a panel of fellow English academics is also major part of earning a doctorate.

Core Principles and Skills Learned in Online English PhD Programs

Phd in english, literature and culture, rhetoric and communication, technology resources, master’s in english, top online phd in education programs.

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Spotlight: Online PhD Programs in English

The best thing about online programs is that students have the opportunity to enroll in the best schools, no matter where they are located geographically. The following list spotlights the best accredited English PhD programs that offer online degrees in the nation, base on a variety of factors important to students. This information can provide a base for students to begin digging deeper into each program to find the best overall fit.

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Harvard offers 22 total fine arts and design programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Programs fall under the Department of Art, Film, and Visual Studies (AFVS); the Office for the Arts ; or the Graduate School of Design . Through Harvard, students can earn a professional art degree without compromising on a liberal arts education.

Students wishing to major in studio arts declare a concentration in AFVS during their sophomore year. By the end of junior year, AFVS majors establish a media focus to develop a professional-level portfolio. Students choose to complete either a two-semester senior thesis or a project representing their third year body of work.

The graduate school offers professional and post-professional master's programs in design, architecture, and urban planning. Admission to the design master's program requires two years of professional experience. However, undergraduates may apply to the architecture and urban planning programs with a portfolio demonstrating their aptitude for three-dimensional design.

The University of Pennsylvania's Weitzman School of Design offers 28 programs in fine arts and design focused on the interdisciplinary study of art as a response to societal challenges. UPenn awards bachelor's-level art degrees in fine arts or design.

The fine arts program focuses on artmaking technique and requires six studio courses with options such as printmaking, sculpture, and animation. The design program explores the integration of design with science and the humanities. Studio courses under this major offer instruction in the application of contemporary design theory and prototyping and fabrication.

Both undergraduate degrees include a two-semester capstone senior seminar in the final year. The seminar culminates in a public showcase of the student's portfolio. Prospective students applying directly to the art program may submit a supplemental portfolio. Current students enter the program without a separate application by meeting with an advisor to declare a major.

The Penny W. Stamps School of Art and Design (Stamps) at the University of Michigan hosts 14 undergraduate and graduate level programs with options tailored toward either a studio or an academic focus. Undergraduates choose from four art degree options: BA or BFA in art and design, BFA in interarts performance, and dual-degree options.

In all programs, Stamps requires studio courses in drawing, design, and inquiry methods. Students must pass a sophomore review in which they present a portfolio of college work to a faculty committee. Students must also complete one course outside the United States in an approved international program unless they declare a minor.

All Stamps applicants need to complete the Common Application or Coalition Application for U-M. Recommendations must include letters from both an academic and an art instructor. Portfolios should include 12-15 pieces representing both conceptual work and direct observation drawings.

A private research university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University offers 17 programs in art and design through The College of Fine Arts . This includes a BFA and a BXA intercollege degree programs.

The BFA program contains four media-based concentrations. Students can choose a specific concentration or create an individualized hybrid curriculum.The first year curriculum includes courses from all four concentrations. After sophomore year, students gain more freedom to choose their major coursework. A year-long senior studio course serves as the program capstone. Each school year ends with an exhibition showcasing senior studio work.

When making a decision, admission officers consider an applicant's portfolio, transcripts, and test scores holistically. Portfolios must include 12-20 pieces with artist statements. Faculty recommend including work done outside of assignments to represent independent ability.

A private research university in Durham, North Carolina, Duke University features 11 art and design programs through the Trinity College of Art and Sciences. Undergraduate students can pursue one of three BA tracks: art history, visual arts, and visual and media studies. Art history specializations include architecture and museum studies. The program also offers a combined art history and visual arts major.

Visual arts majors choose courses from six subdisciplines for introductory and intermediate studios. The program culminates in a required theory course and a studio capstone. Visual and media studies majors must take two gateway courses within their first year. Students choose from a list of preapproved courses to serve as their capstone.

Art program applicants only need to complete the general Duke application, but students may submit a portfolio and statement as a supplement.

The private research university hosts two schools catering to visual arts. The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers art degrees in studio art, visual arts administration, art therapy, and art education. Tisch School of the Arts provides undergraduate and graduate level tracks in art and design for film .

The BFA in studio art program begins with a year-long foundation program and ends with a senior studio capstone course. In this course, students develop a portfolio and plan their gallery showcase in small groups. The Tisch film program covers four primary stages: introductory, fundamental, intermediate, and advanced. After completing a bachelor's program, students interested in production design can apply to the MFA program.

Applicants to the Steinhardt School must submit a 12-15 piece portfolio with a statement of purpose. Tisch portfolio requirements include a one-page resume and the choice of 10-15 images or a five-minute short film. Students must also answer three creative prompts in visual and script format.

Located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, Tufts University offers 32 degree and certificate programs in art and design through the School of the Museum of Fine Arts , Boston.

The first year for BFA students consists of a heavy studio course load and an introductory theory course in visual and material studies. Over four years, students participate in eight review boards, presenting their semester work to a team of faculty and students. The review process helps students recognize the connection between their research projects and studio work while developing their own artistic direction.

Applicants can choose either a BFA or a combined degree program on the Tufts application. Both programs require a portfolio submission of either 15-20 images or up to 10 minutes of timed material.

A private research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lehigh University offers 13 major and minor programs in art, design, and architecture . The four main BA programs provide students with a foundation for a career in art or a smooth transition to graduate studies.

The art major centers on the principle disciplines of drawing, painting, sculpture, and photography. Art majors can combine studies with a theatre major to specialize in costume design or pursue a minor in education to receive a teaching certificate. The design major includes studios combining communication through digital media with traditional artmaking. Both majors include five foundation courses in art history, two and three dimensional design, and drawing.

Applicants need to complete the Common Application or Coalition Application for Lehigh and a writing sample. Students earning a five on the AP Studio Art exam apply eight credits toward the first year foundation courses.

Drexel University, a private research university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, awards degrees from 22 art and design programs . These programs include bachelor's and master's level instruction in design, production, and media management.

All BS majors begin with a foundation in studio art which aims to foster student creativity and solidify design fundamentals. As students continue within their chosen discipline, they will gain professional experience through the university's cooperative education program. Students can choose a four-year study track with one co-op, usually during the third year, or a five-year track, with three co-op placements.

The Westphal College of Media Arts & Design application includes an essay expressing the student's interest in their intended program. Some majors, such as animation, fashion design, and photography, require an 8-12 piece portfolio.

Georgetown University's Department of Art and Art History offers BA options in art and art history and an MA in art and museum studies. Students can choose one of eight media specializations in a combined studio and liberal arts curriculum.

After completing two introductory courses, students take three intermediate studios within a concentration. The four concentration options include drawing and printmaking; painting; sculpture; and photography, graphic design, and new media. Students must complete a senior art seminar to fulfill the university integrated writing requirement. The department hosts a senior art major exhibition in the spring.

The Office of Undergraduate Admissions bases decisions on a student's general application. Applicants can submit a supplemental portfolio of up to 20 images to convey substantial artistic talent not demonstrated on the general application.

University of Florida

University of Florida students have access to more than 200 research and education centers, and institutes. PhD degree in English at Florida provides doctoral students with more than 20 specialized academic tracks across all eras, genres, and theoretical/critical schools of thought. Students entering with a bachelor’s degree must complete a 90 credit hour degree. Students with an English master’s degree from another school must complete 60 hours required toward the PhD. Courses include studies in the track area, related studies, electives, and master’s research including a thesis and comprehensive oral examination. PhD students must complete foreign language requirements and defend a dissertation based on original scholarly research.

• In-State Tuition: $6,313
• Student Population: 50,645
• Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 89%
• Number of Students per Instructor: 21

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University opened in 1923. In 2013, 10 Texas Tech faculty members received Fulbright Scholarships, the most for any faculty in the nation. The PhD in English program reflects the university’s commitment to academic excellence, offering students the opportunity to advance scholarship in their field while concurrently learning to teach in multiple English disciplines. Areas of emphasis include British Literature, American Literature, Linguistics, Creative Writing, or Comparative Literature, Globalization and Translation. New specializations have been recently developed in 19th Century literature, Book History, Literature, Social Justice, and Environment, and Film & Media Studies.

• In-State Tuition: $7,811
• Student Population: 35,859
• Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid: 53%
• Number of Students per Instructor: 22

Your Degree: What Can I Do with a PhD in English?

An online PhD in English typically leads graduates into academia, as professors who teach English students and continue to study, research and publish papers in their field. This does not always have to be the case, however. Graduates from English PhD programs have proven their ability to focus, research, reason, write and explore: all qualities that can be essential in many job markets. Take a look at some examples of career paths a PhD in English could lead to below.

English Professor

English professors teach English and literature studies at a collegiate level. They may teach classes in their chosen area of specialization, such as literature from a certain period in history. Conducting research, remaining current in their field and publishing research papers is also a major part of an English professor’s job.

Job Growth (2014-2024): 13% Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $72,470

Grant Writer

Grant writers research, write and submit funding proposals for organizations, institutions, programs and individuals. They ask for sums of money from government or private foundations, tailoring their requests to connect the specific missions of their organization or program. Typically, grant writers request funding from programs designed to aid specific types of organizations or programs.

Job Growth (2014-2024): Data unavailable Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $43,718

Urban and Regional Planner

These professionals plan ways to use lands and programs to create communities, facilitate growth, generate interest in revitalization efforts and study the inner workings of cities and counties, in both metro and rural areas. They work with teams of people who have a wide range of skills, from infrastructure and construction to data gathering and surveying. They are great communicators and problem solvers.

Job Growth (2014-2024): 6.3 % Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $68,220

Survey Researcher

In addition to conducting surveys and analyzing their data, survey researches design a wide variety of information gathering tools to ask questions. Their objective is to understand the perspectives, beliefs, traditions and preferences different people hold based on a variety of factors, such as demographics or economic group. Survey researchers can cover work across any number of fields, from advertising to politics.

Job Growth (2014-2024): 12% Median Annual Salary (May 2015): $53,920

Additional English PhD Resources

Below is a collection of free online resources for current PhD students, English and humanities membership organizations, and career and networking resources for English PhD graduates seeking careers beyond colleges or universities. English PhD scholars dedicate their time to very narrow areas of literature, but the skills can be applied in so many different jobs and situations.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Online Ph.D. programs provide students with flexible schedules and affordable tuition. Check out the top-ranked programs in this comprehensive guide.

Best Accredited Online Master’s Programs 2024

Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Degree Programs 2024

Shape your future with an online degree.

Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

We rank the best online PhD degree programs in English.

Key Takeaways

• Students seeking a PhD in English can choose from a small selection of online English doctoral programs.
• Online English PhD graduates typically work in areas like post-secondary education, language research, publishing.
• Online English PhD programs come in concentrations like American literature, technology and media studies, literary theory, and more.

Featured Programs

The online English PhD program is ideal for working professionals and graduate students with a deep interest in English literature, comparative literature, creative writing, English language learning education, literacy education, and more. However, only a select number of universities offer a full selection of English PhD programs online.

The online English doctoral degree is considered a terminal degree, which means it is the highest degree that you can earn in your field. This means that online doctoral programs for PhD students in English can lead to opportunities for teaching English at the post-secondary level, participating in advanced humanities research, or providing public consultation on critical literacy and learning issues.

Online PhD in English candidates are typically already working at a high level in their field. This means that students seeking their doctorate must balance existing work and personal responsibilities with a challenging course of education. For many graduate students, online courses and fully online programs provide a way to achieve this balance.

For a look at how these online doctor of English programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the The Best Research Universities for English Degrees.

Or find out more with a look at our College Rankings Guide .

Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an online PhD in English.

The best online PhD in English programs will have proper accreditation. Be sure that you are pursuing your PhD in English through a fully accredited university and program:

• Institutional Accreditation : Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online PhD programs offered by the online school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body.

A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates. When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

• Programmatic Accreditation : In addition to institutional accreditation, be sure that you prioritize online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation. While there is no specifically required programmatic accreditation for the general field of English, those who intend to work in post-secondary educational institutions may be required to complete a doctoral program with accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). Make sure that your online English PhD program offers the proper programmatic accreditation requirements for your career goals.
• Carnegie Classification : The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, or as it is more commonly known, the Carnegie Classification, is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States. Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online Phd programs.

Key Point: Be sure that you only consider an online English PhD program with proper accreditation.

Doctoral Program Admission Requirements

Schools that offer online English PhD programs have different admission requirements. However, most online doctoral programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission:

• A completed online application
• Official transcripts
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal interviews
• Personal statement or writing sample
• Plan of study

Key Point: In most cases, you will be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning only a bachelor’s degree. However, some specialized online English Degree programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.

Curriculum and Courses For English Graduate Students

As with other advanced degree and graduate programs, research is the central component of your online PhD in English program. This is true for fully online doctorate degrees as well as hybrid degrees combining online education with traditional on-campus courses. Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is five to seven years.

The typical components of your online English PhD program may include:

Foundational Courses

Your English PhD will typically begin with foundational courses in your area of concentration. Concentrations may include:

• English literature
• British literature
• Creative writing
• Critical literacy training
• Literary and cultural studies

Some of your courses will focus on research methods and experimental design. You may be able to complete many of these requirements through online classes. Your English graduate program may also include a foreign language requirement.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation

In most cases, the central component of your online PhD program will be the completion of your dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original scholarly research question.

This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some online Ph.D programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teaching assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements through distance learning.

Key Point: Completion and defense of your dissertation will be a central part of completing your online doctoral degree program in English.

Careers for English Online Doctoral Students

The online PhD in English is a terminal degree program. This means that PhD students who complete this online program will qualify for top positions and opportunities in their field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that you may be able to qualify for work as an English teacher with a master’s degree in English. However, the highest paying careers in English are generally held by those working in post-secondary education. The BLS notes that the highest paid 10% of professionals in the English field earned more than $132,000 in 2021.

Earning an online PhD in English can lead to some of these top-paying roles in the field, including:

• Critical Literacy Policy Development
• Education Policy Consultation
• Post-Secondary Literature Education
• Education Department Chairmanship

Key Point: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, English professionals with a doctorate will earn more than graduates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online PhD programs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, your online doctoral degree may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.

The Best Online English Doctorates (PhDs)

The online PhD in English programs identified here are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment.

Texas A&M University

• #2 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #13 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #24 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #1 Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #2 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
• #5 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #8 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #9 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
• #11 Best RN to BSN Online
• #13 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #20 Best Online Master's in Management

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for English degree at Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Engineering
• Earth Sciences
• Computer Science
• Criminal Justice
• Mathematics

Most Influential Alumni

• C. Wright Mills
• Frank Malina
• Gilbert Shelton
• Henry Cisneros
• Richard Steadman
• Kenneth Womack
• Elaine Ingham
• Forrest Mims
• Adrian Smith
• H. W. Brands
• Lihong V. Wang

What do we love about Texas A&M University?

Texas A&M University was founded in 1876 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas. In 1948, Texas A&M began to expand into additional campuses throughout the state, making the College Station, Texas campus the flagship school in the Texas A&M University system.

With more than 73,000 students pursuing degrees at the undergraduate and post-graduate levels, Texas A&M University is in fact the largest school in the United States by enrollment. The public research university is also the only school in Texas that is designated as a land-, sea-, and space-grant university.

Texas A&M makes a wide range of excellent graduate level degrees available to students both through traditional delivery and fully online classes. For instance, students can complete the PhD in English either online or at the Texas A&M-Commerce campus.

Are planning to conduct advanced graduate research. Texas A&M is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities for its very high level of research activity.

Are looking for a more intimate college experience. Texas A&M is literally the largest school you could possibly attend.

University of Alabama at Birmingham

• #3 Best Public Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #4 Alabama's Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Alabama
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Data Science and Analytics Degree Programs for 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's in Kinesiology Degree Programs
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Alabama
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Alabama 2024
• #3 Best Online Master's Programs in Alabama 2024
• #5 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
• #7 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
• #7 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #8 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #8 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
• #8 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
• #9 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #9 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #9 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #12 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #13 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #15 Best Online MBAs in Finance
• #15 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #18 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #19 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #4 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs

Career Outlook for English degree at University of Alabama at Birmingham

University of Alabama at Birmingham’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Anthropology
• Rebecca Bace
• Ray L. Watts
• Eli Capilouto
• Lawrence J. DeLucas
• Hadiyah-Nicole Green
• Graeme McDowell
• David B. Allison
• Clancy Blair
• Bruce R. Korf
• Selwyn M. Vickers
• Ricardo Azziz
• Jason Aaron

What do we love about University of Alabama-Birmingham?

University of Alabama-Birmingham was formed in 1936 as a small regional “academic extension center.” Over the next three decades, the school grew into a public research university boasting 140 undergraduate and graduate programs across 12 academic departments.

From its humble regional beginning, the University of Alabama-Birmingham today serves more than 22,000 students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In fact, the university is also the single largest employer in the state, with more than 75,000 people working as faculty, staff, and in various jobs across the university health system.

UAB is identified among R1: Doctoral Universities for its very high level of research. Students pursuing their PhD have a number of options both online and on campus. In particular, UAB offers a variety of excellent online education PhDs, which can provide an excellent degree pathway for those with an interest in post-secondary English and literature education, or those with an interest in literacy research and policy development. Relevant concentrations include the online PhD in Early Childhood Education and the online PhD in Educational Studies in Diverse Populations .

Want balance between big city life and a small town feel. Students describe the campus and surrounding Birmingham as offering a safe community in a vibrant urban setting.

Are seeking a broad selection of on-campus activities. Some students describe options as limited in this area.

Texas Tech University

• #7 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Texas 2024
• #1 Best Online Master's in English
• #2 Best Online Bachelor's of English Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Best Online Certificate in Liberal Arts and Humanities Ranked for Students
• #2 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
• #2 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Doctorate of Information Technology
• #4 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #4 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
• #5 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #7 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
• #7 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #8 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
• #8 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #8 The Most Affordable Online Clinical Nutrition Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #9 Best Online Doctorate of Educational Psychology (PhDs) 2024
• #10 Best Online Master’s in Communications
• #11 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
• #12 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
• #14 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #14 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #14 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
• #15 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #15 Best Online Master’s in Education
• #16 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #20 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #20 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
• #23 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
• #23 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for English degree at Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Political Science
• John Hinckley Jr.
• Arati Prabhakar
• James T. Richardson
• Mica Endsley
• Carolyn Eisele
• Paul E. Gray
• Guy McPherson
• John Denver
• Manuel H. Johnson
• M. David Rudd

What do we love about Texas Tech University?

Texas Tech University began life as the Texas Technical College with its founding 1923. Based in Lubbock, Texas Tech is considered the primary institution among the five schools making up the Texas Tech University System.

Taking its present name in 1969, Texas Tech University would become the sixth-largest institution in the state of Texas. Today, there are more than 40,000 students earning degrees at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the public research university

Texas Tech is particularly noteworthy as a destination for prospective PhDs, including those with an interest in its online PhD in English. The school has a number of different PhD in English programs , including creative writing, literature, linguistics, and rhetoric. Texas Tech is classified among R1: Doctoral Universities, so noted for their very high research activity.

Like a college with strong school spirit. Students repeatedly note that the school spirit is a major feature of campus life, which can make Texas Tech feel like one big community.

Are looking for a small campus. Like a lot of other things in Texas, Texas Tech is a sprawling campus. Students note that the sheer distance of walking between classes can sometimes be exhausting.

Old Dominion University

• #8 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in the District Of Columbia
• #2 Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Elementary Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #3 Best Online MBA Programs in Virginia
• #3 Best Online Colleges in Virginia 2024
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Accounting Programs
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #3 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration
• #3 Best Online Bachelor's of Finance Degree Programs for 2024
• #4 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
• #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s in Marketing and Advertising Degree Programs for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #6 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
• #7 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity
• #7 Best Online Master's in English
• #8 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
• #8 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #9 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
• #9 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
• #10 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
• #10 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #10 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting
• #10 Best Online Master's in Sports Management
• #11 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
• #13 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
• #18 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
• #19 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
• #23 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
• #24 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
• #25 Best Online Master's in Special Education
• #4 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling
• #13 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

Career Outlook for English degree at Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Justin Verlander
• Nancy Lieberman
• Serkan Golge
• Ticha Penicheiro
• Linda B. Hayden
• Richard C. McCarty
• Kent Bazemore
• Bonita V. Saunders
• Sarah McCoy
• Jack T. Kirby
• Philip C. Kendall

What do we love about Old Dominion University?

Old Dominion University was formed in 1930 as the Norfolk Division of the College of William & Mary. Based in Norfolk, Virginia, Old Dominion university offers more than 150 graduate and undergraduate degree options.

Today, Old Dominion serves more than 24,000 students at the graduate and undergraduate levels, and is noted as an institution where a high level of scientific and technological innovation takes place.

Old Dominion is identified among R1: Doctoral Universities for its very high level of research. Students pursuing their PhD have a number of options both online and on campus.

ODU has an online English doctoral program that results in a PhD in English. The program is 48 credit hours and includes two summer visits to campus.

Enjoy diversity. Students at ODU represent all 50 states as well as more than 80 nations around the world.

Do not prefer a college in an urban area. ODU’s 251 acre campus is less than 5 miles from downtown Norfolk.

Murray State University

• #2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Kentucky
• #3 Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #3 Best Online Associate Degrees in Kentucky 2024
• #3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Agribusiness and Agriculture Degree Programs
• #4 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2024
• #5 Best Online MBA Programs in Kentucky
• #6 Best Online Master's Programs in Kentucky 2024
• #6 Best Online Colleges in Kentucky 2024
• #7 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
• #11 Best Online Master's in English
• #12 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs
• #12 Best Online Master's in Economics
• #13 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #14 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
• #14 Best Online Associate in General Studies
• #18 Best Online Associate in Business Administration
• #18 Best Online Master’s in Educational Administration
• #23 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration

Career Outlook for English degree at Murray State University

Murray State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Jeff Easley
• David L. Armstrong
• Popeye Jones
• Chris Thile
• Terry Yates
• W. Earl Brown
• Kirk Rueter
• Bill Cunningham

What do we love about Murray State University?

Murray State University was formed in 1922 as the Murray State Normal School. Though Murray State’s flagship campus is based in Calloway, Kentucky, the public university operates an additional four campuses throughout the state.

Murray State gradually evolved throughout its history, from a modest teachers college operating out of a local middle school into a degree-granting institution and, by 1966, a state-recognized university. Today, Murray serves more than 9,000 students at the graduate and undergraduate levels.

Murray State offers several only doctoral programs, and is recognized for its NCATE accreditation, which distinguishes its advanced degree programs in the field of education.

The school has an online Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy degree program.

Are pursuing careers in teaching, nursing, and business. Murray State is recognized for its excellence in each of these areas.

Have financial limitations. Students describe the cost of attendance and the cost of living as comparatively high at Murray State.

Other Options for Aspiring English PhDs

Students considering an online doctoral in English should also check out the best on-campus options to compare features like cost, curriculum, acceptance rate, and more.

New York University

• #13 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #23 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in New York 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools in New York 2024
• #2 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #23 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #1 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
• #1 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #2 Best Online Master's in Management
• #2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #3 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #3 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
• #5 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
• #7 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Social Work
• Communications
• Erich Fromm
• Robert Mueller
• Martha Nussbaum
• John Archibald Wheeler
• Glenn Greenwald
• Howard Zinn
• Eric Kandel
• Lewis Mumford
• Alvin Toffler
• Louis Nirenberg

University of California, Berkeley

• #2 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #2 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #2 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #2 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
• #5 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #16 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges California 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
• #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #2 Best Colleges in California 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities in California 2024
• #2 Best Grad Schools California 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
• #3 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #7 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #1 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #2 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
• #2 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
• #3 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #3 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
• #9 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for English degree at University of California, Berkeley

University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Daniel Kahneman
• John Kenneth Galbraith
• Timothy Leary
• Shing-Tung Yau
• Ken Thompson
• Niklaus Wirth
• Douglas Engelbart
• Theodosius Dobzhansky
• Betty Friedan
• George Dantzig
• Octavio Paz
• Gary Snyder

University of Michigan

• #4 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
• #9 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #9 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #11 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #22 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
• #1 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024
• #2 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #4 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #5 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #6 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
• #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2024
• #1 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
• #1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
• #1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #1 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #2 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #2 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
• #2 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #3 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #6 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
• #1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
• #5 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for English degree at University of Michigan

University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Claude Shannon
• Arthur Miller
• Alvin Plantinga
• Edgar F. Codd
• Hans-Hermann Hoppe
• Stephen Smale
• Urie Bronfenbrenner
• John Henry Holland
• Amos Tversky
• Marshall Sahlins

University of California, Los Angeles

• #7 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges
• #13 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
• #14 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #14 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
• #17 Best Universities in the World 2024
• #2 Best Public Colleges California 2024
• #2 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
• #3 Best Colleges in California 2024
• #3 Best Research Universities in California 2024
• #3 Best Grad Schools California 2024
• #6 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
• #8 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
• #9 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
• #10 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
• #11 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
• #12 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
• #13 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
• #14 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
• #15 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
• #16 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
• #17 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
• #18 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
• #21 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
• #4 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
• #4 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #14 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for English degree at University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Hilary Putnam
• Elinor Ostrom
• Judea Pearl
• Glenn T. Seaborg
• Barry Boehm
• Stanley Cavell
• William F. Sharpe
• John Ehrlichman
• Stephen Krashen
• Edward O. Thorp
• Stephen Kosslyn

University of Iowa

• #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2024
• #1 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2024
• #1 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2024
• #1 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
• #1 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa
• #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2024
• #1 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
• #1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
• #2 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
• #2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2024
• #5 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #5 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
• #9 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2024
• #9 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
• #10 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
• #11 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
• #4 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
• #8 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for English degree at University of Iowa

University of Iowa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

• Albert Bandura
• Tennessee Williams
• Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak
• Oswald Veblen
• Jayaprakash Narayan
• Leon Festinger
• Henry Jenkins
• Everett Rogers
• Julian Rotter
• John Robert Anderson
• Wallace Stegner

Check out our complete Online Program Rankings .

2024 Best Online PhD in English Programs

If you love words and communication, it may be your goal to earn an online PhD in English.

Holding a doctoral degree is a common requirement for jobs in academia, such as being an English professor or a humanities researcher. Having a PhD isn’t just for working in a college, though.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Whether you plan to be a professor or a practitioner, you can satisfy your desire to study language and writing by completing a distance learning PhD in English.

Universities Offering Online PhD in English Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer English degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Concordia University – Chicago

Concordia University—Chicago offers an online program for a PhD in Leadership with a specialization in Reading, Language, and Literacy.

Students must complete 67 credits to graduate. To be eligible for the program, applicants must have a master’s degree with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. They must also submit 2 letters of recommendation and a personal statement about their goals.

Concordia University Chicago  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Murray State University

Murray State University offers an online Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy program. The program offers four different specializations: Language, Literacy, Literature, and Writing.

Students who have a master’s degree only need to complete 48 credit hours of coursework. Applicants with a minimum GPA of 3.2 and 3 letters of recommendation can enroll at any point during the year. Murray State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

National University

National University offers an online program for a PhD in Education with an emphasis in English Language Learning.

To graduate, students must obtain 60 credit hours. The program can usually be completed in 37 months. Students can start the program at any time and can determine their own schedule with no preset lecture hours or due dates.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University offers an online PhD in English program. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.5, a GRE score above the 70th percentile, and 3 letters of recommendation.

Students choose two emphases from Literary and Cultural Studies, Writing, Rhetoric, and Discourse Studies, Technology and Media Studies, or a student-designed emphasis. A total of 48 credits are needed to graduate. Old Dominion University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Ohio University

Ohio University offers an online PhD in English program. Students can choose a concentration in one of three areas: Literary History, Creative Writing, or Rhetoric and Composition.

Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and 2 years of undergraduate coursework related to foreign languages and should submit GRE scores and 3 letters of recommendation.

Ohio University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Rowan University

Rowan University offers a PhD in Education with an option to add a Language and Literacy Concentration.

Students must complete 72 semester hours, with 15 hours dedicated to the specialization. A thesis or project is required to graduate. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 and 3 letters of recommendation.

Rowan University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

St. John’s University

St. John’s University offers an online PhD in Literacy program. To graduate, students must complete 42 credit hours and a dissertation project under the supervision of a faculty member. The program can typically be completed within 3 to 4 years. Applicants should have a GPA of 3.2 or higher, GRE scores, and 2 letters of recommendation.

St. John’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers an online PhD in English program. Applicants must submit 4 letters of recommendation, transcripts, and GRE scores.

Students may choose to add a specialization to their degree with a concentration in Written Discourse, Theory and Practice, or Critical Literacy. The program is designed for those interested in teaching English and requires a teaching residency.

Texas A&M University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers an online program for a PhD in English with the option to take a concentration in Literature, Creative Writing, or Linguistics. At least 60 course hours and a qualifying exam are needed to graduate. Applicants must submit 3 letters of recommendation, a resume, and all transcripts.

Texas Tech University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

University of Houston

The University of Houston offers an online program for a PhD in Professional Leadership with an emphasis in Literacy Education.

Students must complete 51 credit hours with a GPA of 3.0 to graduate. Courses last for 5 to 6 weeks. Applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and must submit 3 letters of recommendation, a resume, and transcripts.

The  University of Houston  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Online PhD in English Programs

A doctorate in English is a terminal degree for people who are interested in various aspects of the English language, including literature and writing.

During your program, you may have the opportunity to spend several years engaged in serious study, so you’ll probably want to select a topic in the field that fascinates you. Some areas of study include medieval literature, gender studies, written discourse, modern grammar, or film criticism.

In a doctoral English program, you’ll typically complete a series of coursework toward the beginning of your studies. While a handful of your classes might be prescribed, you may be at liberty to select much of your own curriculum.

Topics you might study in online English PhD programs include:

• Cultures and societies
• Composition and rhetoric
• Grammar and syntax
• Literature from various time periods
• Research methods
• Teaching methods

Many students enter English PhD programs because they want to have careers in academia. In a linguistics department, you might teach courses and work on research projects. Taking classes on instructional methods during your program can help you prepare for that role.

As a PhD candidate, you’ll typically need to undertake a major research project. Completing the research and the writing for your dissertation can take several years. Along the way, you’ll take classes to help you get started, and you’ll have the support of a faculty advisor.

After completing your doctoral program, you might look for a job at a university or another academic institution. You can also pursue research opportunities outside of college settings. Having a PhD in English might also enhance your career as a writer, an editor, or a journalist.

Your developed communication skills can also be useful in the fields of public relations or business administration. Some graduates become education administrators or K-12 teachers as well.

English Major Careers & Salaries

Many students who enroll in English doctoral programs want to become college professors. As a faculty member of a university’s English department, you might teach writing or literature. You may have opportunities to conduct research in the humanities as well.

Getting a faculty job can entail a lot of competition. Fortunately, there are plenty of other options you can pursue with a degree in English lit or language.

Being a professor isn’t the only option for working in education. With a teaching license, you can qualify to teach in a high school’s English education department. Those with a PhD may also pursue roles as college administrators.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are various career paths open for people with a Ph.D. in English.

The publishing industry especially relies on strong writing skills. Some graduates become authors or editors. The process of researching and writing a dissertation might prepare you for the role of a technical writer, relaying complicated information in understandable ways.

In fact, nearly any job that depends on communication skills might benefit from your doctoral background. Public relations managers and administrative managers are two such positions that require solid communication skills.

Journalism and on-air reporting are other lines of work to consider. Audiences might appreciate your ability to explain complicated situations or to help them consider different perspectives.

English Doctorate Curriculum & Courses

As a doctoral student, you may have a good deal of flexibility to choose what courses you take as part of your program.

The English departments at many schools offer a vast lineup of courses. That might allow you to build a curriculum that supports your professional goals and research interests. Examples of courses that might be offered at your school include:

• American Literature : You could study a particular period in American history, the social forces that shaped that era, and the works that came out of it.
• British Literature : Writers you might study in a British lit class include Shakespeare, Chaucer, Marlowe, and Wordsworth.
• Communicating Through Mixed Media : You can learn to deliver effective messages on digital platforms through a mix of words, images, and other elements.
• Grammar of the English Language : You’ll study traditional and modern issues related to syntax and other aspects of grammar.
• Humanities Research : This course will introduce you to graduate-level research practices for people who study English or other humanities subjects.
• Key Questions for English Scholars : During this course, you may study literature theories, methods of analysis, and perspectives through which to view various works.
• Medieval Literature : In this course, you might familiarize yourself with early forms of the English language or explore ways that medieval works have influenced modern writers.
• Multicultural Language Studies : As you explore works from around the world, you may discuss the challenge of translating ideas from one culture to another.
• Statistics for Linguistics : You’ll learn how to apply quantitative statistical methods when analyzing your research data.
• Teaching Writing : Your time in this class can help you become a more effective educator who brings out the best in students’ composition skills.

Some of these classes may be designed to prepare you for a dissertation project. A significant portion of your doctoral program may be devoted to completing the dissertation.

Admissions Requirements

English departments typically look for doctoral students with a solid academic background and impressive writing skills. To demonstrate that you’re the right candidate for a doctoral program, you may need to submit the following:

• Application form and fee
• College transcripts
• GRE scores (if required)
• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Writing sample

GRE scores are not a universal requirement for graduate admission, so your school may not request them or may grant waivers to qualified applicants.

Accreditation

A doctoral degree in English will require a lot of your time, attention, and effort. It’s strategic to make sure that you’re investing your resources wisely by choosing to study at a college that holds regional accreditation .

To become accredited, a school must take its educational mission seriously. It has to undergo an evaluation process in which it demonstrates honest practices and a commitment to academic excellence.

Accredited degrees garner greater respect from institutions and employers. When you’re looking for a job, holding a regionally accredited PhD may increase your chances of securing a desirable role.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

As part of your preparation for graduate school, you can fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

You may qualify for government student aid, and you might be able to take out state or federal loans with a lower interest rate than you’d get with private loans. You may also be eligible for a work-study program.

Some colleges finance part or all of a PhD student’s education through teaching or research assistant programs. Your commitment to supporting the school’s English program may significantly reduce the price of your doctoral degree.

There’s also the possibility of earning scholarships or fellowships from private sources. These gifts may support you for one or more years of your program. If your studies will benefit your current employer, you can see if a workplace tuition program will cover part of your PhD costs.

Professional Organizations

Joining a professional organization can help you sharpen your abilities as a wordsmith, an educator, or a leader in linguistics. Your group might offer resources like conferences, journals, job boards, and discussion forums.

• Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP)
• Modern Language Association (MLA)
• National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE)

Being a part of a professional organization can allow you to enhance your studies while in school. Your membership can continue to provide benefits after you complete your doctoral program.

Can You Get a PhD in English?

Yes, there is a Doctor of Philosophy in English degree. There are programs focused on literary criticism and others dedicated to the study of writing and rhetoric. Both online and on-campus PhD programs are available.

Course topics you might take during an English PhD program include literature theories, history of the English language, and 19th century American literature. You may also take classes focused on research, technical writing, and teaching. This group of courses can prepare you for your dissertation project and a potential career in academia.

What Can You Do with a PhD in English?

Many people want to earn their PhDs because they have their sights set on academic careers. You might want to teach university English courses or also work on original research. Your degree in English literature or composition can be useful in other fields as well.

Having a doctoral degree might establish you as a top candidate for various jobs in which communication is an essential skill. Common communication careers include working in education, public relations, writing, editing, and broadcasting.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in English?

How long it takes you to earn your English doctorate is largely up to you and your schedule.

A couple of years will probably be spent on required coursework. In accelerated English degree online programs with fast-track classes, you might be able to complete your classes in a shorter length of time. Most of your program, though, will be spent on the dissertation process. It may take you several years to complete the necessary research and write your document.

Students generally end up in a doctoral program for around 3 to 5 years. Others may spend longer on the process.

Is a PhD in English Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in English is worth it for many students. If you’re set on becoming an English professor, having this degree is typically a necessity.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary teaching positions are growing at a 9% rate. Even still, some humanities departments are shrinking, so competition for English positions may be tight.

Before committing, it’s worthwhile to consider other benefits—such as the opportunity to immerse yourself in in-depth studies. A doctorate can also be useful in writing, editing, or administrative careers.

Getting Your PhD in English Online

If you have a deep passion for words and the messages they carry, then you may consider earning a PhD in English. A PhD is especially necessary if your plans involve searching for a job as a college professor.

Through your studies, you can also refine your communication skills. Your writing and speaking prowess can be useful in sectors like publishing, media, and public relations. Just as there are online masters programs in English , for your English PhD studies, you can also attend classes online. Through distance learning, you can earn a doctorate in English according to your own schedule.

If you’re ready to take the next in your educational journey, you can start by exploring online English PhD programs from accredited colleges.

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Ultimate Guide to Online English PhD Programs

Earning your English PhD online is a smart way to advance your career while maintaining the flexibility you need to balance your other responsibilities. Today’s best online English PhD programs combine excellent academics with the ability to study whenever and wherever works best for your lifestyle. 

Search hundreds of schools for the master's YOU want......

Do you love language? Pontificate about prose? Ruminate on rhetoric? Then an online English PhD program may be in your fabulous future. (Bonus points if you can identify a style of figurative language — alliteration — in the sentences above!)

An online English PhD program can offer more than just a chance to indulge in a love of language; it can also provide tangible benefits. Due to a decrease in advanced degree holders in English and other humanities, graduates of online English PhD programs have many well-paid job opportunities available to them. Additionally, an English PhD is versatile and can be applied to a range of fields, such as marketing, communications, administration, and research.

Pursuing a PhD in English can be a daunting decision, even if you are passionate about one of the many specializations within the field of study. You might question the payoff of such an investment or how it will impact your daily life. Choosing where and how to pursue your degree can also be a big concern. It is normal to have these concerns, and they are worth considering before you begin your school search. Our guide to earning an English PhD online is designed to help demystify the topic and get you started on your research. 

Programs that might interest you:

Best Online PhD in English Programs for 2024

Choosing the right English PhD program is crucial, as doctoral programs can be challenging and time-consuming. Therefore, it’s important to select a program that aligns with your long-term goals and provides ample support. With so many options available, finding the best online English PhD program can be daunting. Luckily, we’ve done the research and identified the top programs. While we are currently compiling our complete rankings list, we’ve selected three programs that excel in academic quality, student support, program outcomes, and affordability. 

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University’s hybrid online English PhD program offers the flexibility of online courses with the community of in-person learning. In this program, students attend classes primarily online. But each student will have the chance to connect face to face with peers and professors during two-week long, in-person Summer Doctoral Institutes that take place twice in the program.  

Online English doctoral students at Old Dominion University are encouraged to tailor their studies to their own research and career goals. The school’s emphasis areas include literary and cultural studies; writing, rhetoric, and discourse studies; and technology and media studies. Additionally, students with interdisciplinary interests have the option of designing their own emphasis. 

Notably, online PhD students can enroll in synchronous online courses — typically classes held in real time via video conference. This less common offering allows for deeper engagement in course content through active discussion and peer feedback. 

Texas A&M University – Commerce

The expansive online English PhD program at Texas A&M University – Commerce lets you take control of when and how you learn. Students can study entirely online or opt for a combination of online and in-person courses. Additionally, qualifying students can participate in teaching assistantships or tutoring programs to earn real-world classroom experience. Plus, unlike many programs, Texas A&M offers fall, spring, and summer admission, so you can start your studies when the time is right for you. 

English students in Texas A&M’s online doctoral program will not want for specialization options. The school offers two disciplines within the field of written discourse and three literature-specific emphases. 

Graduates of Texas A&M’s English PhD program will be well-prepared for their future careers. Students who earn their doctorate at Texas A&M go on to work in academia, public service, communications, and marketing. 

St. John’s University

St. John’s University is home to one of the only 100% online English literacy PhD programs in the U.S. In the program, students can specialize in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL) or focus on literacy for native English speakers. In either case, these degrees are particularly relevant for students who hope to influence education policy and curriculum or teach English themselves. 

Online English PhD programs at St. John’s University are a fast track to an advanced degree. Students can earn their PhD in as little as three years. However, the accelerated pace of St. John’s University’s English PhD programs does not mean the school is cutting corners on quality. Rather, on top of regional accreditation, the school’s English programs are certified by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, the American Association of Colleges and Teacher Education, and the University Council for Educational Administration. 

Benefits of Earning Your PhD in English Online

Online doctoral programs in English are a great opportunity for students who want to pursue further education while balancing their other responsibilities. Whether you are working full-time, taking care of your family, or living far from a campus, online PhD programs are designed to offer flexibility and convenience to help you achieve your academic goals.

Here are just two of the many benefits of pursuing an online PhD in English online: 

• Flexibility : The format of online English doctoral programs runs the gamut, so you can select a structure that works best for your needs. For example, some programs are 100% online and do not require students to log in at a specific time to attend class. Other schools incorporate online learning with real-time instruction to help students stay on track and engaged. Still others host doctoral candidates for particular courses or summer institutes on campus. With all these options available, you will surely find an excellent program that meshes with your lifestyle. 
• Variety : When you earn your English PhD online, you have the opportunity to seek out a program that aligns with your academic interests and career goals. Your local campus (if you’re lucky enough to live near a college town) may not have an English PhD option, or its curriculum might be limited. And while many students do move to attend graduate school, that isn’t an option for all of us. Online English PhD programs let you study from anywhere. That means you can pursue a doctorate in medieval rhetoric or post-colonial theory and criticism without uprooting your world to attend a niche program. 

Types of Online English PhD Programs

When it comes to online English PhD programs, there are different delivery methods to suit your needs. Some programs are fully online, allowing you to complete your degree from the comfort of your home. Other programs, however, may require occasional or frequent visits to campus. To help you find your ideal program format, we’ve outlined the most common delivery methods below.

Fully online

There are some entirely online programs out there, but not all of them look and feel the same. Some programs are asynchronous, meaning you don’t have to log in at a certain time to attend class — though you’ll still have assignments to stay on top of. Synchronous classes take place in virtual classrooms, so you will have to commit to regular online meetings. Most online programs offer a mix of the two styles.

Fully online with residency

Many schools seek to integrate online PhD students into their community through a number of in-person visits. Unlike the hybrid programs we discuss below, residency requirements for fully online programs are typically once a year or less. So depending on your circumstances, fully online programs with residency may be an option even if you live far away from your institution. Although the on-campus occasions will vary from school to school, common residency requirements include:

• Candidacy exams
• Dissertation proposals
• Dissertation defense 
• Summer institutes

Blended/hybrid

These programs work best for students who live, or plan to live, near their school’s campus. In blended programs, individual classes may mix online and in-person learning experiences. Hybrid programs sometimes allow students to decide which courses they take fully online and which courses they attend fully in person.

Timeline of Earning Your PhD in English Online

PhD programs, especially online ones, have a lot of variation in their duration — often dependent upon how much master’s coursework you’ve completed, if any. Some schools offer expedited programs where you can earn your degree in as little as three years. On the other end of the spectrum, some programs take six years or more. Part-time programs can stretch out that timeline even further. When making your plans, it’s important to consider if your intended program has a time limit for earning your degree. While limitations may vary, most schools have some sort of time cap. 

To help you get a feel for what you’re signing up for, we’ve included a sample degree timeline below. 

In the first year of many English PhD programs, students across all emphases take the same core courses, although some electives may be mixed in. First-year classes are designed to give you a firm foundation in the concepts, research, and methods you will use for the rest of your degree. Many programs also include pedagogy courses to prepare teaching assistants and future educators for their roles.

At this point, you will have the opportunity to pursue coursework and projects related to your emphasis and future research. Full-time students should be preparing for their comprehensive exams. At some schools, you will also begin to form your dissertation committee. You should also be attending and submitting to conferences by the end of this year. 

Many full-time students will take their comprehensive exams early in the year and be preparing their research prospectus. This is also a great time to start looking for additional funding so you can cut back on your other responsibilities to focus on your research. 

Your dissertation writing and research process should be in full swing by this time. You may have completed all of your required coursework. Some schools will require that you continue to submit to and participate in conferences. 

By now, all work should be focused on preparing for your dissertation defense. Students who entered the program with previous graduate coursework might complete their defense this year. 

Year six-seven

Full-time students with no graduate coursework should be prepared for their dissertation defense and starting to consider their options for post-doctorate programs or job opportunities in year six. For part-time students, the writing and defense process might continue into year seven. 

With this general overview in mind, it’s important to note: The format and requirements are different for each online English PhD program. Don’t hesitate to contact program advisors or directors with questions about a school’s curriculum or timeline. 

Online English PhD Learning Outcomes

Scrolling right past the learning outcomes section on degree pages can be tempting. Resist that urge. The truth is, carefully reviewing a program’s stated outcomes is one of the best ways to identify a program’s values, perspective, and ideal candidates. In addition, these learning outcomes function as an overarching framework for their curriculum and dictate what research opportunities, elective courses, and dissertation topics will be available to you. 

Below are a few of the most common learning outcomes for English PhD programs online: 

• Demonstrate deep knowledge within an English-related field. Every program you apply to should have a learning objective along these lines. This objective simply states that students must develop expertise in their research area. Note that some schools will have an additional goal of demonstrating an in-depth understanding of a secondary field. 
• Demonstrate the understanding and application of effective teaching practices. As we’ve discussed, English PhD students often pursue careers in education or education-adjacent spaces. So in most emphases, there will be some training in pedagogy. However, even if you don’t plan on entering a teaching career, remember that skills in teaching can be applied to any job that involves communicating information effectively.  
• Design and undertake research that contributes to knowledge within the field. Research is almost always a given in an online PhD program in English. Your school will expect that by the time you graduate, you will be able to perform research on a novel topic using the methods and conventions of your discipline. Since you’re pursuing an English PhD, you probably already share this goal. The successful defense of your dissertation fulfills this outcome. 
• Utilize primary and secondary sources to examine critical issues within the field. This objective relates closely to the one above but focuses on research literacy. Essentially, this outcome means you’ll graduate with the tools to engage with primary sources and scholarly works. This doesn’t just mean reading and understanding sources; instead, you should be able to analyze and make judgments about them based on your own expertise. 
• Present research and publications in a comprehensible and professional manner. This objective refers not only to your dissertation and defense, but also to your participation and presentation in conferences throughout your studies. To succeed in this objective, you will be able to tailor your presentationsto suit the background and expertise of your audience. In many programs, you will also be expected to demonstrate teaching skillsets as part of this outcome. 

English PhD Specialization Options

English is an extensive field of study, with numerous areas of specialization. PhD students often choose a specific area to focus on, which will form the basis for their future research or career. Given the vast range of options available, it is crucial to consider your long-term objectives before committing to a particular path. For instance, individuals with an emphasis on literature may encounter difficulties finding employment in technical communication, while composition and rhetoric experts may lack the necessary skillset to work with English language learners. Some common emphasis areas include: 

Students who choose to emphasize in literature typically focus on a specific region, time period, or author for their research. 

Linguistics

Linguistics students study the nature, origin, and development of language. Doctoral graduates in this field can look forward to a wide range of careers, from education to computer learning.

Composition and Rhetoric

This field focuses on the relationship between language, knowledge, and culture. Students in composition and rhetoric programs typically go on to work in academia, education, or a communications-oriented profession. 

Technical Communication and Rhetoric

Students specializing in this field study how complex information can be effectively described and communicated across groups and skillsets. 

English Language Learning

Doctoral candidates in English Language Learning may focus their research on people who learn English as a second language or how young children in English-speaking areas learn to speak. In either case, students with these backgrounds are highly valued in educational administration, curriculum development, and policymaking. 

