phd programs without a masters degree

2024 Best Universities That Offer PhD Without Masters

It may sound like a dream, but universities that offer PhD without a masters do exist.

Imagine fast-tracking your way to becoming a doctor in your field, skipping the traditional master’s step, and diving straight into deep, meaningful research. This article is your guide to understanding this unconventional yet rewarding path.

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We’ll explore the ins and outs of taking this leap to help you decide if this bold academic journey aligns with your aspirations and goals.

Universities That Offer PhD without a Masters Degree

Can you get a doctorate without a masters? For some, the answer is yes. In PhD programs without masters requirements, you can start working on your PhD right after earning your bachelor’s degree. This means you can focus on intensive research and specialized studies sooner.

It’s a path that may suit you if you’re keen on deepening your knowledge and expertise without the intermediate step of a master’s program. Typical eligibility criteria for these programs include:

• Strong undergraduate academic record
• Research experience
• Recommendation letters
• Well-crafted statement of purpose
• Standardized test scores (if required)

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) , higher education often leads to better job prospects and higher earnings. This route not only saves time but can potentially set you up for promising career opportunities.

You’ll be expected to start your research early. This could be a great fit if you’re already clear about your academic interests and ready to commit to a rigorous research schedule.

Advantages of Fast-Tracking to PhD

Deciding to go straight for a PhD without a master’s degree can be a big step toward your future goals. Here are some potential benefits for considering PhD online programs without masters requirements:

• Speed up your journey : By skipping a master’s program, you may get to your career goals faster.
• Save money : Like any college program, earning a master’s degree can be expensive.
• Immediately deep dive into your interests : Passionate about your field? You may jump straight into advanced studies and research.
• Unique opportunities : These programs can help open doors to rare and exciting research chances, placing you at the forefront of innovation early in your career.
• Stand out : Earning a PhD is a powerful statement about your ambition and skills.

Stepping directly into a PhD program may allow you to fast-track your ambitions and pave the way to a fulfilling future.

Disadvantages and Challenges of Direct PhD Programs

Jumping into a PhD without a master’s degree takes courage. It’s crucial to know the hurdles that might pop up before you start researching PhD programs online without masters requirements.

These are some challenges you may encounter:

• Rapid pace : You’ll likely face a steep learning curve without the preparation a master’s program can provide.
• Immediate research pressure : You’re expected to start producing original research right away.
• Fewer networking opportunities : Skipping a master’s program means missing out on making those crucial academic connections that may be valuable down the line.
• Tougher funding : Funding opportunities often lean toward those with master’s degrees, so securing financial support might be more challenging.
• Self-doubt : Without the stepping stone of a master’s, you might question if you’re ready for this big leap.

According to the NSCRC , with more people pursuing advanced degrees, the academic world is getting more competitive. Navigating these challenges requires resilience and a clear vision of your goals. Choosing a direct PhD route is about weighing these hurdles against your determination and passion for your field.

How to Choose a Doctorate without a Masters Degree

Choosing the right PhD program is key. Here are some important factors to consider:

• Accreditation : Accreditation is like a quality stamp for the program, ensuring that it meets certain academic standards. You can find more information at the S. Department of Education – Accreditation .
• Financial aid and scholarships : Cost can be a big factor, and having financial aid or scholarships can make a huge difference. You can visit the FAFSA website for more information.
• Faculty expertise : You want to learn from the best and ensure they have experience in your area of interest.
• Research opportunities : This is your chance to get hands-on experience in your field.
• Program structure and flexibility : It’s important to consider class schedules, online vs. in-person options, and the balance between coursework and research.

Choosing the right doctorate program is a personal decision that will shape your academic journey. Taking the time to weigh these factors carefully can help you find the best choice to fit your goals and needs.

Applying to Universities That Offer PhD without a Master’s Degree

Applying for a PhD program is like presenting your academic story. Here are some tips to help make each part of your application a testament to your passion and potential:

• Your research proposal : This is a window into your interests. Show your enthusiasm and readiness for the field by making it clear, engaging, and indicative of your ability to bring fresh ideas.
• Letters of recommendation : These are your personal champions, so choose mentors or professors who know your strengths intimately and can confidently vouch for your PhD readiness.
• Showcase your research journey : Research experience is a crucial part of your narrative. Highlight your involvement in projects, papers, or presentations.
• Ace the interview : Be prepared to discuss your motivations, research interests, and how you envision your growth in the program.

Your application is a holistic reflection of your academic identity. It should showcase your achievements and excitement for research and knowledge.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

While many paths to a PhD traditionally start with a master’s, there’s a growing trend of programs allowing students to jump straight into doctoral studies from their bachelor’s programs.

This option may be perfect for those who are clear about their research interests and ready to dive into academic exploration. If you’re passionate, determined, and have a clear vision for your research, a direct route to a PhD may be your path forward.

Universities Offering Online PhD Without Masters Degree Programs

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Capitol Technology University offers a PhD in Technology with two pathways for students who may not hold a master’s degree. Applicants may either already hold a doctoral degree or earn an MS in Research Methods while earning their PhD. CapTech’s program is fully online, and residencies are not required.

Capitol Technology University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Clemson University offers a PhD in Healthcare Genetics and Genomics. Applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Applicants who hold a master’s in the field may be given preference. The program is fully online, and courses are in a synchronous format.

Clemson University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Indiana University offers a PhD in Music Therapy through the Purdue School of Engineering and Technology at IUPUI. Students who do not already hold a master’s degree can earn a Master’s in Music Therapy through the program. The program requires the completion of 90 credit hours, including a dissertation, and is fully online.

Indiana University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Students who do not hold a master’s degree may apply for a PhD in Computer Science through Mississippi State University. The program is fully online and does not require campus visits. Courses follow a semester schedule, and there are start dates in the fall and spring. Applicants are not required to submit GRE or GMAT scores.

Mississippi State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Students who do not hold a master’s may earn a PhD in Computer Science through Nova Southeastern University’s bachelor’s track. The program requires the completion of 66 credits and is available fully online or on campus. The program has start dates in August, January, and May and follows a semester schedule. NSU is an NSA-designated school.

Nova Southeastern University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saybrook University offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology program that is fully online. Students who do not hold a master’s degree must complete 103 to 109 credits to graduate, while those who do have a master’s in a related field must complete 100 to 106 credits.

The program can typically be completed in 5 years. It offers several specializations that may be declared, including Applied Psychophysiology, Creativity Studies, and Jungian Studies.

Saybrook University is accredited by the Senior Commission of Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The University of Arizona offers a PhD in Nursing to students who hold a BSN through its BSN-to-PhD program. The program is mostly online, but short residencies are required. The program can potentially be finished in 4 years when attended full-time. Courses follow a semester schedule, and the completion of 79 credits is required to graduate.

The University of Arizona is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The University of Central Florida offers a BSN-to-PhD in Nursing program for those who do not hold a master’s degree in nursing. All coursework is online, but short intensives on campus are required throughout the program. Applicants are not required to submit GRE scores.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The University of Oklahoma offers a PhD in Nursing with a fast-track to PhD option for students who have a BSN but not a master’s degree. All coursework is fully online. The program can potentially be finished in 36 months, and there are start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. The completion of 78 credits is required to graduate.

The University of Oklahoma is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee offers a fully online program for a PhD in Nursing. Students with only a BSN may apply but must complete 15 additional credits before entering the program. The program starts every other year during the summer semester. It can potentially be completed in 3 years.

UWM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Advance Your Career: Starting Your PhD without a Masters Degree

Starting your PhD journey without a master’s degree can be a bold step forward in advancing your career, particularly if you pursue some of the highest paying doctorate degrees . It’s a path that speaks to those ready to dive into deep academic waters, driven by passion and a clear vision for their future, with the added potential of high financial rewards in cutting-edge and high-demand areas.

If this resonates with you, you can start exploring accredited universities that offer this opportunity, including those providing online PhD programs for working professionals . These flexible programs are designed to accommodate your busy schedule, allowing you to balance your professional responsibilities with your academic pursuits. Your aspirations and determination may fast-track you on your way to becoming an expert in your field!

Can You Get a PhD without a Masters?

• Applying to a PhD

Yes, it’s possible to get a PhD without first having a Masters degree.

The conventional route for someone who earns a PhD is to pursue a Bachelor’s degree, followed by a Masters degree and then a PhD. However, several students opt to bypass a Master’s degree by enrolling onto a doctoral programme as soon as they complete their undergraduate degree.

Before we discuss how this can be done, it is worth mentioning the advantages and disadvantages of this route.

Advantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

The motivations for undertaking a PhD immediately after an undergraduate course are largely in saving money and time. This is because you will essentially eliminate a year of study. Another advantage of immediately enrolling onto a doctorate degree is project availability. If you find a project that you’re really interested in, it’s unlikely that it will still be available in a years’ time. Therefore, bypassing a Masters and enrolling directly into a PhD will increase your chances of securing the research project before it becomes unavailable.

Disadvantages of Applying to a PhD without A Masters

Although a Masters degree will add a year onto your academic journey, it can be incredibility helpful for your development and can help prepare you for a doctoral degree.

Not having a Master’s degree may prove to be a hindrance during your application process. This is because many other students will also apply to the same research projects, and it’s likely that the majority will hold a Masters. This will put you at a disadvantage to them.

Besides this, the dissertation project you’ll be required to undertake on a Master’s programme will provide you with a taste of what it is like to work on a research-based project. In addition to this, it’s likely that you’ll be able to select your own dissertation topic. As such, you can explore a specific field you’re interested in in further detail. This is a great way to confirm that both research-based work and the specific field you’re interested in are right for you before committing the next few years to it via a PhD.

Another advantage to the dissertation project associated with a Masters degree is the opportunity it provides you with to work closely with a project supervisor. This will help you understand the PhD student-supervisor relationship and communication frequency that works best for you. You can then use this knowledge to find supervisors who would compliment you when it comes time to find a PhD project to apply to. For tips on how to find a great PhD supervisor, check out our supervisor guide .

PhD without a Masters – How Does It Work?

To be considered for a PhD without a Master’s, at a minimum you will be expected to have a Bachelors degree. For students looking to enrol onto a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) PhD, a relevant Bachelors in a 3-year undergraduate course is usually expected. However, this is not the case for students looking to apply to non-STEM PhDs. Rather, students looking to apply to doctorates in subjects such as those surrounding Arts and Humanities are usually expected to have a relevant Bachelors from a 4-year course.

In addition to this, you will need to have demonstrated strong academic performance during your undergraduate course. This means that your Bachelors will need to be at least a UK Upper Second-Class Honours (2.1) for nearly all institutions to consider you.

Should you be accepted into a PhD programme without a Masters, the usual process will be to first register you as an MPhil student. You will then have a year to prepare and submit a thesis. Your thesis will need to detail the research you have carried out within that year and outline how you intend to continue it into a full PhD study. There are three outcomes of this MPhil thesis review:

• Failure and you’re not awarded anything.
• You pass, however, the supervisor doesn’t believe you’ve demonstrated strong research skills. You’re awarded an MPhil but they do not upgrade your course to a PhD programme.
• You pass and the supervisor believes you have proven yourself as a capable researcher. Your course is upgraded to a PhD as opposed to you being awarding an MPhil.

For more information on these outcomes, read the outcomes section of our PhD Viva guide .

Integrated PhD

Some universities offer Integrated PhD degree programmes (also known as an Integrated Masters degree). These are four-year programmes comprising of a one-year Masters degree immediately followed by a three-year PhD degree. These can prove a great option for graduate students who are looking to undertake a PhD without a Masters but are struggling to meet the eligibility requirements. You can read about the many benefits of  integrated degrees here .

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

PhD without a Bachelors – Is It Possible?

Yes, it is possible to get a PhD without a Bachelor’s, however, this is extremely uncommon.

When this occurs, it is almost always reserved for very mature individuals. For example, an individual may not be in active academia but still may have significantly contributed to their field. This contribution could be through the work they have undertaken as part of their career, or as part of a long-term study project, they have undertaken out of self-interest.

In either case, the individual would need to prove that they have extensive experience in their field and have directly contributed to new knowledge within it. The key factor here is that their work has pushed the boundaries of existing knowledge. It is not enough for an individual to be regarded as an expert in their field – they must have contributed something new and meaningful. It’s common for individuals awarded a PhD through this means to have produced several publications within their lifetime. It’s also common for the individual to have gained several professional accreditations within their field before even being considered suitable for a PhD research degree.

Universities Offering PhD without a Masters

Unfortunately, there is not a centralised list of universities which offer PhDs without a Master’s degree. The reason for this is that the edibility requirements differ from PhD to PhD and from department to department.

Therefore, you will need to check the guidelines for each individual university and the requirements for each specific PhD you’re interested in.

Should you find a PhD programme you can apply to with a Bachelors, make every effort to make your application as strong as possible. This is because you will be competing against other candidates, most of who will have a Master’s degree.

Not only can you strengthen your application by having a Bachelors with a First-Class Honours (1st), but you can also do so by showing the traits of a successful researcher. This includes showing a genuine interest in the project, a high work ethic, and exceptional communication skills.

Additionally, a strong letter of recommendation from a respected university lecturer will prove very beneficial. This is especially true if the lecturer supervisors his or her own PhD students. This is because the lecturer will understand the skills required for an adept research student.

For more advice on how to apply to a PhD degree, check out our Application Process Guide.

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Can You Get a Ph.D. Without a Master’s?

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At a Glance

• Direct enrollment in a Ph.D. program after completing a Bachelor’s degree is a viable path.
• Integrated Ph.D. programs offer an unconventional route for obtaining a Ph.D.
• Upgrading a Master’s dissertation to a Ph.D. dissertation is an alternative approach.
• Benefits include saving time and money, better timing for opportunities, and increased funding options.

You have completed your Bachelor’s degree. You have good grades and amazing research skills. You know what your area of specialization will be. You know you want to continue studying and want to get a Ph.D. Now you want to know: Can you get a Ph.D. without a Master’s?

