25 Free PhD Programs Online for 2023

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Free online Ph.D. programs are becoming a reality because of the internet, as it provides comprehensive and effective resources through eBooks, video lectures, and so on. These free PhD programs online have changed the face of higher education and have markedly increased the opportunities to pursue advanced degrees.

Getting your Ph.D. online is an exciting process, but it can also be very intimidating. But believe us when we tell you that it’s not as hard as you may think, and applying to a paid Ph.D. program doesn’t necessarily mean you’re getting a higher quality education than a free option.

This is why, in this article, we share with you 25 amazing free Ph.D. programs online; so, you can apply and advance your professional knowledge and qualification.

Table of Contents

Overview

The U.S. and Canada are homes to some of the world’s most prestigious universities, and earning a Ph.D. from one of them can be a dream come true for many students. Unfortunately, tuition can be prohibitively expensive for many people who want to pursue higher education. That’s why we’ve compiled this list.

You can get a Ph.D. in every subject from anthropology to computer science. The only thing you’ll have to pay for is your textbooks, accommodation, and feeding, which will typically cost some money.

If you’re thinking about enrolling in one of these free Ph.D. programs online, here’s what you need to know:

  1. All of these programs are accredited.
  2. Each program has different requirements and prerequisites; so make sure you read through each school’s website thoroughly before making your selection.
  3. These are all professional Ph.D. programs in specialized disciplines.

Benefits of Getting a Ph.D.

If you’ve been doubting whether or not you need a Ph.D. degree, here are some why you may need to consider getting one:

1. It Prepares You for a Rewarding Career

A Ph.D. degree prepares you for a fulfilling career and here’s why: these programs tend to become research-intensive and it gives you the much-needed option to specialize in a particular area in your discipline, rather than be a generalist.

Ph.D. degree holders are generally preferred over bachelor degree holders in jobs that are highly specialized.

2. More Opportunities for Advancement

The more specialized your expertise, the better you’ll be able to advance within your field. A Ph.D. can help you stand out from other candidates by proving that you have a highly developed understanding of your topic area and body of knowledge—that means more opportunities for advancement and leadership roles within organizations that value that kind of expertise.

3. Higher Salary

One of the biggest reasons people choose to get a Ph.D. is so they can earn more money.

Ph.D. holders earn, on average, $50,000 more per year than people with a master’s degree and around $80,000 more per year than people who only have an undergraduate degree. However, this statistic is highly subjective to several factors, including the industry, job position and specification, and employer.

The List of 25 Free Ph.D. Programs Online

Are you looking for a way to further your education and earn a Ph.D. without breaking the bank?

Find out the options you have for free Ph.D. programs online that are available in 2023:

  • The Ph.D. in Anthropology at the University of Chicago
  • The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard
  • The Ph.D. in Business at MIT
  • The Ph.D. in Business at Rice University
  • The Ph.D. in Business at the University of Iowa
  • The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University
  • The Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University
  • The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University
  • The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Brown University
  • The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Georgetown University
  • The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Washington University-St. Louis
  • The Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • The Ph.D. in Economics at Emory University
  • The Ph.D. in Education at New York University
  • The Ph.D. in Education at Stanford University
  • The Ph.D. in Engineering at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
  • The Ph.D. in English at Boston University
  • The Ph.D. in English at the University of California, Los Angeles
  • The Ph.D. in English at the University of Notre Dame
  • The Ph.D. in International Relations at American University
  • The Ph.D. in Linguistics at McGill University
  • The Ph.D. in Management at Birmingham University-SUNY
  • The Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering at Duke University
  • The Ph.D. in Mathematics at Princeton University
  • The Ph.D. in Nursing at Duke University.

25 Free Ph.D. Programs Online

A Ph.D. can open up a world of opportunities and provide numerous benefits, including increased expertise in your field, higher earning potential, and the ability to make a greater impact.

These 25 fully funded online Ph.D. programs for 2023 offer the opportunity to advance your education and career goals without the burden of financial stress provide you remain in good academic standing throughout your study (as stipulated):

1. The Ph.D. in Anthropology at the University of Chicago

An advanced degree in anthropology aims to teach students about the interaction of man and his societal values and culture.

This program will give you a peek into the theories of socio-linguistics as well as courses dedicated to teaching you ethnography and archaeology, with an emphasis on carrying out strong academic research work.

In addition, this program is offered by one of the most reputable universities in the U.S., and it is one of the biggest opportunities for anyone looking to make greater career strides in Culture Theory.

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2. The Ph.D. in Biological Sciences in Public Health at Harvard

This unique program combines the study of biology with a focus on public health. Students will learn about the biological basis of diseases and how to prevent and control them on a population level. The program is highly interdisciplinary, with coursework and research opportunities in a variety of related fields.

