Traditionally, PhD candidates prefer to conduct research on campus. In recent years, many universities have started offering fully online part-time PhD options. Distance-learning and online support greatly benefit students who need to travel to remote regions to conduct research.

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Best Online PhD Programs

Looking for a study option that is flexible enough to fit your schedule? You might need to consider studying an online degree. Below you can find and compare Distance learning PhD programs at major universities from top international universities all over the world.

The interconnectedness of the global community and technological advancements have made it possible to obtain a PhD through distance learning. PhD distance learning programs are designed for students who have to juggle their obligations, such as work and family, but who also want to pursue further education.

There are many options for distance learning programs offered by many universities around the world. The length and structure of each PhD distance learning program varies depending on the requirements of the university. Some PhD distance learning programs require a certain amount of travel to meet with the supervisory faculty or to complete other tasks.

Our list of top 50 schools offering online Ph.D. programs is a ranking that takes into account accreditation, general reputation, professional rankings, and non-profit/for-profit status. Some of the programs offer entirely online programs while others utilize a hybrid model with various levels of residency. Most of the institutions in the top 50 list are ranked either among national schools or among regional schools. All schools are accredited, non-profit, and have at least a certain level of name recognition.

All information in the descriptions is researched and incorporated with as much care as possible. All readers who are looking into an online Ph.D. program should always check the university or college information on the official site before paying fees for applications or taking any other actions. It should also be noted that institutions can change their tuition or fees at their own discretion and, therefore, may be different than what is listed here after a time.

Best Online PhD Programs

1. Johns Hopkins University

Topping the list for a second year in a row is Johns Hopkins University. This prestigious institution continues to lead in online learning at the doctoral level with the Doctor of Education program online. U.S. News and World Report ranks Johns Hopkins school of education at #6 in the nation while QS World Rankings places the education program at #24 in the world. The program attempts to take part in the changing landscape of online education and to provide a prestigious alternative to the rise of for-profit education. The program is centered on training leader scholars for improving school environments and leading in evidence-based policy for education both nationally and internationally. U.S. News and World Report places Johns Hopkins University at #10 in the nation while QS World Rankings places the institution at #12 in the world. These rankings place the university among the most elite, not only in the nation but across the globe.

The Doctor of Education program is 90 credit hours in length and students must enter the program with a Master’s degree that contains at least 36 units. These units are then transferred into the program. If the applicant has fewer units, then admittance will be had on a conditional basis. Six units at the doctoral level can be transferred. Students must complete between 48 and 54 units with the program at Johns Hopkins University. There are four concentrations in the program. The first has changing emphasis, depending on the year the student joins the program. In 2017 the Educational Contexts and Leadership concentration had Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education as a focus. The other three concentrations are Mind, Brain, and Teaching; Technology Integration in K-12 Education; and Counseling. Tuition is $1,464 per credit hour, which places the full 90 units at $131,760.

Johns Hopkins University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Learning and the Maryland Higher Education Commission.

2. University of Southern California

The University of Southern California also remains a top contender on our list for the second year in a row. The university is a private institution founded in 1880. It is an urban school setting on 226 acres in Los Angeles, California. The prestigious university provides a Doctor of Education in Organizational Change and Leadership online. The program is designed to last three years, culminating in a dissertation. U.S. News and World Report ranks USC’s education school at #15 in the nation. Most of the curriculum is delivered online with one emersion weekend to be attended per year on the University of Southern California campus. The program expects that students will be in current careers and the online delivery is meant to facilitate progress in their doctorate while they continue to work. U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution at #23 nationally and QS World Ranking places USC at #136 internationally.

The Doctor of Education program is a 60-unit program. Students who already hold a master’s degree will be admitted with advanced standing and must take 43 units. If a master’s degree has not been completed but the student has substantial leadership and work experience, the student will have to complete the full 60 units at USC. The program costs $1,733 per credit hour with advanced standing students paying $74,519 for the program and those without advanced standing paying $103,980. The immersion weekends are not included in the tuition fees and cost $550 not including travel and hotel expenses.

The University of Southern California is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The USC Rossier School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). This is the nation’s only accreditor for teacher education.

3. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the first public school on the list. Among its peer schools, it stands on top of the list due to the academic reputation. UNC Chapel Hill was founded in 1789 and U.S. News and World Report ranks it #5 among top public schools nationally. Further, US News and World Report ranks UNC Chapel Hill at #30 nationally while QS World Ranking ranks the university at #78 internationally. UNC Chapel Hill offers a Doctor of Physical Therapy as a distance program, allowing therapists to continue their practice while pursuing their degree. The program primarily focuses on clinical competence and expertise. There are four specialist areas within the program: orthopaedics, neurology, pediatrics, and geriatrics. Candidates are expected to continue in their practice, pursue teaching roles, and serve in policy-making and leadership positions.

The Doctor of Physical Therapy degree requires 30 credit hours beyond the professional entry-level degree. There are three components to the degree: a Clinical Foundation Core, a Clinical Practice Core, and a Specialty Practice Core. The program is about two years long with four semesters and a summer. The School of Education boasts 40 full-time faculty members. Students take 6-8 credit hours per semester. Tuition for in-state students is $761.42 per credit hour and tuition for out of state students is $1604.42 per credit hour. The total for the program, with fees, is estimated to be $22,081 for in-state students and $46,528 for out of state students.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The Department of Physical Therapy is accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

4. Northeastern University

Northeastern University is a private institution that was founded in 1898 and is currently housed on a 73-acre campus in Boston Massachusetts. The researched centered campus receives hefty grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health, as well as the Departments of Homeland Security, Energy, and Defense. Graduate students, as well as undergraduates, present projects in the annual Research, Innovation, and Scholarship Expo. Northeastern University offers an online Traditional Doctor of Physical Therapy. U.S. News and World Report ranks Northeastern University as the #7 most innovative school in the nation, ranks the institution at #39 nationally, and #40 for their physical therapy program. The program is 100% online since it is designed for practicing physical therapists.

The transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy has a variety of concentration areas such as orthopaedics, pediatrics, geriatrics, advanced nutrition, women’s health, education, and business management. If students want to pursue a unique concentration outside of the pre-approved topics, then a directed study can be arranged. The program is also done in quarters rather than semesters. Therefore, the program is 26 quarter hours if one enters with a terminal master’s degree or 35 quarter hours if one enters with a bachelor’s degree. Tuition is $646 per quarter hour with the program costing up to $16,796 for the total program.

By the year 2020, the American Physical Therapy Association predicts that the clinical Doctor of Physical Therapy will become the terminal degree for the profession. The program is for individuals who are licensed in the United States, which means that the student must have an equivalent of a master’s degree in physical therapy from an accredited institution in the U.S. Northeastern University is accredited by the New England of Association of Schools and Colleges and the Physical Therapy program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education.

5. University of Florida

The University of Florida offers a number of online doctoral degrees through their distance learning department. They offer doctorates in Audiology, Classical Civilization, Education, Educational Leadership, Educational Technology, Higher Education Administration, Latin and Roman Studies, Nursing Practice, and Pharmacy. The University of Florida is our second public institution on the list and it was founded in 1853. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Florida at #50 nationally, #1 in education schools in the nation, and #14 in top public schools.

The PhDs in Classical Civilization and Latin and roman Studies are 90 credit hours each beyond the bachelor’s degree. No more than 30 credit hours from an earned master’s degree may be transferred into the program, leaving at least 60 credit hours to be earned through the University of Florida program. An on-campus visit must be made before the application deadline. During the visit, the applicant takes a 90 minute Latin sight reading exam and has interviews with select faculty. Tuition is $544.56 per credit hour. The Audology PhD is 45 credit hours and can be completed at a distance. The degree, if one follows the track, can be completed in 18 months, taking one course at a time in the sequence.

The Doctor of Education programs are intended to prepare practicing educators to apply current research and practice to their own working contexts. It is not meant to be a research degree per se. The program is a 60 credit hour program at $448.73 per credit hour for Florida residents and $690.21 per credit hour for non-residents. The Doctor of Nursing practice degree requires a master’s degree in nursing and for the student to be a licensed nurse. The program focuses on working professionals and advancing their knowledge of innovative and evidence-based practice. It is not a research degree. Tuition is $12,740 per year and $30,134 for out of state students.

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

6. Pennsylvania State University

Pennsylvania State University is a public, land-grant institution that was founded in 1855. The university is located in University Park, Pennsylvania and sits on 8,556 acres. The Penn State Online programs offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree for practice-focused working professionals. Penn State has had nursing programs since 1964. The online graduate program hopes to update nursing knowledge for already working professionals in the field. The program has two entry points. If the student comes to the program with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, then the program consists of 61 credit hours. If the student comes to the program with a Master of Science in Nursing, then the Doctor of Nursing Practice will be between 38-46 credit hours.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Pennsylvania State University at #50 nationally, tied with the University of Florida. Further, Penn State is ranked at #14 for top public schools and #20 for best nursing graduate schools. The online Doctor of Nursing Practice was designed by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing and focuses on translating research into practice, transformational leadership, and advanced nursing practice. While most of the program is delivered online, students are required to attend three to four intensive session including orientation.

