phd how many years course

How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?

Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show.

How Long It Takes to Get a Ph.D. Degree

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A Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a "lifelong learner."

Students who have excelled within a specific academic discipline and who have a strong interest in that field may choose to pursue a Ph.D. degree. However, Ph.D. degree-holders urge prospective students to think carefully about whether they truly want or need a doctoral degree, since Ph.D. programs last for multiple years.

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates, a census of recent research doctorate recipients who earned their degree from U.S. institutions, the median amount of time it took individuals who received their doctorates in 2017 to complete their program was 5.8 years. However, there are many types of programs that typically take longer than six years to complete, such as humanities and arts doctorates, where the median time for individuals to earn their degree was 7.1 years, according to the survey.

Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master's degrees, which means the time spent in grad school is a combination of the time spent pursuing a master's and the years invested in a doctorate. In order to receive a Ph.D. degree, a student must produce and successfully defend an original academic dissertation, which must be approved by a dissertation committtee. Writing and defending a dissertation is so difficult that many Ph.D. students drop out of their Ph.D. programs having done most of the work necessary for degree without completing the dissertation component. These Ph.D. program dropouts often use the phrase " all but dissertation " or the abbreviation "ABD" on their resumes.

According to a comprehensive study of Ph.D. completion rates published by The Council of Graduate Schools in 2008, only 56.6% of people who begin Ph.D. programs earn Ph.D. degrees.

Ian Curtis, a founding partner with H&C Education, an educational and admissions consulting firm, who is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in French at Yale University , says there are several steps involved in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. Students typically need to fulfill course requirements and pass comprehensive exams, Curtis warns. "Once these obligations have been completed, how long it takes you to write your dissertation depends on who you are, how you work, what field you're in and what other responsibilities you have in life," he wrote in an email. Though some Ph.D. students can write a dissertation in a single year, that is rare, and the dissertation writing process may last for several years, Curtis says.

Curtis adds that the level of support a Ph.D. student receives from an academic advisor or faculty mentor can be a key factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. program. "Before you decide to enroll at a specific program, you’ll want to meet your future advisor," Curtis advises. "Also, reach out to his or her current and former students to get a sense of what he or she is like to work with."

Curtis also notes that if there is a gap between the amount of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. and the amount of time a student's funding lasts, this can slow down the Ph.D. completion process. "Keep in mind that if you run out of funding at some point during your doctorate, you will need to find paid work, and this will leave you even less time to focus on writing your dissertation," he says. "If one of the programs you’re looking at has a record of significantly longer – or shorter – times to competition, this is good information to take into consideration."

He adds that prospective Ph.D. students who already have master's degrees in the field they intend to focus their Ph.D. on should investigate whether the courses they took in their master's program would count toward the requirements of a Ph.D. program. "You’ll want to discuss your particular situation with your program to see whether this will be possible, and how many credits you are likely to receive as the result of your master’s work," he says.

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Emmanuel C. Nwaodua, who has a Ph.D. degree in geology, says some Ph.D. programs require candidates to publish a paper in a first-rate, peer-reviewed academic journal. "This could extend your stay by a couple of years," he warns.

Pierre Huguet, the CEO and co-founder of H&C Education, says prospective Ph.D. students should be aware that a Ph.D. is designed to prepare a person for a career as a scholar. "Most of the jobs available to Ph.D. students upon graduation are academic in nature and directly related to their fields of study: professor, researcher, etc.," Huguet wrote in an email. "The truth is that more specialization can mean fewer job opportunities. Before starting a Ph.D., students should be sure that they want to pursue a career in academia, or in research. If not, they should make time during the Ph.D. to show recruiters that they’ve traveled beyond their labs and libraries to gain some professional hands-on experience."

Jack Appleman, a business writing instructor, published author and Ph.D. candidate focusing on organizational communication with the University at Albany—SUNY , says Ph.D. programs require a level of commitment and focus that goes beyond what is necessary for a typical corporate job. A program with flexible course requirements that allow a student to customize his or her curriculum based on academic interests and personal obligations is ideal, he says.

Joan Kee, a professor at the University of Michigan with the university's history of art department, says that the length of time required for a Ph.D. varies widely depending on what subject the Ph.D. focuses on. "Ph.D. program length is very discipline and even field-specific; for example, you can and are expected to finish a Ph.D, in economics in under five years, but that would be impossible in art history (or most of the humanities)," she wrote in an email.

Kee adds that humanities Ph.D. programs often require someone to learn a foreign language, and "fields like anthropology and art history require extensive field research." Kee says funding for a humanities Ph.D. program typically only lasts five years, even though it is uncommon for someone to obtain a Ph.D. degree in a humanities field within that time frame. "Because of this, many if not most Ph.D. students must work to make ends meet, thus further prolonging the time of completion," she says.

Jean Marie Carey, who earned her Ph.D. degree in art history and German from the University of Otago in New Zealand, encourages prospective Ph.D. students to check whether their potential Ph.D. program has published a timeline of how long it takes a Ph.D. student to complete their program. She says it is also prudent to speak with Ph.D. graduates of the school and ask about their experience.

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Kristin Redington Bennett, the founder of the Illumii educational consulting firm in North Carolina, encourages Ph.D. hopefuls to think carefully about whether they want to become a scholar. Bennett, who has a Ph.D. in curriculum and assessment and who previously worked as an assistant professor at Wake Forest University , says a Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a "lifelong learner." She says someone contemplating a Ph.D. should ask themselves the following questions "Are you a very curious person... and are you persistent?"

Bennett urges prospective Ph.D. students to visit the campuses of their target graduate programs since a Ph.D. program takes so much time that it is important to find a school that feels comfortable. She adds that aspiring Ph.D. students who prefer a collaborative learning environment should be wary of graduate programs that have a cut-throat and competitive atmosphere, since such students may not thrive in that type of setting.

Alumni of Ph.D. programs note that the process of obtaining a Ph.D. is arduous, regardless of the type of Ph.D. program. "A Ph.D. is a long commitment of your time, energy and financial resources, so it'll be easier on you if you are passionate about research," says Grace Lee, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and is the founder and CEO of Mastery Insights, an education and career coaching company, and the host of the Career Revisionist podcast.

"A Ph.D. isn't about rehashing years of knowledge that is already out there, but rather it is about your ability to generate new knowledge. Your intellectual masterpiece (which is your dissertation) takes a lot of time, intellectual creativity and innovation to put together, so you have to be truly passionate about that," Lee says.

Curtis says a prospective Ph.D. student's enthusiasm for academic work, teaching and research are the key criteria they should use to decide whether to obtain a Ph.D. degree. "While the time it takes to complete a doctorate is an understandable concern for many, my personal belief is that time is not the most important factor to consider," he says. "Good Ph.D. programs provide their students with generous stipends, health care and sometimes even subsidized housing."

Erin Skelly, a graduate admissions counselor at the IvyWise admissions consulting firm, says when a Ph.D. students struggles to complete his or her Ph.D. degree, it may have more to do with the student's academic interests or personal circumstances than his or her program.

"The time to complete a Ph.D. can depend on a number of variables, but the specific discipline or school would only account for a year or two's difference," she wrote in an email. "When a student takes significantly longer to complete a Ph.D. (degree), it's usually related to the student's coursework and research – they need to take additional coursework to complete their comprehensive exams; they change the focus of their program or dissertation, requiring extra coursework or research; or their research doesn't yield the results they hoped for, and they need to generate a new theory and conduct more research."

Skelly warns that the average completion time of a Ph.D. program may be misleading in some cases, if the average is skewed based on one or two outliers. She suggests that instead of focusing on the duration of a particular Ph.D. program, prospective students should investigate the program's attritition and graduation rates.

"It is worthwhile to look at the program requirements and the school's proposed timeline for completion, and meet current students to get their input on how realistic these expectations for completion are," Skelly says. "That can give you an honest idea of how long it will really take to complete the program."

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Studying a PhD in The USA - The Complete Guide

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The USA is a favourable postgraduate study destination for international students due to the high standard of academic study and the wide variety of subjects. By undertaking a PhD in the USA, you will find yourself becoming an internationally recognised expert in your chosen field.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the USA is considered the highest awarded degree in many US universities and institutes for most fields of study. For many international students, it's a dream course that offers an exciting new life chapter.

Attending Grad School for a PhD in the USA is not the same as undertaking a PhD in Europe or the UK , it can often be a different experience. However, studying abroad will improve your global cultural understanding in addition to your network of contacts for your future career. A PhD degree is often required when you apply for high-level management jobs, government expert positions, and careers like a university professor, researcher, or scientist in many fields.

There are a multitude of reasons why the United States is a fantastic choice for your PhD studies. Here’s everything you need to know about studying a PhD in the USA.

1. PhD course length

The total length of a PhD in the USA is between 4-8 years for full-time students and 8-10 years for part-time students, depending on your field of study. PhDs can be completed in 4-5 years for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject. Students typically dedicate 1-4 years on coursework, followed by 2-4 years of dissertation work. In the USA, the academic year is divided into two teaching semesters: August to December and January to May.

Having a longer duration for your PhD allows for greater opportunities to adjust to your course and find your footing. This enables you to concentrate on developing a more comprehensive understanding of your chosen subject at a more relaxed pace.

2. World-class universities

The US repeatedly tops the charts of worldwide ranking universities, so what better place to do your PhD studies? Although rankings shouldn’t be the main deciding factor when making your PhD choice, they're a great indicator of educational expertise.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the location for your PhD. Does the university have a high employability rate after graduation? Are you wanting to go public or private university? What kind of research facilities do they have?

Be sure to do some research before making a decision on your perfect place of study.

3. International community

The United States is a popular choice for international students from all over the world – making it an inspirational and cosmopolitan choice for your PhD studies. No matter what your choice of academic study is, you are guaranteed to find a diverse community that welcomes students from all backgrounds.

4. Affordable tuition fees

There are various tuition fee options available for PhD students regardless of your budget. The American higher education system is often associated with high fees and substantial student debt, but in fact, studying at an American university isn't always expensive, and many institutions offer affordable courses. For instance, PhD costs range from $28,000 to $55,000, which shows that finding a PhD course that’s more affordable is possible.

5. Student experience

American universities typically have vibrant campus communities with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs and organisations. As a student, you will have the opportunity to engage in various social, cultural and recreational activities alongside your academic studies.

6. Student Support

American universities typically provide comprehensive support services to assist you on your PhD journey. These services may include academic advising, counselling, career services, libraries, writing centres and various student organisations aimed at fostering your personal and professional development.

7. Land of opportunity

It's fair to say that student life in the USA offers something for everyone, regardless of what you're looking for from a PhD. With 50 states, six time zones, and thousands of higher-education providers, there's an opportunity waiting for every individual across the globe.

So let’s take a look at some of the key factors to consider when studying for a PhD in the USA.

Studying a PhD in the USA: top tips

Who is eligible for a phd in the usa.

To be eligible for PhD in the USA, generally students should have completed a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, provide proof of English language proficiency, GRE scores and other supporting documents. The eligibility criteria for a PhD in the USA can vary depending on the specific university and program.

Can I get a PhD without a masters degree?

Yes, you can pursue a PhD without having a masters. Universities in the USA do not require a masters for you to apply. Because of the graduate programs in the US, you will receive your masters degree once you have completed your coursework stage. This practice combines the masters and PhD into one.

The eligibility criteria and requirements for direct entry PhD programs vary among institutions and fields of study, so it is advisable to check the entry requirements of the specific university or course you are interested in.

How to apply for a PhD in the USA

When applying for your chosen subject in the USA, you should expect to provide relevant information and statements to the university. This will include:

Completed application form – provided by your preferred university.

A personal statement – on why you want to study the subject, your research interests and career goals. Be sure to include any extracurricular activities and achievements within the body of your statement.

References – universities will expect that your referees will recommend you for the chosen course.

Test scores and grades – you will generally need to submit scores from standardised tests like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

English Language Proficiency – international applicants whose native language is not English usually need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It varies from institution to institution, but international students in the USA are required to have a TOEFL score of about 90.

