best online Phd programs
A doctorate or a Ph.D. is the highest degree that can be obtained in any field. A doctoral degree can help you advance your career significantly, but they are not always easy to obtain because they are expensive and time-consuming.
However, with the availability of Online PhD programs, it has become a little easier to balance your studies and work. Many people have recently been curious about what the best online Ph.D. might be for them.
To compile this list, we conducted a thorough examination of the job prospects of over 30 Best Online Ph.D. Programs, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In terms of earnings, we obtained the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ median income for graduates of these Online Ph.D. programs in May 2021. We went on to investigate the pay in October 2022 utilizing platforms such as Payscale, Salary.com, and Glassdoor.
In effect, all of the statistics in this article are from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, Payscale, Salary.com, and Glassdoor.
Finally, we looked at the availability of Online PhD Programs for these specific specializations.
Best Online PhD Programs
- Immunology
- Information Systems & Cybersecurity
- Aerospace Engineering
- PhD in Statistics
- PhD in Data Science
- PhD in Computer Science
- Physical Chemistry
- Chemical Engineering
- Bioengineering & Biomedical Engineering
- Business Administration
Immunology
BLS May 2021: $95,310
Payscale Oct 2022:$113,000| Salary.com Oct 2022:$268,300 |Glassdoor Oct 2022: $177,696
A Ph.D. in immunology is at the top of the list. Immunology is one of the more specialized, highly-paid doctoral programs. Jobs tend to be well compensated and quite specific because of the specialized nature of the study being done here. The immune system and its function in disease and infection protection can be better understood by students who pursue a doctorate in immunology.
Immunology graduates can expect to work in academia or research, but they also frequently find high-paying jobs in the healthcare sector and in hospitals. You will have the chance to conduct and contribute to research in the field of academic medicine if you decide to pursue a Ph.D. in this area. Depending on your interests, you might like to become a medical scientist or work in a lab analyzing the outcomes of research using various microorganisms.
There should be many chances for graduates because demand in this field of expertise is growing faster than the average rate of job growth. The Bureau of Labor and Statistics estimates that the employment outlook for medical scientists will increase by 17% between 2020 and 2031.
Information Systems & Cybersecurity
BLS May 2021: $102,600
Payscale Oct 2022:$172,000| Salary.com Oct 2022:$112,395 |Glassdoor Oct 2022:$112,395
The need for stronger cybersecurity is increasing along with the IT industry. With one of the fastest-growing fields in the world, earning a doctorate in this area might lead to a variety of high-paying positions.
The computer networks and systems of a company are protected by security measures that are planned and implemented by information security experts. Most information security analysts are employed by computer enterprises, consultancy businesses, or financial and business organizations.
The US Bureau of Labour and Statistics projects that the employment of information security analysts will increase by 35% between 2021 and 2031, which is substantially faster than the average for all occupations.
Over the next ten years, it is anticipated that there will be around 19,500 new job openings for information security analysts. The need to replace workers who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement is predicted to cause a large portion of those openings.
Aerospace Engineering
BLS May 2021: $122,270
Payscale Oct 2022:$127,000| Salary.com Oct 2022: $149,571 |Glassdoor Oct 2022: $117119
In the third position comes aerospace engineering. People with a background in engineering or science are likely to be drawn to the area of aerospace engineering. Since it is among the sectors with the fastest growth rates globally, the job demand is anticipated to rise over time. The doctorate, which focuses on the engineering of many types of spacecraft, can be very difficult. In order to enter this sector fast and benefit from its explosive growth, you need to examine how long it will take to obtain a Ph.D.
Most often, missiles, spacecraft, satellites, and aircraft are designed by aerospace engineers. Aerospace engineers work for companies that develop or produce spacecraft, missiles, national security systems, or aircraft. Manufacturing, analysis and design, R&D, and the federal government are the main industries where aerospace engineers work.
According to projections by the US Bureau Of Labor and Statistics, employment of aerospace engineers will increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031, which is approximately average for all occupations.
Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 3,800 jobs for aerospace engineers. Many of those positions are anticipated to be brought on by the need to replace workers who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement.
Ph.D. in Statistics
BLS May 2021:$95,570
Payscale Oct 2022:$116,000| Salary.com Oct 2022: $131,359 |Glassdoor Oct 2022: $114,479
One of the broadest doctorates accessible nowadays is in statistics. Statisticians are employed throughout a wide range of industries, including finance, research, business, health care, government, and many more. For someone with a background in math or business, a doctorate in statistics may be the best choice.
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the total number of mathematicians and statisticians is expected to increase by 31% between 2021 and 2031, which is a substantially greater rate of growth than the average for all occupations.
Over the next ten years, there are expected to be, on average, 4,100 new math and stat jobs. Many of those positions are anticipated to be brought on by the need to replace workers who change careers or leave the workforce due to retirement.