Tuition for the Doctor of Nursing program is $821 per credit hour. Those entering without a master’s degree will therefore pay about $50,081 in tuition for the degree while those with a master’s degree will pay between $31,198 and $37,766 for the degree. The Penn State College of Nursing is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing. The Doctor of Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

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

7. George Washington University

George Washington University is a private institution that was founded in 1821. The university is in Washington, DC on 43 acres. The online doctorates that are provided are in the areas of Nursing and Engineering. In the area of Nursing, George Washington University provides doctorates in the areas of Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Executive Leadership, Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Care Quality, Nursing Education, Nursing Practice, and Palliative Care Specialty for Nurse Practitioner. In the area of Engineering, the university provides a Doctor of Engineering in Engineering Management, Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Management, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Systems Engineering.

U.S. News and World Report ranks George Washington University at #56 nationally, the engineering school at #89 nationally, and the doctor of nursing practice program at #26 nationally. Further, U.S. News and World Report ranks the online graduate nursing program at #26 nationally and the online graduate engineering program #55 nationally. The Engineering program consists of both a practical based degree (Doctor of Engineering) as well as research based degrees (both doctor of philosophy programs). The multitude of Nursing concentrations are targeted at working professionals to apply evidence based practice in places of work.

Tuition for the Doctor of Engineering is $1,790 per credit hour while the Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Engineering are $1,275 per credit hour. In the Nursing programs, all graduate programs are $1,295 beginning in the fall of 2017. The tuition rates do not include the various fees one might encounter at the university. Online instruction and research meetings are scheduled on Saturdays to facilitate participation by working adults. Class times are also recorded so that the student can view them at their leisure if the live timing is not accommodating. The Engineering programs are 45 credit hours long while the Nursing graduate programs are 81 credit hours in length plus clinical hours.

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

8. Clemson University

Clemson University is a public institution founded in 1889. The university is located in Clemson, South Carolina on 17,000 acres. The selection of online doctorates at Clemson University are unique and carve a niche for the online programs not seen at other universities. Clemson University provides doctoral programs in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management – Recreational Therapy; Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design, and Healthcare Genetics.

The Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management doctorate is a hybrid program with individualized mentoring; three, five-day, residencies to attended at Clemson’s campus, synchronous online instruction, and educational designs to meet student needs on an induvial basis. The central purpose of the program is to produce people who can train others to work in various recreational treatment environments since there is a lack of educators in this field. The program is 60 credit hours long. The Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design doctorate is a research degree training students to do research, publish, and teach at the university level. Students do most work at a distance with the defense of exams and dissertation to be done on campus. The program is approximately 54 credit hours.

The final program in Healthcare Genetics is an interdisciplinary Ph.D. involving faculty from more than six disciplines. Core courses include Genetics, Healthcare Genetics, Psychology, Political Science, and Policy. There are three emphases in the program which include Interventionists, Translational Bench Science, and Ethics and Health Policy. The program is 70 credit hours long. Each program is $695 per credit hour. U.S. News and World Report ranks Clemson University at #66 nationally and #23 among top public schools.

Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The Parks, Recreation, and Tourism program is accredited by the National Recreation and Park Association.

9. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M is a public institution that was founded in 1876. It is located in College Station, Texas on 5,200 acres. The online doctorates offered through Texas A&M are housed in the Department of Education and the Department of Agriculture. The two degrees are specifically a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction and a Doctor of Education in Agricultural Education.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Texas A&M University at #74 among national universities and #27 among top public schools in the nation. The university is also ranked at #72 for online graduate education programs in the nation and #38 among educations schools in the nation. All of the faculty teaching in the Education program are full-time Texas A&M faculty, providing a high-quality faculty for an online degree. The online doctorate prepares students to be leaders in P-12 and private education in order to direct curriculum production and instruction. The Education doctorate is 64 credit hours long beyond the master’s degree. Students must enter the program with a minimum of five years of teaching experience and an earned master’s degree.

The program in Agriculture is a joint program with Texas Tech with 29 faculty total from both institutions participating in the program. This is a first of its kind program approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in 2000. Admission takes place on a two year, cohort cycle. The program utilizes a number of delivery tools such as Blackboard, WebEx, Skype, and Interactive Video Conferencing. There are occasional face-to-face meetings on campus and professional locations. Tuition is approximately $1060 per credit hour for in-state students and $1485 per credit hour for non-resident students. The tuition does not cover other expenses such as travel, educational materials, and necessary online connections to the internet.

Texas A&M is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.Indiana University

10. Indiana University

Indiana University is the final school to round out our top 10 and is a top 100 public institution. It was founded in 1820 and is located in the beautifully wooded town of Bloomington, Indiana on 1,937 acres. Indiana University provides programs in the Doctor of Education with emphasis in Instructional Systems Technology and Literacy, Culture, and Language Education; Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Occupational Therapy Post-Professional, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Science.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Indiana University at #86 nationally and #36 among top public schools nationally. Further, they rank the university at #22 for best online graduate education programs nationally and #32 among best education schools nationally. The Instructional System Technology doctorate is a 60-credit hour degree program. An earned master’s degree must be obtained before applying. The Literacy, Culture, and Language Education doctorate is also 60 credit hours long. There is one on campus conference every student must attend during one spring semester. Residents pay $489.85 per credit hour and non-residents pay $574.02 per credit hour.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is unique in that it is the only graduate organizational and systems leadership program that trains nurses to be big thinkers who want to rebuild healthcare and healthcare education. Post Master of Nursing, the program is 37 credit hours long. The program is $503.46 per credit hour. The Occupational Therapy doctorate is 30 credit hours over three semesters ending in a summer session. Students must be on campus for one-day meetings at the beginning and ending of every semester. Tuition for the program is $523.11 per credit hour. The Ph.D. in Nursing Science is a 90-credit hour program of which 30 credit hours can come from a master’s degree. The program costs $503.46 per credit hour.

Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

11. University at Buffalo – SUNY

University at Buffalo -SUNY is a public institution that was founded in 1846. The university is located in Buffalo, New York on 1,350 acres. University of Buffalo – SUNY provides an online Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning. The program is a multidisciplinary doctorate that focuses attention on practical education problems through research in diverse contexts. The university website notes that the uniqueness of the program lies, not in the Curriculum and Instruction, which is common among doctorates, but the inclusion and integration of the Science of Learning.

U.S. News and World Report ranks University at Buffalo – SUNY at #99 among national universities and #43 top public universities in the countries. They also rank as #10 among online graduate education programs and #80 among education schools in the nation. The Curriculum, Instruction, and the Science of Learning program is a 72 credit hour program with 10 being able to be filled with master’s level work. The program has identified a broad swath of research clusters including arts integration, early learning, educational informatic, educational technologies, integrated STEM, new and multimodal literacies, product design, special literacy, social learning and culture, real and virtual learning space, situated and embodied cognition, and others.

The program’s website also has a list of prerequisite technology skills necessary for entering the program. Many of them are basic but important for functioning in the distance program. Tuition for state residents is $619.46 per credit hour including fees while tuition for non-residents is $1,091.46 per credit hour including fees.

The University at Buffalo – The State University of New York is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Graduate School of Education hold accreditation from the American Library Association, the Council on Rehabilitation Education, and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.

12. Loyola University Chicago

Loyola University Chicago is a Roman Catholic institution which was founded in 1870. The university is located in Chicago, Illinois on 105 acres. Loyola University of Chicago offers three doctoral degrees through their online programs: Doctor of Bioethics, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and a Doctor of Education.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Loyola University Chicago at #99 nationally, tied with our #11 school University at Buffalo – SUNY. They are also ranked as #85 for best education schools nationally, #34 for best nursing schools in doctor of nursing practice nationally, and #115 for biological sciences nationally. The Doctor of Bioethics program is the first of its kind in the nation and provides advanced training for individuals who serve as chairs of hospital’s ethics committees, perform clinical ethics consultations, have administrative oriented ethics work, or are a steward for issues central to an institution’s mission and values. The program is 57 credit hours which works out to 30 credit hours beyond the typical MA in Bioethics or Health Care Ethics. Students also pick a concentration from the following: Catholic Bioethics, Organizational Ethics and Leadership, Clinical Bioethics, Research Ethics, and Public Health Ethics. Tuition for the program is $1,069 per credit hour.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is designed to provide to nurses to further enhance their skills in the healthcare environment. The program is designed as a two-year, post-Master of Science Nursing degree cohort program. There are two emphases available in the program: Healthcare Quality Using Education in Safety and Technology and The Infection Prevention DNP. Tuition for the program is $1,081 per credit hour. The Doctor of Education program specializes in School Psychology. The program is targeted at school psychologists who wish to advance their careers. There are two specializations in the program: Mental Health and Data-Based Decision-Making. The program is 72 credit hours of which 36 credit hours can be transferred. This is a blended program with mandatory evening classes several times during the fall and spring semesters. The program costs $949 per credit hour.

Loyola University Chicago is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

13. University of Alabama

University of Alabama is a public institution founded in 1831. The university is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on 1,026 acres. University of Alabama offers a number of online doctoral programs including in the areas of Education, Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, and Nursing. The Doctor of Education programs include one for Nurse Educators and one in Higher Education Administration.

U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Alabama at #103 nationally and at #46 among top public schools in the nation. Further, it is ranked #51 among online graduate engineering programs nationally, #93 among the best education schools in the nation, and #34 among the best among Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees in the nation. The primarily online Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics PhD is a research based degree. Required campus visits are arranged between students and their campus advisor. The program is 72 credit hours long and costs $367 per credit hour.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is entirely delivered online. The program attempts to prepare nurses in specialty practice or to assume leadership positions in the healthcare field. The program is 40 credit hours and costs $367 per credit hour. The Doctor of Education for Nursing Educators seeks to train practicing nurses for faculty positions in colleges and universities. Both nursing and education faculty teach in the research based program. Coursework is done online and in weekend formats (Friday evening and all day Saturday). The program is 72 credit hours long and costs $367 per credit hour.

The Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration (Executive Cohort) is a blended program. The program has international trips to learn about administration and running schools in other countries. Students must be on campus one weekend a month for classes. The program is three years long and 66 credit hours total. The program costs $667 per credit hour.

The University of Alabama is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

14. University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina is a public institution founding in 1801. It is located in Columbia, South Carolina on 444 acres. The university provides two doctorates in the field of education. Both are a Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with one having an emphasis in Curriculum Studies and the other having an emphasis in Educational Technology. Both emphases are targeted at professional educators in K-12 and high education institutions.

U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of South Carolina at #107 nationally and #49 among the top public schools in the nation. They also rank the university at #40 in best online graduate education programs nationally and #93 for best education schools nationally. The online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction emphasizing Curriculum Studies concentrations on curricular administration including culture and leadership, ethics and morals, and curriculum design and implementation. The program sees the roles of graduates to be those including professors, district-level curriculum administrators, and school-level instructors. The program is constructed to last 36 months with 60 credit hours to be earned. In state tuition for the program is $29,950 for in-state residents and $33,145 for out-of-state residents.

The online Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction emphasizing Educational Technology attempts to train leaders in an educational environment that is constantly shifting in terms of technology. The curriculum attempts to produce leaders who can meet the demands of technology-based learning, instruction, and training with practical, project-based emphasis on design, development, implementation, evaluation, and research. The program is meant to take 36 months and is 60 credit hours long. The tuition for in-state students is $29,950 and the tuition for out-of-state students is $33,145.

The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The College of Education is accredited by the National Council on Accreditation of Teacher Education.

15. Iowa State University

The University of Iowa is a public school founded in 1847. It is located in Iowa City, Iowa on 1,880 acres. The University of Iowa provides another set of unique online doctorates, making their way into another set of niche markets like #8 Clemson from this list. The university provides a Doctor of Philosophy in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design and a Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Management.

U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Iowa at #111 nationally and #51 among the top public schools in the nation. The Doctor of Philosophy in Apparel, Merchandizing, and Design is a hybrid program, requiring students to attend two short on-campus summer course sessions consisting of three weeks each. All other credit hours are done through distance education. The program is 72 credit hours long with 36 hours having to be taken at Iowa State University, 24 credits must be taken at Iowa State University over six consecutive semesters, and 6 must be taken in the first summer. The cost for the program is $565 per credit hour plus additional fees including application, technology, and delivery fees.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Hospitality Management distance degree is also a hybrid program, requiring students to attend two consecutive three-week summer sessions. Online sessions are delivered throughout the fall and spring semester. The program is 72 credit hours with up to 30 credit hours accepted from master’s degree coursework, 24 credit hours taken at Iowa State University, and 15 credit hours in research/dissertation. The cost for the program is $565 per credit hour plus additional fees including application, technology, and delivery fees.

Iowa State University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA) and by the Higher Learning Commission. The Apparel, Merchandising, and Design program is endorsed by the American Apparel and Footwear Association.

16. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is a public institution that was founded in 1839. The university is located in Columbia Missouri on 1,262 acres. The University of Missouri provides a number of different avenues for online doctoral programs. Included are the Doctor of Philosophy in Art Education, the Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, Architectural Studies, and Nursing which has a number of concentration areas.

The Ph.D. in Art Education is targeted primarily at art agency directors, college deans, museum administrators, and university professors. While most courses can be completed online, three consecutive semesters must be completed on campus. The degree is 72 credit hours and is $407.50 per credit hour. The program is estimated to cost $29,340 upon completion. The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and is targeted at principals, superintendents, directors, university administrators, faculty, and others. The coursework is online as well as two consecutive summer courses at UM’s campus as well as courses in partner campuses in the spring and fall semesters. The program is 46 credit hours long and costs $407.50 per credit hour. The program is estimated to cost $18,745 on completion.

The online doctorate in Archaeological Studies is entirely delivered online with no campus visits required. Optional on-campus workshops are available for students in the summer. There are a number of emphasis areas including Aesthetics of Design, Design Education, Facility Management and Design, Housing and Neighborhood Design, Inclusion Design/Accessibility, and Sustainable Design. The program is 72 credit hours long and $681.20 per credit hour. The program costs $49,046.40 upon completion.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice programs have six emphases available including Adult-Gerontology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Family Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health Care, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. All programs except the Nursing Leadership and Innovations in Health care (which is 40 credit hours) are 72 credit hours. The programs each cost $435.44 per credit hour. Most programs are blended and have various on-site requirements. The last program is a Ph.D. in Nursing which is 77 credit hours long at $448.64 per credit hour. If one has a Master’s of Science in Nursing, the program is 56 credit hours long.

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs.

17. University of Nebraska – Lincoln

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a public institution that was founded in 1869. The university is located in Lincoln, Nebraska on 622 acres. The distance education programs provided by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln include a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration, a Doctor of Education in Educational Studies, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies. Like in other institutions, the Doctor of Education degrees are positioned to help professionals in the field advance their knowledge in order to apply it to real-world situations in which they already work. The Philosophical Doctorate is primarily a research degree.

U.S. New and World Report ranks the University of Nebraska-Lincoln at #111 nationally, tied with our #15 and #16 schools on this list. Further, the university is ranked #51 among top public schools, #4 among best online graduate education programs, and #43 among best education schools nationally. The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies has three areas of specialization: Educational Administration, Teacher Education, and Special Education and Communication Disorders. The program, while mostly delivered for distance students, requires six hours of on-campus research seminars. The Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Studies is 90 credit hours long and costs between $297.25 and $325.50 per credit hour for residents and between $297.25 and $609 for non-resident students.

The Doctor of Education degree prepares the student for furthering their practice as an educator in their current field of employment. It is primarily for educational administrators within either the P-12 or higher education contexts. The program seeks to help train leaders who wish to gain real life experience in the area of administration through internships, work in groundbreaking cognate areas historically important to practitioners, and gain group skills by working on collaborative projects. The program is 96 credit hours long and costs between $297.25 and $325.50 per credit hour for residents and between $297.25 and $609 for non-resident students.

The University of Nebraska – Lincoln is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

18. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is a public institution that was founded in 1865. The university is located in Lawrence, Kansas and sits on 1,000 acres. The University of Kansas online programs provide a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. The Doctor of Nursing Practice has two concentration areas in which to specialize: Advanced Practice or Leadership. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Kansas at #118 among national universities and #56 among the top public schools. They also rank the university at #19 among top online graduate nursing programs and #59 among Doctor of Nursing practice programs nationally.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree has two tracks. One is a post-baccalaureate of Science in Nursing in which the student enters directly into the program after they finish their undergraduate work. The student takes an initial set of courses that prepare them for the advanced practice clinical or functional role. This leads to the second part of the degree which is centered in doctoral level preparation for advanced practice clinical or functional roles. The Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice is designed for the student to begin their work at the doctoral level since students will have already earned a Master of Science in Nursing degree. The program aims to train nurses already in practice to advance their skills in their given areas and specialties. The Advanced Practice specialty has four areas in which to specialize. They are Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse-Midwife, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. The Leadership specialty has three emphases including Organizational Leadership, Public Health Nursing, and Nursing Informatics. The Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice is 32 credit hours at $775 per credit hour.

The Ph.D. in Nursing is meant to prepare graduates to function in faculty positions, conduct independent research and scholarly endeavors in nursing, generate and expand theoretical bases for nursing practice, and provide leadership within the profession. The Ph.D. program is 65 credit hours long. The program is delivered in a combination of one-week summer intensive courses, online coursework throughout the academic year, and e-mentoring with faculty and an advisor. It costs $775 per credit hour.

The University of Kansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

19. Temple University

Temple University is a public institution founded in 1884. The university is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on 384 acres. Temple University offers three different doctoral degrees in the area of physical therapy and training. The degrees are Clinical Doctorate of Athletic Training, Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy, and Doctorate in Physical Therapy. All programs are meant to further the trainer’s and therapist’s techniques and skills for use in practice as well as in educational settings.

Temple University is ranked #118 among national universities and #56 among the top public institutions in the nation. The university is also ranked #27 among health care management programs in the nation, and #32 among occupational therapy programs in the nation, #53 among physical therapy programs in the nation. The Doctor of Athletic Training degree is for those who are already certified trainers with a master’s degree. The goal of the program is to help graduates gain evidence-based techniques and improve patient outcomes. The program is a cohort model that lasts two years long and is 36 credit hours. Tuition is $960 per credit hour totaling $34,560 for the whole program. There are no additional registration or tuition related fees.

The Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy is a professional degree (non-researched based) meant for currently licensed occupational therapists. The program is flexible and can be tailored to the student’s area of interest. Faculty are experts in child and youth development, adult rehabilitation, community-based practices, and promoting inclusive policies. The program is a total of 31 credit hours taken during two years. There are two to three required in-person meetings per year on campus. These include orientation, launching and wrapping up current classwork, and opportunities to network with faculty. Tuition is $960 per credit hour, making the program $29,760 in total with no additional fees. The Doctor of Physical Therapy prepares graduates to diagnose, evaluate, and treat movement-related disorders. Students complete 42 weeks of full-time internships at large nation-wide clinical sites. The program is 130 credit hours at $760 per credit hour.

Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Programs are accredited by the Accrediting Counsel for the Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association, Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education, the Commission on the Accreditation of Athletic Training, and the commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Professions.

20. Catholic University of America

Catholic University of America is a Roman Catholic, private institution which was founded in 1887. The university is located in Washington, D.C. on 176 acres. Catholic University of America offers online doctoral programs in Nursing and Theology. There are two degrees in the Nursing field, one being a professional doctorate or a Doctor of Nursing Practice and a research degree or Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. In the area of Theology, the university offers two Doctor of Ministry degrees online which include a Doctor of Ministry in Evangelization and a Doctor of ministry in Liturgical Catechesis.

U.S. News and World report ranks Catholic University of America #124 nationally, #7 for online graduate nursing programs nationally, and #26 for the Doctor of Nursing Program nationally. The Doctor of Nursing practice program targets nurses who want to become advanced nurse leaders in the field. Nurses are trained to take on complex nursing responsibilities in practice, education, and leadership. The program is 32 credit hours long at $905 per credit hour. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is a research degree meant give provide students with advanced research skills to help nurses advance ideas for optimal care in the field. The PhD is 79 credit hours long. Students may transfer 24 credit hours of coursework after passing comprehensive exams. The program costs $905 per credit hour.

In theology, the Doctor of Ministry in Evangelization is targeted at pastoral ministers who wish to pursue an advanced theological education and pastoral skills. The program is designed for lay, religious, and ordained ministers and accepts people from all communities, not just Catholic. The program is 30 credit hours long and is $1,785 per credit hour. Further, there are two mandatory summer two week residencies during the program. The Doctor of Ministry in Liturgical Catechesis is a professional doctorate targeted at those interested in Pastoral Formation. The program is 30 credit hours long at $1,785 per credit hour. There are also two-week on-campus summer residencies required.

The Catholic University of America is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

21. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public institution which was founded in 1885. It is located in Tempe, Arizona on 661 acres. Arizona State University offers online doctoral programs in the areas of Behavioral Health and Education. In the area of Behavioral Sciences, the university offers two concentrations. One of the concentrations is Clinical and the other is in Management. The Doctor of Education is in Leadership and Innovation.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Arizona State University at #129 among national universities, #1 among the most innovative schools nationally, #61 among top public schools nationally, and at #40 among top online graduate education programs nationally. The Doctor of Behavioral Health with the clinical concentration is meant to prepare master’s level clinicians to work within the context of the evolving marketplace of primary care. The program includes a mandatory 400-hour clinical internship. It is 84 credit hours long with the ability to transfer in 30 hours from master’s level work. The program is delivered online including in synchronous live chats with instructors and students, and internship training. The program costs $1058 per credit hour.

The Doctor of Behavioral Health with the management concentration seeks to provide students with additional management didactics, training, and experience. The program is delivered primarily through online synchronous courses live with instructors and students as well as live internship training. The program is 84 credit hours long with the possibility of transferring 30 master’s level credits into the program. The program costs $1058 per credit hour.

The Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation is targeted at practicing educators who are teachers, teacher leaders, principals, superintendents, higher education professionals, or leaders in various educational contexts. The program focuses on problems in practice in the areas of P-12 leadership, higher education leadership, and systems change leadership. The program is 60 credit hours long and costs $685 per credit hour.

Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning committee of the North Central Association of Schools and Colleges.

22. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky is a public institution that was founded in 1865. The university is located in Lexington, Kentucky on 814 acres. The University of Kentucky offers a fully online Doctor of Education in teacher leadership. It is built to be a practical degree that centers on action research relevant for work in educational institutions.

U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Kentucky at #113 nationally and #63 among top public schools. Further, it ranks the university at #62 for best education schools nationally. The Doctor of Education in teacher leadership is a cohort program that provides personalized leadership training with peer networking and collegial support. Those who are in the program are usually serving as change agents, classroom supporters, curriculum specialists, data coaches, department chairs, team leaders, instructional coaches, peer mentors, resource providers, or school leaders.

The program takes approximately four years if you follow the cohort model and keep up with the designed coursework. The program is 46 credit hours and costs $509 per credit hour. In order to enter the program, the student needs a master’s degree from an accredited university, a minimum of a 3.5 GPA in that graduate program, combined verbal and quantitative score on the GRE of 1000 (old GRE scale) or 300 (new GRE scale) with analytical writing being a 4.0 or 49th percentile, and completion of a graduate-level statistics course with a minimum of a B in the course.

The University of Kentucky is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The Doctor of Education in teacher leadership is endorsed by the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board.

23. University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas is a public institution that was founded in 1871. The university is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas on 718 acres. The University of Arkansas offers hybrid programs that have on-campus requirements at various rates. The degrees that are offered are in the fields of Education and Nursing. The online and hybrid doctorates include a Doctor of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning, a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, a Doctor of Education in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education, and a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Arkansas at #135 nationally and #64 among top public schools nationally. Further, the university is ranked at #47 for top online graduate education programs nationally, at #104 for best online graduate nursing programs nationally, at #66 for best education schools nationally, and at #76 for best nursing schools in doctor of nursing practice nationally. The Doctor of Education in Adult and Lifelong Learning focuses on assessment, design, and implementation of programs for adult learners. The program is mostly online with four face-to-face sessions that occur on the Fayetteville campus. The program is 96 credit hours long at $409.94 per credit hour.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is targeted at students pursuing jobs as principals, administration, superintendents, federal and state governmental persons, or other educational leadership professionals. The coursework for the program is almost entirely online with a mandatory campus seminar to be attended once per semester. The program is 42 credit hours long and is $409.94 per credit hour.

The Doctor of Education in Human Resource and Workforce Development Education has a wide range of applications and students who enter the program often have degrees in psychology, organizational behavior, organizational development, consulting, program design, among many others. The coursework is completely online and cost is $409.94 per credit hour. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is designated for nurses who wish to expand their practice into larger leadership roles. The program is 79 credit hours long with coursework done completely online. Clinical hours will be arranged locally. The cost for the program is $409.94 per credit hour.

The University of Arkansas is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

24. St. John’s University

St. John’s University is a Roman Catholic institution in the Vincentian tradition that was founded in 1870. It is located in Queens, New York on 97 acres. The university provides an online Doctor of Philosophy in Literacy. Like all good educators and educational research, St. John’s recognizes that the influence of poverty has a detrimental impact on the social, emotional, physical, and educational well-being of students. The Doctor of Philosophy in Literacy attempts to take these underlying causes seriously and explore solutions to help deal with them in larger educational and societal contexts.

U.S. News and World Report ranks St. John’s University at #164 among national university and #22 among the best online graduate education programs nationally. The Doctor of Philosophy program in Literacy prepares professionals to work with high-risk learners. The program is targeted for those who wish to work as teacher educators at the university level, school literacy specialists, or literacy leader advocates. If the student does not currently hold an NYSED, the program will move the student toward acquiring the state certificate.

There are two ways to complete the program. The first is for those who have completed the master’s level or certificate program in literacy or reading and who have earned a literacy certificate in the state of New York. This course of action takes a minimum of 42 credit hours to complete the doctoral work at St. John’s University. Added together, 75 credit hours will be completed between all graduate level work. The second is for those who have completed master’s level work in another field of education. These students also complete a minimum of 42 credit hours but must do prerequisite courses in literacy which equal 21 credits.

St. John’s University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and the School of Education is accredited by the Teacher Education Accreditation Council.

25. University of Hawaii

The University of Hawaii is a public institution which was founded in 1907. The university is located in Honolulu, Hawaii on 320 acres. The University of Hawaii has two distance doctoral programs in the field of Nursing. The first is a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and the other is a Doctor of Nursing Practice. In terms of the Doctor of Philosophy degree, the school is redesigning it and it will not be taking students until the fall of 2018 but applications can be submitted in September of 2017.

U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Hawaii at #169 nationally and at #89 among top public schools nationally. Further, they rank the institution at #61 for online graduate nursing programs nationally and the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at #88 nationally. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing program attempts to prepare scholars who approach clinical practice through culturally sensitive approaches in diverse societies. Courses are delivered online through synchronous and asynchronous means and do so through a cohort. The program currently states that it takes approximately four years to complete on a part-time basis. Summer intensives are held prior to the start of the fall semester and take two to five weeks. Since the program is becoming restructured, please see the link above and continually monitor changes that are being made to the program if you are interested. The program currently requires 45 credit hours post master’s degree and is $1,001 per credit hour.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is meant to help prepare nurses for advanced level nursing science. The program focuses on training nurses to become leaders and educators in clinical settings and to use research to help better transform health care. There are two entry points into the program. The first is when a student has a bachelor of science in nursing upon entry. In this version of the program, the student takes between 73-79 credit hours. The second entry point happens when a nursing student comes into the program with a Master’s of Science in Nursing. This version of the program is 37-40 credit hours long. The program costs $1,001 per credit hour.

The University of Hawaii is accredited by the Senior Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

26. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is a public university that was founded in 1878. It is located near Starkville, Mississippi on 4,200 acres. Mississippi State University offers distance doctoral degrees in the areas of Community College Leadership, Computational Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Industrial and Systems Engineering.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Mississippi State University at #176 nationally and at #93 among top public schools. The institution is also ranked at #24 for online graduate engineering programs and #84 for online graduate education programs. The Doctor of Philosophy in Community College Leadership is designed to prepare professionals for leadership at the Community College level. In this regard, the program hopes to train leaders to deal with educational, social and economic changes, train leaders for both rural and urban community college environments, and to train leaders that are better decision makers. The program is 76 credit hours long beyond the master’s degree and costs $451.25 per credit hour.

