15 Easiest Online Ph.D. and Doctorate Degrees

Data Points:

• In 2022, 203,850 (5%) of all graduates in the US earned doctorates* or professional degrees. About 880,250 or 21.4% earned master’s degrees.
• In 2022, majority of doctorate holders (43%) majored** in healthcare. 17.9% were Law and Legal Studies majors. About 7.3% were Education majors.
• About 27% of doctoral students identify as first-generation***.

While graduate school has its fair share of challenges, some of the easiest online Ph.D. and doctorates feature easy fields of study that make the educational journey more enjoyable.

However, interested individuals – you, for example – will also find a field of study easy if and when you have a keen interest in and an abiding passion for it.

Quick audio summary:

Easiest Online Ph.D. and Doctorate Degrees

Ph.D. in Homeland Security

Candidates in Ph.D. in Homeland Security programs focus on the identification, prevention, and mitigation of domestic terrorism. Their studies also include the theory and practices related to homeland security, such as policy creation and leadership opportunities

Their advanced skill sets upon graduation include: 

• Conduct rigorous research in homeland security
• Find appropriate applications of their research in real-world settings
• Keen understanding of national and international dynamics
• Interdisciplinary approach toward homeland security issues

The extensive curriculum provides in-depth insights with courses in: 

• Emergency management
• Terrorism strategy 
• Counterterrorism and intelligence
• Issues in critical infrastructure security

Candidates must engage in activities that develop their soft skills, too, such as:  

• Formulate solutions to homeland security issues
• Evaluate the relationships between their causes and effects
• Defend their stand on these issues 

Candidates develop soft skills that are vital in real-world situations where lives are at stake, including: 

• Critical thinking
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving 

Homeland security-related jobs usually demand top-level security clearance. Candidates must then be careful about maintaining a spotless legal record. 

Graduates find rewarding, if challenging, work in academia, think tanks, or the Department of Homeland Security, among others. Popular job titles include: 

• Secret Service agents
• Federal air marshals 
• Information security agents, analysts, and specialists 
• Emergency management directors

Median Pay: $120,360 per year

Job Outlook: 33%

Best Schools: Colorado Technical University, National University, and Liberty University 

Ph.D. in Theology/Theological Studies 

The Ph.D. in Theology or Theological Studies and Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) are advanced research degrees. Candidates receive in-depth training in the Christian ministry, including spiritual and professional formation. In a diverse world, there’s a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity.

Candidates must have these skills and traits to thrive: 

• Advanced English language writing and speaking skills
• Leadership skills
• Robust Christian faith and values

Candidates can choose from concentrations, if offered, which provide more depth and breadth to their knowledge. 

• Old Testament Studies
• New Testament Studies
• Theology and Culture

Other popular names for these degrees are Ph.D. in Religion or Ph.D. in Theology and Apologetics. Regardless of their names, however, these degree programs share many similarities. 

• The curriculum consists of didactic coursework, research, and internships in faith-based organizations. 
• The candidates must strengthen their faith,  pedagogical knowledge, and skills in preparation for successful careers. 
• The Bible is at the heart of their studies. Candidates, however, also read learning materials that enable them to see the diversity of Christian experiences. 

Admission is fairly easy. Applicants must have a master’s degree in a related field, such as religious studies, theology, or ancient history. Non-Christian applicants may be considered in some programs. 

Job opportunities include: 

• Post-secondary theology teachers
• Ministers and pastors
• Religious education directors  

Median Pay: $90,160 per year 

Job Outlook: 2% 

Best Schools: Regent University and Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary

Ph.D./Doctor of Education in Curriculum Development and Instruction

The Ph.D. and Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees are terminal degrees for education professionals with career advancement aspirations. Their advanced skill sets and extensive work experience make them qualified for leadership positions, including: 

• School administrators
• Academic deans
• Dean of Students
• Principals
• Instructional designers
• Department chairs 

Core courses include: 

• Curriculum theory and design
• Quantitative and qualitative methods in education research
• Instructional design
• Technology integration 

Candidates gain an in-depth understanding of the theories and practices of curriculum development. These include their social, moral, and intellectual implications. Candidates also learn to develop, implement, evaluate, and change curricula based on the changing needs in education. 

