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EdD vs. PhD in Education: What’s the Difference?

Career Advice & Advancement Industry Advice Education

If you’re interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in education, one of the first questions you’ll face is: Should I apply for a Doctor of Education (EdD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Education?

The decision between these two culminating degrees can be career-defining as each serves a very different purpose despite being equivalent in level. In order to ensure you choose the path that best aligns with your future goals and career path, it’s important to take the time to first understand the differences in program curriculum and future career opportunities that relate to each degree.

Read on to learn about the defining qualities and key differences of an EdD and a PhD in Education to determine which program is the right fit for you.

EdD vs. PhD in Education

A Doctor of Education  is a professional degree designed for practitioners pursuing educational leadership roles. A Doctor of Philosophy in Education , on the other hand, is designed to prepare graduates for research and teaching roles.

“With a PhD, [students are] reviewing the research, seeing a gap in the literature, and generating new knowledge based on a theory or hypothesis,” says Joseph McNabb , a professor of practice in Northeastern’s Graduate School of Education . “Conversely, an EdD student starts with a problem of practice and [works to learn] the skills it will take to resolve that complex problem of practice.”

What is an EdD degree?

An EdD, or Doctor of Education , is a professional doctorate best suited for experienced educators and mid- to senior-level working professionals who want to lead and implement change within their organization.

EdD candidates work in a broad range of fields ranging from K-12 and higher education to nonprofits, government, healthcare, and the military. What each share is a desire to transform their everyday environment and apply the lessons learned through their doctorate to a complex, critical issue facing their workplace. 

The EdD is practice-based. Students in an EdD program don’t want to just research their area of interest, but leverage that research in ways that could positively influence their community or organization’s decision-making process.

Learn More: 5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Concentration

Those who pursue an EdD focus on qualitative, exploratory research. Students collect data and conduct individual interviews, observations, or focus groups to construct hypotheses and develop strategies that can help solve or clarify a specific problem of practice, such as how to support student veterans transitioning to civilian life or how to foster more female leaders in higher education—two dissertation topics recently explored through Northeastern’s EdD program .

What can you do with an EdD Degree?

While an EdD can be applied to a variety of industries and career options—such as K-12, higher education, the nonprofit sector, or civic service—there are several job titles you’ll likely come across within your cohort of classmates. They include:

• Postsecondary education administrators: Postsecondary education administrators work in colleges or universities, and typically oversee faculty research, academics, admissions, or student affairs. Some job titles that fall under this category include president, vice president, provost, and dean. The average annual salary for a postsecondary education administrator rings in at $102,610 .
• Elementary and secondary school education administrators: Superintendents, who are the top executives of a school district, fall under this category. They manage academic programs, spending, and the staffing of all educational facilities within their district, and typically earn an average of $111,020 per year .
• Top executives : In education, a top executive could be a “chief learning officer” or “chief academic officer”—senior-level professionals who drive and develop strategies that help their organization meet critical business goals. Top executives make an average of $103,840 per year .
• Instructional coordinators : Instructional coordinators create and manage school curricula and other educational materials. They help teachers implement effective classroom learning strategies and measure the effectiveness of what’s being taught and how. The average annual salary for instructional coordinators is $74,620 .

These are just a few of the many career opportunities available to EdD graduates.

Learn More: 8 Careers You Can Pursue with a Doctorate in Education

What is a PhD in Education?

A PhD in Education is a terminal degree best suited for individuals who want to pursue a career in academia or research at the university level.

Students in PhD or doctoral programs take a more theoretical, study-based approach to learning. In most cases, their goal is to master a specific subject or add their unique findings to a body of existing literature. PhD candidates conduct original research in the hopes of driving change in their field or inspiring others to make change based on their work.

A PhD is the degree most popular amongst those who aspire to become a professor or obtain a tenure position. Through these programs, students tend to focus on getting published in well-respected journals, presenting at national conferences, and learning how to teach future educators.

What can you do with a PhD in Education?

While some of the above roles can also be earned through a PhD program, the most common job titles for PhD-holders include:

• Postsecondary teachers: Postsecondary teachers instruct students at a college or university. When they’re not in the classroom, they’re often focused on conducting research, attending conferences, and publishing scholarly papers and books. Postsecondary teachers earn an average $84,380 per year .
• Academic researcher : Researchers often have the opportunity to create their own centers or institutes, hire staff to help carry out their work, and secure funding for that work. Salaries often vary by subject area, but a general academic researcher typically earns an average of $85,234 per year .

EdD or PhD: Which is better for you?

Once you’ve explored the differences between an EdD and PhD in Education, the most relevant question to consider will be: What’s the next step I want to take in my career, and which degree can help me achieve my professional goals? The answer to this question will determine which degree program you ultimately pursue.

Earning your doctorate can pay off no matter which path you choose. Professionals with a doctoral degree earn an average of $109,668 a year —far more than master’s degree holders. Similarly, doctoral degree holders see an unemployment rate of only 1.6% compared to the national unemployment rate of 2%.

Regardless of which degree you ultimately pursue, there is enormous potential for you to advance your career in the field of education. Evaluating your needs and values will help you understand whether an EdD or PhD in Education is best suited to your personal and professional goals.

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in July 2017. It has since been updated for accuracy and relevance.

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About scott w. o'connor, related articles, 5 tips for choosing your edd concentration.

What to Expect from an EdD Program

6 Benefits of Online EdD Programs

Did you know.

The median annual salary for professional degree holders is $97,000. (BLS, 2020)

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Higher Education: Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Education

The Ph.D. in education with a concentration in higher education develops scholars who are able to conduct original research and interpret and communicate the results of such research through writing, teaching, practice, and other means.

At a Glance

Program results.

Ph.D. - Doctor of Philosophy in Education

–Higher Education

Career Objective

This program prepares graduates to pursue faculty careers or become senior administrators in colleges and universities.

Best Suited To

Highly qualified scholar-researchers who are interested in working in fields where the emphasis is on the production and communication of scholarship.

Program Type

Estimated length.

2-3 full years for coursework, plus dissertation research.

Application Deadline

About this program.

The School of Education and Human Development's Ph.D. in education with a concentration higher education program prepares graduates to pursue faculty careers or become senior administrators in colleges and universities. This is a research-based, full-time program that is offered in Charlottesville only.

Ph.D. students complete a program of study that includes at least 60 hours of coursework (excluding dissertation credit). Acceptance of up to 24 hours of transfer credit from a student’s master’s degree program or from post-master’s work completed at another institution is determined on an individual basis by the student’s advisor and the program head. The program coordinator may exempt students from required courses that they have already taken.

In addition to a required set of core courses in higher education (12 credits) and a minor in research methods (18 credits), the Ph.D. student is also required to complete elective coursework in higher education (12 credits). A content minor (12 credits), chosen with the advice and consent of the student’s advisor and organized around a theme or set of questions, is also required for the Ph.D. Courses for the content minor may be taken outside of the program and the School of Education and Human Development. Typical content minor concentrations include (but are not limited to) higher education policy, economics of higher education, politics of higher education, student affairs in higher education, organization and governance of higher education, and social foundations of higher education.

Ph.D. students are required to complete ten hours of mentored research per week each semester they are enrolled. Internship placements (paid, ten to twenty hours per week) can be arranged within the University of Virginia and at cooperating colleges and universities, other postsecondary agencies, or institutes. Research assistantships may also be available.

• Request Information

Program Overview

Admission requirements.

Admission requirements that apply specifically to this program are listed below:

• Statement of purpose (3-5 pages, speaks to reasons for pursuing the degree, including academic and professional goals)
• Writing sample (typically a paper written during Master’s program)
• Applicants are welcome but are not required to come to the School of Education and Human Development for an interview. To schedule an interview or campus visit, please reach out to the contact at the bottom of this page.

Visit our  Graduate Admission  page for the full admission process.

Graduate Admission

Application for admission is made to the School of Education and Human Development Office of Admission & Enrollment. For more information about the graduate admission process, please visit our Graduate Admission page.

To learn more about specific courses taken as part of the completion of this degree, visit the graduate record website. These webpages represent the official repository for academic program requirements. A link to these publications can be found in the Curriculum Information section at the bottom of this page.

Total hours required 72 Course credit hours required 60

Core (12 credits)

• EDLF 8665 Contemporary Issues in Higher Education
• EDLF 8654 Organization and Governance in Higher Education
• EDLF 8640 Inequality in Higher Education
• EDLF 8662 Politics and Education

Higher Education Electives (12 credits minimum) Coursework should be distributed between three categories (minimum 1 course per category)

• Student Experience/Student Development
• History, Philosophy, and Contexts
• Governance and Policy 

Research Courses (18 credits required)

Content Minor (minimum 12 credits) Students may take their content minor courses outside the program and the School of Education and Human Development, or they may choose courses from other School of Education and Human Development programs. The minor is meant to supply the student with substantive knowledge of and a theoretical grounding in an area that might be the topic of the dissertation. Courses to be taken for minor credit must be negotiated with and approved by the student’s advisor.

Dissertation (minimum 12 credits) EDLF 9999 Doctoral Dissertation (may be repeated for credit)

Course Descriptions

Information on courses that are part of the Ph.D. in Education-Higher Education curriculum can be found on the UVA graduate record website.

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Fellowship

There is a pressing need to address and eradicate racial injustice from institutions of higher education across the country. The most effective responses to this complex situation are informed by collaboration among scientists, social scientists and humanists. Mutual insights from psychology, sociology, public policy, and higher education are further enriched and deepened through their intersection with the study of anthropology, culture, economics, history, politics and spatial planning. Training researchers across these areas will advance the development of meaningful interventions in the higher education environment, refine our ability to assess these interventions quantitatively and qualitatively, and enhance our opportunity to engage public audiences on this topic. Doctoral students with this background will be better positioned to pursue research careers in academe and a variety of employment sectors.

Race and Inequality in Higher Education Fellowship Website

Although students will apply to the Ph.D. in Education-Higher Education program, more information regarding the fellowship can be found on The Graduate School of Arts & Sciences website.

Additional Program Details

Departmental fellowships and assistantships are provided to a select number of applicants each year. A typical funding package includes funding for nine months in a combination of wages and stipends, tuition and all mandatory fees, and funds to cover student health insurance costs. The University also offers a limited number of competitive fellowships for which students enrolled in Ph.D. programs may apply.

Visit the  Fellowships, Scholarships, and Awards  page for additional funding opportunities.

In 2024, the UVA School of Education & Human Development is ranked #8 for best graduate schools of education in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

The school is ranked #18 in higher education for graduate schools of education.

Higher Education News

Higher Education Alumni Reunion Celebrates Legacy and Community

Six decades of Higher Education alumni gathered to celebrate the program’s five founders and launch a fund supporting new community-building initiatives.

Program Faculty

Juan C. Garibay

• Associate Professor

Karen Kurotsuchi Inkelas

• Professor of Education

Brian Pusser

Christian L. Steinmetz

• Assistant Professor

Current Ph.D. Students

Below are some current students in this program. Prospective students are encouraged to reach out to current students via email to inquire about the program experience.

Jesse McCain

• Ph.D. Student

Danielle A. Moore-Lewis

Christian P.L. West

The following faculty proposed the theme for an interdisciplinary doctoral fellowship program and are committed to co-mentoring students. Please contact them with questions about the research cluster or to discuss your research interests.

• 434-924-3180
• [email protected]

Ridley Hall 286 PO Box 400265 405 Emmet Street S Charlottesville, VA 22903

Josipa Roksa

• 434-924-6528

PO Box 400766 445 Rugby Rd Charlottesville, VA 22903

• 434-243-6461

Ridley Hall 288 PO Box 400265 405 Emmet Street S Charlottesville, VA 22903

Admission & Enrollment

Engaging with prospective students and families on the process of applying to our school.

• 434-924-0742
• Ridley Hall 102
• Monday-Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm

Doctor of Education : Doctorate Degree in Education

Johns Hopkins’ newly redesigned, global online Doctor of Education is at the forefront of education doctoral programs with the most innovative, challenging, and student-centered program of its kind.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the program continues to lead with the “EdD 2.0” offering, which is ideal for the busy education practitioner within any professional context. Our program recognizes that learning is both lifelong and occurs outside of formal schooling.

The vision of the Johns Hopkins EdD program is to prepare education-practitioners across the country and around the world to think critically about problems within their education environment and develop the insights and capacity to lead positive, sustained change.

Questions? Please reach out and we’ll be in touch soon.

Upcoming admissions events.

Have questions about our degree programs, the application, or financial aid and costs? Join us for an inside look at a graduate experience defined by innovation and driven by evidence-based research. Learn more about your area of interest or career path, meet some of our faculty, and connect to the Johns Hopkins School of Education community. Check out our admissions events and register for a virtual information session today.

Doctor of Education Info Session

Core Faculty

Yolanda abel, edd.

Associate Professor

Affiliation

Advanced Studies in Education

Administration, Organization & Leadership, Education Policy & Politics, Social Context of Education

Camille Bryant, PhD

Joshua travis brown, phd.

Assistant Professor

Administration, Organization & Leadership, Education Policy & Politics, Postsecondary Education, Social Context of Education

Marcia Davis, PhD

Associate Professor (Research) Co-Director, Center for Social Organization of Schools Director of Research, Baltimore Education Research Consortium

Center for Social Organization of Schools, SOE Leadership

Learning & Instruction, Research, Evaluation & Assessment

Christine Eith, PhD

Interim Department Chair, Advanced Studies in Education Assistant Professor

Keri M. Guilbault, EdD

Associate Professor Interim Director, Doctor of Education Program Faculty Lead, Gifted Education Programs

Counseling & Educational Studies

Gifted Education, Learning & Instruction

Ranjini Mahinda JohnBull, PhD

Learning & Instruction, Mind, Brain, & Teaching

Olivia Marcucci, PhD

Advanced Studies in Education, Center for Safe and Healthy Schools

Social Context of Education

James Diamond, PhD

Educational Technology, Learning & Instruction

E. Juliana Pare-Blagoev, EdD

Eric rice, phd.

Social Context of Education, Urban Education

Laura Flores Shaw, EdD

Assistant Professor Faculty Lead, Doctor of Education

Learning & Instruction

Henry M. Smith, EdD

Administration, Organization & Leadership, Education Policy & Politics

Program Overview

Exceptional education-practitioners will engage with an internationally renowned faculty to cultivate and practice curiosity, critical discourse, and perspective taking in a unique and rigorous course of study using the lenses of social justice, systems thinking, appropriate research methods, and empirical inquiry.

Coursework includes the latest research on the social determinants of education; mind, brain, and teaching; entrepreneurship; data and measurement; and technology. The redesigned program allows our doctoral students to customize their program by expanding their choice of electives so that they may focus more deeply on their professional interests that align with their problem of practice. Our online EdD prepares education practitioners to be transformational leaders within their professional settings.

The vision of the Johns Hopkins EdD program is to impact complex educational problems across the globe by preparing education practitioners to think critically and systemically about problems within their professional settings and develop deep understanding and insights to lead positive, sustained change within those settings.Our graduates create new areas of research, promote distribution and utilization of research findings in professional practice, and contribute to wider public discourse and policy.

Areas of Interest

The EdD program includes areas of interest. Applicants can indicate one or more areas of interest they think are related to a problem of practice and would like to explore. Current areas of interest are:

Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education

• Learning Design and Technology
• Neurodiversity and Neuroeducation

Urban Leadership

*Courses and course sequences are subject to change.

Entrepreneurial Leadership in Education offers a unique opportunity for school and other educational organization leaders in both public and private educational environments. Students develop their knowledge, skills, and dispositions as they engage in leading efforts to build new venture opportunities in varied educational organizations. Through multidisciplinary lenses, educational leaders promote innovation in the paradigms, strategies, values and culture in school systems, social entrepreneurial ventures, and education companies. Each of the courses offers an opportunity to explore leadership theoretical frameworks, identify a Problem of Practice, and create a plan of action, through analysis and synthesis of presentations, readings, and discussion of the current state of multiple educational environments and the visions and challenges for the future.

Available Courses:

• Entrepreneurship in Education
• Talent Management and Organizational Finance for Entrepreneurial Leaders
• Data Driven Decision Making
• Partnerships and Educational Organizations

Mind, Brain, and Teaching

Mind, Brain, and Teaching is designed for educators interested in exploring research from cognitive theories and neurosciences and its potential to inform the education field. Courses promote integration of diverse disciplines that investigate human learning and development. This area of interest builds upon basic and applied research from the fields of cognitive science, psychology and brain sciences, neurology, neuroscience, and education. It provides educators with knowledge of how emerging research in the learning sciences can inform teaching and learning. Students gain the knowledge and skills to interpret basic and applied research and apply relevant findings to educational practices and policies. This area of interest is designed to support the development of knowledge, insights, and competencies among students with two different levels of prior knowledge in the learning sciences: those who have had limited formal exposure to the learning sciences, and those who have a master’s degree or master’s certificate in the learning sciences.

• Fundamentals of Cognitive Development
• Neurobiology of Learning Differences
• Cognitive Processes of Literacy and Numeracy
• Special Topics in Brain Sciences

Cities are usually characterized by diverse populations with rich communities made up of many different races, classes, languages, and nationalities, and this dynamism is a chief strength of urban areas. However, urban schools typically serve populations characterized by high concentrations of poverty and therefore face difficult choices about how to allocate scarce resources. Urban Leadership is designed for educational professionals interested in exploring this dual nature of urban schools through a deep understanding of a Problem of Practice based in their unique context of professional practice. This area of interest prepares educational leaders to work in urban environments through a focus on topics such as building a strength-based understanding of the complexities of urban communities, engaging the latest research on urban educational programs, developing strategies for program improvement, and building partnerships with families, communities, and other organizations.

• Approaches to Urban Education
• Individuals in Urban Context
• Organizations and Institutions
• Partnerships and Community Organizing

Graduates from our EdD program work in diverse areas, including executive roles in educational organizations and start-ups, leadership in K-12 school districts and systems, consultancy in specialized education fields, and more.

• Administrator
• Superintendent
• Instructional Designer
• Chief Learning Officer

100% Online

Continue your full-time career and apply what you learn in real time as you earn your degree 100% online.

Legal Disclosure

State-specific information for online students.

Students should be aware of additional state-specific information for online programs . Johns Hopkins University is a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate , which is the knowledge forum on the EdD. It has a membership of over 100 schools of education in the U.S., Canada, and New Zealand working collaboratively to improve professional preparation in education at the highest level.

PhD in Education

The PhD program in Education is committed to a multidisciplinary approach to educational theory and research as well as to developing educational environments that are just, relevant, and rigorous.

Program Highlights

• Flexible programming for working and commuting professionals. Most classes meet once a week at 4:00 or 7:00 pm, and others are held on weekends.
• Apply up to 20 MA units of graduate work to your PhD
• Enjoy small, interactive classes. You will also work closely with a faculty mentor who helps you navigate your way through graduate school based upon your specific aspirations and interests.
• Take some or all the classes needed to concurrently earn an Allies of Dreamers certificate . The first program of its kind nationally, Allies of Dreamers is a graduate‐level certificate program that provides the historical context, theoretical framework, and specific knowledge needed by K12 teachers and administrators, student affairs professionals in higher education, and community leaders to offer mentorship and advocacy for Dreamers and other undocumented students.
• Join a well-established network of alumni from the School of Educational Studies. There are educators across the nation (and especially prevalent in California) who are ready to welcome new students as kindred spirits and advocates of “the CGU Way.”
• For those interested in a cohort-model PhD program for working professionals in urban K–16 education, check out our Urban Leadership PhD in Education program .

Program At-a-glance

required units

degree awarded

Spring, Summer, Fall

program start

4 years | full time*

estimated completion time

7 years | part time

Areas of Concentration

Higher education/student affairs.

Take an approach to study based on a multidisciplinary view of theory and research and a commitment to developing educational environments that are just, relevant, and rigorous.

K12 Education & Equity

Prepare for a career as a forward-thinking educator who focuses upon the important roles schools play to support our diverse communities.

Urban Leadership

Join an innovative cohort program designed to meet the needs of urban K–14 educational leaders who have a demonstrated potential for leadership in education or a related field.