Data Science
BLS May 2021: $100,910
Payscale Oct 2022:$149,000| Salary.com Oct 2022: $102,000 |Glassdoor Oct 2022: $114,479
Data is swiftly becoming the most valuable commodity on the planet, and as a result, the demand for data specialists and researchers is skyrocketing.
Data scientists generate valuable insights from data using analytical tools and techniques. According to the BLS, employment of data scientists is expected to expand by 36% between 2021 and 2031, substantially faster than the average for all occupations.
On average, 13,500 opportunities for data scientists are expected per year over the next decade.
Ph.D. in Computer Science
BLS May 2021: $131,490
Payscale Oct 2022:$131,000| Salary.com Oct 2022:$120,884 |Glassdoor Oct 2022:$90,991
Both in terms of early- and mid-career wage averages, computer science is one of the highest-paying professions. Graduates with a doctorate in this area can become authorities in particular branches of computer science. A bachelor’s and/or master’s degree in computer science is required if you want to pursue a PhD in this area.
A PhD in computer science can lead to a number of profitable employment in today’s highly technological environment. Some graduates pursue careers as computer research scientists where they create new hardware and improve upon existing ones. Others employ their abilities to assist businesses in enhancing their current computer systems.
BLS career outlook for computer science is anticipated to increase by 22% through 2030, making it one of the greatest and most in-demand PhDs on this list.
Physical Chemistry
BLS May 2021:$79,430
Payscale Oct 2022:$140,639| Salary.com Oct 2022:$84,210 |Glassdoor Oct 2022:$75,581
Physical chemistry is a subfield of chemistry that uses physics theories and techniques to chemical systems. It is the study of matter’s behavior at the atomic and molecular levels. In addition, physical chemistry is the study of chemical reactions.
You’ll most likely work in labs and research facilities as a physical chemist. These research opportunities are solely available to PhD holders, and a PhD can potentially lead to even more lucrative careers in high-tech or materials science.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of chemists and materials scientists is expected to expand by 6% between 2021 and 2031, roughly in line with the national average.
On average, 8,200 opportunities for chemists and materials scientists are expected per year during the next decade.
Chemical Engineering
BLS May 2021:$105,550
Payscale Oct 2022:$111,000| Salary.com Oct 2022:$87,827 |Glassdoor Oct 2022:$74,553
This branch of engineering incorporates physics, chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, and arithmetic into a single field. This interdisciplinary field aids in the resolution of problems involving fuel, food, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals.
Chemical engineers spend most of their time in offices or laboratories. They may spend time in industrial plants, refineries, and other locations monitoring or directing operations or resolving onsite issues. Almost all chemical engineers are full-time employees.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of chemical engineers is expected to expand 14 percent between 2021 and 2031, substantially faster than the average for all occupations.
On average, 2,000 opportunities for chemical engineers are expected per year during the next decade.
Biomedical Engineering
BLS May 2021: $97,410
Payscale Oct 2022:$80,444| Salary.com Oct 2022:$70,973 |Glassdoor Oct 2022:$110,691
Biomedical engineering is rapidly growing in popularity as a topic of study. It is a constantly growing and evolving industry, and as a result, the demand for experts in the field is increasing.
A Ph.D. in biomedical engineering is likely to land you a lucrative research position at a university, as well as a position in a hospital or the medical industry.
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers design and create equipment, devices, computer systems, and software by combining engineering principles with scientific ideas. Bioengineers and biomedical engineers operate in production, research, and a number of other settings.
Bioengineers and biomedical engineers are expected to expand 10% faster than the average for all occupations between 2021 and 2031. Over the next decade, around 1,200 opportunities for bioengineers and biomedical engineers are expected per year.
Business Administration
BLS May 2021: $76,570
Payscale Oct 2022:$105,000| Salary.com Oct 2022: $127,952 |Glassdoor Oct 2022: $66,006
A doctorate in business administration can lead to numerous opportunities. Students who pursue a PhD in business administration frequently serve as leaders and CEOs, as well as entrepreneurs and financial advisors.
Workers in these occupations are involved in the day-to-day tasks of running a business or dealing with financial concerns. These jobs include Accountants and Auditors, Budget Analyst, HR experts, and more
From 2021 to 2031, overall employment in business and financial occupations is expected to grow at the same rate as the overall average, resulting in roughly 715,100 additional positions.
Conclusion
The salaries mentioned in this article are not the most important factor because some states pay more than others, and payments for PhD holders increase with experience. One of the most important factors to consider is the current economic situation, the ease with which an online degree can be obtained, and the job outlook for a specific field.
It is critical that you conduct thorough research into which doctorate will benefit your career the most. After that, you can start looking for the right university and program for you and take the next step in your academic and professional career. To broaden your scope you can also check out our Top 10 Online PhD Programs in Nursing
When you combine this information with your findings, you can begin your journey.