Can You Get a Ph.D. Without a Master’s?

Can you get a Ph.D. without a Master’s? Yes, it is possible to get a Ph.D. without having a Master’s degree first.

Conventionally, if you wanted to pursue a Ph.D., you would first get your Bachelor’s degree, then your Master’s degree, and then apply for a PhD

However, there are a few unconventional ways of getting a Ph.D.

Firstly, you can opt to bypass your Master’s degree by enrolling in a Ph.D. program as soon as you complete your undergraduate degree. This might be a good option if you are very sure that you want to get a Ph.D., have a clear idea of what you want to do your dissertation on, and are confident in your academic research ability.

Secondly, you can opt for an Integrated Ph.D. program. An Integrated Ph.D. program (also sometimes known as an Integrated Master’s degree) is a four-year program. It includes a one-year Master’s degree, immediately followed by a three-year Ph.D. This might be a good option if you want to pursue a Ph.D. without a Master’s, but you are struggling to meet the eligibility requirements.

Thirdly, you could upgrade the Master’s degree you are currently enrolled in. Especially in the science-related academic fields, it is fairly common to upgrade your Masters’ dissertation to a Ph.D. dissertation. This might be a good option if you have found a fruitful avenue of research in your Master’s degree that warrants PhD-level academic engagement.

Of course, there are advantages and disadvantages to getting a Ph.D. without a Master’s.

What Are the Advantages of Skipping a Masters?

There are a few advantages of skipping a Master’s .

You save time and money

Going straight from a Bachelor’s degree to a Ph.D. saves you time and money. You do not need to fund the additional years of studying , and you get into the workplace sooner.

Sometimes the timing is just better

You can’t afford to turn down a perfect opportunity and wait to see if it is still there after your Masters. If skipping a Masters affords you the chance at a spot in the Ph.D. program of your choice or a chance to work on the research project of your dreams, you should accept it. The same goes for funding opportunities – you should accept it even if it means skipping your Master’s.

You might have more funding opportunities open to you

Most Ph.D. programs offer students partial or full funding. There are also a greater amount of external funding opportunities available to Ph.D. students than Masters students.

You will have enough time to finish your project

The shorter time constraints of a Master’s degree make it difficult to set up and run the long-term projects that might be necessary to properly address your research question. Going straight to a Ph.D. allows you to do in-depth, multi-year projects.

What Are the Disadvantages of Skipping a Masters?

Before you just opt to skip your Master’s, however, make sure you properly consider the disadvantages of skipping a Master’s.

You don’t get a Master’s degree

Even though going straight to a Ph.D. means you miss out on a Master’s degree, a completed Ph.D. effectively supersedes it anyway. The only disadvantage is that if you do not complete your Ph.D. program, you don’t have a Master’s degree to show for the work you have already put in.

You get less time to acquire the necessary research skills

Going from undergraduate to Ph.D. is a massive adjustment, like shifting straight to top gear. You will need to hit the ground running. You will need to acquire research skills that students with a Master’s experience will already have done.

You have to commit to your research interests

There are so many interesting and important research projects out there that it can be hard to pick the right research topic. Doing a Master’s first gives you a chance to try out something that you think will interest you without committing to four years of study.

You might need a Master’s for your Ph.D. application

PhD programs can be very competitive and hard to get into. Ph.D. supervisors generally look for applicants with experience in their field. A Master’s degree on your CV may tip the odds in your favor.

You don’t get to experience multiple universities

Each university has a different academic environment and a unique research approach. The advantage of doing a Master’s and then a Ph.D. is exposure to academic life, and colleagues, at an additional university.

Ph.D. without a Masters – How Does It Work?

To be considered for a Ph.D. without a Master’s, you will need to have a Bachelor’s degree.

In addition, you will need to have demonstrated strong academic performance during your undergraduate course. This is to ensure you have the academic skills and perseverance needed to handle the Ph.D. program.

If you are trying to get a Ph.D. without having a Master’s, you will have to submit a strong research proposal. This is to ensure you have proven yourself as a capable researcher.

Is It Possible to Get a Ph.D. Without a Bachelor’s?

It is extremely uncommon to get a Ph.D. without at least a Bachelor’s.

In these extraordinary circumstances, you would have to be active in your field of interest. This may not be a purely academic activity. You will have to show that your work, career, study project, or self-interest project contributes to the field that you wish to get a Ph.D. in.

Your extensive experience in your field will need to have directly contributed to new knowledge in the field. Your work needs to have pushed the boundaries of existing knowledge.

Which Universities Offer PhDs without Masters?

There is not a centralized list of universities that offer PhDs without a Master’s degree. In the U.S., most Ph.D. programs do not list a Master’s degree as a prerequisite for admission.

The admission requirements for Ph.D. programs differ from Ph.D. to Ph.D. and from department to department. You will need to check the guidelines for each university you are interested in attending. You will also need to check the PhD requirements for each department. Requirements can even differ from supervisor to supervisor.

If you do think that you can get a Ph.D. without a Master’s, make sure your application is as strong as possible. You are likely competing against other candidates who do have a Master’s degree. A strong letter of recommendation from a respected university lecturer will prove very beneficial.

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Final Thoughts

So, can you get a Ph.D. without a Master’s? Yes, you can apply for a Ph.D. program with just a Bachelor’s degree. 

Taking this route towards getting a Ph.D. has advantages and disadvantages. Although you can save time and money jumping straight into a Ph.D., you need to make sure you have the required research skills and you find a research project that you are passionate about.

Can You Get a Ph.D. Without a Master’s FAQ

Is it possible to pursue a ph.d. without having a master’s degree.

Yes, it is possible to pursue a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) without having a Master’s degree in some countries and academic institutions. However, the requirements and eligibility criteria may vary depending on the country, university, and field of study.

How can you pursue a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree?

To pursue a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree, you typically need to follow these steps:

• Research Eligibility : Check the admission requirements of the specific Ph.D. program and university you are interested in. Some institutions may accept exceptional students with a bachelor’s degree directly into a Ph.D. program.
• Strong Academic Background : To be considered for direct Ph.D. admission, you often need to have an outstanding academic record during your undergraduate studies, including high grades and relevant coursework.
• Prepare a Research Proposal : Develop a compelling research proposal that outlines your intended Ph.D. research project. This proposal should demonstrate your research interests, goals, and potential contributions to the field.
• Contact Potential Advisors : Reach out to faculty members or potential Ph.D. advisors in your chosen field to discuss your research interests and seek their support and guidance.
• Meet Admission Requirements : Ensure that you meet any additional admission requirements, such as standardized test scores (e.g., GRE) or language proficiency exams (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS for international students).
• Apply to Ph.D. Programs : Submit your application to the Ph.D. programs of your choice, following the specific application deadlines and guidelines set by each university.
• Interview and Evaluation : If your application is competitive, you may be invited for an interview or evaluation process. Be prepared to discuss your research proposal and academic background.
• Conditional Admission : In some cases, you may be granted conditional admission to a Ph.D. program, with the condition that you complete certain coursework or requirements in the initial phase of the program.

Are there any advantages to pursuing a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree?

Pursuing a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree may have certain advantages, including:

• A potentially faster route to a doctoral degree, as you skip the Master’s phase.
• The opportunity to engage in advanced research and contribute to your chosen field.
• Admission based on your academic potential and research proposal rather than your prior degrees.

What are the challenges of pursuing a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree?

Pursuing a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree may come with some challenges, such as:

• A potentially steeper learning curve in the early stages of the Ph.D. program.
• The need to meet higher academic expectations and perform at an advanced level from the beginning.
• Limited access to Master’s-level coursework and foundational knowledge in your field.

Is this approach common, or is it more typical to have a Master’s degree before pursuing a Ph.D.?

The common practice varies by country and academic field. In some countries, it is more common to complete a Master’s degree before pursuing a Ph.D., while in others, direct Ph.D. admission from a bachelor’s degree is accepted in specific cases. The prevalence of this practice also depends on the policies of individual universities and programs.

Can I earn a Master’s degree while pursuing a Ph.D.?

Some Ph.D. programs offer the option to earn a Master’s degree along the way as part of the Ph.D. process. This is often referred to as earning a “Master’s on the way to a Ph.D.” It allows students to receive a Master’s degree if they decide to leave the program before completing the entire Ph.D. requirements.

What advice do you have for someone considering pursuing a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree?

If you are considering pursuing a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree, it’s essential to:

• Carefully research the admission requirements and policies of the Ph.D. programs you are interested in.
• Develop a strong research proposal that demonstrates your academic and research potential.
• Reach out to potential Ph.D. advisors and discuss your goals and research interests with them.
• Be prepared for a rigorous academic journey and seek additional support or coursework if needed to bridge any knowledge gaps.

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Can you get a PhD without a master’s degree?

Traditionally seen as the pinnacle of academic success, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) rigorously prepares you for a career in research and academia that might even earn you the title of “Professor” one day. Getting a PhD is no easy feat, and involves years of gruelling hard work, often with a few life crises and probably thoughts of quitting in between. That said, the question of whether there’s a ‘shortcut’ on how to get a PhD often pops up in student forums and discussions.

Although getting a master’s degree after completing your undergraduate studies is the conventional route taken towards a PhD, you can in fact bypass your master’s degree entirely and go straight into a doctorate programme. Granted, not all subjects or countries have this option, but there’s plenty to go around if you want to save time and money to get your research going.

The University of California, Berkeley , for instance, only admits Bachelor’s degree holders into its political science PhD programme, with a possibility for students to obtain a master’s qualification if they withdraw from the doctoral degree as long as sufficient coursework has been completed. Similarly, you can get a PhD in the Ohio State University’s chemical engineering programme without having done a master’s .

Across the pond, the University of Cambridge can accept students without a master’s degree , where they’ll be placed in a probationary year before progressing into their dissertation. As you can see, various routes are available for direct PhD entry in different fields.

Once again: you don't need a Masters degree to get into a PhD program in America. And there's way more funding for PhD students than MS. Just in case no one told you. — Muneer Yaqub🇺🇸🇳🇬 (@elMunir5) February 21, 2022

How long does it take to get a PhD?

The doctoral degree is primarily a research degree , where you have to come up with your own original ideas and spend some years of fieldwork, lab work, or any other type of real-world practice that will contribute towards your final dissertation.

If you’re wondering why the US is a bit relaxed in terms of entry requirements, it’s probably because a PhD there is almost never a pure research degree, and generally takes a much longer time to complete as a full-time student than in the UK or Australia.

Countries that accept direct BSc degree (from Africa) to PhD i.e. without MSc 📍United States 🇺🇸 (very popular) 📍Hong Kong 🇭🇰 📍Australia 🇦🇺 📍Canada 🇨🇦 📍New Zealand 🇳🇿 Add yours ✌🏽 — Olájídé 𓃵 (@Jamaticulus) February 21, 2022

Many US doctorate programmes begin with coursework and assessments in the first two years.  After passing an exam, it’s only then that you’ll start working on your research and dissertation. Overall, you’re looking at a time frame of four to six years full-time if you want to get a PhD in an American university.

Compared to anywhere else, you can get a PhD in the US without forking out any for tuition, even for international students. This is because the programmes there tend to be fully-funded , with enough stipend and income from teaching assistantships to cover your cost of living.

Meanwhile, a PhD in Australia or the UK is generally a pure research degree, where you dive headlong into your dissertation topic from the start of your programme. You’ll already be discussing your doctoral thesis with a supervisor in your first year, starting with a literature review and critiquing existing scholarship on your subject before moving on to independent research in the following years. The programme duration is shorter than in the US — a full-time study takes about three to four years.

How can I get a PhD without a master’s degree as an international student?

Full-time PhD programmes in the US are a few years longer compared to other countries. Source: Roslan Rahman/AFP

It goes without saying that being in good academic standing will go a long way in getting into a PhD programme right after your undergraduate studies, but that’s only part of the equation. PhD applications require more paperwork, including a statement of purpose tailored to the university and recommendation letters from your previous instructors that can vouch for your potential as a candidate.

The best way to get into your programme though? Contact the university directly to express your interest and see what funding package is available based on your circumstances. The graduate admissions page will list what is required for application, where you’ll know if you can be admitted with just a bachelor’s degree.

Although skipping a step to get a PhD sounds ideal, you need to assess if you have the capacity to undertake a high-intensity academic life. A master’s degree might cost you an extra year or two, and a few thousand off your account, but it builds a solid foundation for the kind of discipline and knowledge you will need to survive your PhD.

If you do decide to take the plunge, you might want to look out for programmes that can grant you a master’s qualification along the way, so your hard work pays off in case you choose to withdraw from your PhD in the future.

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PhD without a Master’s Degree? Exploring Direct PhD Programs

Introduction

What is a direct phd program.

• Pros of Doing a PhD Without a Master's Degree
• Cons of Doing a PhD Without a Master's Degree
• Fields in Which it is More Common to Enter a PhD Program Without a Master's Degree
• Fields in Which a Master's Degree is Often Required for Admission to a PhD Program
• How to Apply for a PhD Program Without a Master's Degree
• Examples of Successful PhD students who did not have a Master's Degree
• Top Universities Offering PhD without Master's Degree

Direct PhD Programmes in United States:

Direct phd programmes in europe:, direct phd programmes in australia:, direct phd programmes in asia:.

During my teaching years at a premier Engineering institute in India, I encountered an intriguing case that shed light on the possibility of pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree.

One day, a former student reached out to me with exciting news. She had successfully cleared the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE), a qualifying exam for admission to postgraduate programs. Even more surprising was her plan to directly join the PhD program at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.

Initially, I found this puzzling—how could one step into a PhD without completing a master’s degree? It turned out that such programs do indeed exist at IITs and other esteemed institutions in India and abroad.

Intrigued by this revelation, I delved deeper into the details and later shared this valuable information with many students. Little did I know that this piece of knowledge would significantly benefit aspiring scholars aiming for a direct PhD path.