Accreditation for Online English PhD Programs

It is imperative to choose an accredited school, regardless of the institution you opt to attend. Obtaining an accredited online PhD in English is the most reliable approach to ensuring that the quality of your program matches that of other online and in-person schools. In the absence of accreditation, potential employers and other academic institutions may not recognize your degree as legitimate. A trustworthy university will transparently state its accreditations on its website. 

Most online English PhD programs are accredited by regional accreditation bodies that oversee schools based on location. By earning a regional accreditation, a school demonstrates that it is a top-tier organization. For most emphases within English doctoral programs, there are no program-level accreditation bodies to look for. However, some English literacy PhD programs may carry an additional accreditation from the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation . Additionally, in education-related specialties, some English PhD programs will hold accreditations from teaching-related accreditation bodies. This program-level certification demonstrates the curriculum’s consistency with other programs of its kind. 

If you find yourself questioning a school’s legitimacy during your school search, we recommend searching the U.S. Department of Education’s Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to verify the school’s credentials.

Application Process for Online English PhD Programs

Applying for a PhD is no small task. Each school has different requirements and deadlines, so staying on top of the details can be tricky. Fortunately, there is some common ground between various applications, so you’ll likely not be starting from scratch each time. Ultimately, the school is looking to get a picture of you as a student, researcher, and future contributor to the field. To make this assessment, a school will consider your GPA, letters of recommendation, school transcripts, and resume. Additionally, you will likely be asked to submit a statement of purpose and a writing sample; we’ll get to those in a minute. The good news for aspiring English PhDs is that fewer and fewer programs require standardized tests like the GRE as part of their application process. When assembling your applications, these are the most important elements to consider:

• Writing sample : You won’t be surprised to learn that online English PhD programs require a lot of writing. So it makes sense that schools want you to demonstrate your skills. Therefore, most schools will ask for a writing sample of previous work. So if you have a piece you are proud of, there is no need to start from scratch. In any event, submit a sample relevant to your program and formatted correctly in MLA style.  
• Statement of purpose : A personal statement or statement of purpose is a standard requirement across fields. But submitting a stellar statement is essential for English PhD applicants. Schools may or may not provide a prompt or word count for your statement, so prepare to customize your work for each school you apply to. This is your first chance to really wow the admissions committee. So put your best foot forward by clearly articulating who you are, why you want to attend this school, and what you have to offer. 
• Background experience: Since many English PhDs go on to teach, some programs — especially those that offer teaching assistantships — will want you to give an in-depth account of your teaching experience. This section can also be an excellent place for applicants working in the professional sphere to connect their work experience to their academic goals. Don’t despair if you don’t have formal teaching experience. Instead, think about how your jobs or hobbies may have involved sharing knowledge with others, and write about that.  

Online English PhD Program Costs

The cost of obtaining an online PhD in English is influenced by various factors. For instance, distance learners may save money on incidental expenses, such as commuting, meal plans, and on-campus fees. However, you will be responsible for ensuring that your technology is up to date and that your Wi-Fi connection is reliable. Additionally, some online programs offer discounts for distance learners, while others charge additional fees. Moreover, some universities may offer in-state tuition discounts to online students, while others do not. Comparing costs may begin by identifying a school’s total credit requirements and cost per credit, which allows you to compare course fees across institutions. We’ve got you started in the table below. 

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the cost of your degree? We get it. The good news is that there are tons of opportunities to knock down your tuition price, including financial aid, scholarship, and fellowship opportunities that you can apply for. Some schools offer need- or merit-based scholarships. Definitely schedule a meeting with your school’s financial aid advisor to learn about potential financing opportunities. You can start your research right now by reading through our guides to scholarships and grants and financial aid to see what’s available and how to apply.

Salaries for Professionals with a PhD in English

For many students, the opportunity to teach at the university level is a substantial motivating factor in pursuing their PhD. And rightly so; as a professor, you get to continue your research, train the next generation, and earn significantly more than educators at other levels. 

For example, nationwide, the median salary for English language and literature professors is $75,930, with some earning over $132,220 yearly. By comparison, median earnings for high school teachers sit around $62,000, with only the best-paid educators earning over $100,000 annually. So if teaching is your passion, a PhD in English can definitely pay off. Outside of academia, English PhDs work in various industries. They are typically qualified for high-level, well-paid communication and marketing work. 

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Writen by: CollegeRanker Team

Reviewed by: David Krug , Editor-in-Chief

Updated on: September 5, 2023

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In this article, we will be covering…

Online PhD programs in English offer a flexible and convenient way for students to earn their doctoral degree. With the advancement of technology, students can now pursue their academic goals from anywhere in the world. The online format allows students to complete coursework and research at their own pace, while still receiving guidance and support from faculty members.

Several universities offer online PhD programs in English, each with its own unique curriculum and requirements. Students can choose from a variety of specializations, including literature, creative writing, linguistics, and rhetoric. Some programs may require students to attend occasional on-campus residencies, while others are completely online. It is important for students to research and compare programs to find the one that best fits their academic and personal goals.

In this article, we will explore some of the best online PhD programs in English. We will provide an overview of each program, including its curriculum, faculty, and admission requirements. Students who are considering pursuing an online PhD in English can use this article as a starting point for their research and decision-making process.

Methodology

When compiling a list of the best online PhD programs in English, several factors must be considered. The following methodology was used to determine the top programs:

Accreditation

The first factor considered was accreditation. All of the programs listed are accredited by a recognized accreditation agency. Accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards and that the degree earned will be recognized by employers and other institutions.

Program Reputation

The reputation of the program was also taken into account. Programs with a strong reputation in the field of English were given higher priority. This includes programs that have a history of producing successful graduates and are well-regarded by other academics in the field.

The curriculum of each program was carefully evaluated. Programs that offer a wide range of courses and allow students to specialize in their area of interest were given higher priority. Additionally, programs that require a dissertation or other significant research project were given higher priority.

The faculty of each program was also evaluated. Programs with experienced and accomplished faculty members were given higher priority. This includes faculty who have published research in their field and have a strong reputation in academia.

Student Support

Finally, the level of support offered to students was also considered. Programs that offer strong academic and career support, as well as resources for online students, were given higher priority. This includes access to online libraries, tutoring services, and career counseling.

By considering these factors, the following list of the best online PhD programs in English was compiled.

University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a highly regarded PhD program in English that allows students to specialize in a variety of areas, including literature, cultural studies, and rhetoric and composition. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, research, and other fields.

One of the unique features of the program is its emphasis on interdisciplinary study. Students are encouraged to explore connections between literature and other fields such as history, philosophy, and cultural studies. This approach allows students to develop a broad understanding of their chosen subject area and to engage in innovative research.

The University of Florida’s English PhD program is also notable for its commitment to diversity and inclusivity. The program actively seeks out students from underrepresented groups and provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment. This commitment is reflected in the program’s faculty, which includes scholars from diverse backgrounds and perspectives.

Prospective students can apply to the PhD program through the university’s Graduate Admissions website. Applications are typically due in December, and admission decisions are made in the spring. Financial aid is available in the form of fellowships, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships.

Overall, the University of Florida’s English PhD program is an excellent choice for students seeking a rigorous and interdisciplinary education in English studies. With its commitment to diversity and inclusivity, as well as its focus on innovative research, the program prepares students for successful careers in academia and beyond.

Arizona State University

Arizona State University (ASU) offers an online English (Literature) PhD program that trains students in various methodologies, pedagogies, and areas of inquiry that constitute literary and cultural studies. The program is designed to prepare students for academic careers in research and teaching.

ASU’s English (Literature) PhD program requires 84 credit hours and culminates in a dissertation. The program’s coursework includes seminars in literary theory, research methods, and literary history. Students are also required to complete a comprehensive exam before beginning their dissertation.

ASU’s Department of English offers a range of resources and opportunities for its graduate students. The department hosts a variety of guest speakers, workshops, and conferences throughout the year. Additionally, the department offers several internship opportunities for English graduate students, as well as study abroad opportunities.

ASU is ranked among the best graduate schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers more than 120 online master’s degrees and doctorate programs taught by the same world-renowned faculty who teach on campus. ASU also offers more than 30 graduate certificates, all online. Students can filter areas of interest to find the program that best suits their needs.

Overall, ASU’s English (Literature) PhD program is a strong option for students seeking a rigorous and comprehensive education in literary and cultural studies. With its world-renowned faculty and extensive resources, ASU is a top choice for students pursuing graduate studies in English.

University Of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida (UCF) offers an accredited online PhD in English program that focuses on literary, cultural, and rhetorical studies. The program is designed to prepare students for academic careers in research, writing, and teaching. The program is delivered entirely online, allowing students to complete their coursework from anywhere in the world.

The program requires 60 credit hours of coursework, including core courses, electives, and a dissertation. The core courses cover topics such as literary theory, research methods, and critical pedagogy. Electives allow students to explore their interests in more depth, with options such as American literature, British literature, and cultural studies.

Students in the program work closely with faculty members who are experts in their fields. Faculty members provide guidance and support throughout the program, helping students to develop their research interests and refine their writing skills. The program also offers opportunities for students to present their research at academic conferences and publish their work in scholarly journals.

UCF’s online PhD in English program is ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The program’s flexible schedule and online delivery make it an ideal choice for working professionals who want to advance their careers while continuing to work full-time.

Overall, UCF’s online PhD in English program is an excellent choice for students who want to pursue advanced study in English while maintaining their current work and personal commitments. With its flexible schedule, expert faculty, and rigorous curriculum, the program provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in academia and beyond.

Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) offers a highly ranked online English PhD program that is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge they need to become experts in the field. The program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing careers in academia, research, or other related fields.

Penn State’s online English PhD program is ranked #6 out of 122 PhD-granting English departments in the United States, according to the National Research Council. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in literary history and critical theory, as well as in-depth training in their chosen area of specialization.

The program is delivered entirely online, which allows students to complete their coursework and research from anywhere in the world. Students have access to a wide range of resources and support services, including online research databases, academic advising, and faculty mentoring.

The online English PhD program at Penn State is designed to be flexible and customizable, allowing students to tailor their coursework and research to their individual interests and career goals. Students can choose from a variety of areas of specialization, including:

• American literature
• British literature
• Postcolonial literature
• Rhetoric and composition
• Creative writing

Penn State’s online English PhD program also offers a number of professional development opportunities, including teaching assistantships and internships, that allow students to gain practical experience in their field.

Overall, Penn State’s online English PhD program is a highly respected and rigorous program that provides students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen careers. With its flexible and customizable curriculum, world-class faculty, and comprehensive support services, Penn State is an excellent choice for students who are looking to pursue a career in English.

University of Denver

The University of Denver offers a PhD in English and literary arts with a concentration in literary studies. This program exposes students to a wide range of literature and literary theory, preparing them to teach and research at the university level. The program is offered through the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.

The English and Literary Arts Department at the University of Denver provides students with opportunities to explore literary and creative endeavors through a variety of workshops and seminars. The Denver School of Forms & Poetics brings together DU faculty, graduate students, advanced seniors, guest artists, and the broader Denver community. The program serves as a forum to experience innovations in how such endeavors can interact.

The PhD in English and literary arts with a concentration in literary studies at the University of Denver requires students to complete a minimum of 90 credit hours. The program includes coursework in literary theory, literary history, and research methods. Students are also required to complete a dissertation on a topic of their choosing.

The University of Denver also offers a PhD in English and literary arts with a concentration in creative writing. This program focuses on the craft of creative writing, preparing students to publish their work and teach at the university level. Students in this program are required to complete a minimum of 90 credit hours, including workshops and seminars in creative writing, literature, and research methods. They are also required to complete a dissertation in creative writing.

The University of Denver is a highly respected institution with a strong reputation for academic excellence. Its English and Literary Arts Department is no exception, providing students with a rigorous and engaging program that prepares them for success in the field of English studies.

Indiana University

Indiana University (IU) offers a highly respected online English PhD program that provides students with the flexibility to complete their degree while maintaining other commitments. IU’s English department partners with IU Online to offer several options for students who wish to continue their education and enhance their professional skills.

IU’s English PhD program provides students with a rigorous curriculum that emphasizes literary and cultural theory, critical analysis, and research methods. Students can choose from a variety of areas of focus, including medieval studies, early modern studies, eighteenth-century studies, nineteenth-century studies, twentieth-century studies, and contemporary studies.

IU’s English PhD program also provides students with numerous opportunities for professional development. The program offers a range of teaching assistantships and fellowships that provide students with valuable teaching experience and financial support. Additionally, IU’s English department sponsors a number of events and activities throughout the year, including guest lectures, conferences, and workshops.

IU’s English PhD program has a strong track record of producing successful graduates. Alumni of the program can be found working as faculty and administrators in the Ivy League, flagship public universities, smaller regional universities and colleges, and liberal arts colleges throughout the United States and beyond.

University of North Carolina

The University of North Carolina (UNC) offers a comprehensive online PhD program in English and Comparative Literature. The program aims to produce excellent scholars and teachers by fostering insightful and imaginative thinking. UNC’s online doctoral degree programs allow students to hone their senior leadership skills and become scholars and practitioners in their field.

The program engages in all historical periods and across several key areas of critical study. Students can learn from experienced faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. The program offers a wide range of courses, including Literature, Medicine, and Culture, which is a unique interdisciplinary program that explores the intersections of literature, medicine, and culture.

UNC’s online doctoral programs offer students flexibility and convenience. Students can complete the program at their own pace while still receiving the same quality education as on-campus students. The program is designed to help students develop their research skills and produce original research that contributes to the field of English and Comparative Literature.

UNC’s online doctoral alumni serve in prominent leadership roles, run independent practices, and influence change at the highest levels. The program’s job placement rate is high, and graduates have gone on to work in academia, government, and the private sector.

Overall, UNC’s online PhD program in English and Comparative Literature is an excellent option for students who want to pursue a career in academia or other fields related to English and literature. The program offers a rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and flexibility that allows students to complete the program on their own terms.

University Of Nebraska

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln offers a Ph.D. degree in English with specializations in Literary and Cultural Studies, Creative Writing, and Composition and Rhetoric. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the field of English and its various subfields. The program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing academic careers in English or related fields.

The program is offered both on-campus and online, providing students with the flexibility to choose the learning environment that best suits their needs. The online program is a hybrid program, which means that students complete the majority of their coursework online, but are required to attend at least two on-campus summer research seminars.

The Department of English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has a distinguished faculty of scholars and writers who are actively engaged in research and teaching. The faculty members are committed to providing students with individualized attention and support, and work closely with students to help them achieve their academic and professional goals.

The Ph.D. program in English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is highly competitive and selective, with a limited number of spots available each year. Students are required to submit a writing sample, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose as part of the application process. The application deadline for fall admissions is December 1st.

Overall, the Ph.D. program in English at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is an excellent choice for students who are interested in pursuing advanced study in English. The program offers a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum, a distinguished faculty, and a flexible learning environment that can accommodate the needs of a diverse range of students.

University of Memphis

The University of Memphis offers a PhD in English with three concentrations: Applied Linguistics, Literary and Cultural Studies, and Writing, Rhetoric, and Technical Communication. The program is designed to provide students with advanced training in research, writing, and critical thinking, and prepares them for academic careers in English studies.

The program requires a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the master’s degree, including coursework, language proficiency, and a dissertation. Students can choose from a variety of courses in their chosen concentration, as well as in other areas of English studies.

The University of Memphis is ranked among the top English PhD programs in the nation by various sources. According to CollegeReviews.org, it is the third-best affordable online PhD in English program. The program is also ranked 122nd in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

In addition to the PhD program, the University of Memphis offers several other online English degree programs, including an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, an MA in Technical Communication, and a Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. These programs are designed for students who want to enhance their skills in teaching, writing, and communication, and are offered fully online for maximum flexibility.

Overall, the University of Memphis provides a high-quality, affordable option for students seeking an online PhD in English. With a strong focus on research, writing, and critical thinking, the program prepares students for successful careers in academia and beyond.

Liberty University

Liberty University offers an online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in English program that is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge in literary studies, critical theory, and writing pedagogy. The program is designed to be completed entirely online, allowing students to balance their academic pursuits with other commitments.

The Ph.D. in English program at Liberty University is a 60-credit hour program that can be completed in 3-4 years. The program is structured to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of literary theory, research methods, and critical analysis. Additionally, the program offers a wide range of elective courses that allow students to specialize in areas such as creative writing, linguistics, and cultural studies.

The program is designed to foster a collaborative learning environment that allows students to interact with their peers and professors through online discussion forums, email, and video conferencing. Students are also required to attend a one-week residency on campus during their first year of study, which provides an opportunity for students to meet their professors and classmates in person and participate in academic workshops.

Overall, Liberty University’s Ph.D. in English program offers a flexible and comprehensive curriculum that is designed to prepare students for careers in academia, research, and writing. The program’s emphasis on literary theory, research methods, and critical analysis provides students with a solid foundation for pursuing advanced research and scholarship in their chosen field.

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Attaining a PhD in English

Achieving the terminal degree in the field of English studies is a lengthy process that takes many doctoral students over five years to successfully complete. Additionally, competition, both to gain acceptance into a reputable English doctoral program, and then for decent jobs post-graduation, is very high. In general, students who are considering attaining a PhD in English should have a sincere passion for the discipline, not just a desire to become an English professor or researcher.

Many PhD programs, particularly those at more prestigious universities, offer full-tuition fellowships throughout the intended normal time to complete all doctorate requirements. Generally, the students will be expected to teach at least one undergraduate course per semester in exchange for free tuition, and often a reasonable stipend and health insurance, in order to support their full-time education.

There are also usually residency requirements that stipulate living on or near campus for at least the first two years, which is the length of time required to complete the traditional, classroom-based learning portion of the doctorate degree.

Skills Learned from a Doctoral Degree in English

As might be expected, English PhD candidates will write hundreds of pages of research-oriented papers, first as assignments for their core classes, then as part of the required work on their dissertations. These papers will be critiqued both by the professors and by the other candidates in small discussion groups. Their writing skills will be improved and their rhetorical arguments strengthened by critique from faculty professors with years of experience in research.

Other core classes that English PhDs will be required to take include history, social studies, literature studies, and poetry and prose classes, which are designed to create well-rounded students who are well-versed in all major humanities topics. Many programs also require intermediate proficiency in at least one foreign language as part of the admissions requirements, so further coursework in the foreign language may be required as part of the student’s curriculum.

In most PhD programs, there is a heavy emphasis on attaining teaching skills, simply because so many of the doctoral students intend to find a career teaching at a college or university after they graduate. During their time as students, most will work several semesters as a teaching assistant or supplementary instructor in a humanities classroom for undergraduate and graduate students. Some universities may place doctoral students in a primary professor role toward the end of their candidacy.

Online English PhD Opportunities

There are dozens of doctoral programs that can primarily or entirely be completed online, but be aware that English studies is both a competitive and research-driven field, so hiring managers may be looking for any opportunity to narrow down the applicant pool when they are recruiting, and might discount the value of an online degree, even if it was just as intensive as a traditional doctoral degree.

Furthermore, because this is a subject ingrained with the aura of prestige, including the emphasis placed on getting published in the top-tier journals and having an enviable education pedigree from undergraduate and graduate schools, many people hiring in this field may overlook doctorates in less well-known English PhD programs.

Universities that Offer Online English PhDs

Old dominion university.

Old Dominion University offers both online and on-campus courses for completing a PhD in English. To participate in the online program, students must have a webcam and participate in live classes via video conferencing, as well as attend on-campus seminars for two summers to meet the year-residency requirement. The degree from Old Dominion will be identical to the degree that an on-campus resident would receive.

Old Dominion University 5115 Hampton Blvd Norfolk, VA 23508

English PhD Website: odu.edu/academics/programs/doctoral/english

Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University offers an English PhD in Technical Communications in Rhetoric that can also be taken primarily online. As the degree name implies, there is an emphasis on technology, but specializations in more traditional themes such as literary periods and cultural themes are also encouraged.

Unlike most other PhD programs, there are no residency requirements other than mandatory attendance at a two-week May workshop throughout the duration of the PhD program. Students are allowed to transfer in relevant Masters-level coursework, and many of their online PhD students are able to complete their doctoral degree in three years.

Department of English Texas Tech University 2500 Broadway Lubbock, TX 79409

English PhD Website: www.english.ttu.edu

Traditional Universities Offering PhD Programs

The university of pennsylvania.

This English PhD program is very flexible, allowing students’ interests to shape the concentrations. The doctoral candidates are encouraged to choose a specific time period, author, or genre, which will become their focus for the duration of this five-year program.

Department of English University of Pennsylvania Fisher-Bennett Hall, room 127 3340 Walnut St. Philadelphia, PA 19104-6273

Website: www.english.upenn.edu

University of California – Berkeley

Berkeley allows PhD students to either develop a broad understanding of British and American literature and cultural theory, or combine their English studies with film, medieval history, or feminism courses to develop an interdisciplinary approach.

This is a six-year degree, which involves a year in the middle spent preparing for a comprehensive oral examination that will examine the student’s knowledge gained during the first two years as well as test his or her preparedness to begin a dissertation.

Department of English, Graduate Office 322 Wheeler Hall #1030 University of California Berkeley, CA 94720-1030

Website: english.berkeley.edu

Carnegie Mellon University

CMU offers a PhD in Rhetoric that focuses on communication amongst people and cultures. This is in extremely intensive program that only accepts a handful of new students yearly. Doctoral candidates work with the English faculty as well as professors in the Creative Writing discipline, and are expected to complete the program in five years. Opportunities are available to teach freshman-level writing courses, as well as designing the curriculum for new courses.

Department of English Carnegie Mellon University Baker Hall 259 5000 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890

Website: english.cmu.edu

The City University of New York

This state university offers an English PhD program that draws upon the considerable resources of New York City, including its research opportunities and placement program. Students can apply with only a bachelor’s degree, and are expected to complete all coursework within eight years.

Proficiency in two foreign languages is required, and there are two major examinations that students must pass: a comprehensive exam after the first two years, and an oral exam at the completion of all required coursework and their dissertation.

Ph.D. Program in English The City University of New York Graduate Center 365 Fifth Avenue Room 4409 New York, NY 10016

Website: web.gc.cuny.edu

The University of Virginia

This Virginia state school offers a six-year English PhD program with particular emphasis in the digital humanities. Students teach one course per semester from their second semester onward, and must demonstrate mastery of one foreign language or proficiency in two, along with the normal coursework and teaching requirements. An optional Certificate in Comparative Literature can also be attained with the PhD if additional coursework and an oral exam are completed successfully.

Department of English 219 Bryan Hall PO Box 400121 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4121

Website: www.engl.virginia.edu

University of Central Florida

This Florida institution offers a unique PhD program in Texts and Technology, which specializes in the study of digital media against a more traditional background of modern literature and the humanities. Students focus on literature that is disseminated through the Internet, digital publishing, and the cultural and societal implications of technological advancements.

University of Central Florida Building: CNH302 PO Box 161346 Orlando, FL 32816-1346

Website: english.ucf.edu

Employment Opportunities for PhD Graduates

Most people with a terminal degree in English go on to teach a humanities-related course at a university level. Many have the goal of earning tenure at the university and participating in seminars and research projects in their area of specialization. Those who don’t enter the teaching profession often go on to acquire jobs that require a high level of writing skill, including newspaper, magazine and book editors, and independent researchers.

Post-secondary professors with English PhDs earn about $75,000, though at more well-endowed universities and with tenure, the professors’ annual salaries can reach six figures. Assistant professors, who are usually hoping to reach a tenure-track level, earn around $60,000 annually. High school English positions are readily available for English PhDs, and the salary will be higher than teachers with just Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees, but not by much. High school teachers with doctoral degrees in English earn about $46,000 per year.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the prospects for PhDs looking for university and college-level employment are relatively good, though competition is keen for tenured positions. However, pay and benefits are likely to improve for assistant professors and part-time professors. As many current tenured professors are older, significant retirements are expected over the next decade, opening up positions for younger applicants.