Samples of work – it is recommended that you provide some work you have done that is relevant to your chosen subject. You may even be asked to complete a small task during the application process.

The application fee.

Method of study

Compared to the UK and Europe , studying a PhD in the USA involves several key differences. Students in the USA are usually in direct contact with their professor, compared with those in the UK where students might find that their PhD program is headed by a professor who gives them a little less flexibility to change their research and study areas. There can be several cultural differences between UK, Europe, and USA university lifestyles. US students are expected to undertake a great deal of teaching and marking, as opposed to PhD students in Europe.

As a result, you may have less free time outside of the university when pursuing a PhD in the USA.

Application for PhD In USA

When applying for your chosen subject, you should expect to provide relevant information and statements to the university. This might include:

A personal statement on why you want to study the subject. Be sure to include any extra-curricular activities and achievements within the body of your statement.

References. Universities will expect that your referees will recommend you for the chosen course.

Test scores and grades. It is important that you provide a list of your awarded grades from previous courses you have studied.

Samples of work. It is recommended that you provide some work you have done that is relevant to your chosen subject. You may even be asked to complete a small task during the application process.

UK and Europe students decide on their PhD thesis subject area before they apply . While taking classes at a graduate level, prospective PhD students in the USA spend up to a year or two deciding on their specific research subject. It is normal to apply for up to six institutions for a PhD in the USA, and students apply to each institution separately as there is no central organisation.

Students in the UK and Europe are expected to apply with an understanding of the subject already, usually in the form of a masters degree, and be ready to start studying at the PhD level straight away. In the USA it is expected that students do not have an in-depth understanding of their subject as they usually only have an undergraduate degree when they apply.

When should I start applying for a PhD in the USA?

Deadlines for applications to PhD programs in the USA tend to be between December and February, and institutions should let you know about your application by April. Most US institutions recommend that you apply as far in advance as you possibly can to give them, and you, plenty of time to make arrangements.

Universities in the USA do not require a masters for you to apply as well. Because of the graduate programs in the US, you will receive your masters degree once you have completed your coursework stage. This practice combines the masters and PhD into one.

It varies from institution to institution, but international students in the USA are required to have a TOEFL score of about 90.

Funding your PhD in USA

PhD students are very likely to receive financial support in the form of PhD scholarships ; some USA PhD students also receive PhD studentships .

Making your PhD application in plenty of time allows you more time to apply for and arrange your PhD funding. Many students find that funding can cover much, or all, of the cost of their PhD studies in the USA, which ranges between $28,000 and $40,000. Deadlines for funding applications can be as early as December before starting your studies in the Autumn/Fall.

There are two types of PhD funding: fully funded, which pays for the student's graduate school tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, or partially funded, which pays for the student's tuition only partially or fully.

Can a PhD be fully funded?

Yes, many top universities in the USA offer fully funded PhD programs for eligible students. This funding pays for the student's graduate school tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. Partially funded PhDs only cover the student's tuition in part or in full.

Some PhD students will receive a stipend from their institution with an assistantship position, but this varies between institutions and between departments within institutions. Other students can find funding from both their own and the American government, and there are plenty of American government schemes like The Fulbright Program that offer funds.

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How long does it take to study a PhD in the USA?

For part-time students in the USA, a PhD can take eight to ten years, but it usually takes five to six years for full-time students. PhDs can be completed in four to five years rather than five or six for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject.

Top 10 ranked American universities

Based on 2023 worldwide rankings, the following table shows which US universities rank the highest.

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PhD in USA – A Guide for 2020/21
Finding a PhD

A PhD in USA takes approximately 5 – 6 years of full-time study and can cost between $12,000 – $45,000 per academic year. PhD programs in USA differ from that in the UK and Europe in that students must first take taught classes, coursework and exams before starting their research project.

Why Do a PhD in USA?

The United States has long had some of the most distinguished universities and advanced PhD programmes in the world. Combined with curriculum flexibility, rigorous teaching methods, vast funding opportunities, breathtaking campuses and significant career prospects, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most sought-after study destinations for research students.

In addition to comprehensive training standards, here are a few other reasons why a student may choose to undertake their PhD in the United States:

Longer learning timeframes – A PhD in the US lasts longer than a PhD in the UK or Europe. This allows students to more confidently transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies; more commonly referred to as ‘graduate studies’ in the US. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about your subject, research methods and academic writing in general before starting your research project.
World-class universities – It’s no secret that some of the most well-known higher education institutions that continue to dominate global rankings are based in the United States. Although many factors go into determining whether a position is right for you, a PhD at a high-ranking American university will undeniably have many benefits, from excellent learning standards to access to innovative equipment and deep expertise.
International network – The US has long been a popular choice among PhD students around the world. As such, the US hosts a diverse and multicultural learning environment in which many research students will quickly feel at home.
Opportunities – With over 4,000 universities in the US, we can safely say you will have plenty of opportunities to find the ideal combination of project, supervisor and university that works for you.

Universities in USA

Universities in the United States can be divided into two types: public universities and private universities.

Public universities are financed by the state in which they are based. Because of this, public universities charge less for students from within the state and more for students from outside the state, including international students.

Private universities are not financed by their state, but by private donors, research funds and tuition fees. For this reason, private universities generally charge higher tuition fees than public universities and require all students to pay the same amount, regardless of whether they come from out-of-state or abroad.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 , eight of the top ten universities in the world are located in the United States. These are:

Method of Study

The main difference between a PhD in the US and a PhD in Europe lies in the program structure. Whereas a European PhD essentially consists of a single phase lasting three to four years , an American PhD consists of three different phases, each with its own time frame.

Phase One – The first phase lasts approximately two years and focuses on building a basic foundation for the doctoral student. This phase consists largely of taught components such as lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions, in which the student learns more about theoretical concepts and research methods within their discipline.
Phase Two – The second phase can be considered an assessment phase, which runs both periodically alongside and at the end of the first phase. Here, students complete coursework and take exams on the basis of the material they have covered of which they must pass in order to proceed to the third phase.
Phase Three – The third phase lasts approximately three years and resembles the European PhD structure. During this period, the student undertakes an independent research project, including forming a research design, conducting experiments, writing a thesis (more commonly referred to in the USA as a dissertation) and sitting a viva exam.

Teaching Requirements

Besides structure, a key difference between a PhD program in the US and in Europe is the focus on teaching requirements. In the US, doctoral students are expected to lecture, lead tutorials, host laboratory sessions, mark coursework and provide office hours for undergraduate students. Although students studying in European will likely contribute to these at some point during their study, this would normally be on a voluntary basis and involve less time commitment.

Research Flexibility

Another difference is project flexibility. In Europe, students typically apply to a PhD project predetermined by a supervisor, and although there may be some scope to adapt the project, depending on the funding provider , it will usually be limited to how the project is carried out rather than what it is about. In the US, however, a student applies to become a doctoral candidate within a department rather than applying for a particular research project. This is because students are expected to decide on their thesis topic (also commonly referred to as a dissertation research topic) near the end of their first phase after they have developed a better understanding of their subject and know where their interests lie. Therefore, research students in the US generally have more flexibility and influence in the direction of their research than students in the United Kingdom or Europe.

PhD Admission Requirements in USA

PhD admission into US universities can be highly competitive, both because of the limited number of positions and the large number of annual applicants.

The eligibility requirements for a doctoral program in the USA can generally be divided into four sections:

Grade Point Average (GPA) – in the US, a scoring system known as Grade Point Average is used to measure academic ability. A student’s GPA is calculated as a weighted score of the subjects they study during their undergraduate degree; an equivalent score is calculated by universities for international applicants. Although universities rarely set minimum GPA requirements for doctoral study, it’s worth being aware that a GPA of 3.0 is equivalent to a UK second class honours (2:1); the typical entry requirement for UK universities.
Graduate Records Exam (GRE) – most universities will require you to take a series of examinations known as Graduate Records Exams, which are used to determine your suitability for graduate study. GREs will assess your analytical, reasoning and critical thinking skills as well as your depth of your subject.
Student aptitude – in addition to academic ability, US universities also look for characteristics of a strong researcher. These include traits such as engaging in the subject in your own time, e.g. by attending talks and conferences, demonstrating a high degree of independence and enthusiasm, and a general passion for your subject.
English Language Proficiency – international students whose first language is not English must sit language exams such as IELTS or TOELF to demonstrate their English language proficiency.

International students will also require a F1 student visa in order to study in the US, however, you would typically apply for this after you have secured a place into a doctorate program.

How to Apply for PhD in USA

When applying for a PhD position at a graduate school, the application process will differ between universities, however, they will all typically ask for the following:

Academic CV – a short document summarising your educational background and current level of experience .
Personal statement – a document which outlines why you believe you are suitable for PhD study and your passion for the subject.
Academic transcripts – a complete breakdown of the modules and their respective marks you have taken as part of your previous/current degree.
GRE scores – a transcript of your Graduate Records Exam results.
Research statement – a condensed version of a research proposal outlining your general research interests, if required.
Recommendation letters – references from several academic referees who endorse your qualities as a person, your abilities as a student and your potential as a doctoral researcher.

Application Deadlines and Fees

Since PhD programs in the United States have taught components, they commence at the same time as all other taught degrees, and therefore share the same application deadlines and start dates. This corresponds to an application period that typically begins in August and ends in February. Admission decisions are typically made in April, with successful students starting in August/September.

When you apply to a graduate school, you will be expected to pay a fee for each doctorate application to cover the school’s administrative costs for processing your application. The fee varies from university to university, but typically ranges from $50 to $100 .

Funding your PhD in USA

It’s very common for a PhD student to receive financial aid in the form of a PhD scholarship; in fact, this will be the case for the vast majority of students in the US.

PhD funding can be ‘fully funded’ covering the student’s graduate program tuition fees, accommodation and living costs, or ‘partially funded’ covering the student’s tuition fee only in part or full.

Besides funding, a graduate student can take on an assistantship, such as a graduate teaching assistant or research assistant, in which they take on a part-time salaried position at the university alongside their studies.

Due to the international and collaborate nature of American universities, there are also a number of international scholarships available, such as the Fulbright Scholarship and the AAUW International Fellowship .

PhD Duration in USA

In the US, a PhD takes approximately 5 – 6 years to complete if studying full-time, and 8 – 10 years if studying part-time.

If you already have a Master’s degree, your first phase can be shortened by one year at the discretion of the university.

Cost of a PhD in USA

The cost of a PhD program in the US can vary considerably depending on the type of university, i.e. whether it’s a public or private university, the doctoral course, i.e. whether it’s in a STEM subject such as computer science, engineering or a non-STEM subject, and whether you are a home or international student.

In general, however, the typical annual tuition fee for a PhD in the US is between $12,000 and $45,000 per academic year.

As with any doctoral degree, additional costs may include travel for collaborations, bench fees, accommodation and living expenses.

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PhD Overview and Timeline

Given here are School-wide graduate degree policies and guidance. Program-specific degree options, requirements, and model programs can be found on the "Graduate Programs" pages under each of the subject areas listed in Academics .

General Ph.D. Requirements

10 semester-long graduate courses, including at least 8 disciplinary. At least 5 of the 10 should be graduate-level SEAS "technical" courses (or FAS graduate-level technical courses taught by SEAS faculty), not including seminar/reading/project courses. Undergraduate-level courses cannot be used. For details on course requirements, see the school's overall PhD course requirements and the individual program pages linked therein.
Program Plan (i.e., the set of courses to be used towards the degree) approval by the Committee on Higher Degrees (CHD).
Minimum full-time academic residency of two years .
Serve as a Teaching Fellow (TF) in one semester of the second year.
Oral Qualifying Examination Preparation in the major field is evaluated in an oral examination by a qualifying committee. The examination has the dual purpose of verifying the adequacy of the student's preparation for undertaking research in a chosen field and of assessing the student's ability to synthesize knowledge already acquired. For details on arranging your Qualifying Exam, see the exam policies and the individual program pages linked therein.
Committee Meetings : PhD students' research committees meet according to the guidelines in each area's "Committee Meetings" listing. For details see the "G3+ Committee Meetings" section of the Policies of the CHD and the individual program pages linked therein.
Final Oral Examination (Defense) This public examination devoted to the field of the dissertation is conducted by the student's research committee. It includes, but is not restricted to, a defense of the dissertation itself. For details of arranging your final oral exam see the Ph.D. Timeline page.
Dissertation Upon successful completion of the qualifying examination, a committee chaired by the research supervisor is constituted to oversee the dissertation research. The dissertation must, in the judgment of the research committee, meet the standards of significant and original research.