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that one can achieve in many fields. It typically involves several years of intensive research and coursework in a specialized area and completing a dissertation that makes an original contribution to the field. A PhD can lead to many career opportunities, including positions in academia, industry, and government.

The traditional path to a PhD usually involves completing a bachelor’s degree in a related field, followed by a master’s degree before starting the PhD program. The bachelor’s degree provides a broad foundation in the field, while the master’s degree provides more specialized training and research experience that prepares students for the rigours of a PhD program.

However, some students may wonder whether it is possible to skip the master’s degree and go straight into a PhD program. This can be an attractive option for students who want to save time and money, or who have extensive research experience that makes them well-prepared for a PhD program.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of doing a PhD without a master’s degree, as well as some examples of successful PhD students who took this route.

A direct PhD program, sometimes referred to as an integrated or combined PhD program, is a doctoral-level academic program that allows students to pursue a PhD degree without first obtaining a master’s degree.

In traditional PhD programs, students typically complete a master’s degree before embarking on their doctoral studies. However, in a direct PhD program, students are admitted directly into the PhD program after completing their undergraduate studies.

Direct PhD programs are often structured to be more streamlined, allowing students to move directly into advanced research and coursework related to their field of study. These programs are typically designed for highly motivated and academically strong students who demonstrate exceptional potential for research and scholarly work.

The specific structure and requirements of direct PhD programs can vary depending on the university and the field of study. In some cases, students may be required to complete additional coursework or examinations to ensure they have the necessary background knowledge and skills for doctoral-level research. However, the overall goal of these programs is to accelerate the process of earning a PhD by allowing students to begin their doctoral studies earlier in their academic career.

Pros and Cons of Doing a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

While it is possible to pursue a PhD without completing a master’s degree, there are several potential advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Pros of Doing a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

• Saving time and money: Completing a master’s degree can add two or more years to the time it takes to earn a PhD, as well as significant tuition costs. Skipping the master’s degree can allow students to complete their PhD more quickly and with fewer expenses.
• Gaining more research experience: Some students may already have extensive research experience, either through undergraduate research opportunities or work in a related field. Skipping the master’s degree can allow these students to continue building on their research skills and contribute to the field more quickly.

Cons of Doing a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

• Lack of preparation in research methodology and theory: Master’s degree programs often provide students with more specialized training in research methods and theoretical frameworks, which can be valuable preparation for a PhD program. Skipping the master’s degree can mean missing out on this preparation and potentially struggling to keep up with the demands of a PhD program.
• Potential challenges in meeting admission requirements: Some PhD programs may require applicants to have a master’s degree or equivalent research experience, which can make it difficult for students who have not completed a master’s degree to be accepted into a PhD program. Additionally, some students may need to complete additional coursework or exams to meet the admission requirements for a PhD program.
• A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in computer science and spent several years working in the industry as a software developer may have gained extensive research experience in a specialized area of computer science. This student may be well-prepared to pursue a PhD in computer science without completing a master’s degree.
• A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has some research experience through undergraduate research opportunities may struggle to keep up with the demands of a PhD program in psychology without completing a master’s degree that provides more specialized training in research methods and theoretical frameworks.

Fields in Which it is More Common to Enter a PhD Program Without a Master’s Degree

While it is not uncommon for students to pursue a master’s degree before starting a PhD program, there are some fields where it is more common for students to enter a PhD program directly after completing a bachelor’s degree. These fields include:

• Engineering: In many engineering disciplines, it is common for students to enter PhD programs directly after completing a bachelor’s degree. This is because engineering programs often provide students with extensive research experience and specialized training in research methods and theoretical frameworks that prepare them for a PhD program.
• Natural Sciences: In fields such as biology, chemistry, and physics, it is also common for students to enter PhD programs directly after completing a bachelor’s degree. This is because these fields often require extensive research experience and specialized training in laboratory techniques and scientific methods, which students can gain through undergraduate research opportunities and coursework.

In these fields, students who have completed a bachelor’s degree and have extensive research experience may be well-prepared to pursue a PhD program without completing a master’s degree. However, it is important to note that this may not be the case in other fields, such as the social sciences or humanities, where a master’s degree may be more commonly required or preferred for admission to a PhD program.

It is important for students to research the admission requirements and expectations for PhD programs in their chosen field before deciding whether to pursue a master’s degree or apply directly to a PhD program after completing their bachelor’s degree.

Fields in Which a Master’s Degree is Often Required for Admission to a PhD Program

While it is possible to pursue a PhD without completing a master’s degree, there are some fields where a master’s degree is often required or preferred for admission to a PhD program. These fields include:

• Humanities: In fields such as history, philosophy, and literature, it is common for students to complete a master’s degree before applying to a PhD program. This is because these fields often require extensive coursework and training in research methods and theoretical frameworks, which students can gain through a master’s degree program.
• Social Sciences: In fields such as psychology, sociology, and political science, a master’s degree is often required or preferred for admission to a PhD program. This is because these fields often require specialized training in research methods and statistical analysis, which students can gain through a master’s degree program.

In these fields, students who have completed a bachelor’s degree but do not have a master’s degree may find it difficult to gain admission to a PhD program. This is because PhD programs in these fields often have high admission standards and may require applicants to have completed a master’s degree or equivalent research experience.

• A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in English literature and has some research experience through undergraduate research opportunities may need to complete a master’s degree in order to gain admission to a PhD program in literature. This is because PhD programs in literature often require extensive coursework and training in research methods and theoretical frameworks.
• A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and has some research experience through undergraduate research opportunities may be able to apply directly to a PhD program in psychology. However, some PhD programs in psychology may require applicants to have completed a master’s degree or equivalent research experience, which could make it difficult for this student to gain admission without completing a master’s degree.

How to Apply for a PhD Program Without a Master’s Degree

While it can be challenging to gain admission to a PhD program without a master’s degree, there are some steps that students can take to increase their chances of success. These steps may include:

• Demonstrating exceptional academic qualifications: Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree with exceptional grades and have a strong academic record may be more likely to be considered for admission to a PhD program without a master’s degree.
• Demonstrating research potential: Students with extensive research experiences, such as through undergraduate research opportunities or independent research projects, can demonstrate their potential for success in a PhD program.
• Completing additional coursework or exams: Some PhD programs may require applicants without a master’s degree to complete additional coursework or exams to demonstrate their readiness for PhD-level work. This may include completing additional courses in research methods, statistics, or theory, or taking qualifying exams to demonstrate mastery of the field.
• A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in physics with exceptional grades and extensive research experience may be able to gain admission to a PhD program in physics without completing a master’s degree. This is because the student has demonstrated exceptional academic qualifications and research potential.
• A student who completed a bachelor’s degree in history and has some research experience through undergraduate research opportunities may need to complete additional coursework or exams to gain admission to a PhD program in history. This is because PhD programs in history often require extensive coursework and training in research methods and theoretical frameworks, which students may not have gained through their undergraduate studies alone.

It is important for students to research the admission requirements and expectations for PhD programs in their chosen field before deciding whether to pursue a master’s degree or apply directly to a PhD program after completing their bachelor’s degree. Students may also want to reach out to professors and advisors in their field to discuss their options and receive guidance on the application process.

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Examples of Successful PhD students who did not have a Master’s Degree

While it is less common for students to enter a PhD program without a master’s degree, there are examples of successful PhD students who have done so. These students have demonstrated exceptional academic qualifications, research potential, and perseverance in their programs. Some examples of successful PhD students who did not have a master’s degree include:

• Dr. Jennifer Doudna: Dr. Doudna is a biochemist who won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2020 for her work on the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system. She entered a PhD program in biochemistry at Harvard University directly after completing her bachelor’s degree at Pomona College. She completed her PhD in just four years and went on to a successful career in academia and research.
• Dr. Maryam Mirzakhani: Dr. Mirzakhani was a mathematician who won the Fields Medal, often considered the highest honour in mathematics, in 2014. She completed her bachelor’s degree in mathematics in Iran and then entered a PhD program in mathematics at Harvard University without completing a master’s degree. She completed her PhD in just three years and went on to a successful career in academia and research.
• Dr. David Gelernter: Dr. Gelernter is a computer scientist and artist who completed his bachelor’s degree in mathematics and classical Hebrew literature at Yale University. He then entered a PhD program in computer science at the same institution without completing a master’s degree. He completed his PhD in three years and went on to a successful career in academia and research.

These examples demonstrate that it is possible for students to succeed in PhD programs without completing a master’s degree. However, it is important to note that these students had exceptional academic qualifications, research potential, and perseverance and that their success was not guaranteed.

Students who are considering applying to PhD programs without completing a master’s degree should carefully consider their own academic qualifications and research potential and should seek guidance and support from advisors and mentors in their field.

Top Universities Offering PhD without Master’s Degree

While it is less common for universities to offer PhD programs without a master’s degree, there are some prestigious institutions around the world that do accept students into PhD programs without a master’s degree in certain fields. Here are some examples:

• Harvard University, USA : Harvard’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences allows exceptional students to apply directly to their PhD programs without a master’s degree in fields such as physics, chemistry, mathematics, and computer science.
• Stanford University, USA : Stanford’s School of Engineering offers a direct PhD program for exceptional students in fields such as electrical engineering, computer science, and mechanical engineering, without requiring a master’s degree.
• University of Cambridge, UK : The University of Cambridge’s PhD programs in sciences and engineering fields may admit students without a master’s degree on a case-by-case basis, considering their qualifications and research potential.
• Imperial College London, UK : Imperial College London’s PhD programs in engineering and physical sciences may admit students directly from a bachelor’s degree, based on their qualifications and potential for research.
• ETH Zurich, Switzerland: ETH Zurich, a leading institution in science and engineering, may admit students into their PhD programs without a master’s degree, considering their academic achievements and research potential.
• IIT Delhi, India : a leading institution in engineering, admit students into their PhD programs without a master’s degree, considering their academic achievements and research potential.

It’s important to note that the admission requirements and policies for PhD programs without a master’s degree can vary by institution and field of study and may be subject to change. It’s always recommended to thoroughly research and review the specific requirements of each institution and program you are interested in, and contact the admissions offices for up-to-date and accurate information.

Direct PhD Offered in Various Continents/Countries

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
• Stanford University
• Harvard University
• Princeton University
• University of Cambridge (UK)
• University College London (UK)
• ETH Zurich (Switzerland)
• Technical University of Munich (Germany)
• University of Amsterdam (Netherlands)
• Australian National University
• University of Melbourne
• University of Sydney
• University of Queensland
• Monash University
• National University of Singapore
• Tsinghua University (China)
• University of Tokyo (Japan)
• Seoul National University (South Korea)
• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) – Various campuses in India

These universities, among many others, offer direct PhD programs across a wide range of disciplines including engineering, natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and more. It’s important to research each program carefully to understand its specific requirements, application process, and available funding opportunities.

Pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree is possible but it is less common and comes with its own set of challenges. In this article, we have discussed the pros and cons of doing a PhD without a master’s degree, fields in which it is more common to enter a PhD program without a master’s degree, and fields in which a master’s degree is often required for admission to a PhD program. We have also provided some advice on how to apply for a PhD program without a master’s degree and shared examples of successful PhD students who did not have a master’s degree.

For students who are considering pursuing a PhD without a master’s degree, it is important to carefully consider their academic qualifications and research potential. They should also seek guidance and support from advisors and mentors in their field, and consider completing additional coursework or exams to prepare for the rigors of a PhD program.

In conclusion, the decision to pursue a PhD without a master’s degree is a personal one and should be made after careful consideration of the individual’s goals, strengths, and weaknesses. We encourage readers to engage with the topic further by researching specific PhD programs and seeking advice from mentors and advisors in their field.

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• Best Online Doctoral Programs

Best Online Doctoral Programs Of 2024

Published: Apr 23, 2024, 1:42pm

The best online doctoral programs offer flexibility and convenience that can make it easier for you to pursue an advanced degree, often while working full time.

Earning a doctorate can help you advance to the highest roles in your field and increase your salary potential. It’s also a chance for you to gain an advanced understanding of impactful issues and develop the skills to generate new ideas, solve problems and create meaningful change.

Below, learn about the best online doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including social work, psychology, education and nursing.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degree programs in the U.S. using metrics in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

We scored schools based on the following data points:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We chose the best schools to display in 10 categories of doctoral degrees.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

• Best Online Colleges With A 100% Acceptance Rate
• Best HBCUs With Online Degrees
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Degree Finder

Best online doctoral program options.

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Should You Enroll in an Online Ph.D. Program or Doctorate?

Accreditation for online doctoral degrees, how to find the right online doctorate for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d. programs and doctorates.

• Best online Psy.D.: Rivier University
• Best online Doctor of Nursing Practice: University of Central Florida
• Best online Doctor of Business Administration: Walsh College
• Best online doctorate in physical therapy: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Best online doctorate in education: Johns Hopkins University
• Best online Ph.D. in organizational leadership: Indiana Wesleyan University
• Best online Ph.D. in counseling: Concordia University-Irvine
• Best online Doctor of Social Work: University of Southern California
• Best online Ph.D. in public administration: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
• Best online doctorate in educational leadership: Fairfield University

Featured Online Schools

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site'

Best Online Psy.D.

Rivier university.

Program Tuition Rate

$1,275/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Nashua, New Hampshire, Rivier University offers a hybrid Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) with a limited number of online classes. The American Psychology Association-accredited program focuses on school psychology and counseling and prepares you to work as a psychologist in various environments. You’ll learn clinical diagnosis, assessment, prevention and intervention skills.

Students must attend full time and can work no more than 20 hours per week. It takes a minimum of five years to graduate.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $100
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60-130 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Fundamentals of research, group counseling
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes a 2,000-hour internship and at least six practicum experiences

Best Doctor of Nursing Practice

University of central florida.

$372/credit (in-state)

At University of Central Florida (UCF), practicing nurses can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The advanced track program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and prepares nurses for clinical leadership roles in the field.

