Best PhD and Doctoral Programs in Washington State: Online & Campus
Washington State is home to some of the most respected doctoral programs in the country, offering a mix of research-intensive PhDs and professional doctorates across public and private universities.
Whether you’re preparing for a career in academia, healthcare, or industry, these programs provide world-class research opportunities, expert faculty mentorship, and flexible online and hybrid options for working professionals.
This guide highlights top doctoral programs in Washington, explores popular fields of study, and details what makes the state a standout destination for advanced education.
Inside PhD and Doctoral Programs in Washington
Washington’s leading universities combine academic rigor with career-focused training and innovative research.
Here are three standout institutions offering exceptional doctoral and PhD programs across a variety of disciplines.
University of Washington
The University of Washington in Seattle is the state’s flagship public research institution and ranks among the top universities in the nation for doctoral education.
School Highlights:
- Programs Offered: Over 100 doctoral degrees across fields like engineering, business, computer science, education, and the health sciences.
- Format: Hybrid and fully online formats in disciplines such as nursing practice, education leadership, and social work.
- Research Excellence: UW is classified as an R1 research university, with billions in annual funding from federal and private sources.
- Funding: Many PhD programs include full tuition waivers and stipends through research or teaching assistantships.
Why it stands out: The University of Washington is a global research powerhouse known for innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong support for graduate students.
Washington State University
Washington State University (WSU), with its main campus in Pullman and online Global Campus, offers diverse doctoral programs combining research excellence with accessibility.
School Highlights:
- Programs Offered: PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology | Doctor of Education (EdD) | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | PhD in Molecular Biosciences
- Format: On-campus, hybrid, and fully online options available.
- Funding: Graduate assistantships and fellowships help support tuition and research expenses.
- Online Students: WSU Global Campus provides flexible doctoral pathways for working adults and distance learners.
Why it stands out: WSU’s broad program selection, affordable in-state tuition, and online flexibility make it one of the state’s most accessible options for doctoral students.
Seattle Pacific University
Seattle Pacific University (SPU), a private Christian institution, offers several doctoral programs that emphasize leadership, education, and applied research.
School Highlights:
- Programs Offered: Doctor of Education (EdD) | PhD in Clinical Psychology | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Format: Primarily on-campus, with some hybrid learning opportunities.
- Completion Time: Most programs take 3–6 years to complete, depending on full- or part-time enrollment.
- Focus: SPU integrates academic rigor with faith-based learning and ethical leadership.
Why it stands out: SPU provides personalized instruction and smaller class sizes, creating a supportive environment for doctoral students pursuing leadership and service-oriented careers.
Types of Doctoral Programs in Washington State
Doctoral education in Washington covers a wide range of formats designed to meet the needs of traditional students and working professionals alike.
Here’s an overview of the main program types available across the state:
Full-Time Doctoral Programs
Attending a full-time graduate program is a great way to focus on intensive, advanced work so you can obtain your degree more quickly.
Full-time students can earn a PhD or doctoral degree in Washington state in four to six years; this includes the time it takes to finish classes, a dissertation, and any other graduation requirements.
Examples of full-time PhD programs in Washington state include the two economics PhDs offered by Washington State University and Seattle University’s Juris Doctor Program.
Part-Time Doctoral Programs
Earning a doctorate full-time is not always practical, especially if you need to work while attending school. Luckily, some schools offer part-time degrees for doctoral students, which generally take six to ten years to complete.
While the timeframe is longer, studying part-time is a great option for people who need to balance their jobs or families with their education.
Part-time PhD programs in Washington state include the University of Washington’s doctoral programs in engineering and the Doctor of Nursing Practice at Seattle University.
Fully Funded Doctoral Programs
The costs of a doctoral-level degree can add up quickly, so enrolling in a fully funded program is ideal. These programs completely waive all tuition and fees, and in some cases, even offer a stipend to cover student living expenses.
Examples of fully funded PhD programs in Washington state include the Clinical Psychology and American Studies and Culture programs at Washington State University. The doctoral-level programs at the University of Washington’s College of Engineering are also fully funded.
No-GRE Doctoral Programs
Traditionally, evaluating graduate record examination (GRE) scores has been part of the admissions process for graduate schools; however, this practice is rapidly changing.
More schools are making GRE scores optional or dropping them altogether, opting instead to evaluate students on other relevant factors like GPA, work experience, and previous graduate study.
Some no-GRE doctoral programs in Washington state include the University of Washington’s PhD in Health Services and Northwest University’s Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership programs.
