phd course time

How Long Does it Take To Get A PhD? Doctorate Degree Timeline

Starting a PhD means you’re ready for a big academic adventure, full of tough challenges and exciting discoveries.

If you’re thinking about going for it, you’re probably wondering just how much time you’ll need to commit to this big goal.

For full-time PhD students, the journey typically take 3-6 years. However, if you’re juggling other commitments and opt for a part-time PhD, the timeline can extend to 7 years to complete, sometimes more.  

This article breaks down what the PhD journey looks like, what can make it longer or shorter, and some tips on how to make it through.

If you’re curious about how long it’ll take to add ‘Dr.’ before your name, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of PhD timelines!

How Long Does It Take To Get A PhD?

The answer here isn’t straightforward, as it hinges on various factors, including:

• the discipline,
• the institution, and
• whether you’re a full-time or part-time student.

For full-time PhD students, the journey typically take 3-6 years. However, if you’re juggling other commitments and opt for a part-time PhD, the timeline can extend to 7 years to complete, sometimes more.  

Distance learning PhD programs offer flexibility but similarly require a substantial time commitment, often mirroring the length of part-time studies.

The heart of a doctoral program is the dissertation, a rigorous research project that demands an in-depth exploration of your chosen field. This phase alone can take several months to years, significantly influencing the overall length of your PhD journey.

Beyond the dissertation, coursework, exams, and sometimes teaching responsibilities add layers to the doctoral experience.

The requirements for a PhD vary widely across disciplines and institutions. For instance, a doctorate in the sciences might involve extensive lab work, potentially extending the time to completion.

In contrast, a doctorate in the arts could hinge more on coursework and creative output, leading to variations in the timeline.

Does A Doctorate Degree Take Longer Than Masters?

A doctorate degree typically takes longer to complete than a master’s degree.

While a master’s program can often be completed in 1-2 years of full-time study, a doctoral program usually requires 4-6 years, depending on the:

• research complexity, and
• whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time.

The doctoral journey is more than just additional coursework; it involves conducting original research, writing a comprehensive dissertation, and often teaching or engaging in professional development activities.

The dissertation phase, which requires students to contribute new knowledge to their field, is particularly time-consuming and can extend the duration of a PhD program significantly.

The time it takes to complete a doctorate can be influenced by your

• research topic,
• funding availability, and
• the level of support from advisors and faculty. 

Master’s programs are typically more structured, with a clearer set of coursework requirements and a shorter thesis or capstone project, leading to a quicker path to graduation.

Why Does It Take So Long To Finish Doctoral Program?

Starting a doctoral program is a significant commitment, often taking longer than anticipated. If you wonder why it takes so long, here are a couple of reasons you can think about: 

Extensive Coursework

Initially, you might think coursework in your PhD study is just a continuation of your previous studies.

Doctoral level courses are a different beast. They demand not just understanding but the ability to critically analyze and apply complex concepts.

Each course can feel like a mini research project, requiring more than just classroom attendance. This phase lays the foundation but is time-consuming.

The Dissertation

The heart of your doctoral journey is your dissertation. This isn’t just a long essay or an extended research paper. It’s an original contribution to your field, requiring:

• exhaustive research,
• experimentation, and

Some students find their research path straightforward, while others may hit unexpected roadblocks or need to pivot their focus, extending the time required.

Part-Time Study

Many PhD candidates choose a part-time path due to work, family, or other commitments. While this flexibility is crucial for many, it stretches the duration of the program.

What a full-time student might complete in 4-6 years, part-time students might take 7 years or more to finish.

Funding and Resources

Access to funding and resources can significantly impact the timeline. Some projects require extensive fieldwork, specialised equipment, or access to rare materials. Delays in funding or accessing necessary resources can stall progress.

If funding is an issue, consider applying for work outside of the university. You can also try your luck with the university, as a research or teaching assistant , or more.

Academic Publishing

As part of the doctoral process, many students are encouraged or required to publish their findings.

However, the process of submitting to academic journals, undergoing peer review, and possibly revising and resubmitting, is lengthy.

This step is crucial for the academic community but adds time to the doctoral timeline. If may help to start writing and publishing work earlier to ensure you have enough time to finish.

Faculty Supervision and Mentorship

The relationship with your advisor or supervisory committee is pivotal. These mentors gatekeep your studies, as they:

• guide your research,
• provide feedback, and
• approve your progress.

Scheduling conflicts, feedback loops, and the iterative nature of research can add semesters or even years to your timeline.

Personal Growth and Professional Development

Beyond the academic requirements, doctoral students often engage in teaching, attend conferences, and network within their academic community. These activities contribute to your professional development but also extend your time in the program.

Factors That Influence The Time To Get A PhD

The time it takes to complete PhD is influenced by a multitude of factors, each significant in its own right. Let’s delve deeper into these elements to understand the intricacies of the PhD voyage.

The Scope of Research :

The ambition of your research can significantly dictate the duration of your PhD. Some projects will need more time and commitment, especially if they:

• Demand extensive fieldwork,
• elaborate experiments, or
• groundbreaking theoretical developments.

Imagine embarking on a quest that not only seeks answers but also questions the very foundations of your field. Such endeavours are thrilling but inherently time-consuming, often extending the PhD journey beyond the typical timeframe.

Program Structure and Requirements

The architecture of a PhD program—its coursework, qualifying exams, and other prerequisites—lays the groundwork for your academic expedition.

Programs with a heavy load of initial coursework aim to equip you with a broad foundation, yet this can elongate the path to your actual dissertation work. 

Mode of Study

The decision between full-time and part-time study is pivotal. A full-time commitment allows you to immerse yourself in research, ideally hastening progress.

Yet, life’s obligations may necessitate a part-time route, extending the journey but offering flexibility.

Distance learning, with its inherent flexibility, caters to those balancing diverse commitments, yet this mode, too, can stretch the timeline, particularly if it lacks the immediacy and intensity of on-campus engagement.

Quality of Supervision

The symbiotic relationship with your advisor is the compass guiding your research voyage. An advisor who is both a mentor and a critic, offering timely and constructive feedback, can expedite your journey.

Less engaged supervision may leave you adrift, prolonging the process as you navigate the academic waters largely on your own.

Worse still, if you are unlucky enough, you may end up with supervisors that not only does not help you, but actively attempt to make your study life difficult. These nightmare scenarios do exist, and you should be aware of them.

Financial Stability

The financial underpinnings of your PhD endeavor are more critical than often acknowledged. Consistent funding allows you to dedicate yourself fully to your research, free from financial distractions.

Conversely, the absence of stable support might necessitate part-time employment, diluting focus and extending the timeline.

Resource Availability

Access to specialized resources—be it state-of-the-art laboratories, rare archival collections, or cutting-edge software—can be the wind in your PhD sails.

Limited or delayed access to these essential tools, however, can stall progress, turning what could be a swift journey into a prolonged odyssey.

If you found yourself in a position without the right resources to complete your PhD, consider to propose your university to allow you to work with other universities with what you need. If this is not possible, you can always transfer university, although this would mean more work.

Publishing Requirements

The adage “publish or perish” holds particularly true in the realm of PhD studies. The process of getting your research published, from initial submission to eventual acceptance, is fraught with delays and revisions. Each publication cycle can add months to your timeline,

Yet these publications are crucial stepping stones towards establishing your academic credibility. In fact, some universities want you to publish papers to graduate.

Personal Life and Circumstances

The journey towards a PhD is not undertaken in academic isolation. Life, with its unforeseen challenges and responsibilities, continues.

Personal circumstances can impact your ability to devote time and energy to your studies, necessitating pauses or a reduction in research intensity.

These issues can range from situation such as:

• such as health issues,
• family commitments, or
• significant life events

Tips To Earn Your Doctoral Degree Fast

Earning a doctoral degree is a significant academic endeavor, often perceived as a marathon rather than a sprint. However, with strategic planning and focused effort, you can navigate this journey more swiftly than you might expect.

Here are some tips to help you earn your doctoral degree faster, drawing from the experiences and strategies of successful PhD candidates.

Choose Your Program Wisely

The structure of the PhD program you choose can greatly influence how long it takes to complete your degree. Programs that allow you to start your dissertation research early, even while completing your coursework, can save you a considerable amount of time.

Some program are designed to integrate dissertation work with coursework, enabling a more seamless transition into the research phase.

Opt for Full-Time Study If Possible

While part-time PhD programs offer flexibility for working professionals, full-time study allows for a more immersive research experience.

Dedicating all your working hours to your doctoral research can expedite the process, reducing the time it takes to get your PhD significantly.

Secure Adequate Funding

Financial stability is key to focusing fully on your research without the distraction of part-time work. Look for:

• scholarships,
• grants, and
• funding opportunities from your institution.

You can also try to secure funding from external sources like the National Science Foundation. 

Secure funding not only supports your financial needs but also often comes with academic resources that can accelerate your research progress.

Develop a Strong Relationship with Your Advisor

Your advisor is your guide through the PhD process. A supportive advisor can provide invaluable feedback, help you navigate academic challenges, and keep you on track.

Regular meetings and clear communication with your advisor can help you refine your research direction and avoid time-consuming pitfalls.

Focus Your Research

A well-defined research question can provide a clear path forward. The more focused your research, the less likely you are to get bogged down in unmanageable amounts of data or tangential studies.

It’s about depth rather than breadth; delving deeply into a specific area can lead to significant contributions to your field and a quicker path to completion.

Take Advantage of Existing Research and Resources

Don’t reinvent the wheel. Building on existing research and utilizing available resources can save you time. This includes:

• leveraging datasets,
• using established methodologies, and c
• ollaborating with other researchers.

Access to resources like specialized labs or archives, as provided by your institution, can also streamline the research process.

Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Effectively

Good time management is crucial. Set realistic goals, create a timeline for your research and writing, and stick to it.

Tools like Gantt charts can help you visualize your PhD timeline, including key milestones like coursework completion, comprehensive exams, and dissertation chapters.

Get Your PhD Without Taking Too Much Time – Possible

The journey to obtaining a PhD is a unique blend of personal commitment, academic rigor, and research innovation.

While the timeline can vary widely, most candidates find themselves immersed in their studies and research for anywhere from 4 to 6 years. Exceptions can happen, and you may finish earlier or later.

Key factors like your field of study, the nature of your research, and your personal life circumstances play significant roles in shaping your individual journey.

Remember, earning a PhD is more than just a race to the finish line; it’s a profound journey of learning, discovery, and personal growth. Embrace the journey, stay focused, and the day you earn the title of ‘Doctor’ will be a milestone to remember.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

2024 © Academia Insider

• Graduate School

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD?: A Go-Getter’s Guide to Graduation

Featured Expert: Dr. Charlene Hoi, PhD

How long does it take to get a PhD? On average, PhD programs are 4 or 5 years long. The time it takes to get a PhD is slightly longer in the US, between 4-6 years, because these programs tend to be more structured. If you want to know how to get a PhD in Canada or Europe, you can expect it to take 3-5 years. However, there are PhD programs that take longer, such as part-time programs, or are extremely short, like online accelerated PhD programs. Ultimately, how long it takes to get a PhD is up to you. In this article, we’ll look at the average PhD program lengths, the typical PhD timeline, and tips on how to get your PhD finished faster.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free initial consultation here <<

Listen to the blog!

Article Contents 13 min read

How long does it take to get a phd.

On average, it takes 4-5 years to complete a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. In the US, most PhD programs are between 4-6 years, while in Canada they are typically shorter, around 3-4 years.

Some students take longer than 6 years to complete their PhD, but in general the longest time it takes to get a PhD is capped at 8 years. If you’re enrolling in a part-time PhD program, for instance, your timeline will probably be extended to 6-8 years.

The shortest PhD programs out there are accelerated or sometimes online PhD programs. Some of these are only 1-2 years long, but there are comparatively fewer programs available, and they are only suitable for certain fields and careers which require less intensive research which defines most PhD programs.

One of the main reasons why it takes many years to get a PhD is because these programs are comprehensive and the requirements to graduate are extensive. Most have a set number of credit hours you need to complete, examinations to write, plus you’ll need to write your PhD thesis or dissertation, unless you pursue a PhD without dissertation .

There are certainly ways to shorten the PhD application timeline and time to graduate, which includes enrolling in a shorter program if possible, increasing your course load or the number of research hours you can dedicate per week, but generally a PhD will still take some time.

Even if you want to do a PhD without a master’s degree first, such as by applying to a direct entry PhD program, the program is still usually 4-5 years long.

We’ll take a look at the typical PhD timeline and how long it takes to get a PhD normally. After, we’ll cover some tips on how to get your PhD done faster or how you can avoid dragging things out.

In North America, the typical PhD program is divided into two stages. The first stage is where you complete all the required coursework, comprehensive exams and other academic requirements, depending on the program. The second stage is when you submit a proposal for original, independent research, get it approved and start working on your thesis or dissertation. Your PhD culminates with your thesis defense. Once your thesis has been approved, you’ll be eligible to graduate.

