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Online doctoral degrees

Online doctoral degrees from edX are designed to support advanced expertise, leadership development, and career growth.

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Why get an online doctoral degree with edX?

Enroll in flexible online doctoral programs

Gain the same skills and knowledge as in-person programs with the flexibility to study on your schedule.

Earn the highest credential from a top university

Study with expert faculty and learn through industry-relevant curricula.

Increase earning potential and career options

Earning your doctorate may increase both the number of jobs you qualify for and your potential income.


Doctoral degree holders lead industries through impactful research and advancements in their respective fields. Learn how online doctoral degree programs can potentially help you achieve your professional and academic goals.

What is a doctoral degree?

A doctoral degree is the highest academic credential you can earn. It demonstrates deep expertise in an area of study. Doctorates are suited for learners who want to emphasize theoretical knowledge and practical application in a specific field.

It can also be a pathway to careers that require a doctoral degree, such as:

  • Physical therapist
  • Lawyer
  • Pharmacist
  • Clinical psychologist

While pursuing a doctorate, you may engage in advanced research, learn specialized methodologies, conduct extensive reading, critically analyze complex texts, and produce academic writing to articulate your findings.

There are two types of doctoral degrees: doctor of philosophy (PhD), which is research-focused, and professional doctorates, which are practice-based.

Doctoral degree programs typically take four to eight years to complete. Depending on the program and doctorate type, you may expect to complete the following:

  • Advanced coursework
  • Comprehensive exams
  • Dissertation
  • Supervised practice, internships, or residency programs (depending on the field)
  • Publications and presentations
  • Licensure requirements (for certain professions, after graduation)

The costs of doctoral programs vary widely but often range from $10,000 to $200,000. Typically, 60–120 credit hours are required. Scholarships, assistantships, grants, fellowships, and student loans may be available to offset costs.

What to expect from edX's online doctoral programs

Pursuing a doctoral degree may seem daunting if you work full time or have personal obligations, but it doesn't have to be.

With an online doctorate from edX, you can choose when and how you study. Online learners receive the same support as on-campus doctorate students, including guidance from admissions counselors, academic advisors, and career services.

Explore doctoral programs by subject

If you're seeking flexible online doctorate programs from top schools, explore the subject areas available through edX:

Social workers and learners who seek advanced clinical practice, research, and leadership skills required for high-level roles may consider online doctor of social work (DSW) programs.

Through specialized tracks, DSW students may learn to conduct evidence-based clinical interventions, policy analysis, social work education, and supervision techniques.

DSW graduates often work in healthcare systems, government agencies, and universities as clinical directors, policy advisors, and academic faculty.

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Nurses who want to enter high-demand advanced clinical practice, management, or executive roles may consider an online doctor of nursing (DNP) program. Some advanced positions in nursing now require a DNP for eligibility.

These programs blend online coursework with in-person clinical practice, focusing on evidence-based patient care, healthcare management, and leadership skills.

DNP graduates may pursue advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) or non-clinical roles depending on the specialty, licensure, and certification requirements.

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For professionals aspiring to become educational leaders and policymakers, enrolling in an online doctor of education (Ed.D.) program may be a choice.

Ed.D. curricula vary by program and may include specialty tracks, but all focus on preparing learners to impact the future of education in public and private systems. Core areas of study include educational organization and management, policy development and implementation, data-driven decision-making, and curriculum design and development.

Earning an Ed.D. may position you for senior career opportunities across higher education, government, nonprofits, corporate settings, and consulting.

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To become a licensed physical therapist in the United States, you must earn a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program. DPT programs are typically hybrid, as in-person clinical rotations are required.

DPT students study physical therapy theory and practice across the human lifespan. You can expect to learn how to conduct physical examinations, therapeutic interventions, patient management, and health promotion. Some DPT programs offer specialty tracks in orthopedics, geriatrics, pediatrics, or sports medicine.

DPT graduates often work in hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation centers, and sports facilities.

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Aspiring pharmacists, licensed pharmacy technicians, and those with prior healthcare experience seeking to advance their careers may consider an online doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) program.

To become a licensed pharmacist in the United States, you must earn a PharmD degree from an accredited program and sit for the required licensure exams. Online PharmD programs are often hybrid, with online coursework and in-person supervised practice.

PharmD online program curricula typically include specialized pharmacology and medicinal chemistry coursework and may offer specialization in patient populations. As a PharmD graduate, you may work in pharmaceutical companies, hospitals, and community pharmacies.

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Online doctor of public health (DrPH) programs may be well suited for professionals seeking leadership and management skills for senior roles in public health administration.

DrPh online programs cover advanced biostatistics, epidemiology, policy, program design, and management topics. DrPh students may also choose a concentration track in global health, social justice, or environmental health.

DrPh graduates often pursue advanced roles in government, health organizations, nonprofits, healthcare systems, and academia.

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Take the next step in your career

Discover flexible online doctoral programs designed for your future success. Looking to upskill or reskill in a shorter time? Explore , , and on edX today.

Explore online doctoral programs

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