Accelerated Doctoral Programs
For students who want to complete their degrees more quickly, accelerated doctoral programs are a great way to save time. Depending on the program, these degrees can be completed in as little as two years.
Programs are intensive and require a great deal of commitment, but it’s worth it for students who can dedicate a lot of time to their studies.
While there are no quality accelerated PhD and doctoral programs at Washington state-based schools, you can find online degrees at schools in other states.
No Dissertation Doctoral Programs
In some cases, PhD programs have no dissertation requirement; instead, the school often expects students to participate in a capstone course or a project to demonstrate their understanding of program material.
While there are currently no quality PhD programs in Washington state without a dissertation requirement, many schools based in other states have online PhD programs with no dissertation necessary.
Popular Fields for PhD and Doctoral Degrees in Washington State
From healthcare to technology, Washington’s doctoral programs span high-demand industries with strong post-graduation outcomes.
Here are a few of the state’s most sought-after fields.
Engineering
If you earned a bachelor’s degree in engineering and want to become even more specialized in your field, a PhD program in Washington state may be a good choice.
In addition to gaining advanced knowledge, you become an expert researcher during your studies. This helps you ultimately add to the knowledge base of the field while significantly increasing your earning potential.
A PhD in engineering is also a great degree for those who want to become professors and train the next generation of engineers.
WA Schools
Physical Therapy
To practice as a physical therapist in the U.S., you must earn a doctor of physical therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program and pass a state licensure exam.
The length of professional DPT programs is typically three years.
What’s more, a doctorate in physical therapy allows you to choose a specialization that matches your interests and goals — from pediatrics to geriatrics and everything in between.
WA Schools
Education
Are you a teacher with your eyes on an administrative position in a school district? Are you interested in training new teachers?
Earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree is a good investment that can help you achieve these objectives.
In addition, continuing your education to the terminal point can help you acquire advanced skills and learn about pedagogical developments to help you progress as a teacher.
WA Schools
Psychology
If you aspire to become a clinical psychologist, a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD) or a PhD in Psychology is required to earn a license.
Also, you may be able to start a consulting practice, become a researcher or professor, or rise through the ranks to a managerial role at a healthcare facility after completing a psychology doctoral program in Washington state.
WA Schools
Business
If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program in Washington state can help you prepare for the realities of running a business by teaching you cutting-edge advanced concepts in every area — from employee relations to marketing to finances.
Now is a great time to start a business in Washington, too, with several industries in the state experiencing growth, including the information, insurance, waste management, and construction sectors.
WA Schools
Online Learning for Doctorate Students in Washington
Washington universities are expanding access to advanced education through fully online and hybrid doctoral programs designed for flexibility.
Examples include:
- City University of Seattle’s Doctor of Business Administration
- Seattle Pacific University’s PhD in Education
Online programs often combine asynchronous coursework with optional on-campus residencies, allowing students to stay connected to faculty and peers while maintaining professional commitments.
Financing Your PhD or Doctoral Program in Washington State
There are several financial aid options you can benefit from when you enroll in doctoral programs in Washington state. In addition to loans from the federal government, there are research and teaching assistantships, fellowships, and scholarships and grants, which are often provided by the school you enroll in.
For instance, the University of Washington’s Doctorate in Information Science program provides tuition waivers for students participating in teaching or research assistantships.
Additionally, the school offers dissertation funding to offset the costs related to research, including travel and compensation for study subjects.
Washington State University also has several scholarships for doctoral students, as well as awards for dissertation and leadership excellence.
Career and Salary Outlook for Doctorate Holders in Washington
The more education you have, the higher your earning potential becomes. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that the difference in average weekly salary between a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree and those with doctoral degrees is significant, with the former earning $1,543 per week and doctorate holders earning $2,278 on average.
That’s a difference of $735 more per week, or up to $38,220 more per year.
In Washington, many industries — like healthcare, education, and technology — offer particularly competitive salaries for doctorate-level professionals.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Human Resources Executive | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | $136,350 | $239,200+ |
| Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) | $126,260 | $168,030 |
| Physical Therapist | Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) | $99,710 | $130,870 |
| Political Scientist | PhD In Political Science | $132,350 | $183,500 |
| Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD); PhD in Psychology | $117,750 | $157,420 |
| Elementary, Middle, or High School Principal | Doctor of Education (EdD) | $103,460 | $163,010 |
| Speech Language Pathologist | PhD in Applied Language and Speech Science | $89,290 | $129,930 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics