phd no coursework

2024 Best Doctorate Degrees Online [No Dissertation Required]

In the past, the majority of doctoral programs always required students to write a dissertation.  Now, instead of spending years working on a dissertation, a growing number of universities offer doctoral students an alternative to the dissertation process: a capstone project.

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List of Doctorate Degrees without Dissertation Requirements

Here is a list of doctoral programs that don’t require a dissertation. Instead, you complete a capstone project or a doctoral study project.

Click on your desired field of study to jump to that section:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)
• Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
• Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
• Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
• Doctor of Public Health (DPH)
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Like dissertations, capstone projects are a culmination of your education. They usually involve some original research or some type of applied practical knowledge in your field. It all depends on the school and program.

Be sure to check out the specializations available, as well as the particular requirements for each of these non dissertation PhD programs to be sure you select the one that will best suit you and help you achieve your goals.

1. Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

If you’re an experienced business professional looking to advance your career, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) might be the perfect fit. Many online DBA programs offer a dissertation-free option, replacing it with a capstone project. This allows you to tackle real-world business challenges, applying your learning directly to your work.

In a DBA program, you’ll delve into advanced topics like strategic management and data-driven decision-making. The flexible online format lets you balance your studies with your career. By choosing a DBA, you’re positioning yourself for executive roles or high-level consulting opportunities, all without the need for a traditional dissertation.

2. Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

If you’re an education professional seeking to advance your career and make a larger impact, an online Doctor of Education (EdD) could be your next step. Many EdD programs now offer a no dissertation path, typically replacing it with a capstone project.

In an EdD program, you’ll explore advanced educational leadership, policy, and curriculum development. Your capstone project will likely focus on solving real-world educational challenges, allowing you to directly apply your learning to your professional context. The online format provides flexibility, enabling you to balance your studies with your current teaching or administrative role. By earning an EdD, you’re preparing yourself for top positions in educational leadership, policy-making, or curriculum design, all while avoiding the lengthy, research-intensive dissertation process.

3. Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

If you’re a healthcare professional aiming to take on top leadership roles in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry, a Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) could be your ideal path. Many online DHA programs offer a path without the lengthy dissertation process, often replacing it with a capstone project.

In a DHA program, you’ll dive into crucial areas like healthcare policy, organizational leadership, and decision-making in healthcare settings. Your capstone project will typically involve addressing real-world healthcare management challenges, allowing you to apply your learning directly to your field. By earning a DHA, you’re positioning yourself for executive roles in hospitals, healthcare systems, or health policy organizations, all without a dissertation requirement.

4. Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)

Are you ready to elevate your IT career to new heights? A Doctor of Information Technology (DIT) could be your key to unlocking advanced opportunities in the tech world. Many online DIT programs now offer a path without a dissertation requirement, replacing it with a comprehensive project that showcases your expertise.

In this program, you’ll immerse yourself in crucial areas like cybersecurity strategy, AI implementation, and enterprise architecture. Your final project will likely involve solving complex technological challenges, allowing you to apply cutting-edge concepts to real-world scenarios. The flexible online format lets you balance your studies with your current role, positioning you for high-level positions such as Chief Information Officer or IT strategist. With a DIT, you’ll gain the skills to drive digital transformation and shape the future of technology in various industries.

5. Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Are you passionate about advancing patient care and shaping the future of nursing? A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) could be your pathway to becoming a leader in healthcare innovation. Many online DNP programs now offer alternatives to the traditional dissertation, focusing instead on practice-based projects that directly impact patient outcomes.

In this program, you’ll explore advanced clinical practice, healthcare policy, and evidence-based care strategies. Your final project will typically involve implementing and evaluating a real-world healthcare intervention, allowing you to translate research into practice. The online format accommodates your demanding nursing schedule while elevating your expertise. This degree prepares you for roles such as advanced practice nurse, clinical leader, or healthcare policy advocate, empowering you to drive meaningful change in healthcare delivery and patient care quality.

6. Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)

Are you ready to take your physical therapy career to the next level? A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) can open doors to advanced practice and leadership in rehabilitation care. Many online DPT programs now offer capstone projects instead of dissertations, allowing you to apply your learning directly to clinical practice.

During your studies, you’ll delve into advanced topics like movement science, clinical decision-making, and evidence-based interventions. Your capstone project will likely involve developing and implementing innovative treatment approaches or conducting clinically relevant research. The online program format enables you to continue your clinical work while advancing your education. A DPT prepares you for roles as a specialized clinician, researcher, or leader in physical therapy, equipping you with the skills to enhance patient outcomes and contribute to the evolution of rehabilitation science.

7. Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)

Are you passionate about advancing mental health care and making a profound difference in people’s lives? A Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) can elevate your clinical skills and prepare you for leadership in psychological practice. Many online PsyD programs now offer practicum-based projects as an alternative to the traditional dissertation, allowing you to apply advanced concepts directly to clinical scenarios.

Throughout your doctoral journey, you’ll explore cutting-edge therapeutic techniques, psychological assessment methods, and evidence-based interventions. Your culminating project will likely involve developing and implementing innovative treatment approaches or conducting clinically relevant research in real-world settings.

The online format of a PsyD program enables you to continue your current clinical work while advancing your expertise. This degree prepares you for roles as a licensed psychologist, clinical director, or consultant, equipping you with the skills to provide high-level psychological services and contribute to the evolution of mental health care.

8. Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)

Looking to revolutionize public service and governance? A Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) could be your springboard to top-tier leadership in the public sector. Many online DPA programs have shifted from traditional dissertations to capstone projects, giving you the chance to address real administrative challenges head-on.

This program will immerse you in crucial areas like policy analysis, organizational dynamics, and strategic public management. For your final project, you might develop innovative solutions for complex governmental issues or conduct research aimed at enhancing public sector efficiency. The online DPA allows you to elevate your expertise while maintaining your current role. This doctorate can help position you for influential positions such as executive director, policy strategist, or government reform consultant. You’ll gain the insights needed to spearhead significant improvements in public institutions and non-profit organizations.

9. Doctor of Public Health (DPH)

A Doctor of Public Health (DPH) can enhance your ability to address complex health challenges on a population level. Many online DPH programs now offer project-based alternatives to traditional dissertations, allowing you to apply your learning to real-world public health issues.

In this program, you’ll study advanced epidemiology, health policy, and evidence-based interventions. Your final project might involve developing a community health initiative or analyzing the impact of a public health policy. The online format lets you continue your current work while expanding your expertise. A DPH prepares you for roles such as health department director, global health consultant, or public health researcher. This degree equips you with the skills to influence health outcomes across communities and contribute to the advancement of public health practices.

10. Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

Are you driven to make a lasting impact in social services and community welfare? A Doctor of Social Work (DSW) can empower you to become a transformative leader in the field. Many online DSW programs now offer alternatives to the traditional dissertation, focusing on applied projects that directly address real-world social challenges.

In this program, you’ll explore advanced topics like social policy analysis, evidence-based practice models, and organizational leadership in social services. Your final project will typically involve developing and implementing innovative interventions or policies that address pressing social issues.

The online format of a DSW allows you to balance your studies with your current social work practice, enhancing your expertise while you continue to serve your community. This degree prepares you for roles such as clinical supervisor, policy advocate, or social services director, equipping you with the knowledge to drive systemic change and improve social outcomes on a broader scale.

What is a Doctoral Dissertation?

A doctoral dissertation, the culmination of most doctoral degree programs, is a substantial written document in which the student uses the teachings and skills gleaned from the entire program to develop and discuss an original concept, theory or practice that will help advance the field.

Writing a dissertation is no easy feat! They are typically hundreds of pages long, and students work on them for over a year, reviewing research, conducting experiments and analyzing data.