The dissertation is the ultimate graduate requirement. Candidates must then develop dissertation-related research skills, including: 

• Multivariate data analysis
• Statistical inference
• Interview and case studies
• Document analysis
• Ethnography
• Data collection
• Analysis
• Presentation techniques

The best education leaders also possess transferable skills, including: 

• Patience, perseverance, and empathy 
• Effective communication and critical thinking skills
• Charisma 

Candidates must be voracious readers because of the voluminous reading materials. 

Median Pay: $109,500 per year

Job Outlook: 2% 

Best Schools: Texas Tech University, Texas A&M University, and Georgia Southern University 

Ph.D. in Finance/Doctor of Business Administration in Finance

Candidates must have a comprehensive understanding of advanced mathematics and economics. This makes the PhD and DBA in Finance degrees not so easy. 

But if you love solving math-based problems with real-world applications, these are excellent options.  We included these degrees because there are no advanced science courses in their curricula. 

The similarities between a Ph.D. in Finance degree and a DBA in Finance degree are as follows: 

• Full-time candidates can earn the degree in 4-5 years. 
• Common courses include qualitative and quantitative research methods, corporate finance, microeconomic theory, statistics, and international finance. 

However, the Ph.D. in Finance degree has a more theoretical approach with an emphasis on research. Candidates produce research that adds to the body of business knowledge and learning pedagogy. There’s a greater emphasis on the analytical perspective instead of the operational viewpoint, too. 

Aspiring university professors, academicians, and researchers are well-advised to earn a PhD in Finance degree. 

The DBA in Finance degree has a more hands-on practical perspective on finance and business. The emphasis is on vocational training for effective applications in real-world settings. Graduates are then qualified for leadership positions in the corporate world. 

In both degrees, graduates can pursue careers as: 

• College professors
• Monetary policy experts
• Researchers at think tanks

Median Pay: $84,380 per year

Job Outlook: 8%  

Best Schools: University of Georgia, Liberty University, and National University 

Ph.D. in Accounting

Accounting professionals pursue a Ph.D. in Accounting degree to increase their opportunities for career advancement and earning potential.

Accountants with a doctorate are qualified for leadership positions in corporate management, finance, and academia. The doctorate degree is also suitable for career changers. 

In general, it can take at least four years to earn the degree. The cost of attendance varies, but it can be as high as $18,000 per year in prestigious universities. 

Financial aid is available to offset the cost, including: 

• Scholarships
• Employer waivers
• Graduate assistantships 

Ph.D. in Accounting programs don’t have advanced math and science courses. Their programs of study are then more manageable than, say, aeronautics and engineering.

Candidates in these programs also prepare for licensure as: 

• Certified fraud examiners
• Public accountants
• Management accountants 

But this isn’t to say that a Ph.D. in Accounting degree is easy-peasy either! Applicants must meet admission requirements, including: 

• A master’s degree in accounting, finance, or other related fields
• At least 3-5 years of relevant accounting work experience 
• Satisfactory GRE/GMAT scores 
• Personal statements or essays with prompts
• Letters of recommendation 

Once accepted, candidates must be keen on conducting independent and original research highlighted in an approved dissertation. Courses include: 

• Advanced Statistics
• Accounting theory and research
• Corporate governance
• Microeconomic theory 

Many programs offer concentrations that allow students to become specialists, such as: 

• Forensic Accounting 
• Public Accounting
• Audit Accounting
• Managerial Accounting
• Accounting Information Systems

Job opportunities for graduates include: 

• Chartered financial analysts
• Certified management accountants
• Certified fraud examiners

Median Pay: $134,180 per year

Job Outlook: 17% 

Best Schools: Capella University, Florida Atlantic University, and Walden University 

Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship/Doctor of Business Administration with Entrepreneurship Concentration

Candidates in doctorate in entrepreneurship degree programs are risk-takers whose willingness to find innovative solutions improves business performance.

Their program of study covers topics such as:

• Finding and exploiting business opportunities
• Developing and controlling business plans
• Leading businesses 

Intellectual property, market research and strategies, and networking are also emphasized due to their impact on business success. 

The Ph.D. program is the best preparation for students interested in careers as: 

• Management analysts
• Researchers
• Policymakers
• University professors 
• Think tank researchers  

The curriculum emphasizes rigorous research that contributes to existing knowledge and advances entrepreneurship as a discipline. Their research and academic contributions make entrepreneurship an attractive option for many people. 