Additionally, more high school graduates choosing to attend college are expected over the next decade than in the past, increasing the demand for professors with high-level credentials. The demand will likely be largest for business, science, and health-related instructors, but English PhDs will also likely benefit from the surge in enrollment levels.

A Final Word on Earning a PhD in English

Both the requirements for completing an English doctoral degree and the traditional employment process after attaining the degree are intellectually stimulating and surrounded by passionate people who share the student’s enthusiasm for the topic of English, rhetoric, and the social sciences. However, the coursework can be demanding and time-intensive for a field that does not generate the extremely high salaries that employment in the “hard sciences” does.

For some potential English PhD students, this fact can be disappointing, but for many others who go on to successfully complete their PhD, the opportunity to work in a field led by Pulitzer Prize winners, Fulbright Scholars, and published and award-winning literary research experts is far more valuable than any monetary compensation could be.

Top Ranked Doctoral Programs

Search for other great programs, 9 responses to “english programs”.

I have an MA in English for California State Univ. Dominguez Hills. I have aBA from UCLA in Political Science with a minor in English with over 30 credits in English. I have teaching experience at Texas A&M, several community colleges, and at Mount Vernon Middle School (now Cochran Middle School) where I taught language arts to 7th and 8th grade students for LA Unified Schools. I have never given up my goal though it has been a long road. I am now able to go to school full-time without working though financial help or a teaching position would be very helpful. Thank you for considering me.

Hi! Look into apply for the Department of Defense Schools: http://www.dodea.edu Best of luck!

Hello I am an MA in English from Bangladeshi university. I have been teaching in a college in Bangladesh for 8 years. Now I want to do PhD in listening skill as a distance learner. How is it possible Help me in detail

Hi I hold M.A as well as M.Phil degrees in English Literature from India. I have 18 years of teaching English to the XIth and XIIth grade students. I also take a few lectures for the M.A English Literature students (Indian and American Literature). I would like to know about online doctoral programs from accredited Western Universities which will consider my experience for a Ph.d program.

i want to pursue phd.English

Hi, I hav done my m.Phil in eng,and would like to pursue ph.d via online in some foreign university,pls guide me, Thank you

Sir Plz suggest my some topic for PhD in English .

I have a BA from Duke in English, Political Science and Economics, an MA from Brunel University (London) in Shakespeare Authorship Studies and a JD from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law (CA). I wish to find a school with a gutsy enough English faculty member to supervise my PhD project on Early Modern Authorship. Any ideas?

I would like to be given a scholarship to study online Masters or PhD course in English language. Currently, I hold MA in English from University of Cape Coast.

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Ph.D. Program

The Stanford English department has a long tradition of training the next generation of scholars to become leaders in academia and related fields. Our Ph.D. program encourages the production of ambitious, groundbreaking dissertation work across the diverse field interests of our prestigious faculty.

Fusing deep attention to literary history with newer approaches to media, technology, and performance, our department carefully mentors students in both scholarship and pedagogy through close interaction with faculty. Our location on the edge of the Pacific and at the heart of Silicon Valley encourages expansive, entrepreneurial thinking about the interpenetration of arts and sciences.

Program Overview

The English Department seeks to teach and promote an understanding of both the significance and the history of British and American literature (broadly defined) and to foster an appreciation of the richness and variety of texts in the language. It offers rigorous training in interpretive thinking and precise expression. Our English graduate program features the study of what imaginative language, rhetoric, and narrative art has done, can do, and will do in life, and it focuses on the roles creative writing and representations play in almost every aspect of modern experience. Completing the Ph.D. program prepares a student for full participation as a scholar and literary critic in the profession.

Financial Support

We offer an identical five-year funding package to all admitted students with competitive funding available for a sixth year. Funding covers applicable tuition costs, Stanford Cardinal Care health insurance, and living expenses in the form of direct stipend, teaching assistantships or pre-doctoral research assistantships. The department, in conjunction with the School of Humanities and Sciences, is also committed to supporting students' involvement in professional activities and funds many of the expenses for research travel, summer language study, and participation in academic conferences. Student housing is not included in the funding package.

In addition to our standard doctoral funding package, the Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education (VPGE) provides competitive funding to support individual doctoral students, student groups, and department-based projects. VPGE funding opportunities promote innovation, diversity, and excellence in graduate education. Explore their doctoral  fellowship  and other student  funding  opportunities.

The  Knight-Hennessy Scholars  program cultivates and supports a highly-engaged, multidisciplinary and multicultural community of graduate students from across Stanford University, and delivers a diverse collection of educational experiences, preparing graduates to address complex challenges facing the world. Knight-Hennessy Scholars participate in an experiential leadership development program known as the King Global Leadership Program and receive funding for up to three years of graduate study at Stanford. Two applications must be submitted separately; one to Knight-Hennessy and one to the Stanford English graduate degree program by its deadline. Please refer to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program page to learn more and apply.

Teaching Requirements

One pedagogical seminar and four quarters of supervised teaching. Typically a student will teach three times as a teaching assistant in a literature course. For the fourth course, students will have the option of applying to design and teach a Writing Intensive Seminar in English (WISE) for undergraduate English majors or teaching a fourth quarter as a T.A..

• 1st year: One quarter as T.A. (leading 1-2 discussion sections of undergraduate literature)
• 2nd year: One quarter as T.A. (leading 1-2 discussion sections of undergraduate literature)
• 3rd/4th/5th years: Two quarters of teaching, including the possibility of TA'ing or teaching a WISE course.

Language requirements

All candidates for the Ph.D. degree must demonstrate a reading knowledge of two foreign languages. One language requirement must be completed during the first year of study. The second language must be completed before the oral examination in the third year.

Candidates in the earlier periods must offer Latin and one of the following languages: French, German, Greek, Italian or Spanish. Candidates in the later period (that is, after the Renaissance) must demonstrate a reading knowledge of two languages for which  Stanford’s Language Center  regularly offers a reading course, administers a competency exam, or facilitates the administration of an American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages Reading Proficiency Test (ACTFL RPT). In all cases, the choice of languages offered must be relevant to the student’s field of study and must have the approval of the candidate's adviser. Any substitution of a language other than one for which Stanford offers a competency exam must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies.

Other requirements

All candidates for the Ph.D. must satisfactorily complete the following:

• 135 units, at least 70 of which (normally 14 courses) must be graded course work
• Qualifying examination, based on a reading guide of approximately 70-90 works, to be taken orally at the end of the summer after the first year of graduate work.
• University oral examination covering the field of concentration taken no later than the winter quarter of the third year of study.
• Submission of the dissertation prospectus
• First chapter review with the dissertation advisor and the members of the dissertation reading committee.
• Dissertation, which should be an original work of literary criticism demonstrating the student's ability to participate fully as a scholar and literary critic in the profession.
• Closing colloquium designed to look forward toward the next steps; identify the major accomplishments of the dissertation and the major questions/issues/problems that remain; consider possibilities for revision, book or article publication, etc.

Department of English

Doctoral program.

• Graduate Studies

Brown's doctoral program in English offers professional training in literary criticism, critical theory, intellectual history, and all aspects of research and pedagogy in the humanities.

We promote the analysis of imaginative forms, cultural logics, and literary and visual rhetorics across the Anglophone world.  Our students are encouraged to think outside traditional conceptions of the discipline of literary studies, and often work with a diverse range of faculty, departments, and centers at Brown. Partner units include the Cogut Institute for the Humanities, the Pembroke Center, the Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs, the Center for Contemporary South Asia, the Center for the Study of Race and Ethnicity in America, the Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice, and the Departments of Modern Culture and Media, Comparative Literature, History, American Studies, Africana Studies, Literary Arts, French Studies, German Studies, Hispanic Studies, Brazilian and Portuguese Studies, the History of Art and Architecture, and Music.

The first two years of the doctoral program are devoted to course work and the fulfillment of the foreign language requirement. We expect graduate students to take the Qualifying Examination by the end of the third year. Their remaining time in the program is given to the writing of the dissertation. We expect this project to involve research and to demonstrate the potential to become a book or series of articles during the early years of the student’s career as a college or university professor.

Brown’s doctoral program trains graduate students to become teachers as well as researchers. Thus we require that, with some exceptions, our students teach for three years as assistants to members of the English Department faculty and as instructors of sections of ENGL0900 ( formerly ENGL0110 ) Critical Reading and Writing I: The Academic Essay, and ENGL0200 Seminars in Writing, Literatures, and Cultures. This teaching begins in the second year of the program. As part of their course work all students are required to take ENGL2950 Seminar in Pedagogy and Composition Theory. To help develop their teaching skills, we assign students to a variety of teaching positions, from assistant in a large course to instructor of a virtually autonomous workshop. We are convinced that the intellectual relationship between teaching and research is one that stands a college or university teacher in good stead for the duration of his or her career, and we try to establish this relationship early on by assigning graduate students, whenever possible, to teach courses related to their general area of research, and to work with faculty who may serve as appropriate mentors.

Course Requirements

Thirteen courses.

Candidates for the Ph.D. are required to take a minimum of thirteen courses. These courses are typically distributed as follows:

• Six courses in the first year (one of which is the required Proseminar*)
• Five in the second year. ENGL2950 Seminar in Pedagogy and Composition Theory is taken by all students during their second year of graduate studies.
• Two in the third year. The two courses taken in the third year can be independent studies designed to help students prepare for the qualifying exam.

Among the thirteen courses, students must take one in each of the following areas:

• Medieval and Early Modern Literatures and Cultures
• Enlightenment and the Rise of National Literatures and Cultures
• Modern and Contemporary Literatures and Cultures

Graduate students are also required to take one course during their first year of study that focuses on race and empire, which can also satisfy one of the three area requirements listed above.

*First-year graduate students are required to take ENGL2210. This Proseminar aims to familiarize students with contemporary critical debates and stances in the wider discipline, engage with current methodologies, theories, and analytical tensions and address issues of professionalization as they relate to the first years of graduate work.

Foreign Language

Foreign language competence and courses in particular areas of specialization are required.

Ph.D. candidates can satisfy the language requirement by demonstrating an ability to use a foreign language in their scholarly and critical work. The department offers its own language exams. Students may ordinarily choose any language  appropriate to their research interests, but some fields within English and American literature have specific requirements.

Professionalization Seminars

Throughout the year, the Department plans a series of seminars that address a variety of timely academic topics that are meant to enhance the students' professional development , as well as expose them to important elements of an academic career. The seminars are usually led by faculty members, and the topics are determined each year by the Graduate Committee. Students in all years are strongly recommended to attend the professionalization seminars since they are a constitutive part of graduate formation.

Learn about Professional Development

Masters from Another Institution

In their second year at Brown, students who already have an A.M. (or M.A.) in English or graduate credit from another institution may transfer up to one year’s coursework toward the requirements for the Ph.D. at the discretion of the department.

Qualifying Examination

The purpose of the Qualifying Examination is to certify your mastery of the scholarly field in which you have chosen to specialize. It consists of two components:

• Written Component—an essay of approximately 20 pages representing your best scholarly work to date and submitted to your committee by September 15 of your third year, and
• Oral Examination—the oral exam is given by a committee of three faculty members chosen by the candidate; it lasts approximately two hours. The exam is taken by April 15 of the third year. The foreign language requirement must be completed in order to take the exam. See the Graduate Student Handbook for detailed guidelines.

Dissertation

The dissertation is a substantial work of criticism and scholarship that makes a contribution to professionally recognized areas of literary study. The dissertation process begins when the candidate’s proposal and first chapter are approved by a committee in his or her field and accepted by the Director of Graduate Studies. It concludes when the completed dissertation is presented to a committee of three faculty members, including the dissertation director, and successfully defended in discussion with the committee and other interested members of the department.

See Past Dissertation Topics

Financial Assistance

The University offers incoming graduate students six years of guaranteed financial support, including a stipend, tuition remission, a health services fee, and a health insurance subsidy. Students are supported by a fellowship in the first year. In years two, three, five, and six, students are supported by a teaching assistantship, and in year four by a dissertation fellowship. Financial support is contingent upon students remaining in good standing in the program and making good progress toward the doctoral degree.

Applications & Deadlines

Applications must be submitted electronically via the  Graduate School's website .

• The deadline for applications is  December 15, 2023 .
• The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general and subject tests are not required.
• Application materials should not be sent directly to the English Department.

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The graduate program in English provides you with a broad knowledge in the discipline, including critical and cultural theory and literary history. This solid foundation enables you to choose your own path based on the wide variety of areas of concentration. Our flexible program allows you to take courses outside the department to further explore your chosen field(s). Our program emphasizes excellence in writing, innovative scholarship, and eloquent presentations—important skills you will need in your future profession. The program and its faculty are committed both to diversity in its student body and in the diversity of thought and scholarship.

Examples of student theses and dissertations include “The Write to Stay Home: Southern Black Literature from the Great Depression to Early Twenty-first Century,” “Profaning Theater: The Drama of Religion on the Modernists Stage,” and “Sentimental Borders: Genre and Geography in the Literature of Civil War and Reconstruction.”

Graduates have secured faculty positions at institutions such as Brown University, Columbia University, and University of California, Los Angeles. Others have begun their careers with leading organizations such as Google and McKinsey & Company.

Additional information on the graduate program is available from the Department of English and requirements for the degree are detailed in Policies .

Areas of Study

Unspecified | Medieval | Renaissance/Early Modern | 18th Century/Enlightenment | 19th Century British/Romantics/Victorian | Early American (to 1900) | 20th Century British | 20th Century American | Criticism and Theory | The English Language | Transnational Anglophone/Postcolonial | African American Literature | Drama | Poetry

Admissions Requirements

Please review admissions requirements and other information before applying. You can find degree program-specific admissions requirements below and access additional guidance on applying from the Department of English .

Writing Sample

The writing samples (one primary and one secondary) are highly significant parts of the application. Applicants should submit 2 double-spaced, 15-page papers of no more than 5,000 words each, in 12-point type with 1-inch margins. The writing samples must be examples of critical writing (rather than creative writing) on subjects directly related to English. Applicants should not send longer papers with instructions to read an excerpt or excerpts but should edit the samples themselves so that they submit only 15 pages for each paper. Applicants who know the field in which they expect to specialize should, when possible, submit a primary writing sample related to that field.

Statement of Purpose

The statement of purpose is not a personal statement and should not be heavily weighted down with autobiographical anecdotes. It should be no longer than 1,000 words. It should give the admissions committee a clear sense of applicants’ individual interests and strengths. Applicants need not indicate a precise field of specialization if they do not know, but it is helpful to know something about a candidate’s professional aspirations and sense of their own skills, as well as how the Harvard Department of English might help in attaining their goals. Those who already have a research topic in mind should outline it in detail, giving a sense of how they plan their progress through the program. Those who do not should at least attempt to define the questions and interests they foresee driving their work over the next few years.

Standardized Tests

GRE: Not Accepted

While there are no specific prerequisites for admission, a strong language background helps to strengthen the application, and students who lack it should be aware that they will need to address these gaps during their first two years of graduate study.

While a candidate's overall GPA is important, it is more important to have an average of no lower than A- in literature (and related) courses. In addition, while we encourage applications from candidates in programs other than English, they must have both the requisite critical skills and a foundation in English literature for graduate work in English. Most of our successful candidates have some knowledge of all the major fields of English literary study and advanced knowledge of the field in which they intend to study.

Theses & Dissertations

Theses & Dissertations for English

See list of English faculty

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Questions about the program.

English Ph.D.

The Ph.D. program in English at the University of Texas at Austin is one of the largest and best doctoral programs of its kind. Ranked in the top 20 English Graduate Programs by U.S. News & World Report , our program offers students intensive research mentoring and pedagogical training in the vibrant setting that is Austin, Texas. In addition, all admitted English PhD students receive six years of full funding .

Drawing on the resources of two units, the Department of English and the Department of Rhetoric and Writing, our program has at its center a dynamic and dedicated faculty of over 60 .

While the Ph.D. program is housed in and administered by the Department of English , the Department of Rhetoric and Writing is a crucial partner in helping to educate our shared students. The make-up of each cohort of students mirrors our unusual interdepartmental collaboration: each year we accept 10-12 students in literature and 4 in rhetoric and digital literacies.

One of the distinguishing features of our program is its collegiality and sense of shared purpose. Students and faculty work collaboratively on a number of departmental and university-wide committees, participate actively in reading and writing groups, and treat one another with respect.

Our program is engaged not only in meeting the challenges of a complex, rapidly changing academic discipline but also in helping to shape it. Our graduate courses examine relationships between writing and other cultural practices and explore the social, historical, rhetorical, and technological processes by which literature and other discourses are constituted. While we take seriously our responsibility to help train the next generation of the professoriate—that is, to cultivate scholarship, effective teaching, and collegiality—we also encourage our students to think of their training and their futures in the broadest terms possible.

Requirements

• Foreign Language Requirement
• Tab Option 4
• Tab Option 5

All students, regardless of whether they enter with a BA or MA, are required to complete 39 hours of formal graduate coursework taken for a grade before the end of their third year. These 39 hours must include:

• E384K Disciplinary Inquiries, which is taken in the first semester. It may not include other courses under the E384 course number.
• At least one 3-hour seminar on pre-1800 material
• At least one 3-hour seminar on post-1800 material
• At least 3 hours, but no more than 9 hours, taken out of department. Out-of-department courses include: undergraduate English courses taken for graduate credit, creative writing workshops or Literature for Writers courses with the New Writers Project, and supervised study conference courses arranged with individual faculty members.

These curricular requirements ensure that students encounter a wide range of courses, faculty, and texts during their time at UT, extending well beyond their specialized area of interest. Students choose coursework in consultation with the Associate Graduate Advisor, who may allow substitutions for English courses in cases where alternate coursework is needed to supplement departmental offerings. This alternate coursework could take the form of the out-of-department courses listed above. Such substitutions may be warranted in cases where a student is pursuing a portfolio in an interdisciplinary unit such as CWGS, MALS, or AADS; where the English department offers few courses in the student’s area of interest; or where the student needs to pursue a foreign language for research purposes. We encourage students to investigate portfolio options early in their career so they can integrate those courses as soon as possible. Some portfolios require 12 hours of coursework; in those cases, the Associate Graduate Advisor will grant an exception to the 9-hour limit on out-of-department courses.

Students who hold the position of AI are also required to take RHE398T, which is usually taken during the fall semester of their third year, or when a graduate student teaches RHE306 for the first time. RHE398T does not count toward the required 39 hours of formal graduate coursework.

Beginning in their third year of the program, students have the option of enrolling in additional seminars inside or outside the department, choosing whether to take these courses for a grade or for Credit/No Credit.  They can also enroll in E384L Scholarly Publication (usually taken in or after the third year) and E384M Professional Outcomes (usually taken in or after the fourth year). Students take these two courses for Credit/No Credit. The graduate program encourages students to continue enrolling in optional courses throughout their years as a PhD student, while they are reading for exams and planning and writing a dissertation.

In the spring of year three, students must pass the  Third-Year Examination , which tests their knowledge of and engagement with chosen fields of specialization. Students will be examined on either a fixed reading list or a reading list developed by three faculty members in collaboration with the student. The list will contain 60-80 primary and/or secondary texts. The Third-Year Examination consists of a written and an oral component. The written component consists of: 1) a 1000- to 2000-word intellectual rationale for the list; 2) an annotated version of the list (at least 1/3 of the texts with an annotation of 100 words or more each); and 3) two syllabi based on the list—the first for a survey course, the second for an upper-division seminar. Students will then sit for a two-hour oral examination during which the committee will ask questions about both the written materials and the students’ comprehension of the reading list.

The  Prospectus Examination  grants students an opportunity to receive formal feedback from three faculty members on their proposed dissertation project. Students work closely with faculty to write and revise a 15- to 20-page prospectus. Once the faculty members are ready to sign off on the document, an oral Prospectus Examination is scheduled. Students are encouraged to pass the Prospectus Examination by the end of the fall semester of their fourth year in the program.

Doctoral Candidacy  is achieved when students have successfully completed the Third-Year and Prospectus Examinations; fulfilled the foreign language requirement (see below); and identified a dissertation committee of at least four faculty members, one of whom needs to be from another graduate program or institution. All students must spend at least two long semesters, or one long semester and one summer, in candidacy before earning their degree.

The last milestone for the Ph.D. is the  Final Oral Defense , otherwise known as the dissertation defense.  In general, faculty will not schedule a defense until the dissertation is completed and ready for critical engagement.

Students working toward a Ph.D. in English at UT Austin are expected to pursue courses of language study relevant to their individual professional trajectories, as determined in consultation between students themselves; their faculty mentors; and graduate program advisor(s).

Student progress toward appropriate levels of competence will be assessed by means of a four-part  Foreign Language Audit  according to the following schedule:

Fall semester of the first year: Foreign Language Interview with the associate graduate advisor to review prior training, assess current levels of expertise, and, if necessary, begin developing an appropriate language study agenda.

Spring semester of the second year: as part of the Second-Year Reflection, students complete a first Language Study Check-in with the graduate advisor(s) and their faculty sponsor, to ensure that appropriate progress has been made toward execution of the agenda with alteration or addition in light of subfield expectations and project directions.

Spring semester of the third year (in most cases): as part of the Third-Year Exam, students will complete a second Language Study Check-in, this time with their exam committee, to determine whether satisfactory progress has been achieved on their language study agenda, again with alteration or addition in light of subfield expectations and project directions.

Fourth year (in most cases): as part of the Prospectus Exam, students will finalize their Foreign Language Audit. This will involve discussion with the exam committee, along with presentation of all necessary evidence to demonstrate that the language study agenda has been fulfilled. If, in the judgment of the committee, requisite levels of language competence have not been achieved, student and committee will agree upon a binding plan for fulfillment, during which period the student shall remain on probationary status with regard to the Foreign Language Requirement. Successful fulfillment of the Foreign Language Audit must be achieved before the student advances to Ph.D. candidacy.

Notes: Some students will enter the program with sufficient foreign language skills for their course of study (e.g. either compelling evidence of literate knowledge of a language other than English, such as a high school degree from a school in a non-English speaking country, or four or more semesters at the college level of a language other than English with a grade of B or better in the last semester, or its equivalent). These students will not need to complete the final three steps of the FLA.

Program Administration

Associate Chair & Graduate Adviser: Gretchen Murphy

Associate Graduate Adviser (Literature):  Julie Minich

Associate Graduate Adviser (Rhetoric): Scott Graham

Graduate Studies Chair: Tanya Clement

Graduate Program Administrator:  Patricia Schaub

Undergraduate

Humans use stories to cope and thrive, from prehistoric cave paintings to distilling experience in novels, screenplays, and hip hop rhymes. By studying English literature, students learn how to analyze and appreciate the language of the past and to contribute to the narrative of the future. Concentrators will develop expertise in interpreting others’ rhetoric and learn to communicate meaningfully.

The Graduate Program in English aims to provide Ph.D. candidates with a broad knowledge of the field of English, including critical and cultural theory. Additional important skills include facility with the tools of scholarship—ancient and modern foreign languages, bibliographic procedures, and textual and editorial methods. The program also emphasizes the ability to write well, to do solid and innovative scholarly and critical work in a specialized field or fields, to teach effectively, and to make articulate presentations at conferences, seminars, and symposia.

Students enrolled in the Master of Liberal Arts program in English will deepen their understanding of fiction, poetry, and drama while learning to analyze and interpret literary texts. Students will hone their research and writing skills, and become a stronger reader and critical thinker.

English (Literature), PHD

On this page:.

At a Glance: program details

• Location: Tempe campus
• Second Language Requirement: No

Program Description

Degree Awarded: PHD English (Literature)

The PhD program in English with a concentration in literature trains students in various methodologies, pedagogies and areas of inquiry that constitute literary and cultural studies.

With a diverse and distinguished faculty, the program offers opportunities for specialization in traditional areas of literary criticism, cultural analysis and theory, as well as various fields of interdisciplinary study.

A doctorate in literature equips students with a range of highly sought-after skills and competencies: research and analysis of complex material, communication in written and oral modes, collaboration, independence and self-motivation, creativity and adaptability.