Frank Frias

Director of Admissions & Recruitment

Where You Can Find Our Alumni

San Bernardino County

Superintendent of Schools

Kit-Macquarie Brain Research Laboratory

Los Angeles Unified School District

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

University of California, Berkeley

Claudia Bermúdez

Clinical Assistant Professor Preliminary Program Coordinator Department of Teacher Education

Deborah Faye Carter

Associate Professor of Higher Education

Research Interests

Higher education; transition to college; college student outcomes; access to college; race in education; mentoring, equity, and diverse learning environments in STEM

Professor of Education Joseph B. Platt Chair in the Management of Technology

STEM education, data science, model building, technology development and management

DeLacy Ganley

Dean, School of Educational Studies Professor of Education

Culturally relevant education; resiliency and achievement of marginalized populations; intersection of families, community, and school; language acquisition; social capital theory; systems theory

Gwen Garrison

Clinical Professor of Education Director of Educational Evaluation and Data Analysis

Organizational effectiveness; diversity & inclusion; research & evaluation process; data systems; data management; data visualization and storytelling

Frances Marie Gipson

Clinical Professor of Education Director, Urban Leadership Program

Urban schooling; distributed leadership; social-emotional learning; culturally relevant and linguistically responsive education; systems theory; learning and achievement; talent and leadership development; P-20 school policy

Rebecca Hatkoff

Director of Teacher Education and Clinical Assistant Professor

Critical Social Justice Teaching Competencies; Classroom and School Ecology; Effective and Empowering Pedagogy for all Students, Teacher Candidates, and Teachers; Strength-Based Views of Schools, Teachers, Students, Households, and Communities

June K. Hilton

Senior Lecturer

STEM Education, Equity Issues in Science and Mathematics, Effective Use of Instructional Technology, Teacher Preparation

Tom Luschei

Professor of Education

International and Comparative Education; Economics of Education; Teacher Quality, Teacher Policy, and Teacher Distribution; Education Policy across the Americas; Bilingual Education Policy and Practice

Dina C. Maramba

Equity and diversity issues in higher education; theory and practice in student affairs; college student development; access and retention; first-generation college students; Asian American and Pacific Islander populations; minority serving institutions

Susan J. Paik

Educational productivity; talent and leader development; giftedness and creativity; learning and achievement; psychosocial and environmental factors; urban and international studies; underserved students; Asian Americans and education; family-school-community partnerships; research methods, design, and evaluation

Linda Perkins

University Professor Director, Applied Gender Studies

Women and African-American higher education, history and contemporary issues on women in higher education, especially Black women, global gender issues.

Emilie Reagan

Associate Professor of Education

Social justice and equity-oriented teacher education policy and practice; context-specific teacher preparation; teacher residency programs; assessment; accountability; quantitative methods; mixed methods

Guan K. Saw

Educational inequality; diversity and inclusion; STEM education and workforce; college access and success; sociology of education; educational psychology; educational evaluation and policy analysis; quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods; health disparities

Samara Suafo’a

Clinical Assistant Professor Assistant Director of Department of Teacher Education.

Program Features

• You will take an introductory course, Proseminar for Doctoral Study, designed to orientate you to doctoral study. Toward the end of your program, you will take another course, Capstone for Doctoral Research, to prepare you for the move from coursework into doctoral research and dissertation writing.
• Sample research and methods courses include: Introduction to Educational Evaluation, Assessment & Effectiveness, Introduction/Advanced Qualitative Inquiry, Introduction/Advanced Quantitative Research Methods, Research Methods & Design, Community-based Participatory Research – Focus on Transformative Movement Organizing, Research Practicum
• CGU embraces transdisciplinary learning and thinking. To foster the ability to communicate across discipline areas, you will take at least one transdisciplinary course.

Application Guidelines

CGU operates on a priority deadline cycle. Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit complete applications by the priority dates in order to assure maximum consideration for both admission and fellowships.

Spring 2025 Priority Deadline – November 1, 2024 Final Deadline (International) – November 15, 2024 Final Deadline (Domestic) – December 1, 2024 Classes begin – January 21, 2025

Summer 2025 Priority Deadline – February 1, 2025 Final Deadline (International) – March 1, 2025 Final Deadline (Domestic) – April 1, 2025 Classes begin – May 19, 2025

Fall 2025 Priority Deadline – February 1, 2025 Final Deadline (International) – July 5, 2025 Final Deadline (Domestic) – August 1, 2025 Classes begin – August 25, 2025

Application Checklist

The Claremont Graduate University online application is hosted online by Slate Technolutions via a secure web server. You will create a username and password so that you can return to continue your application over several sessions and check your status after submission. After you submit your application, it is made available for review by our faculty and staff.

Begin your application

The application fee is non-refundable.

Applicants must submit a sealed, official transcript from every undergraduate and graduate institution that has granted the applicant a degree. Electronic transcripts sent to [email protected] are also accepted. For undergraduate coursework, applicants are required to submit proof of a completed bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Unofficial copies of transcripts are accepted for review purposes, but official copies will be required upon admission.

Applicants currently earning a degree that will be completed prior to attending CGU are required to submit a transcript showing work in progress for evaluation purposes. Once the degree has been granted, a final official transcript documenting the degree conferred must be submitted to CGU.

International applicants are advised to review the International Transcript Guidelines for additional information on submitting international transcripts.

Applicants must submit an up-to-date copy of their resume.

A valid score on one of the following examinations TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson PTE, Duolingo English Test is required of all non-native English-speaking applicants. The examination is not required for the following applicants:

• Citizens or permanent residents of countries where English is the sole official language of instruction, e.g., Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Canada (except Quebec), England, Ghana, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria, Scotland, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad, Tobago, Uganda, and Wales (see the CGU Bulletin for a complete list of accepted countries).
• Applicants who hold an undergraduate or advanced degree, or will have earned such a degree prior to enrolling at CGU, from an institution in the US or in countries where English is the sole official language of instruction (see above).
• Applicants who have successfully completed an academic English pre-master’s or intensive graduate bridge program from a nationally recognized, regionally accredited four-year college or university in the United States in the last two years, with submitted evidence of successful completion, and subject to curriculum approval.
• CGU allows for an English proficiency waiver if the applicant has received, or will receive prior to enrollment at CGU, an undergraduate or advanced degree from an institution where English is one of the primary languages of instruction for the majority of courses in the student’s program. To receive the waiver, documentation must be provided by the applicant to show that English is the language of instruction at their university/college.

CGU’s school code for the TOEFL exam is 4053 .

International applicants are encouraged to visit our International Applicants page for more information, including score requirements.

Please submit a five-page, double-spaced personal statement that answers the following questions:

1. Who are you? 2. What is your research interest? 3. Why are you pursuing this graduate degree? 4. What is your professional and academic background? 5. Why CGU? 6. Why the School of Educational Studies?

When filling out the online application, please enter references acquainted with your potential for success who will submit a written recommendation on your behalf. In most academic departments, references from faculty members who can speak to your academic ability are preferred; applicants with substantial work experience may request professional references. Please do not enter family members as references.

You will be required to input information for your recommenders (whether they are submitting online or not) in the “Recommendations” section of the online application. Please follow the directions in this section carefully before clicking on “Recommendation Provider List” to input the names and contact information for each recommender. You will have an opportunity to indicate if the reference writer will be submitting online. These reference writers will receive an email from CGU with instructions on submitting an online recommendation.

Recommenders who are indicated as offline will not receive an email from CGU with instructions to submit. These reference writers can submit via traditional mail and should use the supplemental New Student Recommendation Form. Recommenders can also email their letter of recommendation to the Office of Admissions at [email protected] .

Download the Recommendation Form

ESTIMATED TUITION (CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS, NON-RESIDENTS, INTERNATIONAL)

*Based on 2024-2025 tuition rates.

STUDENT FEES (PER SEMESTER)

For estimates of room & board, books, etc., please download CGU’s  Cost of Attendance 2024-2025 .

Review General Costs

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PhD Overview

PhD Program Overview

The University of Pittsburgh School of Education offers the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in education for students pursuing the highest level of scholarship.

Our PhD program will train you to be a researcher who creates new knowledge and makes an impact. Under the guidance of our world-class faculty, you will become prepared to design studies, conduct research, and publish your findings.

PhD Degree Fast Facts

• 8 majors available
• In-person format
• Takes 4-5 years to complete on average
• Full-time or part-time time commitment

Choose Your PhD Major

PhD in Applied Developmental Psychology

PhD in Education Policy

PhD in Exercise Physiology

PhD in Higher Education

PhD in Language, Literacy, and Culture

PhD in Learning Sciences and Policy

PhD in Special Education

PhD in Urban Education

"As a PhD student, I have thoroughly enjoyed the wealth of knowledge, expertise, and support that the faculty members possess. Their commitment to nurturing a stimulating learning atmosphere has been truly remarkable." Yuan Gao, PhD student

Why Choose Pitt for your PhD?

Successful graduates.

Our graduates work at top research universities, government agencies, and internationally known nonprofits and private organizations.

Top Research University

The University of Pittsburgh is a Research 1 University and a member of the prestigious American Association of Universities.

World-Class Reputation

The School of Education and University of Pittsburgh are regularly ranked among the top universities in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.

PhD Program Facts

PhD Majors Available to choose from

Annual research funding received by faculty

Committed to your success through mentoring and support

Ranked public education school in Pennsylvania U.S. News & World Report

PhD Program Headlines

PhD Alumna MiIsha Reid Receives 2023 CEC Dissertation Award

PhD Alumna MiIsha Reid Receives 2023 CEC Dissertation Award - Read more

Alum Works with CDC to Protect Workers during Pandemic

Alum Works with CDC to Protect Workers during Pandemic - Read more

Pair of Doctoral Students Receive Dissertation Fellowships

Pair of Doctoral Students Receive Dissertation Fellowships - Read more

PhD Student David Smith Receives NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship

PhD Student David Smith Receives NAEd/Spencer Dissertation Fellowship - Read more

PhD Student Aims to Shatter Stereotypes for Pacific Islanders

PhD Student Aims to Shatter Stereotypes for Pacific Islanders - Read more

Alumna Receives ACTFL Award for World Language Teacher Education

Alumna Receives ACTFL Award for World Language Teacher Education - Read more

Language Policy the Focus of PhD Scholarship Recipient

Language Policy the Focus of PhD Scholarship Recipient - Read more

Alumna Receives Award for Top Research Paper in Thailand

Alumna Receives Award for Top Research Paper in Thailand - Read more

PhD Student Alberto Guzman-Alvarez Receives National Dissertation Fellowship

PhD Student Alberto Guzman-Alvarez Receives National Dissertation Fellowship - Read more

PhD Student Wins Research Award for Examining Teacher Well-Being

PhD Student Wins Research Award for Examining Teacher Well-Being - Read more

Take the Next Step

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Teaching, learning, and teacher education, doctor of philosophy (ph.d.), you are here, a doctoral program preparing education researchers, teacher educators, curriculum specialists, and instructional leaders..

The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education focuses on the preparation of researchers and teacher educators in universities and colleges. Focal areas include teaching and learning, research and practice in teacher education, mathematics education, science education, and the study of urban education and urban contexts. 

What Sets Us Apart

About the program.

The Ph.D. in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education focuses on the preparation of researchers in education. The program includes formal courses, mentored research, and informal seminars.  The program is designed to draw together coursework, research apprenticeship, and other professional academic activities to build a complete professional program that is tailored to your interests and needs.

Fall: 3; Spring: 3

Culminating experience Dissertation

Coursework and research experiences address a range of practice-based and theoretical problems in schools and community settings from sociopolitical, cultural, philosophical, psychological, and historical perspectives. Taking an interdisciplinary stance, faculty and students explore issues of equity, social justice, and educational change in a range of formal and informal educational settings. You will build a program of study that includes courses in teaching and learning, social foundations, and research methods.  Applicants interested in the focal area of literacy are encouraged to consider the doctoral program in Literacy Studies .

Field-based research and collaborative projects with practitioners in schools or other educational settings are key components of the program. The program is designed to draw together coursework, research apprenticeship, and other professional academic activities to build a complete professional program that is tailored to your interests and needs.

As a full-time Ph.D. student, you are expected to be in residence and participate in practicum activities, courses, and other academic experiences throughout the first two years, where you will be enrolled in 3 course units per semester. Coursework and experiences are arranged around three areas or strands, including specialization courses, research methods courses, and electives/professional experiences, as well as a set of core courses. For more information about courses and requirements, visit the  Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ph.D. program in the University Catalog .

Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC)

The RAC is part of the Professional Experiences strand and is designed to assist you in developing, conducting, and presenting your own original research. The course focuses on the research interests of the students and requires participation in the scheduling of activities, presentations, and directing part of the RAC agenda as it pertains to the collective needs of the group. Students from the different stages of the doctoral program will serve as mentors to one another, with faculty oversight. You will participate in the RAC beginning in the spring of your first year and continue participation until the completion of your dissertation.

Annual Self-Evaluation : Each year, doctoral students complete a Professional Self-Evaluation that is used as part of the ongoing evaluation and planning process. You are introduced to the evaluation form in the proseminar and will work on it in the spring Research Apprenticeship Course (RAC). The deadline for the Professional Self-evaluation falls in mid-autumn or mid-spring.

Qualifying Examination : The Qualifying Examination is taken by all doctoral students, most often at the end of the first year. Passing this exam is an important step in being admitted to program candidacy. In order to take the qualifying exam, you need to have completed the Doctoral Proseminar, Doctoral Foundations of Teaching and Learning, Education, Culture, and Society, 1 RAC, and 1 research methods course.

Program Candidacy : You are assessed for program candidacy after successfully completing the  Doctoral Proseminar, Doctoral Foundations of Teaching and Learning, Education, Culture, and Society, 1 RAC, and 1 research methods course, and passing the Qualifying Examination. You must be in good academic standing to receive program candidacy.

Preliminary Examination : The Preliminary Examination is taken after you have completed all courses and before you begin work on your dissertation. Passing the Preliminary Exam allows you to be admitted to doctoral candidacy. You may submit a Preliminary Exam from the start of the fall semester through April 1. A description of the Preliminary Exam is available from the Division Coordinator. 

Dissertation : To complete the Ph.D., you must design and undertake an original research study under the direction of your dissertation committee. Students should see Penn GSE and Penn-wide policies and speak with their advisor about the requirements of the dissertation.

Our Faculty

Affiliated Faculty

Ryan S. Baker Professor Ph.D., Carnegie Mellon University

Bodong Chen Associate Professor Ph.D., University of Toronto

Matthew Duvall Lecturer Ph.D., Drexel University

L. Michael Golden Vice Dean of Innovative Programs and Partnerships, Catalyst @ Penn GSE Ed.D., University of Pennsylvania

Zachary Herrmann Adjunct Assistant Professor Ed.L.D., Harvard University

Charlotte E. Jacobs Director, Independent School Teaching Residency Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Yasmin B. Kafai Lori and Michael Milken President’s Distinguished Professor Ed.D., Harvard University

Andrea M. Kane Professor of Practice, Education Leadership Ph.D., Northcentral University

Rand Quinn Associate Professor Ph.D., Stanford University

Sharon M. Ravitch Professor of Practice Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Susan A. Yoon Graduate School of Education Presidential Professor Ph.D., University of Toronto

"Penn taught me, Penn GSE especially, that if you have the right combination of ingredients—commitment from the structure, mentors, and colleagues—then risk-taking, innovation, and progress will for sure ignite."

Justice Toshiba Walker

Our graduates.

Our graduates are prepared for research and academic careers in education, psychology, and related human services fields.

Alumni Careers

• Adjunct Professor, Moore College of Art and Design
• Assistant Professor of Special Education, Villanova University
• Assistant Professor, Montclair State University
• Assistant Professor, Utah State University
• Director, Out of School Time Resource Center
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Temple University

Admissions & Financial Aid

Please visit our Admissions and Financial Aid pages for specific information on the application requirements , as well as information on tuition, fees, financial aid, scholarships, and fellowships.

Contact us if you have any questions about the program.

Graduate School of Education University of Pennsylvania 3700 Walnut Street Philadelphia, PA 19104 (215) 898-6415 [email protected] [email protected]

Noemí Fernández Program Manager [email protected]

Please view information from our Admissions and Financial Aid Office for specific information on the cost of this program.

All Ph.D. students are guaranteed a full scholarship for their first four years of study, as well as a stipend and student health insurance. Penn GSE is committed to making your graduate education affordable, and we offer generous scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships.

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Collaboratory for Teacher Education

The Collaboratory for Teacher Education at Penn GSE is a laboratory for the design, implementation, and study of experimental approaches to teacher education.

Core Practice Consortium

The Core Practice Consortium brings together teacher educators from across institutions, disciplines, and theoretical perspectives to grapple with questions about how better to prepare novice teachers. 

Our Students

Current students in the Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education program are researching a range of topics including mathematical practices, teacher education, maker-based project education, culturally responsive pedagogy, science education, and media making. 

View Doctoral Student Profiles

You May Be Interested In

Related programs.

• Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education Ed.D.
• Reading/Writing/Literacy Ph.D.
• Reading/Writing/Literacy Ed.D.
• Learning Sciences and Technologies M.S.Ed.
• Teaching, Learning, and Leadership M.S.Ed.
• Education, Culture, and Society Ph.D.

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• Search This Site All UCSD Sites Faculty/Staff Search Term
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• Major in Education Sciences
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• Ph.D. in Education

Ph.D. in Education: Transforming Education in a Diverse Society

The Ph.D. in Education is designed for students with some professional experience in teaching and learning settings as well as in research.  Our mission is to teach students to wield the tools of research to change disparities in educational experiences and student outcomes.

Our Ph.D. in Education is designed for students who want to pursue research and careers in academia, the non-profit sector, or governmental agencies with a focus on how to improve educational practices and policies to achieve social equity and progress. We look for students with both research experiences and professional experience in teaching, leadership, and learning, who want to build their capacities to undertake independent scholarly research. 

As part of the evolution of education research, the field of education will require Ph.D. graduates who are prepared to collaborate with policymakers, educators, families, and communities to transform current education practice and policy. Our Ph.D. program will provide a fresh approach to training much needed and innovative researchers. Rather than training traditional faculty members solely to generate knowledge by documenting outcomes and processes in education, human development, and well-being, we will cultivate future faculty and researchers to serve and partner with communities through their research in order to accelerate the improvement of education in regional, national, and international settings.

With a focus on equity, equality, and justice, our program is designed to support the development of interdisciplinary, rigorous researchers who can improve educational structures, practices, and policies, as well as the use of educational approaches for community well-being, particularly in low resource settings and for socially marginalized youth. The program will explicitly articulate the links between university faculty, students, families, education practitioners, community members and programs, policy-makers, and educational and community stakeholders. 

In addition to developing a solid theoretical and methodological foundation, students in the program have opportunities to deepen and extend their learning through elective coursework within EDS and cognate coursework in other UCSD departments, and through research apprenticeships with EDS faculty,   in order to deepen their knowledge of varied disciplines, theories, and epistemologies. 

Students will also have the opportunity to engage in interdisciplinary experiences by engaging in research across UC San Diego divisions, departments, and research units. Education Studies is a partner with Critical Gender Studies (CGS) allowing PhD students to apply for a   Graduate Specialization in CGS . Additionally, students interested in cognitive science development may apply to join the   Interdisciplinary PhD program in Cognitive Science   and Education Studies.

EDS Ph.D. Student Kirk Rogers, Receives Ford Fellowship

Eds ph.d. students anita caduff and rebecca levine, each received a friends of the international center fellowship, want to learn more, program features.

The program features include:

• Competitive Funding
• A commitment to promoting equity and social justice
• A focus on designing solutions for pressing problems in education
• A multi-disciplinary approach to training educational researchers, focusing on close collaboration with educators, policymakers, and the community
• On-campus, full-time course of study
• Interdisciplinary approach
• Focus on collaborative inquiry
• Intensive research internships working with well-renowned faculty
• Rigorous training in quantitative and qualitative research methods
• Training to generate and communicate research that transforms practices in local settings and makes an impact nationally and globally
• The use of technology as a tool for teaching, scholarship, and supporting change in diverse communities

Admissions Information

Our application for Fall 2025 will open on September 4, 2024.