The DBA with Entrepreneurship concentration degree is a practitioner-based degree. Candidates prepare for careers in business including: 

• Practicing entrepreneurs
• Venture analysts
• Business consultants 

These are demanding programs despite the absence of advanced math and science courses. You must be intellectually curious, possess excellent communication skills, and a strong work ethic. The rigorous academic training will also challenge your intellect and determination. 

Ph.D. students work with faculty advisors to produce publication-worthy dissertations. DBA students usually have capstone projects instead of dissertations.

Median Pay: $99,410 per year

Job Outlook: 11%

Best Schools: Walden University and Regent University. 

Ph.D./Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and Management

Many education leaders have either a Ph.D. or an EdD in Educational Leadership and Management because of its rigorous training! Their leadership positions include: 

• Presidents of universities
• Provosts
• Academic deans
• K-12 principals
• School superintendents
• School administrators 

The core courses include: 

• Leadership theory and practices
• University and community relations
• Curriculum design and management 
• Learning technologies and innovation
• International Education 

Ph.D. candidates are more adept at research and scholarly activities with a publication-worthy dissertation being their culminating requirement. EdD students have more practitioner-based training with a capstone project as their culminating requirement. Theirs is a training best suited for addressing real-world issues in classrooms, faculty rooms, and boardrooms. 

Candidates in both PhD and EdD programs spend 3-4 years to earn their degrees. 

Median Pay: $103,460 per year

Job Outlook: 8% 

Best Schools: Drexel University, Trident University, and Indiana State University 

Ph.D./Doctor of Education in Human Services

Human services professionals are dedicated to providing useful and meaningful assistance to individuals in crises. Homeless people and other people in need are examples. 

Their assistance enables their clients to become self-sufficient individuals in the long term. Common services include skills training and referrals to community services and resources. Indeed, theirs is a job with a positive and profound impact on individuals and society. 

Students in Ph.D. and EdD in Human Services programs work or are qualified to work in: 

• Housing and employment agencies
• Public safety and emergency relief organizations
• Educational institutions
• Non-profit organizations 

The Ph.D. in Human Services programs have a more research-focused curriculum culminating in a dissertation. The EdD in Human Resources programs have a practice-based approach. Both, however, emphasize effective leadership in contemporary human services. 

Core courses include: 

• Foundations of Educational Leadership
• Research Methods in Education
• Strategic Planning and Decision-Making
• Organizational Theory and Change Management
• Education Policy and Governance

Advanced math and science courses are absent from the curriculum. However, candidates have plenty of learning materials to read, summarize, and present.

Concentrations are offered in many programs, including: 

• Gerontology 
• Family studies and intervention
• Crisis and intervention
• Mental health services

Job opportunities include: 

• CEO and directors of non-profit organizations
• Post-secondary teachers
• Social and community service managers

Median Pay: $107,680 per year

Job Outlook: 8%

Best Schools: Nova Southeastern University, University of Arizona, and Houston Baptist University 

Ph.D. in Criminal Justice

The beauty of a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice degree lies in its expansive career options. Graduates have the credentials for both theory-based and practice-based occupations. Candidates learn the ropes of the criminal justice system and become adept at addressing its current issues.  

Many programs offer concentrations, such as: 

• Juvenile justice
• Criminal justice policy
• Homeland security

Online programs also make it easier for working professionals to balance their personal and professional commitments through asynchronous technologies. 

These programs adopt a multidisciplinary approach since criminal justice has several disciplines from which it draws its body of knowledge. The typical curriculum includes: 

• Public policy
• Organizational leadership
• Policy creation and analysis in criminal justice
• Homeland security policy
• Emergency management 

Again, there is no rocket science-level math and science coursework.  Candidates must have effective reading skills and set aside time for reading voluminous learning materials. Critical thinking and communication skills are a must, too. 

Most programs consist of 50-75 credits for completion. The typical curriculum includes didactic courses, capstone projects, and dissertations. Full-time candidates can earn the degree in five years. 

Job opportunities include: 

• Post-secondary teachers
• Police chiefs
• Homeland security administrators
• Information security analysts  

Median Pay: $120,360 per year

Job Outlook: 33%

Best Schools: Saint Leo University, California University of Pennsylvania, and Nova Southeastern University

Ph.D. in Public Policy

Candidates in Ph.D. in Public Policy programs must have strong critical thinking, analytical thinking, and communication skills. The social science-centric doctorate enables students to create positive social change through effective, responsive, inclusive political action.