The program in Computational Engineering is entirely online with no campus visits necessary. Courses are delivered via the internet or in remote locations. The program is targeted at engineers and scientists working in the nation’s major laboratories and have access to high-performance computing assets. The program is 72 credit hours long or 50 credit hours long with an M.S. The program in Electrical and Computer Engineering can be delivered almost entirely online, with some components needed proctors. The program is 66 credit hours long or 48 credit hours with an M.S. Cost for the program is $651.25 per credit hour.

The program in Civil Engineering is delivered at a distance with research facilities able to be had at various locations throughout the country. The program is 62 credit hours without an M.S. and 42 credit hours with an M.S. Cost for the program is $651.25 per credit hour. The degree in Mechanical Engineering, like the rest of the Engineering programs, is delivered online and on-campus. The on-line version of the degree is similar to the one on-campus and all requirements apply to both. The program is 42 credit hours long and costs $651.25 per credit hour. The program in Industrial and Systems Engineering has a variety of areas in which to study including industrial systems, operations research, manufacturing systems, and ergonomics/human factors. The program is 48 credit hours long and costs 651.25 per credit hour.

Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

27. TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY
Texas Tech University is a public institution that was founded in 1923. The institution is located in Lubbock, Texas on 1,839 acres. The university offers an online Doctor of Education in Agricultural Education, Doctor of Education in Higher Education, Doctor of Philosophy in Systems and Engineering Management, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication and Rhetoric.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Texas Tech University at #176 nationally and #93 among top public schools nationally. Further, the university is ranked at #17 for best online graduate engineering programs nationally, at #109 for best online graduate education programs nationally, #94 for best engineering schools nationally, and #112 for best education schools nationally. The Doctor of Education in Agricultural Education is a joint program with Texas A&M with 29 faculty total from both institutions participating in the program. This is a first of its kind program approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in 2000. Admission takes place on a two-year, cohort cycle. The program utilizes a number of delivery tools such as Blackboard, WebEx, Skype, and Interactive Video Conferencing. There are occasional face-to-face meetings on campus and professional locations. Tuition is approximately $1060 per credit hour for in-state students and $1485 per credit hour for non-resident students and is 64 credit hours long.

The Doctor of Education in Higher education program is a professional degree targeted at full-time professional higher education employees. Delivery format for the degree is blended with an annual on-campus intensive course for a full-week. The program is 60 credit hours long and costs $166.50 per credit hour for residents and $216.50 for non-residents. The Doctor of Philosophy in Systems and Engineering Management is a completely online program. The program is 72 credit hours in length and costs $325.00 per credit hour for residents and $275.00 per credit hour for non-residents. The Doctor of Philosophy in Technical Communication and Rhetoric is housed in the English Department. The program is mostly taken online but there is a two-week mandatory annual workshop that must be attended on campus. The program is 60 credit hours long and costs $300 per credit hour for residents and $250 per credit hour for non-residents. For all programs, non-residents pay higher fees.

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

28. BALL STATE UNIVERSITY
Ball State University is a public university that was founded in 1918. The institution is located in Muncie, Indiana on 1,140 acres. Ball State University offers three online doctorates, two in the field of Education and on in the field of Nursing. In education, the university offers a Doctor of Education in Adult, Higher, and Community Education and a Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Supervision. In nursing, the university offers a Doctorate of Nursing Practice.

U.S. News and World Report ranks Ball State University at #176 among national university and #93 among public schools. Further, the university is ranked at #13 in online graduate nursing programs and at #16 in online graduate education programs. The Doctorate of Education in Adult, Higher, and Community Education focuses on knowledge, skills, attitudes and values regarding teaching, learning, evaluating, planning, program development, leadership, policy, and research. Students can concentrate in Adult Community Education, Community College Leadership, or Higher Education. The program is a hybrid program, with some on-site courses and some online. The program is 91 credit hours long with at least 48 needing to be taken through Ball State University.

The Doctorate of Education in Education Administration and Supervision the program is targeted at administrators who are interested in advancing the profession through teaching, research, and service. The program is delivered in online and face-to-face instruction with some courses needed to be taken on Ball State University’s campus. The program is between 89-95 credit hours including a master’s degree, which can be transferred in for a certain amount of credits. The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a post-master’s degree for nurse practitioners. Courses are offered completely online. Mandatory one day meetings can be attended either on-campus or through distance technology. The program is 90 credit hours with a minimum of 40 credit hours having to be done at Ball State University. All degree plans are $394 per credit hour for in-state residents and $590 per credit hour for out-of-state residents.

Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

29. WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
West Virginia University is a public institution founded in 1867. The university is located in Morgantown, West Virginia on 2,800 acres. West Virginia University offers a hybrid program as a Higher Education Administration Doctoral Degree, a Doctor of Education in Special Education which is primarily delivered online, a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree which is primarily online, as well as a hybrid program in a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Virginia at #183 nationally and #99 among public schools. The university is also ranked at #123 for best online graduate education programs nationally and #61 for best online graduate nursing programs nationally.

The Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration attempts to prepare students to work in college administration, to become faculty, to do advanced research, and to work in the area of policy. Students must complete a residency requirement which is worked out with the student’s advisor. The program is a minimum of 84 credit hours and costs $533 per credit hour for residents and $1,339 for non-residents. The Doctor of Education in Special Education is meant to train leaders to assume roles and responsibilities in personnel training at colleges and universities, in public schools, or in disability services. Students are to complete a minimum of 42 credit hours beyond the master’s degree at West Virginia University. The program costs $561 per credit hour for both residents and non-residents.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree trains nurses to evaluate the most current research, to determine best practices on a daily basis, to implement new methods of treatment, and to improve patient care. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is 33 credit hours long and costs $602 per credit hour for residents and $1,356 per credit hour for non-residents. The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is a research degree training leaders for teaching, research, the clinical environment, and as senior nursing administrators. The program is 54 credit hours long and costs $602 per credit hour for residents and $1,356 for non-residents.

West Virginia University is accredited by the Higher Learning commission. The Education program is accredited by the national Council of Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Nursing program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

30. UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO – DENVER
University of Colorado – Denver is a public university that was founded in 1912. The university is located in Denver, Colorado and is housed on 126 acres. The university offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing, Doctor of Pharmacy, and a hybrid of Doctor of Education, Leadership for Educational Equality. Most of the online programs target professionals in their respective fields so they can advance in their careers, with the except of the Ph.D. in Nursing, which is primarily a research degree. U.S. News and World Report ranks University of Colorado – Denver at #197 nationally and at #106 among top public schools nationally. Further, the university is ranked at #47 among best online graduate education programs and #120 among education schools nationally.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree prepares nurses to be experts in clinical practice. Graduates go on to become Clinical Nurse Educators, Clinician-Scholars, Developers of Healthcare programs, Healthcare Entrepreneurs, and Care Managers. The program is delivered both online and available in-class with intensive courses. The program is 41 credit hours long and costs $585 per credit hour for residents and $1,020 per credit hour for non-residents. The Ph.D. in Nursing prepares nurses to become leaders in advancing the field of healthcare and nursing. This research-based degree is almost entirely online with visits to campus only occurring once a semester. The program is 72 credit hours long post MS and has three primary focuses: Biobehavioral Science, Health Care Systems, and Caring Science. The program costs $550 per credit hour for residents and $1,020 per credit hour for non-residents.

The Doctor of Pharmacy degree is targeted at practicing pharmacists and has both a North American as well as an international track. No visits to campus are necessary for the North American track while students visit campus for 36 credit hours of their training in the international track. The North American track is 65 credit hours at $800 per credit hour. The international track is 90 credit hours at $800 per credit hour for 70 of the credits and $300 per credit hour for 20 of the credits. The Doctor of Education, Leadership for Educational Equity program hopes to train educators to be catalysts for change. The program is a hybrid program with online classes and some on-campus courses throughout. The program is 54 credit hours long and costs $448 per credit hour for residents and non-residents.

The University of Colorado – Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

31. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA
The University of North Dakota is a public university located in Grand Forks, North Dakota. It was founded in 1883 and is housed on 548 acres. The University of North Dakota offers a number of online Ph.D. programs including a Ph.D. in Aerospace Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, and Nursing. They also offer a professional Doctor of Nursing degree. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of North Dakota at #202 among national universities and at #110 among top public schools in the nation.

The Ph.D. in Aerospace Science is a program that is online but does not deviate from the on-campus program, allowing students to move seamlessly between the two if they wish. Courses are offered online and in-class, sometimes simultaneously and sometimes recorded. The program is a 90-credit hour program beyond the baccalaureate with 30 credit hours allowed to transfer from a master’s degree. The program costs $410.12 for residents and $910.07 for non-residents with various levels of cost in-between the two for adjacent states. The Electrical Engineering Ph.D. is an online program that has three mandatory on-campus visits. The online courses mirror those offered on campus, giving the student the option to go from online to on-campus seamlessly. The program is 90 credit hours long post-baccalaureate with 30 credit hours from a master’s degree able to transfer. The program costs $360.12 per credit hour for residents and $860.07 per credit hour for non-residents with various levels of cost in-between the two for adjacent states.