The PhD in English (literature) at ASU is a premier graduate program in the U.S. with strong interdisciplinary ties and faculty links to research centers on campus and in the state, including the Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies, the Center for the Study of Race and Democracy, the Institute for Humanities Research, and the Virginia G. Piper Center for Creative Writing. With these resources and a strong mentorship program at their fingertips, our graduates are prepared for a wide array of professional opportunities including careers in college teaching, research, writing, editing, higher education, and humanities-related organizations.

Lee Bebout ,  Director  

Sheila Luna , Program Manager

Faculty in Literature

Doctoral Examinations

Doctoral Procedures and Timeline

Teaching Assistantships

Degree Requirements

84 credit hours, a foreign language exam, a written comprehensive exam, an oral comprehensive exam, a prospectus and a dissertation

A student with an appropriate master's degree must complete a minimum of 54 credit hours of approved graduate work, which includes 12 credit hours of dissertation, provided the student's master's degree is accepted by the supervisory committee and the academic unit. Research hours may be used toward coursework in consultation with the advisor.

A student without an appropriate master's degree must complete 84 credit hours of work at ASU. At the advisor's discretion, students may include up to 12 credit hours of appropriate, graduate-level coursework undertaken at another university and not previously counted toward any other degree.

Specifically required are six credit hours in theory courses and ENG 501 Approaches to Research. Students must complete eight graduate courses in any of the following categories:

• cultural studies
• ethnic studies
• gender studies
• history and structure of the English language
• literature 1500--1660
• literature 1660--1900
• literature since 1900
• literature to 1500
• postcolonial or anglophone literatures

Students must take at least five graduate seminars at the 600 level en route to the doctorate, at least three of which must be taken in the doctoral program. Up to 12 credit hours taken outside the department may be counted toward the degree. Students should consult with their supervisory committees when choosing electives.

Admission Requirements

Applicants must fulfill the requirements of both the Graduate College and The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Applicants are eligible to apply to the program if they have earned a bachelor's or master's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in the last 60 hours of their first bachelor's degree program, or a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.50 (scale is 4.00 = "A") in an applicable master's degree program.

All applicants must submit:

• graduate admission application and application fee
• official transcripts
• statement of purpose
• resume or curriculum vitae
• three letters of recommendation
• academic writing sample relevant to the field
• proof of English proficiency

Additional Application Information An applicant whose native language is not English and has not graduated from an institution of higher learning in the United States must provide proof of English proficiency, regardless of current residency. Applicants can find more information about English proficiency requirements on the school website . Please note that official scores must be sent to ASU in order for the application to be processed.

The well-considered, one- to two-page, single-spaced statement of purpose should explain the applicant's scholarly background and training, career goals, proposed research specialization, any secondary field of interest and why the applicant wishes to pursue a PhD in English (Literature) at Arizona State University. Applicants applying for funding must also submit a statement of teaching philosophy.

Courses and Electives

Approaches to Research (3 credits / one class) :  Students must take the core class ENG 501 Approaches to Research.

Theory (6 credits / two courses): Appropriate courses for filling this requirement must be in the area of the history of criticism, literary theory, rhetorical theory, linguistic theory or cultural theory. Examples of courses which meet this requirement, if the specific topic is appropriate, include the following: ENG 502, 503, 504, 550, 551, 552, 554, 556, 602, 604, 651, LIN 510, 516, 517; however, an equivalent or more advanced course in linguistic, rhetorical or literary theory would also be acceptable.

Additional Required Courses (24 credits / 8 classes): Students must complete eight graduate courses in any of the following categories: cultural studies, ethnic studies, gender studies, genre, history and structure of the English language, literature to 1500, literature 1500-1660, literature 1660-1900, literature since 1900, postcolonial or anglophone literatures.

A minimum of five courses counted toward the PhD, which may include those listed above, must be taken at the 600-level (three of which must be taken in the doctoral program at ASU). Students wishing to take courses outside of the department may count up to 12 credit hours toward the degree. These courses may also fulfill some of the above degree requirements. Students should consult with an advisor or their committee chair when choosing electives.

Other Requirements

Language Requirement : PhD students must demonstrate evidence of a competent knowledge of a natural language other than modern English, to be selected by the student, subject to the approval of the chair of the dissertation committee. The language requirement must be completed before the student is eligible to take the doctoral exams. This requirement may be met by

• Earning a “B” (3.00) or higher in a 400- or 500-level course in an appropriate (approved) language.
• Demonstrating comparable proficiency by taking a language examination, administered by the School of International Letters and Cultures, in a language approved by the student’s supervisory committee.
• Demonstrating native-speaker proficiency, as determined by the School of International Letters and Cultures, in a language approved by the student’s supervisory committee.
• Earning a “B” (3.00) or higher in both ENG 530 Old English and ENG 531 Old English Literature or their equivalent.
• Holding a bachelor’s degree in an approved foreign language.
• Having fulfilled a foreign language requirement towards a previously awarded master’s degree that has been completed within five years of the semester for which the student has been admitted to the doctoral program. This foreign language must be in a language approved by the student’s doctoral supervisory committee.
• For languages which the School of International Letters and Cultures does not offer or does not offer above the 200 level, two years (4 semesters) of successfully completed college level coursework at least at the 100 and 200 level with a C or better would fulfill the requirement. The coursework must have been successfully completed no more than six years prior to admission to the degree program.

PhD Examinations :  Essay, oral exam, colloquy on the dissertation prospectus.

Dissertation : Students must take 12 credit hours of ENG 799.

Miscellaneous : Students may take research (ENG 792) for the purpose of working independently in preparation for the doctoral examination. This is an alternative to be elected by the student at the discretion and with the approval of the advisor and supervisory committee and can count towards course work. Satisfactory completion of ENG 792 is indicated by the grade of "Y." Individual interim segments of ENG 792 will be graded "Z" (course in progress), and changed to "Y" (successful completion) after the dissertation defense. No conventional letter grades are awarded for ENG 792 or 799.

The Graduate College also requires that students be enrolled every semester, excluding summer sessions, until they have completed all requirements for the degree. Continuous enrollment may be satisfied by registration for one hour of ENG 799, or, in cases where dissertation or other credit hours are not needed, Continuous Registration (ENG 595 or 795). If students wish to interrupt their programs of study for one or more semesters, they may apply for a leave of absence, not to exceed one year. Failure to enroll or obtain leave status for the semesters in which they are not enrolled will result in dismissal from the program.

Doctoral Supervisory Committee

The doctoral supervisory committee consists of a minimum of three members from the  graduate faculty  selected at the time the student files a program of study. In consultation with the director of the Ph.D. program, the student will select the committee chair, who also serves as the student's advisor. Once a graduate faculty member has agreed to serve as the student's chair, the student and chair will then consult before recommending two other members to the director of the doctoral program. Ideally another member of the supervisory committee in addition to the chair should be in the area of specialization. It is the responsibility of each student to form a supervisory committee very early in the program so that the chair and members of the committee may be involved in shaping the course of study, for example, in determining such matters as the choice of foreign language(s) and in specifying courses that will be required for the student's particular area of concentration.

Important Notice to Current International Students

In order for international students to maintain good standing for their VISAs, they must take a minimum of 9 credit hours per semester (i.e., 3 classes), 6 credits (2 classes) should be face-to-face classes.

Next Steps to attend ASU

Learn about our programs, apply to a program, visit our campus, application deadlines, learning outcomes.

• Identify and evaluate various disciplinary arguments, trends, traditions and debates within the knowledge community of literary and cultural studies scholars.
• Demonstrate the ability to produce written work of publishable quality.
• Demonstrate research skills necessary to bring a project of literary or cultural analysis to fruition, including the ability to evaluate disciplinary debates and developments; and the ability to produce research on historical and cultural meanings of texts and related cultural productions.

Career Opportunities

Graduates are prepared for careers in higher education and other fields that value this expertise. Sectors employing high numbers of arts and humanities graduates include information and communication, financial and insurance, public administration and defense, arts and entertainment, and education.

Career examples include:

• art director
• criminal investigator or special agent
• intelligence analyst
• market research analyst
• museum curator, educator or exhibit designer
• political analyst
• public relations specialist or manager
• technical writer

Global Opportunities

Global experience.

With over 250 programs in more than 65 countries (ranging from one week to one year), study abroad is possible for all ASU students wishing to gain global skills and knowledge in preparation for a 21st-century career. Students earn ASU credit for completed courses, while staying on track for graduation, and may apply financial aid and scholarships toward program costs. https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu

Program Contact Information

If you have questions related to admission, please click here to request information and an admission specialist will reach out to you directly. For questions regarding faculty or courses, please use the contact information below.

• [email protected]
• 480/965-3168

Online PhD Programs

Regardless of academic field or discipline, doctoral degrees are considered terminal; they demand the highest standards of rigorous academic study and research.

Students who earn an online Ph.D. or professional doctorate fall into an elite category of highly educated professionals. Doctoral students acquire broad understanding of their discipline, specialized expertise in their field, and advanced research and writing skills. Many students opt to complete Ph.D. programs online instead of on campus.

Doctoral programs demand several years of challenging academic work, but they prove valuable for many aspiring academics, researchers, and working professionals seeking career and salary advancement. Doctoral degrees help many professionals become professors or administrators in sectors such as healthcare or education. Many doctoral programs only accept students with related master's degrees or related professional experience.

This page surveys some of the doctoral degree types and career paths available. See below for information on Ph.D. online program quality, pricing, and length. This information, plus our ranked list of top online Ph.D. programs, helps readers determine whether an online doctoral program aligns with their career goals, qualifications, and strengths.

What is a Doctoral Degree?

Certain prestigious and specialized career paths require doctoral-level degrees, the most advanced degrees available in most fields. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the number of doctoral students has increased steadily in recent years, making doctoral degrees necessary for competition in certain career paths.

Qualified candidates for many positions in higher education, research, or law hold a Ph.D. or another doctoral-level professional degree such as a doctor of education (Ed.D.), juris doctor (JD), or various medical doctoral degrees.

Doctoral-level medical careers include veterinarians, who need doctor of veterinary medicine (D.V.M.) degrees; physical therapists, who earn doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degrees; and medical doctors, who hold doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degrees.

Doctoral degrees often take 3-8 years to finish. Practicum or professional experience requirements influence doctoral program length in many health and education fields. Exam-based professional programs such as the JD often require just 3-4 years to complete. Ph.D. programs involving independent research projects often take 6-9 years to finish.

Depending on industry, career path, and level of success, graduates often see a valuable return on their time investment. The College Payoff , a report produced by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, indicates that doctoral degree-holders' lifetime earnings average $3.3-$3.6 million. This figure puts doctoral graduates' lifetime earnings 61% above bachelor's degree-holders' earnings. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data indicates that doctoral graduates enjoy median weekly earnings of $1,883 — nearly double the $969 median weekly wage for all workers.

Best Online Ph.D. and Doctoral Programs

What's the difference between a ph.d. and a professional doctoral degree.

Both Ph.D. and professional doctoral degrees typically require advanced skills in research, writing, and oral defense. Many disciplines offer both Ph.D. and professional degree options. Note key differences between these degree types and choose wisely based on personal preferences, talents, and career goals.

The Ph.D. constitutes a more academic study path focused on theory, data analysis, and original research. Ph.D. programs typically prepare students for academic teaching or research careers by teaching enrollees to evaluate, analyze, and present academic theory and research literature.

Professional doctoral programs such as doctor of business administration (DBA) and doctor of public health (Dr.PH.) focus on research applications for professional practice and usually serve working professionals seeking career advancement.

Ph.D. students usually write dissertations, while professional doctoral students usually complete practical projects such as research studies or problem-solving initiatives at real-world sites.

The Most Popular Types of Doctoral Degrees

NCES data shows that healthcare professionals earn 43.63% of all doctoral degrees — more than twice the number found in law, which boasts the second-highest rate of doctoral degrees at 18.77%. Data from the same source indicates that only 4.47%-6.94% of professionals in the remaining disciplines of education, engineering, and biological sciences hold doctoral degrees. See below for descriptions of some of the most common doctoral degrees, including the Ed.D., Ph.D., and MD.

• Health professions and related programs–43.63%
• Legal professions and studies — 18.77%
• Education — 6.94%
• Engineering and engineering technologies — 5.99%
• Biological and biomedical sciences — 4.47%

Source: NCES

Continue reading for a list of some of the most common doctoral degrees:

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Many aspiring education administrators, curriculum designers, and other educators interested in developing practical solutions for modern education concerns choose to earn an Ed.D. Common concentrations include higher education leadership, early childhood education, or elementary STEM education.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Ph.D. programs offer an opportunity for research that students often tailor to their individual interests and career goals. Though different than the Ed.D. degree, Ph.D. concentrations often include a variety of education options, as well as specializations in business, marketing, and public health, among other research fields.

Doctor of Theology (ThD)

The Doctor of Theology offers a research degree comparable to the Ph.D. Optional concentrations often include history of Christianity, world church and world religions, and liturgical studies.

Medicinae Doctorate (MD)

Medical doctors and primary physicians hold an MD in order to practice general medicine in the U.S. Common concentrations include women's reproductive health, integrative medicine, and medical education.

Is an Online Doctorate Degree as Good as an On-Campus Degree?

An increasingly popular education choice, online programs offer academic rigor and reputations similar to on-campus equivalents. Most schools offering both online and on-campus versions of their degree programs award diplomas that do not differentiate between these degree types.

Recent research suggests that online and on-campus learning elicit similar student satisfaction levels. According to a 2016 report generated by The Learning House, Inc. and Aslanian Market ResearchData, nearly 65% of today's online students evidence prior online learning experience.

The same source reports that 90% of college students rate their online education experience as equivalent or better than their on-campus course experiences. The report also indicates that around 70% of students deem their online programs worth the time and financial investment.

The sections below discuss the benefits of online Ph.D. programs, including lower cost and greater attendance flexibility.

Is It Cheaper to Get a Doctoral Degree Online?

Pursuing an online Ph.D. often results in less student debt than on-campus options. Online programs often allow out-of-state students to pay cheaper in-state or online tuition rates, and many schools also waive various university service fees. Online students also save money by avoiding the residency and commuting costs of full-time, on-campus programs. Many homeowners and residents of rural areas who enjoy low living expenses attend online programs without relocating to more expensive urban or suburban areas.

Online doctoral degrees also frequently feature flexible attendance options that enable working professionals to maintain their current income while pursuing an advanced degree. Many online programs permit students to participate during evenings, weekends, or whenever proves convenient. Online students also enjoy equal access to financial aid, including federal grants and loans and university scholarships. The College Board's 2019 report on higher education trends indicates that full-time graduate students receive financial aid averaging $28,140.

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. Program Cost?

The College Board's 2019 report on college pricing indicates that public universities charge a fraction of the tuition and fees found at private nonprofit schools. The following comparative table below highlights the $34,000 difference in average doctoral program pricing between public and private higher education institutions.

Source: College Board

How Long does it Take to Get a Doctorate Degree Online?

Doctoral program length varies widely based on factors including degree type, discipline and field, and student pacing. NCES data from 2018 indicates that doctoral students' median finish time as 7.3 years since starting graduate school and 5.8 years since starting their doctoral programs. This discrepancy suggests that students with transferable graduate work, such as from a master's degree, finish their doctoral programs about 1.5 years faster.

NCES statistics also suggest that time-to-degree varies substantially by discipline of study. Doctoral degrees in physical science, mathematics, computer science, and engineering boast median completion times at least one year faster than social science degrees. Humanities, arts, and education doctoral programs take the longest.

How to Choose an Online Doctoral Degree

After deciding to earn a doctorate online, prospective students select a program. Though online programs generally share many of the same benefits, they often vary in their ability to meet your needs. First, make sure the program you choose fits your career needs, and that it offers preparation for any certification or licensing exams required in your particular area of study.

Some programs require campus visits in combination with online study. In this case, consider your proximity to campus. You may even enjoy certain campus perks, like gym access or tutoring centers, if your program requires you to complete some coursework there. Though all online programs offer flexibility, consider your learning style and what you need from the learning environment. If you are looking to study at your own pace, consider programs that offer asynchronous classes. The price of earning your doctorate online varies depending on whether your program is offered by a nonprofit or for-profit, private or public school.

Is it Better to Attend an Online Doctoral Degree Program in My State?

Your location plays a role in the cost of your online degree. Many schools charge different amounts for in- and out-of-state tuition, for both online and on-campus programs. Even if your online program does not require campus visits, many schools request proof of residence for cheaper in-state rates.

Students should check their own school's residency policies and look for state authorization or a school's State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), which implements interstate, regional standards of postsecondary courses and programs. Many students prefer to enroll in an online program within their home state to pursue career counseling or other on-campus services.

Many doctoral-level career paths in fields like law or psychology require state licensure as well as a doctoral degree. Licensure requirements include professional experience hours, education credit requirements, and licensure examinations. Doctoral programs for these careers usually include coursework and internship or practicum experiences tailored to fulfill licensure requirements. Many professionals looking to practice in a new state transfer their license by taking advantage of reciprocity agreements maintained between state boards.

Why Accreditation is Key

When researching online doctoral programs, consider institutional and programmatic accreditation standards. The Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes various regional and national accrediting organizations that evaluate schools' academic quality. Many online schools receive their accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission .

Institutions and programs undergo the accreditation process voluntarily to ensure academic rigor. Accreditation matters because the federal government only grants federal financial aid to students at accredited schools. Schools also usually only recognize credits and degrees from schools with equivalent or superior accreditation standards.

Consider institutions accredited by CHEA-approved regional accreditors . Degrees from regionally accredited schools garner more respect from peers, other schools, and prospective employers.

High-quality professional programs also hold programmatic accreditation from field-based accrediting agencies recognized by CHEA. Prospective students can consult program websites or the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs to determine accreditation status.

Careers that Require a Doctorate

Most careers requiring a doctoral degree fall into three general arenas: education, research, and healthcare. Aspiring professors and researchers in most nonmedical disciplines usually earn Ph.D. degrees. Ph.D. students often begin teaching and conducting research during graduate school, but candidates typically need their degree in hand to acquire full-time professorships or research positions.

Healthcare professions requiring doctoral degrees include veterinarians, physical therapists, medical doctors, and pharmacy directors. Psychiatrists and psychologists usually need doctoral degrees also. Most doctoral-level healthcare professions also require state licensure.

Professor, Postsecondary/Higher Education : Higher education professors teach undergraduate or graduate courses in their discipline or related disciplines. Aspiring professors typically need to earn terminal degrees in their field to obtain secure, full-time teaching jobs at universities and colleges. According to the BLS, postsecondary teachers made a median annual salary of $79,540 in 2019. The BLS projects job growth at a rate of 11% for 2018-2028.

Senior Research Scientist : Often working in laboratory and/or university environments, senior research scientists focus primarily on conducting research or experiments and gathering, analyzing, and presenting results or findings. PayScale salary data indicates that senior research scientists average $101,244 annually, although salaries depend on employer, field, and industry.

Psychiatrist : These professionals provide consultation and medication to patients struggling with mental health issues and disorders. Psychiatrists hold MD or DO degrees and earn a substantial mean annual wage of $220,380, according to the BLS .

Physical Therapist : Physical therapists assist elderly, injured, and disabled people to manage pain, increase mobility, and improve quality of life. The BLS projects 22% job growth for physical therapists during 2018-2028, and earnings data indicates that these professionals made a median annual salary of $89,440 in 2019. These professionals hold DPT degrees.

Hospital Pharmacy Director : These directors oversee all pharmacy operations. Major responsibilities include staff supervision, compliance assurance, customer service, and decision-making. Hospital pharmacy directors require doctor of pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degrees from accredited schools, plus licenses from their states of practice. PayScale indicates that hospital pharmacy directors average $146,293 annually.

Veterinarian : Often working in private clinics or animal hospitals, veterinarians provide preventative medical care and treatment for animals. Duties include examining, assessing, and testing animals; advising owners and prescribing treatments; and performing surgeries and euthanizations. BLS salary data shows that these professionals earned a median annual salary of $95,460 in 2019.

Applying to a Doctoral Degree Program

The application process for doctoral degree programs typically entails researching potential programs, studying for and taking standardized tests, and submitting application materials. Graduate applications typically require official transcripts, standardized test scores, recommendation letters, and a personal statement or essay. Many graduate programs also require a resume or portfolio, as well as an interview.

Graduate admissions typically prove far more competitive than undergraduate admissions. Invest time to produce high-quality application materials. This helpful guide provides a general overview of the application process and timeline for U.S. graduate schools.

1. Testing : Many doctoral program admissions committees expect applicants to submit graduate-level standardized tests. The graduate record examination (GRE), a commonly required standardized test in the United States and Canada, tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Many programs require students to take the general GRE and a GRE subject test.

Other possible standardized tests include the Law School Admission Test (LSAT), the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Try a few practice tests several months in advance of application deadlines, to see whether their scores approach the score minimums stipulated by their prospective doctoral programs.

2. Letters of Recommendation : Doctoral program admissions usually require 2-4 recommendation letters from relevant professors and mentors. Applicants typically approach their recommenders 1-2 months prior to their deadline and make sure that the recommender can write a positive recommendation.

Many applications allow online submission of recommendations. Check in with recommenders regularly to encourage and verify timely submission of the letter.

3. Resume/Portfolio : To assess an applicant's professional accomplishments, most doctoral programs require submission of a resume or curriculum vita and/or a writing sample or portfolio. Ph.D. admissions teams look favorably upon applicants who produce compelling and original master's theses, projects, or similarly competitive achievements.

Meanwhile, demonstrated success and experience in relevant professional roles often improves the prospects of doctoral candidates in disciplines such as business, education, or law.

4. Purpose Statement/Essay : Doctoral programs typically require some kind of purpose statement or essay. At the doctoral application level, a purpose statement outlines the applicant's specific research and professional goals during and after their doctoral program. A clear, focused purpose statement evidences an applicant's ability to direct their own research.

5. Official Transcripts : Most programs require applicants to submit official transcripts from all prior undergraduate and graduate schools attended. Several weeks before your application deadlines, contact each prior institution's registrar's office to fill out and submit a transcript request form (which usually involves a small fee).

Previous schools send official, signed, and sealed copies of your transcripts to whichever prospective programs you specify on your transcript request form. Students submitting applications at the last minute or while still in school often ask prospective schools to accept unofficial transcript copies while waiting for official transcripts to arrive.

Top 25 Online PhD Programs

A Ph.D. is a terminal degree that establishes the holder as an expert in his or her field. Learners in some areas of study can pursue a research-focused doctor of philosophy degree or a practice-based doctorate. Several accredited colleges and universities offer rigorous online Ph.D. programs.

According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), professionals with a doctorate earn more than other workers. Doctoral degree-holders are also less likely to be unemployed compared to professionals with less education. Additionally, the BLS projects positive growth rates for most occupations requiring a doctoral degree, including postsecondary teaching positions.

Popular Online Doctoral Programs

What is an online ph.d..

Online doctoral programs usually follow the same curricula as their on-campus counterparts. Doctoral degrees typically require 60 credits beyond the master’s level, which include coursework and dissertation research and writing.

Many doctoral programs require students to take a qualifying exam after two or three semesters of enrollment. Some schools also mandate that doctoral students take a comprehensive exam after completing coursework and before beginning their dissertation. Doctoral programs typically culminate in an oral dissertation defense before a panel of experts.

Why Get a Ph.D. Online?

Online Ph.D. programs offer several advantages over on-campus options. The list below includes five common benefits of completing a Ph.D. program online.

• Flexible Schedule: Many online doctoral programs feature an asynchronous format, allowing students to access class material at convenient times. However, most programs do set a deadline for the completion of course requirements.
• Higher Income Potential: Companies, federal agencies, and private institutions usually offer higher salaries to job applicants with a relevant doctoral degree.
• Lower Costs: Although most doctoral students receive institutional funding and awards from private or federal agencies, this funding may not cover all expenses. Online learning often reduces costs associated with transportation and living expenses.
• Minimal Disruption: Online doctoral students do not need to relocate to earn their degree. Additionally, many online learners work while pursuing their doctorate, especially those enrolled part time.
• Professional Requirement: Candidates typically need a doctorate to qualify for tenure-track positions in academia, leadership roles in industry, and top-level government jobs.