Public policy professionals are in the best position to: 

• Shape and influence regulatory policy
• Train policy advocates
• Research the impact of public policies 

Ph.D. in Public Policy degree holders are qualified for leadership positions in: 

• Academia
• Research organizations
• Public policy and administration organizations 

Candidates prepare for successful careers in research and teaching positions. But with extensive work experience, you can also establish a practice-based career.  

Core courses are in: 

• Globalization and development
• Social policy
• Environmental policy
• Health policy 

Concentrations offered include: 

• Politics and institutions
• Economics
• Science, technology, and policy studies 

Job opportunities for graduates include:

• Political scientists
• University professors
• Policy analysts 

Median Pay: $132,350 per year

Job Outlook: 3%

Best Schools: University of Maryland, Old Dominion University, and Tennessee State University 

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology/Psychological Studies

Did you know that there are 69 APA-accredited programs that offer doctorate degrees in counseling psychology or psychological studies?  Many of these programs offer a research-centric Ph.D. degree. Others offer the Professional Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD) degree that emphasizes clinical practice using applied psychology. 

Graduates of both types are eligible to apply for licenses as: 

• Psychologists
• Clinical supervisors
• Rehabilitation counselors
• Marriage and family therapists 

Aspiring and current counseling researchers, counseling educators, and clinical supervisors benefit from earning a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology degree.  

Candidates must complete a dissertation, an independent research that develops specialist knowledge.  A faculty advisor serves as a guide in its completion, but the candidate performs all the work.  

Many programs require their candidates to become interns in clinical settings or other field experiences, too. 

Median Pay: $92,740 per year

Job Outlook: 7% 

Best Schools: Adams State University, Hampton University, and Texas A&M University 

Ph.D./Doctor in Public Health

Community health workers, public health administrators, and public health advocates will benefit from the advanced Ph.D. and Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) degree programs! Candidates perform graduate-level scientific research while promoting public health. 

Graduates find rewarding opportunities as: 

• Medical and health services managers
• Epidemiologists
• Public health professors
• Biostatisticians
• Medical scientists 

These professionals have a profound influence on creating and changing the state of public health. 

Ph.D. and DrPH degree programs have a time to completion between three and seven years. 

The PhD degree emphasizes qualitative and quantitative research. The DrPH degree focuses on practical solutions (i.e., for practitioners). DrPH professionals perform these roles: 

• Promote public health awareness in schools, organizations, and communities 
• Develop, implement, and evaluate public health practices 

Core courses in both degrees include: 

• Epidemiology
• Preventive medicine
• Biostatistics
• Health policy topics

PhD candidates complete a dissertation. DrPH candidates complete a capstone project. 

Median Pay: $110,680 per year

Job Outlook: 29%

Best Schools: Johns Hopkins University, Walden University, and Pennsylvania State University

Ph.D. in Public Administration

Most students in Ph.D. in Public Administration programs are already involved in public administration work in government agencies and non-profit organizations.

However, their desire for leadership positions and other career advancement purposes motivate them to pursue a graduate degree. The desire to influence laws, policies, and practices in public administration through impactful research is also a common reason. 

There’s a widely held view that it’s an easier degree because of the absence of advanced STEM courses. This is true, but it also has its academic challenges. The core coursework covers the following topics in: 

• Financial management and budgeting in the government sector
• Strategic planning and management
• Stakeholder relations
• Ethics and social justice
• Performance management and evaluation
• Networked governance 
• Quantitative and qualitative research methods 

Candidates complete a dissertation that explores a specific issue and offers solutions based on the evidence gathered. 

Many programs offer candidates concentrations in: 

• Public management
• Ethical leadership
• Analytics
• Non-profit management

The beauty of a Ph.D. in Public Administration degree is the abundance of career opportunities, including: 

• Operations research analysts
• Government affairs directors
• Policy analysts 

Median Pay: $83,640 per year

Job Outlook: 23%

Best Schools: Liberty University, University of Illinois Springfield, and Valdosta State University 

Ph.D./Doctor of Education in Adult and Lifelong Education

Candidates in these programs prepare for leadership positions in organizations that provide adult literacy programs, such as: 

• Community and nonprofit entities
• Government agencies
• Colleges and universities

Their life-changing services include: 

• Post-secondary education
• Military education
• Continuing professional education 

The coursework varies between Ph.D. and EdD programs. The Ph.D. programs are more research-focused, while the EdD programs focus more on practitioner training. However, these programs share core courses including: 

• Strategic planning and program evaluation
• Program planning
• Policy studies
• Supervision and professional development
• Teaching and learning

Ph.D. candidates tackle courses in qualitative and quantitative research methods for their dissertations. 