The deadline to apply for Fall 2025 is Wednesday, Decemeber 4th, 2024.

A completed Ph.D. application will include the following components:

1) Application Form 

Fill out the application form online.

2) Statement of Purpose

Your Statement of Purpose  must  address the following:  (1) research interests, (2) relevant professional experiences, (3)  experiences with teaching and learning, (4) experience in diverse communities; (5) how your professional and research goals contribute to diversity. 

3) Recommendation Letters

Three letters of recommendation need to be submitted via the online recommendation form available within the application.  You may find it useful to consider in advance whom you will ask to serve as recommenders, so that you may contact these individuals and confirm their willingness. We suggest selecting recommenders who can comment on your ability to be successful in a rigorous Ph.D. program which focuses on transforming education in a diverse society. The letters might include a recommender’s knowledge and assessment of your academic preparation, your professional experiences in educational practice, and your research interests and experiences.

An applicant must submit a professional resume. The Ph.D. in Education is designed for students with some professional experience in teaching and learning settings as well as in research. 

5) Writing Sample

An applicant must submit a publication or a sample of academic writing.

6) Transcripts

For application review purposes (only), scan and upload copies of transcripts for all institutions attended post-high school.  In the online application, you will be prompted to upload a PDF of your scanned documents. Please upload both the front and back sides of the transcript, even if the back side is blank. Uploaded transcripts should be recent and include the following: your name, the institution name, dates of attendance, grades/marks received, credits, and grading legend.  If no transcript is available, please upload a statement explaining the circumstances.

*Do not mail hard copies until provisionally admitted.

Upon provisional admission UC San Diego:  Official transcripts from all institutions attended after high school will be required to finalize your admission and must be submitted to the Graduate Admissions office. Official records including transcripts, evaluations, mark sheets, diplomas, certificates, translations, and study abroad work must be delivered in a sealed envelope from the administering institution or service. Documents will not be accepted if opened or sealed by the student. Certified electronic transcripts sent directly to Graduate Admissions from the issuing institution care also accepted.  Electronic transcripts should be sent to  [email protected] .

Applicants with academic work in progress who expect to complete a degree program before the intended date of enrollment at UC San Diego, must provide evidence of degree conferral and a final academic transcript as soon as they are available.

By the time enrollment begins, successful applicants  must hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution in the United States or from a recognized university-level academic institution abroad. Completed coursework for both domestic and international applicants must demonstrate the equivalent of at least a B average in the United States .

7) GRE Scores

We do not require that you take the  GRE exam . If you do take the exam our program code is R4836. If you have already taken the test and did not have your scores sent to UC San Diego, contact ETS to have your scores sent to us electronically. The test scores are valid for 5 years.

8) Additional Educational Experiences (Required by EDS)

To be considered for admission into the Ph.D. in Education Program, please respond to a minimum of three out of the seven areas included within the application. This part of the application is not optional for EDS.

9) Application Fee 

The application fee is $135 for US citizens or permanent residents; $155 for international applicants. The non-refundable fee is payable by credit card through the online application. You may also pay by check, following the instructions in the online application. If you choose to pay by check, please note that your application will not be processed until your check has been received.

The UCSD Education Studies PhD program uses a structured holistic review process with a rubric-based evaluation. Each application is reviewed in its entirety and rated on academic preparation, potential for scholarship, and potential for contributing to equity and diversity in formal and information learning contexts. While we do not have a minimum GRE score,  we encourage students to take the test seriously, to practice and do your best. You may choose to address low scores in your statement of purpose. Successful applicants must hold a bachelor's degree or the equivalent from an accredited institution in the United States or from a recognized university-level academic institution abroad and at least a B average (3.0 GPA) or its equivalent by the time they enroll. Some exceptional applicants with lower GPAs may be recommended for admission. You may choose to address low grades in Education related courses or GPA in your statement of purpose.

* Former UC San Diego graduate students should contact Amber Rieder to complete the necessary re-admission process. 

Graduate Funding

Admitted EDS PhD students are guaranteed 5 years financial support, which includes half-time student academic employment, and full tuition & fees during the academci year.

If admitted to the program a detailed funding letter outlining the funding package will be provided.

For further questions about funding please contact the Graduate Coordinator, Amber Rieder, [email protected].

Financ ial Support FAQs

Faculty use a wide array of research methodologies and discipline-based theoretical tools for analyzing and addressing topics. Our faculty have expertise in quantitative methods and qualitative methods of research, with many using mixed methods research approaches. Faculty research projects range from large-scale, multi-site quantitative analyses to in-depth qualitative studies of schools, classrooms, and communities. Faculty also have expertise in historical research, theory development, and design-based approaches to research.

View a list of Ph.D. Faculty and Research Topic Areas

Program of Study

2024-2025 ph.d. proposed course schedule, 2023-2024 ph.d. course schedule, 2022-2023 ph.d. course schedule, 22021-2022 ph.d. course schedule, 2020-2021 ph.d. course schedule, 2019-2020 ph.d. course schedule , 2018-2019 ph.d. course schedule , degree benchmarks.

Our signature pedagogy is problem immersion -- we ask students to read research and learn theories and methodologies in the service of understanding existing real-world education situations and contexts.  During the first two years of the program, students will take required courses in foundational areas and in rigorous research methods. Students will also take  Research Apprenticeship Courses (RAC)  in which students are immersed in faculty research with faculty supporting students’ development as researchers. At the end of the first year, and with faculty guidance, students will choose their particular area of focus and select elective courses in education and in other departments accordingly. Students will continue their research immersion experiences and take courses as part of an interdisciplinary cognate strand.

Between the end of year 2 and no later than Spring quarter of year 3 students will submit their  Qualifying Exam Research Review Paper . The written Research Review is designed to assess the student's ability to work in a scholarly and professional way with substantive knowledge in their area of interest. To successfully meet the research review benchmark, a student must submit a scholarly review of research manuscript of publishable quality. The manuscript should demonstrate the student’s knowledge of theory and research in a particular topic area related to transforming education in a diverse society.

After successfully passing the Qualifying Exam, students will present their dissertation proposal between year three and four. Information on this process can begin with the  Dissertation Proposal and Committee document . During the fourth and fifth years students will work with their dissertation advisor and other faculty committee members to complete their dissertation research and writing.

Student Handbooks

• Ph.D. Cohort 8 Handbook 2023-2024
• Ph.D. Cohort 7 Handbook 2022-2023
• Ph.D. Cohort 6 Handbook 2021-2022
• Ph.D. Cohort 5 Handbook 2020-2021
• Ph.D. Cohort 4 Handbook 2019-2020
• Ph.D. Cohort 3 Handbook 2018-2019
• Ph.D. Cohort 2 Handbook 2017-2018

PhD Program Committees

PhD Program Catalog Description

EDS PhD Approach to Mentoring and Advising

Information on SPSS

EDS Instructional Assistant (IA) Handbook

Financial Support

• EDS Funding Opportunities
• UC San Diego Graduate Division
• IA Expectations for EDS PhD Students

Basic Needs Support

• Triton Food Pantry
• Financial Programs including Emergency Loans and Grants
• Basic Needs Amenities in Central Campus
• Off Campus Housing 

• Ed.D in Educational Leadership
• PhD and EdD Comparison
• PhD Students
• PhD Faculty

 Slides from our Fall P.h.D. Information Session     

• Faculty of Social Sciences
• School of Education
• Research degrees

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A PhD is an internationally-recognised research qualification.

Studying for a PhD in Education will allow you to become an expert in a specialist area and gain high-quality research training, which will equip you to undertake further educational research projects.

PhD in Education

As a PhD candidate, you will carry out original research work under the guidance of one or more supervisors.

An initial priority for a doctorate degree is refining your research plan and establishing a feasible timescale for the project. During the early part of the PhD programme, you will embark on various research methods modules to support your research activities.

We award the Doctor of Philosophy degree on the basis of a PhD thesis in which you present the rationale, methods and findings from your original study.

A PhD can be taken full-time (three years) or part-time (five years).

Areas of supervision

Postgraduate researchers are at the centre of the School of Education’s work.

We undertake impactful research in key areas of educational policy and practice, placing particular emphasis on the relevance of our work for practitioners and policymakers.

Our PhD supervision offers a wide breadth of research activity across our research centres and groups:

• Collective for Curriculum, Pedagogy and Policy
• Digital Education
• Inclusion, Childhood and Youth
• Language Education

Many of our academic staff are also involved in the Leeds Social Science Institute which fosters interdisciplinary research collaborations and provides training for our postgraduate researchers.

Split-site PhD

Our split-site PhD allows international candidates to study for a PhD part-time.

You can find more details and an application form for the split-site PhD via the Student Education Service . 

The difference between a PhD and an EdD

The PhD and EdD are both supervised research degrees involving the submission of a thesis and a viva voce (oral) examination.

The PhD is awarded entirely on the basis of research, leading to a thesis of up to 100,000 words. 

The EdD combines taught modules and research, leading to a thesis of up to 55,000 words, and is also called a professional doctorate.

The taught component of the EdD means that this route is suitable for people without a Masters degree.

The EdD programme forms part of our Continuing Professional Development provision.

Ph.D. Program Requirements

The Doctor of Philosophy program at the College of Education prepares students for careers of research or scholarly inquiry and teaching at the college/university level. The program consists of: (1) continuous research and faculty discussion inquiry, (2) courses in education and related fields designed to develop a comprehensive academic basis for future work in research and teaching, and (3) teaching and other related experiences tailored to individual needs and career goals.

Enrolling in First & Second Year Courses

Upon admission to the Ph.D. program, you are designated "Post-Master's," meaning that you have been assigned to an adviser, but do not yet have a doctoral Supervisory Committee. The goal of the post-master's phase is to arrange research/inquiry experiences and coursework that will qualify you for Prospective Candidacy. You are assigned a first-year adviser whose research and scholarly activities are in your field of intended specialization. During the first year of study, your adviser will be a central figure, helping you plan academic life.

Working with your adviser, you will: (1) identify a research topic and secure ways and means for participating in the selected project, (2) select first-year courses, and (3) prepare documentation for advancement to Prospective Candidacy. Although the role of faculty advisers is designed to assist you in completing the Ph.D. degree, it is your responsibility to follow all procedures of the Graduate School and College of Education.

In the College of Education's LSHD program, post-bachelor's students may be admitted to work toward a Ph.D. without formally completing a master’s degree program. Post-bachelor's applicants to the Ph.D. track are expected to have research experience and/or research potential, as well as research interests that align with faculty expertise. Post-bachelor's students in the LSHD Ph.D. program may choose to complete an M.Ed. along the way.  Those who would like to complete their M.Ed. along the way must meet the minimum 45 credit Graduate School requirements for the LSHD M.Ed. program. The 45 credits include a minimum of 21 credits in EDPSY coursework, 18 minimum numerically graded credits at the 400 or 500 level, and 18 minimum credits at the 500 level or above.  

If you are a post-bachelor's student working within the prospective Ph.D. track and plan to obtain your M.Ed. along the way in LSHD, you will complete a qualifying paper no later than the quarter in which you complete 45 credits. The qualifying paper is designed to be the equivalent of a master’s final exam or thesis in quality, and must be evaluated by two members of the graduate faculty. This paper must be separate from your R&I paper.

Research & Teacher Preparation

A number of useful methods exist for inquiry into educational problems and issues. You will need to develop an appreciation for the diversity of options available. Initial preparation consists of studying the fundamental differences and similarities among various approaches to inquiry in education through the required Educational Inquiry Seminar Series (EDLPS 525 and 526; see the General Catalog for course details). Please note that these courses are sequential; EDLPS 525 is the prerequisite for EDLPS 526. You should complete this sequence as early in the program as possible, preferably in your first year.

Additionally, before advancing to Prospective Candidacy,  you will be required to complete a minimum of four additional 500-level courses (combined total of no less than 12 credits) relating to methods of educational inquiry; in these four courses, you must earn a grade of at least 3.0 (or written verification that you would have received a 3.0 in courses that are offered C/NC). You are strongly encouraged to select coursework representing at least two broad approaches to inquiry (quantitative, qualitative, philosophical, historical, etc.) offered both inside and outside the College of Education. The final selection of appropriate courses will be made with the advice and consent of your adviser. The required Inquiry series must be completed prior to your advancement to Prospective Candidacy; two of the four additional research courses must be completed prior to your Research and Inquiry Presentation.

Each Supervisory Committee will design experiences to promote excellence for students who will seek teaching positions. The nature of these experiences will vary according to your prior experience. Some students come to programs in education with substantial experience as teachers, and for them, fewer graduate school experiences may be required.

For some students, the annual Research and Inquiry Presentation will be enough to polish their instructional skills and to demonstrate mastery of instructional approaches. Other students may need to serve as teaching assistants, either formally or informally. Your Supervisory Committee will see that you have appropriate, supervised experience as needed to promote effective teaching skills.

Advancing to Prospective Candidacy 

The advancement to Prospective Candidacy process--including the materials and discussions involved in it--is an opportunity for students, advisers, and the broader faculty to evaluate the student’s progress up to that point and to plan for future course taking, committee member selection, and dissertation interests.

You may be considered for advancement to Prospective Candidacy after completing 24 credits of study, including the Inquiry Seminar Series if required (EDLPS 525 and 526) and a minimum of nine credits within your chosen field(s) of study.  Individual programs may require additional coursework, and your adviser will inform you of any additional requirements early in your first quarter of study.  

Once you meet the minimum requirements, your adviser will help you prepare documents for presentation to the faculty. Those documents include (1) a course of study form (including grades received in each course), and (2) a revised goal statement.  You will revisit and revise the goal statement you wrote when you applied for your program to reflect your current thinking and goals.  Your adviser may require other materials, such as a curriculum vita or a paper from a course.  Check with your adviser to see if additional materials are necessary.  Together, the student and the adviser are required to meet to discuss the materials and to make any appropriate changes before the adviser presents the student’s case to the larger faculty for consideration.  Advancement to Prospective Candidacy needs to be completed before you can do your R&I.

The faculty in your program will review your work, judge the adequacy of your progress, offer suggestions about future course taking, and make a recommendation on Advancement to Prospective Candidacy to the Graduate Program Coordinator (the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs).  While we encourage as much faculty input as possible, a minimum of one faculty member besides your advisor will take part in this review. Advisers are then required to meet with the student to provide a summary of the collective input gathered from the larger program faculty meeting. 

Once you have advanced, you should initiate the  Prospective Candidacy Form  to notify the Office of Student Services about completing this milestone.

A summary of the process is below: 1. Meet minimum requirements for advancing to prospective candidacy. 2. Prepare course of study, revised goal statement, and whatever materials your advisor or program requires. 3. Meet with advisor to go over documents and revise as needed. 4. Advisor meets with program faculty and presents the student’s case for consideration. 5. Faculty in program review work, judge adequacy of progress, offer feedback, and make recommendation on advancement. 6. Advisor meets with student to give feedback and decision of the faculty. 7. Student initiates the  Prospective Candidacy Form  online. Once signed by the faculty advior, the completed form is then automatically submitted to the Office of Student Services.

Probationary language: If, after reviewing the student’s case, the program faculty decides that the student will not be Advanced to Prospective Candidacy, the student will be warned or placed on probationary status per the Graduate School's policy on Unsatisfactory Performance and Progress. At that time, the advisor must call a meeting with the student, one other faculty member, and the Associate Dean for Graduate Programs.  This group may require additional materials (i.e. course papers), and the student may offer additional materials as well.  The meeting should take place no later than the second week of the following academic quarter.  At this meeting, the faculty members and student will discuss what is necessary to lift probationary status. Examples might include: improving grades, revising the goal statement further, and requiring certain courses. 

Forming a Supervisory Committee

Once you have been advanced to Prospective Candidacy, you should direct your attention to forming a Supervisory Committee. In concert with your adviser, you should explore which members of the graduate faculty would be willing to serve on your Supervisory Committee. Each member of a Supervisory Committee will devote substantial time to working with you and should formally indicate willingness to serve. The chairperson of the Supervisory Committee, who must be a graduate faculty member from the College of Education, should express the willingness and availability to supervise a dissertation, since this is normally the most time-consuming responsibility.

Supervisory Committees will be formed in accordance with Graduate School policy

• A minimum of four voting faculty (at least three with graduate faculty appointments) must represent, respectively, your (a) specialization within their broad areas of study, (b) first cognate, (c) second cognate, and (d) specialization outside of the College of Education (definitions of broad area, specializations, and cognates can be found ( here ).
• No more than two voting faculty from your broad area may be on the committee.
• An additional graduate faculty member, the Graduate School Representative (GSR), must also serve on the committee. GSRs must be members of the graduate faculty with an endorsement to chair doctoral committees, and must have no conflict of interest (such as budgetary relationships or adjunct appointments) with the College of Education. Members of Supervisory Committees representing students’ specializations outside of the College of Education may also serve as GSRs, provided they are qualified to serve in both roles.

Once you have identified appropriate graduate faculty who are willing to serve, their names should be submitted to the Office of Student Services using the Committee Formation Request Form .  Your faculty adviser must approve the form to indicate their approval.

NOTE: The Graduate School requires each doctoral student who is forming a committee for the first time to submit a Use of Animal and Human Subjects Form to the Office of Student Services.

You should form a Supervisory Committee no later than the quarter prior to your General Exam. It is not imperative that the Supervisory Committee be formed before your Research and Inquiry Presentation. It is necessary, however, for you to have arranged for a group of faculty to evaluate your Research and Inquiry work.

The next task is to meet with your Supervisory Committee to develop a research program for the Research and Inquiry Presentation and to plan a course of study in preparation for the General Exam. Between Supervisory Committee meetings, your chairperson is responsible for serving as your adviser.

The Supervisory Committee may recommend against continuation in the program if your progress toward the degree is unsatisfactory. This may include, but is not limited to, an excessive number of course withdrawals or incompletes, a grade point average of less than 3.0, unsatisfactory performance in field placements, or unsatisfactory performance on the General Exam.

Completing the Research & Inquiry Presentation

Research preparation is the foundation of the Ph.D. program, as research will play a paramount role in students’ professional careers. Training to be an effective researcher requires (a) concentrated focus to learn the various methods of inquiry and practice, and (b) employment of these methods in various research projects while pursuing your degree. You will begin research activities during the first year of the program, and will continue to develop skills by conducting various research projects, culminating with a dissertation. The Research and Inquiry milestone consists of two major components: A major product of your research preparation effort is the R&I paper and presenting at the Research and Inquiry Conference annually during autumn quarter.

The purposes of R&I are to:

• Immerse you in issues of content and method directly pertinent to your chosen specialization.
• Provide you with practical experience in the use of methods and the application of content learned in coursework.
• Convey aspects of substance and method that characterize the topic studied, but are not taught in general method or content courses.
• Afford an opportunity for you to present research to a professional audience and for the audience to learn about the research.

The design, implementation, and presentation of the R&I research shall be under the supervision of your chair and at least two additional faculty members or your Supervisory Committee. At least three faculty members must approve a thoroughly developed research papers prior to taking the General Exam.

In general, your R&I paper should hold substantial promise of contributing to preparation for a dissertation, and at its inception should have a good chance of being publishable in a juried journal. At each meeting, members of the Supervisory Committee will reassess the extent to which your R&I activities are contributing to stated goals, and will provide advice in accordance with their assessment. Between committee meetings, the chairperson will assume primary responsibility for advising and assisting you with preparation of your R&I plan.

After successful completion of the written portion, Students will be required to present at the annual CoE R&I Conference held in autumn quarter. 

Research and Inquiry Conference

The R&I Conference is a half-day event where students will present their research in two types of session formats. All formats provide a means for grouping related papers into sessions, with different opportunities for moderators and audience participation. Students, with the approval of their advisor, determine which format is optimal for future preparation. Successful participation of in the Research ad Inquiry Conference is required prior to defending a dissertation.

The purposes for R&I conference:

• To mentor student research experience.
• To support professional practices toward becoming part of a community of scholars.
• To build community in the College

Session format options: 

Panel presentations  typically group together 2-5 student presenters with similar topics for a shared presentation and discussion opportunity. Each student will present an abbreviated version of her/his R&I paper, followed by summarizing comments from the moderator and then facilitated audience discussion and questions. A typical structure for a session allows approximately 5 minutes for the moderator’s introduction to the session, 10 minutes per presenter, another 5 minutes for moderator comments and summary, and finally 15 minutes for audience discussion. Individual presenters must be attentive to the time allocation for presenting their work in paper sessions.

Structured poster sessions  combine the graphic display of materials with the opportunity for individualized, formal discussion of the research. Depending on how many individuals plan to participate and how many intellectual areas will be presented, there could be anywhere from 1- 4 individuals in a 60 minute session. These sessions begin with attendees viewing poster presentations, then move into brief oral presentations to the audience gathered as a group, followed by direct discussion with poster presenters. Posters are linked conceptually in terms of education research issues, problems, settings, methods, analytic questions, or themes. 

Eligibility

To be eligible to participate in the R&I Presentations, you must meet the following requirements:

1.  You must be registered as a graduate student at the University of Washington during the quarter of the R&I Presentation. 2.  You must have completed the following research course requirements: six credits of the Inquiry series (EDLPS 525 and 526), plus two additional research methodology courses at the 500-level.   3.  You must have been advanced to Prospective Candidate status through your academic area.

4.  You must have identified a group of faculty who have agreed to evaluate your R&I work. In some cases, this group will be your Supervisory Committee; it is not imperative, however, that you formally establish your Supervisory Committee before R&I. As an alternative, a group of three faculty members can agree to evaluate your R&I work. 

5.  Some papers might require might need Human Subjects Form approval. If you and your advisor have determined you need this, you must have a Human Subjects Form approved prior to starting the research if the investigation is conducted with human subjects. See Louise Clauss in 115J Miller hall if you have questions regarding Human Subjects applications.

6.  The final copy should be submitted to the faculty evaluators and the Office of Student Services with the approval of three faculty members (or instructors). Instructions on completing the R&I submission process can be found on the Graduate Student Forms page . Please keep in mind that the faculty members have other time constraints. It is to your benefit to submit your research paper for evaluation as early as possible.

General Exams

When both you and your Supervisory Committee concur that you are prepared and have completed all course requirements (except the dissertation) — including the completion at least 60 credit hours of coursework, per Graduate School requirements (or 30 hours if you already completed a master’s degree that will be less than 10 years old at the time of graduation from the UW) — your Course of Study and research activities will be evaluated through Written and Oral Exams conducted by the Supervisory Committee.

The General Exam is given in two parts. The first part is written and examines content area in your broad area, specialty areas, and cognates. Upon satisfactory completion of the written portion of the General Exam, the oral portion may be scheduled. During the Oral Exam, members of the graduate faculty may ask any questions they choose. By majority vote, the Supervisory Committee will rule on whether you pass.

Completing the Oral General Exam

You are responsible for scheduling the oral portion of the General Exam (locating an adequate room, determining a date and time that is acceptable to all members of the Supervisory Committee, etc.), as well as submitting a Request for General Exam to the Graduate School. You should submit the request after forming your Supervisory Committee (see above) and at least three weeks prior to the date of the General Exam by using the Graduate School’s online process. During the Oral Exam, members of the graduate faculty may ask any questions they choose. By majority vote, the Supervisory Committee will rule on whether you pass. Once you have passed, the Office of Student Services will convey the exam results to the Graduate School. This will result in Candidacy being awarded at the end of the quarter in which you pass your Oral Exam.

After successfully completing the General Exams, you enter the Candidacy stage of your program. The main tasks of this phase include preparing a dissertation proposal, completing dissertation research, writing the dissertation, and conducting your final defense.

Dissertation Credits

When you and your adviser determine that you are completing dissertation-related work, you may register for dissertation credits (EDUC 800).   The Graduate School requires a minimum of 27 dissertation credits for degree completion, and these credits must be taken over a minimum of three quarters. 

Preparing the Dissertation Proposal

Upon successful completion of the oral portion of the General Exam, you and your Supervisory Committee will shift attention to the dissertation proposal. The purpose of the dissertation proposal is to provide you with constructive criticism from the entire Supervisory Committee prior to the execution of your dissertation research. The written dissertation proposal should be approved unanimously by the Supervisory Committee members; approval will be indicated by completing the Dissertation Proposal Form . Approval does not guarantee that the Supervisory Committee will approve the dissertation at the Final Oral Exam, but it does guarantee that the committee may not later disapprove the dissertation on the grounds that the research was poorly conceived. The approved proposal becomes the working paper for conducting your dissertation research.

Once the proposal receives Supervisory Committee approval, you will likely need to submit an application for review and approval by the Human Subjects Division. On its website, the College of Education has summarized some of the most important aspects of the Human Subjects Review Process . You should also consult the website of the UW’s Human Subjects Division .

For additional information about the process, the type of review suitable for a given project, application forms, and general assistance, contact Louise Clauss at [email protected] or 206-616-8291.

Forming the Reading Committee

The Reading Committee will be composed of a minimum of 3 members of your Supervisory Committee members, including the chairperson. It is also advisable to include a member who is knowledgeable in the chosen research methodology. The Reading Committee will read and review your dissertation in detail and make a recommendation to the larger Supervisory Committee about readiness to schedule the Final Exam. Once you identify appropriate graduate faculty who are willing to serve on the Reading Committee, their names should be submitted to the Office of Student Services using the Committee Formation Request Form on the Graduate Student Forms page .

Conforming to Stylistic Standards

It is your responsibility to ensure that your dissertation meets current Graduate School formatting requirements. You may find information about these requirements on the Graduate School Dissertation page .

Completing the Final Exam (Dissertation Defense)

You are expected to pass the Final Exam. The final defense of the dissertation is intended as an opportunity for all involved to celebrate the good results of their work during your career in the College of Education.

You should schedule the Final Exam after submitting your dissertation to the Supervisory Committee. You are responsible for scheduling the Final Exam (locating an adequate room, determining a date and time that is acceptable to all members of the Supervisory Committee, etc.), as well as submitting a Request for Final Exam to the Graduate School. You should submit the request after forming the Reading Committee and at least three weeks prior to the date of the Final Exam by using the Graduate School’s online process. You should also note that you must be enrolled for credit hours during the quarter of the Final Exam. If your Final Exam occurs during a period between academic quarters, then the Final Exam will be considered to have taken place the following quarter, and you must register for that quarter.

The Final Exam will cover your dissertation and related topics, and it may also cover other areas deemed appropriate by the Supervisory Committee. While the committee alone votes on acceptance of the dissertation, any member of the graduate faculty may participate in the Final Exam.

Submitting Your Dissertation to the Graduate School

Once you pass the Final Exam and complete any revisions requested by the Supervisory Committee, the remaining step is to submit your dissertation to the Graduate School.

In preparation for submitting your dissertation, you should keep the following Graduate School policies in mind:

• If you wish to submit your dissertation in the same quarter as your Final Exam, make note of the submission deadlines established by the Graduate School.
• You may submit your dissertation up to two weeks after the end of a quarter without having to register for the following quarter by using the Registration Waiver Fee . The Registration Waiver Fee option is available to a student who has completed all other degree requirements except submission of the dissertation. You will then be permitted to graduate the following quarter by paying a $250 fee in lieu of registering for credit hours.
• Submission of the dissertation is done electronically and involves several steps. You should carefully review the degree completion information  available from the Graduate School. All Reading Committee members must approve the dissertation online and you must also complete the Survey of Earned Doctorates .

Specific questions about the electronic submission of dissertations should be directed to Graduate Enrollment Management Services (GEMS) at 206-685-2630.

Maximum Allowable Time

In planning your program of study and timeline, keep in mind that all requirements for the Ph.D. must be completed within a 10-year time limit.

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Application requirements for all doctoral programs (phd).

All of our doctoral programs are designed to develop outstanding educational researchers who have a deep understanding of the scientific, practical and policy issues they study. All require full-time study, and we promise five years of full-time financial support for every student we admit. Our doctoral programs are small, typically ranging from about 25 to 35 new students a year. The small size of our doctoral cohorts creates big educational advantages for students: the classes are almost always small, students receive individualized attention from their advisors, and they have many opportunities to develop close collegial relationships with fellow students.

It is extremely important to demonstrate in your statement of purpose that your interests converge closely with the current research of faculty who work in the program to which you are applying. Other doctoral applicants will certainly do this, and if you don't, you will forfeit an important competitive advantage to them. 

If you wish to contact faculty, please read our Which Degree Which Program article, by Professor Eamonn Callan, which outlines the appropriate process for contacting faculty with whom you share research interests. 

• Program website:  Degrees and Programs/PhD
• Length of Program:  5 years (average length)
• Tuition: fellowship/assistantship salary and tuition guaranteed for first five years of the program (autumn, winter and spring quarters) for all students, including international students. Funding includes two summers.

Application Requirements:

Application form.

Complete and submit Stanford's graduate online application .

Application Fee

The application fee is $125 , is non-refundable, and must be received by the application deadline.

Application Fee Waivers

Stanford offers three types of application fee waivers for which GSE applicants may apply and be considered:

• GRE Fee Reduction Certificate-Based Waiver
• Diversity Program Participation-Based Waiver
• School-Based Waiver

Please visit the Stanford Graduate Diversity website for instructions, deadlines, and the fee waiver application form.

Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose is required. Your statement should be typed, single-spaced and should be between one to two pages . Describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program, your preparation for this field of study, and why our program is a good fit for you, your future career plans, and other aspects of your background as well as interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. You may indicate potential faculty mentors as part of your study and research interests. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. What's a Good Statement of Purpose?

A resume or CV  is required of all applicants, depending on which document is most appropriate for your background. There is no page limit for resumes or CVs, though we typically see resumes of one page in length. Please upload your resume or CV in the online application.

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation . In the online application, you will be asked to identify your recommenders and their email addresses. Please notify your recommenders that they will receive an email prompt to submit their recommendation online. You can submit your request for letters of recommendation through the system without submitting the entire online application.  Stanford GSE only accepts online recommendations through the application system ; Stanford GSE cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed recommendations.

Recommendations should be written by people who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting. We very strongly recommend that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Your recommendations should directly address your suitability for admission to a graduate program at Stanford GSE.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all three letters of recommendation are submitted through the system by the application deadline , so please work closely with your recommenders to remind them of the deadline.

College and University Transcripts

Transcripts are required from every college and university you have attended for at least one academic year as a full-time student. When submitting your online application, transcripts should be uploaded to the application as a scanned copy or PDF ; this is sufficient for the application review process. Please refrain from sending a secured PDF/transcript with a digital signature as our system cannot upload these properly. The best way to ensure we receive an upload-able document is for you to print out the secured transcript, scan it, and upload the scanned copy (not to exceed 10MB) as a PDF. 

If you earned a degree at the institution from which you are submitting a transcript, please ensure that the degree conferral date and the degree conferred is clearly visible on the document. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Only if admitted will we contact you with instructions on sending two copies of your official transcripts to our office. We cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed copies of your transcripts during the application process. Please note: the instructions for sending transcripts on the online application and on the general Stanford Graduate Admissions Office website differ from this Stanford GSE requirement.

Concerning course work completed in a study abroad program

If the coursework and grades are reflected on the transcript of your home institution, you do not need to submit original transcripts from the study abroad institution.

Concerning foreign institutions

If your institution provides a transcript in a language other than English, we require that you submit a translation of the transcript that is either provided by the institution or a certified translator. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.

If your transcript does not include your degree conferral date and the degree conferred , please submit a scanned copy of your diploma, a conferral statement, or a conferral document in addition to your transcript . If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Stanford University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants whose native language is not English. The GSE requires a minimum TOEFL score of 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper-based test or 100 for the internet-based test in order to be considered for admission. The Test of Written English (TWE) portion of the TOEFL is not required. Applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree or a two-year master's program (or its equivalent) in the U.S. or at an institution where English is the main language of instruction are not required to take the TOEFL. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please refer to the Required Exams  page on the main Stanford Graduate Admissions website. You may register for the TOEFL test directly at the ETS website .

TOEFL Dates and Deadlines

PhD applicants who are required to take the TOEFL should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test and have official TOEFL scores sent electronically to Stanford at institution code 4704 (department code does not matter) no later than November 1 . This will give your official TOEFL scores time to be sent from ETS and be received by our system in time for the December 1 deadline. PhD applicants to Knight-Hennessy Scholars should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test no later than October 16 so your scores can be received by our system in time for the November 16 KHS GSE deadline. Please note that the TOEFL may be taken no earlier than 18 months prior to the application deadline.

Does Stanford accept tests other than TOEFL?

No. We accept only TOEFL scores; we do not accept IELTS or other test scores.

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Admissions:  [email protected]  

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What is a PhD?

• Types of Doctorates
• A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest globally recognized postgraduate degree that higher education institutions can award.
• PhDs are awarded to candidates who undertake original and extensive research in a particular field of study.
• Full time PhD programmes typically last three to four years, whilst part time PhD programmes typically last six to seven years.
• A PhD can lead to an academia teaching role or a career in research. A PhD can also equip you with skills suitable for a wide range of jobs unrelated to your research topic or academia.

Definition of a PhD – A Doctor of Philosophy (commonly abbreviated to PhD , Ph.D or a DPhil ) is a university research degree awarded from across a broad range of academic disciplines; in most countries, it is a terminal degree, i.e. the highest academic degree possible.

PhDs differ from undergraduate and master’s degrees in that PhDs are entirely research-based rather than involving taught modules (although doctoral training centres (DTCs) offer programmes that start with a year of lecture-based teaching to help develop your research skills prior to starting your project).

In most English-speaking countries, those that complete a PhD use the title “Doctor” (typically abbreviated to Dr) in front of their names and are referred to as such within academic and/or research settings. Those that work in fields outside of academia may decide not to use the formal doctor title but use post-nominal letters (e.g. John Smith PhD); it’s unusual though for someone to use both the Doctor title and post-nominal letters in their name.

PhD vs Doctorate

A PhD and a professional doctorate are both research-based terminal degrees.

However, where a PhD focuses on original research mostly around theoretical concepts, a professional doctorate focuses on examining existing knowledge to solve real-life, practical problems.

While there is much crossover between the two, a PhD is generally better suited for an individual to wants to advance the knowledge and understanding in their field, and a professional doctorate degree is better suited to a working professional who wants to better be able to apply knowledge and understanding to their field.

What Are the Entry Requirements for a PhD?

To be accepted on to a PhD programme, students usually need to hold at least a high ( 2:1 and above ) undergraduate degree that is related to the field of research that they want to pursue. A PhD candidate may also be expected to hold a Master’s degree , however, this does not mean you must have one, as it is still possible to enrol into a PhD without a Master’s .

Self-funded courses may sometimes be more relaxed in relation to entry requirements . It may be possible to be accepted onto a self-funded PhD programme with lower grades, though these students typically demonstrate their suitability for the role through professional work experience.

Whilst a distance learning project is possible , most PhD candidates will carry out their research over at least three years based at their university, with regular contact with two academic supervisors (primary and secondary). This is particularly the case for lab-based projects, however, some PhD projects require spending time on-site away from university (e.g. at a specialist research lab or at a collaborating institution abroad).

How Long Does a PhD Take?

Typically, full-time PhDs last 3-4 years and part-time PhDs last 6-7 years. However, at the discretion of the university, the thesis writing-up period can be extended by up to four years.

Although most doctoral programmes start in September or October, they are generally much more flexible than taught-courses and can start at any time of the year.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Tuition fees for UK and EU students vary between £3,000 and £6,000 per year, with the average tuition fee of £4,712 per year for 2023/24 programmes.

Tuition fees increase considerably for international students, varying between £16,000 to £25,000 per year, with an average tuition fee of £19,600 per year .

Nonetheless, most students will secure PhD funding in the form of studentships, scholarships and bursaries to help pay for these fees. These funding opportunities can either be partial, which cover tuition fees only, or full, which cover both tuition fees and living expenses.

UK national students can also apply for Doctoral Loans from Student Finance England if they are unable to secure funding.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

What Does a PhD Involve?

To be awarded a PhD, a doctoral student is required to produce a substantial body of work that adds new knowledge to their chosen field.

A PhD programme will typically involve four key stages:

Stage 1: Literature Review

The first year of a PhD involves attending regular meetings with your supervisors and carrying out a search on previously published work in your subject area. This search will be used to produce a literature review which should set the context of the project by explaining the foundation of what is currently known within the field of research, what recent developments have occurred, and where the gaps in knowledge are. In most cases, this will be an extension of your research proposal should you have produced one as part of your application. The literature review should conclude by outlining the overarching aims and objectives of the research project. This stage of setting achievable goals which are original and contribute to the field of research is an essential first step in a successful PhD.

The supervisor is the main point of contact through the duration of a PhD – but remember: they are there to mentor, not to teach, or do it for you . It will be your responsibility to plan, execute and monitor your own work as well as to identify gaps in your own knowledge and address them.

Stage 2: Research

The second year (and prehapse some of your third year) is when you work on your research. Having identified novel research questions from your review of the literature, this is where you collect your data to help answer these questions. How you do this will depend on the nature of your doctoral research: for example, you may design and run experiments in a lab alongside other PhD students or visit excavation sites in remote regions of the world. You should check in regularly with your supervisors to update them and run any ideas or issues past them.

Have the structure and chapters of your thesis in mind as you develop and tackle your research questions. Working with a view of publishing your work will be very valuable later on.

Stage 3: Write up of Thesis

The next key stage of a PhD is writing a doctoral thesis , which typically takes from anywhere between three months to one year. A thesis is a substantial body of work that describes the work and outcomes of the research over the previous two to three years. It should tell a detailed story of the PhD project – focusing on:

• The motivations for the research questions identified from the literature review.
• The methodologies used, results obtained, and a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the findings.
• A detailed discussion of the key findings with an emphasis on the original contributions made to your field of research and how this has been impactful.

There is no universal rule for the length of a PhD thesis, but general guidelines set the word count between 80,000 to 100,000 words.

For your thesis to be successful, it needs to adequately defend your argument and provide a unique or increased insight into your field that was not previously available.

Stage 4: Attending the Viva

A viva voce , most commonly referred to as just a ‘ viva ‘, is an interview-style examination where the PhD student is required to engage in a critical appraisal of their work and defend their thesis against at least two examiners. The examiners will ask questions to check the PhD student has an in-depth understanding of the ideas and theories proposed in their thesis, and whether they have developed the research skills that would be expected of them.

The viva is one of the final steps in achieving a PhD, and typically lasts at least two hours, but this duration can vary depending on the examiners, the university and the PhD project itself.

Once you have done the viva – you’re on the home stretch. You will typically be asked to make some amendments to your thesis based on the examiner’s feedback. You are then ready to submit your final thesis for either:

• PhD – If you pass the requirements you will be awarded a PhD degree (most common outcome),
• MPhil – If you failed to meet requirements for a PhD, you may be downgraded to an MPhil degree (uncommon outcome),
• Fail – No award is given, typically for cases of plagiarism (extremely uncommon outcome).

What Is It Like to Undertake a PhD?

We’re often asked what it is like to undertake a PhD study. Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple answer to this question as every research project is different.

To help give insight into the life of a PhD student, we’ve interviewed PhD students at various stages of their programmes and put together a series of PhD Student Interviews . Check out the link to find out what a PhD is like and what advice they have to offer you.

What Are the Benefits of A PhD?

A PhD is the highest globally recognised postgraduate degree that higher education institutions can award. The degree, which is awarded to candidates who demonstrate original and independent research in a particular field of study, is not only invaluable in itself, but sets you up with invaluable skills and traits.

Career Opportunities

First, a PhD prepares you for a career in academia if you wish to continue in this area. This takes form as a career in the Higher Education sector, typically as a lecturer working their way to becoming a professor leading research on the subject you’ve studied and trained in.