Optional additions to the Ph.D. program

Harvard PhD students may choose to pursue these additional aspects:

a Secondary Field (which is similar to a "minor" subject area). SEAS offers PhD Secondary Field programs in Data Science and in Computational Science and Engineering . GSAS lists secondary fields offered by other programs.
a Master of Science (S.M.) degree conferred en route to the Ph.D in one of several of SEAS's subject areas. For details see here .
a Teaching Certificate awarded by the Derek Bok Center for Teaching and Learning .

SEAS PhD students may apply to participate in the Health Sciences and Technology graduate program with Harvard Medical School and MIT. Please check with the HST program for details on eligibility (e.g., only students in their G1 year may apply) and the application process.

PhD Timeline

--> Also see the separate pages with on-boarding information for new PhD students <-- Information and Resources for New Graduate Students Wiki site for incoming PhD students (behind Harvard Key)

First Year (G1)

Notify your financial aid officers of any external funding. Contact: Erin Bishop in SEAS Finance and Emily Fingerle in GSAS Financial Aid.
Make note of the course registration deadline. (previously known as "Study Card Day"). See the GSAS Policies Academic Calendar.
Register for courses before the deadline (previously known as "Study Card Day")
Mid-January: Deadline for submitting materials to be reviewed at the January CHD meetings .
Late-January: Course registration deadline (previously known as "Study Card Day").
G1s: Your Prospective Program Plan due to the Office of Academic Programs on this day.
Transfer of up to 3 classes of coursework may be allowed. Include the Application for Credit for Work Done Elsewhere with your Prospective Program Plan.
April 1: Research Advisor Selection Form /Research Assistant appointment form due to Office of Academic Programs.
Note: The April CHD meeting is the last CHD meeting in all academic year. CHD does not meet over the summer. Remember to plan ahead.

Second year (G2)

Throughout year.

G2’s are required to serve as a Teaching Fellow in either the Fall or Spring semester.
Make sure you complete the TF form once you line up a TF position!
G2’s are required to take their qualifying exam in either the Fall or Spring terms.
Email quals_defenses@seas to book a room. If you book your own room (e.g., external to SEAS) you must still email quals_defenses@seas well in advance in order for your required documentation to be ready, else your exam cannot take place.
Upon completion of the exam, students are required to submit the Designation of Research Committee form to OAP.
If you plan to request a delay of the qualifying exam, complete a Request to Delay Qual Exam form. Note that delays until September (i.e. start of G3 year) are typically approved as a matter of course
Mid-September: Course Registration Deadline (previously known as "Study Card Day"). See the GSAS Policies Academic Calendar.
Mid-October : Final Program Plan due to OAP; see the CHD page for dates.
Late-January : Course Registration Deadline (previously known as "Study Card Day"). See the GSAS Policies Academic Calendar.
May 1 : Advising Agreement form due to OAP.
May: Commencement and diploma options for Masters en Route / Continuing Master’s students - You can apply to receive your S.M. degree en route to your PhD after you have completed eight of your core courses (this requirement may depend on area). You will receive your S.M. diploma, and participate in the Commencement if you choose to. However since you will be considered a non-terminal degree recipient, you will not be able to join the ceremony in Sander's Theater.

Third year (G3+) and beyond

Meet with your Research Committee at least annually, as indicated by your area's expectations.
Send any changes to your Final Program Plan to the CHD for review. See the CHD page for submission dates. Note that the Committee on Higher Degrees expects students not to petition for a revised Program Plan less than a year prior to the final defense in case additional coursework is required, so it's important to keep your plan up to date with your courses as actually taken.
Inform OAP of any changes to your research committee .
PhD candidates can review their eligibility to receive an SM en route .
Early-September: Course Registration Deadline (previously known as "Study Card Day"). See the GSAS Policies Academic Calendar.
Late-January: Course Registration Deadline (previously known as "Study Card Day"). See the GSAS Policies Academic Calendar
May 1 : RA reappointment form due to OAP.

Completing your degree

Degree application.

Check out FAS degree-completion information here (Registrar) and deadlines here (GSAS calendar)
Complete the degree application via my.harvard by the Registrar's deadline.
If you schedule your own room (e.g., external to SEAS) you must still email quals_defenses@seas well in advance in order for your required documentation to be ready, else your defense cannot take place. You must also get agreement from your full committee to hold your defense in a non-SEAS room.

Dissertation Submission and Commencement

The best way to share your dissertation with others is by linking to the DASH copy. DASH uses persistent URLs and provides you with download statistics, and the DASH copy of your PDF will not include the signed Dissertation Acceptance Certificate (DAC). If you choose to post or share your PDF in some other way, you should remove the DAC page so that readers do not have access to the scanned signatures.
Get ready for commencement by updating your email and other contact information via my.harvard.edu .

In Academic Programs

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CHD Meeting Schedule
PhD Course Requirements
PhD Program Plans
Teaching: G2 year
Qualifying Exam: by end of G2 year
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PhD Programs

Accounting & Management
Business Economics
Health Policy (Management)
Organizational Behavior
Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has five areas of study: Accounting and Management , Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management

Business economics , health policy (management) , management , marketing , organizational behavior , strategy , technology & operations management .

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What to expect from a phd schedule.

Take a look at a current student’s schedule and get the insider perspective from doctoral students and coordinators on what to expect from a PhD schedule.

The life of a PhD candidate can be stressful as you adjust to a rigorous academic and research schedule. Penn and Wharton offer a variety of resources to help support you in the transition to PhD life.

Wharton’s sense of community offers a level of comfort when reaching out to faculty as well as fellow students to help solve problems. Doctoral students and coordinators give the insider view on what to expect from a PhD schedule.

Class and Research First

The first two years of a PhD program are mainly made up of classes and the beginning stages of research. Deborah Small , the doctoral coordinator for the Marketing program , said, “It starts with heavy duty coursework and a lot of specific requirements. At the end of your first year, there are qualifying exams on all the core marketing courses. Second year they still have a lot of coursework to do, but more of that is elective with a focus more on their interests. During those years they’re expected to get started on research.”

In addition to taking classes and getting started with research, the Marketing program requires students to write two papers. The first research paper is due at the end of the second year, the other is due at the end of the third year.

The Real Estate and Business Economics and Public Policy programs run like the Marketing program. Fernando Ferreira , coordinator for the programs, said, “During the first year they complete six core courses. In the second year, the focus shifts to field courses and to independent research. They have two professors advising them in that year.”

After completing the main courses, students shift to conducting independent research. For REAL and BEPP students this means writing three dissertation chapters during the third and fourth years.

Time for Conferences and Seminars

Because coursework is usually completed by the second half of the program, there’s time for students to attend lectures and seminars. Andrea Contigiani , a fifth year student in the Management program, said, “In my fourth year, I usually attended a seminar around lunchtime. Wharton has an incredible seminar series throughout the year, with a good seminar happening almost everyday. Occasionally, I attended other events, like MBA events or speaker series. I then go back to research for most of the afternoon.”

Prof. Small said, “Students are expected to actively participate in seminars and activities. They’re also encouraged to go to academic conferences and try to present their work at those conferences. It is similar to the expectations of being a faculty member, minus teaching.”

Classes take up the majority of the first two years of the programs. When the focus then switches to research, you’re expected to work independently. Sometimes that can be intimidating. You become your own boss, which is an adjustment from being told what to do and when to do it.

So how do you manage it? Get advice from students and coordinators.

Posted: August 4, 2017

Work/Life Balance

Doctoral Programs

Matthew caulfield.

Hometown Ocean City, New Jersey

Concentration Management and Legal Studies & Business Ethics

Doctoral Stage Second Year

Typical Day at a Glance

8:30 am Wake up and get ready for the day

9:15 am Get to PhD Offices, respond to emails, check philosophy blogs and read news

10:30 am Journal article readings

11:30 am Meet with advisor

12:00 pm Attend departmental seminar speaker and lunch

1:30 pm Attend Wharton Social Impact Doctoral Community meeting

3:00 pm Attend business ethics seminar

5:00 pm Read for class

7:00 pm Meet with nonparametric statistics study group

8:00 pm Complete homework

12:00 am Go home

1:00 am Bedtime

What is your favorite part about Wharton?

First, the faculty are excellent. They are often leading experts in their fields, and they can offer advice that would be hard to find elsewhere.

Second, the other PhD students are just as passionate about research as you would hope. A huge part of my scholarly development has been due to the discussions I have had with other graduate students.

Third, the Wharton name can offer you serious advantages. In the course of research, I think industry practitioners as well as other academics have been more willing to talk or correspond with me because I am a graduate student at Wharton.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?

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Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show.

(CAIAIMAGE/TOM MERTON/GETTY IMAGES)

A Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a “lifelong learner.”

Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master’s degrees, which means the time spent in grad school is a combination of the time spent pursuing a master’s and the years invested in a doctorate. In order to receive a Ph.D. degree, a student must produce and successfully defend an original academic dissertation, which must be approved by a dissertation committtee. Writing and defending a dissertation is so difficult that many Ph.D. students drop out of their Ph.D. programs having done most of the work necessary for degree without completing the dissertation component. These Ph.D. program dropouts often use the phrase “ all but dissertation ” or the abbreviation “ABD” on their resumes.

According to a comprehensive study of Ph.D. completion rates published by The Council of Graduate Schools in 2008, only 56.6% of people who begin Ph.D. programs earn Ph.D. degrees.

Ian Curtis, a founding partner with H&C Education, an educational and admissions consulting firm, who is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in French at Yale University , says there are several steps involved in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. Students typically need to fulfill course requirements and pass comprehensive exams, Curtis warns. “Once these obligations have been completed, how long it takes you to write your dissertation depends on who you are, how you work, what field you’re in and what other responsibilities you have in life,” he wrote in an email. Though some Ph.D. students can write a dissertation in a single year, that is rare, and the dissertation writing process may last for several years, Curtis says.

[ READ: What Is a Doctorate or a Doctoral Degree? ]

Curtis adds that the level of support a Ph.D. student receives from an academic advisor or faculty mentor can be a key factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. program. “Before you decide to enroll at a specific program, you’ll want to meet your future advisor,” Curtis advises. “Also, reach out to his or her current and former students to get a sense of what he or she is like to work with.”

Curtis also notes that if there is a gap between the amount of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. and the amount of time a student’s funding lasts, this can slow down the Ph.D. completion process. “Keep in mind that if you run out of funding at some point during your doctorate, you will need to find paid work, and this will leave you even less time to focus on writing your dissertation,” he says. “If one of the programs you’re looking at has a record of significantly longer – or shorter – times to competition, this is good information to take into consideration.”

Pierre Huguet, the CEO and co-founder of H&C Education, says prospective Ph.D. students should be aware that a Ph.D. is designed to prepare a person for a career as a scholar. “Most of the jobs available to Ph.D. students upon graduation are academic in nature and directly related to their fields of study: professor, researcher, etc.,” Huguet wrote in an email. “The truth is that more specialization can mean fewer job opportunities. Before starting a Ph.D., students should be sure that they want to pursue a career in academia, or in research. If not, they should make time during the Ph.D. to show recruiters that they’ve traveled beyond their labs and libraries to gain some professional hands-on experience.”

[ READ: Ph.D. Programs Get a Lot More Practical. ]

Joan Kee, a professor at the University of Michigan with the university’s history of art department, says that the length of time required for a Ph.D. varies widely depending on what subject the Ph.D. focuses on. “Ph.D. program length is very discipline and even field-specific; for example, you can and are expected to finish a Ph.D, in economics in under five years, but that would be impossible in art history (or most of the humanities),” she wrote in an email.