Accreditation for an Online Ph.D. Program

Accreditation is a voluntary process that colleges and universities undergo in order to receive recognition for the quality of their educational programs and their overall institutional soundness. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the accreditation process in the United States.

Academic-focused nonprofit institutions typically earn regional accreditation, while career-centered vocational or sectarian schools often receive national accreditation. Because regional accreditors generally apply more rigorous standards than national accrediting bodies, regional accreditation is considered the more prestigious type. However, national accreditors must meet ED and CHEA requirements for accreditation standards and processes.

ED and CHEA also oversee programmatic accreditors, which evaluate programs in certain fields. For example, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accredits computer and engineering programs. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission accredits schools that offer at least 51% of their programs in an online format.

No accrediting body currently focuses on doctoral programs. Learners should ensure that any prospective institution holds regional accreditation.

Courses in an Online Ph.D. Program

In addition to specialization classes, most on-campus and online Ph.D. programs include coursework that covers general topics. These classes help students develop foundational skills they can apply throughout their doctoral studies and in their professional practice.

These classes cover basic skills such as research and writing, and doctoral students prepare to apply these concepts at an advanced level. Many schools require Ph.D. students to complete the following courses, regardless of their field.

Research comprises a major part of most doctoral programs. Even learners pursuing a practice-focused doctorate must complete a significant amount of in-depth research. Most programs require learners to complete a doctorate-level research course prior to beginning their dissertation. Doctoral degree-holders who enter positions in academia apply research skills throughout their career.

Academic Writing

Doctoral-level courses on academic writing help students gain the tools and techniques they need to write their dissertation. Graduates of Ph.D. programs often contribute to their field’s existing body of knowledge by authoring white papers and articles in industry journals, writing books, and drafting research proposals and reports. These activities require clear and concise writing skills.

Although doctoral degree-holders can secure high-level positions in industry and government, many pursue tenure-track positions in colleges and universities. For this reason, doctoral programs often include coursework in pedagogy. Students learn about various teaching methodologies, prepare to develop syllabi, and explore non-classroom learning activities. Some pedagogy classes include classroom teaching opportunities.

Communication and Presentation

Classes in communication and presentation skills are similar to teaching courses but typically have a wider scope. These classes prepare learners to defend their dissertation, which almost always involves an oral presentation. Since many doctoral degree-holders pursue leadership positions, strong communication skills are crucial to professional success.

Computer and Software

Regardless of their field or career aspirations, doctoral degree-holders need computer skills to succeed professionally. Some fields, such as engineering, require proficiency in industry-specific software. Doctoral students should master this software to complete research activities and to qualify for top-level positions. Doctoral programs often allow students to enroll in computer classes through another institution.

How Much Do Ph.D. Graduates Make?

Earning a Ph.D. can lead to personal, professional, and financial benefits. Ph.D. students gain comprehensive, advanced knowledge in their area, and many doctoral degree-holders enjoy positions of authority.

According to the BLS, professionals with a doctorate earned a median salary of $1,883 per week in 2019, more than individuals of any other education level. Master’s degree-holders, on the other hand, earned a weekly median salary of $1,497. Professionals with a bachelor’s degree earned a median of $1,248 per week.

The same data shows that doctoral degree-holders experience a 1.1% unemployment rate, the lowest of any workers. The unemployment rates for master’s and bachelor’s degree-holders in 2019 were 2% and 2.2%, respectively. Many graduates of Ph.D. programs enter occupations with faster-than-average growth rates. For example, the BLS projects employment for medical scientists to increase 6% from 2019 to 2029. The BLS projects a 9% growth for postsecondary teachers and 13% employment growth for audiologists during the same time frame.

Career and Salary Outlook for Ph.D. Graduates

Doctoral degree-holders often work in top-level positions in various industries, government agencies, nonprofit institutions, and academia. The rigorous training and discipline of a doctoral program makes graduates valuable and respected professionals. Doctoral degree-holders typically occupy positions with above-average job security and salaries. The four career options below require at least a postgraduate degree, preferably a doctorate.

• Postsecondary Teacher : College professors teach courses in their subject area. They typically lead lectures, class projects, and learning activities outside the classroom. These professionals track students’ progress through tests, term papers, projects, and class participation. Postsecondary instructors often confer and collaborate with colleagues who teach other subjects.
• Instructional Coordinator : Also known as curriculum specialists, instructional coordinators evaluate schools’ curricula and teaching techniques to ensure they adhere to federal regulations and district standards. These professionals review test data, observe teachers in the classroom and other educational settings, and conduct compliance training and information sessions.
• Elementary, Middle, and High School Principal : School principals often manage administrative staff, evaluate teacher performance, impose disciplinary action, meet with parents, and create safe learning environments. Principals also oversee expenses to make sure their school operates within budget. Principals may also work to maintain curriculum standards and provide career advancement opportunities for teachers.
• Postsecondary Education Administrator : Postsecondary education administrators at small institutions often perform several functions. They coordinate student services, oversee admissions and enrollment, manage budgets and expenses, and schedule classes. Large universities usually have administrators for specific sectors. For example, an academic provost may assist the university president with faculty appointments, educational policies, and curriculum issues.

Source: BLS

Scholarships for an Online Ph.D. Program

Many universities offer fellowships and scholarships to support Ph.D. students. Learners can also apply for funding opportunities from nonprofit organizations and federal agencies. Fellowships and other doctoral funding options do not require repayment. However, recipients may need to fulfill research or teaching requirements.

American Educational Research Association Dissertation Grants Who can Apply: AERA accepts applications from advanced doctoral students who need additional funding to conduct research and write their dissertation. Applicants must be enrolled in an education-related doctoral program in a field such as psychology, public policy, economics, or political science. Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship or be enrolled in a U.S. doctoral program. Amount: $25,000

American Marketing Association Valuing Diversity Ph.D. Scholarship Who can Apply: This scholarship accepts applications from members of underrepresented ethnic groups pursuing a doctorate in marketing. Applicants must identify as African American, Hispanic American, or Native American and must have completed at least one year of doctoral studies. Amount: $1,000

Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship Who can Apply: DOE accepts applications from master’s and doctoral students whose studies focus on the use of advanced computing technology to solve complex engineering and science problems. Acceptable fields of study include applied mathematics, astrophysics, environmental science, and mechanical engineering. Applicants must hold U.S. citizenship or permanent residency status. Amount: Full tuition and fees, plus a $38,000 annual stipend

Mellon International Dissertation Research Fellowship Who can Apply: The Social Science Research Council awards this fellowship to doctoral students conducting research in the humanities and social sciences. Qualifying fields of study include art history, theater, literature, philosophy, and religion. The fellowship funds research that can only be completed onsite, where the researcher must be at a specific location for an extended period. The program accepts applications from U.S. citizens and doctoral students enrolled in an accredited U.S. institution. Amount: Varies (projected average award for 2021 is $23,000)

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Who can Apply: The National Science Foundation awards funding to students pursuing a research-based master’s or doctorate in a STEM field at an accredited U.S. institution. The foundation encourages applications from members of underrepresented groups, such as persons with disabilities, minorities, veterans, and women. Amount: $34,000

Top 25 Ph.D. Programs Online

1. azusa pacific university.

Azusa Pacific University offers online doctoral programs with low residency requirements in nursing, higher education, and rehabilitation and movement science.

APU offers a doctor of nursing practice degree accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The program offers an optional specialization in oncology. Learners must complete 1,000 hours of clinical residency and an evidence-based project.

Students can pursue a doctor of education in higher education leadership (51 credits) or a doctor of philosophy in higher education (60 credits). Both programs follow a cohort model of education and require enrollees to participate in on-campus learning activities at specific times during their enrollment.

The Ph.D. in rehabilitation and movement science offers courses online throughout the year but it requires students to participate in two one-week on-campus sessions each year. Applicants must have at least one year of work experience as licensed clinical health practitioners. Azusa Pacific University is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

2. Baker University

The School of Education at Baker University offers an online doctor of education in instructional design and performance technology. The 59-credit program includes 27 core coursework credits, six credits for research and statistical analysis, four credits for directed field experience, and 20 credits of dissertation development. The remaining two credits are reserved for portfolio presentation.

Applicants need a master’s degree in the field or a closely related area with a final GPA of at least 3.5. Master’s degree-holders may transfer up to eight credits toward the Ed.D. Students with a specialist degree (Ed.S.) or credits from another doctoral program may transfer up to 12 credits. Transfer credits must undergo a transcript review by the program coordinator before they can be counted toward the Ed.D.

The program follows a cohort model of education, with each course lasting seven weeks. Students start their dissertation during the third year of the program and must complete all coursework requirements within two years. Baker University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

3. Bradley University

The online doctor of education in higher education administration at Bradley University offers two focus areas: higher education leadership and community college leadership. The program does not lead to licensure or certification. Students must first complete 18 credits of core coursework before enrolling in classes specific to their focus area.

The core curriculum includes three credits each in the following: boards and educational governance; ethical and political foundations of educational policy; learning in an era of technology; and national trends in assessment, data analysis, and accountability. A six-credit internship completes the core coursework credit requirements.

Degree-seekers must complete an action research capstone project prior to graduation. Students must complete 15 credits of doctoral research coursework, which begins with an introductory class in doctoral studies and annotated bibliography. The other classes include research planning and ethics, data collection and analysis, literature review, and project conclusions. Bradley University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

4. Concordia University-Irvine

The School of Education at Concordia University Irvine offers a 46-credit doctor of education program in leadership with specializations in educational administration, organizational change, and special education. The program follows a cohort model of education and takes three years to complete.

Applicants must submit a statement of intent containing 5-7 pages describing their educational and professional goals, academic and research background, and reasons for choosing the Ed.D. program. Applicants must also submit a writing sample of up to 10 pages that demonstrates their ability to integrate research and professional literature in their writing.

Students can pursue the Ed.D. as a hybrid program, which delivers courses on campus, through synchronous online video conferencing, and via self-paced learning modules. Learners can also enroll in a fully online Ed.D. program with synchronous and asynchronous components. Most courses last eight weeks. Doctoral students craft individualized learning plans with their dissertation advisor at the beginning of the program.

Concordia University Irvine is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

5. Concordia University-Saint Paul

Concordia University, St. Paul offers a 64-credit online doctor of education degree that learners can complete in three years. A cohort program, the Ed.D. consists of 17 three-credit courses and a one-week residency during the summer of a student’s second and third year of enrollment.

The curriculum includes leadership and scholarship courses in topics such as organizational resource management, solutions-based leadership, influences and assessment of public policy, and data and quantitative analysis. Students can transfer a maximum of 23 credits from a master’s or post-specialist program subject to a thorough review of the program director. The Ed.D. does not accept research methodology credits for transfer. Dissertation research and writing consists of a total of 14 credits.

Doctoral students who plan to apply for their administrative license after the program must complete a K-12 internship consisting of six credits, plus any additional courses determined by the program director. Concordia University, St. Paul is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. Creighton University

Creighton University offers online doctoral programs in interdisciplinary leadership and post-professional occupational therapy. Creighton also offers hybrid programs in business administration, nursing, occupational therapy, and pharmacy.

The doctor of education in interdisciplinary leadership comprises 60 credits that full-time learners can complete in four years. Students enroll in core courses in change theory and practice, administrative and policy leadership issues, strategic planning and management, and organizational theory and behavior. Degree-seekers can take all their classes online, but they must attend an on-campus residency during their first term. The university also requires doctoral candidates to return to campus to defend their dissertation.

The post-professional doctor of occupational therapy accepts applicants with either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the field. The program allows enrollees to develop advanced clinical, teaching, and practice management skills. The program meets the educational requirements for occupational therapy licensure in the United States. Creighton University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

7. Endicott College

Endicott College offers online Ph.D. programs in nursing and applied behavior analysis. The programs follow a cohort model of education and do not require applicants to submit GRE scores. Doctoral students can transfer up to six credits toward their degree through prior learning assessment.

The Ph.D. in nursing comprises 45 credits, many of which learners can complete online. Applicants need a master’s degree in nursing from an accredited institution and a valid and unencumbered RN license. The curriculum includes coursework in research methods, approaches to nursing knowledge and theory development, and analysis and evaluation of theories impacting client phenomena.

The applied behavior analysis doctorate from Endicott’s School of Education consists of 60 credits with courses that run synchronously. Applicants need a master’s degree in applied behavior analysis and are preferably certified by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. Endicott College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

8. The George Washington University

The George Washington University offers online Ph.D. programs in systems engineering and nursing. The School of Engineering and Applied Science offers a doctorate in systems engineering comprising 54 credits, 24 of which consists of coursework and 30 credits for dissertation research and writing.

Students progress as a cohort for the program’s coursework portion. Courses run synchronously and cover subjects such as data analysis, discrete systems simulation, advanced systems engineering, and research methods. The school requires Ph.D. enrollees to receive a minimum 3.4 GPA to avoid being dropped from the program.

The Ph.D. in nursing comprises 57 credits. Classes run synchronously online with an on-campus orientation session during the summer before initial enrollment. Students must also participate in two weekend residencies per semester during their first two years in the program. Learners pursuing the Ph.D. in nursing receive full tuition remission and a living stipend for their first two years of enrollment.

The George Washington University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

9. Georgia College & State University

The School of Nursing at Georgia College and State University offers a 37-credit online doctor of nursing practice degree. Most students complete the program after five semesters of full-time enrollment. The program accepts part-time enrollees who typically earn the degree after eight semesters. Although an online program, the school requires doctoral candidates to attend an annual one-week onsite immersion experience.

Applicants need a master’s degree in nursing or anesthesia with a minimum 3.2 GPA and a valid RN license. They must also show completion of at least 500 supervised clinical hours at the master’s level. The curriculum includes coursework in epidemiology, evidence-based practice, informatics, and applied healthcare research.

Degree-seekers must complete an additional 540 clinical hours at the doctoral level prior to earning the degree. The program culminates with a capstone project in which students apply advanced theoretical constructs to address a challenge in their current work environment. Georgia College and State University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

10. Gonzaga University

Gonzaga University offers online doctoral programs in nursing and leadership studies. Students accepted to the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program with a bachelor’s degree must enroll in 78 credits, which typically takes five years to complete. Bachelor’s-trained doctoral candidates can follow a family nurse practitioner pathway or a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner pathway.

The DNP program also accepts master’s-trained nurses who only need to complete 28-34 credits to earn the degree. Although an online program, the DNP requires master’s-trained students to participate in two on-campus residencies. Most students with a master’s degree take two years to complete the program.

The doctor of philosophy in leadership studies comprises 60 credits and typically takes 4-5 years to complete. All students start the program by enrolling in four foundation classes in leadership theory, global issues and policy analysis, ethics and leadership studies, and organizational theory. The program allows students to enroll in up to 12 credits of independent study and to transfer up to 12 Ph.D.-level credits from another accredited institution. Gonzaga University is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

11. Gwynedd Mercy University

Gwynedd Mercy University offers online doctoral programs in nursing and educational leadership. The two-year doctor of nursing practice (DNP) comprises 39 credits (13 courses) and accepts applications from MSN-trained RNs. The curriculum includes coursework in organizational behavior and social policy, statistical analysis for evidence-based practice, healthcare ethics, and leadership as an advanced practical nurse. The DNP includes 400 hours of clinical internship and one onsite session toward the end of the program.

The online executive doctorate in educational leadership consists of 54 credits that takes learners less than three years. The program follows a cohort model of education and an accelerated course schedule. Students enroll in one class at a time, and each class lasts five or seven weeks. Learners can choose from four interest areas: leadership in pre-K to 12 schools, higher education, special education, and teaching and learning in higher education.

Gwynedd Mercy University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

12. Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University offers online doctoral programs in engineering, nursing, public health, and education. Students accepted to the doctor of nursing practice program can choose from nine tracks of study, including adult-gerontological acute care nurse practitioner and pediatric primary care nurse practitioner.

The doctor of public health degree from the Bloomberg School of Public Health comprises 64 credits and accepts applications from candidates with a master’s degree in the field. Applicants must show a strong academic grasp of biostatistics and epidemiology. The program offers specializations in environmental health, implementation science, health policy and management, and health equity and social justice.

The Ph.D. in mechanical engineering at the Whiting School of Engineering does not maintain a formal course schedule for enrollees. Instead, students work closely with their advisor to develop an individual plan of study that includes courses relevant to their educational and career objectives. Based on their course of study, doctoral candidates must pass a departmental and graduate board exam. They must also write and defend their dissertation to earn the degree.

Johns Hopkins University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

13. Maryville University of Saint Louis

Maryville University offers online doctoral programs in nursing and higher education. Students can pursue both programs completely online.

MSN-trained students admitted to the online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program typically graduate after just 20 months. Students who specialize in a nurse practitioner (NP) arena while pursuing the DNP usually graduate in 36 months. The DNP-to-NP program offers five specialization areas, including adult gerontology primary care, pediatric care, and psychiatric mental health.

The doctor of education accepts applications from master’s degree-holders who already have an initial principal license. The program follows a cohort model of education that takes learners 32 months to complete. The curriculum prepares graduates for the state superintendent licensure exam. Prior to graduation, students must complete a capstone project that demonstrates their mastery of the field and directly benefits the school district. Maryville University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

14. Mount Carmel College of Nursing

The online doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program at Mount Carmel College of Nursing comprises 37 credits beyond a master’s degree that takes students 18 months to complete. The DNP offers tracks in clinical practice leadership, executive healthcare leadership, and executive academic leadership.

Students must enroll in five foundation courses, including transformative leadership practices, evidence-based practice, and integrative structures of transformative practice. The program requires learners to participate in two onsite immersion experiences (4-5 days each) during the first and second semesters.

MSN-trained applicants with advanced practice certification can earn credits toward the degree through challenge exams. MSN-trained applicants without advanced practice certification may need to complete additional hours throughout the program. The program requires all applicants to hold a valid RN license. Students must complete 500 practice experience hours throughout their enrollment.

Mount Carmel College of Nursing is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

15. Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing & Allied Health

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health offers online doctoral programs in nursing, education, and public health. The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program accepts bachelor’s and master’s degree-holders as well as advanced practice RNs. The BSN-to-DNP program consists of 75 credits, which includes 57 credits of coursework and 18 credits of clinical practice (1,080 contact hours). Full-time students typically complete the program after 36 months of continuous enrollment. The program accepts part-time enrollees, many of whom earn the degree in 4-5 years.

The doctoral programs in education and leadership in healthcare and in public health require applicants to hold a master’s degree in a healthcare-related field with at least a 3.0 GPA. Students pursuing either degree complete a scholarly capstone project instead of a dissertation as their culminating experience.

The curriculum for the Ed.D. in education and leadership in healthcare includes coursework in organization change and accountability; teaching, learning, and instructional methods; healthcare finance; and information technology in healthcare and education. The public health curriculum maintains a broader focus covering subjects like epidemiology, biostatistics, population health, and public health ethics.

Nebraska Methodist College of Nursing and Allied Health is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

16. Quinnipiac University

Quinnipiac University offers two online doctoral programs . Students can pursue a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) at the School of Nursing or a post-professional occupational therapy doctorate at the School of Health Sciences.

The DNP program comprises 30 credits and accepts applications from MSN-trained RNs. Coursework covers subjects such as epidemiology and population health, leadership and collaboration for change in healthcare, and health policy and organizational systems. Students must complete an experiential capstone project as the culminating experience of the program.

The occupational therapy doctorate consists of 32 credits that students can complete in five semesters. Although all courses are available online, the program requires enrollees to participate in an on-campus summer class for one week, and again on symposium day prior to graduation. The curriculum includes coursework in innovations and emerging issues in adult healthcare, leadership in higher education, and directed study in evidence-based practice.

Quinnipiac University is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

17. Regis College

Regis College offers an online doctoral program in nursing that accepts applications from BSN- and MSN-trained students. The doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program does not require applicants to submit GRE or GMAT scores. However, prospective students need an active RN license. Completing the DNP qualifies graduates to sit for certification exams from one of several certification boards such as the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and the National League for Nursing.

The BSN-to-DNP program consists of 73-76 credits that learners can complete in 3.5 years. Students can choose from six specialization areas, including pediatrics, women’s health, and psychiatric mental health.

The MSN-to-DNP program includes four tracks for different types of students. The program accepts applications from RNs seeking their first NP specialization, doctorate-seeking NPs, RNs with a master’s in a non-nursing field (bridge program), and RNs seeking a second NP specialization. How long it takes to complete the program and the total number of credits required for the degree depend on a student’s chosen track. Most students graduate in 24-36 months.

Regis College is regionally accredited by the New England Commission on Higher Education.

18. Regis University

Regis University offers online doctoral programs in nursing, occupational therapy, and dual programs in pharmacy and health informatics and pharmacy and health services administration. The doctor of nursing practice program comprises 31-36 credits and features two specialization areas: advanced leadership in healthcare and advanced practice registered nursing. Classes follow eight-week terms.

Regis offers the online doctoral program in occupational therapy in partnership with Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Creighton faculty teach the online courses, while Regis faculty supervise the program’s experiential aspects, including anatomy labs, simulation center, and service learning. The program consists of 125 credits.

The dual programs lead to a doctorate in pharmacy and an MS in either health informatics or health services administration. Each dual program comprises 165 credits. Classes follow eight-week delivery schedules. Students must complete the Pharm.D. portion of the program within four years after the MS. Regis University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

19. Samford University

Samford University offers online doctoral programs in public health, education, and nursing. The doctorate in educational leadership at Orlean Beeson School of Education accepts applicants with a master’s or an education specialist degree. Master’s degree-holders complete 66 credits, while education specialist degree-holders complete 36 credits. The curriculum includes core courses in organizational dynamics, ethical issues in education, negotiation and conflict resolution, and educational policy development and analysis.

Students admitted to the doctor of nursing practice at Moffett and Sanders School of Nursing can specialize in nursing administration or advanced practice RN. Both programs require learners to complete at least 1,000 clinical hours. MSN-trained RNs can transfer some clinical hours from their master’s toward the doctorate with the approval of the program director.

The online doctoral in public health offers a concentration in health management and policy and in population health analytics and decision-making. The program welcomes full-time and part-time enrollees. Most students earn the degree after five semesters. Samford University is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

20. The College of Saint Scholastica

The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences at the University of Florida offers online Ph.D. programs in classical civilization and in Latin and Roman studies. The programs allow students to craft individual plans of study and require the completion of 60 credits beyond a master’s degree. Doctoral candidates must pass written and oral comprehensive exams and write and defend their dissertation.

UF also offers online doctoral programs in education. Students can pursue a doctor of education degree in the fields of educational leadership, higher education administration, and curriculum and instruction. The doctorate in curriculum and instruction offers specializations in educational technology and in teachers, schools, and society. The programs follow a cohort model of education.

The doctor of nursing program at UF’s College of Nursing accepts BSN- and MSN-trained nurses. The BSN-to-DNP program consists of 75-78 credits, while the MSN-to-DNP program requires 35 credits. The latter only accepts applications from advanced practice RNs with a valid APRN license. Both programs maintain minimal onsite requirements. The University of Florida is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

21. University of Southern California

University of Southern California offers online doctoral programs in the fields of social work, physical therapy, and education.

USC’s Rossier School of Education offers online doctoral programs in educational leadership and in organizational change and leadership. Although students can complete coursework for either program online, the school requires doctoral candidates to attend onsite immersion experiences, which are scheduled in advance. The school also offers an online global executive doctorate specifically designed for senior education professionals seeking to shape educational policies and practice internationally.