Second, a PhD also enables the opportunity for landing a job in a research & development role outside of the academic environment. Examples of this include laboratory work for a private or third sector company, a governmental role and research for commercial and industrial applications.

Transferable Skills

Finally, in possessing a PhD degree, you can show to employers that you have vital skills that make you an asset to any company. Three examples of the transferable skills that you gain through a PhD are effective communication, time management, and report writing.

• Communication – presenting your work in written and oral forms using journal papers and podium presentations, shows your ability to share complex ideas effectively and to those with less background knowledge than you. Communication is key in the professional environment, regardless of the job.
• Time management – The ability to prioritise and organise tasks is a tremendous asset in the professional industry. A PhD holder can use their qualification to demonstrate that they are able to manage their time, arrange and follow a plan, and stick to deadlines.
• Report writing – Condensing three years of work into a thesis demonstrates your ability to filter through massive amounts of information, identify the key points, and get these points across to the reader. The ability to ‘cut out the waffle’ or ‘get to the point’ is a huge asset in the professional industry.

Aside from the above, you also get to refer to yourself as a Doctor and add fancy initials after your name!

What Can I Do After a PhD?

One of the most desirable postdoctoral fields is working within independent Research and Development (R&D) labs and new emerging companies. Both industries, especially R&D labs, have dedicated groups of PhD graduates who lead research activities, design new products and take part in crucial strategic meetings. Not only is this a stimulating line of work, but the average salaries in R&D labs and emerging start-ups are lucrative. In comparison, an undergraduate with five years of experience within their given field will, on average, likely earn less than a new PhD graduate taking on a R&D position.

It’s a common misunderstanding that PhDs only opens the door for an academic career such as university lecturers and training providers. Although obtaining a PhD opens these doors, the opportunities extend far beyond educational roles. In fact, recent data from the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) indicates only 23% of PhD graduates take a position in educational roles . This low percentage is primarily because PhD graduates have a wide range of skills that make them suitable for a broad spectrum of roles. This is being seen first hand by the increasing number of PhD graduates who are entering alternative roles such as research, writing, law and investment banking.

How Do I Find a PhD?

We appreciate that finding a PhD programme to undertake can be a relatively daunting process. According to Higher Education Student Statistics , over 22,000 PhDs were awarded in 2016/17 within the United Kingdom alone. Clearly there are a huge number of PhD programmes available. This can sometimes be confusing for prospective doctorates, particularly when different programmes are advertised in different places. Often, it is difficult to know where to look or where to even start. We’ve put together a list of useful sources to find the latest PhD programmes:

• A great place to start is with our comprehensive and up-to-date database of available PhD positions .
• Assuming you are still at university, speak to an existing PhD supervisor within your department.
• Attend as many postgraduate open days as you can. Whilst there, speak to current PhD students and career advisors to get an awareness of what PhDs are on offer.
• Visit the postgraduate section of university websites and the PhD Research Council section of the UKRI website.

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• What is a PhD?

Written by Mark Bennett

A PhD is a doctoral research degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. The degree normally takes between three and four years of full-time work towards a thesis offering an original contribution to your subject.

This page explains what a PhD is, what it involves and what you need to know if you’re considering applying for a PhD research project , or enrolling on a doctoral programme .

On this page

The meaning of a phd.

The PhD can take on something of a mythic status. Are they only for geniuses? Do you have to discover something incredible? Does the qualification make you an academic? And are higher research degrees just for people who want to be academics?

Even the full title, ‘Doctor of Philosophy’, has a somewhat mysterious ring to it. Do you become a doctor? Yes, but not that kind of doctor. Do you have to study Philosophy? No (not unless you want to) .

So, before going any further, let's explain what the term 'PhD' actually means and what defines a doctorate.

What does PhD stand for?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor. Traditionally the term ‘philosophy’ does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to ‘lover of wisdom’.

What is a doctorate?

A doctorate is any qualification that awards a doctoral degree. In order to qualify for one you need to produce advanced work that makes a significant new contribution to knowledge in your field. Doing so earns you the title 'Doctor' – hence the name.

So, is a PhD different to a doctorate? No. A PhD is a type of doctorate .

The PhD is the most common type of doctorate and is awarded in almost all subjects at universities around the world. Other doctorates tend to be more specialised or for more practical and professional projects.

Essentially, all PhDs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs.

Do you need a Masters to get a PhD?

Not necessarily. It's common for students in Arts and the Humanities to complete an MA (Master of Arts) before starting a PhD in order to acquire research experience and techniques. Students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) don't always need an MS/MSc (Master of Science) to do a PhD as you'll gain training in lab techniques and other skills during your undergraduate degree.

Whether a Masters is a requirement for a PhD also varies by country. Australian PhDs may require a Masters as the equivalent of their own 'honours year' (where students work on research). US PhD programmes often include a Masters.

We have a whole guide dedicated to helping you decide whether a PhD without a Masters is the right route for you.

The origin of the PhD

Despite its name, the PhD isn't actually an Ancient Greek degree. Instead it's a much more recent development. The PhD as we know it was developed in nineteenth-century Germany, alongside the modern research university.

Higher education had traditionally focussed on mastery of an existing body of scholarship and the highest academic rank available was, appropriately enough, a Masters degree.

As the focus shifted more onto the production of new knowledge and ideas, the PhD degree was brought in to recognise those who demonstrated the necessary skills and expertise.

The PhD process – what's required to get a PhD?

The typical length of a PhD is three to four years full-time, or five to six years part-time.

Unlike most Masters courses (or all undergraduate programmes), a PhD is a pure research degree. But that doesn’t mean you’ll just spend years locked away in a library or laboratory. In fact, the modern PhD is a diverse and varied qualification with many different components.

Whereas the second or third year of a taught degree look quite a lot like the first (with more modules and coursework at a higher level) a PhD moves through a series of stages.

A typical PhD normally involves:

• Carrying out a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field).
• Conducting original research and collecting your results .
• Producing a thesis that presents your conclusions.
• Writing up your thesis and submitting it as a dissertation .
• Defending your thesis in an oral viva voce exam.

These stages vary a little between subjects and universities, but they tend to fall into the same sequence over the three years of a typical full-time PhD.

The first year of a PhD

The beginning of a PhD is all about finding your feet as a researcher and getting a solid grounding in the current scholarship that relates to your topic.

You’ll have initial meetings with your supervisor and discuss a plan of action based on your research proposal.

The first step in this will almost certainly be carrying out your literature review . With the guidance of your supervisor you’ll begin surveying and evaluating existing scholarship. This will help situate your research and ensure your work is original.

Your literature review will provide a logical jumping off point for the beginning of your own research and the gathering of results . This could involve designing and implementing experiments, or getting stuck into a pile of primary sources.

The year may end with an MPhil upgrade . This occurs when PhD students are initially registered for an MPhil degree and then ‘upgraded’ to PhD candidates upon making sufficient progress. You’ll submit material from your literature review, or a draft of your research findings and discuss these with members of your department in an upgrade exam . All being well, you’ll then continue with your research as a PhD student.

PhDs in other countries

The information on the page is based on the UK. Most countries follow a similar format, but there are some differences. In the USA , for example, PhD students complete reading assignments and examinations before beginning their research. You can find out more in our guides to PhD study around the world .

The second year of a PhD

Your second year will probably be when you do most of your core research. The process for this will vary depending on your field, but your main focus will be on gathering results from experiments, archival research, surveys or other means.

As your research develops, so will the thesis (or argument) you base upon it. You may even begin writing up chapters or other pieces that will eventually form part of your dissertation .

You’ll still be having regular meetings with your supervisor. They’ll check your progress, provide feedback on your ideas and probably read any drafts your produce.

The second year is also an important stage for your development as a scholar. You’ll be well versed in current research and have begun to collect some important data or develop insights of your own. But you won’t yet be faced with the demanding and time-intensive task of finalising your dissertation.

So, this part of your PhD is a perfect time to think about presenting your work at academic conferences , gaining teaching experience or perhaps even selecting some material for publication in an academic journal. You can read more about these kinds of activities below.

The third year of a PhD

The third year of a PhD is sometimes referred to as the writing up phase.

Traditionally, this is the final part of your doctorate, during which your main task will be pulling together your results and honing your thesis into a dissertation .

In reality, it’s not always as simple as that.

It’s not uncommon for final year PhD students to still be fine-tuning experiments, collecting results or chasing up a few extra sources. This is particularly likely if you spend part of your second year focussing on professional development.

In fact, some students actually take all or part of a fourth year to finalise their dissertation. Whether you are able to do this will depend on the terms of your enrolment – and perhaps your PhD funding .

Eventually though, you are going to be faced with writing up your thesis and submitting your dissertation.

Your supervisor will be very involved in this process. They’ll read through your final draft and let you know when they think your PhD is ready for submission.

All that’s left then is your final viva voce oral exam. This is a formal discussion and defence of your thesis involving at least one internal and external examiner. It’s normally the only assessment procedure for a PhD. Once you’ve passed, you’ve done it!

Looking for more information about the stages of a PhD?

How do you go about completing a literature review? What's it like to do PhD research? And what actually happens at an MPhil upgrade? You can find out more in our detailed guide to the PhD journey .

Doing a PhD – what's it actually like?

You can think of the ‘stages’ outlined above as the basic ‘roadmap’ for a PhD, but the actual ‘journey’ you’ll take as a research student involves a lot of other sights, a few optional destinations and at least one very important fellow passenger.

Carrying out research

Unsurprisingly, you’ll spend most of your time as a PhD researcher… researching your PhD. But this can involve a surprisingly wide range of activities.

The classic image of a student working away in the lab, or sitting with a pile of books in the library is true some of the time – particularly when you’re monitoring experiments or conducting your literature review.

Your PhD can take you much further afield though. You may find yourself visiting archives or facilities to examine their data or look at rare source materials. You could even have the opportunity to spend an extended period ‘in residence’ at a research centre or other institution beyond your university.

Research is also far from being a solitary activity. You’ll have regular discussions with your supervisor (see below) but you may also work with other students from time to time.

This is particularly likely if you’re part of a larger laboratory or workshop group studying the same broad area. But it’s also common to collaborate with students whose projects are more individual. You might work on shorter projects of joint interest, or be part of teams organising events and presentations.

Many universities also run regular internal presentation and discussion groups – a perfect way to get to know other PhD students in your department and offer feedback on each other’s work in progress.

Working with your supervisor

All PhD projects are completed with the guidance of at least one academic supervisor . They will be your main point of contact and support throughout the PhD.

Your supervisor will be an expert in your general area of research, but they won’t have researched on your exact topic before (if they had, your project wouldn’t be original enough for a PhD).

As such, it’s better to think of your supervisor as a mentor, rather than a teacher.

As a PhD student you’re now an independent and original scholar, pushing the boundaries of your field beyond what is currently known (and taught) about it. You’re doing all of this for the first time, of course. But your supervisor isn’t.

They’ll know what’s involved in managing an advanced research project over three years (or more). They’ll know how best to succeed, but they’ll also know what can go wrong and how to spot the warning signs before it does.

Perhaps most importantly, they’ll be someone with the time and expertise to listen to your ideas and help provide feedback and encouragement as you develop your thesis.

Exact supervision arrangements vary between universities and between projects:

• In Science and Technology projects it’s common for a supervisor to be the lead investigator on a wider research project, with responsibility for a laboratory or workshop that includes several PhD students and other researchers.
• In Arts and Humanities subjects, a supervisor’s research is more separate from their students’. They may supervise more than one PhD at a time, but each project is essentially separate.

It’s also becoming increasingly common for PhD students to have two (or more) supervisors. The first is usually responsible for guiding your academic research whilst the second is more concerned with the administration of your PhD – ensuring you complete any necessary training and stay on track with your project’s timetable.

However you’re supervised, you’ll have regular meetings to discuss work and check your progress. Your supervisor will also provide feedback on work during your PhD and will play an important role as you near completion: reading your final dissertation draft, helping you select an external examiner and (hopefully) taking you out for a celebratory drink afterwards!

Professional development, networking and communication

Traditionally, the PhD has been viewed as a training process, preparing students for careers in academic research.

As such, it often includes opportunities to pick up additional skills and experiences that are an important part of a scholarly CV. Academics don’t just do research after all. They also teach students, administrate departments – and supervise PhDs.

The modern PhD is also viewed as a more flexible qualification. Not all doctoral graduates end up working in higher education. Many follow alternative careers that are either related to their subject of specialism or draw upon the advanced research skills their PhD has developed.

PhD programmes have begun to reflect this. Many now emphasise transferrable skills or include specific training units designed to help students communicate and apply their research beyond the university.

What all of this means is that very few PhD experiences are just about researching and writing up a thesis.

The likelihood is that you’ll also do some (or all) of the following during your PhD:

The work is usually paid and is increasingly accompanied by formal training and evaluation.

Conference presentation

As a PhD student you’ll be at the cutting edge of your field, doing original research and producing new results. This means that your work will be interest to other scholars and that your results could be worth presenting at academic conferences .

Doing this is very worthwhile, whatever your career plans. You’ll develop transferrable skills in public speaking and presenting, gain feedback on your results and begin to be recognised as an expert in your area.

Conferences are also great places to network with other students and academics.

Publication

As well as presenting your research, you may also have the opportunity to publish work in academic journals, books, or other media. This can be a challenging process.

Your work will be judged according to the same high standards as any other scholar’s and will normally go through extensive peer review processes. But it’s also highly rewarding. Seeing your work ‘in print’ is an incredible validation of your PhD research and a definite boost to your academic CV.

Public engagement and communication

Academic work may be associated with the myth of the ‘ivory tower’ – an insular community of experts focussing on obscure topics of little interest outside the university. But this is far from the case. More and more emphasis is being placed on the ‘impact’ of research and its wider benefits to the public – with funding decisions being made accordingly.

Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at public engagement as a PhD student. Universities are often involved in local events and initiatives to communicate the benefits of their research, ranging from workshops in local schools to public lectures and presentations.

Some PhD programmes include structured training in order to help students with activities such as the above. Your supervisor may also be able to help by identifying suitable conferences and public engagement opportunities, or by involving you in appropriate university events and public engagement initiatives.

These experiences will be an important part of your development as a researchers - and will enhance the value of your PhD regardless of your career plans.

What is a PhD for – and who should study one?

So, you know what a PhD actually is, what’s involved in completing one and what you might get up to whilst you do. That just leaves one final question: should you do a PhD?

Unfortunately, it’s not a question we can answer for you.

A PhD is difficult and uniquely challenging. It requires at least three years of hard work and dedication after you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree (and probably a Masters degree too).

You’ll need to support yourself during those years and, whilst you will be building up an impressive set of skills, you won’t be directly progressing in a career.

But a PhD is also immensely rewarding. It’s your chance to make a genuine contribution to the sum of human knowledge and produce work that other researchers can (and will) build on in future. However obscure your topic feels, there’s really no such thing as a useless PhD.

A PhD is also something to be incredibly proud of. A proportionately tiny number of people go on to do academic work at this level. Whatever you end up doing after your doctorate you’ll have an impressive qualification – and a title to match. What’s more, non-academic careers and professions are increasingly recognising the unique skills and experience a PhD brings.

Other PhDs - do degree titles matter?

The PhD is the oldest and most common form of higher research degree, but a few alternatives are available. Some, such as the DPhil are essentially identical to a PhD. Others, such as the Professional Doctorate or DBA are slightly different. You can find out more in our guide to types of PhD .

Is a PhD for me?

There’s more advice on the value of a PhD – and good reasons for studying one – elsewhere in this section. But the following are some quick tips if you’re just beginning to consider a PhD.

Speak to your lecturers / tutors

The best people to ask about PhD study are people who’ve earned one. Ask staff at your current or previous university about their experience of doctoral research – what they enjoyed, what they didn’t and what their tips might be.

If you’re considering a PhD for an academic career, ask about that too. Are job prospects good in your field? And what’s it really like to work at a university?

Speak to current PhD students

Want to know what it’s like studying a PhD right now? Or what it’s like doing research at a particular university? Ask someone who knows.

Current PhD students were just like you a year or two ago and most will be happy to answer questions.

If you can’t get in touch with any students ‘face to face’, pop over to the Postgraduate Forum – you’ll find plenty of students there who are happy to chat about postgraduate research.

Take a look at advertised projects and programmes

This may seem like a strange suggestion. After all, you’re only going to study one PhD, so what’s the point of reading about lots of others?

Well, looking at the details of different PhD projects is a great way to get a general sense of what PhD research is like. You’ll see what different PhDs tend to have in common and what kinds of unique opportunity might be available to you.

And, with thousands of PhDs in our database , you’re already in a great place to start.

Read our other advice articles

Finally, you can also check out some of the other advice on the FindAPhD website. We’ve looked at some good (and bad) reasons for studying a PhD as well as the value of a doctorate to different career paths.

More generally, you can read our in-depth look at a typical PhD journey , or find out more about specific aspects of doctoral study such as working with a supervisor or writing your dissertation .

We add new articles all the time – the best way to stay up to date is by signing up for our free PhD opportunity newsletter .

Ready to find your PhD?

Head on over to our PhD search listings to learn what opportunities are on offer within your discipline.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

What happens during a typical PhD, and when? We've summarised the main milestones of a doctoral research journey.

The PhD thesis is the most important part of a doctoral degree. This page will introduce you to what you need to know about the PhD dissertation.

This page will give you an idea of what to expect from your routine as a PhD student, explaining how your daily life will look at you progress through a doctoral degree.

PhD fees can vary based on subject, university and location. Use our guide to find out the PhD fees in the UK and other destinations, as well as doctoral living costs.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

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Berkeley School of Education

How to apply: doctorate in education (phd).

Applicants must submit all materials for the Education PhD program by Mon., Dec. 4th, 2023 @ 8:59 p.m. (PST)

Online application.

• Application deadline : Monday, December 4th, 2023 @ 8:59 p.m. (PST) .
• Select Term: Fall; Degree objective:  Education PhD.
• All uploaded documents should be in PDF format only.

All materials are due by the application deadline.

All application materials become property of the University of California. Materials can neither be returned to you nor released to any other party.

Application Fee

• When you apply for graduate admission, you will be required to submit the application fee using a major credit card.
• If you are a U.S. citizen or current permanent resident, the application fee is $135; for all others, the fee is $155.
• The application fee is non-refundable .
• You may qualify for an application fee waiver. To check eligibility, visit the Graduate Division website . 

Program Information

Cluster/emphasis choice You will be required to select from one of the 5 clusters:

• Critical Studies of Race, Class, and Gender
• Learning Sciences and Human Development
• Policy, Politics, and Leadership
• Social Research Methodologies
• Language, Literacy, and Culture

Faculty Adviser You will be required to select and rank up to three (3) faculty members with whom you wish to work and whose research best reflects your interests.

Adviser Choices Briefly tell us why you chose these faculty members and why this rank order.

You are required to submit two essays: a Statement of Purpose, and a Personal History. There is no minimum or maximum length. We recommend one to three pages; 12-point font; and single-spaced, for each essay.

Statement of Purpose

Describe your aptitude and motivation for graduate study in your area of specialization, including your preparation for this field of study, your academic plans or research interests in your chosen area of study, and your future career goals. Please be specific about why UC Berkeley would be a good intellectual fit for you.

Personal History 

Describe how your personal background and experiences inform your decision to pursue a graduate degree. In this section, you may also include any relevant information:

• on how you have overcome barriers to access higher education;
• evidence of how you have come to understand the barriers faced by others;
• evidence of your academic service to advance equitable access to higher education for women, racial minorities, and individuals from other groups that have been historically underrepresented in higher education;
• evidence of your research focusing on underserved populations or related issues of inequality; or
• evidence of your leadership among such groups.

GPA Worksheet

You must calculate your Advanced GPA, which is defined as all coursework after the first two years of your bachelor's degree.

For applicants whose undergraduate trajectory was not a standard 4 years at one institution, simply use your last two years of your Undergraduate degree.

If you need a GPA calculator, we recommend  this online resource .

If you have a graduate degree, there is a separate box for you to enter your graduate degree GPA.

If your GPA is not on a 4.0 scale there is no need to convert it. Enter it as is, in the appropriate GPA box.