[ READ: 4 Fields Where Doctorates Lead to Jobs. ]

Alumni of Ph.D. programs note that the process of obtaining a Ph.D. is arduous, regardless of the type of Ph.D. program. “A Ph.D. is a long commitment of your time, energy and financial resources, so it’ll be easier on you if you are passionate about research,” says Grace Lee, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and is the founder and CEO of Mastery Insights, an education and career coaching company, and the host of the Career Revisionist podcast.

“A Ph.D. isn’t about rehashing years of knowledge that is already out there, but rather it is about your ability to generate new knowledge. Your intellectual masterpiece (which is your dissertation) takes a lot of time, intellectual creativity and innovation to put together, so you have to be truly passionate about that,” Lee says.

Erin Skelly, a graduate admissions counselor at the IvyWise admissions consulting firm, says when a Ph.D. students struggles to complete his or her Ph.D. degree, it may have more to do with the student’s academic interests or personal circumstances than his or her program.

“The time to complete a Ph.D. can depend on a number of variables, but the specific discipline or school would only account for a year or two’s difference,” she wrote in an email. “When a student takes significantly longer to complete a Ph.D. (degree), it’s usually related to the student’s coursework and research – they need to take additional coursework to complete their comprehensive exams; they change the focus of their program or dissertation, requiring extra coursework or research; or their research doesn’t yield the results they hoped for, and they need to generate a new theory and conduct more research.”

“It is worthwhile to look at the program requirements and the school’s proposed timeline for completion, and meet current students to get their input on how realistic these expectations for completion are,” Skelly says. “That can give you an honest idea of how long it will really take to complete the program.”

Searching for a grad school? Access our complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Ph.D. Commencement robing Martin West and Christopher Cleveland

Additional Information

Download the Doctoral Viewbook
Admissions & Aid

The Harvard Ph.D. in Education trains cutting-edge researchers who work across disciplines to generate knowledge and translate discoveries into transformative policy and practice.

Offered jointly by the Harvard Graduate School of Education and the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Ph.D. in Education provides you with full access to the extraordinary resources of Harvard University and prepares you to assume meaningful roles as university faculty, researchers, senior-level education leaders, and policymakers.

As a Ph.D. candidate, you will collaborate with scholars across all Harvard graduate schools on original interdisciplinary research. In the process, you will help forge new fields of inquiry that will impact the way we teach and learn. The program’s required coursework will develop your knowledge of education and your expertise in a range of quantitative and qualitative methods needed to conduct high-quality research. Guided by the goal of making a transformative impact on education research, policy, and practice, you will focus on independent research in various domains, including human development, learning and teaching, policy analysis and evaluation, institutions and society, and instructional practice.

Curriculum Information

The Ph.D. in Education requires five years of full-time study to complete. You will choose your individual coursework and design your original research in close consultation with your HGSE faculty adviser and dissertation committee. The requirements listed below include the three Ph.D. concentrations: Culture, Institutions, and Society; Education Policy and Program Evaluation; and Human Development, Learning and Teaching .

We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category . These lists are subject to modification.

Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples

Summary of Ph.D. Program

Doctoral Colloquia In year one and two you are required to attend. The colloquia convenes weekly and features presentations of work-in-progress and completed work by Harvard faculty, faculty and researchers from outside Harvard, and Harvard doctoral students. Ph.D. students present once in the colloquia over the course of their career.

Research Apprenticeship The Research Apprenticeship is designed to provide ongoing training and mentoring to develop your research skills throughout the entire program.

Teaching Fellowships The Teaching Fellowship is an opportunity to enhance students' teaching skills, promote learning consolidation, and provide opportunities to collaborate with faculty on pedagogical development.

Comprehensive Exams The Written Exam (year 2, spring) tests you on both general and concentration-specific knowledge. The Oral Exam (year 3, fall/winter) tests your command of your chosen field of study and your ability to design, develop, and implement an original research project.

Dissertation Based on your original research, the dissertation process consists of three parts: the Dissertation Proposal, the writing, and an oral defense before the members of your dissertation committee.

Culture, Institutions, and Society (CIS) Concentration

In CIS, you will examine the broader cultural, institutional, organizational, and social contexts relevant to education across the lifespan. What is the value and purpose of education? How do cultural, institutional, and social factors shape educational processes and outcomes? How effective are social movements and community action in education reform? How do we measure stratification and institutional inequality? In CIS, your work will be informed by theories and methods from sociology, history, political science, organizational behavior and management, philosophy, and anthropology. You can examine contexts as diverse as classrooms, families, neighborhoods, schools, colleges and universities, religious institutions, nonprofits, government agencies, and more.

Education Policy and Program Evaluation (EPPE) Concentration

In EPPE, you will research the design, implementation, and evaluation of education policy affecting early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary education in the U.S. and internationally. You will evaluate and assess individual programs and policies related to critical issues like access to education, teacher effectiveness, school finance, testing and accountability systems, school choice, financial aid, college enrollment and persistence, and more. Your work will be informed by theories and methods from economics, political science, public policy, and sociology, history, philosophy, and statistics. This concentration shares some themes with CIS, but your work with EPPE will focus on public policy and large-scale reforms.

Human Development, Learning and Teaching (HDLT) Concentration

In HDLT, you will work to advance the role of scientific research in education policy, reform, and practice. New discoveries in the science of learning and development — the integration of biological, cognitive, and social processes; the relationships between technology and learning; or the factors that influence individual variations in learning — are transforming the practice of teaching and learning in both formal and informal settings. Whether studying behavioral, cognitive, or social-emotional development in children or the design of learning technologies to maximize understanding, you will gain a strong background in human development, the science of learning, and sociocultural factors that explain variation in learning and developmental pathways. Your research will be informed by theories and methods from psychology, cognitive science, sociology and linguistics, philosophy, the biological sciences and mathematics, and organizational behavior.

Program Faculty

The most remarkable thing about the Ph.D. in Education is open access to faculty from all Harvard graduate and professional schools, including the Harvard Graduate School of Education, the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Harvard Kennedy School, the Harvard Law School, Harvard Medical School, and the Harvard School of Public Health. Learn about the full Ph.D. Faculty.

Jarvis R. Givens

Jarvis Givens studies the history of American education, African American history, and the relationship between race and power in schools.

Paul L. Harris

Paul Harris is interested in the early development of cognition, emotion, and imagination in children.

Meira Levinson

Meira Levinson is a normative political philosopher who works at the intersection of civic education, youth empowerment, racial justice, and educational ethics.

Luke W. Miratrix

Luke Miratrix is a statistician who explores how to best use modern statistical methods in applied social science contexts.

Eric Taylor

Eric Taylor studies the economics of education, with a particular interest in employer-employee interactions between schools and teachers hiring and firing decisions, job design, training, and performance evaluation.

Paola Uccelli

Paola Ucelli studies socio-cultural and individual differences in the language development of multilingual and monolingual students.

View Ph.D. Faculty

Dissertations.

The following is a complete listing of successful Ph.D. in Education dissertations to-date. Dissertations from November 2014 onward are publicly available in the Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) , the online repository for Harvard scholarship.

2022 Graduate Dissertations (265 KB pdf)
2021 Graduate Dissertations (177 KB pdf)
2020 Graduate Dissertations (121 KB pdf)
2019 Graduate Dissertations (68.3 KB pdf)

Student Directory

An opt-in listing of current Ph.D. students with information about their interests, research, personal web pages, and contact information:

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Student Directory

Introduce Yourself

Tell us about yourself so that we can tailor our communication to best fit your interests and provide you with relevant information about our programs, events, and other opportunities to connect with us.

Program Highlights

Explore examples of the Doctor of Philosophy in Education experience and the impact its community is making on the field:

Teacher standing happily in front of class

Reshaping Teacher Licensure: Lessons from the Pandemic

Olivia Chi, Ed.M.'17, Ph.D.'20, discusses the ongoing efforts to ensure the quality and stability of the teaching workforce

Lost in Translation

New comparative study from Ph.D. candidate Maya Alkateb-Chami finds strong correlation between low literacy outcomes for children and schools teaching in different language from home

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PhD Course - Doctor of Philosophy

Admission Process
Popular Colleges
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Course

PhD course, or Doctor of Philosophy course, is a doctorate-level course that can take 3–6 years to complete, but can be completed in 5–6 years. The course can cover a variety of subjects, including law, engineering, migration studies, medicine, anthropology, and physics. To get admission to a PhD course , candidates must hold a master's degree. Further, PhD entrance exams like the CSIR UGC NET, UGC-NET, JNUEE, and others are used in India to grant admission to PhD courses. Among the top PhD colleges that offer admission to the course are IIT Kanpur, Jadavpur University, Chandigarh University, IIT BHU, Jawaharlal Nehru University, IIT Gandhinagar, and others.

PhD syllabuses vary depending on the subject chosen by the candidate for research; however, the every PhD syllabus is designed to encourage students to conduct research. PhD subjects include the Formulation and Investigation of multiple theses, including Western Philosophy, Modern Philosophy, Indian Philosophical Studies, etc. as well as guaranteeing the safe and well-resourced completion of projects and the development of theses from research.

Candidates could previously pursue PhD courses through distance education; however, a UGC circular issued in 2017 stated that a PhD course pursued through distance education would no longer be recognised. PhD fellowships are usually granted to candidates who have passed entrance exams such as GATE, JEST, UGC NET, and others while pursuing their PhD. Furthermore, academic institutions such as IGNOU and Delhi University (DU) provide fellowships to PhD students who are enrolled full-time. Candidates may pursue a PhD course in any field of interest. PhD candidates must choose one or more topics, conduct extensive research on them, and respond to any questions that arise.

PhD candidates conduct original research and write original theses on a given topic. In addition to their research, students participate in extracurricular activities, attend seminars, and give presentations. Candidates with a PhD have more career options in fields such as Research, Education, Literature, Civil Service, Politics, Communications, Human Resources, Advertising, and so on.

PhD graduates in the academic sector, can pursue PhD jobs such as Research Assistants, Assistant Professors, and Scientific Writers/Editors. PhD candidates are employed by a variety of industries, including Academic Institutions/Universities, both privately funded and government institutions. They can also work in government offices as Policy Analysts or Data Scientists. Lastly, candidates can expect to earn a PhD salary ranging between INR 8 - 10 LPA.

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Here are the most latest updates about PhD:

The GATE 2024 Exam will take place on February 3, 4, 10, and 11, 2024.
JEE Main Result 2024 for Session 1 will be released on February 12, 2024.
Furthermore, the JEE Main Session 2 exam will be held between April 1 and April 15, 2024, with the results announced on April 25, 2024.
The WBJEE exam date for 2024 has been announced. WBJEE 2024 will be held on April 28, 2024, as a pen-and-paper test.
The first phase of the AEEE exam is over. The AEEE phase 1 results will be available by February 10.
The second phase of AEEE 2024 is scheduled for May 10–14, 2024.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham will accept the AEEE application form 2024 for Phase 2 until the end of April 2024.
The OJEE application form 2024 has been released, and the deadline for submitting it is March 15, 2024.

The major highlights of the PhD course are listed in the table below.

A PhD is not the same as a Doctorate. They, on the other hand, confuse people. The difference between PhD and Doctorate is tabulated below.

Pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) offers numerous advantages for students interested in a specific field.

It allows them to explore their subject in-depth and expand their knowledge.
PhD students have the freedom to dedicate ample time to their research projects without feeling rushed or pressured for immediate results.
One of the main motivations for pursuing a PhD is to enhance employment prospects, as it opens up career opportunities that may not be accessible with just a bachelor's or master's degree. These opportunities often require specialized research skills and extensive experience.
Furthermore, a PhD is often a prerequisite for those aspiring to work in academia as lecturers or university researchers.
If you have a genuine passion for research, a PhD can be a highly rewarding pursuit, providing a sense of enjoyment and fulfillment. However, it's important to have a clear vision of your post-PhD plans.
If you seek a new challenge that fosters personal growth, a PhD offers a unique and highly committed educational experience with significant rewards.