Because this project is daunting, demanding, and often requires years of research, many universities have come up with alternatives that allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and provide worthwhile contributions to their field without completing a traditional dissertation.

What Are All But Dissertation Completion Programs?

“All But Dissertation” (ABD) completion programs, also known as PhD completion programs, are designed to help students who have completed all the requirements of a doctoral degree program except the dissertation.

Quite often, students work diligently through the coursework of their doctoral program, but fall short when it comes to completing the required dissertation. According to the Council of Graduate Schools , only about 56% of those who start a doctoral degree program earn their doctorate or PhD within 10 years. Completing a dissertation is an enormous project that entails extensive research — and life, family, careers and other obligations sometimes get in the way.

For example, the Dissertation Completion Pathway (DCP) offered by National University is one example of a structured program that transfers credit for prior academic coursework and provides guidance and mentorship as you work to finish your dissertation. This type of program typically takes 2-3 years.

Is a Dissertation Required for a PhD?

Not always. In the past a dissertation was required for a PhD, but a growing number of institutions have started to offer online doctoral programs no dissertation.

Instead, students may complete a capstone project to demonstrate their knowledge and provide new contributions to the field. This may be a combination of a research paper and fieldwork, or perhaps you might do some consulting work at a functioning business. However, it most cases, it will require considerably less independent research than what is required for a dissertation.

Capstone projects vary from school to school, and program to program.

One of the benefits of non-dissertation doctorate degrees is that you can finish in less time. Check out our guide on accelerated online doctoral programs for a deeper look.

Is Financial Aid Available for Online PhD Programs?

Looking to manage the costs of an online PhD program? You’ve got options.

First up, the FAFSA – it’s not just for undergrads and can open doors to federal grants and loans. Don’t overlook state financial aid either; many states offer loan programs that might be more budget-friendly than private loans, helping to reduce the cost of repayment.

Also, keep an eye out for scholarships and grants tailored for online doctoral students. These can take into account your academic achievements and work experience.

Many universities now offer affordable online programs, designed to provide quality education without the hefty price tag of traditional on-campus degrees.  For more specific details and info about reducing these costs, the financial aid office at your university is a great resource. They can guide you through the maze of options and help you find the best fit for your financial situation.

Can You Get a No Dissertation Doctorate Online?

Yes! A growing number of reputable, accredited colleges and universities offer non-dissertation doctorate programs. We’ve compiled a list of universities offering online doctorate degrees without dissertation requirements in the next section.

Are There Any PhD Programs Without Dissertation Requirements?

Yes, there are quite a few doctoral programs without dissertation requirements, but PhD programs without dissertation requirements are few and far between. In these cases, instead of the dissertation most commonly used in a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program, a capstone project is required to help you put your new-found skills to good use.

In the past, dissertations were required so that you could demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in your field. But universities have started to realize that there are quite a few ways you can do that.

As you can see with the online DBA programs, a few colleges are no longer requiring dissertations. They allow you to complete a doctoral capstone project instead. No, it’s not technically a dissertation. But you do prove that you have acquired a high level of expertise in your field of study.

Higher education is continuing to change at a rapid pace. As another example, a number of PhD programs without GRE requirements are appearing.

How Many Credits Do PhD Programs Require?

Most PhD programs require between 54 and 90 credit hours. That’s between 18 and 30 courses. This is true for both campus-based PhD programs and online PhD programs.

Let’s look at one of National University’s online programs as an example. The online DBA in Accounting is 54 credit hours and consists of 18 courses (most courses are 3 credit hours).

In contrast, if you attend a state university campus program like the University of Illinois, the PhD in Business requires 64 credit hours (around 21 courses), provided you already have your master’s degree.

Do All Doctoral Programs Require a Dissertation?

No. A wide-range of doctoral programs do not have a dissertation. Instead, graduate schools allow you to complete a capstone project which focuses on solving a real-world problem.

You can also earn your doctorate through an accredited online program if you don’t want to attend on campus.