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3. The Ph.D. in Business at MIT

This is another top-ranked Ph.D. program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program emphasizes the development of analytical skills and the ability to solve complex business problems, and students have the opportunity to work with faculty on cutting-edge research projects.

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4. The Ph.D. in Business at Rice University

This prestigious program attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research, and students have the opportunity to work with leading scholars in their field.

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5. The Ph.D. in Business at the University of Iowa

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in the business industry, like managerial and leadership positions. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of business-related fields, including finance, marketing, and operations management.

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6. The Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering at Cornell University

This is a highly competitive program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of chemical engineering-related fields, including bioengineering, materials science, and energy systems.

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7. The Ph.D. in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Northwestern University

This is a top-ranked program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including environmental science, geotechnical engineering, and transportation engineering.

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8. The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Columbia University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in research and practice. The program has a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and developmental psychology.

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9. The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Brown University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of computer science-related fields, including artificial intelligence, computer networks, and software engineering.

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10. The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Georgetown University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including data science, cybersecurity, and human-computer interaction.

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11. The Ph.D. in Computer Science at Washington University-St. Louis

This is a top-ranked program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of computer science-related fields, including computer graphics, machine learning, and computer systems.

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12. The Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in research and practice. The program has a strong emphasis on evidence-based approaches and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology, and developmental psychology.

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13. The Ph.D. in Economics at Emory University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of related fields, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, and econometrics. The program also has a strong emphasis on applied research, with students often working on real-world economic problems and policy issues.

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14. The Ph.D. in Education at New York University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of education-related fields, including curriculum and instruction, educational psychology, and educational policy. The program also has a strong emphasis on practical skills and real-world applications, with students often working on projects and internships in local schools and educational organizations.

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15. The Ph.D. in Education at Stanford University

This is a top-ranked Ph.D. program that prepares students for leadership roles in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of education-related fields, including teacher education, learning sciences, and educational leadership.

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16. The Ph.D. in Engineering at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

This is a highly competitive program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of engineering-related fields, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and chemical engineering.

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17. The Ph.D. in English at Boston University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of English-related fields, including literature, creative writing, and linguistics.

The program also has a strong emphasis on critical thinking and analysis, with students often working on projects that require in-depth interpretation and analysis of texts.

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18. The Ph.D. in English at the University of California, Los Angeles

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of English-related fields, including literature, creative writing, and linguistics.

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19. The Ph.D. in English at the University of Notre Dame

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of English-related fields, including literature, creative writing, and linguistics.

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20. The Ph.D. in International Relations at American University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in diplomatic and foreign affairs. Lost most doctoral programs, it has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of international relations-related fields, including international security, international development, and international political economy.

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21. The Ph.D. in Linguistics at McGill University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of linguistics-related fields, including syntax, semantics, and sociolinguistics.

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22. The Ph.D. in Management at Birmingham University-SUNY

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of management-related fields, including organizational behavior, strategic management, and international business.

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23. The Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering at Duke University

This is a highly competitive program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of materials science-related fields, including nanomaterials, biomaterials, and materials for energy and the environment.

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24. The Ph.D. in Mathematics at Princeton University

This is a prestigious program that attracts top students from around the world. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of mathematics-related fields, including algebra, geometry, and topology.

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25. The Ph.D. in Nursing at Duke University

This is a highly respected program that prepares students for careers in academia and industry. The program has a strong focus on research and includes coursework in a variety of nursing-related fields, including nursing education, nursing leadership, and nursing informatics.

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FAQs and Answers

Some commonly-asked questions about free Ph.D. programs done online include the following:

Are these programs fully online or do they require any in-person attendance?

Most of these programs are fully online, but some may require occasional in-person attendance for events such as orientations or research conferences. We advise that you do more research on them to learn their requirement to know how you can fit in your schedule to align with your studies.

Do these programs require any prerequisites or prior education?

Most of these programs have specific prerequisites and requirements for admission, such as a bachelor’s degree in a related field or a certain GPA.

Are these programs accredited?

All of these programs and universities are well-known and are accredited by reputable institutions and organizations.

How long do these programs typically take to complete?

The length of these programs varies.

Wrapping It Up

In conclusion, obtaining a Ph.D. degree can be a rewarding and challenging experience that can open up many career doors for you. Online Ph.D. programs provide an even more flexible and convenient option for students to pursue their degrees while balancing other commitments.

The 25 free Ph.D. programs listed in this article offer a diverse range of subjects and are all highly respected in their respective fields. While there may be some requirements and limitations for these programs, they provide a valuable opportunity for dedicated students to advance their education and careers.

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