This timeline is somewhat flexible, as you might complete the first stage in 1 or 2 years but take longer to complete your dissertation. For the purpose of this general PhD schedule, we’ll assume your PhD program is a typical length of 4-6 years.

Application Stage

We’ve included the application stage of getting your PhD here first because the grad school application timeline can take several months to put together your application package and hear back about acceptance to a program. Secondly, because the application stage involves some critical steps you’ll need to complete in order to get your PhD.

1. Research proposal

To apply to a PhD program, you’ll most likely be required to submit a research proposal and be prepared to answer any research proposal questions your advisor will have. This is your “proposal” of what research question you will explore during your studies at a program, or an outline of what research topic you want to pursue. If you’re not sure how to write a research proposal, check out these Oxford PhD proposal samples or a Cambridge PhD proposal sample.

2. Application materials

The admission requirements for a PhD can vary from program to program, but here are the general components of a PhD application:

• Required prerequisite coursework
• Official transcripts (and minimum GPA)
• Graduate school statement of purpose
• CV for graduate school or research resume
• PhD motivation letter

Some programs may also ask you to submit additional essays, such as a letter of intent, research interest statement or grad school career goals statement .

Many PhD programs also invite you to a grad school interview to get to know you better. Be ready for common graduate school interview questions such as “ tell me about yourself ” and “ why do you want to do a PhD ?”

PhD Years 1-3: Coursework Stage

1. orientation.

Your PhD program will usually begin with your orientation, where you’ll learn about the program’s individual structure, requirements and expectations. You’ll also either choose or be assigned an academic advisor and schedule an initial meeting with them. Your advisor will be a member of the university faculty who will act as your support while you complete your research and write your thesis.

2. Coursework

The first year or two of your PhD will involve completing required advanced coursework in your field. You’ll attend lectures and seminars and you may participate in research projects with department faculty or fellow graduate students or even lab work, depending on your field.

3. Electives

Along with required coursework, you’ll have the chance to take elective courses that interest you or relate to your field. It’s important to choose electives that will enrich your program. Choose ones that really interest you, that might help inform your PhD research or that will help you fulfill your credit requirements.

4. Extracurriculars

PhD programs sometimes have extracurricular activities or additional requirements outside the classroom. This can include internships or a practicum you need to complete for credit, or you might be interested in attending academic conferences or relevant events to socialize and network you’re your colleagues in the field.

5. Comprehensive exams

The coursework stage of your PhD program will end with comprehensive exams , sometimes called qualifying or preliminary exams. These are your “final exams” to make sure that you completed the necessary PhD coursework and that you’re ready and qualified to take on your own independent research in the next phase.

1. Thesis proposal

You may recall that you submitted a research proposal as part of your PhD application, and this step of the process is similar. Your thesis proposal is just like your research proposal, but it’s a more refined and developed version. Throughout your coursework, your research question might have changed or you might have changed course a little bit. If you’re still thinking about your PhD topic , take the time to solidify it before you reach the thesis proposal stage.

Your research proposal might have been a first draft, while your thesis proposal is your official announcement of: this is what I propose to research in this PhD program.

Depending on your field and the program, you thesis research might involve a great deal of lab work, or data collection or fieldwork. Whatever the case, your thesis proposal is a complete outline of what you intend to do for this independent research project and the steps you’ll take.

2. Thesis approval

Once your proposal is written, you’ll submit it for approval. Your academic advisor, PhD supervisor or the PhD committee overseeing your program will review it and either approve it or make suggestions for changes. Once it’s been polished and finalized, you’ll be given the go ahead to start conducting your research.

3. PhD research

Your research alone will probably take you several semesters to complete. On top of the fieldwork, lab work or data collection and analysis you’ll be completing, you’ll be using this time to write and review. Writing your thesis or dissertation takes a fair number of hours to outline, draft, edit and complete. It also means hitting the books to complete a literature review of your research topic so you have a complete background understanding of your chosen topic and how it will inform your research.

Your research and the preparation of your thesis is really the biggest part of this second stage, and is probably the longest part of your PhD altogether.

4. Extra requirements

When you’re not deep in your research, you’ll be completing other requirements of your PhD program or additional duties that enrich your education. Some programs require you to dedicate some hours to teaching, whether it be leading seminars for undergraduate students or acting as a teaching assistant for university faculty.

You’ll also be strongly encouraged to publish as a graduate student , so you may be involved in the research projects of faculty members or other grad students when you’re not working on your dissertation.

5. Thesis submission and preparation for thesis defense

When you’re finished writing your thesis and you’re ready to submit it, it’s critical to know how to prepare for thesis defense . Because not only do you have to complete this original, new body of research work, you have to get the approval of your PhD committee to put it out into the world.

Your thesis defense is essentially the final presentation of your PhD.

6. Thesis defense

Your thesis defense is an oral presentation of your research project, but it also involves submitting your written document to be reviewed. Essentially, you’ll present the entirety of your thesis to the PhD supervising committee, including your findings and conclusions. From there, the committee will ask thesis defense questions . Your answers will defend your methodology and results to the committee, basically proving the value and validity of your work. While this is an evaluation of sorts, it is also your opportunity to share your original ideas and invite further research into your topic.

After your defense, the PhD committee will either approve your thesis or send it back to you with edits or changes to be made before it can be formally approved.

Graduation and Postdoc

Once your thesis has been approved, congratulations! You’ll be eligible for graduation and be awarded your degree. Now that you’ve finished this marathon, you can choose to pursue further studies or start looking for a job after grad school .

With a PhD, you have many different options for positions in your field. You might want to know how to find a job in academia or how to get a tenure track position at a university if you’re interested in teaching others. PhD graduates who decide to transition from academia to industry or who would rather work outside the realm of academia can find industry jobs after PhD that suit their skills and experiences.

Either way, you’ll need to prepare for how to find a postdoc position, explore what the career options are for you, decide what your career goals are and start sending out applications. Remember to prep your postdoc resume and get read for postdoc interview questions , since the job hunt will begin soon after you finish your PhD!

Is it possible to get your PhD done faster? What are some ways you can speed up the process and avoid taking 8 years to complete your graduate studies? Luckily, there are many key ways you can make your journey through grad school easier and speed things up a little, from the type of PhD program you choose to the habits and skills you cultivate during your program.

#1 Enroll in an accelerated program

The first way to guarantee it will take less time to get your PhD is to, of course, enroll in a shorter PhD program. Direct entry PhD programs allow you to enroll once you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree in exceptional circumstances. Note that these are not the easiest PhD programs to get into , as your academic record needs to be excellent, and you’ll likely need prior research experience and you may even need to have publications already. However, a direct entry PhD program is around 4-5 years, but it allows you to skip the 1-2 years it would take to earn a master’s degree.

You can also choose to enroll in an online or accelerated PhD program that is designed to be much shorter than the traditional PhD. Once again, though, these programs are not available to students in every field, so you may need to research whether there are any options for you.

#2 Choose the right mentor

One of the first things you can do to ensure your PhD is smooth sailing is to choose the right mentor or academic advisor. Many programs allow you to choose your advisor, while some assign one to you. Whatever the case, it’s important to establish a strong working relationship and clear expectations early on.

One of the first things you’ll do as a PhD student is meet with your advisor. Take the time to discuss with them what your expectations for the program are, ask questions and ask them what their expectations are of you. Your advisor is there to help you and advise you, and they have resources and connections you can use to your advantage. But they are also working with a busy schedule and might be advising more than one PhD student, too. A mutually respectful relationship with open communication will ensure fewer interpersonal hurdles down the road.

#3 Earn credit hours faster

One way you can shave some time off your PhD is by earning your credit hours faster and getting to the research and thesis-writing stage faster. This might mean you take on a full-time course load or ask your advisor for ways to earn extra credit, such as participating in research projects. Some PhD programs will give you course credit for previous graduate level coursework you might have completed during your master’s degree, or for certifications and professional education you completed outside of school.

#4 Keep your thesis focused

When you get started on your research, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of work you need to complete, with the writing of your thesis on top of it all. One way to keep your research hyper-focused and on point is to keep your thesis topic narrow. If your subject is too broad, you’ll be spending way too much time in your research. Give yourself clear objectives and scope, and don’t deviate from your PhD proposal if you don’t have to.

There may be a million questions you want to explore within your PhD topic, but there will be other opportunities to explore them. Keep your focus narrow so you don’t spend years and years asking and answering research questions!

One of the best things you can do to get your PhD done faster and adjust to the experience of graduate school is to change your thinking. Adopt a growth mindset so that you’re open to new learning, willing to listen to constructive feedback on your proposal or thesis and willing to grow your skills. A PhD is an advanced program, and you’ll already be very skilled, but it is also an opportunity to learn and grow. There will be challenges for you, so be ready to meet and overcome them instead of letting them draw you back or slow you down.

#5 Develop your professional skills fast

A PhD is an opportunity to grow your professional skillset as much as it is an opportunity for you to contribute meaningfully to your field. If you haven’t already been working on skills such as communication, presenting or lecturing and writing, now is the time to start.

Strong writing skills will help you get your thesis finished and edited faster, as you’ll be more familiar with the process and understand what makes a strong document. It’s also a useful skill to learn how to write effective funding proposals or grant proposals. You may need to do so to secure funding for your research, but it’s a highly valuable skill in the workforce, too.

Good presentation skills will help you during your thesis defense or if you’re asked to present during a conference. They will also help you build confidence in your voice and ideas and make you a better communicator when you’re networking or job searching.

#6 Keep to your schedule

This is maybe the most important skill if you want to finish your PhD faster: make a detailed schedule and hold yourself accountable to it. If you like, you can plan out your entire PhD week by week from Day 1. Write down what your course schedule is, when you’ll do research and how many hours, when you’ll write and how many hours, what extracurriculars or personal activities will take up your time and so on.

A detailed schedule gives you an overview of your PhD and a timeline of when you’ll finish. It will keep you organized and accountable, so you can avoid procrastinating or avoidable speed bumps that might slow you down. It also helps you compartmentalize the many items on your to-do list so you don’t stress out about how much you need to accomplish.

When creating your schedule, especially during the research stage when there is no formal class schedule for you to adhere to, focus on deliverables. Set a date when you will submit a section of your thesis to your advisor, or when you will complete your literature review. Setting goals and clear outcomes will keep you on track and focused.

#7 Take initiative and be independent

The last tip to help you get your PhD done faster is to take initiative. Remember that a PhD is a largely independent endeavor. You’ll have the support of a committee or advisor, but you can’t rely on them to do the work for you or put everything on hold if they aren’t available when you need them. Be flexible and adaptable so you can keep working and moving forward, even if your schedule gets interrupted or needs to change to suit your situation.

It's also important to take the initiative in your learning. Take advantage of opportunities for growth, networking, and gaining experience where you can. Get the most out of your PhD program and use your experiences to fuel your end goal of completing your thesis.

On average, it takes 4-5 years to get a PhD. There are a few factors that can influence the time it takes to complete your PhD, from program length and structure to what country you are earning your PhD in, to your own personal work ethic and schedule.

PhD programs in the US are on average 4-6 years. In Canada and the UK, they are usually 3-5 years long. Part-time PhD programs may take up to 7-8 years to complete. Direct-entry PhD programs and dual master’s and PhD programs are typically 5 years long. If you’re enrolling in an online, hybrid or accelerated PhD program, the timeline is usually 2-3 years, but there are some extremely short 1-year PhD programs offered online for specific disciplines.

Yes, you can finish your PhD before the “normal” timeline. For example, if you complete your coursework early, if you finish writing your thesis faster than average and get it approved, or if you otherwise complete all your PhD program requirements before the anticipated finish date. 

Yes, there are online PhDs available for certain fields and disciplines. These typically range from 2-3 years, although there are some traditional 4-year PhD programs offered online. There are also some “accelerated” online PhDs which last 12-18 months.

A PhD program is not necessarily shorter if you first complete a master’s degree, but having gone through a master’s program can better prepare you to finish your PhD faster. Some PhD programs accept credit hours from your master’s degree towards the coursework requirements for a PhD, and if you’ve previously written a master’s thesis or completed some research during your graduate studies, this will be an advantage. Since you’ll already be familiar with the process of writing a thesis and conducting your own research, you can avoid some stumbling blocks in your PhD program that might otherwise slow down your progress.

Yes, it is possible to get a PhD without first completing a master’s degree. There are direct entry PhD programs that allow students with a bachelor’s degree to enroll, so long as they meet the admission requirements and have exceptional academic records. Some online PhDs also waive the master’s degree requirement.

Yes, it is possible to complete a traditional PhD program in a shorter amount of time than anticipate. This usually means dedicating yourself to full-time study or taking on a larger course load and increased research hours. It takes significant work, but it can be done with the right schedule and commitment.

