Top PhDs in North Dakota (ND) - Online & Onsite
Researching PhD programs in North Dakota? Check out the following on-campus and online doctoral programs, explore in-demand degrees, and discover what you can earn once you’ve graduated.
Are you looking to earn your PhD in North Dakota? As a smaller, mostly rural state, narrowing down the best universities — especially those with online or hybrid programs — can be challenging.
But don’t let that stop you, because North Dakota is an ideal state to pursue unique research opportunities in topics like agriculture, energy, environmental science, or indigenous studies. The competitive cost of living is another big plus.
This guide was designed to help prospective students find high-quality doctoral programs in North Dakota. We’ll highlight top-performing schools and offer insights into salary expectations and popular degrees in the state. Keep reading to learn more about on-campus and online PhD programs in North Dakota.
Top-Rated PhD and Doctoral Programs in North Dakota
While North Dakota is a fairly small state, it’s one of the 14 states known as “Innovation Champions” according to Consumer Technology Association. Workforce, job opportunities, and educational attainment are all part of the criteria, making the state attractive from an academic standpoint.
We’re spotlighting three top universities in North Dakota where you can earn your PhD. While everyone’s definition of “best” will be different, these institutions offer quality graduate studies, including hybrid and online doctoral programs in North Dakota at reasonable costs.
If none of these options seems like a good fit, you may wish to consider these other online PhD programs.
University of North Dakota
The University of North Dakota, located in Grand Forks, is one of just two research universities in the state. With only 3,400+ graduate students, the academic community at UND is small but strong.
More than 30 PhD programs are available, including degrees in engineering, healthcare, research, and education. Many of these are available online as well; UND has the most extensive offering of online studies in North Dakota, with 16 doctoral options that can be earned online or through hybrid learning.
Tuition varies based on the doctoral program you choose and method of delivery. For example, engineering degrees cost about $545/credit on campus and $798/credit online. You can use the tuition calculator to determine how much your education will cost. Financial aid is available, including grants, fellowships, and graduate assistantships for qualified students.
North Dakota State University
Fargo’s North Dakota State University is another flagship university and the other research institution in the state.
The school’s 40+ doctoral programs in North Dakota include PhD, Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA), and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) offerings. Only one of these is currently offered online — a PhD in Biomedical Engineering. Funding is possible through a graduate assistantship or the SPIN database, which helps connect students with sponsors.
Admission requirements vary by college, but all students must have a cumulative 3.0 GPA from undergraduate studies. One of the standout student services for PhD students is the Graduate Professional Skills Academy, a professional development and career skills program designed by the Graduate School to help prepare you for your career after graduation.
University of Mary
While the University of Mary is based in Bismarck, students don’t necessarily have to live on campus; in fact, the school offers several online doctoral programs in North Dakota in fields like medicine, education, and business. Most of these programs, however, do have on-campus intensive or residencies, often during summer. The three-year online EdD is one such program requiring two-week summer residencies.
Costs vary depending on the program, with doctorates ranging from $775-790/credit. Graduate scholarships are available. Admission requirements also depend on the program; however, all PhD applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher from a U.S. regionally accredited institution of higher education or from an international school approved by the country’s Ministry of Education.
The school was founded by the Benedictine Sisters of the Annunciation, and to this day, Christian, Catholic, and Benedictine values are a component of each course.
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in North Dakota
As you’re researching PhD programs in North Dakota, you’re likely finding that there are many different varieties of educational experience. It’s important to consider each as you determine the best fit for your future goals. Take a look at some of the most common types of doctoral degrees below.
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in North Dakota
Studying full time allows you to get your PhD much sooner than a part-time program; however, earning a PhD while working can be more challenging, so it’s not ideal for everyone. You can generally complete a full-time PhD program in three to five years, and some programs allow you to apply without a master’s degree because you’ll earn two graduate degrees along the way. Examples of high-quality, full-time doctoral programs in North Dakota include NDSU’s Developmental Science PhD or UND’s Atmospheric Sciences PhD.
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in North Dakota
If you’re not able to commit full-time hours to school — for example, if you’re hoping to get your degree while you also hold a job — a part-time PhD program may be more appropriate. This allows you to continue your education at a slower pace, often taking five to eight years to complete the full PhD program. Some examples of North Dakota PhD programs that allow for part-time studies include UND’S Communication PhD and NDSU’s PhD in Plant Sciences.
Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in North Dakota
You’ve likely already earned your bachelor’s and master’s degrees, so you know that education can be expensive. Luckily, you may have the opportunity to have research funding pay for most if not all of your PhD program. If you’re interested in a fully funded PhD program in North Dakota, be sure to do an online search; you’re bound to find announcements like this one from the School of Electrical Engineering & Computer Science at the University of North Dakota. You can also contact your department office for details.
