A look at some of the very best No-GRE online PhD programs. Completing one’s PhD is an accomplishment to be proud of.
Only two percent of the U.S. population has completed a doctoral degree, making it a rare accomplishment. It takes courage, hard work, love of the subject and just plain “stick-to-itiveness” to see a terminal degree through to the end.
Some of those looking into beginning this adventure may not want to take the extra time to study for the GRE. These online doctoral degrees give potential PhD students the option of pursuing their final degree without the added stress of completing their GRE first.
Methodology:
Our profiled list of the best No-GRE online PhD programs presents ten of the best degrees currently available. To be included in this list, each online doctorate was required to display:
- Strong institutional credibility
- Institutional ranking or recognition
- Appropriate accreditation
- Outstanding academic and practicum opportunities
- A clear vision and presentation of the degree’s core components and requirements
- No-GRE requirement for admission to the doctorate
- All information is cited directly from college websites and/or the unbiased, independent College Navigator
- Our sponsored schools are paid advertisements that are not affiliated with our site’s individual school rankings. They are clearly defined with the word “SPONSORED” as to not confuse our readers with what has been methodologically researched and ranked by our site editors and researchers as compared to the independently sponsored schools that pay for their placement on our site.
10 Best No-GRE Online PhD Programs
University of the Cumberlands
Program Standouts:
There are three no-GRE PhDs available online at the University of the Cumberlands. The first is the Doctorate of Leadership in Counselor Education and Supervision. In this degree program, GRE or MAT test requirements may be waived for those who have had extensive experience in a professional setting.
The second no-GRE online PhD at the University of the Cumberlands is the Doctor of Philosophy in Business. The PhD in Business Philosophy gives students the ability to teach or research in academia in the field of business.
The third online PhD at the University of the Cumberlands that doesn’t require a GRE score is the PhD in Information Technology. The PhD in Information Technology teaches graduate students theories and tactics which will assist them in navigating global technology management.
Campus Location: Williamsburg, Kentucky
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA
Acceptance Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 67%
Admission Requirements:
- Completed Graduation Application
- Official Transcripts
- Completed Master’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
- G.P.A. of 3.0 – 3.5 (depending on the program) or above
- Letters of Recommendation
- Depending on the individual program, and interview, writing sample or other requirements may also be necessary.
No-GRE Ph.D.s:
- Doctorate of Leadership in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Doctor of Philosophy in Business
- Doctor of Philosophy in Information Technology
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS
University of Idaho
Program Standouts:
The University of Idaho offers a no-GRE Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree completely online. With several different concentrations such as Special Education or Curriculum and Instruction, this degree program prepares students as researchers, teachers, and scholars who are equipped to contribute to the growing field of knowledge in their particular discipline.
Graduate students will develop research agendas, engage in ethical as well as empirical questioning and prepare presentations and learn pedagogies toward this end.
Campus Location: Moscow, Idaho
Accreditation: Northwestern Commission of Colleges and Universities – 8060 165th Ave NE #100, Redmond, WA 98052
Acceptance Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 57%
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Writing Sample
- Master’s Degree
- Official Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
Specializations:
- Career and Technical Education
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
- Special Education
- Leadership and Counseling
- Exercise Science
- Healthy Active Lifestyles
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates of the online Ph.D. in Education program at the University of Idaho will have learned to engage in and contribute to academics, professional organizations and become proficient in research, teaching and learning within their field.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. IN EDUCATION PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IDAHO
University of Missouri
Program Standouts:
The University of Missouri offers a 100% online Doctorate in Human Environmental Sciences with an emphasis in Architectural Studies. The degree program does not require a GRE for admission. The requirements to complete this program are a minimum of 72 hours.
A concentration may be chosen in order to narrow focus on the desired skill. However, the concentration will not be reflected on a transcript or diploma. The field of employment for Architectural Studies is expected to grow by 13%
Campus Location: Columbia, MO
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St #7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Acceptance Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 71%
Admission Requirements:
- Completed Bachelor’s Degree from an Accredited Institution
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Official Transcripts
- Letters of Recommendation
- Online Application
Coursework Sample:
- Materials, Methods, and Products
- Readings in Environmental Design
- Energy-Efficient Building Design
Degree Outcomes:
According to the website of the University of Missouri, Graduates of the PhD in Education are prepared for:
- Leadership positions in design and consulting practices in industry, government, and education
- Academic and administrative positions in higher education and research
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. IN ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI
Liberty University
Program Standouts:
Liberty University offers 4 online PhDs which don’t require a GRE. These are doctorates in Education, Higher Education Administration, Criminal Justice, and Public Policy.