The fastest PhD programs are the short, 1-year accelerated programs. These programs have fewer credit hours to complete, and some have no dissertation requirement, only qualifying exams to finish. However, there are not many programs out there, and they are not available for every field of interest.

Want more free tips? Subscribe to our channels for more free and useful content!

Apple Podcasts

Like our blog? Write for us ! >>

Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions, get started now.

Talk to one of our admissions experts

Our site uses cookies. By using our website, you agree with our cookie policy .

FREE Training Webinar:

How to make your grad school application stand out, (and avoid the top 5 mistakes that get most rejected).

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

How the PhD Program Works

Program Overview

Completing your doctorate at Wharton requires 5 years of full-time study. The first 2 years in the program prepare you for admission to candidacy by taking courses, qualifying exams, and starting research projects. In the last few years, you are primarily conducting research full-time including writing and defending your doctoral dissertation.

Admission to candidacy.

You begin by taking courses required for your program of study. All programs requires a preliminary exam, which may be either oral or written.

Some programs may have further requirements, such as an additional exam or research paper. If you enter with a master’s degree or other transfer credit, you may satisfy the formal course requirements more quickly.

Beginning the Wharton PhD Curriculum How the first two years of the Wharton program helped students discover their interests, learn the tools of the profession, and fuel their passion for teaching.

The Doctoral Dissertation

Upon successful completion of coursework and passing a preliminary examination, you are admitted to candidacy for the dissertation phase of your studies.

Your doctoral dissertation should contain original research that meets standards for published scholarship in your field. You are expected to be an expert in the topic you choose to research.

You are admitted to candidacy for the dissertation phase of your studies upon successful completion of coursework and passing a preliminary examination, but you can start thinking about and working on research of relevance at any time.

The dissertation process culminates with a “defense,” in which you defend the proposal orally before your dissertation committee.

While working on your dissertation, you interact extensively with Wharton faculty. Together with interested faculty, you create your own research community that includes your dissertation advisor and dissertation committee.

Policies and Procedures

Get more detailed explanation of course requirements, academic standards, the Teacher Development Program, time limits, and dissertation procedures and requirements.

Sample Program Sequence

Years 1 & 2.

Coursework Examination Research Papers Research Activities Field-Specific Requirements

Directed Reading & Research Admission to Candidacy Formulation of Research Topic

Years 4 & 5

Continued Research Oral Examination Dissertation

Hear From Our Doctoral Community

How wharton makes it easy to be successful, uniting great minds, wharton’s stat bridge ma program takes flight, why i chose academic research instead of consulting.

Andrea Contigiani

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a phd.

This varies by country. 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.

Frequently asked questions: Graduate school

In the US, most graduate school applications require you to include:

• Transcripts from previous educational institutions
• Standardized test scores (such as the GRE or MCAT)
• A graduate resume
• 2–3 letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose

Some programs may ask you to write a personal statement in addition to, or instead of, a statement of purpose. You may also be asked to an interview .

Always carefully read the application instructions for the specific program you’re applying to.

Most medical school programs interview candidates, as do many (though not all) leading law and business schools.

In research programs, it depends—PhDs in business usually do, while those in economics normally do not, for example.

Some schools interview everyone, while others only interview their top candidates. Look at the websites of the schools you’re applying to for more information on whether they conduct interviews.

In addition to thinking about your answers for the most commonly asked grad school interview questions , you should reach out to former and current students to ask their advice on preparing and what sort of questions will be asked.

Look back through your resume and come up with anecdotes that you could use for common questions, particularly those that ask about obstacles that you overcame. If you’re applying for a research program, ensure that you can talk about the previous research experience you’ve had.

You should also read as much research in your field as possible. Research the faculty at the schools you’re applying to and read some of their papers. Come up with a few questions that you could ask them.

Graduate schools often ask questions about why you are interested in this particular program and what you will contribute.

Try to stay away from cliche answers like “this is a good program” or “I got good grades in undergrad” and focus instead on the unique strengths of the program or what you will bring to the table. Understand what the program is looking for and come up with anecdotes that demonstrate why you are a good fit for them.

Different types of programs may also focus on different questions:

• Research programs will often ask what topics you’d like to research and who you would like to work with, as well as specific questions about your research background.
• Medical schools are interested in your personal motivation, qualities such as integrity and empathy, and how you’d respond to common ethical dilemmas.
• Business schools will focus on your past work experience and future career prospects, and may be particularly interested in any experience you have managing or working with others.

Some students apply to graduate school straight from undergrad, but it’s also common to go back to school later in life. The ideal time to do so depends on various financial, personal, and career considerations . Graduate school is a big commitment, so you should apply at a time when you can devote your full attention to it.

Your career path may also determine when you should apply. In some career fields, you can easily progress without a graduate degree, while in others—such as medicine, business, and law—it’s virtually impossible to move up the career ladder without a specific graduate degree.

Most graduate school applications for American graduate programs are due in December or January for a September start.

Some types of programs, especially law school, are rolling applications, meaning that the earlier you apply, the earlier you’ll hear back. In this case, you should aim to apply as early as possible to maximize your chances.

Medical school follows a completely separate timeline with much earlier deadlines. If you’re applying for medical school, you should speak to advisors at your university for more information.

A good starting point to aim for is about 18 months before you would start the program, or 6–9 months before the applications are due.

In the first few months of the process, research programs and study for any standardized exams you might need.

You can then begin writing your personal statements and statements of purpose , as well as contacting people to write your letters of recommendation . Ensure that you give recommenders plenty of time to complete their letters (ideally around 2–4 months).

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

It’s best to ask in person if possible, so first reach out and request a meeting to discuss your graduate school plans.

Let the potential recommender know which programs you’re applying to, and ask if they feel they can provide a strong letter of recommendation . A lukewarm recommendation can be the kiss of death for an application, so make sure your letter writers are enthusiastic about recommending you and your work!

Always remember to remain polite. Your recommenders are doing you a favor by taking the time to write a letter in support of your graduate school goals.

This depends on the program that you are applying for. Generally, for professional programs like business and policy school, you should ask managers who can speak to your future leadership potential and ability to succeed in your chosen career path.

However, in other graduate programs, you should mostly ask your former professors or research supervisors to write your recommendation letters , unless you have worked in a job that corresponds closely with your chosen field (e.g., as a full-time research assistant).

Choose people who know your work well and can speak to your ability to succeed in the program that you are applying to.

Remember, it is far more important to choose someone who knows you well than someone well-known. You may have taken classes with more prominent professors, but if they haven’t worked closely with you, they probably can’t write you a strong letter.

The sections in your graduate school resume depend on two things: your experience, and the focus of the program you’re applying to.

Always start with your education. If you have more than one degree, list the most recent one first.

The title and order of the other sections depend on what you want to emphasize. You might include things like:

• Professional experience
• Voluntary and extracurricular activities
• Publications
• Awards and honors
• Skills and certifications

The resume should aim for a balance between two things: giving a snapshot of what you’ve done with your life so far, and showing that you’re a good candidate for graduate study.

A resume is typically shorter than a CV, giving only the most relevant professional and educational highlights.

An academic CV should give full details of your education and career, including lists of publications and presentations, certifications, memberships, grants, and research projects. Because it is more comprehensive, it’s acceptable for an academic CV to be many pages long.

Note that, outside of the US, resume and CV are often used interchangeably.

No, don’t include your high school courses and grades. The education section should only detail your college education.

If you want to discuss aspects of high school in your graduate school application, you can include this in your personal statement .

A resume for a graduate school application is typically no more than 1–2 pages long.

Note, however, that if you are asked to submit a CV (curriculum vitae), you should give comprehensive details of all your academic experience. An academic CV can be much longer than a normal resume.

Always carefully check the instructions and adhere to any length requirements for each application.

If you’re applying to multiple graduate school programs, you should tailor your personal statement to each application.

Some applications provide a prompt or question. In this case, you might have to write a new personal statement from scratch: the most important task is to respond to what you have been asked.

If there’s no prompt or guidelines, you can re-use the same idea for your personal statement – but change the details wherever relevant, making sure to emphasize why you’re applying to this specific program.

If the application also includes other essays, such as a statement of purpose , you might have to revise your personal statement to avoid repeating the same information.

The typical length of a personal statement for graduate school applications is between 500 and 1,000 words.

Different programs have different requirements, so always check if there’s a minimum or maximum length and stick to the guidelines. If there is no recommended word count, aim for no more than 1-2 pages.

A statement of purpose is usually more formal, focusing on your academic or professional goals. It shouldn’t include anything that isn’t directly relevant to the application.

A personal statement can often be more creative. It might tell a story that isn’t directly related to the application, but that shows something about your personality, values, and motivations.

However, both types of document have the same overall goal: to demonstrate your potential as a graduate student and s how why you’re a great match for the program.

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No problem.  We  are always here for you.

• Email [email protected]
• Start live chat
• Call +1 (510) 822-8066
• WhatsApp +31 20 261 6040

Our team helps students graduate by offering:

• A world-class citation generator
• Plagiarism Checker software powered by Turnitin
• Innovative Citation Checker software
• Professional proofreading services
• Over 300 helpful articles about academic writing, citing sources, plagiarism, and more

Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents . We proofread:

• PhD dissertations
• Research proposals
• Personal statements
• Admission essays
• Motivation letters
• Reflection papers
• Journal articles
• Capstone projects

Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker is powered by elements of Turnitin’s Similarity Checker , namely the plagiarism detection software and the Internet Archive and Premium Scholarly Publications content databases .

The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software.

The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

Doctoral Programs

In this section, phd in public policy.

• PhD in Political Economy & Government

PhD in Health Policy

Phd in social policy.

• Job Market Candidates

Health care and politics. Inequality and public policy. Economics and disruption.

You see today's most compelling global issues as complex, interrelated, and urgent. You believe that fresh ideas—and research to carry them through—are critical to building stronger communities and a more just world.

In collaboration with the  Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences  (Harvard Griffin GSAS),  Harvard Kennedy School immerses you in rigorous learning that bridges academic disciplines and draws from leading faculties across the university’s graduate schools. When you pursue a doctoral degree at HKS, you are among extraordinarily bright minds, you’ll work with committed faculty members who are leaders in their fields, and you’ll have unparalleled access to resources across Harvard University.

Prepare yourself for a career in academia or policymaking that demands advanced knowledge of economics, political science, and social policy. Translate your ideas into action that can untangle our world’s unprecedented challenges. Join us.

• PhD in USA – A Guide for 2024/25
• 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 2024 , 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.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

• Home »

Studying a PhD in The USA - The Complete Guide

Find your perfect postgrad program search our database of 30,000 courses.

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 annually, 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.

Apply for one of our x5 bursaries worth £2,000

We've launched our new Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries for 2024. Full-time, part-time, online and blended-learning students eligible. 2024 & 2025 January start dates students welcome. Study postgraduate courses in any subject taught anywhere worldwide.

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 2024 Times Higher Education's World University Rankings data, the following table shows which US universities rank the highest.

Our PhD bursary winner & funding opportunity

Mohammad Abdollahi is a 35-year-old Iranian student studying a PhD in Operational Research at the University of Essex. He was delighted when he found out he’d been awarded a Postgrad Solutions Study Bursary. As an international student coming to the UK with his wife and two children, it has proved to be an invaluable funding resource as he explains. “It was good news and exciting – I was overwhelmed with joy!”

Related articles

How To Prepare For A PhD Viva

Masters In USA

Lists of Universities in USA

Graduate School USA

Postgrad Solutions Study Bursaries

Exclusive bursaries Open day alerts Funding advice Application tips Latest PG news

Complete Our Destination Survey

Take 2 minutes to complete our Destination Survey for the chance to win a Postgrad Study Bursary worth £2,000.

All we need to know is:

• Your university
• Your PG course

• Harvard Business School →
• Doctoral Programs →

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)  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

• 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

• Non-Resident and Part-Time Study
• CHD Meeting Schedule
• PhD Course Requirements
• PhD Program Plans
• Teaching: G2 year
• Qualifying Exam: by end of G2 year
• Research Advisors, Committees, and Meetings
• Dissertation and Final Oral Exam
• SM and ME Course Requirements
• SM and ME Program Plans
• Masters Thesis and Supervisor
• SM degree en route to the PhD
• Graduate Student Forms
• Teaching Fellows
• External Fellowships List
• COVID-19 Graduate Program Changes (archived)

Graduate School

Ph.d. requirements.

• Academics & Research
• Programs & Requirements

Brown University awards more than 200 doctor of philosophy degrees annually.

The Brown Ph.D. is primarily a research degree. Teaching is an important part of many doctoral programs, and many departments require candidates for the Ph.D. to have teaching experience.

Brown University offers substantial financial support to doctoral students. All incoming doctoral students are guaranteed five years of support, which includes a stipend, full tuition remission, health-services fee, and a health-insurance subsidy. Doctoral students in the Humanities and Social Sciences are guaranteed six years of support. All promises of student support are subject to students making satisfactory academic progress, as determined by their programs of study. Please see related links for additional details regarding the University's commitment to doctoral education.