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in North Dakota
The GRE is an exam often used by graduate schools to determine your college readiness. Not all PhD programs require GRE test scores, and it’s possible to find plenty of no-GRE doctoral programs in North Dakota. For example, UND’s Counseling Psychology PhD and the University of Jamestown’s PhD in Clinical Research do not require you to take the GRE or submit test scores to be considered for admission.
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in North Dakota
If you have the time and willpower and don’t wish to spend up to five years on your doctoral degree, you may wish to look into accelerated doctoral programs. These can allow you to complete your PhD in one to three years and get back into your career fast. NDSU offers accelerated degrees for undergraduate to graduate courses, and the University of Jamestown offers its Clinical Research PhD as an accelerated program.
No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in North Dakota
Most online PhD programs in North Dakota, or anywhere in the United States, require you to complete and defend a dissertation before you can graduate. While this is an enriching experience for any post-graduate studies, it can take a very long time to complete, and you may wish to find a program that doesn’t require one. Some doctorate programs that don’t require a dissertation include UJ’s Doctor of Physical Therapy and NDSU’s Applied Economics PhD program.
North Dakota PhD Pulse: Explore the Hottest Doctoral Degrees
Business, Communication, and Economics
If you’re interested in running a business or specializing in other practical business elements like communication or logistics, a PhD or DBA can create opportunities for you in a variety of industries – from agriculture to energy and beyond. While diverse, earning a pinnacle degree in the subjects below will position you as an expert and grant you access to various leadership roles.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Computer Science
Computer science and software engineering are fields that only continue to grow. If you’re interested in using computers for high-level research or engineering cutting-edge programs that impact various sectors, a PhD in computer science may be for you.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Education
A PhD in education equips you for leadership roles in educational research, teaching, and administration. You could become a teacher at a prestigious institution or lead research into educational topics and strategies. Faculty and administrative positions are also in reach when you earn doctoral degrees in education-related topics.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Engineering
North Dakota is a state rich in oil and natural resources, which is part of the reason that engineering is such a significant contributor to North Dakota’s economy and one major reason many people choose to study in this state. From biomedical to petroleum engineering and beyond, you’ll find plenty of specializations to choose from, especially if you’re interested in some aspect of environmental engineering.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Healthcare and Clinical Science
Are you interested in studying health and clinical sciences, ultimately helping people improve health outcomes and quality of life through your research? Or perhaps you’re passionate about assisting people through hands-on work in a hospital or other clinical setting? A PhD in healthcare may be the right choice for you. There’s a variety here, from indigenous health to clinical research and more.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Programs
Start Your Online Doctoral Journey in North Dakota
When you lead a busy life, online PhD programs can allow you to juggle work-life responsibilities while pursuing your education. Accredited programs that offer online degrees are often taught by the same faculty as traditional, on-campus degrees, and you’ll frequently find similar networking opportunities among your online peers and faculty.
While some classes are offered asynchronously — meaning you can learn at the time that works best for you — some are synchronous and require you to log on at a pre-determined time with your peers.
Hybrid programs are desirable when studying topics that require hands-on work, like science or healthcare fields. These hybrid or blended programs allow for a combination of online and in-person learning. For example, University of Mary’s three-year online EdD allows students to complete almost all coursework online, but students are expected to attend two-week summer residencies on campus.
Discover Doctoral Funding Opportunities in North Dakota
Doctoral students in North Dakota have access to a variety of financial aid opportunities, including scholarships/grants, fellowships, work-study programs, and research assistantships. Not all of these are fully funded, but many pay very well.
For example, the University of North Dakota offers various scholarships and fellowships for its students, while North Dakota State University also provides students with fellowship programs and other funding opportunities.
If you’re hoping to receive full funding for your PhD, you’ll likely find more options at a public research university like UND or NDSU, as research grants and scholarships are common. It’s still a good idea to check the opportunities available at private universities as well.
Beyond Graduation: North Dakota PhDs’ Earning Potential
In addition to preparing you for a host of top jobs in fields like medicine and research, earning a PhD typically translates to a larger salary. This can be a big deal in North Dakota — despite having the 11th lowest cost of living in the United States, North Dakota average doctoral salaries are the 13th highest in the country.
Below, you’ll find a table outlining the nationwide earning potential for common job titles for students pursuing online PhD programs in North Dakota.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Scientist | PhD in Agricultural Economics | $68,240 | $119,410 |
| Anthropologist | PhD in Anthropology | $63,800 | $102,150 |
| Biologist | PhD in Biology | $91,100 | $158,730 |
| Chemist | PhD in Chemistry | $84,680 | $149,550 |
| Computer Research Scientist | PhD in Computer Science | $145,080 | $233,110 |
| Economist | PhD in Economics | $115,730 | $216,900 |
| Epidemiologist | PhD in Public Health / Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) | $81,390 | $132,230 |
| Postsecondary Teacher | PhD in Education | $79,870 | $177,050 |
| Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) / PhD in Psychology | $117,750 | $157,420 |
| Statistician | PhD in Statistics | $104,110 | $163,360 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023