Students accepted to USC’s doctor of social work program can pursue an accelerated track that takes seven semesters or a regular track that takes nine semesters. The program comprises 42 credits and does not require applicants to submit GRE scores with their application. The doctorate in physical therapy follows a hybrid delivery format and includes coursework in musculoskeletal anatomy, clinical exercise physiology, life span motor control, and differential diagnosis in physical therapy.

The University of Southern California is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

22. University of St Francis

Students accepted to the online doctoral program in education at the University of St. Francis can pursue a concentration in superintendent endorsement or in leadership, learning, and stewardship. The Ed.D. comprises 60 credits. Although learners can complete most coursework online, the program requires some onsite presence.

The Ed.D. in superintendent endorsement accepts applications only from practitioners holding a professional educator license with a general administrative or principal endorsement. The program prepares these candidates for district-wide leadership. Students in this concentration work with their advisors to craft an individualized plan of study that supports their specific career and educational goals.

USF also offers a 40-credit doctor of nursing practice program with an optional concentration in nurse education. The curriculum includes courses in healthcare policy, politics, and practice; diversity and social justice in a global society; healthcare finance and practice management; and professional and organizational communication.

University of St. Francis is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

23. Villanova University

Villanova University offers online doctoral programs in nursing through the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. Students can choose to pursue a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or a doctor of philosophy degree.

The DNP allows students to choose a full-time, part-time, or flex track, which they can complete in five, eight, or 11 consecutive semesters, respectively. DNP courses run synchronously with some on-campus components scheduled ahead of time. The program follows a cohort model of education and accepts applications only from MSN-trained advanced practice RNs with a current APRN license.

The Ph.D. program offers online coursework during the fall and spring semesters and on-campus classes during summer terms. The program comprises 51 credits and includes courses in conceptual and theoretical foundations in nursing science; advocacy, policy, and ethics in healthcare; structure and philosophy in higher education; and curriculum design in nursing education. The length of time to complete the Ph.D. varies and depends on a student’s educational background, progress in the program, and personal goals.

Villanova University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

24. Wilkes University

Wilkes University offers online doctoral programs in education and nursing. The doctorate in educational leadership follows a cohort model of education and requires students to attend only three residencies throughout their course of study. The curriculum comprises 60 post-master’s credits and offers concentrations in educational technology, curriculum and instruction, and educational leadership studies. By enrolling in 12-18 credits each year, doctoral candidates can complete the coursework portion of the program in 3-4 years and begin writing their dissertation.

Nursing practitioners can choose to get a doctor of nursing practice (DNP) or a doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). The DNP comprises 35 credits and takes two years to complete. The Ph.D. consists of 47 credits and takes three years. Both programs accept applications from MSN-trained practitioners with a valid nursing license. Students complete all coursework online. However, Ph.D. candidates must attend one two-day on-campus residency prior to graduation. The DNP program requires candidates to complete clinical hours, the total number of which depends on their educational and practice background.

Wilkes University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

25. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences

The College of Graduate Health Studies at A.T. Still University of Health Sciences offers online doctoral programs in health administration, health professions, and health sciences. The programs only accept applications from practitioners holding a master’s degree in the area of study they plan to pursue or a closely related field.

The health professions and health administration programs consist of 55 and 62 credits, respectively. The college offers both programs completely online. Students pursuing the health professions program complete a doctoral research project as their culminating activity. Doctoral candidates in the health administration program write a dissertation.

The doctoral program in health science comprises 70 post-master’s credits and offers three concentration areas: global health, fundamentals of education, and leadership and organizational behavior. The curriculum includes coursework in population health and patient-centered care; health administration, law, and ethics; risk management for health professionals; and principles of management and decision analysis. An applied research project is the degree’s culminating activity.

A.T. Still University of Health Sciences is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

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Doctor of Philosophy

Explore Richly Interdisciplinary Texts and Theoretically Diverse Contexts

Combine the traditional strengths of historically and textually based modes of analysis with modern theoretical approaches in the doctoral program in English. From British, U.S. and postcolonial literature to critical theory, creative writing and media you will develop key competencies in creative and critical inquiry.

Discover the convergences and departures of intellectual, writerly, and interdisciplinary interests in one of four concentrations. The complex study of literature and language prepares you for careers in areas such as higher education, editing and publishing.

Program of Study

• Concentrations
• Assistantships

Career Outcomes

• Teaching Composition Certificate
• Admissions Requirements
• English Home

The doctoral program in English at the University at Albany places emphasis on the making of new knowledge, rather than the extraction of knowledge from existing bodies of work. Strengthen your confidence around subjects of study, such as rhetoric, poetics, pedagogy and theory. Experienced faculty will guide you from abstract theories to practical implementations of advanced literary scholarship.

You will explore theoretical concepts in the classroom, and then put that knowledge to the test in your dissertation. Work with a UAlbany faculty mentor to choose a dissertation form and focus that is relevant to your professional interests and challenging enough to strengthen your expertise.

Required Courses

(16 credits)

• Textual Studies I: Survey
• Textual Studies II
• Teaching Writing and Literature
• Practicum in Teaching Writing and Literature

Concentration Courses

At least four courses (16 credits) must be taken in one of the concentration areas.

Elective Courses

At least two courses (8 credits) must be taken outside the area of concentration

Dissertation

The dissertation will ordinarily grow out of your coursework and even more directly out of the qualifying examination. It is designed so that you can complete it within the academic year following that examination.

Additional Information

See the Graduate Bulletin for details .

Graduate Student Handbook

Visit our Schedules and Course Descriptions page to view the Graduate Course Description Archive.

For more information, contact Director of Graduate Studies Erica Fretwell at [email protected] or 518-442-4054.

This concentration provides a dual framework for considering the history of literature: the study of texts’ singular or innovative relation to the past—a measure of their modernity—as well as the exploration of their complex, sometimes contentious, relation to other discourses of the same historical moment—a measure of their contemporaneity. This double perspective can apply to Europe even before the advent of the so-called “early modern” period during the Renaissance, charting a history of various modernities or modernisms, but it can also serve as the occasion to investigate the limits of considering any literature “modern” or “contemporaneous.” This concentration includes a broad range of courses investigating problems of periodization or genre, questions about aesthetics or creativity, and issues concerning literary form, the history of authorship and readership, and the teaching of literature.

This concentration combines the disciplined practice of writing with a rigorous course of study in the formal, institutional, and material frameworks for understanding that practice. The area provides coursework in creative writing, including poetry, fiction, nonfiction prose, drama, and hypertext, as well as in various kinds of persuasive and argumentative writing. It also examines these writing practices in the context of poetics, rhetoric, technology, and performance as frameworks that are both productive and analytic. The study of poetics and rhetoric therefore provides the basis for shaping a writer’s own aesthetic or persuasive discourses as well as for reading and analyzing them. The technological or material framework serves both to comprehend the history of text production (whether illustrated manuscript, printed page, filmic cell, or digital image) and to test the limits of “written” communication through bodily performance or new media. These poetic, rhetorical, technological, and performative elements also pose diverse intellectual and disciplinary perspectives for studying the teaching of writing in its various forms.

This concentration engages the multiple, changeable, and sometimes volatile elements of a broad range of cultural texts, particularly by employing a variety of interpretive strategies that have emerged in English studies. Work in this area recognizes that the study of culture in English is transnational, particularly given the intellectual pressures of colonialism, postcolonialism, and Anglophone literatures. In accounting for the shifting historical realities of global culture, this concentration also promotes the study of the effects of globalization, cross-cultural exchange, class relations, and the formation of cultural identity on discourse broadly conceived. Courses in this concentration include topics such as class, gender, race, and sexuality; the public sphere, popular culture, and pedagogy as cultural practice; trans-Atlantic, comparative, and diaspora studies.

Reading and writing in the discipline of English now demand a measure of reflexive awareness of the conditions that make the interpretation of texts possible, as reflected in various perspectives that include poesis, semiosis, ideology, mimesis, and performativity. Courses in this concentration inquire into the history and dynamics of the aesthetic categories that shape interpretation, consider the relation of experience (literary, aesthetic, social, pedagogical, or other) to conceptual explanation, and examine the relation of such concepts to history. They invite students to consider the differences and interfaces among interpretive frameworks and strategies, to inquire about the tensions and dislocations in texts, or to probe the social relations that inform reading, writing, and teaching. Some courses focus broadly and comparatively; others address particular problems, traditions, and theories, or investigate emerging approaches.

Teaching Assistantships

Each year, the graduate program awards teaching assistantships to 6-10 incoming PhD students. Assistantship stipends for incoming students are $19,000. In addition, assistants have the benefit of a 12-credit, full-time tuition waiver, and health coverage. Assistants are also eligible to apply to the GSEU for professional development grants, which are periodically offered to cover expenses such as textbooks, computer software, and travel to conferences or research archives.

Unlike many other PhD assistantship programs, UAlbany English does not require you to teach during your first year of study. Instead, you will be trained and mentored by faculty members in your fields of interest so that you can begin teaching just one course per semester, in the second year of funding.

During your PhD studies, you will create and develop courses in your expertise and interest across all levels of the undergraduate program, and are given the opportunity to create a teaching portfolio impressive in its breadth and scope. 

Doctoral students who enter with an MA receive a 3-year assistantship; those entering with a BA receive a 4-year assistantship, after which you may apply for an additional year of funding which is contingent upon your successful completion of doctoral exams and admission into doctoral candidacy, and University budgets. At the end of assistantship funding, those students making good progress toward their degrees are eligible to apply to continue to teach as part-line instructors in the English Department, with health coverage and other benefits.

UAlbany PhD English graduates go on to become professors in a wide range of university settings. They also find work in the publishing field and well as other administrative positions in higher education. 

Over the past 7 years, 92% of our PhD graduates (23 out of 25) were immediately placed in post-doctorate fellowships, tenure-track professorships or full-time renewable employment.

Certificate of Graduate Study Teaching Composition

Gain experience teaching first-year writing to undergraduate students in the CGS Teaching Composition program. This program provides English doctoral students with significant teaching experience, professional development, and scholarly engagement in rhetoric and composition beyond your primary area of specialization.

Through coursework and research, you will understand the theory and analysis behind recommended pedagogical practices in composition. Extensive teaching experience, mentoring and training will prepare you to become a teacher of composition on a variety of levels including, Lecturer, Professor or Assistant Professor, Faculty Tutor, and Instructor.  You will be evaluated while you teach and receive actionable feedback to help you improve your skills and techniques.

• One of the following courses:
• History and Theory of Composition
• History and Theory of Rhetoric
• Current Trends in Rhetorical Theory and Research
• Special Topics

Additional Program Requirements

• Teach at least two semesters of Writing and Critical Inquiry in the Humanities
• Participate in the WCI (Writing and Critical Inquiry Program) professional development opportunities, including any instructor orientation and staff meetings
• While teaching Writing and Critical Inquiry in the Humanities, have your teaching effectiveness documented through student evaluations and through observation by the WCI program director or designated English faculty liaison
• Work at least one semester as a tutor in the Writing Center and participate in all Writing Center professionalization activities and staff meetings during that semester

Teaching Portfolio

Prior to graduation submit a teaching portfolio to the WCI director or designated English faculty liaison between English and the WCI program.

For more information, contact the English Department at 518-442-4055.

Departmental Assistantship Consideration

• Fall: January 15
• Spring: Not Available
• Summer: Not Available

  No Departmental Assistantship Consideration

• Fall: Rolling
• Transcripts from all schools attended
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Goals
• Critical Writing Sample
• Creative Writing Sample (Optional)

Available information for  International Applicants .

Applicants who apply for a funded assistantship position along with doctoral admission will be granted admission only if a funded position is available. Any student who would consider enrolling without assistantship funding--that is enrolling as a self-funded student--should indicate this willingness on their Assistantship application and in the Statement of Purpose. We will consider such students for funded positions first, and will extend an offer with funding if available. Only after all funded assistantship positions have been filled will we offer admission on a self-funded basis. 

You will need to upload your writing sample with your online application at time of submission. You cannot append the application after initial submission. Critical writing samples should be researched and thesis-driven, and be approximately 8-12 pages; longer works such as a chapter from an Honors thesis are also acceptable. Recommendation letters should, wherever possible, be written by instructors able to comment on the applicant's academic abilities.

This program requires an internship, field experience, study abroad component, or clinical experience requirement. Students who have previously been convicted of a felony are advised that their prior criminal history may impede their ability to complete the requirements of certain academic programs and/or to meet licensure requirements for certain professions.  If applicants have concerns about this matter please contact the Dean’s Office of the intended academic program.

Learning objectives that UAlbany students are expected to attain through their course of study within their academic program.

• The ability to make an original point about a topic or text, and describe accurately an argument’s relevance to published debates in the field.
• The ability to research, summarize, and articulate major arguments of a field of study.
• Students will learn to make oral presentations and evidenced by the ability to present literary, critical, or theoretical ideas and respond spontaneously to questions from peers and faculty instructors.
• The ability to design an effective introductory-level undergraduate course in literature or writing.
• The ability to describe and position one’s pedagogical practice within larger disciplinary fields, theories, and approaches.
• The development of effective course assignments, and the ability to evaluate and provide effective feedback on students’ work, design appropriate lesson plans, and lead effective class sessions.
• The improvement of an original work in light of peer and instructor feedback, with a view toward possible publication or development into the dissertation project.
• The ability to assess and propose improvements for other writers’ work by successfully taking the role of peer-as-instructor.
• The ability to locate and assess current print and online resources related to writing and/or poetics.
• The ability to read critically and evaluate current creative, literary, or media productions.
• The ability to operate within a coherent critical or theoretical poetics based on a substantial intervention in the field.

Supplemental Degree Programs

Graduate students can typically request a supplemental degree in one or more subordinate degrees without needing to go through the full admissions process again.

Visit the Supplemental Degree Programs page to learn how to apply for these programs.

Supplemental programs available with this degree:

Supplemental Program Africana Studies CGS Community College Leadership CGS Demography CGS English MA English Studies CGS International Education Management CGS Liberal Studies MA Teaching Composition CGS

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Instruction and Curriculum Leadership

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• Current Students
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Literacy (M.S.)

Major: Instruction and Curriculum Leadership

Concentration: Literacy (formerly Reading)

Admission: See Admission page and MS Checklist

• Online Degree Sheet
• Fee Payment Information

The Department of Instruction and Curriculum Leadership is proud to offer an Online Masters of Science in Literacy and Language (formerly Reading). This program offers an in-depth theoretical and pedagogical understanding of literacy practices, assessment, and policies. By working closely with qualified faculty you can earn a degree that will enhance your ability to influence the profession of literacy and ultimately positively affect the lives of children.

The program prepares graduates for positions as:

• Literacy Coaches
• Lead Teachers
• Literacy Specialists
• Curriculum Coordinators

You may complete this degree online; no trips to campus are required. Our College of Education is accredited by NCATE (National Counsel of Accreditation in Teacher Education) and aligned with the International Literacy Association standards. The faculty from the online Masters in Literacy program has the desire and expertise to work with students with diverse experiences and specialties.

The online literacy program is flexible and convenient for classroom teachers or other full time professionals who have multiple responsibilities, yet are motivated to advance their education.

Apply Now >

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EDUCATION DEGREES

Fuel your passion. ignite your purpose..

From transforming classrooms to leading complex systems, Capella’s education programs can help you pursue your professional goals. Refine your skills and develop new strategies to help shape the future of education.

Online education degrees designed for flexibility

An education degree helps prepare you to build a fulfilling career, shaping learning experiences, fostering inclusivity, driving change in education and more.

MS in Education: With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $12,000 in tuition costs for your degree.

EdD in Education: With Capella Tuition Cap, you won’t pay more than $32,000 in tuition costs for your degree.

Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

Find your education program

Learning format, bs - bachelor of science in business, accounting â», business administration â», health care management â», human resource management â», management and leadership â», marketing â», project management â», bs - bachelor of science in health care administration, health care administration leadership â», health information management â», bs - bachelor of science in information technology, data analytics and artificial intelligence â», general information technology â», information assurance and cybersecurity â», network and cloud computing â», software development in an internet of things space â», bs - bachelor of science in psychology, applied behavior analysis â», general psychology â», bs - bachelor of science in psychology pre-counseling & therapy, psychology pre-counseling & therapy â», bs - bachelor of science in public health, public health â», bsn - bachelor of science in nursing, rn-to-bsn â», rn-to-bsn accelerated master's pathway option (amp) â», bsw – bachelor of social work, dba - doctor of business administration, dba in general management â», dba in organizational leadership and development â», dba in strategy and innovation â», dha - doctor of health administration, dhs - doctor of human services, dhs in leadership and organizational management â», dit - doctor of information technology, dnp - doctor of nursing practice, dsw - doctor of social work, drph - doctor of public health, edd - doctor of education, edd in adult education â», edd in curriculum and instruction â», edd in educational leadership â», edd in performance improvement leadership â», edd in reading and literacy â», eds - education specialist in school psychology, school psychology â», graduate certificate in business, graduate certificate in counseling, contemporary theory in addictive behavior â», contemporary theory in mental health services â», contemporary theory in school-based services â», play therapy â», systemic couple and family therapy â», graduate certificate in health sciences, graduate certificate in nursing, care coordination â», nursing informatics â», nursing leadership â», graduate certificate in psychology, mba - master of business administration, mba in health care management â», mba in human resource management â», mba in project management â», self-designed mba â», mha - master of health administration, mph - master of public health, ms - master of science in analytics, analytics â», ms - master of science in applied behavior analysis, autism spectrum disorder â», behavior analysis in education â», organizational behavior management â», ms - master of science in clinical mental health counseling, addiction treatment and recovery â», child and adolescent counseling â», general clinical mental health counseling â», ms - master of science in clinical psychology, applied research â», clinical counseling â», forensic psychology â», ms - master of science in education, adult education â», curriculum and instruction â», early childhood education â», early childhood education studies â», english language learning and teaching â», higher education leadership and administration â», instructional design & educational technology â», leadership in educational administration â», reading and literacy â», special education teaching â», ms - master of science in human resource management, general hrm â», hrm in health care â», ms - master of science in human services, leadership and organizational management â», social and community services â», ms - master of science in information assurance and cybersecurity, digital forensics â», health care security â», network defense â», ms - master of science in information technology, cybersecurity â», enterprise networks and cloud computing â», it analytics â», ms - master of science in marriage and family therapy, marriage and family therapy â», ms - master of science in psychology, child and adolescent development â», educational psychology â», industrial/organizational psychology â», sport psychology â», ms - master of science in school counseling, general school counseling â», ms - master of science in school psychology, msn - master of science in nursing, msn in care coordination â», msn in nursing education â», msn in nursing informatics â», msn in nursing leadership and administration â», rn-to-msn care coordination â», rn-to-msn nursing education â», rn-to-msn nursing informatics â», rn-to-msn nursing leadership and administration â», msw - master of social work, msw - master of social work advanced standing, msw–advanced standing â», master of science in nursing - nurse practitioner, msn in adult-gerontology primary care nurse practitioner â», msn in family nurse practitioner â», phd - doctor of philosophy in behavior analysis, behavior analysis â», phd - doctor of philosophy in business management, general business management â», information technology management â», leadership â», strategy and innovation â», phd - doctor of philosophy in counselor education and supervision, counselor education and supervision â», phd - doctor of philosophy in education, leadership for higher education â», phd - doctor of philosophy in psychology, developmental psychology â», psyd - doctor of psychology clinical psychology, psyd in clinical psychology â», psyd - doctor of psychology school psychology, psyd in school psychology â», doctoral degrees in education.

Contribute new research to the field and make a difference in the education systems that help students succeed.

PhD in Education

Focus on research and expertise in the specialization of your choice, including curriculum and instruction and special education.

Doctor of Education

Develop your expertise with a specialization in educational leadership or curriculum in this practitioner-focused program.

Master’s degrees in education

Go beyond theory: transform classrooms, lead systems, design innovations and cultivate dynamic educational environments.

MS in Education

Amplify your expertise to ignite success in your chosen specialization. Options include curriculum and instruction, leadership in educational administration (P–12), English language learning and teaching, higher education leadership and administration, early childhood education studies, instructional design and educational technology, and more.

Accredited and recognized

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all of our accreditations and recognitions .

School of Public Service and Education mission

The School of Public Service and Education delivers high-quality, authentic and innovative experiences in education, social work, human services and public service, empowering graduates to become change agents honoring diversity while promoting social, economic and environmental justice within their communities.

Our education programs are built around student success

Your success is our mission. Flexible online courses, an interactive learning environment, responsive faculty and staff – at Capella, we’re dedicated to providing a supportive learning environment that can help you achieve your goals.

Student satisfaction

90% of education alumni are satisfied with their Capella education.

Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2022–2023

CAEP accredited

Capella University’s Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) unit meets rigorous national standards for educator preparation set by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

Faculty accolades

94% of education alumni agree that their faculty were well qualified and did a good job.

Technology driven

In an increasingly online world, it’s critical that you learn to apply technology effectively to improve learning, productivity and professional practice. We’ve made technology central to your program.

Questions about our education programs? Start here.

How long will it take to complete my education degree.

The length of time to complete your degree will depend on many factors including your degree level and learning format. Speak with an enrollment counselor to learn more about program length.

How much does an education degree cost?

The cost of an education degree can vary based on the program or degree level you are interested in. Capella offers many ways to save on your master’s or doctoral degree in education. Learn more about how you can save .

Do I have to do student teaching in my program?

Education programs often have student teaching requirements where students will apply the pedagogy they’ve learned directly into a classroom. While student teaching is not required, some specializations do require completion of a practicum or internship.

Meet Capella’s education faculty

Our competency-based curricula are designed, developed and taught by faculty who bring a wealth of real-world knowledge and experiences to the courseroom. Their passion for teaching and their deep commitment to excellence help ensure that you have relevant learning experiences that prepare you for the complex demands of your profession.

Your journey with us is more just an academic pursuit; it is an immersive experience designed to help you thrive in your profession and make a lasting impact on your community.

Melissa McIntyre-Brandly, PhD

Associate Dean of the School of Public Service and Education

Dr. Melissa McIntyre-Brandly is the associate dean for the School of Public Service and Education at Capella University. Dr. McIntyre-Brandly has over 25 years of experience in education, having served several years in teaching and administrative roles in P–12 and higher education. Her research interests include personalized learning, faculty and teacher development, learner success and satisfaction, cultural learning and the impact of hybrid learning in public schools with large mobility rates.

Cristina Cottom, EdD

Academic Program Director, P-12 Teaching and Leadership

Dr. Cristina Cottom is the academic program director for P–12 Teaching and Leadership at Capella University. Dr. Cottom brings a plethora of experience in secondary and higher education. Her career includes faculty and academic leadership positions and experiences at both on-ground and online universities. Her primary research interests include supporting English language learners in online environments and implementing communities of practices in virtual environments.

More resources for your education career

Explore 5 potential careers in education

A career in education is both practical and fulfilling, and there is a wide range of professional options. If you’re thinking about a career as an educator, start your exploration here.

6 key areas of expertise needed to become a master teacher

Are advanced teaching skills in your plans for the future? Here’s how to think about – and plan for – getting the education you need for your career goals.

5 reasons to incorporate technology into the classroom

Concerned that tech is just a distraction in the classroom? It doesn’t have to be. Explore the upside of how technology can enhance learning.

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Challenges in College , Getting Into College , Going Back to College

Speeding Towards Success: Exploring the Fastest Bachelor’s Degree Programs 

Updated: June 1, 2024

Published: May 29, 2024

The demand for accelerated academic pathways is growing as students seek to enter the workforce sooner and more efficiently. Colleges and universities are reimagining traditional four-year bachelor’s degree programs, recognizing the need to adapt to this evolving demand. These institutions now offer accelerated bachelor’s degree programs designed to compress the same academic rigor into a shorter timeframe.  

These programs not only cater to the urgency of entering the job market but also align with the needs of students who wish to minimize time and financial investment without compromising the quality of education. While the benefits of such programs are significant—ranging from reduced educational expenses to earlier career entry—they also present challenges, including intensive course loads and less downtime.  