Is a PhD Program Without a Dissertation Respected?

A dissertation allows students the opportunity to demonstrate expertise in their field of study through extensive research and an associated dissertation research paper.

In certain fields, a dissertation will be the measure of quality. This is true for academia should you ever want to be a tenured professor at Harvard. But if that’s not your goal, doctoral programs in higher education, leadership, or business administration are reputable – provided you earn your doctorate from a graduate school with regional accreditation.

Can I Get an Online Doctorate Degree Without a Dissertation?

Yes. There are dozens of online doctorate degrees with no dissertation being offered from accredited universities. The most common doctoral degree programs are the Doctor of Education, Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of Psychology, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice.

Are There Any 18 Month Doctorate with No Dissertation Programs?

Yes. Some online PhD no dissertation programs can be completed in as little as 18 to 24 months.

To finish in a short time like this, you will need to be enrolled full time and progressing through your doctorate program courses successfully. You will also need your capstone project to be approved in a timely manner. Again, in order to complete your doctorate in less than 18 months, you’ll need to enroll in a PhD without thesis or dissertation requirement.

Are There Any PhD Without Dissertation Programs Online?

Yes, a number of universities offer online doctoral degree programs without dissertation to help working professionals juggle full time jobs with their studies. We’ve compiled a list of them above. As more universities offer no dissertation doctorates, we will update the list.

It’s worth noting that while these programs do not require traditional dissertations, there will usually be a research project (usually known as a Capstone) through which you demonstrate what you have learned. Each program should detail the capstone experience requirements and the opportunities you will have while enrolled.

A growing number of universities allow you to complete your program as a full time, working professional from the comfort of your own home!

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Explore a range of online doctoral programs, including Ph.D. degrees, that offer accelerated paths, reduced residency requirements, and flexible online learning options.

Find Your School in 5 Minutes or Less

Many schools have rolling admissions, which means you can start a program in a few weeks!

Many degree programs fall under the title of doctorate, including Doctor of Philosophy degrees or Ph.D.

These Ph.D. degree programs are available in a variety of subjects and are intended to help students understand their specialty in the abstract and as a school of thought and theory rather than strictly as a practice.

Institutions that offer the best programs typically have exceptional funding, prestigious reputations, top-of-the-line research facilities, and abundant academic resources.

When selecting one of the shortest online doctoral programs or easiest online Ph.D. programs, you can access more info by visiting the links provided in each school description to ensure that you find the best program for you!

The easiest isn't always the shortest nor the shortest the easiest.

1-year Online Doctoral Programs | 18 Month Doctorate Programs Without Dissertation | Shortest Doctoral Programs Online and On-campus | Easiest Ph.D. to Get Online | Easiest PhD to Get (Traditional) | Free PhD Programs Online

Doctorate Degree vs PhD

• Ph.D. programs focus more on the theoretical and abstract aspects of their respective fields of study to understand it as a school of thought rather than just a practical application.
• Usual doctorate programs tend to be more practical in their study and focus on the application of knowledge rather than understanding more abstract perspectives.
• Ph.D. degrees are often offered in the same fields that have standard doctoral degrees available usually offered in fields such as engineering, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
• Doctorate programs are made up of advanced coursework, research projects, or thesis work almost strictly for practical application.
• Ph.D. and Doctorate degrees can often achieve the same ends and should be considered more or less equal in weight.

1 Year Ph.D. Programs Online

Find your match.

Program: Online DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

Credits: 36

Clinical Hours: 1,000

Key Features: Synchronous online classes, immersive clinicals nationwide, Family Nurse Practitioner certification eligibility

Chatham offers a 1-year online DNP program for working nurses seeking advanced leadership roles. The intensive curriculum covers care delivery models, quality improvement, evidence-based practice, and informational systems. The program features synchronous online classes and immersive clinicals at sites nationwide. Students collaborate virtually with renowned faculty.

