Are you aware that there are free PhD programs online? Even though it cost a lot to earn an online PhD degree, there are still few online universities that offer tuition-free programs and fully funded scholarships for PhD programs.
Earning a PhD is no joke. To achieve this academic level, you will have to be ready to devote enough time, dedication, and money. However, there are easy doctoral programs that requires less time and no dissertation.
We realized that a lot of students wish to obtain a PhD but are discouraged because of the cost of pursuing a PhD program. This is why we decided to share with you some of the free PhD program online.
Let’s briefly discuss about the meaning of PhD, and how you earn a PhD for free.
Table of Contents
What is a PhD?
PhD is the abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy. A Doctor of Philosophy is the most common degree at the highest academic level, earned after completing the required credit hours and dissertation. It is also the most common research doctorate.
A PhD program can be completed within three to eight years. After obtaining a PhD degree, you will have the opportunity to earn higher or get high paying jobs.
How to Earn a PhD degree Online for Free
- Enroll in Tuition-free Online PhD Programs
Online universities hardly offer tuition-free PhD programs but there are still few universities that have tuition-free online PhD programs. Although, most tuition-free online PhD programs are not accredited. IICSE University is one of the few universities that offer free online PhD programs, but the PhD programs are not accredited.
- Apply for Scholarships
Some online universities offer scholarships to online students. In most cases, the scholarships can only cover a part of the tuition. You may be lucky to get a fully funded scholarships for online PhD programs but it is very rare and have strict eligibility requirements.
- Get help from your Employer
Some companies fund their workers education, if it will benefit them and their companies. All you have to do is convince your employer that obtaining a new degree will benefit the company.
- Apply for FAFSA
Students can apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Federal Student Aid is the largest provider of financial aid for Colleges in the US. Even though, FAFSA is common with traditional programs, there are still online universities that accepts FAFSA.
Below are some of the free PhD programs online categorized in: tuition-free online PhD programs and online PhD programs funded with scholarships
Tuition-free Online PhD Programs
Below is a list of tuition-free online PhD programs:
- PhD in Business Administration
- PhD in International Relations
- PhD in English Language and Literature
- PhD in Sociology
- PhD in Accounting and Finance
- PhD in Applied Statistics
- PhD in Nursing
- PhD in Economics
- PhD in Higher Education
- PhD in Healthcare Administration.
1. PhD in Business Administration
Institution: IICSE University
Accreditation Status: Not Accredited
The PhD in Business Administration consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.
To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a MBA or master’s degree in a business field.
2. PhD in International Relations
Institution: IICSE University
Accreditation Status: Not Accredited
The PhD in International Relations consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.
To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.
3. PhD in English Language and Literature
Institution: IICSE University
Accreditation Status: Not Accredited
The PhD in English Language and Literature consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.
To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.
4. PhD in Sociology
Institution: IICSE University
Accreditation Status: Not Accredited
The PhD in Sociology consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.
To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.
5. PhD in Accounting and Finance
Institution: IICSE University
Accreditation Status: Not Accredited
The PhD in Accounting and Finance consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.
To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.
6. PhD in Applied Statistics
Institution: IICSE University
Accreditation Status: Not Accredited
The PhD in Applied Statistics consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.
To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.
7. PhD in Nursing
Institution: IICSE University
Accreditation Status: Not Accredited
The PhD in Nursing consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.
To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.
8. PhD in Economics
Institution: IICSE University
Accreditation Status: Not Accredited
The PhD in Economics consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.
To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.
9. PhD in Higher Education
Institution: IICSE University
Accreditation Status: Not Accredited
The PhD in Higher Education consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.
To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.
10. PhD in Healthcare Administration
Institution: IICSE University
Accreditation Status: Not Accredited
The PhD in Healthcare Administration consists of 90 total credits, including Research Thesis. This online PhD program can be completed within 3 years.
To quality for this online PhD program, candidates must have obtained a master’s degree.
Online PhD Programs Funded by Scholarships
Here is a list of online PhD programs that can be funded with scholarships:
- PhD in History
- PhD in Public Policy
- PhD in Criminal Justice
- PhD in Psychology
- PhD in Education
- PhD in Bible Exposition
- PhD in Psychology (General Psychology)
- PhD in Psychology (Developmental Psychology)
- PhD in Business Management (Accounting)
- PhD in Business Management (General Business Management).
11. PhD in History
Institution: Liberty University
Accreditation Status: Accredited
Liberty University’s PhD in History is a 72 credit hours program, that can completed within 4 years.
The PhD in History prepares students to pursue a variety of career opportunities in: education, research, politics, archeology, or management of national landmarks and museums.