Transcripts

• Student information (i.e., first/last name)
• Institution information
• Degree conferral date(s) when applicable
• All coursework information
• Hard copies are not accepted.
• Upload PDF scans of your final transcripts from institutions where you did not receive a degree (e.g., community college) if you received credit that was later applied toward your degree, or if credit from that institution is listed on your bachelor's degree transcript.
• Official transcripts will be required if you are accepted into our program; please do not send transcripts before official acceptance.

Letters of Recommendation

You are required to submit three (3) letters of recommendation.

• At least two (2) should be academic letters.

You will add the recommenders' information to the online application. Each recommender is then responsible for uploading their letter directly into the online portal.

Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

You are required to submit a resume that includes education and professional work history; other professional activities (e.g., professional organizations); professional productivity (e.g., professional publications or professional development); and other major professional, vocational, community, or recreational activities, interests, and pursuits.

Submit via the online Graduate Division application, Resume/CV section.

English Language Proficiency

• All applicants who have completed a basic degree in a country/region in which the official language is not English are required to submit official evidence of English language proficiency.
• Use recipient code 4833 for UC Berkeley.
• For current information regarding this requirement, visit the Graduate Division website .

Review Process

A faculty admissions committee will review all completed application files for their relevant area of study. In accordance with students' active participation in School of Education governance, duly appointed students may also participate in reviewing applicant files. In addition to grades and test scores, we will assess your application by noting achievements in graduate study, employment, and extracurricular and other voluntary activities that you describe in your statement of purpose.

Some degree programs require interviews of top-ranked applicants. We will notify all applicants who need to fulfill this requirement. Telephone interviews may be conducted by arrangement with program staff.

Notification of Decision

The School of Education sends recommendations for admission to the Graduate Division between February and April for final approval. Notice from the Graduate Division constitutes official approval of admission. Communication or correspondence with the School of Education or an individual faculty member does not constitute approval of admission.

Fees & Fellowships

Bse admissions office.

email: [email protected]

Questions about BSE's application process?

Sign up for our BSE Application Office Hours to speak with our Admissions & Fellowship Coordinator.

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Ph.D Education: Course Details, Eligibility, Admission, Fees

PhD Education course is a three to five-year-long doctorate’s degree that deals with the immense academic-level study of a range of educational and professional issues. The aspirants can obtain jobs in Teaching, Research, Executives, etc. The course is well suited for enthusiastic educators and working professionals who want to lead and implement change within the organization.

Ph.D (Education) Course Details

The duration of PhD in education is three to five years. PhD in Education subjects provide candidates with substantial knowledge about the intensive study of education and professional issues. Job opportunities for PhD Education are quite abundant. The course falls under the umbrella of a PhD course.

According to Wikipedia “The Doctor of Philosophy in Education is an applied research and professional doctoral degree that focuses on the field of education. It prepares the holder for academic, research, administrative, clinical, or professional positions in educational, civil, private organizations, or public institutions.”

Table of Contents

• PhD Education Eligibility Criteria
• PhD Education Admission Process
• Who Should Do a Ph.D Education?
• Types of Ph.D Education
• Popular PhD Education Entrance Exams
• Top PhD in Education Colleges in India

Study Ph.D Education Abroad

• Fees Structure for PhD Education

Syllabus and Subjects for PhD Education

Why choose phd education, ph.d education course comparison, preparation tips for phd education.

• PhD Education Salary

Career Options After PhD Education

• Skills to Excel

Eligibility Criteria for PhD Education

PhD in Education in India admission is given to only those candidates who meet the eligibility requirements. Some universities require students to have a 60% aggregate in the Master’s degree. There is no specific age limit. Students must also give the required entrance exam for the course.

How To Get Admission in PhD Education?

PhD Education programs can be availed with merit or through direct admissions. The admission method includes filling up the details of the candidate within the form either online or offline. Mentioned below is the admission process in general:

How to Apply?

As per guidelines, applications for admissions can be availed either from the University website or by visiting the same admissions office. To apply for top Colleges for PhD Education in India, students must make sure that they fulfil the eligibility criteria for PhD Education in India. After that fill out the registration form by providing the required details. The course details will be there on the website too.

Selection Process

Admission is strictly offered to only those students who clear the eligibility criteria. The list of selected candidates will be informed through the college’s official website or via email regarding the result and the further admission process.

Who Should Pursue an Ph.D Education?

Ph.D Education is a doctoral course for students who are interested in researching about the educational system and practising and developing education.  The course is also for students who want to prepare and produce academic matters and research on education and its development. 

When to do an Ph.D Education?

Ph.D Education is pursued right after completion of post graduation. Students wishing to pursue further studies in education can opt for the course.

Types of Ph.D Education 

Aspirants can pursue the Ph.D Education course in a full-time course or a part-time course. PhD as a course is not offered in distance education and if so procured is deemed to be null and void.

Full-Time Ph.D Education 

A full-time Ph.D in Education is a typical programme. During this time, students are required to attend classes, submit assignments, and take exams on campus. When enrolled in a full-time Ph.D Education course, students gain more exposure, experience, and knowledge by interacting directly with colleagues and faculty.

Part-Time Ph.D Education 

Part-time degrees allow the student to complete their degree programme on their own time. The course is structured for working professionals. Colleges do offer Ph.D Education as a part-time course.

Distance Ph.D Education

Distance Education colleges allow students to earn their degrees while working. This is frequently the most adaptable type of degree programme. Ph.D Education is not offered as distance education and such Ph.D obtain is deemed invalid.

Popular Entrance Exams for PhD Education

In the top PhD Education colleges, entrance exams are mandatory for admission. Based on the performance in the written test, which is the qualifying exam, the short-listed candidates shall appear for an interview. The most common exams that most candidates apply to are as follows

A Quick Glance at the PhD Education Entrance Exam

To get a PhD Education admission, students must take the entrance exam that the colleges conduct. Based on the performance in the written test, which is the qualifying exam, the short-listed candidates shall appear for an interview. Given below is the general entrance exams pattern for the students:

• Students must ensure that they fulfil all the required qualifications to ensure eligibility. 
• All test papers will be entirely objective. 
• It is a Computer-Based Test (Online)
• There are around 100-150 questions in the exams
• There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
• One mark is awarded for the correct answers.

Top 10 PhD Education Colleges in India

Various institutes offer PhD Education. Students can choose various PhD Education universities in India based on their specialization and merits. The course in India list also includes both the private and public colleges in India. Some of them are listed below:

Study Ph.D Education in India

For aspirants, India has some of the best Ph.D Education colleges. Candidates can select from a wide range of Ph.D Education courses based on their interests. Candidates must choose the best Ph.D Education programme from the available options. Some of the best Ph.D Education colleges in India are as follows:

Top Ph.D Education Colleges in Delhi

India’s capital city is home to some of the best institutions for Ph.D Education in India. Check the table below for the top Ph.D Education colleges in Delhi:

Read More: Ph.D Education Colleges in Delhi

Top Ph.D Education Colleges in Jaipur

Japiur also has some of the best institutions for Ph.D Education in India. Check the table below for the top Ph.D Education colleges in Jaipur:

Read More: Ph.D Education Colleges in Jaipur

Top Ph.D Education Colleges in Kolkata

Kolkata is home to some of the premier institutions for Ph.D Education in India. Check the table below for the best Ph.D Education colleges in Kolkata:

Read More: Ph.D Education Colleges in Kolkata

Top Ph.D Education Colleges in Indore

Thecity of Madhya Pradesh is renowned around the country for colleges offering top Ph.D Education programmes. Check the table below for the best Ph.D Education colleges in Indore:

Read More: Ph.D Education Colleges in Indore

Top Ph.D Education Colleges in Lucknow

The capital city of UP has some of the best colleges for Ph.D Education courses in India. Check the table below for the best colleges for Ph.D Education in Lucknow:

Read More: Ph.D Education Colleges in Lucknow

Top Ph.D Education Government Colleges

There are several top Government Colleges offering quality Ph.D Education programmes across the country. Check the table below for the top Ph.D Education government colleges in India:

Top Ph.D Education Private Colleges

India has seen significant growth in the number of quality Ph.D Education private colleges that offer some of the best programmes in the country. Check the table below for the top Ph.D Education private colleges in India:

Students who can afford it can study for an M.Sc. in Nutrition and Dietetics in another country. The Ph.D Education programme abroad lasts at least two years, depending on the course, college, and country. Some of the advantages of studying for a Ph.D. abroad include access to some of the best resources, facilities, and faculty, as well as global exposure to the subject and other cultures. Students must also hold an honours degree and be fluent in English. The following are some of the world's best Ph.D Education schools, along with their tuition costs:

Top Ph.D Education Colleges Abroad

The table below contains the list of the some of the best colleges abroad for Ph.D Education:

Top Ph.D Education Colleges in USA

The USA is home to some of the best universities and colleges offering top-notch Ph.D Education programmes in the world. The table below contains the list of top colleges for Ph.D Education in USA:

Top Ph.D Education Colleges in the UK

The UK has institutions that date back to the 13th century. This makes the UK one of the best destinations for pursuing a Masters in  Hospital Management. The table below shows the top colleges for Ph.D Education in UK:

Top Ph.D Education Colleges in Canada

Known as the ‘Great White North’, Canada is one of the most sought after destinations for Ph.D Education programmes in the world. The table below shows the top universities for Ph.D Education in Canada:

Top Ph.D Education Colleges in Australia

For many students, Australia, also known as the 'Land Down Under,' has emerged as one of the top locations for higher education. The list of top colleges for Master of Hospital Management in Australia are as follows:

Fee Structure for PhD Education

PhD Education course fees range from INR 10,000- 1 LPA. This range depends on the college or university. Below listed are the fees structure of some PhD Education colleges in India:

The PhD Education full form is Doctor of Philosophy in Education. The course delivery strategies within the program embody discussions, displays, room performance, assignments, attending, and seminars. The program involves the study of advancement of Education through applying an existing body of knowledge, research and theory. Listed below are some of the popular subjects that are taught to the students:

• Quantitative analysis
• Logistics Research
• Methodology
• Retail merchandising 
• Computer applications

Read More : PhD Education Syllabus and Subjects

Students often think about the details of the subject before choosing the course. Before deciding on a career, students might come across this question, “what is PhD Education?” and “Why choose PhD Education?”. To clearly understand answers to these questions, we have framed the following three pointers:

What is PhD Education All About?

PhD Education is an important and helpful course that provides comprehensive job openings in various fields of Education. A PhD in Education usually requires coursework and a dissertation for the degree to be awarded. Areas of specialization for PhD in Education programs may include educational policy, educational psychology, curriculum and teaching, or educational administration, to name a few.

What Does a PhD Education Graduate Do?

While professions are centred on theory, PhD Education graduates rely on the practicality of the subject. The aspirants will have the chance to combine academic learning in practical situations and develop a set of skills that will be appealing to prospective employers, which are all areas wherever PhD Education graduates want to have their jobs.

Teacher/Lecturer : The responsibilities of a Lecturer or Teacher include developing curricula and delivering course material. They conduct research, fieldwork, and investigations.

Reasons Why PhD Education Can Fetch You a Rewarding Career?

This course is designed to create academic researchers as well as professionals who are capable of conducting various interdisciplinary perspectives. 

Career Scope and Options : Fresh graduates of the PhD Education courses have various jobs that are available at the foundation level. Essential on-the-job training is provided to the candidates, to ensure every part that is included in the process can be learned by the candidate.

Read More : PhD Education Job Opportunities & Scope

Ph.D Education is typically catered to students interested in and inclined toward advance research in the field of education and educational developments. Below is a comparison of the Ph.D Education course with other courses:

Ph.D Education vs M.Phil Education

The table below showcases the differences between the Ph.D Education and M.Phil Education:

Some of the course preparation tips for the PhD Education courses are listed below:

Time Management : For effective preparation and management of your PhD, you should consider writing a schedule early on in your research. It may even be possible to start before you commence your PhD.

Invest in Research Books : Reference books are a vital source of information for students who want to pursue a research career. They can help students navigate difficult topics with ease.

Build Relationships with Peers : Early on in the aspirant’s preparation for a PhD, developing effective working relationships with several key people is important.

Plan Your Research : At the start of the PhD, it'll be useful to plan the main topic and areas of research. It is valuable to grow to be more informed about the research field. 

Salary of a PhD Education Graduate

The average PhD Education salary in India according to Payscale is INR 6 to 9 LPA for freshers. The salaries and annual earnings depend on the specific kind of practice and performance, expertise, and other related aspects. Students can further change this salary by obtaining a higher education and experience.

Read More: PhD Education Salary

After completion of the PhD Education course, graduates can find suitable careers. The graduates can find a job in both the private and public sectors. It also offers a job in the field of teaching. Some job roles offered to PhD Education graduates are:

Skills That Make You The Best PhD Education Graduate

Some people are passionate about Education and want to take it up professionally in the future. PhD Education is meant to make it possible for students with the help of its wide-ranging and deep subject material. Some required skills are:

• Analytical Skill
• Critical Thinking Skill
• Communication Skill
• Ability to Manipulate precise and intricate ideas

• University Reviews
• Career Guide

Important Facts

Ask any Question - CV Forum

PhD Full Form: Courses List, Subjects, Colleges [2024]

Kopal Srivastava Aug 12, 2024 1.5K Reads

The full form of a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy and it is a doctorate program. The duration to complete the program is a minimum of 3-5 years and you extend up to 7 years. It also stands for DPhil or  D.Phil in some countries. A PhD holder can use the title 'Dr.' before their name.

It's considered the highest level of qualification in many fields. The program involves years of study, research, and publishing work. Completing a PhD typically requires coursework, exams, and a thesis. It usually takes at least three years to complete a PhD.

What is the objective of a PhD Program? 

PhD is a prestigious academic degree offered by universities worldwide. Its main aim is to train the future generation of researchers and scientists.

Students with a PhD have many opportunities in today's world. After earning their degree, they should assess their skills and apply for jobs based on their interests and expertise. Knowing their area of interest helps them find a suitable job.

PhD holders can work as lecturers or professors, in human services, as novelists or writers, journalists, editors, critics, philosophical journalists, researchers, scientists, or independent consultants. They can find roles in various sectors, from finance to the public sector.

What are the Eligibility Criteria to pursue a PhD Program?

To pursue a PhD Program, you must fulfill the eligibility criteria mentioned below :

• To pursue a PhD, a Master's degree in the same field is necessary.
• Some universities may require an MPhil as well.
• Colleges accept candidates who have cleared UGC NET.
• Candidates in Engineering must have a valid GATE score.

What is the UGC-NET Exam? 

The CSIR UGC NET is an entrance exam for Indian nationals to qualify for Junior Research Fellowships and Lectureship or Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges. Candidates must meet the eligibility criteria set by UGC.

Some of the Important Dates regarding the PhD Entrance Exam are mentioned below :

PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus of Delhi University

The entrance exam of Delhi University for PhD is divided into 2 parts. Each part holds a weightage of 50 percent marks. 

What are those subjects in which PhD degree is offered? 

There are various subjects that can be opted by you if you are thinking of pursuing a PhD program.

Some of those subjects are mentioned below :

• Engineering
• Mathematics
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Management of Health Care
• Organizational Behavior

What is the admission procedure for a PhD Program?

Follow the simple steps below to learn the admission procedure of a PhD Program :

• Visit the university’s official website and review the PhD course details. Select your research area.
• Watch for admission advertisements in newspapers or on the university's website. Fill out the application form for your chosen course. Admission notifications are usually released 4-5 months before the course starts.
• Fill out and submit your application form as per the institute's schedule. Ensure you pay the application fee on time and submit all required documents.
• Some institutes require a research proposal with the application form. Submit the application form and research proposal to the Research Unit for review.
• After reviewing the applications, institutes shortlist candidates for entrance exams and other admission rounds.
• Candidates selected for PhD programs are assigned supervisors or guides for their research.

What is a PhD Research Proposal? 

A research proposal outlines the direction of your future research, focusing on a research question and a chapter-by-chapter approach to addressing it. In PhD applications, the proposal is evaluated to determine if the project can be completed within three years of full-time research. 

What to include in your Research Proposal? 

• Outline your proposed research topics, considering previous work.
• Highlight your awareness of current debates within the field.
• Demonstrate a suitable level of analysis.
• Identify relevant gaps in current knowledge.
• Suggest a research hypothesis to fill some of these gaps.
• Explain your intended research methodology in detail.
• Discuss the real-world policy implications of your PhD proposal.

What are Some of the popular PhD Programs? 

Some of the popular PhD programs according to the streams are written below. You can choose anyone of your choice. 

What are the types of Research Scholars? 

• Government or Semi-Government Fellowship Recipients :  PhD scholars in this category receive financial assistance through government or semi-government fellowship schemes. 
• Institute Research Scholars with Teaching Assistance :  PhD aspirants in this category receive Institute Teaching Assistantships as specified by the MHRD. Indian Self-financed Candidates: These candidates are admitted to PhD programs based on their track record and experience, but they do not receive financial assistance from the institute. 
• Foreign Self-financed Candidates :   Admission for these candidates is facilitated through their respective country's embassy after obtaining a no-objection certificate from the MHRD and other necessary approvals. 
• Sponsored Candidates :  PhD aspirants sponsored by recognized Research and Development organizations conduct full-time research at the institute. 
• Study Leave Candidates :  These candidates are granted study leave by their government institutes, companies, or educational institutions for research at the specified institute for less than three years. A letter of leave from the candidate's institute or company is required for admission.
• ICCR Awardees :  Foreign candidates sponsored by their governments are awarded PhD seats under the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship category if they have been awarded the scholarship by their government.

What are the advantages of pursuing a PhD program?

Students with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) have many opportunities. After earning their degree, they should assess their skills and interests to find suitable jobs. Knowing their interests helps in finding a good job.

PhD holders can work as lecturers or professors, in human services, as novelists or writers, journalists, editors, or critics, as philosophical journalists, researchers, scientists, or independent consultants. They can work in finance, public sector, and more.

Stream Wise Syllabus of PhD Program

PhD or Doctor of Philosophy, courses are offered in many fields. Some major streams include Science, Arts and Humanities, and Management. There are many PhD courses available in India. The table below shows the syllabus for some PhD courses by stream:

• Science Stream :  Check the table below to know the topics you will get to learn in the science stream 

• Management Stream :  Check the table below to know the topics you will get to learn in the Management stream 

• Art and Humanities Stream :  Check the table below to know the topics you will get to learn in the Art and Humanities stream

What is the Course Structure of a PhD Program?

• The research proposal and research topic must be submitted by candidates who are chosen for PhD programs. They are then given a research guide or supervisor.
• The coordinator or supervisor of the research program provides information on the courses, assessment procedures, and teaching schedule. Researchers are required to provide progress reports every six months.
• In addition to submitting a certificate to the Research Unit, PhD candidates are required to present in at least two seminars. Before turning in their thesis, they must furthermore present a certificate and at least one research paper that has been published in a peer-reviewed publication.
• The supervisor arranges a seminar before the submission of the thesis. The final thesis must take into account the suggestions for improvement made in this seminar.
• A thesis summary must be sent to the supervisor of the candidate at least forty-five days before the final submission. The thesis is then reviewed by outside specialists in both hard copy and soft copy versions. Should changes be recommended, the candidate is required to submit a revised thesis.
• Candidates present their theses before a panel of experts during a viva voce. A PhD degree is only granted to people who successfully finish all of these processes.

Who should opt for a PhD Program? 

A doctor of philosophy degree is recommended for those who wish to work in academics or research (PhD). A PhD enables people to learn more about a subject they are passionate about. It gives those who deserve it a sense of pride and respect.

Students who are unsure about whether a PhD is suited for them may seek advice from teachers and previous PhD candidates. Understanding what PhD degrees include may be gained by investigating various PhD programs. Students who have a clear comprehension of the framework can decide whether or not to pursue a PhD.

What are the different modes of a PhD Program?