Within 12 months, students complete 36 credits and 1,000 clinical hours. Graduates can sit for Family Nurse Practitioner certification. Nurses with a BSN can enter the accelerated program. Applicants need an active RN license. This online DNP empowers nurses to rapidly earn doctoral credentials while working. It prepares graduates to advance as clinical, executive, research, and teaching leaders.

Program: Online PhD in Grief Counseling

Department: Ethereal Studies

Key Features: Asynchronous learning, live classes, dissertation completion in one year

Breyer State Theology University offers a 1-year online PhD in Grief Counseling through its Department of Ethereal Studies. This accelerated program is tailored for working professionals seeking to advance their bereavement therapy career. The curriculum covers advanced grief counseling theories and interventions for diverse populations. Students gain expertise in areas like trauma-informed care, healing rituals, afterlife philosophies, and continuing bonds.

The online format combines asynchronous learning with live classes in an intimate cohort overseen by esteemed faculty. Students complete their dissertation in just one year. Graduates earn a PhD from BSU's pioneering metaphysical psychology department. This flexible doctoral program prepares students to progress their counseling practice or pursue academic research roles.

Programs: Various online doctoral degrees

PhD Tracks: Philosophy of Islamic Studies, Business Administration, Education, Finance, Grief Counseling

Professional Doctorates: Divinity, Sacred Music, Spiritual Psychotherapy

Key Features: Video lectures, discussions, immersive retreats

American International Theism University (AITU) offers one-year online doctoral degrees for working professionals. Accelerated PhD tracks include Philosophy of Islamic Studies, Business Administration, Education, Finance, and Grief Counseling. Professional doctorates prepare leaders in Divinity, Sacred Music, Spiritual Psychotherapy, and more. The online programs blend video lectures, discussions, and immersive retreats. Curricula explore metaphysics, ethics, and wisdom traditions across faiths.

Within 12 months, students complete doctoral coursework, exams, and a dissertation overseen by distinguished faculty. Applicants should hold a relevant master's degree and background in theological studies or social sciences. These intensive online doctoral programs allow students to rapidly earn advanced credentials through flexible study with global peers. Graduates pursue roles driving innovation in spiritual care, research, and leadership.

Online Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You

15-18 month doctorate programs without dissertation.

Program: Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Credits: 33-37

Courses: 10

Key Features: Fully online, 7-week accelerated courses, no dissertation required

Boston University offers a Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree program that can be completed in 18 months. Students may concentrate on various areas and can choose what else they would prefer to learn to complete their credit requirements.

This is a fully online degree program that accelerates each semester's worth of class to take only seven weeks to complete with new courses starting every September, January, and May. The program is available to doctoral students who have completed an accredited occupational therapy program. There are foundation courses, which include evidence-based practice and health care management, but no dissertation is necessary whereas a doctoral project is still required.

Program: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Credits: 33

Key Features: Online program, no GMAT/GRE required, no clinical hours

The Maryville University of St. Louis offers a Doctor of Nursing (DNP) program that is available online. The DNP program requires students to complete a total of 33 credit hours, including 18 to 20 months for completion. Many students in the online DNP program are working as nurses in the field, and this affords them a flexible program that allows many students to achieve their academic goals while active in the healthcare industry.

This course is an online program that does not require a GMAT or GRE. It may have a waiting list, but unlike other programs, it does not require clinical hours. The Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership is an online program that offers personal coaching throughout the process. It is a cohort learning method with online education, and students might need a bit more time to complete it.

Offerings: Higher Education Leadership, Educational Leadership, Nursing Practice, Health Administration, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy

Key Features: Live online classes, self-paced learning, virtual labs and simulations

Maryville University offers online doctoral degrees tailored for working professionals. Programs available fully online include Doctorates in Higher Education Leadership, Educational Leadership, Nursing Practice, Health Administration, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy. The EdD programs prepare graduates for leadership and faculty roles in education. The DNP equips nurses for advanced clinical and executive practice.