Coursework explores clinical management, communication skills and epidemiology principles. You’ll develop research and practice skills, learn to improve healthcare systems, develop health policy and analyze data to improve individual and population health.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare systems and policy, nursing environment management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes clinical hours (but all coursework is available online)

Best Doctor of Business Administration

Walsh college.

$1,038/credit

You can earn an online Doctor of Business Administration from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. The part-time, online program includes asynchronous coursework and real-time Zoom classes, as well as optional opportunities to interact on campus. You can develop advanced business knowledge and skills to become a business leader or consultant.

In addition to coursework, you must pass a preliminary exam and complete a 15-credit dissertation process. The program requires students to graduate within seven years.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations for business success, qualitative and exploratory research methods
• In-Person Requirements: No

Best Doctorate in Physical Therapy

Texas tech university health sciences center.

$265/credit (in-state)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center designed its hybrid Doctor of Science in physical therapy to help practicing physical therapists advance their careers. The post-professional 36-credit program takes four to five years to complete part time.

The flexible format makes it possible for students to keep working while attending school. Learners attend weekend lectures and labs at the Lubbock, Texas, campus. During the week, they supplement their in-person instruction with online assignments.

• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Medical screening for rehabilitation sciences, motor control in orthopedics
• Concentrations Available: Research track, teaching track
• In-Person Requirements: Yes

Best Online Doctorate in Education

Johns hopkins university.

$2,100/credit

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland offers an online Ed.D. The part-time degree takes four years to complete and explores topics like the social determinants of education, entrepreneurship and technology.

You can customize the degree by choosing electives that align with your professional interests and by selecting one or more “areas of interest,” such as urban leadership or digital age learning and educational technology. Applicants need a master’s degree with at least 36 graduate credits to qualify for the program.

• Application Fee: $80
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Approaches to urban education, partnerships and community organizing
• Concentrations Available: Creativity, advanced learning, and twice exceptionality; digital age learning and educational technology; entrepreneurial leadership in education; mind, brain, and teaching; urban leadership

Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

Indiana wesleyan university.

$890/credit

Located in Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership that can prepare you to become an effective leader in as few as four years. The program focuses on inclusion, multiculturalism and international perspectives and develops research, presentation and executive skills.

You must attend an in-person residency during the July session, but the rest of the program takes place online and offers flexibility for working professionals. The school’s tuition guarantee locks in your tuition rate when you start the program.

• Application Fee: Free
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced leadership theory, statistical research design
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes an in-person residency

Best Online Ph.D. in Counseling

Concordia university – irvine.

$795/credit

Concordia University – Irvine in Irvine, California, is a Christian institution that offers a “biblically informed” online Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from its Townsend Institute. Designed for licensed mental health professionals, the degree develops advanced skills and prepares you for leadership roles in counseling, teaching and advocacy.

The accelerated program takes three to four years to complete. It requires two in-person residencies and a total of 700 hours of internship and practicum field experiences. In addition to coursework, you must complete a culminating 12-credit dissertation that includes original counseling research and a successful oral defense.

• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced counseling and career theories, advanced multicultural issues in counselor education and supervision
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two in-person residencies, a practicum and an internship

Best Online Doctor of Social Work

University of southern california.

$2,137/credit

University of Southern California ‘s online Doctor of Social Work from the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work emphasizes the importance of scholarship and practice in the field. Created for experienced social work professionals, the program can help you become a leader working toward social change and innovation.

The program offers a seven-semester accelerated track and a standard nine-semester option. In a capstone experience, learners research and create a prototype that addresses a current problem in social work.

• Application Fee: $90
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leading public discourse, financial management for social change

Best Online Ph.D. in Public Administration

West chester university of pennsylvania.

$645/credit (in-state)

West Chester University of Pennsylvania ’s online Doctor of Public Administration can prepare you for high-level roles in public affairs and administration. The program is offered by the College of Business and Public Management, accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the Department of Public Policy and Administration, accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

The curriculum explores strategic management, policy advocacy and decision-making in the public sector. The dissertation allows you to complete an applied research project. You can take electives and choose a concentration from multiple departments, including psychology, graduate social work and criminal justice.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic public sector management and governance, research design for program and policy evaluation
• Concentrations Available: Options from multiple departments

Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Fairfield university.

$1,120/credit

At Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, you can earn an online, low-residency Doctor of Education in educational leadership. The program offers two tracks: teacher leader for certified working educators or higher education administration for higher education professionals.

Students enroll in the cohort-style program in the fall and graduate in three years by taking six credits per semester. Learners can build community during two one-week summer residencies. Applicants need a master’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 57
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Action research for educational change, framing and critical analysis of problems of practice
• Concentrations Available: Teacher leader, higher education administration
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two one-week residencies

An online Ph.D. program or doctorate can offer many compelling features for students, but it might not be the right choice for everyone. Consider the questions below when deciding whether to pursue your doctorate online or in person.

• What type of schedule do you need? Online programs typically offer more flexibility that appeals to students who work full time or have personal responsibilities to fit around their school schedule. Online degrees allow learners to pursue higher education without putting their career on hold. This is especially true for programs that offer asynchronous coursework that students complete on their own time.
• What learning style works best for you? Do you work well independently and with a lot of freedom? If so, an online doctorate might be a good fit for you. If you think you’d prefer the camaraderie of an in-person cohort graduate program and structured opportunities to interact with instructors, an on-campus or hybrid program might suit you better.
• How does the program format affect your budget? Online programs can help you save on tuition, housing and transportation costs. For example, many public schools allow you to pay the same tuition, regardless of where you live. However, you might miss funding opportunities typically reserved for on-campus students, such as graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships and fellowships.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approve accrediting agencies that give schools institutional accreditation in the U.S.

Institutional accreditation means that a university has met minimum quality requirements related to its academics, financial management, faculty and staff, and student resources and services. To qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited college.

Programmatic accreditation is a separate process that gives special recognition to individual degrees, programs or departments within a university. Depending on your field, you might need a programmatically accredited degree to get a job or qualify for professional licenses or certifications.

You can search for a prospective school’s accreditation status on CHEA’s website .

Consider Your Future Goals

An online doctorate has the potential to help you achieve your career aspirations. However, not every program in your field will necessarily align with your goals. Before you choose an online doctorate program, think about your post-graduation plans.

For example, some online doctorate programs require professional experience through an internship or a practicum. This type of hands-on learning can help you develop your expertise and professional network. But these experiences usually take place in person and can be hard to fit into your schedule if you’re working full time.

You should also consider if you need a specific license or certification to get the job you want. If so, research the credential’s requirements to learn if your degree needs to meet certain criteria. For example, you may need to complete an accredited program or complete supervised clinical hours.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition rates for online doctoral programs in our guide vary significantly, from $265 to $2,137 per credit. Most programs required 42 to 60 credits, with some exceptions. In total, the degrees ranked on our list cost between $9,540 and $113,400.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , grad students at private, nonprofit schools paid an average tuition of $20,408 in 2022–23, while public school tuition cost $11,554 per year. Doctorate programs typically take at least three years to complete, putting total costs between $34,662 and $61,224.

Find funding for your online Ph.D. by filling out the FAFSA®, which can connect you with scholarships, grants and student loans. Many schools also provide funding to graduate students through scholarships, grants and fellowships.

Can you do a Ph.D. fully online?

Yes, many schools offer fully online Ph.D. programs. However, depending on the program and the field of study, you may need to complete on-campus residencies or field experiences like internships or practicums that take place in person.

What is the fastest Ph.D. to get online?

Program length for online Ph.D. programs varies depending on your field of study. You might be able to find some accelerated online Ph.D. programs that you can finish in less than two years. However, the best online doctoral programs on our list take at least three years to complete.

Are online doctoral degrees respected?

An online doctoral degree from an accredited university can provide the same rigorous education and training as a comparable on-campus program. If you’re concerned about whether or not your degree will be respected, consider doing some research about the way that your field or profession tends to view online doctoral degrees.

What is the best online school for a Ph.D.?

The best online school for a Ph.D. depends on your field of study, personal interests and career goals. Make sure that any prospective online school is institutionally accredited. Depending on the degree you want to pursue, it might also be important to find a program with separate programmatic accreditation.

Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD [2024 Guide]

Do you need a masters to get a PhD? It is possible to earn your PhD without a masters program being completed first. This direct entry bachelor’s to PhD option can be a helpful way to reduce the time and money required to complete your education.

Earning a PhD degree may put you on the path to exciting and rewarding career opportunities in a variety of fields. It may also specifically prepare you for a career in research and teaching.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

While in many cases it is possible to earn your PhD without a masters, completing a masters program may sometimes be a better fit for your personal educational journey and career objectives.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

No, a master’s degree is not always required to earn a PhD. A number of schools may allow you to enroll in a PhD-level program without having previously obtained your master’s degree if you meet the school’s and program’s admission criteria.

In some cases, Ph.D. programs may allow you to skip the need to obtain a master’s degree. These programs allow direct enrollment from a bachelor’s degree program into a PhD or doctorate program. Other schools may offer dual programs. These programs allow you to obtain a master’s graduate degree while you complete coursework for a PhD.

However, a growing number of universities now offer one year masters programs that may be beneficial to you and some of the highest paying masters degrees may be worth exploring before considering direct-entry PhD programs.

The availability of direct entry bachelor’s to PhD programs and dual master-PhD programs may vary from school to school. So, it can be helpful to research specific schools and fields of interest before applying.

Pros and Cons of Earning a PhD Without a Master’s

Earning a PhD without a master’s can offer some unique benefits, but depending on your career goals and personal objectives, it may come with some cons as well.

• Save time . Earning your PhD without a master’s will often save you time, as you won’t need to complete the 1 to 3 years required of a master’s education.
• Save money . Skipping a masters program may also save you money, as you get to avoid the tuition costs of a masters program.
• Enter the workforce more quickly . Attending a direct entry PhD program may allow you to enter the workforce more quickly and achieve advanced positions in your field sooner than other educational routes.
• PhD not always required . Depending on your career goals, a PhD may not be necessary or helpful in achieving your target. In these instances, earning a doctoral degree may simply increase the time it takes for you to begin working in your field of choice.
• Master’s degrees can offer clarity and experience . Earning a master’s may offer perspective in terms of choosing a trajectory for your studies in a PhD program. A master’s also allows you to experience postsecondary studies that are more self-directed than bachelor degree programs.
• Master’s degrees can offer competitive advantage . In some cases, it may be more challenging to compete with other students who have completed a master’s program when it comes to being accepted into a PhD program or competing for certain research topics.

Enrolling in a direct entry bachelors to PhD program may not be right for everyone. It may be a good option for you, though, if you’re interested in obtaining your PhD and finishing your educational journey in less time and at lesser cost.

If you are interested in changing careers and you do decide that a masters degree is right for you, you may want to consider the best master’s degrees for career change that many universities offer their grad students.

Can You Get a PhD Without a Masters?

Yes, you can get a PhD without first obtaining a master’s degree. A number of universities offer direct entry to PhD programs from undergraduate or bachelor degree studies.

In some cases, specific schools or programs may prefer that applicants hold a master’s degree. Other options that may exist are dual master and PhD programs, which are available from certain universities.

Admission criteria to a PhD program will vary from school to school. Criteria may include the completion of an application form, submission of GRE or GMAT scores, payment of an application fee, and a written statement of purpose.

Other criteria for admission to a PhD without masters program could include submission of a resume, letters of reference, and transcripts from previous postsecondary studies, such as your bachelor’s degree.

How Hard Is It to Get into a PhD Program?

Entry requirements for doctorate degrees vary from school to school and across programs.

Some common requirements, though, that you may come across include the completion of a bachelor’s degree program, a letter of interest, and a submission of a CV or resume. Some schools may require you to submit GRE or GMAT scores, but this requirement is becoming less common among accredited programs and institutions.

Once accepted into a PhD program, you may be required to undertake a significant amount of self-directed study and research, complete advanced coursework in your field of study, and fulfill a dissertation requirement.

What Can You Do with a PhD?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , there are a number of rewarding careers that may be available to you with a PhD. Some career fields in which a PhD is valuable include health, education, finance, management, and governance. Postsecondary health education and physical therapy are among the highest paying PhD degrees available.

Some positions that you may qualify for with a PhD include psychologist, economist, postsecondary teacher, political scientist, anthropologist, archeologist, and biochemist. Other positions could include engineer, historian, and chemist.

Understanding what a PhD degree is can help you plan your career goals. It is common for a PhD education to lead to careers in research, where you can contribute to the existing breadth of knowledge and understanding in a particular field. Teaching is another professional area common to PhD graduates, including teaching at universities and colleges.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD Without a Masters?

Completing a master’s degree generally takes anywhere from 1 to 2 years, depending on the type of program and attendance schedule.

Obtaining a PhD without a masters degree is a unique opportunity that may allow you to shorten your academic journey. Traditionally, a bachelor’s degree takes 4 years to complete while PhD degrees can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years, depending on the program and school you attend.

Earn Your PhD Online

Earning your PhD online without a master’s may be a beneficial way for you to achieve advanced level education. You may complete a terminal degree in your field of choice while saving time and money. You may also benefit from advancement early in your career.

There are a variety of direct entry and accelerated PhD programs online available from accredited schools. You may find that obtaining your PhD without first earning a master’s degree allows you to enter into your profession of choice much quicker than expected.

• What is it Like to Do a PhD Without a Masters?

If you’ve always wanted to do a PhD, you might be wondering if you can get there without spending more time and money in university.

My journey to a PhD was a little different. Instead of a Masters, I did an Industrial Experience placement during my undergraduate in Biomedical Sciences. I spent 14 months working a 9-5 in a research and development lab. It was a great opportunity to experience working life, without the pressure of exams or coursework. This glimpse of life beyond studying helped put my final year of university into context and I felt better informed to decide my next steps. This turned out to be applying directly to a lab-based PhD project on a Doctoral Training Programme (which I was accepted onto).