The Ph.D. in Energy Engineering is a 100% online degree with no residency requirements. The program trains researchers in energy efficiency and implementation. The degree is 90 credit hours long post-baccalaureate and costs $360.12 per credit hour for residents and $860.07 per credit hour for non-residents with various levels of cost in-between the two for adjacent states. The Environmental Engineering program is 100% online as well with no residency requirements. The program trains researchers to explore responsible environmental stewardship alongside economic growth. The program is 90 credit hours long post-baccalaureate and costs $360.12 per credit hour for residents and $860.07 per credit hour for non-residents with various levels of cost in-between the two for adjacent states.

The Ph.D. in Nursing if online with face-to-face intensives which are held once or a twice a year for three to five days. The program trains nursing professionals in research and teaching in the field. The program is 90 credit hours long beyond the baccalaureate and costs $400.12 per credit hour. The Doctor of Nursing degree is a professional degree that is held online with once campus visit per semester. The program is 33 credit hours long and costs $400.12 per credit hour.

The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association.

32. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH DAKOTA
The University of South Dakota is a public institution that was established in 1862. It is located in Vermillion, South Dakota on 276 acres. The University of South Dakota offers a Post-Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and a Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences online. The degree in Occupational Therapy is targeted at professionals in the field while the Health Sciences degree seeks to train researchers in the field. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of South Dakota at #202 nationally, tied with the University of North Dakota above, and at #110 among top public schools. Further, it ranks the university at #86 among top medical schools in research nationally and at #74 in primary care nationally.

The Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy is designed for licensed occupational therapists who have a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. Each student tailors their own program to fit their own occupational aspirations. Applicants must hold a U.S. license to practice occupational therapy and hold a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy. The Professional Doctorate in Occupational Therapy is a 24 credit hour online degree and costs $860.90 per credit hour.

The inter-professional Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences is meant to train health care professionals as leaders in academia, research, and/or in the health care environment. The core curriculum concentrates on teaching, leadership, advanced practice, and scholarship. Most of the program is delivered online but there are a few mandatory face-to-face sessions. These include the initial orientation, a two-week dissertation boot camp, and for the dissertation defense. The program is 72 credit hours in length with the ability to transfer in a maximum of 36 credit hours from a master’s degree or professional doctorate. The Philosophical Doctorate costs $444.25 per credit hour.

The University of South Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education and the Association of University Programs in Health Administration.

33. UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA – RENO
The University of Nevada – Reno is a public institution that was founded in 1864. The university is located in Reno, Nevada. The institution offers an online Doctor of Nursing Practice. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Nevada – Reno at #197 among universities nationally and #106 among top public schools in the nation. Like other Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees, the University of Nevada’s program is a professional degree rather than a research degree.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a practice-focused doctoral degree designed to prepare experts in advanced nursing practice. The focus is on evidence-based and innovative practice which reflect research and theory. Students who enter the program may enter through two tracks. The first is a post-master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice in which the student enters with a master’s degree in Nursing in hand. The other is a bachelor’s in nursing to Doctor of Nursing Practice where the student enters the program with a bachelor’s degree in the field.

The post-master’s degree track has two focuses: Advanced Practice Nurse or Nurse Executive. The BSN to Doctor of Nursing Practice has three tracks: Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. All post-master’s students are required to attend a two-day on-campus orientation and one day on-campus is required for the defense of the final project. The program is 30 credit hours long. The BSN to DNP degree also has a two-day on-campus orientation but also includes one to three days onsite immersion classes each semester as well as on-campus visits for project proposal and defense. The program is 72-76 credit hours long. The program costs $264 per credit hour plus fees.

The University of Nevada – Reno is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

34. NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
New Mexico State University is a public institution that was founded in 1888. The university is located in Las Cruces, New Mexico on 900 acres. New Mexico State University offers online degrees including a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Leadership, a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. U.S News and World Report ranks New Mexico State University at #220 nationally and at #125 among the top public schools in the nation. Further, it ranks the university at #101 for best education schools in the nation and #131 for best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in the nation.

The Doctor of Education and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education Leadership degrees hope to train leaders in their respective fields both as practitioners and researchers. At the core of the programs is the idea that theory and research support practice. The Doctor of Education program is 63 credit hours long and the Ph.D. in Educational Leadership is 78 credit hours long. The program is a hybrid program with both online and face-to-face components. The Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction trains students in the theory, design, and implementation of curriculum and instruction in various learning environments. It is a hybrid program with three two-week sessions during consecutive summers being done in a face-to-face environment. The program is 48 credit hours long.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing is designed to help healthcare specialists assume leadership roles in academic contexts and health care settings. The program emphasizes teaching, research, and activities in the professional environment. The delivery method is a hybrid with a summer course at the beginning of the program along with a one week course every year during the program. The program is 72 credit hours long. All programs cost $291.30 per credit hour for residents and $897.90 per credit hour for non-residents. There are various other pricing structures for regional residents.

New Mexico State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of College and Schools. The program in Education is accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education.

35. CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY
Creighton University is a private institution in the Roman Catholic tradition which was founded in 1878. It is located in Omaha, Nebraska on 139 acres. Creighton University offers a number of online and distance doctoral programs including a Doctor of Nursing Practice, a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, a Doctor of Pharmacy, a Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership, and a Doctorate in Business Administration. U.S. News and World Report ranks Creighton University at #1 among Regional Universities in the Midwest, at #20 for best online graduate business programs, and at #88 among best Doctor of Nursing Practice in the nation.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice is a professional degree meant for nurses to advance their standing in their workplace. There are a mix of on-campus and online courses the student can take every semester. The post master’s degree program is 28-24 credit hours long is $820 per credit hour. The Doctor of Occupational Therapy is a hybrid program with a mix of online courses and fieldwork at supervised, approved facilities. No credit hour limit for completing the program is provided in the university information but it is $1,370 per credit hour.

The Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy prepares occupational therapists to become upper-level management in their careers. Courses are taken online except for the doctoral experiential courses which are arranged at a proper site in the geographical location of the student. The program is 47 credit hours long and costs $1,370 per credit hour. The Doctor of Pharmacy degree is a hybrid degree, with laboratory courses occurring on campus during two to four-week sessions in the summer. The program is 63 semester hours long and costs $485 per credit hour for the first three years and $1,455 per credit hour in the fourth year.

The Online Doctoral Program in Interdisciplinary Leadership is meant to train effective managers, directors, supervisors, executives, or administrators. The degree is interdisciplinary, taught by faculty across disciplines and is mostly online with two required residency experiences during the course of the degree. The degree is 60 credit hours long and costs $989 per credit hour. The Doctor in Business Administration is a research degree designed for students to seek positions as tenure-track faculty at the college or university level. Some of the program is delivered online while eight weekend residencies are required in each of the first 2 years. The program is 54 credit hours long and costs $1,025 per credit hour.

Creighton University is accredited by the Higher Learning commission.

36. APPALACHIAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Appalachian State University is a public institution founded in 1899. It is located in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina in Boone on 1,732 acres. Appalachian State University provides a Doctor of Educational Leadership program that seeks to train potential leaders for enhanced leadership roles in teaching, research, and administration. U.S. News and World Report ranks Appalachian State University at #9 among regional universities in the south and at #3 among top public schools in the country. Further, they are ranked at #66 for best online graduate education programs nationally and #112 for best education schools nationally.

The Doctor of Educational Leadership is meant to train leaders who are interested in creating positive change in the field of education. At the core of the program is learning to apply theory to practice in educational systems and to make those systems more equitable and sustainable. There is both face-to-face instruction along with synchronous and asynchronous online work. Courses have face-to-face meetings one night on alternative weeks in the evening and sometimes an occasional weekend class and on-campus visits. If a student has an EdS from Appalachian State, then 30 credit units will be waived from the program.

There are six concentration available including Educational Administration, General Studies, Higher Ed, Reading and Exceptionalities, and Expressive Arts. The program is 60 credit hours long but, if the student has the EdS from Appalachian State, the program will only be 30 credits long. The cost for the program is $260 per credit hour for North Carolina residence and $904 per credit hour for out of state students.

Appalachian State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The College of Education is accredited by the National council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

37. ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY
Abilene Christian University is a private institution affiliated with the Churches of Christ and was founded in 1906. The university is located in Abilene, Texas west of the Dallas/Fort Worth area on 208 acres. Abilene Christian University offers one doctoral program online as a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership. The program targets working individuals who want to gain expertise in organizational leadership in workplaces, schools, and communities. U.S. News and World Report ranks Abilene Christian University at #18 among regional universities in the west.

The Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership is organized around figure core competencies: personal development, resource development, collaboration and communication, organizational assessment, and organizational culture. There are three tracks in the program as well. These tracks include Higher Education, Conflict Resolution, and Learning with Emerging Technologies. Further, Abilene Christian University expects graduates of the program to create, interpret, and administer practices in management in organizational contexts. Further, the program also trains students in interpersonal skills in order to build communal relationships in professional contexts.

The program is 54 credit hours long and takes 3-5 years to complete. There are courses that include topics such as Leading Organizational Change, Human Resource Development, Technology and Financial Resource Development, Organizational Assessment, Quantitative Analysis, and others. Prerequisites to enter the program include a transcript in English, an eaned master’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, a graduate GOP of at least 3.0, personal statement of interest, academic writing sample, professional CV or resume, and two letters of recommendation. The program costs $700 per credit hour.

