A Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, is a type of terminal research degree. That is, it's the highest degree you can earn in a specific field.
PhDs are primarily research degrees, and PhDs are available in nearly any subject.
Top Universities Offering PhD Programs
There are over 700 colleges and universities in the United States that offer doctoral degrees, and a large percentage of those offer PhDs specifically.
Below, we've selected some of the top universities in the country that offer a range of PhD programs.
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University (ASU) is a public research university in Tempe, a city near Phoenix. It offers over 100 PhD programs.
These programs are offered through the various schools at ASU. These include:
- College of Global Futures
- College of Health Solutions
- Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts
- Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering
- WP Carey School of Business
Other doctoral degrees are available from ASU as well including:
- Doctor of Audiology
- Doctor of Behavioral Health
- Doctor of Education
- Doctor of Musical Arts
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
2. Capitol Technology University
Capitol Technology University is a private university located in Maryland in the suburbs of Washington, D.C.
It offers over 30 PhD programs, mainly in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. These include PhDs in:
- aeronautical science
- engineering management
- machine learning
- space operations
- sustainability
Many of Capitol Tech's PhD programs are available online. Students can also earn Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Science degrees.
3. National University
National University is a private university geared toward adult learners. It has physical campuses in California and Nevada and a large offering of online programs for students all over the country.
Students can choose from around a dozen PhD programs at National University, many of which can be done fully online. Available PhD programs include:
- computer science
- educational leadership
- human resource management
- marriage and family therapy
- psychology
The university also offers Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Health Administration, and Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy degrees.
4. Purdue Global
Purdue Global is a public research university in West Lafayette, IN. It offers over 80 PhD programs in a variety of subjects.
Students can earn their PhDs through multiple schools at Purdue including:
- College of Agriculture
- College of Education
- College of Health and Human Sciences
- Purdue Polytechnic Institute
- College of Science
A small number of these PhD programs are available online. Students can also earn Doctor of Audiology and Doctor of Technology degrees through Purdue.
5. Stanford University
Stanford University is a private research university in Stanford, California, between San Francisco and San Jose.
The university offers dozens of PhD programs in a variety of subjects. PhDs are earned through Stanford's various schools:
- Graduate School of Business
- Graduate School of Education
- School of Engineering
- School of Humanities and Sciences
- School of Medicine
Some of these PhD programs are available online. Stanford also offers a handful of other doctoral degrees, including Doctor of Medicine and Juris Doctor degrees.
6. Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a public research university in College Station, a city in eastern Texas. It offers over 80 PhD programs.
These programs are offered through Texas A&M's various schools including:
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Engineering
- School of Architecture
- School of Education and Human Development
Multiple other degrees are available from Texas A&M as well, including Doctor of Dental Science, Doctor of Education, Doctor of Pharmacy, and Juris Doctor degrees.
7. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California in Berkeley is a public university north of Oakland on the east side of the San Francisco Bay.
UC Berkeley offers over 80 PhD programs in a huge variety of disciplines. These programs include:
- anthropology
- bioengineering
- ethnic studies
- psychology
- romance languages and literature
In some programs, students who complete their PhD may also be awarded a master's degree if they fulfill the appropriate requirements.
8. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, just west of Detroit. It also includes campuses in the Michigan cities of Dearborn and Flint.
Through its Rackham Graduate School, the university offers more than 75 PhD programs. This includes PhDs in subjects like:
- art and design
- business
- engineering
- medicine
- music
Nearly all degrees are offered through the Ann Arbor campus, although a handful of engineering and computer science PhDs are available through the Dearborn campus.
FAQs About Universities Offering PhD Programs
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about PhD programs.
Can I Earn a PhD Online?
Many universities, including those listed above, allow you to earn your PhD completely or mostly online.
How Much Does It Cost to Earn a PhD?
The price of a PhD program can vary greatly depending on the program you choose.
Some PhD programs are fully-funded, meaning you receive tuition reimbursement as well as a stipend to cover living expenses. In a way, you're being paid to earn your PhD.
How Long Are PhD Programs?
PhD programs often range in length from three to seven years. The total time will depend on your program.
Some programs also grant you credits if you have a master's degree in your field, allowing you to finish your PhD program in less time.
Find a PhD Program Today
There are so many universities that grant PhDs, it's impossible to name them all. Check out the ones above to get started on your PhD today.