PhD programmes are highly competitive, and many students apply. Because a PhD qualification is a highly valued qualification that is not offered by many colleges, students compete fiercely for admission. Colleges use an entrance exam as a screening process to ensure fairness in the decision-making process. The following are some of the most popular PhD entrance exams:

CSIR-UGC NET
IISc PhD Entrance Exam
JNU Entrance Examination
BHU – Research Entrance Test
NIPER PhD Entrance Exam
AIIMS PhD Entrance Exam

The eligibility criteria for the aforementioned entrance exams vary because they are entirely dependent on the conduction body. As each college or subject has its own governing body, the format of the entrance exams varies depending on the specialization. Some general guidelines for PhD entrance examinations are listed below:

There will be logical, reasoning, and knowledge-based questions on the exam. The test will be conducted both online and offline
The papers will be objective, and if there are any subjective questions, they will be asked to assess argument and reasoning skills
A university's/conduction body's syllabus, mode of examination, and question pattern may change.

PhD admissions are mostly chosen through entrance exams. There are a few universities, however, where admission is also based on merit. A candidate must be eligible for the course in order to apply for PhD admissions. PhD admission requires a Master's degree or an MPhil with an aggregate of at least 55% from any recognised university in the country or a foreign university. Candidates with an MTech or ME degree are also eligible to apply.

To be able to apply for PhD admission 2024, candidates must meet the eligibility criteria.

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) Eligibility Criteria

Candidates are only eligible to pursue a PhD if they have completed a master's degree in a related course/field/stream to which they are interested in getting a PhD. Some colleges seek candidates to have completed an MPhil before enrolling in a PhD course.

Other than that, many colleges state that candidates who have passed the UGC NET are eligible for PhD programmes offered by them. Candidates wishing to pursue a PhD in Engineering must have a valid GATE score.

PhD Eligibility Criteria Category-Wise

Some of the basic eligibility for PhD admission are mentioned below:

Students must have a done Master’s degree (MSc/MTech/MPhil/MA/MBA) in a relevant subject, in order to study a PhD Course
The student should have scored at least 55% marks or equivalent grade points in the PG course that he studied in any government-recognized institute. In case the candidate belongs to a reserved category (SC/ST/OBC), he/ she will be offered relaxation in minimum marks of either 5% or 10%, depending on the category
University/college mandated PhD entrance examination needs to be cleared by the candidate to ensure a seat for pursuing a PhD
In some university/colleges candidates that have work experience in the field of research are preferred highly and are given more preference

However, the following are a few examples of category-wise eligibility requirements for PhD candidates:

PhD Eligibility for Government/Semi-Government Fellowship Recipients: Full-Time Research Scholars

PhD scholars in this category are eligible for financial assistance through government/semi-government fellowship programmes

PhD Eligibility for Institute research Scholars with Teaching Assistance

PhD scholars in this category are offered Institute Teaching Assistantships as specified by the MHRD

PhD Eligibility for Self-financed Candidates (Indian/ Foreign)

Indian self-financed: Indian candidates who self-fund their education are given seats in doctoral programmes offered by institutions based on their performance and experience. Such candidates participate in the regular admissions process for PhD courses in order to be offered admission to the institute's PhD programmes, but the institute does not provide them with any financial support
Foreign self-financed: Only after they receive the required "no objection certificate" from MHRD, the Indian government, and other required approvals from India's Ministry of External Affairs, are foreign self-financed candidates offered admission through the embassy of their home nation.

PhD Eligibility for Candidate Sponsors

These PhD candidates are supported to conduct full-time research at the relevant institution by (recognised) Research and Development organisations.

PhD Eligibility for Candidates for Study Leaves

For a period of less than three years, government organisations, businesses, and educational institutions grant study leaves to applicants who fall into this category so they can conduct research at the designated institution. For admission as a PhD scholar in this category, the candidate's institute or employer must provide a letter of leave.

PhD Eligibility for ICCR Awardees

If they have been given a scholarship by their government, foreign candidates who are supported by their respective governments are given a seat in a PhD programme under the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) award holders' category.

PhD Eligibility for Part-time Scholars in Research

The following categories are available for applicants at an institute seeking admission as part-time research scholars:

Research Assistants
Institute staff/ Faculty
Project Staff
External Sponsored Candidates

Steps to apply for PhD Admission 2024

PhD Admission 2024 is majorly based on entrance exam. The UGC NET, which is administered twice a year, is one of several entrance exams used for PhD admission. Admission to Central universities is available. JRF-GATE, the IISC PhD Entrance Exam, the VMOU PhD, the IPU PhD, and the IGNOU PhD are additional PhD entrance exams. A few universities also have entrance exams specifically designed for PhD courses. Applicants may also sit for entrance examinations like the GATE, NET, and CSIR NET to be considered for PhD admissions in India.

To apply for PhD or research course, applicants must complete the following steps:

Step 1: Go to the official website of the college or university, review all of the information about the PhD course it offers, and select the field of study you want to pursue.

Step 2: Candidates must keep a look out for any admission updates or visit the university's official website to complete their application for admission to the course of their choice.

Step 3: Candidates must then complete and submit their PhD application forms in accordance with the educational institution's timeline. Applicants must also submit all required paperwork and the application fee on time in order to be considered for PhD admission.

Step 4: Some colleges and universities may require a research proposal in addition to the application form. The application is submitted to the educational institution's research unit, which reviews it along with the research proposal.

Step 5: Following the review of the PhD application, the majority of colleges and universities shortlist the names of candidates who must appear for the entrance exam and other admissions processes that are held to select applicants for admission to the PhD course they offer.

Step 6: Candidates are assigned supervisors or guides for their PhD research after being admitted to PhD course based on their performance in the admission rounds.

Skills Required for PhD Graduate

PhD graduates must possess a set of skills essential for success in their careers, extending beyond their research proficiency. These skills are crucial for thriving in the workplace after completing their research. These skills include:

Proficiency in quantitative analysis
Strong research abilities
Sharp analytical skills
Capacity to handle high-pressure situations
Effective interpersonal skills

In most colleges and universities, PhD admissions are decided by merit. A written 10+2 exam, a series of in-person interviews, and/or a qualifying exam relevant to the programme will determine which candidates are accepted into the PhD programme. Under such circumstances, candidates are usually selected on the basis of their academic standing and their results on a prior relevant exam.

In India, there are three basic types of PhD programmes. They are full-time PhDs, part-time PhDs, and online PhDs.

Students can check out below some popular PhD courses that they can pursue in different streams:

Popular PhD Course in Humanities

PhD in humanities consists of courses that critically examine human thought and culture. These courses usually deal with the effect of art, music, literature, the arts, and philosophy on the world we live in. Students pursuing a PhD in Humanities course must focus more on abstract questions rather than on technical skills.

The students pursuing a PhD degree in Arts would learn and research in depth about the development of ideas and concepts, behavioural patterns and the challenges faced, functioning of a society, human interactions and relationships, etc. Students can check online some of the popular PhD courses in Humanities and Arts mentioned below:

PhD in Humanities
PhD Economics
PhD Geography
PhD in Social Work
PhD in English
PhD in Public and Economic Policy
PhD in Humanities & Social Sciences
PhD in Psychology
PhD in Arts
PhD in International Relations and Politics
PhD in Physiology
PhD in Public Policy

Popular PhD Course in Science

PhD Science is a doctorate level course with a duration of 3 to 5 years during which students from MSc or MTech background can learn more about this field. It involves candidates to research any one of the PhD subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc.

At the end of the course, the student will have to submit the research thesis to earn a PhD Science degree. Students can check out some of the popular online PhD courses in Science mentioned below:

PhD in Chemistry
PhD in Clinical Research
PhD in Science
PhD in Bioscience
PhD in Bioinformatics
PhD Biotechnology
PhD in Mathematical and Computational Sciences
PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering
PhD Zoology
PhD in Physics
Phd in Mathematics
PhD in Zoology

Popular PhD Courses in Commerce

PhD in Commerce is a doctorate course with a minimum duration of two years with certain universities requiring the candidates to complete the course within five years of time along with the thesis or research paper. There are some universities that provide part-time PhD in commerce.

The PhD in Commerce subjects provides a greater insight in the field of commerce and accounting, finance, forecasting, management and budgeting. These courses are better suited for someone with a commerce or business background. The course provides better quality education to the students so they can serve the needs of business and industry management. Two such popular PhD courses are mentioned below:

PhD in Commerce Management
PhD in Accounting and Financial Management

Popular PhD Courses in Engineering

If you want to focus on research-based education in the field of technology then a PhD in engineering and technology is one of the best options. It involves the development of new cutting-edge technologies or research methods that can create an impact on the world. It can also be a program that focuses on the student's own desired focus, such as on learning a very specific area of engineering or technology.

Ph.D. in Engineering and Technology is a 5-year course. Candidates who wish to pursue a PhD in engineering and technology must have a masters degree or equivalent to this degree from a recognized university. Some popular PhD Course in Engineering are mentioned below:

PhD in Engineering
PhD in Genetic Engineering
PhD in Civil Engineering
PhD in Engineering and Technology
PhD Electronics & Communication Engineering
PhD Computer Science Engineering
PhD in Electronics and Communication Engineering
PhD in Information Technology
PhD in Production Engineering
PhD in Chemical Engineering
PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Popular PhD Course in Business & Management

PhD in Business and Management is a doctorate level course that includes the activities associated with a company, such as managing, leading, monitoring, organizing and strategizing. The duration of PhD in Business Management is usually 3-years. Some popular PhD degree in Business & Management are mentioned below:

PhD Business Administration
PhD in Management
PhD in Aviation Management
PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
PhD in Accounting and Financial Management
PhD in Marketing/ Brand Management
PhD in Commerce
PhD in Commerce and Management

Popular PhD Degree in Law

PhD in law allows the students to enhance their understanding of the legal studies. The students are taught an overview of the subject, the nuances to proceed with the cases and how to go around while studying a case, and the outlook required while looking into its details.

PhD in Law is a 3-year full-time doctorate programme in the field of Law. PhD in law provides students with the required training which helps them pave their way in gaining exposure in their field. Some popular PhD Course in Law are mentioned below:

PhD in Constitutional Law
PhD in Law and Governance
PhD in Legal Studies

Popular PhD Degree in Teaching & Education

PhD in Education
PhD in Teaching

There are 2 types of research scholars in PhD:

Full Time Research Scholars

The details about full time research scholars is given below:

Part Time Research Scholars

Individuals who seek admission under the part time research scholars at an institute are offered admission under the categories mentione below:

External Sponsored Category
Institute Staff/ Faculty

In India, the average PhD course fee varies from INR 50 and 6LPA, with candidates typically able to pay the fees annually. However, the PhD course fee is set by the college to which students wish to apply. PhD fees vary depending on factors such as college location, facilities, faculty, and infrastructure. PhD programmes allow students to apply for scholarships from private companies, colleges, and non-governmental organisations. These scholarships benefit students by reducing their financial burdens and encouraging them to pursue their research.

PhD syllabus will be determined by the subject chosen by the student. It is worth noting that the PhD programme is available in nearly all major disciplines, including Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Bio-Sciences, Clinical Research, Zoology, Applied Sciences, Economics, Social Work, Literature, Arts, Psychology, and Social Sciences.

The student will have approximately 3-5 years to complete their PhD programme. The student will be required to submit an original research thesis on a specific topic at the end of the programme.

Topics for the research paper could include:

Introduction to the Topic
Research Design
Research Foundation
Quality Standards
Structure and Size

For your ease, we have included PhD syllabuses for a few subjects.

PhD Syllabus for Science Specialisation

The following is the PhD Syllabus or Doctor of Philosophy syllabus in Science. The programme lasts between three and five years. The syllabus is divided into semesters, and the PhD subjects covered are listed below. Each year is divided into two semesters.

PhD Syllabus for Management Studies Specialization

PhD Syllabus or Doctor of Philosophy syllabus in management studies course is mentioned below. The given PhD syllabus is semester-wise with the PhD subjects mentioned below.