Health Administration focuses on healthcare organizational development, quality, and finance. Licensed PTs and OTs can pursue clinical doctorates while working. Courses blend live online classes and self-paced learning. Programs leverage cutting-edge virtual labs and simulations. With a relevant master's degree, students can earn an accredited doctorate from Maryville University online to advance their careers.

24 Month Doctorate Programs

Program: Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical Therapy

Key Features: Fully online, part-time program, workplace application credits

One option is to earn an online Ph.D. in Nursing, while another option is to earn their Medical Degree at the same time as their online Master of Business Administration , but the Transitional Doctoral Program in Physical therapy may be earned in 24 months fully online. This part-time program provides online learning courses to help licensed physical therapists enhance their skills and gain access to higher career options. Some credits can be earned through workplace applications.

Offerings: EdD tracks in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, K-12 Leadership, plus psychology, nursing, business, and more

Key Features: Asynchronous and live virtual classes, personalized faculty support, robust digital resources

Grand Canyon University offers over a dozen online doctoral degrees tailored for working professionals. GCU provides online EdD tracks in Organizational Leadership, Higher Education Leadership, and K-12 Leadership. Other doctorates cover psychology, nursing, business, and more. Programs blend asynchronous and live virtual classes focused on applying concepts. Specialized tracks allow customization.

Online students get personalized faculty support and access to robust digital resources. Within 2 years (or less), learners complete coursework, residencies, exams, and a dissertation to earn an accredited doctoral degree from GCU. With flexible and practical curricula, GCU enables busy professionals to obtain doctorates fully online and further their careers.

Program: Doctor of Education

Credits: 54

Key Features: Fully online, 8-week courses, no dissertation required

Liberty University offers a Doctor of Education degree program that can be completed fully online. The minimum time to earn the degree is about 30 months for completion of all 54 credits. The courses are each 8 weeks long and no dissertation is required. The Doctor of Education degree program provides a curriculum that focuses on developing innovative programs, as well as a capstone project.

Offerings: School Improvement, Nursing Education, Professional Counseling and Supervision, Higher Education Administration

Key Features: Synchronous evening classes, self-paced learning, experiential projects

The University of West Georgia offers several online doctoral degree options for working professionals seeking advanced training. UWG provides online doctorates in School Improvement, Nursing Education, Professional Counseling and Supervision, and Higher Education Administration. The EdD programs focus on data-driven leadership strategies and developing administrative expertise.

The DNP prepares nurses to improve care systems and patient outcomes. Coursework blends synchronous evening classes and self-paced learning for flexibility. Experiential projects allow application to careers. With a relevant master's degree, students can earn an accredited doctorate fully online from UWG to advance as leaders in their field.

Shortest Ph.D. Programs Online and On-campus

Obtaining a Ph.D. can be a long-term commitment and many doctoral programs can take over five years to complete. To help busy working professionals looking to jumpstart their careers and those looking to begin their careers at a high level, this list serves as a simple reference guide, compiling information on some of the shortest doctoral programs in the country.

These online degree programs operate in full-time, part-time, fully online, or hybrid formats.