There are numerous benefits of having professional experience before starting a PhD, but there are also some important things to consider as well!

The benefits of professional work experience

#1 skills learned during professional experience can really benefit a phd.

The world of professional work and academia may appear to be different, but the skills you gain from work experience can easily be applied to a PhD. In particular, strong transferable skills can really prepare you for the parts of a PhD outside of your research.

This might look like:

• Better time management and project management skills from working in an environment with shorter deadlines. This can prepare you for balancing independent work during a PhD with the many other demands (like teaching and paper writing).
• Experience of training colleagues which could prepare you for training undergraduate or Masters students in your academic group.
• Presentation skills from talking in team or company meetings is useful preparation for presenting to your supervisor, academic group or even at conferences.

#2 Good working habits

A life in academia often conjures images of long hours and even working through weekends. But it doesn't have to be this way! Gaining experience outside of academia can show you how to keep your work within more typical working hours and days. A company will also want you to plan for annual leave throughout the year. This perspective can help you maintain and stick to a good work life balance and prevent burnout during your PhD .

#3 Prepared for life beyond a PhD (or instead of. . .)

The experience of working life can help you decide to do a PhD for the best reasons, such as pursuing a subject you are passionate about or as a way to further advance towards your career goals. You will understand what life could look like after completing your PhD and likely have professional connections that could be useful in finding a job post PhD.

But there are several considerations to doing a PhD without a Masters

A Masters is a great way to experience postgraduate life and academic research in your field of interest without committing to a full PhD project. This can be useful as there are several differences between professional work and academia that are more easily understood from the experience of doing a Masters.

#1 Specific research skills

The skills you learn during a Masters could be directly applicable to a PhD project and put you in the best location to connect with supervisors in the field you want to study. This experience is highly beneficial in subjects where you write your own research proposal , particularly the Arts and Humanities subjects.

#2 The academic way of working

The days in academia can look different to those in the workplace. They are more likely to have no set working hours and more independent work. There is more time to get lost in the work as deadlines are often far into the future. This can feel different to working in a wider team with more meetings and shorter deadlines, which is more common in professional workplaces. A benefit of this goal-oriented way of working and regular contact with your supervisor is that it can help you to stay focused on the outcomes of your PhD and help you to work more efficiently. However, a Masters could help you to understand whether you would work well in the academic environment.

#3 Your motivations are different

In academia, work is usually driven by interest, not by importance or deadlines. The subject area is niche and the aims can evolve significantly over the duration of the project, so you have to become comfortable not knowing where the work is going. Unlike professional work, there isn’t an external structure or corporate goals to help guide and support your direction. A PhD supervisor will likely expect you to develop and lead the project aims. Although a Masters is over a shorter period of time, it can expose you to this and help you to learn whether you would feel comfortable with this style of working.

How to fill the (possible) gap between professional experience and a Masters

Without the experience of academic research during a Masters, you may find you have a steeper learning curve during the first year of your PhD . Some of these skills include how to maintain the student-supervisor relationship, how to conduct original research and write up your findings.

If everyone around you has that academic experience through a Masters, it might lead you to feel a little out of the loop or even as though you are an imposter in the academic environment. It is possible to work through this and have a great PhD, and many with a Masters still experience these feelings.

There are several ways to fill this possible experience gap. A PhD is a time to learn new skills, so finding a supportive supervisor who understands your background can help you to adjust into this new role. You could also enrol on an Integrated PhD programme that provides a year of research skills training before starting your three year PhD project. In addition, many universities run workshops for PhD students to connect and learn new skills alongside their research – these can include everything from highly technical skills to more general literature review and writing skills.

A reflection of my Industrial Experience year before starting my PhD

The transferrable skills and good working boundaries I learned during my Industrial Experience year have helped me greatly during my PhD and made me feel more prepared for my future career. Although this experience was relevant to my PhD, I had to learn new methodologies (but this could be the case with a Masters degree too) and consciously adapt to the academic way of working. I used my DTP training year to develop my research skills and I was open with my supervisor about what areas I needed training in throughout my PhD.

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The PhD is the most common variety of doctorate, but others are awarded in specific disciplines or sometimes particular countries.

Joint PhD programmes involve collaboration between two (or more) different universities. So how does that work? Who can apply? And what are the advantages (and disadvantages) of researching in this way?

Integrated PhD programmes consist of a one-year Masters followed by three years of PhD research. Find out more about what it's like to study an integrated PhD, how to apply and the funding options available.

Thinking of applying for the Doctor of Engineering (EngD)? Our guide covers everything you need to know about the qualification, including costs, applications, programme content, and how it differs from a PhD.

A PhD isn't the only option for postgraduate researchers. Our guides explain professional doctorates, joint degrees and compare other qualification types.

How does the value of an MPhil compare with a PhD, and why might you choose the Masters over the doctorate?

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The Ultimate Guide to Online Doctoral Degrees

Find your degree.

Plenty of people realize that now that they don’t have to spend any time commuting – instead working from home – an extra hour or more is now available. Instead of filling it with mindless TV or social media scrolling, it’s so much wiser to pursue one of the best online PhD programs .

Recommended Online Doctoral Programs

Contact schools for more information on enrollment, tuition, and aid

Why Should I Get an Online Doctorate?

There were already a plethora of best online PhD programs to choose from before the pandemic hit, and now schools are converting their programs to virtual format even more. It’s the perfect time to apply to online doctorate programs to further your career. Online programs for PhD candidates are effective and convenient, allowing students to balance the demands of their professional and personal lives well. Now, there are over 205 accredited US institutions offering more than 1,000 online doctorate programs, and more are being accredited now as the pandemic continues and enrollement demand increases.

Online doctoral programs are frequently solid investments because they lead to salary increases, elgibility for new positions, and an edge on the competition as people climb their way up workplace totem poles. High quality online doctoral programs can be completed in the comfort of you own home, even in your pajamas. Distance learning PhD programs offer access to the same quality of professors, opportunities to network with other students and alumni, and often cost less than in-person programs. Plus there is zero risk of contracting COVID-19 when attending distance learning PhD programs – win-win!

When choosing schools to apply to, accreditation is essential. Accredited online PhD programs enable graduates to be recognized for their achievement and skills in workplaces around the world. Looking for distance learning PhD programs at major universities? Johns Hopkins University, University of Southern California, George Washington University, and other distance learning PhD programs at major universities provide the WOW factor many students are looking for when considering various programs.

How Long Does an Online Doctorate Take?

So many people have very busy lives, big goals they’re striving to attain, and no time to wait around. These people are go-getters who want to maximize their time as much as possible. So a natural question to ask when pondering starting a PhD program is, how long does an online doctorate take? Well, it depends on the specific program, specialty, and the student’s chosen pace as well. Plenty of people have heard horror stories of it taking a decade or more to earn a doctoral degree, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Many students are able to finish their doctoral degrees in around 5-7 years. Accelerated programs can take between 3-5 years .

The good news is that when people pursue online doctorate programs, they can achieve their degrees at a pace that make sense for them – following an accelerated program to attain their degree faster or taking their time more while holding down a full-time job and/or family responsibilities. With an online PhD program, there are so many choices that can be made according to one’s personal preferences. Online programs are perfectly flexible to meet the requirements of just about any serious PhD candidate.

While the timelines listed above are typical, there are some 1 year online doctoral programs that students often find are worthwhile. Georgetown University offers 1 year online doctoral programs in nursing. It’s the shortest doctoral program online available now. Wilkes University offers a 2 year program, which is one of the most sought-after accelerated doctoral programs online. Many people find that accelerated doctoral programs online enable them to take their careers to new heights without requiring as many years of time and effort. The shortest doctoral programs, and longer ones, too, often prove to be worthwhile investments in terms of time, effort, and financial resources.

What is the easiest doctorate degree? This is a natural question to ask, but there are no easy answers. Doctoral degrees are not easy to achieve by any stretch of the imagination, but they are made easier when students have real passion for their chosen field of study. So what is the easiest doctorate degree, you ask? Whichever one interests you the most! All doctoral degrees require hard work and dedication, but the time will pass more comfortably when students have a real passion for their chosen subject and specialty.

Quickest PhD programs ever can be found through accelerated programs. Online courses of study are wise options for those who are in a hurry because often, students can proceed with coursework at their own pace. Quickest PhD programs vary in terms of the time they take to complete, but those who are especially intense about furthering their career with the highest degree can complete them in record time when they dedicate as much of their time as possible to their completion. In accelerated programs, students can achieve their degrees as soon as possible so they can start applying to competitive jobs that require PhD degrees that much sooner. Just make sure any school you apply to has been nationally and regionally accredited to ensure it has high education standards and will be recognized throughout the US and abroad.

Do I Need a Master’s to Get an Online PhD?

A frequently asked question is, “do I need a master’s to get an online PhD? The answer is: not necessarily. Yes, many PhD programs require applicants to have master’s degrees already, but some don’t. No GRE PhD programs include those from Walden University, Capella University, Northcentral University, and others. Do I need a master’s to get an online PhD? While it is recommended to first have a master’s degree, it’s not always a requirement. No GRE PhD programs exist and many students have found them to be worthwhile to further their careers in a shorter period of time. It makes sense that many students are interested in getting their academic education done as fast as possible so that they can move on to higher-paying, more fulfilling jobs that much sooner.

Everyone knows that often, the most rigorous part of earning a PhD is researching, writing, and defending a dissertation. But is it possible to get a doctorate degree online no dissertation? That would certainly reduce the stress of a PhD program. The short answer is that yes, there are various programs available, such as Ed. D. PhD programs listed here, that don’t require students to complete dissertations. Doctorate degree online no dissertation programs do exist, but students must proceed with caution, and make sure they are properly accredited before applying.

The commonly accepted course of study is to achieve bachelors, masters, and then a PhD degree. But there are universities offering PhD without masters programs. Northeastern University, Walden University, the University of Bridgetport, and others are universities offering PhD without masters. There are also dual Masters and PhD degree programs for students who want to maximize their time and effort. These are rigorous programs that require an intense time committment, but students graduate with both masters and doctoral degrees much sooner than they would if they were to pursue the degree programs separately. There are often also significant cost savings when masters and doctoral degrees are achieved simultaneously.

PhD programs without GRE or GMAT aren’t very common, but they do exist. Northcentral University offers various accredited PhD programs without GRE or GMAT requirements. Depending on your area of interest and specialty, you may want to consider applying. Many people assume that they’ll need to follow the traditional path of obtaining a master’s degree before pursuing a PhD, but that’s not always required. PhD programs without masters degree programs exist and often save candidates plenty of time, effort, and money. Pursuing a master’s degree first is the usual path, but many people choose to chart their own path by applying to PhD programs without masters degree.

How Much Does an Online Doctorate Cost?

Before applying to various PhD programs, it’s wise to consider how much of a financial investment any particular program will be. If finances are tight, many students are thrilled to find out that there are affordable online doctoral programs, and even free online doctorate programs available for those who qualify. For instance, this website lists various free PhD programs online from reputable universities in the counseling field. Free online doctorate programs include that of New York University, University of Georgia, and Boston College. Affordable online doctoral programs do exist – prospective students just have to do a little digging in order to find them. Ranked in the top 3 of the best free PhD programs online are Lehigh University, New York University, and Columbia University of the City of New York. Frugal-minded students would be wise to consider these fully funded online PhD programs to take their careers to levels they might have only imagined before. With a degree from one of the accredited, fully funded online PhD programs, graduates will be well-equipped to excel in their professional lives without being weighed down by student loan debt. It’s a win-win!

Many people shy away from the idea of completing a free PhD degree program. They may be concerned that they’ll get what they pay for, as the refrain goes. However, frugality doesn’t need to be completely left in the dust. There are plenty of low cost online accredited doctorate programs to choose from. Liberty University offers fully virtual, low cost online accredited doctorate programs. Affordable online PhD programs are surprisingly easy to find – check out this excellent list of the cheapest online PhD programs. All of these programs offer tuition rates of less than $14,000 per year. Amridge University offers 8 doctoral degree programs, including Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration and a Doctor of Ministry. Affordable online PhD programs often prove to be smart investments that turn out to be best ROI graduate degrees. Figuring out the best ROI graduate degrees isn’t just a matter of checking prices. Students should also make sure they get the most out of any degree program in terms of career advancement, and time and effort expended, before selecting which of the cheapest online PhD programs would be best for them to pursue.

What Fields are Best for an Online Doctorate?

Those considering how to take their careers to the next level often think about and research answers to the question, “what fields are best for an online doctorate?” It’s natural to want to make sure any course of study will provide tangible benefits before expending considerable time, energy, and effort pursuing it. There are so many doctorate fields to choose from, and it really depends on each individual’s interests. So the question, what fields are best for an online doctorate, doesn’t have an easy answer. It really just depends!

Online PhD programs in psychology can be easily found. Many are regionally and nationally accredited, giving prospective student peace of mind that their degrees will be recognized just about everywhere in the US and abroad. Northcentral University, The Chicago School, Grand Canyon University, and many other programs offer online PhD programs in psychology. There’s no reason to stop working or neglect family responsibilities when considering pursuing an online doctorate in psychology – just apply to a reputable program and squeeze your studies in whenever you can.

You can accomplish an online doctorate in psychology without sacrificing your income. It will require tremendous dedication, but you’ll be able to finish one of the online PhD programs in psychology in your PJs, at the pace that makes sense for you. Start researching online doctoral programs in psychology and pick a few to apply to today. The first step towards greatness and academic accomplishment can be taken right now – start researching which online doctoral programs in psychology match your interests, look into financial considerations, and get going towards a better future now.

A comprehensive list of most popular online PhD programs in business administration can be found here. Business administration is one of the most sought-after online doctorate in business degrees. This list includes online PhD programs in business administration from schools such as Liberty University, Florida National University, California Baptist University, Creighton University, and Saint Leo University. Those wishing to pursue an online doctorate in business would be wise to look over this list and research their options before applying.

Online doctorate in education are ideal choices for students who wish to continue working full time and/or raising a family while seeking academic excellence. Online PhD programs in education aren’t very hard to track down, but prospective students should make sure any program they’re applying to is properly accredited by national and regional organizations in order to ensure high caliber programs. American University, Walden University, Vanderbilt University, Northeastern University, and many other schools offer ideal online doctoral programs in education.

Achieving an online doctorate in education doesn’t have to involve heavy student loans – properly researching any online doctoral programs in education and making sure they are affordable and worth the investment of time, energy, and money will ensure you’ll be set up for success post-graduation and beyond.

Thinking about applying to online PhD programs in leadership ? Now is the perfect time to take your career in the public or private sector to the next level. There are various online doctorate in leadership programs available. The first criteria prospective students should check is that they are nationally and regionally accredited. Ashford University, Maryville University, Baylor University and other schools are ideal choices for pursuing online PhD programs in leadership.

There’s no doubt that for those with a passion for history, online PhD programs in history abound. But which one is right for you? Thankfully there are many solid options to choose from. Choices of schools for online PhD programs in history include reputable schools such as Walden University, Northcentral University, University of the Southwest. Specialty options can include medieval European history, Egyptian history, Latin American history, womens history, and more. Online doctoral programs in history provide an opportunity specialize and really become an expert in one’s chosen field of study – all without leaving the comfort of one’s own home!

Public Health

During the pandemic is the perfect time to start investing in oneself and furthering one’s career aspirations. An online doctorate in public health is a wise choice for anyone wishing to maximize future career possibilities in the health care field. The COVID-19 crisis is a salient reminder that the demand for savvy, knowledgeable healthcare professionals continues to grow as populations increase and diversify. An online doctorate in public health is a smart investment that serves graduates for decades to come.

A list of top schools with online doctoral programs in public health can be found here. Students who specialize in statistics and data analytics are especially well-qualified for excellent jobs, where they will be able to serve strained healthcare systems and make competitive salaries upon graduation. Online doctoral programs in public health help people gain the skills needed to further their health administration careers and get the most out of their professional lives. Apply to a few programs today!

Criminal Justice

Thinking about potentially pursuing an online doctorate in criminal justice ? While so many of us are stuck at home, social distancing and watching Netflix, this the perfect time to utilize this extra time to advance one’s career prospects. With an online doctorate in criminal justice from an accredited online university, graduates are well-equipped to apply to competitive jobs throughout the US and internationally. A handy list of top online doctorate in criminal justice programs can be accessed here. Options include the California University of Pennsylvania, Nova Southeastern University, Walden University, and Northcentral University. Start researching schools and narrowing down options today to get ready for a better professional future.

Related Rankings:

Best Online Doctoral Programs Fastest Online Doctoral Degrees Highest-Paying Online Doctoral Degrees Best Doctorate in Criminal Justice Best Online Doctorate in Public Health Best Online Doctorate in Business Administration Most Affordable Online MBA Programs Fastest Online MBA Programs

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Do You Need a Master’s to Get a PhD? Not Necessarily

If you’re thinking about becoming an expert in your field by getting a PhD, you might already know how long the road ahead of you may be. Many people dream of getting a PhD, but they often get put off by the time commitment and cost involved before they can even get started.

After all, PhDs can take anywhere from 3 to 8 years  to finish — and in some cases, even more. Getting a PhD can be quite a difficult endeavor for people who have jobs , families, and other financial responsibilities to balance along the way.

If you want that coveted PhD without compromising your other responsibilities, you might find yourself asking, “do you need a master’s to get a PhD?”

The short answer is: not necessarily .

Although the traditional route to a PhD often involves getting a master’s degree first, many direct to PhD programs allow academics to skip an MA altogether. Even those with bachelor’s degrees have a decent chance at getting into a PhD program. However, going directly for a doctorate still has its advantages and disadvantages.

Table of Contents

How to Get a PhD Without a Master’s Degree

The minimum requirement to be considered for a PhD is a bachelor’s degree, but your chances of getting accepted will depend on how well you tender your application .

Educational institutions won’t freely advertise that they offer doctorates without master’s degrees. It becomes your task to look into the core beliefs of the universities you’re interested in to see whether you have a chance at success.

When putting together your application, you’ll have to check the universities’ requirements to ensure that your previous academic performance qualifies. The better your qualifications and recommendation letters are, the higher your chances of being considered.

Of course, you may be able to eliminate many of your troubles by going the direct to PhD route, which takes you from undergrad straight into a doctorate program.

PhD Without a Master’s – How Does it Work?

PhD programs that consider candidates who don’t already have a master’s will expect you to have at least a bachelor’s degree.

The expectation can vary depending on the doctorate, but the bare minimum requirement is generally:

A three-year undergraduate degree in a related discipline for STEM PhDs

A relevant four-year undergraduate degree for PhDs in the arts and humanities.

To be considered for a PhD without a master’s, you’ll also need to have a strong academic record from your undergraduate studies. Universities are highly selective when admitting PhD candidates without master’s, so you’ll need to show academic transcripts with a high GPA.

The first way you can study a PhD without a master’s is by applying to a program that allows a direct route from bachelor’s to PhD. There are a number of doctoral programs, especially online ones, that only require you to have an undergraduate degree to apply. Be aware that even if a master’s is not required, you’ll need to submit a strong application, including a compelling research proposal, in order to stand out from other applicants, many of whom may have master’s degrees.

Even if the program normally requires a master’s as a prerequisite, you may be able to get around this by first pursuing an MPhil. Under this process, you’re given a year to prepare a thesis, which outlines your initial research and how you plan to expand on it for a full PhD dissertation. If successful, your MPhil will be upgraded to a doctorate, you’ll become a PhD candidate, and eventually be able to earn a PhD. If you don’t demonstrate strong enough research skills, you may also pass and be awarded an MPhil degree, but won’t be upgraded to a PhD student.

Another option would be to pursue an integrated PhD program, sometimes known as an integrated master’s degree. These are specific courses offered by some colleges that combine a master’s and PhD: if you’re successful, at the end of the course you’ll be awarded both qualifications. Typically, integrated PhD programs last for four years, covering a one-year master’s and a three-year PhD.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD Without a Master’s?

Studying a PhD program without a master’s will typically add an extra year to the usual timeline , as you’ll need to spend an additional year either completing an MPhil or as part of an integrated PhD program. Therefore, as most doctorates take three to five years to complete, a PhD without a master’s will usually take between four and six years.

On the other hand, if you choose a PhD program that only requires a bachelor’s degree to join, it will only take the standard length of time for that program, usually three to five years.

Which Universities Offer PhDs Without a Master’s?

Unfortunately, most universities don’t advertise PhD programs without master’s, as candidates are generally accepted on a case-by-case basis. Furthermore, admission requirements for PhD programs are usually set by the school or department, so even if one PhD program accepts candidates without master’s degrees, this may not be the case across the university.

If you want to pursue a PhD without a master’s, you’ll need to contact the admissions committee of the programs you’re interested in, and check their requirements.

Is it Possible to Get a PhD Without a Bachelor’s Degree?

It is not impossible to get a PhD without first having a bachelor’s degree, but it is very uncommon. In some rare cases, universities may accept candidates for doctoral programs with extensive professional experience in lieu of an undergraduate qualification.

If you’re able to demonstrate significant contributions to your field through either work or self-directed study, and that you’ve directly contributed new knowledge to the discipline, you may be accepted into a PhD program. You’ll be more likely to be accepted if you’ve been published, preferably multiple times, and have a number of professional accreditations.

Advantages of Going Straight to PhD

The biggest advantage of bypassing a master’s degree is easily the amount of time and money you can save in the process.

An MA can take as short as a year or as long as three to obtain. And when doctorates usually take anywhere from 5-7 years, shaving 1-3 years off can make a huge difference — especially for busy people who want to get ahead in their careers quickly.

Of course, you also won’t need to pay thousands of dollars in tuition fees for an MA. These savings alone are usually enough to convince many people to go for a PhD without master’s degrees slowing them down along the way.

Other benefits you may encounter are:

• Grants and Stipends – Another advantage of joining a direct-entry doctorate program is the possibility of obtaining outside funding (if you qualify). Many PhD programs offer students financial assistance in the form of partial funding or full tuition waivers. If you can benefit from financial aid, you might be glad to know that some programs also offer stipends on top of the tuition grants.
• Research Projects  – As a doctoral candidate, you might want to start or join certain research projects that may be time-sensitive. In cases like these, it’s usually advisable to go directly for PhDs to increase your chances of securing your dream project. If the project you’re looking at is a long-term endeavor, a doctoral program may also be the best route to allow for more in-depth fieldwork and experiments during your studies.
• Less Stress and Hassle  – Choosing not to go for a master’s degree might help eliminate stress and hassle, such as school applications and potential relocations. Going direct to PhD means you’ll likely only need to move once (if at all) to your chosen school’s area.

Disadvantages of Skipping a Master’s Degree

Although the answer to the question “can you get a PhD without a master’s?” is a resounding yes, it doesn’t always mean that it’s the right choice for everyone.

Going from undergraduate studies straight into a PhD program can be quite a huge adjustment. The program might suddenly expect you to get familiar with new techniques, work, and professional relationships — and fast!

This adjustment period may put you at a disadvantage compared to other doctorate candidates who have previously completed a master’s degree.

Other hindrances you might encounter are:

• Difficulty During Applications Process  – PhD programs are competitive and often only take the best-qualified applicants. If you’re competing with other students who have master’s degrees, it may affect your chances of securing a spot. However, if you go for a direct to PhD program  (undergraduate straight into PhD), it may be possible to avoid this problem.
• Less Experience in Research and Dissertation Work  – A thesis or dissertation is a major requirement of completing a master’s degree. Skipping an MA means you’re missing out on all of the experience you’d otherwise get in research and fieldwork. You’ll also have less experience actually writing a dissertation.
• Less Time to Confirm Your Interests  – Working on your master’s thesis will allow you to select a topic that interests you. You usually spend about a year working on your thesis, during which you can explore the topic further to confirm whether it’s really what you want to go into. By skipping the MA, you’re potentially giving up the chance to verify if the field truly interests you before you fully commit to it for the duration of your PhD. Going straight into a doctoral program may also mean that you miss out on the chance to choose your own topic and create your own research proposal.
• Missing the Opportunity to Work with a Thesis Supervisor – When doing a master’s degree, postgraduate students work with a thesis supervisor who provides guidance and advice for their projects. Going direct to PhD means you miss out on the experience of working with a supervisor and finding the right types of communication, schedules, and professional relationships for your needs. This means you’ll have to figure all of this out during your doctorate program, which can add to your stress.

So Can you Get a PhD  Without a Master’s? Yes, But Not Always

You don’t necessarily need a master’s in order to pursue a PhD. Some PhD programs accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree only, or you may be able to get around a master’s prerequisite by signing up for a MPhil or an integrated PhD program.

The “ideal” doctorate program doesn’t come along often. If you find yourself faced with a choice between pursuing a master’s degree  or trying to get into your dream doctoral program, you might want to skip the master’s degree altogether.

Although you may miss out on an MA qualification, often, a finished PhD supersedes the need for one anyway.

Getting a PhD without a master’s degree can be difficult, but it’s certainly not impossible! For more inspiration, take a look at our guides to the highest-paying PhD degrees  and the best one-year online PhD programs .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you skip a master’s and get a phd.

Yes, there are a few ways you may be able to get into a PhD program without completing a master’s first. You could opt for a PhD program that doesn’t require master’s as a prerequisite, or go for a MPhil or integrated PhD program. However, keep in mind that not all universities or programs allow you to apply for a PhD without a master’s.

Can I apply for a PhD after my bachelor’s?

In some cases, you can apply to a PhD program as soon as you’ve finished your undergraduate degree. Some doctoral programs accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree only, though you’ll probably need to have an excellent academic record and a strong research proposal.

Is a PhD better than a master’s?

PhD and master’s degrees are valuable in different ways, so it’s not really fair to say that a PhD is better than a master’s. Although a PhD is a more advanced degree, there are roles and professions that would prefer you to have a master’s rather than a PhD. Master’s programs usually have a more practical, real-world focus, which can be more useful  for many roles in the business, non-profit, and government sectors. On the other hand, a PhD is strongly rooted in in-depth research, so prepares candidates to work in research and academia.

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

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Is it Possible to Get a PhD Without a Master’s Degree?

Featured Expert: Dr. Abha Sood, PhD

Do you need a master’s to a get a PhD? No! A master’s degree is not a universal requirement for all PhD programs, and there are some types of programs which waive the master’s degree. If you’re interested in how to get a PhD but you want to shorten the time it takes to graduate, you do have options. While they are not numerous, there are excellent, accredited PhD programs in almost every field which do not require a master’s degree. In this blog, learn how you can get a PhD without a master’s, what your program options are and what you need to do to get accepted.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 9 min read

Do you need a master’s to get a phd.

The short answer: No . It is possible to get a PhD without a master’s degree, as there are programs which accept applicants who have not completed a master’s degree first.

We’ll explore these in more detail below, but first we’ll look at whether a PhD is the right path for you and why you might want to skip the master’s.

If you’re weighing your options for graduate school and deciding between a master’s or PhD , you’re probably wondering which one is the best choice for you and how to complete your studies in the fastest way possible. If your end goal is a PhD, you might be looking at a very long educational commitment. How long does it take to get a PhD? On average, 4-7 years, and this timeline doesn’t include the time it takes to get a master’s degree, another 1 or 2 years.

Chances are, you’ve finished 4 years of an undergraduate degree or you’re still earning your bachelor’s degree and thinking ahead a few years. The idea of 5+ more years of schooling can be a little intimidating, so you may be wondering how to get a PhD without a master’s.