Abilene Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

38. ROWAN UNIVERSITY
Rowan University is a public institution that was founded in 1923. The university is located in Glassboro, New Jersey on 800 acres. Rowan University offers a number of different online doctoral programs in the area of education. The programs include a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership, a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership at the Community College Level, a Doctor of Education in Education Leadership at the Higher Education Level, a Doctor of Education in Education Leadership: Nurse Educator Track, and a Doctor of Education in Education Leadership: P-12 Track. The online programs at Rowan are targeted at busy professionals who wish to further their careers. U.S. News and World Report ranks Rowan University at #20 among regional universities in the north and #5 in top public schools. Further, they are ranked at #144 among top online graduate education programs in the nation.

The Doctor of Education in Education Leadership aims to train leaders in decision making, working collaboratively, initiating or responding to innovative change, and management and administrative abilities. The track in Community College Leadership focuses on training leaders in the community college sector. The program is 60 credit hours long and costs $860 per credit hour. The track in Higher Education is a blended program with the option of joining a cohort. These cohorts meet at facilities in Monroe Township, New Jersey or at Rowan University’s campus in Camden. In this hybrid format, 60% of the courses are online while 40% are face-to-face. Students will meet 3 times during a course in a face-to-face format in the hybrid program. In the online format, 100% of courses are online and there are three required residencies. The program is 60 credit hours long at $860 a credit hour.

The concentration in Nurse Education prepares nurses to educate other nurses. This program also gives the option of a hybrid option as described above. The same requirements for residency are also applicable for the Nursing program in terms of taking the mostly online route. The program is 60 credit hours long at $860 per credit hour. The P-12 Track also gives the option for a hybrid program or a fully online program with minimal residency. The program is 60 credit hours long as well and costs $860 per credit hour.

Rowan University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The Education program is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation.

39. INDIANA WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY
Indiana Wesleyan University is a private institution that was founded in 1920. The university is located in Marion, Indiana on 345 acres. The program offered at Indiana Wesleyan University is an online and blended format Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership. The program aims to train leaders who develop into what the university terms “servant leaders”. U.S. News and World Report ranks Indiana Wesleyan University at #27 among regional universities in the Midwest.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership is a cohort-based program in order to provide mutual support throughout the program. Each year, there are required residencies in July on-campus for all students, including the blended and online tracks. There are also three intensive sessions that take place during a Friday and Saturday. The program can be completed in as little as 40 months. If the student needs to take more than three years to complete the program, the student can petition the department chair to modify the program to meet their needs.

The curriculum covers issues surrounding Personal Authenticity, Organizational Learning, Organizational Theory and Research, Change, Globalization and Multiculturalism, Governance and Ethics, and Servant Leaders as World Changers. Courses include Critical Inquiry, Advanced Leadership Theory, Organization Theory and Design, Praxis, Organizational and Adult Learning, Global Perspectives on Leadership, Stewardship, Advanced Global Leadership, Research Methods and Analysis, among many others that cover topics within the scope of the discipline. The program is a total of 60 credit hours with the ability to transfer up to nine hours of post-master’s work into the program. The cost of the program is $823 per credit hour.

Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

40. SACRED HEART UNIVERSITY
Sacred Heart University is a private institution in the Roman Catholic tradition that was founded in 1963. It is located in Fairfield, Connecticut on 250 acres. Sacred Heart University offers a Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice online. The program is intended for practicing nursing to engage in study that will advance their practice-focused education and enable them to build on their master’s level expertise. U.S. News and World Report ranks Sacred Heart University at #44 among regional universities in the north. Further, it ranks the university at #81 for best online graduate nursing programs nationally.

The online Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice degree serves nurse practitioners, clinical nurse leaders, nurse anesthetists, nurse executives and educators, and other masters-prepared nurses. The program is ideal for nurses who wish to solve systems problems, focus on improving patient care, and improve health outcomes. The program can be completed on a part-time basis. Graduates are trained to lead research teams on improving healthcare, translate research into daily applicable practice regimes, implement the best evidence-based practices, and be ready as an educator of advanced nursing practices in an every-changing healthcare system.

Students take most of their coursework online while also taking face-to-face intensives during the course of the program. The course also requires a DNP scholarly project/practice change project. In the project, the student will be placed with an agency mentor on making a change to practice. Most of the third year of the program is spent on the dissertation while doing “practice hours” in an agency or healthcare setting collecting analyzing, evaluating, and disseminating data. The program is 39 credit hours long and costs $920 per credit hour.

Sacred Heart University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. The program is accredited by the Collegiate Nursing Education.

41. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
The University of Minnesota is a public institution that was founded in 1947. It is located in Duluth, Minnesota on 244 acres. The online doctoral degrees offered by The University of Minnesota are in the areas of Nursing and International Education. The Doctor of Nursing practice degree has a number of concentrations including Adult Health/Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist, Adult Health/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Innovation and Leadership, Integrative Health and Healing, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse-Midwifery, Nursing Informatics, Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Post-Master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practice, Public Health Nursing, and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. The Doctor of Education degree is an interdisciplinary doctorate in a hybrid format in International Education.

U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Minnesota at #47 among regional universities in the Midwest as well as at #8 among top public schools in the nation. Further, the university is ranked at #168 for best education schools in the nation. The Doctor of Nursing Practice degrees are either designated as “primarily online” or “partially online”, indicating that the programs are all hybrids to some degree. Those programs designated “primarily online” are a residency that consists of a 4-day session that lasts from Tues-Friday each semester with two additional on-campus visits per semester for 1-2 days. Further, students must also complete 1,000 clinical hours.

Programs that are designated “partially online” are three-year, full-time programs with residencies of four-day sessions from a Tuesday to Friday. Further, the student must be on campus 1-2 days every other week for coursework. Most of the Nursing programs are 77-82 credit hours long with the exception of the Nurse Anesthesia which is 102 credit hours and the professional degrees. Please see the university website for specifics for each degree. Most programs cost $973.75 for residents and $983.21 for non-residents per credit hour. Some programs vary slightly in price.

The International Education Doctorate is a cohort-based program for international educators. Students spend three weeks on site for three summers (from June through mid-July) and complete courses online during the fall and spring semesters. The program is 72 credit hours long and the program asks that students e-mail the heads of the program for tuition information.

The University of Minnesota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. The Nursing programs are accredited by the Commission on collegiate Nursing Education.

42. TROY UNIVERSITY
Troy University is a public institution which was founded in 1887. It is located in Troy, Alabama and is housed on 820 acres. The online programs at Troy University offer one Doctor of Philosophy program in Sport Management. The program attempts to train advanced researchers in the area of sport management in order to for them to successful in the sports industry and higher education. U.S. News and World Report ranks Troy University at #69 among regional universities in the south and at #23 among top public schools nationally.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Sport Management is an online program for students in the United States. Graduates of the program are prepared to demonstrate knowledge, not only in core areas, but in areas of specialization, conduct permanent research in the sport industry, be able to apply up to date research to current sport management cases, be able to organize and plan programs on a local, regional, national, and international level, and prepare research for presentation and publication. Students have a maximum of eight years to complete the program but a full-time student should complete coursework within an addition one to two years for the dissertation afterwards.

The program is 60 credit hours in length with a maximum of 16 credit hours being able to transfer in from another Sport management doctoral program. Troy University online graduate programs are $494 per credit hour not including fees for in-state students and $988 per credit hour plus various fees for out-of-state residents. Students in the program go on to work in higher education, research, professional or amateur athletics, and professional sport industry.

Troy University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The Sport Management programs at Troy University are accredited by the Commission on Sport Management Accreditation.

43. UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND
The University of New England is a private institution which was founded in 1831. The university is located in Biddeford, Maine on 540 acres. The institution provides an online Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree. U.S News and World Report ranks the University of New England at #80 among regional universities in the north and at #98 for best online graduate education programs nationally.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is a cohort program with three cohorts per year. The program is meant to take three years including dissertation and it is entirely online with no residency requirements. The dissertation is defended online as well. The goals of the program are to train leaders who are capable of fostering innovation and change. Further, the program seeks to provide a robust environment for networking and provide leaders with knowhow in the area of technology. The emphasis is on transformative leadership as a self-reflective exercise that leads to the betterment of organizations.

People who participate in the program are often individuals working in Education, Healthcare, Nonprofit Organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations, Private Organizations, and Public Agencies. The online program in Educational Leadership is meant to be taken by people already in a work environment and can support the student as a leader through formal study of their organization, participatory research processes, and collaborative decision making.

The Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership is a 51 credit-hour program consisting of six each during the first two years and then a course plus dissertation work in the third. The Doctor of Education in Education Leadership program costs $840 per credit hour plus a $75 technology fee every semester and a $50 general service fee every semester.

The University of New England is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

44. UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN
The University of Wisconsin is a public institution which was founded in 1965. It is located in Green Bay, Wisconsin on 700 acres. The University of Wisconsin online ecampus provides two doctorates, both in the area of Nursing. The first is a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing and the second is a Doctor of Nursing Practice. U.S. News and World Report ranks the University of Wisconsin at #86 among regional universities in the Midwest and at #21 among top public schools nationally.