Ph.D. Funding

Funding guarantee, four general requirements for the doctor of philosophy.

The candidate must be formally admitted to his or her degree program.

The normal residency requirement is the equivalent of three Academic Years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree. Students who enter a PhD program at Brown already holding a master’s degree in a related field have a residency requirement equivalent to two Academic Years of full-time study upon entering the PhD program at Brown. Use of a previously earned master’s degree to reduce PhD residency requirements is contingent upon approval of the program Director of Graduate Study. Graduate work done at other institutions and not used in fulfillment of the requirements for any doctoral degree elsewhere may, on the approval of the program Director of Graduate Study, be counted in fulfillment of up to, but not exceeding, one year of the residency requirement. A student who desires credit for work done elsewhere should file a timely application with the program Director of Graduate Study; transfer credit forms are available through the  Office of the Registrar .

A student is advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. when he or she has completed satisfactorily all the requirements, departmental and general, requisite to beginning work on the dissertation. Candidacy is determined by the department or program of study and certified by the Registrar. Most departments require a preliminary examination before advancing any student to candidacy. Most departments also require a final examination or defense. The examination is conducted by professors in the department and by such other members of the faculty as may be appointed.

The candidate must present a dissertation on a topic related to his or her area of specialization that presents the results of original research and gives evidence of excellent scholarship. The dissertation must be approved by the professor or committee under whose direction it is written and by the Graduate Council. All requirements for the Ph.D. must be completed within five years after advancement to candidacy.

Faculty Member Leaves Brown

If a faculty member working with a doctoral student leaves Brown for any reason before that student has completed his or her degree requirements, it may not always be possible for that faculty member to continue working with the student as an advisor. In such cases, departments will work with students to help them locate a new advisor.

Additional Requirements

Individual departments and programs may have additional requirements regarding the number of courses to be taken, proficiency in foreign languages, special examinations, and theses. The department should be consulted for specific information.

• Student Experience
• Research Expertise
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
• Doctoral Programs
• Dual Degree Programs
• Post-Degree Certificates
• Post-Doctoral Fellowships
• Executive Education
• Prerequisites for Health Professions
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSN): Entry into Nursing Program
• MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership
• MSN Healthcare Organizational Leadership/MBA Dual Degree
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Advanced Practice
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Track

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)

• DNP: Adult-Gerontological Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Adult-Gerontological Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Family Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Pediatric Primary Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Pediatric Dual Primary/Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
• DNP: Nurse Anesthesia
• DNP Advanced Practice/PhD Dual Degree
• DNP Executive/MBA Dual Degree
• DNP Executive/MPH Dual Degree
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) to Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD)
• Post-Master’s Healthcare Organizational Leadership CERTIFICATE
• Post-Master’s Nursing Education CERTIFICATE
• Post-Master’s Pediatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner CERTIFICATE
• Post-Master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner CERTIFICATE
• Post-Doctoral Opportunities
• How to Apply: Prerequisites for Health Professions
• Online Prerequisites for Health Professions FAQs
• Nutrition (NR.110.200)
• Human Growth and Development Through the Lifespan (NR.110.201)
• Biostatistics (NR.110.202)
• Microbiology with Lab (NR.110.203)
• Anatomy with Lab (NR.110.204)
• Physiology with Lab (NR.110.205)
• Chemistry with Lab (NR.110.206)
• Biochemistry with Lab (NR.110.207)
• Academic Advising
• Academic Calendar
• Academic Catalogue
• Academic Resources
• Course Schedules & Descriptions
• Student Academic/Administrative Forms
• Ask Admissions

Engage with Us

• Financial Aid & Scholarships
• How to Apply
• Tuition & Fees
• International Students
• Contact Admissions
• Admissions Talks
• Online Chats
• On-Campus Events
• Off-Campus Events
• Virtual Information Sessions
• Recorded Events & Informational Videos
• Connecting with Us
• Apply for Financial Aid
• Student Loans
• Scholarships, Grants & loans
• Student Employment Opportunities
• Other Funding Sources
• Financial Aid Forms and Helpful Links
• Financial Services Frequently Asked Questions and Financial Aid Policies
• Student Enrollment & Account Management (SEAM)
• Clinical Placement Services
• Disability Services
• Fellowships, Honors Programs & Learning Opportunities
• Student Affairs
• The Learning Collaborative
• Faculty Directory
• Faculty Opportunities
• Endowed Chairs in Nursing and Bloomberg Distinguished Professors
• Faculty Handbook
• Areas of Expertise
• Nursing Office of Research Administration (NORA)
• Research Centers, Institute, and Specialty Interest Groups
• Research Opportunities
• Research Projects & Funding
• Acute & Chronic Care
• Community & Global Public Health
• Gender-Based Violence
• Infectious Diseases
• Mental Health & Behavioral Interventions
• Policy, Leadership & Administration
• Women, Children & Family Health

Need your questions answered?

Transform the future of health.

Advance the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery with a Johns Hopkins PhD in nursing. This program will provide you with the knowledge and skills in theoretical, methodological, and analytical approaches that will enable you to conduct research to discover and apply knowledge in nursing science and health care. Most full-time Johns Hopkins Nursing PhD students receive 100% tuition funding and guaranteed compensation for the first four years of study.

The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing specializes in eight Areas of Expertise . With access to world-renowned nursing faculty in these specialties, cutting-edge facilities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with noted researchers throughout Johns Hopkins University, you’ll build the skills to develop and implement a scientific research program and launch your career. By graduation, most Hopkins nurse scholars have been awarded grants that continue their research and set them well on their way to a successful career.

A DNP Advanced Practice/PHD dual degree is also offered for students who wish to function at the highest level of nursing practice with focuses on both clinical practice and research.

Program Details

Tuition & fees.

Most full-time Johns Hopkins Nursing PhD students receive 100% tuition funding and guaranteed compensation for the first four years of study. Estimated Tuition Cost: $2,430 per credit See Cost of Attendance Details Financial Aid: There are numerous options for financing your education including grants, scholarships, and federal loans.  Learn more.

Upcoming Application Deadlines

Fall entry: November 15

Requirements

Admission criteria.

Graduate of an accredited Bachelor’s or Master’s in Nursing Program ( if applicable. Applicants holding a degree in a non-nursing related discipline will be considered on an individual basis)

A written statement of research goals including reason for interest in Johns Hopkins

Research interests that match faculty expertise and School resources

GRE scores are accepted but not required

A minimum scholastic GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

Interview with faculty (if moved forward by admissions committee)

Writing sample (publication or graded paper)

Resume or curriculum vitae

Three letters of recommendation (two academic, one professional)*

Official Transcripts (from all previous colleges/universities)

TOEFL or IELTS if English is not your native language

Information for applicants with international education

Prerequisites

No prerequisite courses.

*References should be recent, written for the purpose of your application to this program and from professors who know you as a student or employers who know you as a professional in a job setting preferably in a supervisory role. Personal references from colleagues, friends, or family members do not meet the requirement. For PhD applicants, it is strongly preferred that a least one of your recommenders holds a PhD.

 No. 1 in the nation for its  Doctor of Nursing Practice Program (DNP)

No. 1 (tied) in the nation for its Nursing Master’s Program (MSN)

No. 3 nursing school in the world, according to 2024  QS World University  rankings

Each student completes a core curriculum and works closely with faculty advisors to complete an individualized course of study that fulfills the student’s goals and develops the basis for a program of research.

Full Curriculum

Philosophical Perspectives in Health

Scientific Perspectives in Nursing

Quantitative Research Design and Methods

Qualitative Research Design and Methods

Mixed Methods Research Design

Grant Writing Seminar

Measurement in Health Care Research

Responsibilities and Activities of the Nurse Scientist

Statistical Methods in Public Health I

Statistical Methods in Public Health II

Statistical Methods in Public Health III

Theory and Concepts of Health Behavior

Symptom Evaluation and Management

Special Topics in Violence Research

Advanced Nursing Health Policy

Stress and Stress Response

The Evolving Roles of the Nurse Educator (online)

Statistical Methods in Public Health IV

Writing for Publication (online)

Advanced Seminar in Translational Research

International Health Systems and Research 3

Current Issues and Trends in Cardiovascular Health Promotion Research

Critical Applications of Advanced Statistical Models

Technology and eTools to Conduct, Facilitate, Implement and Manage Research (online)

• Scholarly Research Portfolio for PhD Students

Dissertation Seminar

Dissertation

Sample Course of Study

Statistical Methods in Public Health I & II

Research Residency – 15 hours per week

Comprehensive Examination

Dissertation Seminar*

Dissertation*

Electives (10 credits)

Research Residency – 20 hours per week

Teaching Residency – 10 hours per week

Activities and Responsibilities of the Nurse Scientist

Electives (9 credits)

Preparation for Doctor of Philosophy Board Examination

*PhD students having successfully completed the written Comprehensive Examination must be registered for at least three credits consisting of two credits dissertation advisement plus one credit dissertation seminar each semester they are progressing toward the degree. *Part-time students who have completed the Comprehensive Examination must register for two credits dissertation advisement plus one credit dissertation seminar each semester they are progressing toward the degree after completing half (10) the required elective credits.  *Up to a maximum of 6 credits can be transferred into the PhD Program. ** Per Doctor of Philosophy Board policy, students must either be registered during fall and spring semesters, or be on an approved leave of absence. ***Transfer of credit is granted on an individual basis. Please see the  transfer of credit policy  and ** complete the form  to make a request.

“Prior to joining the PhD program, I felt like I was spinning my wheels. Now I feel empowered to advocate for what I know will help patients and have the tools and soon will have the credentials to do that.” Emily Hoppe, MS, BSN, RN

Join us soon for a tour, on-campus event or a virtual visit.

Request Information

Speak with Admissions to learn more about our programs.

Virtual Info Sessions

See recordings of some of our recent virtual info sessons.

Tuition & Other Costs

Financial aid.

View the costs for the PhD Program. 2024-2025

Scholarships & Grants: Grants are awards based on financial need that do not have to be repaid. Many students also benefit from scholarships and awards based on merit. Learn more.

Loans: Many students will avail themselves of loans to help finance their School of Nursing education. If necessary, we encourage you to borrow only what is absolutely essential to cover your educational costs. Learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

The research area in an admission application should be well-defined but not overly rigid. Candidates should demonstrate a clear focus within their field of interest, outlining specific research questions or problems they aim to address. The proposal should show a solid understanding of current literature and gaps in knowledge, indicating how their research could contribute to the field. While applicants may have a general idea of their methodology and potential outcomes, there should be room for refinement and adaptation as they progress in their studies. The research area should align with the program’s strengths and faculty expertise. Overall, the essay should reflect the applicant’s understanding of the issue, and critical thinking skills, and potential for conducting meaningful research, while still allowing for guidance and development throughout the program.

Although contacting a faculty member in your research area is not required, it is an opportunity to become familiar with researchers in your area of interest and to ask questions not addressed on the school’s website. While it can be helpful to have a direct match, students often have great success in the program when a piece of the research overlaps with the advisor.   If there is a particular faculty member whose work interests you, you may discuss this as part of your application essay.   The best place to start is with the PhD Assistant Director of Recruitment , Laura Panozzo at [email protected] and with a review of our most recent PhD virtual information session at https://nursing.jhu.edu/admissions/index.html .

Once you are admitted to the PhD program and decide to matriculate, the PhD Admissions Committee determines who will be your advisor(s). Generally, one advisor is selected, but in some instances-depending on your research area-two advisors are assigned, one of them serving as the primary advisor and the second serving as a co-advisor. One of the faculty would be your primary advisor and the second would serve as a co-advisor. We try to match students with faculty members who have similar research interests.

The PhD program prepares the nurse scholar to develop and conduct scientific research that advances the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery. The program is designed to prepare nurses for careers as research scientists, often in academic or governmental positions.

The DNP program prepares nurse leaders for evidence-based practice in both direct patient care and executive roles.   View Comparison Chart

View information about a unique opportunity to earn a dual-degree DNP/PhD.

The time needed to complete the program varies, depending on how fast you progress. Some students in our program finish their degree in three years, others take four years or longer.

Students whose native language is not English are required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Johns Hopkins School of Nursing requires a minimum TOEFL-IBT score of 100 to be eligible for admission. More

The PhD program has a Biostatistics heavy curriculum so previous coursework in Biostatistics is helpful.  We encourage students that have not had previous coursework in this area, or have not taken the coursework in the past five years, to look for ways to strengthen that knowledge base before matriculating into the program.  Please reach out to Laura Panozzo, Assistant Director of Recruitment, at [email protected] for a list of resources to help you prepare while applying and before matriculating into the program. 

GRE scores are accepted but not required.

The PhD program is a full time, onsite program only. 