PhD Syllabus for Engineering and Technology Specialization

PhD Syllabus in engineering and technology is given below. The PhD course is for 5 years. The given PhD subjects are topic wise:

PhD in Legal Studies Syllabus

The Syllabus of PhD in legal studies is given below. The course is for 3 years. The given PhD subjects are coursewise:

PhD in Philosophy Syllabus

PhD syllabus in Philosophy course is given below. The course is for 3 years to 6 years. The given syllabus is paper-wise. There are 4 papers including elective exams with the PhD subjects mentioned below:

PhD in English Literature Syllabus

PhD Syllabus or Doctor of Philosophy syllabus in English literature course is given below. The duration of this PhD course is for 3 years to 5 years. The PhD subjects covered in this course are mentioned below.

PhD in Economics Syllabus

PhD Syllabus of Economics course is given below. There are a total of 4 papers with the elective exam. All of the papers along with various PhD subjects are mentioned below.

The steps that candidates must take when pursuing a PhD course in order to be awarded a PhD degree are as follows:

When candidates are accepted into PhD programmes at educational institutions, they must submit a research proposal as well as a research topic.
Then, candidates are assigned a research supervisor or guide.
Following this, the Research Programme Coordinator/Guide/Supervisor informs candidates about the Course Work, evaluation methodology, and teaching schedule.
Most educational institutions require aspirants to submit six-month progress reports for their research projects.
Furthermore, as a Research Student, you must give at least two seminar presentations during your tenure as a Research Scholar and submit a Certificate in the prescribed format to the Research Unit.
Before submitting their PhD thesis, PhD students must first publish at least one research paper in a peer-reviewed/refereed journal and then submit a Certificate in the prescribed format to the Research Unit.
Before aspirants submit their thesis, their supervisor or guide will host a Pre-submission Seminar. This seminar will be open to everyone. As part of this seminar, candidates will submit a report with suggestions for improvement, and the supervisor will ensure that all of these suggestions are incorporated into their final thesis.
Candidates must then incorporate all of the changes and provide a summary of their thesis to their supervisor or guide at least 45 days before submitting the thesis.
Finally, candidates must submit their thesis in both hard and soft copy. This thesis will be reviewed by external experts. If an expert suggests any changes to the research paper submitted by the candidate, he or she must resubmit a modified thesis.
Then, a viva-voce is held, in which candidates can openly defend their thesis and present their points of view to a panel of experts.
Candidates who complete all of these steps to perfection will only receive a PhD degree.

Here are some of the top PhD colleges, along with their average fees, listed below:

Note: The fees listed above are subject to change.

There are various private colleges as well from where you can pursue your PhD. Some of the best private PhD colleges along with their PhD fees are given in the table below:

Given below are some of the best PhD colleges in India to pursue your doctorate. The PhD fees for the particular college are also mentioned in the table below:

PhD students can apply for several types of PhD scholarships, including:

PhD Scholarships in India for Students

In India, there are numerous scholarships available for Indian students pursuing a PhD, offering financial assistance to ease the burden of funding their studies. Here are some notable scholarships:

Prime Minister Fellowship for Doctoral Research: This fellowship, supervised by the Central Government, provides financial support to meritorious students pursuing PhD courses. Recipients receive a monthly stipend of INR 70K.
Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Fund Scholarships: These merit-based scholarships support students pursuing doctoral programs in various fields such as Science, Sociology, and Philosophy, after completing their post-graduation. The scholarship is granted for a duration of 2 years and is available to candidates below the age of 35.
ICHR Junior Research Fellowships (JRF): Provided by the Indian Council of Historical Research, this scholarship is for students pursuing a PhD in Historical studies. It involves an entrance exam followed by an interview, and recipients typically receive a monthly amount ranging from INR 16.5 K to INR 17.6K for a period of 2 years.
Maulana Azad National Fellowship: This fellowship, offered by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, supports financially disadvantaged students pursuing research or doctorate courses. Eligible candidates must have a family income below INR 6 LPA and have completed their post-graduation. Scholars receive INR 28K per month for a duration of 5 years.
NCERT Doctoral Fellowship for PhD: National Council of Educational Research and Training offers this fellowship to meritorious students to cover expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation, books, and other charges. Eligibility criteria include qualifying entrance tests like the NET exam and being below the age of 35. The fellowship is provided for a duration of 3 years, with a monthly amount ranging from INR 23K - 25K.

Students who want to be funded during their doctoral studies must pass the NET exam. Passing the NET Exam ensures a stipend from the Government of India, regardless of the university. After passing the NEET, the student receives INR 31K from the Central Government.

The following are some of the best PhD scholarships in India for students pursuing Doctor of Philosophy degrees:

PhD Philosophy graduates have a wide range of career options and higher-paying jobs as a result of the knowledge and experience they gained during their studies. Graduates of the PhD Philosophy programme can find work in a variety of fields, including research, education, literature, law, civil service, science analytics, and politics. Communications, publishing, and so on.

The most common PhD Philosophy job profiles pursued by graduates are research scientist and philosophy professor. PhD Philosophy graduates have job opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Top recruiters include IIT Patna, Mathworks, Archaeological Survey of India, Nalanda University, Election Commission of India, CNN, BBC, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, and others. These top companies hire such professionals and pay them an average salary of INR 10-20 LPA.

Some of the major job profiles associated with the course, along with the average salary, are as follows:

Note: The salary mentioned above is subject to change.

PhD Top Recruiters

Some of the top recruiters of PhDs in India are listed below.

Research Institutions: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
IT Industry: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Infosys, and Wipro
Pharmaceutical Companies: Sun Pharmaceutical Industries, Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, and Cipla
Financial Institutions: Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), and National Stock Exchange (NSE)
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): NGOs working in areas like education, healthcare, environment, and social development may employ PhDs for research, program management, and advocacy positions

In India, the average salary for a PhD graduate is between INR 5 and 10 LPA. This figure, however, may differ depending on a number of parameters, including a job description, years of experience, and the city of employment. A PhD graduate's pay is determined by a number of factors, some of which are within the student's control. Participating in internships and accumulating work experience may increase the probability of being paid more.

Below is an approximate PhD salary range for various job profiles after completing a PhD degree:

Online PhD degree is an advanced academic degree that can be earned online. It can be offered in full-time or part-time modes. Online PhD programs are flexible and convenient, especially for working professionals. They can help students gain advanced knowledge and specialized expertise to further their career.

Online PhD programs typically require at least two years of study, and many set a completion deadline of 7-9 years. Students typically need to complete coursework, pass qualifying examinations, and write and defend an original dissertation. Online PhD programs can be more affordable than traditional PhD programs. Students can complete an online PhD in as little as three years, while traditional PhD programs can take up to eight years to complete.

Some online doctoral programs offer a choice of two learning tracks. Students can take their time with the standard track, or speed through the program content with the accelerated option.

Furthermore, an online PhD is less expensive than a traditional PhD.

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Can you be rejected from a phd programme.

PhD applications are frequently rejected for a variety of reasons. This is not the desired outcome after all of your efforts. However, rejection is a normal part of the PhD application process.

Can I pursue a PhD after completing my 12th grade?

To be eligible for a PhD programme, applicants must have a master's degree. Candidates may pursue a PhD programme in any discipline. In a PhD programme, students must choose a topic or subject, conduct extensive research on it, and respond to any questions that arise.

How can I get a PhD?

7 Steps to earn a PhD are listed below:

Get a Bachelor's Degree
Get a Master of Education degree
Find whether a PhD or EdD is right for you
Take the entrance exam and apply to Doctoral Programmes
Finish the Doctorate Degree Programme Coursework
Conclude and defend a dissertation

Is a PhD considered a doctor or not?

A doctoral degree (PhD) is obtained after obtaining a master's degree. A PhD confers the right to use the title doctor.

What is the duration of a PhD programme?

A PhD programme typically takes four to seven years, but this can vary depending on a number of factors. In certain disciplines, such as psychology, engineering, education, and mathematics, a PhD, or doctorate degree, is the highest level of degree you can obtain.

What career options are available after earning a PhD?

A PhD holder can work as a researcher, scientist, professor, journalist, independent consultant, human services worker, editor, critic, lecturer, and so on. A PhD holder can also apply for jobs in the finance, government, and other sectors.

Which are the best universities for pursuing a PhD?

Amity University in Noida and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai are two prominent universities that offer PhD degrees. Some of the other universities are:

Indian Institute of Science
Bangalore Institute of Genetic Engineering, Badu (Kolkata)
Chennai's KCG College of Technology
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
Kolkata Institute of Technical and Professional Studies
New Delhi's Jamia Millia Islamia University
Indian Statistical Institute
Chennai Mathematical Institute

What does a PhD entail?

PhD graduates may be able to work in other countries. If you have a PhD, any company will hire you because the PhD is currently the highest level of academic degree anyone can earn, and the companies see you as an expert in the subject.

Is it possible to get a PhD without a master's degree?

Yes, a PhD can be obtained without first earning a master's degree. A number of universities provide direct entry into PhD programmes for students with an undergraduate or bachelor's degree. In some cases, specific schools or programmes may prefer master's degree holders.

How many hours per day do you commit to your PhD?

As a general rule, a full-time PhD will require 35 hours of work per week - the equivalent of a full-time, 9-5 job.

Is a PhD more challenging than a doctorate?

It is not simpler to earn a PhD than a doctorate. Both require effort and are different. It would be best to do some research on the subject you want to study. A doctorate degree examines an existing body of knowledge and theories developed by this knowledge, whereas a PhD requires years of original research.

Do PhD students receive funding?

The fact that you get paid for pursuing a PhD is one of its biggest benefits. A PhD stipend is a monthly payment made to students to help with living expenses, research costs, and housing costs. The cost that is covered by a PhD stipend varies depending on the organisation and degree.

What are the advantages of a PhD?

Having a PhD is a huge advantage. Don't let others baffle you. PhDs earn more money than non-PhDs and are in high demand. Trained professionals who understand how to create information rather than simply repackage it are desperately needed. Entrepreneurship and innovation are at record highs.

What is the most difficult aspect of a PhD?

Every PhD student will agree that the most difficult aspect of the degree is staying motivated. You begin a PhD because you are interested in a particular subject.

What is the minimum eligibility for Ph.D course?

The minimum eligibility for admission to a Ph. D course will be a Master's/ M. Phil Degree from any accredited Indian or Foreign University in the relevant field.

What if you fail your PhD?

If you are not awarded a PhD, you may be awarded an MPhil instead. For this to happen, your work must be deemed worthy of an MPhil, as a Master's degree is still considered an advanced postgraduate research degree.

Is it worthwhile to pursue a PhD in anything?

A PhD can be detrimental to your finances, leave you in debt, and leave you with no clear path to success in certain fields. PhDs, on the other hand, earn more and have lower unemployment rates. A PhD also provides you with a world-class mind, a global network, and a skill set that can take you pretty much anywhere.

What does a PhD degree stand for?

A PhD degree stands for Doctor of Philosophy, which is regarded as the highest academic course level.

What are the requirements for PhD admission?

The requirements to get into a PhD program are a bachelor’s degree with at least a second-class grade and a master’s degree with high academic grades.

Which university is known as the best university in India?

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay University is known for best university and No.1 University in India.

Is there any age limit to do a PhD course?

There is no specific age limit for PhD courses. It can be pursued at any age but the candidate should satisfy the eligibility criteria.

How many years does it take to complete PhD?

A doctorate or PhD degree generally lasts for 3 years. Candidates pursuing the program are given a maximum time of 5 to 6 years to complete their research. However, the duration of the PhD courses varies institute wise as well.

What jobs can a PhD get you?

PhD can get you jobs in universities, labs, government sectors, research institutes, and many more.

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What is a PhD?

As the highest degree level achievable at university, completing a PhD shows that you've made a meaningful new contribution to your chosen research field

PhDs at a glance

Involves three or four years of full-time study, or up to seven part time.
Typically undertaken after achieving a Masters degree.
Can either be funded or self-funded.
Assessed through a written thesis and oral exam.
Many Doctoral graduates choose to pursue an academic or research career.

What is the meaning of PhD?

The term PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'philosophiae doctor'.

A PhD degree typically involves students independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy thesis.