The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing prepares doctoral students to be scholars in the field of nursing. Students strive to achieve advanced competence in theory, research, and phenomena associated with nursing. Students go on to have careers in education, research, practice, and in various leadership positions. The program is a cohort system that must be followed throughout. Online courses are offered every two years and must be taken in their proper sequence. The Doctor of Philosophy program is 53 credit hours in length.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is targeted at nurses with a master’s in nursing practice who wish to complete a terminal degree with a clinical focus. Students must hold a current nursing license to enter the program. The program is 28 credit hours long.

The graduate school cost per credit hour is different at the University of Wisconsin when compared to other universities. The cost for tuition is graduated, depending on how many units a student takes. For example, 1 credit hour costs a resident $1,237.28 while the cost for 2 credit hours is $1,902.56. Therefore, there is no real per credit hour cost. Each student inquiring into programs at the University of Wisconsin should either contact the school for exact tuition information or visit the bursar office website for more information.

The University of Wisconsin is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

45. SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY
Sam Houston State University is a public institution that was founded in 1879. It is located in Huntsville, Texas on 272 acres. Sam Houston State University provides an online Doctor of Education in Developmental Education Administration and an online Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology. U.S. News and World Report ranks Sam Houston State University’s online Graduate Education programs at #22 nationally and the university’s education school at #161 nationally.

The Doctor of Education in Developmental Education Administration is an interdisciplinary degree designed to help educators to develop and administer programs for unprepared students entering community college or university. Graduates are trained to apply administrative theory to instructional leadership; assign responsibilities and verify how well resources are allocated and used in instructional improvement; plan and administer the designed curriculum; interpret the relationship between federal, state, and local education agencies and laws; design research; and apply research and information to educational capabilities and leadership functions. The program is 60 credit hours long.

The Doctor of Education in Instructional Technology is an online degree that targets professionals who wish to lead in the integration of technology into the curriculum. Students in the program work in school districts, community colleges, universities, or businesses. The program is a cohort model, admitting students to a specific group of students who all take the same courses at the same time and in the same sequence. The degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours.

The graduate school cost per credit hour is different at Sam Houston State University when compared to other universities. The cost for tuition is graduated, depending on how many units a student takes. For example, 1 credit hour costs a resident $739.25 while the cost for 2 credit hours is $1104.50. Therefore, there is no real per credit hour cost. Each student inquiring into programs at the University of Wisconsin should either contact the school for exact tuition information or visit the bursar office website for more information.

Sam Houston State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

46. EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY
Easter Tennessee State University is a public institution that was founded in 1911. It is located in Johnson city, Tennessee on 366 acres. East Tennessee State University offers online doctoral programs in Education and Nursing. The school of Education offers a Doctor of Education in Administrative Endorsement, Postsecondary and Private Sector Leadership, School Leadership, and Global Sport Leadership. The school of Nursing offers four concentrations for their Doctor of Nursing Practice program: Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Executive Leadership in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric/Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. U.S. News and World Report ranks East Tennessee State at #61 among the best online graduate nursing programs in the nation, at #172 for best education schools in the nation, and at #81 for best Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in the nation.

Tuition for the online graduate programs at Easter Tennessee State University is $555 per credit hour for residents and $1,347 per credit hour for non-residents. The Doctor of Education programs in Administrative Endorsement, Postsecondary and Private Sector Leadership, and School Leadership are all 43-66 credit hours long. Coursework is determined for each student’s program based on the training and coursework the student brings into the program, intended area of work as a professional, success in coursework at the early stages of the program, and competence in various areas of study as assessed by the graduate committee in written and oral exams. The program in Global Sport Leadership does not have a dissertation and is meant to train students to excel as sports executives and dynamic academic faculty. The program is 60 credit hours long.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice programs aims to train nurse practitioners at the highest level as nurse leaders in the healthcare environment. During the program, students in the various concentrations participate in 40 practicum hours in interprofessional experience. If the student enters the program with a bachelor’s degree, then the length of the program can be up to 84 credit hours. If the student comes into the program with a master’s degree, then the length of the program can be up to 40 credit hours. Tuition for online graduate programs at Eastern Tennessee State University is $555 per credit hour for residents and $1,347 per credit hour for non-residents.

Eastern Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

47. GEORGIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Georgia Southern University is a public university that was founded in 1906. The school is located in Statesboro, Georgia on 900 acres. Georgia Southern University provides a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree online. U.S. News and World Report ranks the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at #113 nationally.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program is a professional degree designed for practicing nurses to expand their practical knowledge in the field nursing. The online Doctor of Nursing Practice trains graduates in the most advanced level of nursing care. The program trains students in the areas of direct care of individual patients, management of care for individuals and populations, administration of nursing systems, and development and implementation of health policy. The program is designed in eight semesters and keeps busy, full-time nurses in mind. The program also prepares graduate students to become nurse educators.

All students must attend a mandatory on-campus annual graduate intensive prior to each fall cycle of coursework. Further, students must attain a Resident Nurse license in the state of Georgia before attending the program. Some courses are asynchronous and those that are not meet utilizing Adobe Connect on Tuesdays. Once the clinical courses start, students have to come to campus on specific Tuesdays up to three times in a semester.

The Post-Master of Science in Nursing doctor of Nursing Practice degree is 43-46 credit hours long. 9-12 of the credit hours can be applied to a Cognate Elective such as the Nurse Educator Certificate. If the students wish to do a cognate study and acquire an additional certification, then the student must also apply to the program in which the certificate is to be earned and take all of the courses within that certificates program. The program costs $462 per credit hour.

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

48. INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY
Indiana State University is a public institution which was founded in 1865. It is located in Terre Haute, Indiana on 435 acres. Indiana State University offers online programs including a Doctor of Nursing Practice, Doctorate of Athletic Training, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration: Higher Education Leadership, Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Administration: School Administration, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Technology Management. U.S. News and World Report ranks Indiana State University at #81 for best online graduate nursing programs nationally, #113 for best online graduate programs in education nationally, at #156 among education schools in the nation, and at #107 among Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in the nation.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice degree is a professional degree meant for working nurses to gain further expertise in their field. The program is 39 credit hours long with no dissertation requirement and requires 1,000 hours of supervised clinical preceptorship. The Doctorate in Athletic Training is a one of a kind program that seeks to advance the skills and knowledge of credentialed athletic trainers. The doctorate is 57 credit hours long in a cohort format. Face-to-face on-campus requirements total about 12-15 days annually with 4-5 days at the end of each semester.

The Ph.D. in Educational Administration: Higher Education Leadership seeks to train graduate students to excel in education administration in higher education. The program is 63 credit hours long post master’s degree. Students must attend a three-week residency during the summer. The Ph.D. in Educational Administration: School Administration seeks to train graduate students to excel in education administration at the K-12 level. The program is a minimum of 30 credit hours long after the master’s degree. The program is mostly online but there are four face-to-face mandatory sessions in the student’s regional area. The Ph.D. in Technology Management is meant for students who wish to become leaders in the public and private sectors of society. The program is 66 credit hours long. Each program costs $396 per credit hour.

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

49. WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY
Wayne State University is a public university which was founded in 1868. The university is located in Detroit, Michigan on 195 acres. Wayne State University offers an online Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy. The program is designed for licensed physical therapists from either the United States or Canada. U.S. News and World Report ranks Wayne State University at #101 for best physical therapy programs in the nation.

The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy is a part-time program that combines online distance learning with intensive weekend formats. There is also flexibility in the coursework as students can pick electives and map out specialties in their program. Students can reside in either the United States or Canada and still pay in-state tuition. The program is designed for licensed therapists who have completed an accredited physical therapy program. The curriculum is meant to build on the acquired skills of the graduate student since they are already practicing physical therapists. The program trains students in the areas of differential diagnosis, physical assessment, diagnostic imaging, and scientific inquiry.

The Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy degree requires a minimum of 24 credit hours in eight core courses for those who have already obtained a Master of Physical Therapy degree. Students who do not possess a Master of Physical Therapy degree will be reviewed by the faculty for educational and professional qualifications, and an individual plan will be designed to meet the necessary requirements for the program. Students who come into the program with only a bachelor’s degree must complete a minimum of 30 credit hours. Tuition for the program is $698.51 per credit hour plus fees.

Wayne State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

50. VALDOSTA STATE UNIVERSITY
Valdosta State University is a public university founded in 1906. The university is located in Valdosta, Georgia and rests on 180 acres. Valdosta State University provides a Doctor of Education in Adult and Career Education and in Curriculum and Instruction. U.S. News and World Report ranks Valdosta State University at #123 for best online graduate education programs nationally.

The Doctor of Education in Adult and Career Education provides a means for those working in the field of adult education to gain new expertise and tools to further their careers. The program trains graduates for working with adult learners in career education fields both in the secondary and post-secondary field as well as private workforce education and government agency context. The majority of the courses are 100% online but some courses are offered in a hybrid format. The program is 45 credit hours long and 9 credit hours for dissertation work. Up to six graduate hours that have not been applied to another graduate degree may be transferred into the program.

The Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction has two emphases: Curriculum and Instruction P-12 and Learning and Development. The P-12 concentration is targeted at working professionals who work in a variety of instructional fields. The goal is to take theoretical foundations and become adept at transferring theory into useful curricular and instructional application. The program is a hybrid, with 10 courses being offered fully online and 5 courses which have four Friday nights and Saturdays per semester on-campus. The program is 55 credit hours long. The Learning and Development Concentration is targeted at those who wish to work in corporate or higher education environments. The program is delivered completely online with no on-campus requirements. The program is 55 credit hours long. Tuition for graduate online courses is $293 per credit hour.

Valdosta State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.