Students should expect to spend 15 hours a week on campus on their funded research residency in collaboration with their faculty advisor for all three years that they receive full funding.  Students should expect to spend an additional 15-20 hours per week on coursework.

Coursework completed outside the United States must be evaluated and translated into US equivalencies.  Official transcript evaluations must be submitted as part of the application process, and applications will not be considered complete until all evaluations for any work completed outside the United States are received.  The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing recommends WES-ICAP .

Pathway to PhD Nursing Scholars Program

• Make a Gift
• Search Search
• Programs : PhD in Information Studies

PhD Coursework & Plan of Study

Each student will complete at least 39 graduate hours while enrolled in the iSchool doctoral program prior to entering candidacy. A full-time student will ordinarily take two to three years to complete this coursework. To count toward a PhD, all coursework must be no more than six years old when the doctoral student is admitted to candidacy. 

The table below shows the minimum required coursework. Students may take (or be required by their committees to take) additional courses.

Students should review the tentative schedule of  iSchool courses  and the UT course schedule when planning a course of study.

Doctoral Core - 9 Credit Hours

Each student, whether full- or part-time, must take “Survey of Information Studies” in the fall of the student’s first academic year in the program and “Disciplinary Foundations for Information Studies” in the spring of that first year. Students will take “The Research Enterprise” as soon as practical, usually in the fall of their first year.

Research Methods Courses - 9 Credit Hours

Each student must take a minimum of nine credit hours of graduate-level research methods courses beyond the doctoral core:

• One graduate-level course in qualitative methods – three (3) credit hours
• One graduate level course in quantitative methods – three (3) credit hours
• One further graduate-level course germane to building skills to undertake research – three (3) credit hours

This requirement can be met via independent studies with faculty (e.g., INF 391D.06 - Directed Readings , or INF 391D.07 - Directed Research ) or classroom-based courses (e.g., INF 391F - Advanced Topics in Research Methods, Methodologies, and Design ). Research methods courses may be offered and taken within or outside of the iSchool.

The third methods course (beyond the qualitative and quantitative methods courses) can include advanced qualitative or quantitative methods, or coursework in skills necessary to undertake the anticipated dissertation research, including foreign languages, computer programming languages, policy analysis, information systems design, or skills in particular areas, such as chemistry or neuroscience.

All course selections should be discussed with the student’s committee chair, consulting other committee members as appropriate. Prior to enrolling in a course, students must obtain approval from their committee chair, who will confirm the appropriateness of such courses for fulfilling the research methods requirement.

Electives - 21 Credit Hours

The remaining 21 hours of coursework may be completed within the School of Information and/or outside the School of Information. All course choices should be discussed with the student’s committee chair, consulting other committee members as appropriate.

Students are particularly encouraged to take the following courses:

• Advanced Topics in Information Studies (INF 391E) , (aka “topical seminar”) which may be repeated when the individual course topics differ.
• Directed Research (INF 391D.07) in which students work closely with a faculty member, individually or in small groups, to contribute to original research, either in an apprenticeship mode as part of the faculty member’s research agenda or as a student-driven research project.
• Directed Readings (INF 391D.06) , in which students work closely with a faculty member, individually or in small groups, to complete an in-depth examination of the primary research and theory literature of the field in preparation for their qualifying examinations.
• Supervised Teaching in Information Studies (INF 398T) , (aka “the pedagogy course”) and teaching internships in which they work closely with faculty to develop, design, and support implementation of a course plan.
• Doctoral Writing Seminar (INF 391G) which provides an opportunity for students to improve their academic writing skills through a writing studio environment with instructor and peer critique.

Plan of Study

The doctoral student must produce a formal document identified as the Plan of Study prior to their first annual review. The Plan of Study is to be updated each year, prior to the student’s annual review.

The plan of study consists of the following seven components:

• The student’s CV
• One to three paragraph summary of degree progress, including participation in research, teaching, and service
• One paragraph academic plan, including research, teaching, and service, for the next year
• One paragraph description of career goals
• Table of coursework (format is provided below)
• Bullet point list of requested input from the committee
• An appendix with 2-5 recent major outputs (e.g., publications, course papers, etc.)

Coursework Listing

Students should list all the courses they have taken, are currently taking, and those they intend to take to satisfy their requirements for coursework. The format is provided below:

Each course listing should identify: The name of the course, the instructor for the course, the semester in which the course was/will be taken and the number of credit hours and the page number of the appendix where the course details can be found.

Coursework Requirements: Three columns should be used to show whether the course is to be counted towards each section of the coursework requirements. Students should ensure that the plan meets the coursework requirements outlined above.

Doctoral Program Overview

• PhD Degree Requirements
• Committees & Annual Review
• Coursework & Plan of Study
• Qualifying Procedure
• Candidacy & Dissertation

PhD Degree Resources

Student handbook.

• PhD Program Handbook

1616 Guadalupe St, Suite #5.202 Austin, Texas 78701-1213

• News & Events
• Email Lists
• Indigenous Land Acknowledgment
• UT Austin Home
• Emergency Information
• Site Policies
• Web Accessibility Policy
• Web Privacy Policy
• Adobe Reader

• Crimson Careers
• For Employers
• Harvard College
• Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts & Sciences
• Harvard Extension School
• Premed / Pre-Health
• Families & Supporters
• Faculty & Staff
• Prospective Students
• First Generation / Low Income
• International Students
• Students of Color
• Students with Disabilities
• Undocumented Students
• Varsity Athletes
• Explore Interests & Make Career Decisions
• Create a Resume/CV or Cover Letter
• Expand Your Network
• Engage with Employers
• Search for a Job
• Find an Internship
• January Experiences (College)
• Find & Apply for Summer Opportunities Funding
• Prepare for an Interview
• Negotiate an Offer
• Apply to Graduate or Professional School
• Access Resources
• AI for Professional Development and Exploration
• Arts & Entertainment
• Business & Entrepreneurship
• Climate, Sustainability, Environment, Energy
• Government, Int’l Relations, Education, Law, Nonprofits
• Life Sciences & Health
• Technology & Engineering
• Still Exploring
• Talk to an Advisor

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

• Share This: Share How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree? on Facebook Share How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree? on LinkedIn Share How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree? on X

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.” 

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.

[ 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.”

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.

[ 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.

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.

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.

[ 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.”

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.”

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

University of Michigan School of Social Work

Audience menu.

• Connect with SSW
• Discover Social Work
• Privilege, Oppression, Diversity and Social Justice
• MasterTrack Online Certificate
• Online MSW Program
• Schedule a Visit
• Course Catalog
• Financial Aid & Tuition
• MSW Program
• Joint PhD Program
• SSW Faculty
• Class-Related Forms
• Student Guide
• Academic Calendar
• Course Planning Worksheets
• Educational Agreement
• Office of Field Education
• Office of Student Services
• SSW Reservations
• Safety & Emergency Preparedness
• Student Advising
• Committee Meetings & Minutes
• Wolverine Access
• Faculty Handbook
• Instructional Faculty Resources
• SSW Directory
• Information Technology
• Faculty and Administrative Support Team
• U-M Webmail
• Community Forum
• Instructions

Search form

• Dean's Welcome
• Mission & Goals
• Contact & Building Hours
• Rankings, Facts & Figures
• Mission Statement
• Printable Strategic Plan
• Detailed Strategic Plan
• Action and Engagement
• Training/Resources
• Partnerships
• Employment Equity Learning and Action Collaborative
• Faculty Books
• Ongoing Magazine
• Presentations
• Research Publications
• SSW Publications
• Ann Arbor & Beyond
• Hotel Information
• Maps & Parking
• Welcome Letter
• Strategic Plan
• Social Work & Social Justice Dialogues
• DEI Impact Awards
• Student Diversity
• Anti-Racism Statement
• DEI & Anti-Racism Initiatives
• History of Social Work
• Land Acknowledgment Statement
• Oral Histories
• Social Justice Collection
• Current Openings
• Printing Computing Sites
• U-M Computing Sites
• MSW Brochure and Flyers
• Connect With an MSW Admissions Counselor
• Connect With a Current MSW Student
• Request MSW Program Information
• Visit Our MSW Program
• Financial Aid
• Part-Time Programs
• Program Length
• Special Programs
• Tuition & Fees
• Admitted Students
• CSWE Competencies Assessment
• MasterTrack
• PhD in Social Work and Social Welfare
• Joint PhD in Social Work and Social Science
• Students & Alumni
• Declarations and Requirements
• Certificate Programs
• Faculty & Staff
• Outreach Board
• Preferred Admissions
• Stories & Videos
• Funding Opportunities
• Community Action and Social Change Minor
• UM Dearborn
• U-M Sociology and Social Work
• Affidavit of Financial Support
• English Proficiency
• Health Insurance
• Student Stories
• LGBTQIA2S+ Students
• Prospective Field Instructors
• Licensure Requirements
• Exam Preparation
• Mailing List
• Global Activities Scholars Program
• Global Course Extension
• Global Independent Study
• Peace Corps
• Global Social Work Practice Pathway
• Exchange Visitors
• Identities Abroad
• Global Career Guide
• Scholarship
• Course Planning
• Courses & Field Placements
• Community Action & Research Certificate
• Interprofessional Mini-Certificate in Trauma-Informed Practice
• Groups/Labs/Centers
• Past Discoveries
• Faculty Support
• Newsletters
• Proposal Notification
• Responsible Conduct
• Schedule a Consult
• Evaluation Skills Video Resource Library
• Education/Training
• Signature Programs
• White Papers
• Become a Faculty Affiliate
• AHEAD Magazine
• Athletics Tickets
• Spaces for Students
• Students with Children
• Students with Disabilities
• Job Search Resources
• Job Preparation
• Licensing & Exam Prep
• Alumni Jobs & Salaries
• Graduate Fellowships and Assistantships
• Post-MSW Fellowships
• Student Employment
• Writing Assistance
• After Hours Transit Services
• SSW Building Maps
• Affordable Care Act
• Domestic Health Insurance
• International Health Insurance
• Liability & Auto Insurance
• Counseling and Psychological Services Embedded Therapist
• Virtual Student Mental Health Resources
• Get Help at U-M
• Student Help & Support
• Upcoming Ceremonies
• Past Ceremonies
• Commencement Calendar
• International Students
• International Applicants
• Student Activities
• Request a Community Conversation
• Upcoming Community Conversations
• Outside Classes
• Class Descriptions
• Credit Hour Policy
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
• Faculty and Administrative Support
• Contacts by Office
• Tenure-Track Faculty
• Clinical & Research Faculty
• Research Fellows
• Field Faculty
• LEO Lecturers
• Emeritus Faculty
• Joint PhD Students
• LEO & GSI
• Research Fellow
• Academics & Curriculum
• Continuing Education
• MSW Applications & Admission
• Registrar's Office
• Letter from the Director
• Halla Jomaa-Jouney
• Nancy Riske
• Charlotte Hoppen
• Madison Mariles
• Abigail Niehaus
• Ways of Giving
• Fundraising Initiatives
• Donor Impact
• Class Notes
• Host Your Own Event
• Get Your Transcript
• Lifelong Learning
• Alumni Recognition
• Alumni Board
• Present a Webinar
• Advances in Child Maltreatment Prevention
• Building Healthy, Strong Communities
• Conversations Across Social Disciplines
• Fedele F. and Iris M. Fauri Memorial Lecture
• Homecoming & Reunion Weekend
• Leon and Josephine Winkelman Memorial Lecture
• Social Justice Changemaker Lecture
• Social Work Month Celebration

Contact Information

• Update My Record
• Meet the Team
• Pedagogy/Teaching
• Students & Alumni

You are here

• Directories

MSW Requirement 

The School of Social Work offers 45 credit and 60 credit MSW program schedules. New Joint Program students with a BSW, MasterTrack Online Certificate, or in the 4+1 MSW Programs with UM Dearborn Human Services Program or UM Sociology are eligible to apply for the 45 Credit program. See MSW Program Schedules for details on these programs. All other incoming students must complete the 60-credit program. 

Students in the PhD program can substitute most of the required research or policy MSW foundation courses with doctoral social work and social science classes. Doctoral courses in social work, social science, or in other departments can substitute for other MSW required courses upon recommendation of the faculty advisor and approval by the Associate Dean for Academic Programs in the School of Social Work. 

The MSW Program allows 12 elective credits. All of these elective credits can be taken from any graduate program at the UM, including social science and Social Work PhD courses. Courses taken in the social science department while the student is enrolled in the School can serve, when approved, to fulfill departmental requirements for the PhD as well as to meet requirements for the MSW. The MSW degree is normally received at the end of the fourth full term of study, after required hours of course work is successfully completed. Students must have registered for a minimum of 30 of these hours in the School of Social Work. This total can include both MSW- and PhD-level social work courses. 

Doctoral students are advised to begin their social work field placements in their second term in the program and to complete their placement by the beginning of their second year. PhD students can, after consultation with the social work advisor, generally substitute up to eight (8) credits of research internship (or departmental equivalent) toward the MSW Field Placement. 