There are few different types of PhD programs that do not require a master’s degree first. Note that all of these programs DO require a complete bachelor’s degree to apply! We’ll explain what your options are for completing a PhD without a master’s below.

1. Direct Entry PhD Programs

Direct Entry PhD programs allow students with a Bachelor’s degree to apply directly for a PhD in their field, without first completing a master’s degree. They are typically 4-5 years long, so they are appealing for students who want to earn a graduate degree and shave a few years off their timeline to graduation. Many of the top colleges in the US and the universities in Canada offer these types of programs. However, these programs are far from the easiest PhD programs to get into ! They are quite competitive and require specific admission requirements you’ll need to meet in order to be considered.

2. Online PhD Programs

Online PhD programs are growing in both number and popularity. Online PhD programs offer students greater flexibility while also shortening the time it takes to get a PhD. Most online PhD programs are between 2 and 3 years, although there are 4-year programs and even 1-year online PhD programs out there. Depending on your area of study, an online PhD may not be an option, but there are fully accredited options out there. And, some online PhD programs don’t require a master’s degree.

Curious about whether a Master’s or PhD is right for you? Check out this video:

Direct Entry PhD Programs

Direct entry PhD programs can be a great option for students who want to jump straight from a bachelor’s degree to a PhD. This type of program is available in almost all disciplines, including business, computer science, education and nursing. These are also sometimes called accelerated PhD programs, designed to be 4-5 years and on your way to graduation sooner. As long as you meet all the admission requirements, you can apply to direct entry PhD programs without a master’s degree.

Universities with Direct Entry PhD Programs

Here are a few examples of top universities with direct entry PhD programs. This is not an exhaustive list, as there are many similar programs across the US and Canada!

Pros and Cons of Direct Entry PhD Programs

Since direct entry PhD programs accept students with a bachelor\u2019s degree only, the admission standards are naturally a little higher. Your academic record needs to be above average, and the minimum GPA to apply is usually 3.0 or even higher in some cases. On top of a stellar GPA, you also need to write the GRE, complete an application package and demonstrate you are ready for intense graduate level study without having completed a master\u2019s degree. ","label":"Cons","title":"Cons"}]" code="tab1" template="BlogArticle">

Admission Requirements for Direct Entry PhD Programs

Along with the usual PhD admission requirements, direct entry PhD programs may only admit students with only a bachelor’s degree if they demonstrate exceptional academic ability and extensive prior research experience. Here are some of the additional requirements you can expect for direct entry PhD programs:

• 4-year undergraduate degree (minimum GPA may be required)
• GRE (or GMAT, program-dependent)
• Research Experience
• Previous publications
• Excellent letters of recommendation
• Letter of Intent
• Research interest statement
• Grad school career goals statement
• Research Proposal
• Grad school interview

There are dozens of different online PhD programs out there, ranging from 1 to 4 years long. The length of time it takes to complete an online PhD program depends on the discipline. Online PhD programs are more common in fields like nursing, health sciences, business, education, criminology, engineering and computer science, though there are many more.

Many online PhD programs also have a hybrid learning option, where students can learn both online and in-person at the university. This gives you a little more flexibility and allows you to get the best of both worlds from an online PhD and a traditional one.

Online PhDs are also a good option if you want to do a PhD without dissertation or thesis, since a few of them don’t require it.

Universities with Online PhD Programs

Here’s a short list of universities that offer online PhD programs, but keep in mind there are many more out there.

Pros and Cons of Online PhD Programs

Lack of funding and networking : 100% online programs of course, lack the opportunities for in-person interaction and have fewer opportunities for professional networking in your field. There\u2019s also fewer funding options for online PhDs, if the program is not fully funded. ","label":"Cons","title":"Cons"}]" code="tab2" template="BlogArticle">

Admission Requirements for Online PhD Programs

Online PhD programs, or hybrid programs, will have the same admission requirements as most graduate school programs. On top of these, you will typically need a GPA of 3.0 and above, and you may need to complete specific prerequisite coursework.

The specific admission requirements will vary a little by program, but in general there won’t be anything unexpected.

If you’re thinking of applying to a PhD without a master’s degree, there are pros and cons to this decision. You may be wondering if not having a master’s degree will hurt your chances of getting accepted to a PhD program, or if it affects your chances of finding a job after graduate school.

While you can certainly choose to skip the master’s and still achieve your career goals with a PhD only, you should carefully consider your decision before you start applying to be sure it’s the right path for you.

Before you dive into PhD applications, consider the following things:

1. A PhD might not be necessary

Earning a PhD might not actually be necessary or especially helpful to achieving your career goals. A PhD is a research-focused, academic pursuit, so if your aim is to transition from academia to industry or find an industry job after a PhD , you might benefit more from earning years of work experience rather than years of education. There is always a possibility to pursue a PhD after a few years of working in your field if you change your mind.

In other cases, a master’s degree might give you the better mix of education and skill to achieve your career goals. And, a master’s degree is shorter and less expensive than a PhD, not to mention less competitive to get into.

On the other hand, if you are a true academic and want to find a job in academia , fast-tracking your PhD is a good way to do so!

2. A Master’s degree can give you a competitive edge

Having a master’s degree can actually give you a competitive edge for getting into some PhD programs. For example, even a direct entry PhD program that considers exceptional undergraduate students might give preference to a student with a full master’s degree if there is limited space in a program. Not to mention, not all PhD programs accept you without a master’s degree, and the ones that don’t require one will be more challenging to get into.

Completing your master’s first can also give you better and more funding opportunities for your PhD, if your program is not fully funded, since some scholarships and loans are only open to current graduate students.

3. A PhD is a huge commitment

Getting your PhD is a huge commitment of both your time and money, so you need to be certain it is the right choice for you before you put in the effort of applying and completing a program. Jumping from a bachelor’s right into an advanced graduate program is a big shift in the level of academic rigor and expectations, and not every student will be prepared for it.

Undergraduate students normally will not have the research experience or professional skillset that you would develop throughout the course of a master’s program. So the adjustment to a PhD program may prove to be too big a gap.

A master’s program is a sort of test-drive for graduate school study, introducing you to a higher level of education, research and learning. It’s also shorter and less expensive. So, you may not lose a much from changing your mind and dropping out of a master’s program as you will dropping out of a PhD.

Keep in mind that if you want to pursue advanced study in a new field or change jobs after working as an undergraduate, it will be difficult to find a PhD program that will accept you without a master’s degree.

Do you need a master’s to get a PhD? No, it is not strictly necessary. However, there are some advantages to earning your master’s degree first, and the path from bachelor’s straight to PhD is a little more challenging.

For those who are willing to commit and put in the hard work, the benefits of fast-tracking your PhD are definitely worth it, but you should carefully explore all your options and be sure of what requirements you need to meet first.

No. It is possible to get a PhD without a master’s degree. Some PhD programs accept exceptional students with a bachelor’s degree or allow you to earn a master’s and PhD in a combined, accelerated program.

While it is possible to skip your master’s and go straight to a PhD, you should consider what the options are, what the admission requirements are and whether graduate school is the right choice for you. Earning a PhD is a big commitment, so you need to be sure it’s a worthy pursuit!

Yes, direct entry PhD programs are highly competitive and the admission standards are usually quite high. These types of programs usually accept exceptional students who stand out from the crowd.

The shortest PhD programs are 1-year online degrees. While there are not many available, it is possible to earn a PhD in select fields, completely online, in around 12 to 18-months.

Traditional PhDs take between 4-8 years to complete. Direct entry PhD programs are usually 4-5 years, and online or hybrid PhDs can be between 2-3 years. 

Yes, there are dual degree programs that allow you to earn a master’s alongside a PhD, shortening the traditional timeline and saving a bit on tuition costs. 

A master’s degree is a graduate program that focuses on teaching you practical, career-related skills and knowledge. It’s designed for you to learn more advanced skills in your field so you can potentially increase your earnings in the workforce and pursue higher-level positions. A PhD is a heavily research-focused graduate degree. PhD students contribute new knowledge to their field through critical research and writing. 

It can be tough to decide whether to stop at a master’s degree or go forward and pursue a PhD. The decision will come down to your personal choice, the requirements for your chosen career or position, your budget, timeline, and whether you feel you can and want to commit to extensive graduate studies.

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• PsyD vs PhD

Getting Your Psychology PhD or PsyD Without a Master’s

Completing a doctoral degree in psychology can be a crucial educational step toward a challenging but rewarding career in the field, whether working with patients or contributing to the field in other ways.

With multiple possible degree paths that end in similar outcomes, it can be difficult for students to understand the best route to take, depending on the education they already have. Specifically, for students who have only a bachelor’s degree, many worry their options for a psychology Ph.D. or a Psy.D. may be limited.

So let’s explore what students need to know about getting a psychology Ph.D. or Psy.D. without having a master’s degree.

Psychology Doctorate Options

At the end of both a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), an individual will have earned a doctorate and, depending on their personal preferences and professional goals, could use the “Dr.” title. But the details of the degrees are quite different, and which is right likely will depend on the individual and their career dreams.

In general, Psy.D. degrees are more appropriate for those who want to work directly with patients or clients, while Ph.D. degrees may appeal more to those who want to work in academic research to help advance understanding of human behavior.

SEE ALSO:   Online Accredited PsyD Programs

Of course, that’s a guideline rather than a rule, and students who earn either type of degree can work in many different areas of psychology, or may earn enough experience and education to overlap a few areas of the field.

Importantly, though, it’s more common for Psy.D. tracks than Ph.D. tracks to include supervised professional experience as part of the doctoral program, which may impact a graduate’s ability to earn professional licensure (more on that later).

Starting Point

Regardless of what comes next, prospective psychology doctoral students will need to earn a bachelor’s degree. Ideally, they’d major in psychology in college, though there are a handful of other subjects that could suffice, depending on their doctoral program.

These include:

• Social work
• Anthropology

Many doctoral programs will accept applicants who have only a bachelor’s degree, but there are several considerations that may impact whether doctoral candidates can apply with only an undergrad degree:

• Length of doctoral program: Shorter Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs, meaning those that are designed to be completed in only a few years, will usually require students to complete a master’s degree before they apply. For example, an optional completion timeline offered in the Psy.D. program at the University of Indianapolis accepts only those applicants who have already completed a master’s degree in the field, and the admissions office prefers those who already have some practical experience under their belts. UIndy’s 3+1 track can be completed in only four years, while most psychology doctorates will take at least five and sometimes closer to seven years.
• Master’s en route: In most longer-timeline programs, students will earn a master’s degree on their way to getting their doctorate. For example, the Tufts University  Ph.D. in Psychology will last at least five years, and students will complete a master’s degree at the end of their second year in the program.
• Prior coursework: In many psychology doctoral programs, students aren’t required to have majored in psychology at any level but rather it’s necessary for them to have completed certain coursework integral to the study of psychology. At the Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology , Clinical Psy.D. applicants are required to have completed undergrad courses in introductory psychology, statistics, abnormal psychology and biological bases of psychology, in addition to at least one course in cognitive, developmental and/or social psychology, psychology and perception, conditioning and learning, and psychology of personality.

SEE ALSO:   List of Combined Master’s and PsyD Programs

In every state, a series of rules and guidelines apply to the licensure of psychologists. States vary quite dramatically in what they require, but a psychology doctorate is generally the most important educational step.

However, professional experience is also required in every state, usually both before and after earning a doctorate. That means that students who attend Psy.D. or Ph.D. programs that don’t include a supervised professional experience period, such as an internship or other professional practicum, may not satisfy the licensure requirements in their state.

Additionally, many states require students who attend programs that are not accredited by the American Psychology Association to provide a detailed list of all coursework at the doctoral level, and students may have to take remedial graduate courses if their programs don’t meet the standards.

Earning your doctoral degree in psychology, whether by completing a Ph.D. or a Psy.D., is the single best way to earn licensure and become a professional psychologist. While there’s no single possible way of getting there, students who don’t have a master’s degree, and have no need to earn one, likely will find many options for doctorate programs.

The Savvy Scientist

Experiences of a London PhD student and beyond

Can You Get a PhD Without a Master’s?

If you’re currently studying for your bachelor’s degree and are interested in doing a PhD, you may be wondering: can you get a PhD without a master’s?

The Benefits of Doing a Master’s Degree Before a PhD

A master’s degree allows someone to gain additional skills, research experience and domain-specific knowledge. When a supervisor is looking for potential PhD students, amongst other things they want to see that a candidate has:

• Interest in the subject
• Research experience
• Subject knowledge

Suitability for a PhD does not always require a master’s . But it is a convenient way to provide evidence for your suitability and commitment to research.

Therefore from a supervisor’s perspective, a master’s can provide evidence of these attributes. Having a master’s gives a little more assurance for the supervisor that you’re prepared for the work involved with a PhD. But not having a master’s absolutely does not have to be a barrier!

Already carried out a long research project as part of your bachelor’s degree and want to do a PhD in an area you have knowledge in? You may be able to convince a supervisor that you’re already prepared.

A few less substantial reasons people sometimes consider doing a separate master’s are:

• If for any reason your performance during the bachelor’s degree wasn’t ideal, doing a separate master’s provides another qualification to be assessed against.
• If you’re transitioning to a different research area it is the obvious way to gain knowledge.
• A chance to experience another [potentially more prestigious*] university.

My experience: Early on in your undergraduate degree and interested in doing a PhD? I thoroughly recommend getting as much research experience as possible. Even if you don’t have the opportunity to undertake much research during your course, UROPs are a fantastic way to spend your summer. During my PhD I had help from a few UROP students. One of them has even co-authored a paper with me. I wish that I had done one as an undergraduate!

*I really dislike the idea of considering the prestige of a university and the associated meritocracy , but sadly there is no getting away from the fact that it boosts career prospects.

So Can You Get a PhD Without a Master’s?

If you’re starting to look at PhDs and don’t yet have a master’s, there are two things you can do to get an idea of whether or not you’re likely to need a master’s first:

Check Advertised PhDs

Looking at a PhD advert such as via FindAPhD.com? Check the listed candidate requirements on the advertisement.

Sometimes a master’s isn’t mentioned:

Sometimes doing a master’s is a suggested advantage:

Here is a post detailing how you can find available PhD projects .

Ask the Academic

The most definitive answer you’ll receive for whether you can get a PhD without a master’s will be by contacting supervisors directly.

Often as soon as you start a conversation with potential supervisors they’ll ask to look over a copy of your CV. There is nothing wrong with being bold and checking whether you’re currently qualified enough to stand a competitive chance of getting a PhD.

My experience: When I was considering PhDs I emailed an academic saying I was interested in applying for a project with them but was worried I didn’t have relevant experience. Within 24 hours he had replied saying “Unfortunately, I’m not confident that you’d be selected if you applied as other candidates who have expressed an interest in applying had more relevant experience” Although disappointing, it’s much better to find this out quickly so that you can move on. I already had a master’s but not in a relevant area. If I’d desperately wanted to pursue this research area an obvious means to transition across and gain experience would have been with a master’s.

My Observations

I don’t believe that there are strict guidelines stating that you have to have a master’s. As shown in the adverts above, it is oftenseen as an advantage but is rarely strictly necessary.

Of the people I worked with during my PhD, not everyone had done a master’s.

Most of the people who had a master’s did it as a 4-year integrated master’s. This is common in certain sciences and engineering, and is exactly what I did . However, several people had not done a master’s before starting their PhDs. Including the guy I sat next to for all of my own PhD at Imperial.

Getting a bachelor’s degree outside of the UK will typically take one or two years longer than in the UK. Therefore international students in particular may be able to evidence their experience without a master’s.

Fancy getting a master’s as well as a PhD? Read on to find out how you could get paid to do both!

Don’t Yet Have a Master’s? Consider CDTs!

What are cdts.

In the UK there are many Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs, sometimes known as DTCs) and it is worth drawing your attention to them if you don’t already have a master’s degree. CDTs offer combined funded Master’s + PhD programmes. You’ll be part of the relatively rare breed getting paid to do a master’s!

These centres are funded via the research councils and provide training for students around a certain theme. FindAPhD.com has a nice post which includes links to funded CDT projects . CDTs cover a huge range of themes. For example just within AI research there are 16 CDTs all for different themes:

The idea is that students from different backgrounds can get training and become proficient at helping to solve problems around the central theme of the CDT. In the first year you’ll have a mix of lectures and smaller projects to get a taste of different research topics. During the first year you’ll also choose your PhD topic. You will then spend three years working on that project before submitting your thesis.

Pros and Cons of CDTs

The advantages are:

• You’re part of a cohort so will likely have a greater sense of community and support versus a typical PhD project
• You get training and will learn new skills before deciding on a PhD project
• If you know you want to work in a certain research area but don’t yet know exactly what project you want to work on yet
• You get both a PhD and a master’s at the end, all of which is funded!

Potential disadvantages I can think of for doing a PhD through a CDT are:

• Taking a year longer than a normal PhD if you already know what you want to work on
• Your PhD position with a certain supervisor isn’t definite before you start. I’ve anecdotally heard of issues where many of the students in the cohort want to work with the same supervisor and of course not all of them can. On the flipside the flexibility in supervisors is an advantage for many.

How much do students earn doing a master’s and PhD through a CDT? Funding for students at CDTs is covered here . UKRI, the body that funds all nine UK research councils , has some case studies of CDT-PhD students which you can find on the various research council websites.

When looking for PhDs, I applied to two CDTs. If I hadn’t already been happy with my offer to study for my specific project at Imperial I’d have loved to have done one. I think they’re a great idea. Particularly if you are transitioning to a research area which differs from the subject of your bachelor’s degree.

Finding Suitable CDTs

As well as using a search engine, you can search for CDTs on FindAPhD.com by selecting PhD Research Programme and then choosing from the list:

Interested in Applying for a PhD?

Hopefully this post shows that you don’t need to be too put off applying for PhDs if you don’t have a master’s. Many people are successful in their PhD application without a master’s if they got research experience during their bachelor’s degree. And if you do fancy getting a master’s and PhD now you know that studying in a CDT could be a great option.

Interested in applying for a PhD? Here is my post covering the PhD applications process. It includes all the steps to apply and tips from successful PhD applicants:

How to apply for a PhD

If you’d like personalised help with your PhD application I am now starting to offer a small number of one-to-one sessions. Please contact me to find out more or click here to book a call.

So can you get a PhD without a master’s? Quite possibly, but a master’s could benefit your application.

Have you got other PhD questions you want answered? Please let me know!

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Can you do a PhD without honours?

Study tips Published 24 Jun, 2024  ·  3-minute read

Wondering if your academic experience qualifies you for a Doctor of Philosophy? Here’s a guide to help you determine which pathway to a PhD is right for you – with or without an honours degree.

Some people know immediately that they love research. For them, studying an honours degree is an obvious choice, because it provides the most straightforward path to eventually completing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

But what about those of us who discover our passion for research later? What if you've already finished a bachelor’s degree that didn’t have an honours year built into it?

Well, don't give up on your research dreams too quickly. You may be able to complete a 1-year honours degree as an extension of your bachelor’s degree. For example, UQ offers standalone honours degrees to complement almost all of our undergraduate study areas – from communication and commerce to midwifery and mathematics.

And a standalone honours year isn’t your only way forward, either. Because you can do a PhD without completing an honours degree. In fact, having an honours degree on your transcript is only one of multiple pathways available.

Let’s explore all your options for getting PhD-ready.

PhD pathway #1: bachelor’s degree with honours or a standalone honours degree

If you’ve completed a bachelor’s degree with built-in honours by research* or a standalone honours degree, and you achieved first class or second class (division A) honours or higher, most universities will consider you for their PhD program. This is because an honours degree provides the research experience to prepare you for what’s in store.

*If your bachelor’s degree included an honours year, this will only help qualify you for a PhD program if the honours component was a research project.

At UQ, you’ll need your honours to be in an area related to your proposed PhD topic , and you’ll need to have completed it within the last 10 years.

PhD pathway #2: master’s degree

You could be eligible for a PhD program if you’ve completed a research master’s degree (typically a Master of Philosophy ) or a coursework master’s degree* with a relevant research component. Just like with an honours degree, your master’s degree will need to be relevant to your PhD topic and completed no more than 10 years ago.

*At UQ, you’ll need to have maintained a grade point average (GPA) of 5.65 or higher in your coursework master’s degree to be considered for a PhD.

PhD pathway #3: research experience

Whether you can do a PhD without having completed an honours degree or a master’s degree ultimately comes down to demonstrating your ‘research preparedness’.

You may be considered for a PhD if you can provide evidence of considerable research experience (at least 2 years). This proof should demonstrate that you’re capable of planning and executing a body of research with some independence. Examples include:

• substantial contributions to scholarly papers in recognised academic journals
• significant contributions to research or technical reports for industry, government or business (the reports must adhere to academic publishing conventions)
• a portfolio of published creative work alongside critical, scholarly discussion of that work
• industry or work experience in which you’ve planned and executed a research project with a high level of independence.

Even with demonstrated research experience, you’ll also need an approved degree, such as a bachelor’s degree or a postgraduate diploma.

 Learn more about UQ’s PhD entry requirements

Which PhD pathway is best?

There really isn’t a ‘best’ path to getting into a PhD program. It just depends on what stage of your academic journey you’re at when you realise you'd like to pursue a higher degree by research.

The factor that all pathways have in common is that you need demonstrated experience in conducting research. Because a PhD isn’t suited to someone learning the ropes and testing the waters – it's for proven scholars who have already discovered their passion for research.

Thinking about applying for a PhD soon? Want some tips for finding a supervisor or writing your proposal? Explore all aspects of starting your research degree in our comprehensive guide: How to get a PhD .

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I got admited to a PhD program without a master degree. Does it hurt when I apply for a postdoc?

I am a graduate student in Sweden, and will present my PhD thesis next semester, and have several articles accepted/published.

However, when I applied (and got admitted) I had only studied at the university for three years, and only written a bachelors thesis. Me being admitted was sort of an "error" from the department, (and I had no idea what really was the requirements, since my thesis advisor encouraged me to apply).

Might this look bad on my resumé when applying for a post-doc position? (Or is young age an advantage, in my case, 25)?

Edit: To follow up, I am now 32 and not as young anymore. I had no big issues finding post-doc positions, and I am still in academia.

• career-path

• 2 Related : Is there any disadvantage to having PhD skipping M.Sc.? , What factors affect how long it would take to get a phd, either going via, or without, a masters? –  Noble P. Abraham Commented Oct 15, 2012 at 0:49
• I have a bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. but no master's degree. No one has ever asked me why I don't have a master's degree, nor has anyone ever suggested to me that this situation is strange. –  Andreas Blass Commented Jan 1, 2018 at 1:28
• I doubt it was an error; I suspect if there even was a formal requirement that the university was happy to overlook it if a strong candidate with internal recommendation (you) came along. You may find strict written requirements turn out to be flexible in many areas of your career. –  Calchas Commented Mar 5, 2019 at 19:30

5 Answers 5

In most places I know (Europe mostly, France and UK in particular), a Master's degree is nothing more than a tiny blip on your CV by the time you have a successful PhD (diploma, publication, good recommendations, involved in your community, …). Your lack of a Master’s degree will not hurt one bit (but it probably will come up in an interview, so you want to have something decent or funny to say about it). I suspect the same will be true in most places: by the time you are a post-doc, Master's degree is not a good predictor of your future success.

Regarding age, it's a very good question, and should probably be separate. As a post-doc, it shouldn't hurt your chances (I defended my PhD at the same age you are, so I have given it some thought!). For a staff position, things are very different.

• 6 In the US it is also common, as @Aaron has mentioned, for students to not earn a masters on the way to their PhD. I did not, and I feel no worse for doing so. –  Ben Norris Commented Oct 14, 2012 at 23:10

In the US, nobody would even notice. It is common to enter a PhD program without a masters. A masters degree can be granted along the way to a PhD, but this is not universal, and it is not worth anything if you finish the PhD. In general, people look at your most advanced degree: if you have a good PhD, it would typically not matter if you did not have a Bachelors degree either.

• 6 Also, in the US, your age is irrelevant by law . –  JeffE Commented Oct 15, 2012 at 15:18

If the admission was "in error," then you should get some documentation of this fact from your department stating such a fact, just in case anyone asks.

Unlike what F'x says , there could potentially be an issue in some EU countries if you have a PhD degree but don't hold a master's—provided your bachelor's education was also done in an EU country. In Germany, the lack of a master's degree for a PhD holder can raise a red flag. It did in my case, even though all of my schooling was in the US, where it is not at all uncommon to do a bachelor's followed by a PhD without a master's in between.

This may or may not be a problem for you elsewhere, depending upon where exactly you want to be. But it could also be a disqualifying issue (in other words, cause for termination) if you try to hide what happened and it gets uncovered later.

Just pitching in with my opinion from Japan.

In Japan everything is very structured, and everyone assumes that you either have a masters or spent a very long time in your PhD (if you studied in America).

The average age for a PhD grad is 28 years with a razor thin variance (unless you are a foreigner).

If you apply for a postdoc here you will be getting a lot of questions on why you got a PhD without the masters, since here the requirement to get into a PhD is to have a Masters beforehand. It may not hurt you if you have a good explanation though.

I see no need for you to mention the lack of a masters unless asked.

I would definitely not say your acceptance into the PhD program was a error by the Department. This makes your university look incompetent, and you, at best, as uncertain and insecure about your accomplishments. You could also be perceived as dishonest by accepting admission if you knew it was a mistake, but I don't know the full details of what actually happened and why you believe this to be true.

You applied, you were accepted, you completed the degree, you are published. Full stop.

You seem to feel compelled to explain something that doesn't matter anymore, if it ever did. If asked, just say you were lucky and got accepted straight out of undergrad. If anything, it makes you look like a wunderkind.

An important caveat: All of the above is predicated on my understanding of the situation through the lens of a person with a PhD from the US.

As others have said, a masters is not always required for acceptance into a PhD program in the US, especially in the hard sciences (I know much less about liberal arts), but one is bestowed on the way to the PhD. So you get your masters after you are in the PhD program.

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• This new process will help certain noncitizen spouses and children apply for lawful permanent residence – status that they are already eligible for – without leaving the country.
• These actions will promote family unity and strengthen our economy, providing a significant benefit to the country and helping U.S. citizens and their noncitizen family members stay together.
• In order to be eligible, noncitizens must – as of June 17, 2024 – have resided in the United States for 10 or more years and be legally married to a U.S. citizen, while satisfying all applicable legal requirements. On average, those who are eligible for this process have resided in the U.S. for 23 years.
• Those who are approved after DHS’s case-by-case assessment of their application will be afforded a three-year period to apply for permanent residency. They will be allowed to remain with their families in the United States and be eligible for work authorization for up to three years. This will apply to all married couples who are eligible.  
• This action will protect approximately half a million spouses of U.S. citizens, and approximately 50,000 noncitizen children under the age of 21 whose parent is married to a U.S. citizen.

Easing the Visa Process for U.S. College Graduates, Including Dreamers

• President Obama and then-Vice President Biden established the DACA policy to allow young people who were brought here as children to come out of the shadows and contribute to our country in significant ways. Twelve years later, DACA recipients who started as high school and college students are now building successful careers and establishing families of their own.
• Today’s announcement will allow individuals, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers, who have earned a degree at an accredited U.S. institution of higher education in the United States, and who have received an offer of employment from a U.S. employer in a field related to their degree, to more quickly receive work visas.
• Recognizing that it is in our national interest to ensure that individuals who are educated in the U.S. are able to use their skills and education to benefit our country, the Administration is taking action to facilitate the employment visa process for those who have graduated from college and have a high-skilled job offer, including DACA recipients and other Dreamers. 

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