Let’s take a closer look at programs that could catapult you into the professional world sooner than a traditional bachelor’s program.  

How Long Do Bachelor’s Studies Usually Last? 

Bachelor’s degree programs traditionally last four years when pursued through full-time study. However, the duration can vary significantly depending on the structure of the program and the institution offering it. This standard duration is designed to allow students to complete the necessary coursework, including general education and major-specific classes, within this period. 

Several factors can influence the overall time needed to complete a bachelor’s degree. Factors may include the number of credits required for graduation and the availability of essential courses. Additionally, students’ ability to manage their coursework and the flexibility of class schedules can impact their progress through the program. 

Is It Possible to Get a Bachelor’s Degree Fast? 

Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs are not only possible but are becoming increasingly popular among students eager to fast-track their education and enter the workforce. These programs are designed to condense the traditional four-year curriculum into a shorter period, often through intensive coursework, more frequent assessment periods, and by offering year-round classes. Institutions may also allow students to transfer previous college credits or grant credit for professional experiences and certifications, reducing the time to graduation.  

While these programs offer the significant advantage of faster degree completion, they require high commitment and self-discipline from students. The rapid pace can be challenging, with a heavier workload and less downtime, which might not suit everyone.  

Prospective students should carefully consider their learning preferences and life commitments before opting for an accelerated path, ensuring they can handle the increased intensity of such programs. 

Fastest Bachelor’s Degree Programs You Should Consider 

Here are some of the fastest bachelor’s degree programs across various fields: 

Health Science Degrees 

Accelerated Health Science programs can be completed in 18 to 24 months and are designed for quick entry into the healthcare sector. These intensive programs cover public health, healthcare management, and clinical sciences, equipping graduates for diverse roles in healthcare, policy development, and wellness advocacy. This expedited route is ideal for those eager to impact the healthcare industry swiftly. 

Business Administration Degrees 

These programs often last three years and focus on practical skills, strategic thinking, and leadership development, setting graduates up for success in various business environments. At University of the People, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration degree can be completed in less than 2 and a half years. 

Computer Science Degrees 

A Computer Science degree can be completed in less than two and a half years, like the program offered at UoPeople . It offers a deep dive into essential programming and computing technologies, with courses in Java, Python, database management, and AI fundamentals. Designed for working professionals, this program features flexible scheduling with no live lectures and a pay-as-you-go fee structure, making it an accessible and practical choice for those aiming to advance quickly in the tech industry. 

Marketing Degrees 

Accelerated marketing programs typically condense the curriculum into three years and include internships and real-world projects that prepare students for fast-paced careers in advertising, branding, and market research. 

English Degrees 

Some schools offer accelerated English programs that can be completed in three years, focusing intensively on literature, writing, and critical analysis and preparing students for writing, editing, publishing, and teaching careers. 

Education Degrees 

Designed for aspiring teachers, education degrees can be completed in as little as two to three years and include accelerated learning of pedagogical theories combined with practical classroom experiences. 

Public Administration Degrees 

Fast-track public administration programs focus on governance, policy, and leadership, enabling students to swiftly graduate in three years and enter roles within government or nonprofit sectors. 

Criminal Justice Degrees 

These programs cover law enforcement, criminology, and legal studies and can typically be completed in about three years, preparing graduates for public safety and law enforcement careers. 

Construction Management Degrees 

Offered over three years, these programs focus on project management, building technologies, and legal aspects of construction, equipping students for managerial roles in the construction industry. 

Psychology Degrees 

Accelerated psychology programs, often lasting three years, provide comprehensive training in psychological theories, research methods, and therapy practices, preparing students for further graduate study or careers in counseling and social services. 

Tips for Getting a Bachelor’s Degree Fast 

Completing a bachelor’s degree quickly requires strategic planning and careful execution. Here are some tips to help expedite your educational journey: 

Plan Strategically 

Develop a comprehensive academic plan that outlines your goals and identifies the most efficient pathways to degree completion. This includes selecting courses that meet multiple requirements, understanding prerequisites, and planning your course load each semester to maximize credit accumulation without compromising your ability to succeed academically. 

Prioritize Accelerated Programs 

Focus your search on institutions known for their accelerated programs. These schools are typically designed for quick completion and offer terms that start at various times throughout the year, allowing for continuous study without traditional breaks. 

Maximize Credit Transfers 

If you have previous college credits, Advanced Placement credits, or relevant professional experience, look into transferring these credits to your new program. Understanding each institution’s transfer policies can significantly reduce the number of courses you need to complete your degree. 

Stay Focused and Dedicated 

Accelerated programs require a high level of commitment and energy. Staying organized, managing your time effectively, and focusing strongly on your end goal is crucial. Use academic resources, such as tutoring and advising, to maintain your pace without burning out. 

Consider Online Learning 

Many accelerated programs offer online courses , providing the flexibility to balance education with other responsibilities , such as work or family. Online courses often allow you to complete coursework on your schedule, making it easier to progress quickly. 

What Should You Consider When Choosing an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree Program? 

Selecting the right accelerated bachelor’s degree program involves more than just identifying the quickest path to graduation. Here are some critical factors to consider: 

• Program Accreditation: Ensure that the program and the institution have proper accreditation . Accredited programs meet established standards for quality of education, which is crucial for your degree to be recognized by employers and for further educational pursuits. 
• Curriculum Flexibility and Depth: Check if the curriculum offers the flexibility to choose electives or concentrate on specific areas that interest you. Even though the program is accelerated, it should still provide a comprehensive education that covers all foundational aspects of your field. 
• Credit Transfer Policies: Understand how the program handles credit transfers. A flexible credit transfer policy can be particularly beneficial if you have prior college credits or relevant professional certifications. University of the People accepts transferred credits from both accredited US and accredited non-US institutions. 
• Faculty Expertise and Support: The quality of the faculty can significantly influence your learning experience. Look for programs where instructors have relevant, real-world experience and where there is adequate support for students in terms of mentoring and advising. 
• Career Outcomes and Alumni Network: Research the career outcomes of graduates from the program. A strong alumni network and a solid track record of post-graduation job placements or career advancements can indicate a program’s effectiveness. 
• Cost and Financial Aid: Consider the program’s total cost and what financial aid options are available. While accelerated programs can be more cost-effective due to their shorter duration, ensuring that the investment is within your financial means is crucial. University of the People offers tuition-free college degrees that learners from all over the world can access with the help of an internet connection. This high-quality education is available to any qualified student and there are scholarships for those facing financial barriers and other hardships. 

Is an Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree as Good as a Regular One? 

An accelerated bachelor’s degree can be just as valuable as a traditional four-year degree, provided the program is accredited. These programs maintain the same academic standards but condense the coursework into a shorter time frame, offering a rigorous and comprehensive education. 

The key difference lies in the intensity of the study schedule. Accelerated programs demand a high level of commitment and time management due to their faster pace, which may not suit everyone. Students should be prepared for a heavier workload and less downtime. 

Are You Ready to Obtain Your Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree? 

Starting an accelerated bachelor’s degree program is a massive commitment that requires careful planning and consideration. If you’re thinking about pursuing an accelerated degree, start by assessing your readiness to handle the intensive coursework and reduced completion time.  

This involves having the appropriate academic foundation, managing time effectively, and staying motivated under pressure. Prospective students should thoroughly research potential programs, focusing on program length, format, tuition costs, and graduate outcomes. It’s also wise to speak with admissions counselors and, if possible, current students or alumni to get a sense of what the program is really like. 

Consider how this degree will fit into your long-term career goals. Does the field you enter value quick degree completion, or is there more emphasis on work experience and skills? Finally, ensure you have support systems in place, both academically and personally, as these will be crucial in helping you manage the challenges of an accelerated learning environment. 

What are the key benefits of accelerated bachelor’s programs? 

The primary benefits of accelerated bachelor’s programs include a shorter time to degree completion, which means entering the workforce and starting to earn a salary sooner. Additionally, these programs often cost less overall due to their shorter duration, reducing tuition and associated college costs. 

How do accelerated programs differ from traditional bachelor’s degrees? 

Accelerated programs compress the same educational content into a shorter timeframe, typically involving more intensive class schedules and less downtime between terms. This format demands a higher level of commitment and time management skills from students. 

What should you consider when choosing an accelerated bachelor’s degree program? 

When choosing an accelerated program, consider the program’s accreditation, the curriculum’s flexibility, the availability of support services, the reputation of the faculty, and the program’s alignment with your career goals. It’s also important to assess the financial implications and the potential return on investment. 

How do I know if an accelerated bachelor’s program is accredited? 

To verify a program’s accreditation, check the school’s website or contact the admissions office directly. Accreditation should be granted by a recognized accrediting agency authorized by the U.S. Department of Education or the equivalent in other countries. 

What are the potential career outcomes for graduates of accelerated programs? 

Graduates of accelerated programs typically have similar career outcomes to those of traditional programs as long as the institutions have proper accreditation. These graduates enter a variety of industries, depending on their area of study, and are well-prepared to handle the demands of their professional roles. 

Related Articles

Best Online Psychology Programs of 2024

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Psychology is one of the most popular majors in the United States. It's great to be passionate about the subject you want to study. But it's also smart to get a sense of how a degree in psychology from the right program can:

• Catapult you into a great job
• Prepare you for advanced degrees
• Help you develop widely marketable skills

Explore this page to determine whether this path is the right choice for you. Then check out the top-ranked online bachelor's in psychology programs, as well as our sponsored programs.

Popular Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

The Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs of 2024

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

BestColleges.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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University of Florida-Online

• Gainesville, FL

Programmatic Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Cost per Credit:

In-State | $129

Out-of-State | $553

Credits to Graduate: 120

The University of Florida's online psychology degree approaches psychology as a natural and social science. The curriculum includes statistics, mathematics, biology, and core psychology courses and electives. 

First-time applicants need four years of English and mathematics, three years of science and social sciences, and two years of foreign language. The minimum GPA requirement is 2.5, but competitive GPAs start at 3.7. Standardized test scores are required for applicants who graduated within the last five years.

George Mason University

• Fairfax, VA
• Online + Campus

In-State | $421

Out-of-State | $1,428

Enrollees can choose from two options for a bachelor's degree in psychology from George Mason University : a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS). Students learn about developmental, abnormal, and social psychology in both programs. However, a BA requires three credits of foreign language, while a BS focuses on general education in math and science.

Students can choose an optional forensic, industrial-organizational, applied, or developmental psychology concentration. A required career readiness course covers learners' options in the social sciences.

University of Utah

• Salt Lake City, UT

Programmatic Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

In-State | $260

Out-of-State | $260

Credits to Graduate: 122

The University of Utah's psychology degree online program offers two degree pathways: a fully online bachelor of science degree (BS) or a bachelor of arts degree (BA) that requires the completion of foreign language courses on campus. Students take four core psychology courses, then choose one course from five psychology specializations: behavioral/neuroscience, developmental, clinical, social, and cognitive psychology. 

Students who live near campus can work as research assistants, interns, or peer advisors or participate in the local honor society. 

University of Massachusetts-Lowell

Programmatic Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education

In-State | $380

Out-of-State | $380

The University of Massachusetts-Lowell online psychology degree program includes general education, world languages and culture courses, and psychology core and elective courses. 

With the instructor's approval, seniors can take a graduate-level course as their advanced psychology elective. 

The program accepts up to 90 transfer credits, so students with enough existing credit can complete a bachelor's degree in psychology in one year. Additionally, all online students, including international students, pay the same tuition. Students pay a net price of $14,070 per year after financial aid. 

All online students, including international students, pay the same tuition. 

University of Missouri-Columbia

• Columbia, MO

Programmatic Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

In-State | $617

Out-of-State | $734

The University of Missouri-Columbia's online psychology degree is a joint project with the University of Missouri-St. Louis. students can take courses from both schools. This psychology degree emphasizes research, including gathering data and reporting on findings. 

Learners must complete a capstone project to graduate. Other requirements include 30 credits in psychology and three in statistics. Enrollees may also choose an optional concentration, such as clinical, social, or developmental psychology, or design their own concentration with their advisor.

Florida International University

In-State | $153

Out-of-State | $567

Florida International University's online psychology degree requirements include courses in math; biology; career development; a research sequence; and developmental, cognitive, and social psychology. 

FIU guarantees admission to applicants who graduate from partner two-year degree programs within three years. Transfer students apply online with a $30 application fee and official college transcripts. Applicants with fewer than 60 college credits must provide official high school transcripts and SAT, ACT, or CLT scores. 

University of Central Florida

• Orlando, FL

In-State | $179

Out-of-State | $716

The University of Central Florida's online psychology degree offers five specialty tracks: clinical, experimental, human factors, industrial-organizational, or neuroscience and a general track. The program emphasizes psychology terms, statistics, and research skills. Students can deepen their psychology knowledge through research, an optional capstone project, fieldwork, or internships. 

The program pairs students with success coaches who answer non-academic questions and connect them with resources. Students should direct academic questions to their instructors or advisors. 

John Brown University

• Siloam Springs, AR

In-State | $315

Out-of-State | $315

John Brown University's online psychology degree offers a standard bachelor's degree in psychology or an accelerated program to finish their master's in counseling a year sooner. The private Christian university encourages students to integrate psychology, faith, and theology.

Learners must complete 43 hours of psychology courses and up to 20 hours of specialty coursework in natural sciences, foreign language, counseling, or a school-approved specialty unique to the student. Students must select a specialty area or create a new specialty approved by the school. Some required specialty courses are only available on campus.

Students are encouraged to submit their capstone project to the undergraduate psychology journal.

Oregon State University

• Corvallis, OR

In-State | $350

Out-of-State | $350

Credits to Graduate: 180 quarter-credits

Oregon State University's online psychology degree program emphasizes the scientific aspects of psychology, including research methodology, problem-solving, statistics, data collection, and data analysis. Students who qualify for the honors program can collaborate with instructors on research projects. 

The 180 credits required to graduate are the equivalent of 120 semester credits. Students with credits from previous college work can request a free, informal transcript evaluation to determine how their credits might transfer.

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus

• Stillwater, OK

Out-of-State | $939

Oklahoma State University-Main Campus's online psychology degree enables students to minor or double major, often without the need to extend their program hours. Learners must complete U.S. history, international studies, diversity, math and statistics, natural sciences, and psychology core and elective courses. To declare a psychology major, students must pass core math and psychology courses with at least a 2.0 grade.

Active-duty military may qualify for resident tuition rates. The school does not require test scores for admission. However, some scholarships require test scores, so the school encourages submitting them.

How We Rank Schools

To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey . To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.

Ranking Methodology Summary

To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:

• Affordability (30%)
• Student outcomes (30%)
• Reputation (20%)
• Diversity and social mobility (20%)

In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.

Why Should I Get a Psychology Degree Online?

Earning your psychology degree online means you can complete coursework remotely and learn from anywhere. This flexibility makes an online psychology degree great for career changers or those who must balance work while going to school . In addition, you can have a fulfilling career with a psychology degree.

Reasons to Get a Degree in Psychology

The first reason is existential: Psychology is a science that can help you understand yourself and other people — which can enrich your life, your relationships, and your career.

The second reason is academic: Most high-paying jobs in the psychology field require an advanced degree. An online bachelor's program in psychology prepares you well for grad school.

The third reason is pragmatic: A degree in psychology can help you thrive in a variety of interesting jobs. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychology programs provide important skills that employers are looking for, including:

• Analytical and critical thinking
• Information management
• Judgment and decision-making
• Communication
• Collaboration

How Much Does an Online Psychology Degree Cost?

Tuition and fees for a bachelor's degree in psychology can vary depending on several factors. These include the cost per credit and whether you attend a public vs. private school, pay in-state or out-of-state tuition rates, and enroll full or part-time.

The costs of an online psychology degree extend beyond tuition and fees and can include class materials, a computer or laptop, and reliable internet. Online learners can save money on commuting and parking costs, and some programs may provide laptops and course resources.

You can also reduce educational costs through financial aid. Check into public and private scholarships and grants , especially those for psychology majors. Additional ways to cut your tuition bill include government and private loans, work study , and accelerated learning tracks that can decrease your time in school.

Average Annual Tuition Cost of a Bachelor's Degree, 2023-2023

Public institution, private institution (nonprofit).

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

Read More: How Much Does Online College Cost?

How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology Online?

It typically takes 3-4 years to complete an online bachelor's degree in psychology. However, some online programs offer accelerated degrees that speed up that timeline.

Part-time students typically earn their psychology degree in 5-6 years.

Required Course Credits

120 credits

Field Study Requirements*

*Depending on your program and specialization

How Much Money Can I Make With a Bachelor's in Psychology?

Median annual earnings with a bachelor's in psychology degree.

Source: BLS , 2021

Annual earnings for the top 25% of earners with a bachelor's in psychology degree

Source: APA , 2019

Salary varies by education level, industry, occupation, and location. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the top-paying states for psychologists include Nevada, California, Oregon, and Virginia.

“The key to making good money with a bachelor's degree in psychology is planning. Know what career field you want to break into and pursue practical experience in that field while you're still in school: Work part-time, get internships, build a professional network.”

— Niyathi Sulkunte, BA, Psychology

Read More: Find Out How to Get Internships as a Psychology Major

What Jobs Can I Get With a Bachelor's in Psychology Degree?

What can you do with a psychology degree ? A lot. The liberal arts and science courses that typically comprise the psychology major can help you gain entry-level positions in education, counseling, sales, social work, and business settings. Other psychology career paths include:

You can also pursue a master's degree or doctorate in psychology to expand your job prospects. Some careers in the field include:

Psychology Careers

• Clinical psychologist
• Counseling psychologist
• Health psychologist
• Rehabilitation psychologist
• School psychologist
• Engineering psychologist
• Environmental psychologist
• Forensic psychologist
• Industrial/organizational psychologist

Is a Bachelor's in Psychology Worth It?

If you're interested in understanding what makes people tick, a bachelor's in psychology program can be rewarding. Although almost half of undergraduates with a degree in psychology go on to earn an advanced degree, there are many career options without an advanced degree.

Here's what graduates have to say about their psychology degrees:

“I don't regret my major choice at all — if you have a passion for it, it's worth studying. So much of the foundational training I got from a bachelor's in psychology serves me well in my job: I am able to offer an extra degree of analysis and understanding that is very valuable.”

— Niyathi Sulkunte

“I would say my bachelor's degree in psychology was worth it — it gave me a good idea of the breadth of work in which I could apply what I was learning. My degree also prepared me very well for grad school.”

— Melissa Venable , Ph.D, Director of Professional Development and Principle Education Writer

“If I had to pay for a bachelor's degree in psychology today, I'm not sure I would do it — as much as I loved getting mine. If you want to go directly from your bachelor's degree to into the mental health field, you may do better getting a degree in counseling or social work.”

— Alison DeNisco Rayome , BA, Psychology

Everything Else to Know about an Online Bachelor’s in Psychology

• Collapse All

Are online psychology degrees respected?

Online psychology degree programs offer the same curriculum and specialized faculty members as their on-campus counterparts. As with traditional study, distance learners should ensure that their college or university holds regional accreditation , which indicates that it meets academic standards.

Is an online psychology degree worth it?

Graduates of a bachelor's in psychology program earn an average annual salary of $69,000, according to Payscale data from December 2023. Psychology program graduates can pursue jobs in various industries, including business, community and social services, education, and healthcare. Bachelor's programs also prepare students for graduate study.

What's the fastest way to become a psychologist?

A bachelor's degree in psychology can qualify you for entry-level positions in social work, substance use, or mental health counseling. A traditional bachelor's degree takes four years to complete, but an online psychology degree may take less time. For licensed clinical psychology positions, you'll most likely need a doctoral-level psychology degree , which can take an additional four years to earn.

Is it easy to earn a psychology degree online?

Online psychology degree programs offer flexibility and convenience since you can learn from home. But online learning is just as rigorous as in-class instruction. For some, distance education may be even more challenging than in-person learning as it requires time management skills and discipline to complete the work on your own.

Still Looking for the Right Fit? Discover Similar Degree Programs.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by BestColleges. Page last reviewed November 29, 2023.

Explore More College Resources

The most affordable online psychology programs and schools of 2024.

The Difference Between a BA and a BS in Psychology

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Idaho’s deadline passes to purchase University of Phoenix

A year ago, the University of Idaho announced that it wanted to spend more than a half-billion dollars to purchase a mostly online university that was a shadow of its former self.

While the deal to purchase the University of Phoenix was made to sound like a slam dunk, including securing approval through secret discussions with the Idaho State Board of Education, the UI has largely failed to garner support for the deal from state lawmakers who were left out of the decision process.

As the proposed $685 million purchase faced legal challenges from state lawyers and failed to get support in the Idaho Legislature, the original deadline for either party to walk away from the deal expired on Friday.

However, the deal is not yet dead.

UI spokeswoman Jodi Walker confirmed that Apollo Management Group, which owns the University of Phoenix, and UI officials will continue negotiating following the Friday deadline.

“Both sides have agreed, through their general counsels, not to walk away through at least June while they continue conversations around an extension,” she said.

Apollo declined to comment Friday.

Emails obtained by Idaho Education News , a nonprofit news organization based in Boise, show that the University of Phoenix owners want to entertain other purchase offers.

In an April 21 email to other board members, state board Executive Director Matt Freeman described a closed-door discussion between UI President C. Scott Green, general counsel Kent Nelson, another state education board member and an aide to Idaho Gov. Brad Little.

In it, Freeman explains that both sides will agree to continue negotiating the purchase for up to a year as long as Idaho agrees to drop exclusivity. “If Apollo ended up selling Phoenix to another buyer, there would be a breakup fee paid to UI,” Freeman wrote.

“If the asset was never sold, there would be a breakup fee of a lesser amount paid to UI. The breakup fee would help offset due diligence costs incurred by UI.”

It appears that “breakup fee” would help cover the $11 million UI reportedly spent on trying to land the deal to purchase the online university, which is based in Phoenix. As of last year, it had about 85,000 students.

Of that $11 million, about $7.3 million went to international law firm Hogan Lovells, which has headquarters in London and Washington, D.C.

Green worked as global chief operating and financial officer for Hogan Lovells until the summer of 2019 when the Idaho State Board of Education hired him as Idaho’s 19th president.

Green’s hiring of his former firm to perform due diligence on the deal was criticized by at least one Idaho lawmaker .

“He hired the best law firm that he knew of that were the experts in the subject matter,” Walker said of Green’s hiring of Hogan Lovells.

Green attempted to convince lawmakers during the recent legislative sessions of the merits of UI’s proposal to purchase the University of Phoenix.

However, he battled concerns over whether the purchase would imperil the state’s credit rating and why Idaho should purchase a school with a bruised reputation that once had 470,000 students before it began to shed enrollment.

The announcement in 2023 from Idaho’s purchase effort came four years after the owners of University of Phoenix agreed to pay $191 million to settle claims made by the Federal Trade Commission that it used “deceptive advertisements falsely touting their relationships and job opportunities with companies such as AT&T, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Twitter, and The American Red Cross.”

“The monetary judgment is the highest in an FTC case involving a for-profit school,” according to the commission’s website.

A telling exchange of Green’s challenges occurred earlier this year when he told lawmakers that because of the nature of the deal, he had no “political mechanism” for the university to give lawmakers advance word of it.

House State Affairs Committee Chairman Brent Crane, R-Nampa, responded: ”I have a cell phone and I have a laptop.”

Despite lobbying from the owners of University of Phoenix, and Green’s cajoling, state lawmakers never warmed to the deal.

In fact, they passed a bill that didn’t directly mention the University of Phoenix deal, but nonetheless would have prevented its purchase if it had been in place.

House Bill 691 , which was signed into law by Little, now requires state-funded agencies and institutions to notify the Legislature and local media before most purchases of $25 million or more.

Despite the blowback from lawmakers, Green and the university will continue to search for paths to complete the acquisition, said UI spokeswoman Walker.

“We are going to continue to have conversations with the governor and the Legislature and continue to pursue what we consider a great opportunity for our state,” she said.

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