Students apply for their MSW diploma via Wolverine Access in the semester before they complete their MSW program requirements. These students are encouraged to participate in the School of Social Work commencement.

Curriculum Structure and Course Requirements

Each student is required to take the following courses:

The four (4) curriculum areas are intended to cover the content distinctive to the social work component of the Joint Doctoral Program. Two (2) of the areas, Practice, Intervention, and Policy and Social Service Systems relate directly to the principal means by which social work and social welfare attain their objectives. The Research Methods for Practice and Policy area addresses the principles and methods by which knowledge of social work and social welfare is enhanced and the methods used to analyze, design, develop, and evaluate social work practice, social service systems, and social welfare policies. The Social Context for Practice and Policy area embraces the social context and conditions which affect the welfare and well-being of individuals and social groups, and which help shape the intervention methods, policies, and social service systems designed to meet human needs.

To preview an example course plan for Anthropology, Psychology, or Sociology please click on the link below: 

• Anthropology Pre-MSW and Post-MSW Course Plans
• Psychology Pre-MSW and Post-MSW Course Plans
• Sociology Pre-MSW and Post-MSW Course Plans

Time to Degree Expectations

Students who enter the Joint Doctoral Program should aim to earn the PhD degree within six (6) years . Students are expected to have achieved candidacy by early September of their fourth year . They are expected to have satisfied all degree requirements, including satisfactory completion of the social work preliminary examination not more than three (3) months after achieving candidacy as well as completion of the dissertation not more than five (5) years after achieving candidacy but not more than seven (7) years after first enrollment in the Doctoral Program.

Related My SSW Sections

• Joint PhD Program »

Intranet resources for students, faculty, and staff.

PhD Office 1080 South University Room B660 Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106

Phone: (734) 763-5768 Email: [email protected]

Contact Us Press escape to close

• Phone 1 (734) 764-3309 Fax 1 (734) 936-1961
• Email MSW [email protected] CE [email protected] PhD [email protected]

University of Michigan School of Social Work 1080 South University Avenue Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106

• Faculty, Staff & PhD Directory » Building Hours & Maps

• Honors Programs
• Online Learning
• Graduate Programs

Penn State Law

Dickinson law, college of medicine.

• Undergraduate Campuses
• Residence Life
• Clubs and Organizations
• Well-Being and Safety
• Diversity and Belonging
• Academic Credit
• Resources and FAQ
• How to Apply
• Scholarships
• Student Employment
• Federal Work-Study
• Prospective Students
• Current Students
• Transfer Students
• Military and Veteran Students
• Graduate and Professional Students
• Understanding Your Offer
• Paying Your Bill
• Why Aid is On Hold
• Special or Unusual Circumstances
• Accepting or Declining Aid
• Nittany Lion Shrine
• Board of Trustees
• President's Office
• University Faculty Senate
• Stories of Impact
• Undergraduate
• Graduate and Professional Studies
• Online Degrees
• Academic Colleges
• Campus Locations
• Global Education
• Academic Calendar
• Explore Penn State
• Continuing Education
• Professional Schools
• Costs & Aid
• How Aid Works
• Types of Aid
• Apply for Aid
• Managing Your Aid
• Cost of Attendance
• Latest News
• Our Research
• Campus Life
• Administration
• Arts and Entertainment
• College and Campus News
• Mission and Values
• Facts and Rankings
• Health Care

Graduate and Professional Degrees

Continue your journey.

Continue pursuing your passions at the Penn State J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School, available at six campus locations and online through the World Campus. You can also advance professionally at our two law schools or medical school. With opportunities to research global issues and engage with top-ranked faculty, Penn State's graduate and professional programs will give you a competitive edge in your career.

Search Graduate Academic Offerings

Explore degrees and courses offered across six Penn State campuses and online. To see a full listing of programs, visit the University Bulletin.

Browse Professional School Programs

Discover the professional degrees and courses at Penn State's law and medical schools. For a full list of programs, visit the University Bulletin. Advance your career with Penn State's renowned academic offerings and expert faculty.

Take the Next Step

Develop your expertise by applying to graduate, law, or medical school at Penn State. Learn more about degrees, requirements, student experiences, and how to apply.

• Fox Graduate School Admissions
• Penn State Law Admissions
• Dickinson Law Admissions
• College of Medicine Admissions

The Pennsylvania State University 201 Old Main University Park, PA 16802

• instagram icon
• facebook icon
• linkedIn icon
• youtube icon

Student Support

Quick links, stay connected.

• Privacy Statements
• Non Discrimination
• Accessibility
• Equal Opportunity
• Legal Statements