While some Doctorates include taught components, PhD students are almost always assessed on the quality and originality of the argument presented in their independent research project.

How long is a PhD in the UK?

Full-time PhDs usually last for three or four years, while part-time PhDs can take up to six or seven. However, the thesis deadline can be extended by up to four years at the institution's discretion. Indeed, many students who enrol on three-year PhDs only finish their thesis in their fourth year.

While most PhD studentships begin in September or October, both funded and self-funded PhDs can be undertaken at any point during the year.

If you're planning on studying for a PhD abroad, take a look at our individual country profiles .

Do I need a Masters to do a PhD?

The majority of institutions require PhD candidates to possess a Masters degree , plus a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above. However, some universities demand only the latter, while self-funded PhD students or those with significant professional experience may also be accepted with lower grades.

You may need to initially register for a one or two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Master of Research (MRes) degree rather than a PhD. If you make sufficient progress, you and your work will then be 'upgraded' to a PhD programme. If not, you may be able to graduate with a Masters degree.

If you need an MPhil or MRes before enrolling on your PhD, search Masters degrees .

What does a PhD involve?

A standard PhD degree is typically split into three stages. A three-year PhD may follow this pattern:

First year - You'll meet with your supervisor to discuss your research proposal and agree an action plan with deadlines. You'll then complete your literature review, in which you'll evaluate and critique existing works to inform the direction of your project and ensure that your research will be original.
Second year - Your focus will shift to gathering results and developing your thesis, and potentially begin writing chapters of your thesis. You may also present your results and ideas at academic conferences, gain teaching experience, collaborate with other students on similar projects, communicate the benefits of your research to the general public through workshops, lectures and presentations, or submit work for publication in an academic journal or book.
Third year - Primarily involves writing your thesis, though your research may still be in progress. After your supervisor gives their approval, you'll submit your thesis before undertaking a one to three-hour oral exam ( viva voce ) in which you'll discuss and defend your thesis in the presence of at least one internal and external examiner.

How do I find a PhD?

As a PhD is different to other degrees, you're committing to more than simply an advanced qualification. You've chosen to engage in a large-scale independent research project and so you'll need to take into account a range of factors that will drive your search.

A methodical approach to the process is required and you'll need to consider the subject you're interested in carrying out research in and the type of Doctorate you're looking for, making sure this is the right project for you. Only when you're fully prepared and have a good idea of your research proposal should you search for PhD opportunities .

What other types of Doctorate are there?

Alternative types of PhD include:

Higher Doctorate - These are usually granted on the recommendation of a committee of internal and external examiners, which assesses a portfolio of published, peer-reviewed research you've undertaken over the course of many years. This type of Doctorate is usually for those with several years of academic experience. Common award titles include the Doctor of Civil Law (DCL), Doctor of Divinity (DD), Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD/LittD), Doctor of Music (DMus/MusD), Doctor of Science (DS/SD/DSc/ScD) and Doctor of Law (LLD).
Integrated/New Route PhD - This four-year PhD course is offered by over 30 universities and involves taking a one-year MRes before studying a three-year PhD. It combines taught elements with independent research, allowing students to learn different methodologies while building their transferable skills.
Professional Doctorate - Geared towards students of vocational subjects such as medicine, education and engineering, professional Doctorates are focused on teaching and so normally involve smaller research projects and thesis component. They're often favoured by those aiming for a career outside of academia and are usually supported by employers.

How much does a PhD cost?

Tuition fees vary, but usually fall between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students and those from the European Union (EU) with settled status. UK Research Councils pay universities £4,596 per year (from 2022/23) on behalf of each funded PhD student, so this gives a good indication of the average figure.

For EU students looking to pursue a Doctorate in 2022/23, you'll need to have gained settled or pre-settled status to be eligible for student finance - see PhD loans .

Non-EU students may pay considerably more for their tuition fees.

Despite this, many PhD students are now part or fully funded - scholarships and bursaries are widely available, and particular attention should be paid to Research Council grants .

PhD studentships and assistantships involving a mixture of research and teaching are also common, with scientific studentships usually paid at a higher rate.

How do I apply for a PhD?

Some students propose their own research area and apply for funding, while in some cases a supervisor may already have funding for a project and advertise it like a job. When making a PhD application, you'll typically be asked to submit:

an academic CV
your academic transcripts
two or three academic references
a personal statement
a research proposal.

International students without settled UK status looking to study certain courses in medicine, mathematics, engineering and material sciences are required to comply with the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) . This involves undergoing a security clearance process with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. International students may also have to prove their English proficiency.

What can I do next?

Your ability to critically analyse, display intellectual maturity, and research independently and honestly is highly valued within academia and the workplace.

Many students who undertake a PhD get an academic job or become an industry researcher, possibly following the PhD with postdoctoral study, then a fellowship or lectureship.

Other career options will depend on your study area.

Discover what a PhD degree can lead to at your PhD, what next?

Find out more

Consider your PhD options at 5 routes to getting a Doctorate .
Get help with choosing your PhD supervisor .
Explore funding postgraduate study .

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RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones

Nastaran Nagshineh is shown with other faculty in a small room where she defended her thesis.

Nastaran Nagshineh, center, defended her Ph.D. thesis at RIT in April. Faculty from RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses served on her thesis committee and include, from left to right, Kathleen Lamkin-Kennard, Steven Weinstein, Nathaniel Barlow, and David Kofke (a professor at the University at Buffalo). Mohamed Samaha participated remotely and appears on the video screen behind the group and alongside Nagshineh’s picture.

Nastaran Nagshineh is one of the first Ph.D. candidates to bridge RIT’s Rochester and Dubai campuses. Her accomplishment creates a path for future students at the university’s international campuses.

Nagshineh completed her Ph.D. in mathematical modeling while working full time as a mathematics lecturer at RIT Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, teaching as many as five classes a semester. She described her Ph.D. journey as “an exercise in perseverance” due to competing demands and long days. Rochester is eight hours behind Dubai, and the time difference meant many late-night classes and meetings.

“I saw this collaboration as an opportunity, rather than as a challenge, because my primary adviser, Dr. Steven Weinstein (RIT professor of chemical engineering), and my co-adviser, Dr. Mohamed Samaha (RIT Dubai associate professor of mechanical engineering), both have the same area of research interest,” she said. “They both worked toward my success.”

Nagshineh is one of 67 RIT Ph.D. students who defended their thesis this academic year and who will earn their doctorate. RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023.

In 2020-2021, RIT’s Graduate School met and surpassed the university’s goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year. That number will continue to grow as students cycle through the seven new Ph.D. programs that RIT has added since 2017, said Diane Slusarski , dean of RIT’s Graduate School.

Meeting these goals puts RIT on a path toward achieving an “R1,” or research-intensive designation, from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. RIT is currently ranked as an R2 institution . Many factors go into changing a university’s status, including research investment and maintaining a three-year average of 70 Ph.D. degrees awarded per year, according to Slusarski.

“We have met the goals of the strategic plan, and now we look forward to contributing to the research innovation in the future,” Slusarski said. “We want to help the new programs thrive and win national research awards.”

RIT’s emphasis on high-level research is seen in Nagshineh’s Ph.D. work. She applies mathematical modeling to the field of fluid dynamics. Her research has been published in top-tier journals and has gained notice, said Weinstein, her thesis adviser.

Weinstein describes Nagshineh’s accomplishments as “a testament to a fantastic work ethic and commitment” and is inspirational to younger students at Rochester and Dubai.

“The collaboration between RIT Dubai/Rochester has continued,” he said. “Another paper was submitted a few weeks ago with Mohamed Samaha and Nate Barlow (RIT associate professor in the School of Mathematics and Statistics) as co-authors, as well as Cade Reinberger, a younger Ph.D. student in my research group.”

Mathematical modeling is one of RIT’s newer Ph.D. degree programs, and Nagshineh is among its earliest graduates. The program has doubled in size since it began accepting students in 2017, Slusarski said. This past fall, the mathematical modeling program had 35 students, with two graduating this year.

Altogether, RIT has 13 Ph.D. degree programs currently enrolling 438 students, with computing and information sciences accounting for the largest with 117 students. RIT’s other Ph.D. programs include astrophysical sciences and technology , biomedical and chemical engineering , business administration , color science , electrical and computer engineering, imaging science , mechanical and industrial engineering , microsystems engineering , and sustainability .

New programs in cognitive science and physics will launch in the fall.

The growth in RIT graduate education—with more than 3,000 master’s and doctoral students—reflects a demographic change in the student population, Slusarski said. “We have a higher percentage of women in the graduate programs than we have for RIT undergraduate programs.”

RIT’s graduate programs enroll 42 percent women, according to Christie Leone , assistant dean for the Graduate School.

Nagshineh, who also holds an MS in electrical engineering from RIT Dubai, welcomes her role as a mentor to other women students on both campuses.

“As a young woman in an Arabic country, the power of women is often underestimated and undervalued, and I hope to serve as a role model to female students, especially those that question their path,” Nagshineh said.

She plans to continue in her career as a professor and a researcher. “I would like to pursue a research program where I can advise my own students and teach them more deeply.”

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Ph.D. in India: Cost, Duration, and Eligibility for Admission

Complete guide to ph.d. in india: duration, costs, eligibility, and recent updates.

Embarking on a Ph.D. journey in India is a significant academic and professional pursuit. Aspiring research scholars often have questions regarding the duration of a Ph.D., the associated costs, eligibility criteria, and recent developments in the field. In this comprehensive guide, ilovephd aims to address these queries and shed light on the essentials of pursuing a Ph.D. in India.

How many years is a Ph.D. in India?

A Ph.D. program in India typically takes around 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on various factors such as the discipline, research area, individual progress, and university regulations.

The duration may vary, but it is important to be prepared for a substantial commitment of time and effort.

How much does a Ph.D. cost in India?

The cost of pursuing a Ph.D. in India varies across institutions. Generally, public universities offer Ph.D. programs with minimal or subsidized tuition fees. Private universities may have higher fees.

It’s advisable to explore funding options such as scholarships, fellowships, or research grants provided by government bodies, funding agencies , or individual institutions to support your Ph.D. journey.

What qualifications are required for a Ph.D. in India?

To pursue a Ph.D. in India, a candidate typically needs a postgraduate degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field. It is important to note that specific eligibility criteria may vary between universities and disciplines.

Additionally, universities often require candidates to clear entrance exams or interviews and meet minimum academic standards to be considered for admission.

What is the age limit for a Ph.D. in India? Is 25 too old to start a Ph.D.?

In most cases, there is no strict age limit for pursuing a Ph.D. in India. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate the necessary academic qualifications, you can pursue a Ph.D. at any age.

Therefore, 25 is certainly not too old to start a Ph.D. Many scholars begin their doctoral studies later in life, bringing valuable experiences and perspectives to their research.

Can I do a Ph.D. without the National Eligibility Test (NET)?

While the National Eligibility Test (NET) is a common requirement for lectureships and research fellowships in India , it is not mandatory for all Ph.D. programs. Some universities may have their own entrance exams or selection processes.

It is important to check the specific requirements of the university or institution where you plan to pursue your Ph.D.

Who is eligible for direct Ph.D. admission?

Direct Ph.D. admission is a pathway for exceptional candidates who have completed their undergraduate studies and wish to pursue a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree.

However, this option is typically available to a limited number of candidates, and universities may have specific criteria and guidelines for direct Ph.D. admissions. It is advisable to consult with individual institutions to understand their policies regarding direct Ph.D. admissions.

Is it okay to do a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree?

While a Master’s degree is generally the standard qualification for pursuing a Ph.D., some universities in India offer integrated Ph.D. programs that allow students to directly enter the Ph.D. track after completing their undergraduate studies.

However, this option may be limited to certain disciplines or institutions. It’s important to research and identify institutions that offer such programs if you wish to pursue a Ph.D. without a Master’s degree.

What are the recent rules for Ph.D. admissions in India?

The rules and regulations for Ph.D. admissions in India are subject to change and can vary between universities and disciplines.

It is advisable to stay updated with the guidelines provided by individual universities and regulatory bodies such as the University Grants Commission (UGC) or the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to ensure compliance with the latest requirements.