This program can be funded by Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship. The SBCV is awarded annually and it covers tuition only. It is awarded to SBCV church members.
12. PhD in Public Policy
Institution: Liberty University
Accreditation Status: Accredited
Liberty University’s PhD in Public Policy is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.
With this program, you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to research and transform two world of public policy.
This program can be funded by Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship. The SBCV is awarded annually and it covers tuition only. It is awarded to SBCV church members.
13. PhD in Criminal Justice
Institution: Liberty University
Accreditation Status: Accredited
Liberty University’s PhD in Criminal Justice is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.
The PhD in Criminal Justice is designed for law enforcement professional. It prepares students for senior leadership roles in criminal justice organizations at all levels of government.
This program can be funded by Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship. The SBCV is awarded annually and it covers tuition only. It is awarded to SBCV church members.
14. PhD in Psychology
Institution: Liberty University
Accreditation Status: Accredited
Liberty University’s PhD in Psychology is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.
The PhD in Psychology is designed to prepare students to evaluate research and to understand the truth about human behavior for a biblical worldview.
This program can be funded by Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship. The SBCV is awarded annually and it covers tuition only. It is awarded to SBCV church members.
15. PhD in Education
Institution: Liberty University
Accreditation Status: Accredited
Liberty University’s PhD in Education is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.
The PhD in Education can prepare you for careers in various schools and administrative settings within the field of education.
This program can be funded by Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship. The SBCV is awarded annually and it covers tuition only. It is awarded to SBCV church members.
16. PhD in Bible Exposition
Institution: Liberty University
Accreditation Status: Accredited
Liberty University’s PhD in Bible Exposition is a 60 credit hours program, that can completed within 3 years.
The purpose of biblical exposition is to help you comprehend the Bible and equip you for a lifetime of study and application of God’s Word.
This program can be funded by Southern Baptist Conservatives of Virginia (SBCV) Scholarship. The SBCV is awarded annually and it covers tuition only. It is awarded to SBCV church members.
17. PhD in Psychology (General Psychology)
Institution: Capella University
Accreditation Status: Accredited
The PhD in Psychology with a concentration in General Psychology consists of 89 total credits, including dissertation.
With this program, you can gain a deep understanding of the many facets of psychology and expand your opportunities for making a difference in people’s lives.
This program can be funded with 20k Capella Progress Rewards. Capella Progress Rewards are scholarships for new students and are not need-based. Students are awarded with $20,000 to cover part of the tuition.
18. PhD in Psychology (Development Psychology)
Institution: Capella University
Accreditation Status: Accredited
The PhD in Psychology with a specialization in Developmental Psychology consists of 101 total credits, including dissertation.
The program is designed to give a deep understanding of how people grow and change.
This PhD in Psychology program can also be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.
19. PhD in Business Management (Accounting)
Institution: Capella University
Accreditation Status: Accredited
The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in Accounting consists of 75 total credits, including dissertation.
With this program, students will gain a deeper understanding of interrelated issues, processes, and functions with business organizations.
The PhD in Business Management, Accounting can be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.
20. PhD in Business Management (General Business Management)
Institution: Capella University
Accreditation Status: Accredited
The PhD in Business Management with a specialization in General Business Management consists of 75 total credits, including dissertation.
With this program, you will master critical concepts through specialized courses and intensive in-person learning experiences in areas such as strategic management, marketing, accounting, and finance.
The PhD in Business Management, General Business Management can also be funded with the 20k Capella Progress Reward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn a PhD degree for free?
It is rare but it is possible to earn a PhD degree for free. There are several scholarships awarded to PhD students.
Why should I earn a PhD?
Most people pursue PhD programs to increase salary, get new job opportunities, and increase knowledge and experience.
Which Country offer free PhD programs?
PhD may be free in any country but there are several European countries that offer free education to both domestic and international students. Countries like Germany, Sweden or Norway charges little or no amount for PhD programs. But, most of the PhD programs are offered on campus.
How long does it take to earn a PhD degree?
A PhD program can be completed within 3 years to 8 years. However, there may be PhD programs that can be completed within 1 or 2 years.
What are the requirements for PhD programs?
Requirements for PhD programs usually includes: master's degree along with a bachelor's degree, GMAT or GRE Scores, Work experience, Proof of language proficiency, and letters of recommendation.
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Conclusion
Earning a PhD is no joke, it requires a lot of time and money.
With free online PhD programs, you will no longer have to worry about the cost of pursuing a PhD program online. We have now come to end of this article, it was a lot of effort!! if you have any question, do well to ask in the Comment Section.