The PhD in Education at Liberty prepares graduates to influence and create educational policies. The degree has several specializations including Curriculum and Instruction, Organizational Leadership and Special Education.
The Doctorate in Higher Education Administration teaches students to focus on the principles of higher education. The program focuses on problem-solving, communication and information literacy.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice at Liberty has specializations in Homeland Security and Leadership.
The PhD in Public Policy has specializations in Economic Policy, Education Policy, Foreign Policy, National Security Policy and Social Policy.
Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Graduation Rate: 29%
Admission Requirements:
- Admission Application
- Application Fee
- Statement of Purpose
- Official College Transcripts
- Proof of English Proficiency
Non-GRE Online PhDs:
- Doctor of Philosophy in Education
- Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration
- Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice
- Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. PROGRAMS AT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
University of Arizona
Program Standouts:
The online No-GRE PhD offered at the University of Arizona is the Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. The degree can be obtained on a full-time or part-time basis. The focus of research may be either clinical, academic or scientific and all classes can be completed online.
The PhD in Nursing also offers a 79-credit BSN-PhD option as well as a 64-credit MS-PhD option. PhD/DNP and post-DNP PhD options are also available.
Campus Location: Tucson, Arizona
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St #7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 64%
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a GPA of 3.0 or above
- Master of Science in Nursing with a GPA of 3.5 or above
- Three recommendations
- Current nursing license
- Completion of Application
- Transcripts
- Resume/CV
- Applicant-Faculty mentoring match
Individualized Program of Study:
- Precision Science
- Data and Systems Science
- Health Determinants Science
Degree Outcomes:
Graduates from the online PhD in Nursing at the University of Arizona will have the skill set to:
- Advance the science of nursing and translate that science into practice;
- Innovate toward the end of improving health outcomes
- Lead research teams
- Work with policies and agendas within the health sciences
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. IN NURSING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Program Standouts:
The PhD in Nursing from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee is ranked in the top 15% of graduate nursing programs by U.S. News and World Report. The program is offered part-time or full-time and is structured so that courses are offered only one day a week.
The PhD in Nursing focuses on integrating science, research, and theory to educate scientists and leaders in the field of nursing. Focus areas, personal interests, and research/career preferences are chosen with the help of faculty mentors. GRE scores are not required for those who received over a 3.20 GPA on an undergraduate degree.
Campus Location: Madison, Wisconsin
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission – 230 S LaSalle St #7-500, Chicago, IL 60604
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 43%
Admission Requirements:
- Application and Fee
- Official Transcripts
- CV
- Three References
- Personal Statement
- Two Original Works
- RN License
- GRE scores for those who received under a 3.20 GPA on their undergraduate degree
- Evidence of English Proficiency
Coursework Sample:
- Multivariate Statistics
- Qualitative Methods in Health Research
- Analysis of Nursing Phenomena
Degree Outcomes:
According to their website, the online PhD in Nursing at the University of Wisconsin “prepares doctoral students for successful careers as academic or clinical scientists as educators and for other opportunities in the rapidly evolving nursing professions.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. IN NURSING AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN MILWAUKEE
Nova Southeastern University
Program Standouts:
Nova Southeastern University offers 4 no-GRE online PhDs. These are the Doctorates in Criminal Justice, Nursing, Computer Science and Conflict Analysis and Resolution. These online PhDs are offered through Nova Southeastern’s Distance Education Program.
Nova Southeastern’s distance education program offers evening and weekend classes, on-site professional faculty members, video conferencing and audiovisual tools and student government associations.
The PhD programs offered through their distance education program give Southeastern students the convenience to complete their terminal degree without leaving their home and work.
Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools – 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA
Acceptance Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate: 72%
Admission Requirements:
Admission Requirements vary slightly throughout the degree programs. General requirements are:
- Online Application
- Essay or Writing Sample
- Resume or CV
- Letters of Recommendation
- Sample of Academic Writing
For the Doctorate in Criminal Justice one of 4 options are required for admissions:
- Completed master’s thesis exclusively of the applicant’s authorship and evaluated by a faculty member
- GRE score of 300 or better
- Sample of published work from a referred publication within the discipline
- Successful completion of J.D. or doctorate in a related field
No-GRE PhDs:
- PhD in Computer Science
- PhD in Conflict Analysis and Resolution
- PhD in Nursing
- PhD in Criminal Justice
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE ONLINE PH.D. PROGRAMS AT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
Duquesne University
Program Standouts:
Duquesne University offers both an online PhD in Nursing and a PhD in Nursing Ethics. Neither of these degrees require a GRE score for admissions.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Ethics is an interdisciplinary degree offered by both the School of Nursing and McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts Center for Health Care Ethics. The program combines doctoral courses in both Nursing and in Healthcare Ethics. The program may be completed in four years with select residency requirements.