There are different modes of a PhD Program. Some of them are mentioned below  :

Regular PhD Program 

A full-time PhD is a standard Doctor of Philosophy program that lasts about 4 to 6 years. It is the most expensive type of PhD program. Government and semi-government fellowship recipients, institute research scholars with teaching assistance, and self-financed candidates usually prefer full-time PhD programs.

Part-Time PhD Program 

PhD programs can also be done part-time. Candidates working in reputed research organizations, academic institutes, or industries near the campus are usually granted part-time PhDs. A part-time PhD takes 7-8 years to complete, as students must fulfill the same academic credits and requirements as full-time students.

Part-time PhD students attend a limited number of classes. They must have at least 1 year of work experience and an NOC from their employer. Part-time Ph.D. focuses on research that benefits the company rather than individual research.

Online PhD Program 

Online PhD program is not UGC-approved in India and hence it is not offered by any Indian universities but if you are looking out for an option for an Online PhD program, you can opt for its alternative and that alternative is an Online DBA.

It is also a doctorate program and it can be done online without visiting college daily. Moreover, it also adds up the “Dr” title before your name. There are various universities offering you an Online DBA. Some of them are mentioned below 

Colleges offering a PhD Program 

There are various government and private colleges offering you a PhD Program. Some of them are mentioned below :

• Government Colleges :  Fees of government colleges are still less expensive than in comparison to private colleges. 

• Private Colleges :  The fees of private colleges are a little high in comparison to the government colleges fees.

NOTE - It is advised that you must check the fees before enrolling as fees change from time to time.  

What is the career scope after completing a PhD Program? 

Once you complete a PhD program, you can apply to various job roles. Moreover, the “Dr” title will be added to your name.

Some of the job roles are mentioned below :

• Research Scientist (Government/Private Institutions)
• University Professor/Lecturer
• Postdoctoral Researcher (Postdoc)
• Science/Research Consultant
• Science Writer/Editor
• Data Scientist (Industry)
• Product Manager (Industry)

Check the table below to know the average salaries earned by the graduates of the program :

The average salary that you can earn after completing the program is INR 4,00,000 - INR 10,00,000. Salaries also depend upon factors such as location, company, experience, knowledge, and many more. It is to be noted that in some countries Doctor of Literature is considered above than PhD program. 

Moreover, various top recruiters hire you once you complete your program. Moreover, the salaries of graduates of a PhD program according to the cities are mentioned below. 

Can I apply for a PhD without relevant qualifications?

If you lack the necessary qualifications for a PhD, you might still qualify by meeting additional requirements set by your chosen institution. These requirements could include extra study or passing a qualifying exam.

Alternatively, you might make a special case to your institution based on non-degree professional qualifications or significant practical experience, or foreign qualifications.

Special case PhD applications will need strong support from your potential supervisor, so seek their advice and backing before applying in this manner.

Is there a Degree higher than a Ph.D? 

Some degrees are considered higher than a PhD and are awarded for significant contributions in specific fields. These are common in UK and some European universities, often given as honorary degrees in the US.

Higher doctorate degrees include -

• Doctor of Science (DS/SD) :  Given for significant contributions to scientific knowledge beyond a PhD.
• Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD) :  Awarded for achievements in humanities or creative arts.
• Doctor of Divinity (DD)  : Recognizes ministry-oriented accomplishments, higher than a Doctor of Theology.
• Doctor of Music (DMus)  : Awarded based on a substantial portfolio of compositions or scholarly publications on music.
• Doctor of Civil Law (DCL) :  Among the highest doctorates, granted for exceptional and original contributions to law or politics.

PhDs through M.Phil

Potential PhD candidates have the option to apply as general research students or for an MPhil degree. The MPhil is an advanced master’s degree awarded for research, suitable for students without a strong research background.

Candidates may need to take taught courses to learn research methods. Completion of a one-year taught program may lead to an MRes degree, with more taught components than the MPhil.

MRes can be awarded instead of a PhD if the required period of study for a PhD is not completed. Completion of original research may lead to the award of the MPhil degree without defending the dissertation.

After the first or second year of research (during MPhil), if the institution is satisfied with progress, candidates can apply for full PhD registration. Supervisor or tutor determines readiness to progress to a PhD. Candidates develop a thesis title and choose a PhD program if deemed ready. 

Conclusion 

The full form of a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy and it is a doctorate program. The duration to complete the program is a minimum of 3-5 years and you extend up to 7 years. It also stands for DPhil or  D.Phil in some countries. A PhD holder can use the title 'Dr.' before their name. Moreover, if you want to pursue an Online PhD that is not approved by the UGC (University Grants Commission) you can opt for its alternative which is an Online DBA. It stands for Doctor of Business Administration and it is also a doctorate program and adds up the “Dr” title before your name. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

⭐ will i be paid for phd.

A lot of doctoral schools do provide stipends. Amounts are degree-specific. NET JRF qualifying recipients receive INR 31,000 from the University Grants Commission each month.

⭐ What distinguishes a doctorate in the social sciences from one in the sciences?

A PhD in the social sciences is qualitative, such as in history and sociology. Science PhDs, such as those in chemistry and physics, are quantitative and need experimentation.

⭐ What qualifications are needed to become a professor?

A PhD from an accredited university and a minimum of ten years of teaching experience are prerequisites. Strong research abilities and published work are also requirements.

⭐ What kinds of jobs are available to those who complete a PhD?

You can pursue post-doctoral research, work in academia or research, or work as a consultant for think tanks and non-governmental organizations.

⭐ What is the full form for a PhD?

A PhD stands for a doctorate in philosophy.

⭐ Is someone with a PhD a doctor?

A doctorate degree does entitle you to use the title doctor “Dr”. 

⭐ Can I pursue a PhD right after completing 12th grade?

A master's degree is required in order to pursue a PhD.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a 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.

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.

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.

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.

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abbreviation or noun

Definition of phd, examples of phd in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'PhD.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

New Latin philosophiae doctor

1839, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near PhD

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“PhD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PhD. Accessed 31 Aug. 2024.

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• General Knowledge /

What is the Full Form of PhD?

• Updated on  
• Feb 14, 2024

The full form of a PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy. It is an advanced academic degree that is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to their chosen field of study. The degree is recognised globally and is highly regarded in the academic community. PhD can also be called a DPhil or D. Phil. A person with this degree can add “Dr.” as a prefix to their name and is considered a doctor in that field. 

Also Read – What is the Full Form of B.Ed?

The History of Ph.D

The concept of a Doctor of Philosophy degree dates back to the Middle Ages in Europe. The term “ doctor ” comes from the Latin word “docere,” which means “to teach.” The word “ philosophy ” is derived from the ancient Greek word “philosophia” which means “love of wisdom”. Thus, a person who has the zeal to teach and has a love of wisdom about their field is awarded with PhD. 

Also Read – What is the MA Full Form?

Eligibility for PhD

The eligibility for pursuing PhD is –

• Have a Master’s or MPhil degree or a postgraduate degree from a recognized University or Institutions in a related field in which they intend to do PhD.
• In India, some universities require UGC NET / CSIR qualifications
• The upper limit for Junior Research Fellowship ( NET JRF ) is 31 years while there is no upper limit for taking National Eligibility Test (NET) .

Also Read – What is the MSC Full Form?

Objectives of the PhD Course

Initially, the Ph.D. degree was awarded only in the field of philosophy, but over time, it expanded to encompass other disciplines as well.

• A PhD program allows one to delve deep into a chosen field of study and become an expert in a specific area. 
• Having a Ph.D. demonstrates the expertise and research capabilities, making one an attractive candidate for academic positions, research roles and high-level positions in various industries.
• Pursuing a PhD offers intellectual stimulation and allows one to engage in critical thinking, problem-solving and independent research. 

Also Read – What is the Full Form of MFA?

List of Subjects for a PhD Degree

Interested students can pursue their PhD degree in any of these popular subjects:

• Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Mathematics
• Health care

Popular Full Forms

We hope this blog has helped you understand the PhD full form and everything related to it. If you want to know more, find the general full form list on our blog. In the world of short forms, you can rely on the Leverage edu page to know about more important full forms like this! Connect with us study abroad experts to achieve your international dream today!

Rajshree Lahoty

Meet Rajshree Lahoty, the writer behind insightful blogs on study abroad adventures and general knowledge trivia. Armed with a pen mightier than the sword (and a keyboard!), she navigates through the lanes of knowledge with a dash of research and a sprinkle of information. Join her escapades in solving the mysteries of the world!

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PhD: Full Form, Admission 2024, Courses, Degree, Entrance Exams, Syllabus, Career Scope

Waqar Niyazi

Content Curator

Ph.D. - Latest Notifications

• 29 August, 2024 : IIT JAM 2025 Application Form Out Soon, Check Details Here.

The full form of PhD is  Doctor of Philosophy derived from the Latin term Philosophiae Doctor. PhD is the highest degree or doctorate awarded for research in a particular subject. The duration of PhD course is 3 years but can vary from college to college. PhD Eligibility requires students to have pursued a master’s degree or an MPhil with a minimum  aggregate score of 55%.

PhD Admission is based on Ph.D entrance exams such as  CSIR UGC NET, UGC NET, IIT JAM, NPAT are the top PhD entrance exams. If a candidate wishes to pursue PhD in Engineering and Technology then they must possess a valid  GATE score. CSIR UGC NET is the national-level PhD entrance exam conducted twice a year. The registration process for the CSIR UGC NET exam will begin soon and the exam is scheduled for the month of December.

Furthermore, there are various  PhD Scholarships available in India which help students to pursue a Ph.D. After completing their PhD degrees, students can choose from a plethora of PhD Jobs and can earn an average salary of INR 6 – 9 lakhs per annum. 

Table of Contents

Doctor of Philosophy: Course Details

1.1  Why study Ph.D?

• What is Ph.D?

2.1   PhD Full form

2.2   PhD vs Doctorate

PhD Admission Process

3.1   Eligibility

3.2   UGC NET

3.3   Important Dates

• PhD Programs Types
• Ph.D Courses

5.1   Science

5.2   Arts

5.3   Medical

• PhD Colleges in India

6.1   Government Colleges

6.2   Private Colleges

•   Ph.D in India

7.1   PhD in IIT

7.2   JNU PhD

7.3   DU PhD

7.4   Mumbai University PhD

Why study Ph.D?

• Ph.D. help the students to start or continue their research in a field they are passionate about. 
• It helps in improving employment prospects. It can unlock many career opportunities. If someone wants to become a lecturer or University researcher then a Ph.D. degree is usually the main requirement.
• The Indian government has reduced the tax incentive for firms conducting R&D, which is consistent with the finding of the previous UNESCO Science Report (2015).
• Academic researchers contribute the bulk of all scientific and technical articles published in India.
•  Higher Education Institutions and Research and Development organizations play an important role in nation building.
• There is an encouraging increase in scientific publications by Indian researchers on cutting-edge technologies.

What is PhD?

PhD or Doctor of Philosophy deals with advanced research regarding a specific subject. PhD courses are available in 3 formats which are Full Time, Part Time PhD and Online PhD. Ph.D Duration is three years which can increase to five to six years depending on the subject. 

PhD Full Form

PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy. PhD abbreviation is from a Latin term which is Philosophiae Doctor. The term philosophy has little relation to the philosophy subject. In Ph.D the term philosophy comes from the Greek word which means ‘lover of wisdom’.

PhD Full Form –  Doctor of Philosophy

PhD Duration

• PhD duration is 3 years which can be extended. On an average a student completes his/her PhD in 5-7 years. 
• There are many factors that determine the duration of the PhD such as knowledge of the research area, research experience, knowledge of the supervisor, relevance of the research, communication skills, availability of resources and the amount of course work. 
• The minimum PhD duration is 3 years. In NIIT the average PhD duration is 3-5 years and in IITs the average PhD duration is 5-7 years.

PhD vs Doctorate

PhD Degree Requirements

PhD Degree requirements is the process or the prerequisites of getting the Ph.D Degree. This is different in different countries. PhD in India follows rules described by the UGC. 

PhD Degree requirements include completion of coursework, presentation of research proposal or synopsis, submission of progress reports, give pre-submission presentation and then defend the thesis in an oral debating atmosphere.

Also See: PhD Jobs

Who should study for a Ph.D?

• Students who want to make a career out of academics or research should definitely pursue a Doctor of Philosophy. 
• This is a unique opportunity to broaden the horizon of the subject that an individual loves. It brings immense pride and respect to the individual who wants to do Doctor of Philosophy.
• To understand if you are capable of doing Doctor of Philosophy, the individual must have a serious conversation with lecturers and former Doctor of Philosophy students who guide better.
• Students should research different Doctor of Philosophy programs to get a general sense about what PhD Degrees are like. After understanding the whole structure then only students must decide to do a Doctor of Philosophy.

Ph.D. admission  is based on enrollment to several universities. Universities accept the results of either national level or university level entrance exams.  Top Ph.D. entrance exams  are CSIR UGC NET, UGC NET, IIT JAM, and NPAT. If a candidate wishes to pursue PhD in Engineering and Technology then they must possess a valid GATE score. As per the recent directives of the UGC, students who complete a four-year UG degree would be able to directly apply for pursuing a PhD degree in their desired choice of course.

PhD Eligibility

• Master's degree holders are eligible for admission to doctoral programs. For some subjects, Masters in Philosophy is needed for pursuing PhD.
• The students should have at least 50-55% of marks post graduation.
• In some universities admission is offered on the basis of interviews. It may be supplemented with a written exam.
• More preference is given to candidates who have work experience in the field of research.

The National Educational Testing Bureau of UGC conducts the National Eligibility Test to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Assistant Professor and Junior Research Fellowship and Research Professor in Indian Universities and Colleges.

CSIR-UGC NET Exam

CSIR UGC NET is a test being conducted to determine the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowship and for Lectureship /Assistant Professor in Indian universities and colleges subject to fulfilling the eligibility criteria laid down by UGC.

Important Dates

PhD Programs

There are 3 basic types of PhD Programmes in India. They include full time PhD, Part time PhD and Online PhD. 

Full-Time PhD

• Full-Time PhD is a normal Doctor of Philosophy program. The duration of these programs ranges between 4 – 6 years.
• The cost of a full time Doctor of Philosophy program is the highest compared to other modes of PhD degrees.
• Government/ Semi-Government Fellowship Recipients, Institute Research Scholars with Teaching Assistance and Self-financed Candidates generally prefer to pursue full-time PhD program. 

Part Time PhD

• PhD Programs can sometimes be done on a part-time basis. Candidates, who are working in reputed research organizations, academic Institutes and industries, situated preferably in the close vicinity to the campus are majorly granted Part-Time PhD . 
• Part-time PhD takes 7-8 years to complete since Part-time doctoral students must complete the same number of academic credits and other requirements as full-time students.
• Students doing part-time PhD will have to attend a limited number of classes.
• Doctor of Philosophy students doing part-time PhD must have at least 1 year of work experience and must have NOC from the employer.
• Part-time PhD is mainly focused on research for the development of the company rather than individual research work.

A Doctor of Philosophy is an academic degree that requires about four years of extensive study and research to earn. The completion of an Online PhD results in significantly improved career prospects. For students or professionals interested in leadership, academia, consulting, research and entrepreneurship, a PhD degree can offer a required qualification. 

Learn More:   Online PhD Programmes

Fully Funded PhD Programs

Students who wish to be funded during their Doctor of Philosophy must clear the NET exam. Passing the NET Exam guarantees stipend from the Government of India irrespective of the University. The student gets INR 31,000 from the Central Government after passing NET. Check: PhD Scholarships  

Some of the top PhD scholarships in India that help students complete their Doctor of Philosophy courses are mentioned below:

PhD Courses

Students have the option of doing Doctor of Philosophy according to their choice. Doctor of Philosophy is available in various streams and subjects. The various subjects available for Doctor of Philosophy according to different streams are mentioned below. See: List of PhD Courses

PhD Courses: Science Stream

There are several PhD courses in the Science stream such as PhD in Chemistry, PhD in Clinical Research, PhD in Science, PhD in Bioscience, PhD in Bioinformatics, PhD Biotechnology, PhD in Mathematical and Computational Sciences, PhD in Environmental Science and Engineering, etc.

PhD Courses: Arts stream

It is a research-based course that allows students to research in their field. This course involves the study of the complete Arts stream and all its specializations like History, English Literature, Political Science, etc

PhD Courses: Medical stream

Ph. D. courses in Medical stream covers all the major areas of medicine including Neurology, epidemiology, genetics as well as various clinical and non-clinical streams. The PhD courses under medical streams are MD Biochemistry, MD Forensic Medicine, MD anesthesiology, MD Pulmonary Medicine, PhD Physiology, MD Skin and VD, etc.

PhD Courses: Engineering Stream

Candiates can apply for PhD courses related to engineering after B.tech. After completion of PhD course in engineering stream, a candidate can start working as a project manager, electrical engineer, application engineer, research engineer, etc in companies such as Dell, Wipro, ABB, DRDO

PhD Courses: Management Stream

Areas of specialization for the PhD in management often include Accounting, Decision sciences (decision theory and decision analysis), Economics, Entrepreneurship, Ethics and legal studies, Finance and Health care management.

PhD Courses: Pharmacy Stream

PhD courses of Pharmacy stream includes Pharm.D, PhD in Pharmacy, PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences, PhD in Pharmacology, PhD in Pharmaceutics, PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, PhD in Medicinal Chemistry, etc. There are diverse roles available after completion of PhD Pharmacy, including those in clinical research, clinical trials, regulatory affairs, drug safety, business development and medical affairs

PhD Courses: Commerce Stream

Course related to PhD commerce streams are PhD in Commerce, PhD in Statistics, PhD in Commerce and Management, PhD in Accountancy, PhD in Business Economics, PhD in Banking and Finance and M.Phil in Commerce. Job opportunities include working as E-Commerce Executive, Accounts Executive, Consultant, etc in government finance sectors such as Reserve Bank of India, State Bank of India

PhD Courses: Agriculture stream

Ph D courses agriculture stream includes curses such as PhD in Agriculture, PhD in Agronomy, PhD in Genetics and Plant Breeding, PhD in Horticulture, and PhD in Agricultural Economics. PhD in Plant Pathology. In the PhD Agriculture duration, the candidates get to learn how to produce food, fiber and fuel.

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 job profiles that attract PhD in Law graduates are Attorney, Deputy Program Manager, Administrative Coordinator, Legal Manager, Legal Counsel, Legal Consultant, and Legal Affairs Manager.

Top PhD Colleges in India

Top PhD Government Colleges

Top PhD Private Colleges

Top PhD Colleges in Mumbai 

Top PhD Colleges in Chennai

Top PhD Colleges in Bangalore

Top PhD Colleges in Delhi

Top PhD Colleges in Kolkata

PhD in India

Top Universities in India provide the best doctor of philosophy courses in India. IITs offer good scope for research in the field of science and engineering. 

IIT Bombay PhD

The minimum eligibility required for applying is 60% aggregate marks in Master's degree and the selection of the candidate is done on the basis of GATE/ CEED/ UGC-NET exams scores. A valid GATE score of at least 660 is required. The total fee of PhD is INR 1.83 lakh.

To be eligible for these programs, at IIT Bombay, candidates need to get a master's degree and crack either of these exams - UGC-NET, or GATE, or CEED. Check out the specializations, and the fees for PhD courses at the IIT Bombay, in the tabulation form below.

IIT Madras PhD

The eligibility criteria for admission to IITM PhD is the candidate must have a Master's degree by Research in Engineering/Technology with a good academic record or a 5 Year Dual Degree in Engineering or 5 Year BS+MS Dual degree from Centrally Funded Technical Institute with a good academic record. For candidates with UG from a CFTI, GATE score is not mandatory.

See: IIT Madras PhD

IIT Indore PhD

Applicants must apply online through their official website Applicants are selected for admission to PhD programs through an evaluation process that includes an interview by a selection committee and the mere application does not imply admission into the Ph.D. program. The minimum education qualification required is master’s degree in the relevant Department of Engineering/ Technology and a GATE qualification.