Students learn various skills, too, including: 

• Assessment of the educational needs of adult and lifelong learners in different types of environments 
• Design, implementation, and evaluation of instructional programs for adult learners 
• Perform leadership and management functions in programs related to adult and lifelong learning 
• Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills in research projects 

Professionals with an EdD in Adult and Lifelong Education degree are passionate about these aspects, too! Adult education also plays a crucial role in our society’s advancement because it allows adults to gain new knowledge, skills, and values.

Job opportunities include: 

• Adult educators
• Community-based education and development workers
• Post-secondary professors 

Median Pay: $84,380 per year

Job Outlook: 8%

Best Schools: Kansas State University, Michigan State University, and Ball State University 

Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics

The Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics degree enables candidates to conduct high-level research into the structure and rules of languages. Candidates usually must be proficient in one or more foreign languages. The program of study includes didactic courses, seminars, and dissertations.

Graduates find rewarding jobs as: 

• Interpreters/translators
• ESL college professors
• International community development workers 

The foreign language requirement can be satisfied by: 

• For candidates whose first language isn’t English, proficiency in the language satisfies it.
• For native English speakers, a demonstration of foreign language competency is typically required. 

Linguistics is considered a scientific subject. But don’t worry; there are no rocket science-level math and science subjects. Instead, candidates must: 

• Ask critical questions about current issues
• Test hypotheses about the studied languages
• Study the role of language in various settings
• Examine the structural parts of languages, including grammar, semantics, and phonetics

Concentrations may be available, including: 

• Second language acquisition
• Linguistics theory
• Historical linguistics
• Language variation
• Sociolinguistics

Candidates enroll in major and elective courses according to their chosen concentration. Their culminating requirement is an approved individual dissertation. 

Median Pay: $99,130 per year

Job Outlook: 5%

Best Schools: University of Memphis and University of Mississippi

Frequently asked questions

Closing

Key takeaways

If you enjoy studying a subject, even when others find it challenging, it’s a pleasure and a privilege! It’s also a point of pride among the small percentage of adults who earn doctorate degrees! The prestige, opportunity for career advancement, and respect from others make the seemingly endless studying worth every minute, too.

For graduates of online Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and doctorate programs, the terminal degree is the pinnacle of their academic career! The financial benefits that come with it, particularly the higher median weekly pay ($1,743) and low unemployment rate (1.5%), are the cherry on top. Indeed, education pays, with studies showing that the more you learn, the higher your earnings and the more secure your job can be!

Furthermore, individuals with doctorate degrees are more likely to contribute more to society’s progress, from paying more taxes to more engagement in civic activities. Their effective access to health, housing, and education services also benefit their families, particularly quality of life and educational opportunities. 

Emphasis must be made on the differences between a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and a professional doctorate (e.g., EdD), and these differences will influence your decision. The Ph.D. degree is known as the “research degree” because of its emphasis on the dissertation’s independent and original research that students complete with the guidance of their faculty advisor.

Graduates of Ph.D. programs usually find employment as professors and researchers in universities, corporations, and think tanks. Professional doctorate degrees are “applied degrees” because their holders apply their knowledge and skills in real-world situations, although participation in research projects is also common.

Like the Ph.D. programs, professional doctorate programs also require student-led research but with another culminating requirement (e.g., a special project or portfolio). 

While every individual with a bachelor’s or master’s degree can pursue a doctorate, not everybody will thrive and benefit from it! You must have an enthusiastic interest in the promotion of advanced knowledge in whatever specific field of study you’re interested in studying.

You must also be willing and able to perform graduate-level academic research to contribute new ideas and findings to the existing body of knowledge.

Your time management skills, overall health, and financial health will also be tested in these easy doctorate degrees, and thus, you must plan and be ready for these challenges. In doing so, your journey toward earning a doctorate becomes easier!

Additional Resources: 

• Most Popular Doctorate Degree Programs
• Fastest Online Ph.D. and Doctorate Degrees
• Can I obtain a Doctorate online?