According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, most people that earn a PhD make $500 more per week than the average bachelors degree holder. A Doctorate (PhD) is the highest academic degree one can attain. Doctoral studies require not only scholarly research, but also the writing and publishing of authoritative papers about one’s specialty. The writing of the dissertation, which combines all of one’s scholastic research and studies into a comprehensive paper, culminates most accredited online degree programs at the doctoral level. The dissertation is a scholarly paper elaborating on a thesis and provides support, arguments and ideas related to a specific field of study.

Doctoral candidates are extremely dedicated individuals who often aspire to teach at the collegiate level. Upon graduation, they are hailed as experts in their discipline. Most accredited online PhD programs are 4-6 years, depending on whether the individual has already obtained a masters degree. (eCollegeFinder features some of the best online masters programs.) Most programs combine coursework, independent studies and research.

A plethora of top online schools and universities offer accessible, affordable PhD degrees which are the same as those granted by colleges with physical campuses. Coursework is taken entirely online using the latest distance learning technologies. Pursuing your PhD is challenging enough- doing so through accredited online PhD programs allows you to focus less on logistics and more on the research. Most PhDs enter academia, work in the private sector or take positions with non-profits or government agencies.

View the Accredited Online PhD programs listed below or find an accredited school that best meets your needs through our easy 4-step-search process located above.