SMU --> © Southern Methodist University         SMU’s singular approach to integrating rigorous learning with will prepare you to achieve your educational goals and expand your world in ways you never imagined. Ours is a community of people We’d like to help you shape yours.
	Southern Methodist University
	Aug 09, 2024   2024-2025 Graduate Catalog     2024-2025 Graduate Catalog Professor Jia Zhang , Chair ad interim Professors: Ginger Alford, Theodore W. Manikas, Jeff Tian, Jia Zhang Associate Professors: Frank P. Coyle, Michael Hahsler, LiGuo Huang, Eric C. Larson, David Lin, Kasilingam Periyasamy, Klyne Smith, Nurcan Yuruk Assistant Professors: Corey Clark, Maya El Dayeh, Mehak Gupta, Labiba Jahan Graduate Programs The department offers graduate programs in computer science, cybersecurity and software engineering. Faculty research interests include machine learning, artificial intelligence, software engineering, computer architecture, data mining, mobile computing, and information assurance, In addition to the research labs, students in the Department of Computer Science have access to a wide range of facilities and equipment. Lyle also provides several open computer labs loaded with software students use in lab along with other software for projects or other work. CS students also have access to campus resources such as SMU Central University Library computer resources, general-use Linux servers, and High-Performance Computing (HPC). Graduate Degrees.  The Department of Computer Science offers the following graduate degrees: Computer Science, Ph.D. Software Engineering, D.Engr. Computer Science, M.S. Cybersecurity, M.S. Software Engineering, M.S. Computer Science/Business Administration, M.S./M.B.A. Software Engineering/Business Administration, M.S./M.B.A. CS 7049 - Master’s Full-Time Status CS 7096 - Master’s Thesis CS 7190 - Special Topics CS 7191 - Special Topics CS 7192 - Special Topics CS 7193 - Special Topics CS 7194 - Special Topics CS 7196 - Master’s Thesis CS 7290 - Special Topics CS 7291 - Special Topics CS 7292 - Special Topics CS 7293 - Special Topics CS 7294 - Special Topics CS 7296 - Master’s Thesis CS 7310 - Python for Computer Science CS 7311 - Foundations of Computing CS 7312 - User Interfaces, User Experience CS 7313 - Software Configuration Management CS 7314 - Software Testing and Quality Assurance CS 7315 - Software Project Planning and Management CS 7316 - Software Requirements CS 7317 - Leadership for Architecting Software Systems CS 7318 - Object-Oriented Analysis and Design CS 7319 - Software Architecture and Design CS 7320 - Artificial Intelligence CS 7322 - Introduction to Natural Language Processing CS 7323 - Mobile Applications for Sensing and Learning CS 7324 - Machine Learning in Python CS 7328 - Software Engineering CS 7330 - File Organization and Database Management CS 7331 - Data Mining CS 7337 - Information Retrieval and Web Search CS 7339 - Computer System Security CS 7340 - Service-Oriented Software Engineering CS 7341 - Compiler Construction CS 7343 - Operating Systems CS 7344 - Computer Networks and Distributed Systems CS 7345 - Advanced Application Programming CS 7346 - Cloud Computing CS 7349 - Data and Network Security CS 7350 - Algorithm Engineering CS 7359 - Software Security CS 7369 - Hardware Security and Trojan Detection CS 7370 - Probability and Statistics for Scientists and Engineers CS 7381 - Computer Architecture CS 7382 - Computer Graphics CS 7385 - Microcontroller Architecture and Interfacing CS 7387 - Digital Systems Design CS 7390 - Special Topics CS 7391 - Special Topics CS 7392 - Special Topics CS 7393 - Special Topics CS 7394 - Special Topics CS 7396 - Master’s Thesis CS 7696 - Master’s Thesis CS 8049 - Ph.D. Full-Time Status CS 8091 - Special Topics CS 8092 - Special Topics CS 8095 - Independent Study CS 8096 - Dissertation CS 8098 - Computer Science Seminars CS 8190 - Special Topics CS 8191 - Special Topics CS 8192 - Special Topics CS 8193 - Special Topics CS 8194 - Selected Problems CS 8195 - Selected Problems CS 8196 - Dissertation CS 8290 - Special Topics CS 8291 - Special Topics CS 8292 - Graduate Seminar CS 8293 - Special Topics CS 8294 - Selected Problems CS 8295 - Selected Problems CS 8296 - Dissertation CS 8314 - Software Metrics and Quality Engineering CS 8317 - Software Reliability and Safety CS 8321 - Machine Learning and Neural Networks CS 8325 - Logic Programming CS 8330 - Database Management Systems CS 8331 - Advanced Data Mining CS 8337 - Information Storage and Retrieval CS 8340 - Advanced Topics in Software Engineering CS 8343 - Advanced Operating Systems CS 8349 - Advanced Network and System Security CS 8350 - Algorithms II CS 8352 - Cryptography and Data Security CS 8359 - Advanced Software Security CS 8377 - Fault-Tolerant Computing CS 8381 - Quantum Logic and Computing CS 8386 - Testing of VLSI Circuits CS 8390 - Special Topics CS 8391 - Special Topics CS 8392 - Special Topics CS 8393 - Special Topics CS 8394 - Selected Problems CS 8395 - Selected Problems CS 8396 - Dissertation CS 8490 - Special Topics CS 8491 - Special Topics CS 8492 - Special Topics You might be using an unsupported or outdated browser. To get the best possible experience please use the latest version of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge to view this website. Best Online Master's In Management Best Online Master’s In Management Of 2024 Published: Aug 5, 2024, 10:47am If you are a working business professional and feel like you’ve hit a wall or ceiling in your career and aren’t sure how to advance any further, an online master’s in management program might be a good option to get untracked. Largely built for working business professionals, these programs provide students with leadership training and practical skills in budgeting, forecasting and human resources, helping graduates advance to leadership and supervisory roles. Since management is such a broad field, it can be difficult to differentiate between programs. That’s why we’ve researched and ranked the 10 best programs in the field. Read on to learn more about the best online master’s in management programs and find the best option for you. Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content. 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded Our Methodology We ranked 384 accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online master’s degree programs in the U.S. using 15 data points in the categories of student outcomes, affordability, student experience, credibility and application process. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites. Data is accurate as of February 2024. We scored schools based on the following metrics. Student Outcomes: Overall graduation rate Median earnings 10 years after graduation Affordability: In-state graduate student tuition and fees Alternative tuition plans offered Median federal student loan debt Student loan default rate Student Experience: Student-to-faculty ratio Socioeconomic diversity Availability of online coursework Total number of graduate assistants Proportion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education Credibility: Fully accredited Programmatic accreditation status Nonprofit status Application Process: Acceptance rate We chose the 10 best schools to display based on those receiving a curved final score of 93% or higher. Find our full list of methodologies here . Best Online Accounting Degrees Best MBA In Finance Online Best Online Finance Degrees Best Online Master’s In Accounting Degrees Best Online Master’s In Finance Degree Finder Key takeaways, best online master’s degree in management options, should you enroll in an online master’s in management program, accreditation for online master’s in management, how to find the right online master’s in management program for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online master’s degrees in management. Since they are largely designed for working business professionals, many online master’s programs in management do not include field experience requirements. A master’s in management is considered by some experts to be more practical than an M.B.A. While a master’s in management is a general degree, some schools offer specialized concentrations in fields such as supply chain management, nonprofit management and human resource management. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign University of florida, north carolina state university, university of the cumberlands, union college, lasell university, university of st. francis, mount vernon nazarene university, norwich university, indiana wesleyan university, featured online schools. Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial credit and much more by clicking 'Visit Site' Program Tuition Rate $332/credit Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education Overall Graduation Rate Located in the Champaign-Urbana metropolitan area, the University of Illinois (U of I) offers an online Master of Science in management program that distance learners can complete in 12 to 24 months. The program’s 36-credit curriculum includes required coursework in areas such as managerial accounting, project management , global marketing, and leadership and teams. The program includes synchronous, live online sessions; however, students who miss these sessions can watch recorded versions at their convenience. Students take either one or two courses at a time and should expect to spend 10 to 15 hours per week on each course. Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule School Type: Public Application Fee: $70 Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits Program Enrollment Options: Full time, part time Example Major-Specific Courses: Managerial accounting; leadership and teams Concentrations Available: N/A In-Person Requirements: No $531/credit (in-state) Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida (UF) offers an online Master of Science in management that offers both full-time (three-semester) and part-time (six-semester) tracks. The 32-credit curriculum includes coursework in managerial accounting, managerial economics, international business law and global strategic management. Distance learners in the program should expect to spend approximately six to 10 hours on their studies per course each week. Fall and spring courses last eight weeks, while summer courses take six weeks to complete. Application Fee: $30 Degree Credit Requirements: 32 credits Example Major-Specific Courses: Managerial accounting, international business law $42,974 total (in-state) Located in the capital city of Raleigh, North Carolina State University (NCSU) offers a part-time online Master of Management program with two concentration options: marketing analytics and risk and analytics. The 30-credit curriculum includes core courses in critical thinking for managers, leading people, strategic risk analysis using Excel, and sustainability and business. The university delivers the majority of its online coursework asynchronously, but some courses may include synchronous elements. Prospective students do not need to submit GMAT or GRE scores, but they can if they think test scores will enhance their applications. Application Fee: $75 Degree Credit Requirements: 30 credits Program Enrollment Options: Part time Example Major-Specific Courses: Critical thinking for managers, leading people Concentrations Available: Marketing analytics, risk and analytics $355/credit Located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, Cumberlands is a private, Christian-affiliated university that offers a Master of Science program in strategic management. The 31-credit curriculum includes courses in areas such as strategic organizational design, management consulting, managing in a global environment, and mergers and acquisitions. All students must also complete a capstone course that involves a comprehensive written examination. Cumberlands delivers most of its online coursework asynchronously. The program is designed for working professionals with an undergraduate business background. School Type: Private Degree Credit Requirements: 31 credits Program Enrollment Options: Full time Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic organizational design, management consulting $370/credit Located in Barbourville, Kentucky, Union maintains an affiliation with the United Methodist Church. The college’s online Master of Science in management program requires 30 credits and includes courses such as management information systems, marketing for results, organizational behavior and teamwork, and leadership and human resources. Incoming students must have earned a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA. Transfer students can earn up to six credits for prior coursework. Union delivers online coursework asynchronously and in eight-week terms. Application Fee: Free Example Major-Specific Courses: Management information systems, marketing for results $675/credit Located in Newton, Massachusetts, Lasell offers an online Master of Science in management program that requires 30 credits. The curriculum delves into topics including global leadership, financial management, strategic marketing, and ethical theory and management. Students can complete the program online or enroll in a blended/hybrid format with some on-campus coursework. Lasell delivers most of its online coursework asynchronously for maximum flexibility. Students in the management program can choose between a research project and an in-person internship as a capstone experience. Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5 Example Major-Specific Courses: Global leadership, financial management In-Person Requirements: Yes, internship $775/credit Located in Joliet, Illinois, the University of St. Francis (USF) offers an online Master of Science in management program with eight concentration options, including data science in healthcare, human resource management, and management of training and development. In addition to nine credits of concentration courses, students complete a 15-credit core that includes courses in developing personal leadership and leading continuous improvement. All students complete a management practicum experience in the field. The fastest completion timeline for this degree is 15 months. Example Major-Specific Courses: Developing personal leadership, leading continuous improvement Concentrations Available: Data science in healthcare; health administration; human resource management; instructional design in online learning; management of training and development; performance improvement; quality improvement in healthcare; supply chain management In-Person Requirements: Yes, practicum $498/credit Located in Mount Vernon, Ohio, Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) offers an online Master of Science in management program with four concentration options: logistics management, organizational management, human resource management , and human and social services leadership. Students complete nine credits in their concentration, in addition to core coursework in areas including strategic management, organizational behavior, global business and ethical leadership. The typical student completes this degree in 16 months. The 30-credit curriculum does not include any in-person requirements. Our Flexibility Rating: N/A Example Major-Specific Courses: Organizational behavior, strategic management Concentrations Available: Logistics management; organizational management; human resource management; human and social services leadership $698/credit Located in Northfield, Vermont, Norwich is the oldest private military college in the nation. The university has recently expanded into distance learning and now offers a Master of Science program in management with 13 concentration options, including supply chain management , project management, fiscal management, organizational leadership management and nonprofit management. The typical student completes this program in 18 months, and each online course lasts for 11 weeks. Application Fee: $150 Example Major-Specific Courses: Leadership fundamentals, strategic management Concentrations Available: General; construction management; critical infrastructure protection and cyber crime; cyber law and international perspectives on cyberspace; cybersecurity; public sector leadership and crisis management; human resources leadership management; nonprofit management; organizational leadership management; fiscal management; technology management; project management; supply chain management $499/credit Headquartered in Marion, Indiana, Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) reaches students around the world through its online National and Global campus. The university’s online Master of Science program in management includes four concentration options: data analytics, information technology management, healthcare administration, and policy and organizational change. No matter their chosen concentration, all of the program’s students complete courses in areas such as foundations of graduate business and ethical and legal aspects of management. The program’s curriculum consists of 30 total credits. The university delivers all online coursework asynchronously. Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of graduate business; ethical and legal aspects of management Concentrations Available: Data analytics; information technology management; policy and organizational change These days, an online degree might seem like the obvious choice. However, distance learning is only the right fit for a specific type of student . To determine if that’s you, ask yourself a few key questions: What’s your budget? Distance learning is a solid option for students looking to save money, as online students generally avoid paying campus-related costs such as housing and transportation. Additionally, some public universities allow students who exclusively enroll in online courses to pay in-state or otherwise discounted tuition rates. What are your other obligations? Online learning is often the right choice for parents and students who plan to work full or part time while enrolled. Many of the ranked programs in our guide were built for business professionals who want to complete their master’s degrees around their jobs. What’s your learning style? This is possibly the biggest question when determining whether or not online learning is right for you. If you are disciplined, organized and self-motivated, you can likely succeed in a less structured distance learning environment. If you crave regular interactions with a peer group or professor or prefer the structure of a physical classroom, campus-based learning might be a better choice. There are two important types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. Institutional accreditation is the more important of the two. The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) oversee the agencies that manage the institutional accreditation process. These agencies are each responsible for the schools within a group of states, vetting these schools for the quality of their academics, faculty and finances, among other areas. You should only enroll at institutionally accredited schools, as this is the only way to qualify for federal financial aid. You can check a prospective school’s accreditation by visiting the accreditation page on its website or checking the directory on CHEA’s website. Programmatic accreditation provides a similar vetting service in specific fields and disciplines. Its importance varies by field; however, programmatic accreditation is relatively important in business and management. With master’s in management programs, keep an eye out for accreditation from three organizations: the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, or the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs. Consider Your Future Goals An online master’s in management program is generally a good option for an early career business professional who aspires to managerial and supervisory roles in their field. Some people claim that a master’s in management is a more practical degree than an M.B.A. , focused more on minutiae and data such as budgeting and forecasting. As such, many schools build their programs with working business professionals in mind. To that end, many online master’s in management programs do not include field experience or practicum experiences or internships. If you want your program to include this opportunity, you’ll have to research more carefully on the front end. Since management is a general field, some online programs in the field offer more specific concentrations in areas such as nonprofit management, human resource management or supply chain management. If you know you want to enter one of these subfields, make sure to apply to a program with the right concentration option. Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options Per-credit tuition rates for the 10 ranked programs in our guide ranged from $347 to $775. Over the course of a typical 30- to 36-credit master’s in management program, these rates translate to approximately $10,000 to $28,000 in total tuition. As of the 2021–2022 academic year, the National Center for Education Statistics found that the average college charged $20,513 in annual tuition. For a one- or two-year master’s program, this translates to roughly $20,000 to $40,000 in total tuition. Make sure to fill out the FAFSA to finance your master’s program. The FAFSA can lead to loans, scholarships and grants. You can pursue similar opportunities through nonprofit organizations and schools. You can also seek out graduate assistantships through your school, but these opportunities are often reserved for on-campus students. Is a master’s in management worth it? It depends on your goals and circumstances. However, if you hope to advance to a managerial role in a business field, a master’s in management is often worth it, equipping you with qualifications and skills necessary to advance your career. Is a master’s in management the same as an M.B.A.? No, they are two separate degrees. Some would say that a master’s in management is a more practical degree, focused on budgeting and forecasting as opposed to big-picture thinking. A master’s in management is often built for early career business professionals, while an M.B.A. targets career changers and accelerators. How long does a master’s in management take? The programs in our guide generally take between 12 and 24 months to complete depending on how many courses you take per term. Mikeie Reiland is a writer who has written features for Oxford American, Bitter Southerner, Gravy, and SB Nation, among other publications. He received a James Beard nomination for a feature he wrote in 2023. home UniSA Home globe-filled International Student eye-comparison-filled 0 Compare telephone-small +61 8 8302 7300 login Login Explore our range of 100% online career focused degrees across a range of areas. Our degrees have been designed specifically for online learning. Single courses Study a single course to enhance your knowledge, get a taste of a new career direction, or as a stepping stone towards a full degree. arrow-small-right Bachelor of Accounting arrow-small-right Bachelor of Business (Financial Planning) arrow-small-right Bachelor of Business (Economics, Finance and Trade) arrow-small-right Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management) arrow-small-right Bachelor of Business (Management) arrow-small-right Bachelor of Business (Marketing) arrow-small-right Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Event and Hospitality Management) arrow-small-right Bachelor of Digital Business arrow-small-right Diploma in Digital Business arrow-small-right Graduate Certificate in Business (Digital Transformation) arrow-small-right Undergraduate Certificate in Business (Digital Innovation) arrow-small-right Undergraduate Certificate in Digital Technology for Business arrow-small-right Bachelor of Communication arrow-small-right Bachelor of Digital Media arrow-small-right Bachelor of Marketing and Communication arrow-small-right Associate Degree in Engineering arrow-small-right Bachelor of Construction Management arrow-small-right Bachelor of Health Science (Healthy Ageing) arrow-small-right Bachelor of Health Science arrow-small-right Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise) arrow-small-right Bachelor of Public Health arrow-small-right Bachelor of Data Analytics arrow-small-right Bachelor of Information Technology arrow-small-right Undergraduate Certificate in Information Technology arrow-small-right Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice arrow-small-right Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology arrow-small-right Bachelor of Psychology arrow-small-right Graduate Certificate in Childhood Trauma arrow-small-right Bachelor of Community Health From enrolment to graduation, UniSA Online sets you up for success. Discover each step of your student journey, and how to navigate online study. arrow-small-right Your student journey arrow-small-right Find a program arrow-small-right How to apply arrow-small-right Apply for credit arrow-small-right Enrolment arrow-small-right Orientation arrow-small-right How you'll learn arrow-small-right Support services arrow-small-right Graduation Our graduates get jobs. Be supported as you launch or advance your career with UniSA Online's personalised advice and career services. arrow-small-right Build your career arrow-small-right Info and Advice Get support whenever you need it. Find out more about key dates, admission criteria, fees and finance, and tech requirements. arrow-small-right FAQs arrow-small-right Key term dates arrow-small-right Academic calendar arrow-small-right Admission criteria arrow-small-right Fees and finance arrow-small-right Scholarships and grants arrow-small-right Tech requirements Learn more about UniSA Online, one of Australia's largest online education providers. arrow-small-right About UniSA Online arrow-small-right Meet our staff arrow-small-right Meet our students arrow-small-right News arrow-small-right Partner with us talk-feedback-speech-bubble Contact Us envelope-email-mail Enquire eye-comparison-filled Compare You're an International student if you are: NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders) Please remember your residency (the country you are currently in) has no impact on whether you are an Australian or International student. UniSA Online degrees normally require international students to study outside of Australia. If you would like to study a UniSA Online degree within Australia, your visa conditions will need to allow online study. For advice on eligibility to study onshore in Australia, please contact us . UO Foundations of Human Biology 2 Course Level Undergraduate Course information Area/Catalogue BIOL 1053 Study Method 100% online Course ID 163181 Unit Value 4.5 Duration 10 weeks Fees View fees for this course This course has not been timetabled for 2025. To develop knowledge in integrative physiology. Course content Extension of homeostasis; regulation and integration of body systems (immune, urinary, respiratory, and endocrine systems), and continuity (genetics, reproductive and cell biology, physiological development across the lifespan). Prerequisites Common to all relevant programs Subject Area & Catalogue Number Course Name BIOL 1052 Corequisite(s) Teaching method. Component Duration EXTERNAL, ONLINE ACTIVITY Online 10 weeks x N/A Note: These components may or may not be scheduled in every study period. Please refer to the timetable for further details. Presentation, Test/Quiz EFTSL*: 0.125 Commonwealth Supported program (Band 2) To determine the fee for this course as part of a Commonwealth Supported program, go to: How to determine your Commonwealth Supported course fee. (Opens new window) Fee-paying program for domestic and international students International students and students undertaking this course as part of a postgraduate fee paying program must refer to the relevant program home page to determine the cost for undertaking this course. Non-award enrolment Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to: How to determine the relevant non award tuition fee. (Opens new window) Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course. * Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Please note all EFTSL values are published and calculated at ten decimal places. Values are displayed to three decimal places for ease of interpretation Online Course Facilitators Degree this course is offered in XBCH Bachelor of Community Health XBHS Bachelor of Health Science XBHS Bachelor of Health Science (Healthy Ageing) XBNE Bachelor of Health Science (Nutrition and Exercise) XBPY Bachelor of Psychology XBPH Bachelor of Public Health XDHE Diploma in Health Daylight Saving Time Pros and Cons of DST Countdown Timer Alarm Clock Digital Clock World Time Zones USA & Canada Time Zones NST / NDT (Newfoundland Time) AST / ADT (Atlantic Time) EST / EDT (Eastern Time) CST / CDT (Central Time) MST / MDT (Mountain Time) PST / PDT (Pacific Time) AKST / AKDT (Alaska Time) HAST / HADT (Hawaii-Aleutian Time) Canada Time Zone Map USA Time Zone Map Mexico Time Zone Map Greenwich Mean Time Fully Furnished Apartment Available Long- and Short-term in Helsinki Source: Dolce & Gabbana Local current time in Ryazan, Ryazan Oblast, Russia Ryazan is the administrative center of Ryazan Oblast in Russia. The city is located on the banks of Oka River 200 kilometers (130 mi) southeast of Moscow. Time and date Ryazan, ryazan oblast, russia, utc / gmt * details. Standard UTC/GMT: +3 hours Daylight Saving Time (DST): DST is not observed in Ryazan in 2024. Sunrise: 04:49 Sunset: 20:04 Transit: 12:26 Civil twilight begin 04:06 end 20:46 Nautical twilight begin 03:09 end 21:44 Astronomical twilight begin 01:46 end 23:07 Sunrise and sunset times on the following 7 days Day Sunrise Sunset Sun (11 Aug 2024) 04:50 20:02 Mon (12 Aug 2024) 04:52 20:00 Tue (13 Aug 2024) 04:54 19:57 Wed (14 Aug 2024) 04:56 19:55 Thu (15 Aug 2024) 04:58 19:53 Fri (16 Aug 2024) 05:00 19:51 Sat (17 Aug 2024) 05:01 19:49 Weather forecast for Ryazan Current condition, four day forecast, coordinates. Latitude: 54°37' North Longitude: 39°44' East saving time information Standard time is followed year around in Ryazan. Current Time In Ryazan, Ryazan Oblast, Russia Academic Calendar Campus Services Faculties & Schools Student Service Centre UBC Directory August 8, 2024 Graduate Teaching Assistant (Winter 2024/2025 Academic Term) Submit Application GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT (2024/25 Academic term) Course Number and Title: Various Undergraduate and Graduate Courses Instructor:   Various Number of Positions:    Qualifications Required: Graduate students in Nursing; Undergraduate degree in Nursing required; Strong critical appraisal skills; Excellent interpersonal communication skills; Very good computer skills; Excellent academic writing skills. Assists with organization of learning activities in the basic undergraduate program courses under the direct supervision of a faculty member. These activities may include: Assisting faculty with setup and planning of learning resources and activities Guiding groups of students through clinical skills experiential learning sessions Communicating with students on an ongoing basis throughout the term Providing direction to students regarding course learning activities Communicating with course leaders on an ongoing basis Assisting with evaluating student academic and/or clinical skill performance Hours of work:                 4 – 12 hours per week between September 2024 to April 2025 Current salary:                 *GTA I = $40.16 per hour                                             **GTA II = $38.65 per hour Application: Members of the CUPE 2278 bargaining unit (Teaching Assistants Component), please submit application with resume by 11:59 pm, Monday, August 19, 2024 to be reviewed for eligibility as preferred candidates. Applications submitted after August 19, 2024 may not be considered. To apply, please fill out the Qualtrics survey, https://ubc.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1G1jF2XbGaEaZz8 . If there are any questions or concerns, please email [email protected]   _______________________________ *Graduate Student Teaching Assistant I is a graduate who has completed two (2) years’ service as a graduate student teaching assistant. **Graduate Student Teaching Assistant II is a graduate student with less than two (2) years’ service as a graduate student teaching assistant. Closing Date Mon, August 19, 2024 Other careers Sessional Nursing Practice Educator (formerly "Clinical Associate") Closing Date: Ongoing Graduate Teaching Assistant (Winter Session) Closing Date: July 24, 2024 Providence Health Care/UBC Professorship in Indigenous Cultural Safety and Nursing, Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) Closing Date: September 10, 2024 Sessional Lecturer (NURS 280) Closing Date: August 16, 2024 Sessional Lecturer (NURS 504) Current Local Time in Ryazan, Russia Saturday, 10 August 2024 Country: Oblast: Lat/Long: 54°37'N / 39°45'E Elevation: 120 m Currency: Russian Ruble (RUB) Languages: Russian Country Code: +7 Fog. 24 / 13 °C Sun 11. 21 / 13 °C Mon 12. 19 / 12 °C Weather by CustomWeather, © 2024 More weather details About MSK — Moscow Standard Time Set your location More Sun & Moon in Ryazan + Show More Twilight and Moon Phase Information Astronomical Twilight Nautical twilight, civil twilight, previous moon phase, next moon phase. Need some help? Tools & Converters Meeting Planner for Ryazan Time Zone Converter for Ryazan Event Time Announcer for Ryazan Time difference between Ryazan and other locations Distance calculator to/from Ryazan Display a free clock for Ryazan on your website or blog Calendar & Holidays Create Russia calendar Upcoming Holidays 3 Nov - Unity Day Holiday 4 Nov - Unity Day 30 Dec - New Year Holiday More Holidays in Russia Domodedovo International Airport, DME About 147 km NW of Ryazan Sheremetyevo International Airport, SVO About 212 km NW of Ryazan Other cities near Ryazan 469 IMAGES How Long Does It Take To Get a PhD? PPT How Long Does A PhD Take? Sample Dissertation Timeline : Ph.D. Course Details Admissions and aid VIDEO RMLAU PhD Course work full information #phdinterview #pdtechmath PhD PhD Course Work from IIT Mandi What to Choose Between Full Time & Part Time PhD |Does Part Time PhD has Same Value as Full Time Phd Is PhD End PhD course work ? Syllabus || with govt. Job COMMENTS 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 it Take To Get A PhD? Doctorate Degree Timeline For full-time PhD students, the journey typically take 3-6 years. However, if you're juggling other commitments and opt for a part-time PhD, the timeline can extend to 7 years to complete, sometimes more. ... Each course can feel like a mini research project, requiring more than just classroom attendance. This phase lays the foundation but is ... How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD? A Go-Getter's Guide The first way to guarantee it will take less time to get your PhD is to, of course, enroll in a shorter PhD program. ... Part-time PhD programs may take up to 7-8 years to complete. Direct-entry PhD programs and dual master's and PhD programs are typically 5 years long. If you're enrolling in an online, hybrid or accelerated PhD program ... 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 the PhD Program Works How the PhD Program Works. Completing your doctorate at Wharton requires 5 years of full-time study. The first 2 years in the program prepare you for admission to candidacy by taking courses, qualifying exams, and starting research projects. In the last few years, you are primarily conducting research full-time including writing and defending ... 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. Doctoral Programs Doctoral Programs. Health care and politics. Inequality and public policy. Economics and disruption. You see today's most compelling global issues as complex, interrelated, and urgent. You believe that fresh ideas—and research to carry them through—are critical to building stronger communities and a more just world. PhD in USA Summary. 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. 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 ... Everything You Need To Know About The PhD Course Duration [2024] Generally, a PhD course duration spans three to six years full-time, with some variations depending on the country, the discipline, and the individual's pace of study. For example, the journey toward a doctoral degree typically takes around five to six years to complete in the United States. The European model, however, can be a bit shorter ... Doctoral Degree Programs The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D) is a three-year, practice-based program designed to produce system-level leaders in American pre-K-12 education. The Ed.L.D. curriculum mines the vast intellectual and professional resources of HGSE, the Harvard Business School, and the Harvard Kennedy School, and includes a 10-month residency in the ... PhD Programs The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) prepares students to effect powerful change rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomics theory, management, research methods, and statistics. 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. Ph.D. Requirements The normal residency requirement is the equivalent of three Academic Years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree. Students who enter a PhD program at Brown already holding a master's degree in a related field have a residency requirement equivalent to two Academic Years of full-time study upon entering the PhD program at Brown. Use ... Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing (PhD) Most full-time Johns Hopkins Nursing PhD students receive 100% tuition funding and guaranteed compensation for the first four years of study. ... Each student completes a core curriculum and works closely with faculty advisors to complete an individualized course of study that fulfills the student's goals and develops the basis for a program ... PhD Coursework & Plan of Study PhD Coursework & Plan of Study. Each student will complete at least 39 graduate hours while enrolled in the iSchool doctoral program prior to entering candidacy. A full-time student will ordinarily take two to three years to complete this coursework. To count toward a PhD, all coursework must be no more than six years old when the doctoral ... 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 ... PhD Programs The school of graduate studies at Rutgers mandates a minimum of three years of full-time study for the PhD, consisting of two years of coursework (48 credits), and at least one year of research (24 credits), culminating in the dissertation. ... The graduate course offerings are designed to explore the intricate connections between feminist ... PhD Program Requirements PhD Degree Requirements The PhD program requires 10 core courses, one policy elective, plus a minimum of five electives, which may be 2-, 3- or 4-credit courses. During their first year, all students are required to take the Doctoral Seminar (0 credits). Students will spend two years meeting their course requirements. Full-time status is defined as nine or more credit hours per semester. Curriculum The MSW degree is normally received at the end of the fourth full term of study, after required hours of course work is successfully completed. Students must have registered for a minimum of 30 of these hours in the School of Social Work. This total can include both MSW- and PhD-level social work courses. PDF Sample PhD Program Course 1. Students may petition out of the N706 requirement if they had a graduate-level research course within the last 5 years. 2. N816 Proseminar inNursing Researchis taken 4 semesters,covering. I. Introduction to PhD education,Scholarship, NurseScientistRoles(Academic,Clinical Scientist, Policy, etc…), Individual Development Planning. II. PhD: Full Form, Admission 2024, Courses, Degree, Entrance Exams Full-Time PhD. Full-Time PhD is a normal Doctor of Philosophy program. The duration of these programs ranges between 4 - 6 years. ... PhD Courses: Law. PhD courses related to Law are PhD in Law, Doctor of Law (LL.D.), PhD in Legal Studies M.Phil in Law. The PhD in Law course brings ample opportunities for students to choose from. Interesting ... Graduate Degree Programs Explore Penn State's graduate and professional degree programs and learn more about requirements, experiences, and how to apply. ... Discover the professional degrees and courses at Penn State's law and medical schools. For a full list of programs, visit the University Bulletin. Advance your career with Penn State's renowned academic offerings ... Computer Science Every effort has been made to include in this catalog information that, at the time of publication, most accurately represents Southern Methodist University. The provisions of the publication are not, however, to be regarded as an irrevocable contract between the student and Southern Methodist University. The University reserves the right to change, at any time and without prior notice, any ... Best Online Master's In Management Of 2024 Students take either one or two courses at a time and should expect to spend 10 to 15 hours per week on each course. ... Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations of graduate business; ethical ... 2025 Non-award tuition fees are set by the university. To determine the cost of this course, go to: How to determine the relevant non award tuition fee. (Opens new window) Not all courses are available on all of the above bases, and students must check to ensure that they are permitted to enrol in a particular course. * Equivalent Full Time Study Load. Local current time in Ryazan, Russia Local current time in Ryazan, Ryazan Oblast, Russia Ryazan is the administrative center of Ryazan Oblast in Russia. The city is located on the banks of Oka River 200 kilometers (130 mi) southeast of Moscow. Current Time In Ryazan, Ryazan Oblast, Russia View, compare and convert Current Time In Ryazan, Ryazan Oblast, Russia - Time zone, daylight saving time, time change, time difference with other cities. Convert time between multiple locations, check timezone time, city time, plan travel time, flight arrival time, conference calls and webinars across all time zones. Graduate Teaching Assistant (Winter 2024/2025 Academic Term) GRADUATE TEACHING ASSISTANT(2024/25 Academic term) Course Number and Title: Various Undergraduate and Graduate CoursesInstructor: VariousNumber of Positions: Qualifications Required: Graduate students in Nursing; Undergraduate degree in Nursing required; Strong critical appraisal skills; Excellent interpersonal communication skills; Very good computer skills; Excellent academic writing skills. Current Local Time in Ryazan, Russia Airports. Current local time in Russia - Ryazan. Get Ryazan's weather and area codes, time zone and DST. Explore Ryazan's sunrise and sunset, moonrise and moonset. essay homework paper phd project resume review study thesis