The PhD in Nursing began in 1994. The degree is research focused and has been offered online since 1997. According to the Duquesne website, the PhD program has graduated over 100 nurse scientists.
Campus Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education – 3624 Market St #2w, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Acceptance Rate: 84%
Graduation Rate: 81%
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Current CV
- Letters of Recommendation
- RN License
- Sample of Scholarly Work
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master’s of Science in Nursing with a GPA of over 3.5
- See website for pre-requisite courses
No-GRE PhDs
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing Ethics
- Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing
Degree Outcomes:
The Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing at Duquesne University has had over 100 graduates who have gone on to careers in research, organizational leadership and nursing education in the U.S. and overseas.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING AND THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN NURSING ETHICS AT DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY
Clarkson University
Program Standouts:
Clarkson University offers two online PhD programs: Computer Science and Civil & Environmental Engineering. Both degree programs may waive the GRE requirement for some students.
The Doctor of Computer Science degree is an interdisciplinary program offered by both the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering and the Department of Computer Science.
Graduate students take courses in both departments and classes range from the theoretical to applied knowledge. An undergraduate with an appropriate background in computer science may apply for this PhD.
The Civil & Environmental Engineering PhD at Clarkson is ranked among the top in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. Students study the environment and focus on aspects of engineering with interdisciplinary research through Institutions and Research Groups.
Campus Location: Potsdam, New York
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education – 3624 Market St #2w, Philadelphia, PA 19104
Acceptance Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 78%
No-GRE PhDs:
- Doctor of Philosophy in Civil & Environmental Engineering
- Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ONLINE NO-GRE PH.D. IN CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING AND PH.D. IN COMPUTER SCIENCE AT CLARKSON UNIVERSITY
Oregon State University
Program Standouts:
Oregon State University offers two online PhDs which do not require GRE scores for admission. These PhD programs require two weekend visits a semester for the first two years.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Adult and Higher Education focuses on Community College Leadership or Leadership in Higher Education. To be admitted into the PhD program, applicants must have a research-oriented career goal. They must also demonstrate their ability to contribute to a specific faculty member’s research activities.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling prepares students to work as practitioners in an advanced role, clinical supervisors and counselor educators in clinical and academic settings.
According to the OSU website, the program specifically emphasizes student contribution to the counseling profession through research. It also focuses on understanding and addressing the societal changes of today’s communities.
Campus Location: Corvallis, Oregon
Accreditation: Northwestern Commission of Colleges and Universities – 8060 165th Ave NE #100, Redmond, WA 98052
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Graduation Rate: 65%
Admission Requirements:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Application and Fee
- Transcripts
- References
- Current Resume
No-GRE PhDs:
- Doctorate in Adult and Higher Education
- Doctorate in Counseling
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE NO-GRE, ONLINE PH.D. IN ADULT AND HIGHER EDUCATION AND PH.D IN COUNSELING AT OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Why do some programs allow students to enter without the GRE? Does this make them inferior to other programs?
The GRE test is simply a way to measure one’s capability of successfully completing a PhD. By measuring verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills, schools can determine at what level of learning an applicant has. However, there can be other measures as well. According to Wikipedia, the GRE has actually been questioned by some as to its capability of accurately determining a candidate’s likelihood to finish a doctoral degree. The analytical section of the GRE is most closely linked to the success of doctoral students.
Programs that don’t require GRE scores, therefore, will not necessarily be inferior. As is clear from the requirements listed in these programs, schools that don’t require GRE scores will often have higher standards in other areas such as: a higher GPA, more experience within the field of study, or another doctoral degree. These criteria also show the level of a person’s capability and education.
Will there be other differences between GRE and no-GRE doctoral programs?
There won’t be any difference between a GRE or no-GRE program, however, there may be differences between online and on-campus programs. Certain qualifications and aptitudes for technology and distance learning may be required. As many no-GRE programs are online programs as well, one can look out for this distinction.
How can I prepare adequately for a no-GRE doctoral program?
Because no-GRE doctoral programs usually require other qualifications to show one’s aptitude for completing a doctorate, keeping one’s grade point average up is a must. Contacting a school to ask how to best prepare for their program, well in advance, is always a good idea. Another important part of preparation is to have one’s paperwork in order in plenty of time.
FINAL THOUGHTS
No-GRE PhDs are not common, but the examples on this list are some of the best available. If one has taken the GRE but still wants to apply to a no-GRE program, the GRE score is always a bonus to the application. If one hasn’t taken the GRE and is still interested in pursuing a terminal degree, this list is the place to start looking for great programs!
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