Online PhD & Professional Doctorate Degree Programs

A doctorate? Yes, you can.

Whether you choose a PhD or professional doctorate, you’ll find Capella degree programs are designed to prepare you to lead, teach, or consult through research or practical experience.

Two Doctoral Degree Options: What’s Right for You?

There are two kinds of doctoral degrees: PhDs and professional doctorates. Deciding which is right for you depends, in part, on how you want to use your education and the standards in your professional field.

Teach, consult, or lead – find a doctoral degree that supports your personal and professional goals. Our flexible online programs are designed for busy professional like you, so you can live your life while you earn a degrees and make a difference in your field.

Online doctorate degrees

Degree

Area of study

Learning format

Know your costs from the start. With Capella Tuition Caps, you’ll know exactly what your maximum tuition will be before you enroll. Available in select programs, our tuition cap is designed to help provide you with education costs that are transparent and affordable.

Experience more ways to save on your degree

Know the most you’ll pay in tuition

Know the most you’ll pay for your degree with the Capella Tuition Cap, available in select master’s programs. Eligibility rules and exclusions apply. Connect with us for details.

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Scholarships

Save on select programs with Capella Progress Reward scholarships to help reduce the cost of your degree. They aren’t need-based and never have to be paid back. Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.

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Savings for our service members

Military benefits may be available in select programs and learning formats for service members, veterans, their spouses and dependents.

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Get More Information

Ready to get started? We’re ready for you. Chat with an enrollment counselor or apply now to take the first step on the journey toward your future.

92% of doctoral alumni agree that Capella faculty were well qualified and did a good job.

Alumni Outcomes Survey, 2023–2024, point of graduation.

Why Choose Capella?

Step out ahead in your field with a valuable online doctoral degree and earn the prestige and respect that comes with reaching the highest point of your education.

Opportunity to Advance

Based on your program, you might find a combination of theoretical coursework, comprehensive exams, and practical field work and residencies combine to take you to the next level.

Progress Quickly

Start your dissertation or final project early in your program, with faculty and advisor support.

Rigorous, Not Impossible

Our curriculum equips you to challenge your mind and advance your field, preparing you to reach your goals.

Research Assistance

Research webinars integrated with coursework help you focus on completion of your dissertation or capstone project.

Learn from Faculty Experts

Made up of scholars and scholar-practitioners, our faculty can provide valuable mentorship throughout your doctoral program.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements vary by program, but generally speaking, the following are required for doctoral programs:

Admission application – no application fee required
Master's degree from an institution accredited by a U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agency or an internationally recognized institution.
Your official master's transcripts, minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Note: GRE and GMAT are not required for admission. Also, admission requirements for international students may differ

What's it like to be a doctoral student?

What does it take to earn a doctoral degree? Learn more about the experience, explore each step of the journey, and read stories from students who have successfully earned their doctorate.

Additional Doctoral Information

Questions to Answer Before Applying to a Doctoral Program

From setting goals to researching programs, here’s what you need to research before applying to a doctoral program.

Read the blog post »

5 Ways a Doctoral Degree May Strengthen Your Career

What can a doctoral degree mean to career success, especially outside of education and research?

Read the blog post »

The Difference Between a PhD and Professional Doctorate

Learn the main difference between these two doctoral program types and the questions you should ask to help guide your program decision.

Read the blog post »

Ready for the next step?

Learning online doesn't mean going it alone. Help is here. From faculty, coaches, advisors and more. Plus a supportive community of students who are as passionate about their careers as you are about yours.

Call Us: 1-877-855-3690

Online PhD & Professional Doctorate Degree Programs

A doctorate? Yes, you can.

Two Doctoral Degree Options: What’s Right for You?

Online doctorate degrees

Learning format

BS in Business

BS in Computer Science

BS in Health Care Administration

BS in Information Technology

BS in Nursing (BSN)

BS in Psychology

BS in Public Health

Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Doctor of Education (EdD)

Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)

Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

EdS in School Psychology

Graduate Certificate in Business

Graduate Certificate in Counseling

Graduate Certificate in Health Sciences

Graduate Certificate in Psychology

MS in Analytics

MS in Applied Behavior Analysis

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

MS in Clinical Psychology

MS in Education

MS in Human Resource Management

MS in Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

MS in Information Technology

MS in Marriage and Family Therapy

MS in Nursing (MSN)

MS in Psychology

MS in School Counseling

MS in School Psychology

Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Master of Health Administration (MHA)

Master of Public Health (MPH)

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Master of Social Work (MSW) Advanced Standing

PhD in Behavior Analysis

PhD in Psychology