IIT Bhubaneswar PhD

The eligibility criteria for admission to the IIT Bhubaneswar Ph.D. program is a Minimum of 55% marks or 6.0 CGPA (on a 10-point scale) in the Master's degree in an appropriate discipline. A provisional certificate is acceptable or a minimum of 60% marks or 6.5 CGPA (in a 10-point scale) is required in all other examinations with a valid GATE score. The candidate must be UGC-NET(JRF and LS) qualified.

See: IIT Bhubaneswar PhD  

IISC Bangalore PhD

The basic qualification required for IISC Bangalore PhD Science program is M Sc or equivalent degree in Physical Sciences/ Mathematical Sciences/ Chemical Sciences or BE / B Tech or equivalent degree in any discipline or Graduates of 4-year Bachelor of Science programs. Graduates of any course with a minimum duration of 4 years with a minimum CGPA of 8.0 are eligible to apply to the regular Ph. D. program without requiring any other National Entrance Tests.

See: PhD in IISc Bangalore

IIT Hyderabad PhD

The eligibility criteria for Ph.D. admission in the engineering departments is a Masters's degree. Candidates can apply for a direct PhD after B. Tech./B.E. with a valid GATE score. IITH admits students to the PhD program twice a year. Institute provides a monthly stipend of INR 31,000 for the first two years and INR 35,000 for the next three years.

Candidates can apply either online or offline for the VTU Ph.D. program. The minimum eligibility criteria required is 6.5 CGPA. Selection will be based on work experience and previous performance. Admission to the program is merit- based. The annual fee for the program is INR 7,970 for Karnataka state candidates and INR 19,470 for other state candidates. See: PhD in VTU

Bangalore University PhD

Admission is based on the score obtained on University Conducted-Entrance Test and performance in the interview. In order to qualify for the test, candidates need to score at least 50% out of 100.Candidates who have qualified CSIR NET/ UGC NET/ SLET/ KSET/ GATE/ JRF or hold an accredited M. Phil. Degree are exempt from the Ph. D Entrance Test.

Amity University PhD

Applications for admission to a Ph. D. program at Amity University are accepted twice a year, for January and July sessions. The admission form is to be filled and submitted online only. The required minimum qualification for admission to a Ph.D Program is a Master’s or M.Phil Degree from any accredited Indian or Foreign University in the relevant field with 55% marks. Eligible candidates will be required to appear in the Selection Process consisting of PET (Ph.D. Entrance Test) and an Interview round as per UGC’s PhD Guidelines.

Then applicants need to download the application form from Jawaharlal Nehru University's official website to apply for the course. Degree holders are eligible for admission, provided they have scored a minimum of 55 percent marks or equivalent grades. Admission is based on a national-level entrance examination followed by an interview. JNU Ph.D. research students receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 28,000 from the Govt.

For admission to Delhi University Ph.D. program candidates must have completed Master's degree or M. Phil in the respective fields with a minimum aggregate of 55% marks at Delhi University or any other recognized University. The admission to the Program is through an entrance test DUET conducted by the university itself, which results in the shortlisting of the candidates for the interview.

Mumbai University PhD

Candidates can also pursue their PhD degree from Mumbai University . It is a renowned government university, offering the PhD program lasting for 3 years. Candidates need to have a masters or M.Phil degree with a minimum 55% aggregate marks from a recognised educational institute. Also, the candidates should have the valid scores of either GATE, UGC, SET, JRF ICAR, and CSIR.

IIT Kharagpur PhD

IIT Kharagpur is one of the best IITs in India, and also belongs among the best colleges all over the nation. It achieved the 5th rank both in 2020, and 2019, by the NIRF. IIT Kharagpur offers a total of 17 PhD courses. The minimum eligibility to pursue a doctorate degree at IIT Kharagpur , needs a minimum CGPA mark of 6.5 or aggregate marks of 60%, at postgraduate level.

Top Universities around the world that offer the best Phd courses are ranked according to QS World University Rankings. The rankings of both 2021 and 2020 are provided so as to make comparative analysis of the Universities.

Harvard PhD 

Harvard University is one of the best educational institutes all over the world. Millions of candidates set their focus to get admission to this university, to pursue their respective courses. It offers numerous programs, along with Doctorate courses, having 8 different specializations. PhD courses in this institute, bear an average course fee around INR 38 lakhs. 

Also, the university offers the research programs on both full-time and part-time basis. Every candidate must crack the GRE or GMAT exam for admission to this college. The subjects on which aspirants can research in this college are - 

• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Neuroscience
• Business Administration
• Molecular and Cellular Biology
• Data Science
• Computational Science and Engineering.

MIT PhD 

MIT or Massachusetts Institute of Technology also comes among the top universities in the world. It is a private university, with an employment rate of 82%. It gained 3rd position among the National Universities as per the US news, in 2020. MIT is a very much renowned institute for pursuing PhD courses. It offers a total of 29 different research programs. The average course fee for doctorate programs at MIT is around 21 lakhs. All the students have to submit their GRE entrance exam scores to be eligible.

The PhD specializations offered in MIT are - 

Oxford PhD 

Oxford University , also belongs among the best universities in the world as per the QS World ranking and many agencies It is also regarded as the best university all over the world by many experts. It is a public research university having an acceptance rate of 15%. Oxford University has an international students percentage of 45%, and it is worth-pursuing PhD here. It offers a total of 17 research program, that are listed below - 

Stanford PhD 

Stanford University in the USA, California is one of the most distinguished research institutes all over the world. It is among the top 5 colleges of the world, and has a terrific rating when it comes to pursuing research programs at this university. It is significantly renowned for offering research programs. Candidates can access approx. 60 PhD courses, at the Stanford University. The specializations offered here, are - 

Cambridge PhD 

Brilliants of students all over the world, come to Cambridge University , to pursue their PhD degree here. It is a private university, with a good acceptance rate of 16%. The number of international students at this institute per year is 9,000. 

Candidates have to either crack GMAT or GRE entrance exam, to be eligible for the research programs at Cambridge University. It is arguably the best university to pursue PhD courses. Candidates can access a total of 66 doctorate programs here. Check out the specializations offered here, below.

After pursuing a PhD, students can choose from a number of PhD Jobs . Some of the most popular job opportunities after completing a PhD Degree are mentioned below.

Ques. What is a PhD?

Ans. A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is the highest academic degree awarded by universities. It involves original research and the contribution of new knowledge to a specific field.

Ques. How long does it take to complete a PhD?

Ans. The duration of a PhD varies, but it typically takes around 3 to 5 years. The time can be influenced by factors such as research complexity, program structure, and individual progress.

Ques. What can I get a PhD degree in?

Ans. There are multiple fields on which you can specialize in a PhD program. Some of the popular doctorate level courses are - 

• Clinical Psychology
• Electronics and Communications Engineering
• Educational Leadership and Administration, etc,

Ques. Is a PhD after a Masters?

Ques. Is there an age limit for enrolling in a PhD program?

Ans. Generally, there is no age limit for enrolling in a PhD program. Admissions are based on academic qualifications, research potential, and alignment with the program's objectives.

Ques. What is the salary of a PhD?

Ques. What is the easiest PhD to get?

Ques. Can I skip my Masters and do a PhD?

Ques. Can I complete my PhD in 2 years?

Ques. Which PhD has the highest salary?

Ques. Is it free to get a PhD?

Ques. What qualities characterize a great PhD student?

Ques. Is it OK to start a PhD at age 40?

Ques. What are the right reasons for anyone to pursue a PhD?

Ans. Pursuing a PhD comes with long-term career goals and helps the aspirant make a significant contribution towards his selected field. 

Most Popular Tags

154 Reviews found

Hamara vishwavidyalay

Loan/ scholarship provisions.

During Phd, you have to pay 6700 rupees fees for the course work and after the course work you have to pay 3700 rupees per sem. For the hostel, you have to pay 2400 yearly for phd candidates. and the university has given non net fellowship which is 8000 per month for every phd scholar.

Campus Life

lots of seminar conferences and workshops are organized by the university. also celebrated lots of festivals and national festivals. every year university conducts an essay writing quiz competition and many more competitions. also every year university conducts sports week.

Placement Experience

Student become eligible for campus from 2 second Year means from 4 semester. Wipro and many multi national companies. They have given 3 lakh to 4 lakhs package. 20% of students from course are getting placements offer. I'm trying to get a job in company.

The campus life was really exciting and much more new to learn during annual fest , sports and extracurricular activities on the campus. students of course used to get part in it. It really gives a great platform to show there talent.

Devika Mishra's Review On Indian Institute Of Tropical Meteorology - [IITM], Pune

There are well opportunities available for the students studying here. From clerk staff to research associate officials there are options available to all levels. One can apply online.There are options for the students to apply for the fellowship for which the students can get 5500 as stipend. For scientists in grades such as B, C, D, the approx. salary is Rs 5 lakh to Rs 6.5Lakh. Training Module helps in career improvement with promotion scheme. This leads to medical facilities, Pension benefits, transport services, canteen services etc.

I only have positive reviews to write about the college. They not only provide their students with ample opportunity to grow and learn in an understanding environment but also provide them with facilities that are necessary for the studies. I have learnt a lot and grown as a better person after spending time in this college. The faculty is not just good but understanding as well. The college doesn?t boast about itself but it upholds its reputation very well.

Keshav Bibhuti's Review On Indian Institute Of Tropical Meteorology - [IITM], Pune

To get the entrance in Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology College, candidates should achieve first class marks in M.Sc / M.Tech / MS degree or the same in Meteorology, Atmospheric Sciences, Chemistry, Ocean Sciences, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Geophysics, or any other region of Earth Sciences or any related subject with Physics and Mathematics at the graduate stage. Those appearing for final exam can also apply but the final selection will be based on detailed interview at Pune in June or July every year. As you can submit the online forms along with CV.The original documents like mark sheet of qualifying examination and certificate of matriculation exam will be returned to the candidates right away after verification and the attested photocopy of the document will be kept by the institution of higher education for record. The candidate which is selected must pay the required charges at the time of admission.

Extracurricular activities of IITM have huge way to join in an activity you enjoy and convene new people, and they can also be an important part of your institute. In institute, students show your interests and talents. It let you take part in an activity you enjoy, whether that's playing football, painting, Sports, Gym, Computer Labs and vast collection of Books, Journals & Magazines etc. IITM provides the world class infrastructure, with hosting center for climate change research. It make students not only enjoy but also makes you happier but can also give you a much needed break from stress. It organizes obligatory general medical checkup camps for all the members of institutes.

My Ph.D review

Our college have a limited placements opportunities but in the course like Ph.D., there are millions of opportunities available for the students to apply in the government and private sector for jobs and internships and gain experience towards the same.

Course Curriculum Overview

The course educational program is significantly drawn towards the parts of research in the territory of medication. The structure of the course is progressively useful in contrast and can bring millions of opportunities to the table for students.

Rushikesh's Review On National Institute Of Virology - [NIV], Pune

The college does not host or conduct any events or extracurricular activities for the students. They do conduct a few which are educational for the students and related to their field of study. Other than that not many are conducted.

The faculty of the college are very well qualified and are trained very well. They have a lot of experience in their fields of study and pass on that knowledge to us. They help in clearing doubts and are very professional.

Sarazul's Review On National Institute Of Virology - [NIV], Pune

Our college loves to enhance the skills of ten students and hence why a lot of events such as seminars and talks hosted by different guests are conducted in our college. The students take part in order to gain more knowledge.

Fee Structure And Facilities

Comparing our institute to other institutes our Institute fee is pretty nominal and feasible. The students are given a Stipend for researching and finding more about the viruses so the students can use that to pay the fee.

PhD in Post Harvest Machinery from CIPHET

The institute was created with the sole purpose of creating practical solutions to the problems of agricultural engineering, and focusing on research and academic training for the next generation of agricultural scientists. And I can proudly say, that it lives up to its expectations.

I wanted to specialize in post harvest machinery, and the Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology specializes in the field. I saw an invitation for application for PhD, and applied. This was followed by an interview, after which I was admitted.

PhD in Agro-processing Center from CIPHET

The institute does not have a placement cell, and with the rigorous training, seminars and workshops the employability of the researchers is never in question. There are a few options to choose from, and you can even apply to CIPHET when there are vacancies for ongoing or proposed projects.

My time here is proving to be enriching and inspiring. There are so many things to learn, and I can hardly think of a better place for that. My network circle is wonderful, and we are just a bunch of dedicated, passionate people trying to give our contribution to our respective fields.

Very good Institute

The university has a well established placement cell who ensures that the students are placed in right industries. The placement cell organizes many seminars, guest lectures, conferences, corporate meet, personality development, communication skills and counselling sessions to make the students ready for campus interview. After completing the course, students can take up various competitive examination of UPSC, Banking and other sectors.

College Events

The seniors of our institute organizes many events and festivals like Foundation day, Freshers day, sports and cultural events, Flag hosting on Republic and Independence day, Teachers day, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, International Yoga Day etc. These festivals are organized in a very big way in which both teachers and students take part.

Good Institute for Research studies.

Overall experience as a student of this institute , i can say that the placement and job opportunities was good in our institute. Many government and private companies come to our college for campus recruitment. The training and placement cell of the institute takes care of training and placement activities for the students by inviting many companies.

Central Institute of Post Harvest Engineering and Technology was one of the best and reputed institute. The institute provides very good facilities and education to the students. The faculty and non faculty members are very good and helpful. The institute provides a very good quality education to the students. It was a proper place for studying.

Good college for Research studies.

The students committee of our college organizes many indoor and outdoor activities in our college. The college has a large playground in which many outdoor games and cultural activities are organized. As, i have very much interest in outdoor activities, so i participate in all outdoor activities organized by the college. It was a very fun and good moment for all the students.

The college organizes many events and festivals like National conference, Yoga Day, celebration of kannada Rajyotsava, World Disabled Day, Krishnamela, Holi, Celebration of Constitution Day, Diwali, observance of Vigilance Awareness week etc are organized. All teachers and students participate in all the events and festivals organized by the college.

Superb college for PhD

The admission to the college is based on the merit list. Once your name lies in the the list you are called for an interview. The interview process is important and holds a lot of weightage for the admission. Sometimes if there are a lot of candidates then a written exam is conducted.

The fee is feasible enough for students hailing from middle class. The course duration is of 2 years. I never felt any difficulty in paying the fee. The examination fee is asked differently prior to the exams which are held every semester.

Fantastic experience of my life

The teachers are educated enough. They are quite strict in terms of assignment and projects which is a good trait for a teacher. The non- faculty staff is professional. During my second year I had a problem with my attendance issue, they helped and sorted the issue immediately.

The course is extensive enough. It is based on a lot of paper work and research stuff. Instead of theoretical approach a lot of practical approach is also done. The course is for 2 year duration. Exams conducted are mostly based on the thesis and journal work.

NBAIR Review

The institute offer various job opportunities to the students. Many renowned companies visit our institute to offer placements. Many of my friends got placed in good companies and are paid quite well. Our institute also provide us with career guidance which build s our personality.

The fee structure is quite reasonable and practical. They charged Rs 62,000 per year which is prudent. The facilities are various therefore, the money we have paid is low. We are even offered guaranteed jobs after the end of the course, so the amount they are charging is justified.

Richa Rathore's Review On The Centre For DNA Fingerprinting And Diagnostics - [CDFD], Hyderabad

After the completion of our research work and PhD, there is an ample of opportunities for the candidates . There are carrier opportunities in the field of diagnostics , administrative officer post and various other golden opportunities knocks the door of the qualified candidates. Candidates can also grab the job opportunity at the same research center itself or the other depending upon their choice and interests.

The fees of the research center is quite feasible. The fees is very much economical and easily affordable. Comparing the opportunities and facilities provided to us and understanding of every thing in a modern way with modern tools and technologies , the fees seems to be the best value for money . The return on investment is great at this research center.

My college Review

The fee structure is more or less feasible the structure of the fee is described well once the student visit the college campus physically. based on which the students can apply further.But as much as i perceived many students earmark this college due to its fee structure.

Students consenting for PH.D curriculum need to apply online with all the details and an Updated Resume with work experience and the organization's name. Once this process is completed the students will receive an automated mail from college.

Raahil's Review On The Centre For DNA Fingerprinting And Diagnostics - [CDFD], Hyderabad

You should have a postgraduate degree with you. The application form is available online you can fill it with required details and then there is a walk-in interview for all the candidates and on the basis of performance in the interview admission will be taken.

After completing the doctorate degree you will have a number of options available for you. You can either apply for the post of professor for any college or university or you can opt some other options according to your preferences.

Ph.D in Science

The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics is a very famous college which focuses on developing interest to research and make progress in the field of DNA Fingerprinting as well as many other related areas. In order to get admission, the candidate should have completed there post graduation in the concerned discipline. The candidate will be selected on the basis of merit and interview.

The fee structure of Ph.D in Science is very nominal and not at all expensive. The cost is around 20thousand which is a very feasible and affordable amount. Also the institution funds all the research work of the students. Hence the fee structure is very good.

Utkarsh's Review On The Centre For DNA Fingerprinting And Diagnostics - [CDFD], Hyderabad

The admission for the course would be through the interview which would be held for about three days consecutively. The base of the selection would be the candidate should possess a post-graduate in science, agriculture, or the technology related to science in a recognized university.

The events mostly celebrated in the college are the technical events and they would give high importance to the national and the international level conferences as well as the paper presentations at the college. Therefore the whole technical events would be given its importance.

Ph.D. : 43 answered questions

Ques. are master's degrees from ignou acceptable for admission into ph.d courses in top universities.

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 28 Apr 22

Ques. Is a Phd from IGNOU worth it/valuable?

● Top Answer By Srabani Guha on 24 Jul 23

Ques. How is the Direct PhD program of IIT Madras?

● Top Answer By Arati Sinha on 29 Mar 23

Ques. What is the value of a Ph.D. degree from IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Karuna Nair on 13 Mar 23

Ques. Why do some students in IIT Bombay leave high-paying jobs and join grad schools for PhD?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 23 Mar 23

Ques. What is the placement scenario after PhD in IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 17 Mar 23

Ques. Is a PhD from IGNOU valid?

● Top Answer By Pankaj Kumar on 18 Oct 22

Ques. What is the placement record of MSc applied statistics students of IIT Bombay?

● Top Answer By Poornima Sahoo on 18 Mar 23

Ques. How difficult is it to get a PhD from IISc Bangalore?

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 14 Jul 23

Ques. How good is doing a PhD in BITS Pilani compared to IITs?

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 27 Jun 23

Ph.D. (Chemistry)

Ph.d. (physics), ph.d. (mathematics), ph.d. (biotechnology), ph.d. (zoology), ph.d. (psychology), ph.d. (business management), ph.d. (management studies), master of science [ms], ph.d. (computer science), ph.d. colleges in india.

IIM Mumbai - Indian Institute of Management

IIMV - Indian Institute of Management

Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research - [PGIMER]

IIM Sambalpur

IIM Sirmaur

University Business School, Panjab University - [UBS]

PSG Institute of Management - [PSGIM]

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PhD Full Form

What is the full form of phd.

The full form of PhD is Doctor of Philosophy . In some countries, Ph. D also termed as DPhil or D.Phil. A doctorate holder can use the word ‘Dr.’ before their name and be considered as a doctor. Ph. D curriculum is the most notable training in a profession and a man graduating with a PhD is considered to be highly qualified in his sector.

It is an internationally recognized PG program which requires years of study, so one has to publish and access his work to receive a PhD. Most doctoral degrees require completion of the coursework, detailed exams and a thesis and need at least three years of guidance for the research.

Eligibility criteria

• Candidates can only pursue a PhD course if they have completed their Master’s degree in a particular field or course or stream where they intend to start a PhD.
• Some universities also clearly state candidates must have done an MPhil to undertake a PhD course they are offering.
• Nonetheless, several colleges require that candidates fulfil the qualifications they offer for PhD programs whether they have cleared UGC NET.
• Candidates who wish to pursue a PhD in Engineering must have a justifiable GATE score.

Objectives of the PhD course

• PhD is one of the standards and most prestigious academic degrees awarded by any institution.
• The primary goal of the doctoral degrees is to educate the next generation of leading researchers and scientists.

List of a subject in which PhD degree is offered

• Engineering
• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Management of Health Care
• Organizational Behavior

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