Self Paced PhD Programs
Searching for self paced PhD programs?
PhD programs can be very demanding. For a normal working adult with professional and family commitments, it may not be possible to pursue this type of program. There is another option, however. Many top universities have started offering self paced PhD programs.
Walden University – Online PhD Programs
Walden University offers accelerated classes: 8 week online classes.
Walden University’s doctoral programs have a unique blend of theory, research, and practical application to help you make an immediate and significant change in your life and in the lives of others.
Online Doctoral Programs:
Each doctoral degree listed below offers numerous specialization options.
- Business Administration
- Management
- Education – both PhD and Ed.D. available
- Counselor Education
- Health Services
- Human Services
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Public Policy
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
As a doctoral student, you will work closely with faculty in areas of study that are most meaningful to you. Faculty members serve as mentors and partners, offering both guidance and a fresh perspective on your research.
Read more or get a program guide from Walden University.
Capella University – Online PhD Programs
Capella University offers accelerated classes: 10 week online classes.
Many higher education faculty positions require a doctoral degree which can prepare you for leadership, research, teaching, or consulting positions in a variety of fields. Capella’s online doctoral programs offer advanced theoretical and practical knowledge in a wide-range of fields.
Online Doctorate Degrees:
- Business / Accounting / Leadership / Project Management / Business Intelligence / Management
- Criminal Justice
- Education / Counselor Education
- Health Administration
- Human Behavior / Human Services
- Information Technology / IT Management / Information Security
- Organization and Management
- Psychology / Educational Psychology / Industrial/Organizational Psychology
- Health Care Administration
- Nursing Education
- Public Administration / Public Health
- Social Work / Social and Community Services
- Training and Performance Improvement
Read more or get a program guide from Capella University.
Customizing your PhD
These programs are typically custom programs that are designed by the student and their academic adviser. It is tailored for fit the background and profession of the student and is unique for just that student.
Most of these programs will require that the student take some online courses. The courses are not your typical online courses in the respect that they are self paced. A student can take several weeks or several months to complete. Students will have a certain period of time to complete the course and assignments are generally due upon course completion.
PhD Dissertation
The dissertation portion of any PhD program is typically self paced, and these programs are no different. A student is required to devise a topic, research, write, and defend a dissertation. This can take as short or as long of time as the student likes. It is important to remember that there is usually an overall time limit to the program. Therefore, there will be a deadline for submission.
An online self paced PhD program is perfect for professional adults. Since there are not weekly deadlines for assignments, this type of program tends to be less stressful on a student. There are many different programs available. Some starting as early as next month.