25 Tips to Join PhD in India

25 tips to help you join a Ph.D. program in India:

Research your field of interest thoroughly to identify potential research areas and topics.
Explore various universities and research institutes in India that offer Ph.D. programs in your chosen field.
Check the eligibility criteria and admission requirements of each institution you are interested in.
Take note of application deadlines and ensure you submit your application well in advance.
Prepare a strong statement of purpose (SOP) that highlights your research interests, goals, and why you are interested in pursuing a Ph.D.
Contact potential supervisors or faculty members whose research aligns with your interests to discuss your research proposal.
Prepare for entrance exams that may be required for admission, such as the UGC-NET, GATE, or university-specific entrance exams.
Enhance your academic profile by participating in research projects, publishing papers, or presenting at conferences.
Build a strong recommendation letter portfolio by reaching out to professors or mentors who can attest to your academic abilities and research potential.
Seek out scholarships, fellowships, or research grants offered by government bodies, universities, or funding agencies to fund your Ph.D.
Familiarize yourself with the research facilities, laboratories, and resources available at the institutions you are considering.
Attend research seminars, workshops, and conferences related to your field to stay updated with the latest developments and network with researchers.
Develop good communication and writing skills, as they are essential for presenting research findings and publishing papers.
Create a well-structured and feasible research proposal that clearly outlines your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes.
Be prepared for interviews or presentations as part of the selection process, where you may need to defend your research proposal or discuss your academic background.
Gain teaching experience by assisting professors or taking up teaching assignments to enhance your profile for future academic positions.
Connect with current Ph.D. students or alumni of the institutions you are interested in to gain insights into the program and research environment.
Stay updated with any changes in the rules, regulations, or policies related to Ph.D. admissions in India.
Develop a strong work ethic and time management skills, as Ph.D. programs require dedication, self-discipline, and long hours of research.
Consider the location and infrastructure of the institution, ensuring it suits your research needs and provides a conducive environment for learning.
Explore interdisciplinary opportunities and collaborations to broaden your research scope and gain different perspectives.
Discuss funding options and financial support with the institutions you are applying to, and be prepared to seek external funding if necessary.
Keep track of your research progress and maintain regular communication with your supervisor or mentor.
Attend preparatory courses or workshops on research methodology or academic writing to enhance your research skills.
Finally, be passionate, persistent, and proactive in pursuing your Ph.D. dream. Embrace the challenges, stay motivated, and enjoy the journey of knowledge creation.

Remember, each institution may have its own specific requirements and procedures, so it’s crucial to carefully review their official websites or contact the admissions offices for accurate and up-to-date information.

10 steps to join Ph.D. in India

Here are 10 steps to join a Ph.D. program in India:

Research your field: Explore different research areas and identify your specific field of interest for pursuing a Ph.D. in India.
Shortlist institutions: Identify universities or research institutes in India that offer Ph.D. programs in your chosen field.
Review eligibility criteria : Check the eligibility requirements of the institutions you are interested in, including minimum educational qualifications and entrance exam scores.
Prepare application documents: Gather the necessary documents, such as academic transcripts, recommendation letters, statement of purpose (SOP), and research proposal.
Prepare for entrance exams: If required, prepare for entrance exams like UGC-NET, GATE, or university-specific exams. Familiarize yourself with the syllabus and exam pattern.
Apply to institutions: Submit your applications to the shortlisted institutions within the specified deadlines. Pay attention to the required application fees and submission procedures.
Attend interviews (if applicable): Some institutions may conduct interviews or presentations to assess your research aptitude and fit for the program. Prepare well for these interactions.
Secure funding: Explore funding opportunities such as scholarships, fellowships, or research grants. Check if the institutions offer any financial support or external funding options.
Accept an offer : Once you receive acceptance letters from the institutions you applied to, carefully evaluate and select the most suitable offer based on research facilities, faculty expertise, funding, and overall fit.
Complete admission formalities: After accepting an offer, complete the necessary admission formalities as specified by the institution. This may include submitting additional documents, paying fees, and fulfilling any other requirements.

It’s important to note that the specific steps and procedures may vary between institutions. Therefore, always refer to the official websites and admission guidelines of the institutions you are applying to for accurate and up-to-date information.

Pursuing a Ph.D. in India is a rewarding and intellectually stimulating endeavor. Understanding the duration, costs, eligibility criteria, and recent developments is crucial to navigating the process effectively.

By considering these factors and conducting thorough research, aspiring Ph.D. scholars can embark on their academic journey with confidence and clarity.

Remember to reach out to universities or institutions directly for specific information and seek guidance from mentors or faculty members who can provide valuable insights into the Ph.D. application process in your chosen field. Good luck with your Ph.D. pursuit!

Also Read: Best 100 Institutions to Study PhD in India – 2023

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iLovePhD is a research education website to know updated research-related information. It helps researchers to find top journals for publishing research articles and get an easy manual for research tools. The main aim of this website is to help Ph.D. scholars who are working in various domains to get more valuable ideas to carry out their research. Learn the current groundbreaking research activities around the world, love the process of getting a Ph.D.

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How Long Does It Take To Get a PhD?
Written by Coursera Staff • Updated on Jan 31, 2024. A PhD program typically takes four to seven years, but a variety of factors can impact that timeline. A PhD, or doctorate degree, is the highest degree you can earn in certain disciplines, such as psychology, engineering, education, and mathematics. As a result, it often takes longer to ...
How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?
Kee says funding for a humanities Ph.D. program typically only lasts five years, even though it is uncommon for someone to obtain a Ph.D. degree in a humanities field within that time frame ...
How Long Does A PhD Take?
In the UK, a full-time PhD will typically take you 3 to 4 years. You will usually spend the first three years on the technical aspects of your doctorate. This includes undertaking independent research, designing your research methodology and collecting and analysing data. You will then spend an additional academic year on writing up your PhD ...
How long does it take to get a PhD?
In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5-7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3-5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation. In the rest of the world, students normally have a master's degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3-5 years.
Studying a PhD in The USA: The Complete Guide
1. PhD course length. The total length of a PhD in the USA is between 4-8 years for full-time students and 8-10 years for part-time students, depending on your field of study. PhDs can be completed in 4-5 years for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject. Students typically dedicate 1-4 years on coursework, followed by 2-4 ...
What Is a PhD?
A Doctor of Philosophy, often known as a PhD, is a terminal degree —or the highest possible academic degree you can earn in a subject. While PhD programs (or doctorate programs) are often structured to take between four and five years, some graduate students may take longer as they balance the responsibilities of coursework, original research ...
PhD in USA
A PhD in USA takes approximately 5 - 6 years of full-time study and can cost between $12,000 - $45,000 per academic year. PhD programs in USA differ from that in the UK and Europe in that students must first take taught classes, coursework and exams before starting their research project.
PhD Duration: How Long Will Your Doctorate Take?
3 to 4 years. In the USA, a PhD takes four to six years. There are several reasons for this. While in the UK, you tend to apply for a specific project, in the US, your application is aimed at a certain department and your actual proposal takes shape in the first couple of years of PhD study. The US model involves a two-phase programme, wherein ...
FAQ: How Many Years Does It Take to Complete a PhD?
A Ph.D. typically takes between five to six years to complete but may take longer based on the program and the student. During the first half of a Ph.D. program, you usually complete coursework and exams. The latter half is for dissertation work, which can take between one to three years. If you conduct fieldwork or other hands-on scientific ...
What a PhD Course in the USA Actually Looks Like
The duration of a PhD degree at an American university usually takes around 4-6 years of full-time study to complete. Students spend 1-4 years on the coursework stage of their programme and 2-4 years working on their dissertation. The academic year in the USA consists of two teaching semesters: August-December and January-May. These will be ...
PhD Overview and Timeline
Undergraduate-level courses cannot be used. For details on course requirements, see the school's overall PhD course requirements and the individual program pages linked therein. Program Plan (i.e., the set of courses to be used towards the degree) approval by the Committee on Higher Degrees (CHD). Minimum full-time academic residency of two years.
PhD Programs
The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly ... All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co ...
What to Expect from a PhD Schedule
The first two years of a PhD program are mainly made up of classes and the beginning stages of research. Deborah Small, the doctoral coordinator for the Marketing program, said, "It starts with heavy duty coursework and a lot of specific requirements. At the end of your first year, there are qualifying exams on all the core marketing courses.
Doctor of Philosophy
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: philosophiae doctor or doctor philosophiae) is the most common degree at the highest academic level, awarded following a course of study and research. The degree is abbreviated PhD and sometimes, especially in the U.S., as Ph.D. It is derived from the Latin Philosophiae Doctor, pronounced as three separate letters (/ p iː eɪ tʃ ˈ d iː ...
How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?
However, there are many types of programs that typically take longer than six years to complete, such as humanities and arts doctorates, where the median time for individuals to earn their degree was 7.1 years, according to the survey. Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master's degrees, which means ...
Master's vs PhD
The two most common types of graduate degrees are master's and doctoral degrees: A master's is a 1-2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers. A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3-7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research. A master's is also the necessary first ...
Doctor of Philosophy in Education
We invite you to review an example course list, which is provided in two formats — one as the full list by course number and one by broad course category. These lists are subject to modification. Ph.D. Concentrations and Examples. Summary of Ph.D. Program. Doctoral Colloquia In year one and two you are required to attend.
Doctorate in Psychology (Ph.D. and Psy.D.) Program Guide
The median BLS salary for psychologists include both graduate and undergraduate level occupations. According to Payscale, of the 25 people reporting in September 2023, the average salary for graduates with a Ph.D. in psychology is $95,000. September Payscale data for 2023 reports the average salary for graduates with a Psy.D. as $92,000.
What Does 'PhD' Stand For?
A PhD is a terminal academic degree students typically pursue when they're interested in an academic or research career. A PhD is the highest possible academic degree a student can obtain. PhD stands for "Doctor of Philosophy," which refers to the immense knowledge a student gains when earning the degree. While you can actually get a PhD in ...
PhD: Full Form, Admission 2024, Courses, Degree, Entrance Exams
The duration of PhD course is 3 years but can vary from college to college. ... On an average a student completes his/her PhD in 5-7 years. There are many factors that determine the duration of the PhD such as knowledge of the research area, research experience, knowledge of the supervisor, relevance of the research, communication skills ...
PhD Course: Full Form, Admission, Fees, Eligibility, Syllabus, Jobs
PhD course, or Doctor of Philosophy course, is a doctorate-level course that can take 3-6 years to complete, but can be completed in 5-6 years. The course can cover a variety of subjects, including law, engineering, migration studies, medicine, anthropology, and physics. To get admission to a PhD course, candidates must hold a master's degree.
What is a PhD?
Integrated/New Route PhD - This four-year PhD course is offered by over 30 universities and involves taking a one-year MRes before studying a three-year PhD. It combines taught elements with independent research, allowing students to learn different methodologies while building their transferable skills. ... Despite this, many PhD students are ...
RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones
RIT awarded 63 Ph.D. degrees in 2023. In 2020-2021, RIT's Graduate School met and surpassed the university's goal of conferring 50 Ph.D. degrees during an academic year. That number will continue to grow as students cycle through the seven new Ph.D. programs that RIT has added since 2017, said Diane Slusarski, dean of RIT's Graduate School.
Ph.D. in India: Cost, Duration, and Eligibility for Admission
Complete Guide to Ph.D. in India: Duration, Costs, Eligibility, and Recent Updates How many years is a Ph.D. in India? A Ph.D. program in India typically takes around 3 to 5 years to complete, depending on various factors such as the discipline, research area, individual progress, and university regulations.
PDF University Grants Commission New Delhi 110002
2.1.2 A 2-year/4-semester Master's degree programme, with the same conditions as in sub-clause 2.1.1 above; 2.1.3 A candidate seeking admission after a 4-year/8-semester Bachelor's degree with Research should have a minimum CGPA of 7.5/10. 2.2 Candidates who have cleared the M.Phil. course work with at least 55% marks in aggregate or

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Studying a PhD in The USA - The Complete Guide

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