• Baylor University - online EdD in Learning and Organizational Change, 54 credits, 36 months
• Maryville University - online Doctor of Nursing Practice (Online DNP), 20 months, no GRE or no GMAT requirement
• University of Dayton - online Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership for Organizations, 36 months, 60 credits
• Capella University - online Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education and Supervision, 0 max transfer credits, 60 credits, CACREP accredited
• Franklin University - online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), 58 credit hours, transfer up to 24 hours of previously earned credit, 36 months + 1 year for dissertation
• Walden University - online Ph.D. in Forensic Psychology, up to 53 credits, fast-track option, earn MPhil at the same time
• Frontier Nursing University - online Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN with DNP, 675 clinical hours for MSN plus 360 additional for DNP
• Boston University - Online Post-Professional Doctor of Occupational Therapy, PP-OTD, 33-37 credits
• University of Florida - online MSN to DNP, 35 credits, five semesters
• Gwynedd Mercy University - Accelerated Executive Doctorate of Education ABD (All But Dissertation) Completion Program, online EdD , 27 credit hours, 18 months
• Duquesne University - Online Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), 35 credit hours
• The College of St. Scholastica - Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy, online tDPT, 16 credits
• Liberty Univesity - Doctor of Ministry, online DMin, 30 credit hours, 24 months
• University of Florida - Doctor of Nursing Practice, MSN to DNP, 35 credits, 5 semesters
• University of North Dakota - Post-Master's Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 36 credit hours, 5 semesters
• Seton Hall University - Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP, 31+ credits for post-MSN students, 73-79 credits for post-BSN students
• Regis University - Doctor of Nursing Practice, online DNP , 28-33 credit hours, 8-week terms
• Georgia State University - Curriculum and Instruction EdD, Educational Leadership EdD, on-campus EdD, 54 credit hours
• Bowling Green State University   - Technology Management, web-based Ph.D., 66 credit hours
• Hampton University - Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Management, online Ph.D., 60 credit hours
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Safety Sciences, online Ph.D., 54 credit hours
• East Carolina University   - Doctor of Nursing Practice, hybrid online DNP

Easiest Ph.D. Programs Online & On-Campus

To be sure, at the Ph.D. level, no program could be considered "easy," but there are certain programs designed to be "easier" than others. Generally, education, humanities, and the social sciences are considered the easiest fields in which to pursue degrees.

With that in mind, our list of the easiest Ph.D. programs includes schools and programs that offer significantly reduced residency requirements, accelerated courses, credit transfers, and integrated dissertation colloquia.

The rankings below display schools with accreditation from at least one of the six regional accrediting agencies , and all offer at least one virtual Ph.D. degree. Accredited online Ph.D. programs are also organized according to the U.S. News and World Report and Forbes Magazine rankings.

Easiest Online Ph.D. Programs & Online Doctoral Programs

• WALDEN UNIVERSITY - 156 Online Doctoral Programs
• REGENT UNIVERSITY - 81 online doctorate degrees, 6 Ph.D. programs online
• HAMPTON UNIVERSITY - 5 online doctoral degree programs
• UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA - 8 online doctoral degree programs
• UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI - 4 online doctorate programs
• COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY - 3 online Ph.D. programs, 1 online doctoral program
• UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA - 12 online Ph.D. programs, 3 online doctoral programs
• NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY -  10 online doctorate programs, 8 online Ph.D. programs
• LIBERTY UNIVERSITY -  19 online Ph.D. programs, 16 online doctorate programs

Easiest Ph.D. to Get (Traditional)

The easiest doctorate degree can vary depending on your interests, skills, and strengths. However, here is a list of doctorate degrees that are mentioned as potentially less difficult to obtain.

Focus: Business development, design, methods, tools, and professional ethics

Career Path: Advanced positions in business

Specializations: Human behavior, social psychology, counseling supervision, specific therapy approaches

Career Path: Advanced opportunities in healthcare and social services

Skills Developed: Research skills, data analysis in criminal justice

Career Paths: Emergency management, forensic departments, information security sectors

Focus: Enhancing educational research skills, preparing for leadership roles

Career Paths: Administrative positions in universities, professional departments, elementary and secondary schools

Topics Covered: Policies, ethics, group management, hospital administration, advanced patient care

Career Path: Leadership roles in the business aspect of the medical industry

Focus: Policies, legislation, rights, ethics, and protocols for serving within human services organizations

Career Path: Leadership positions in organizations helping underserved populations

Areas Covered: Financial management, system management, conflict management, human resources management

Application: Practical skills applicable to various industry settings

Skills Developed: Managerial and strategic planning skills for administrative roles

Coursework: Ethics of management, public policy, strategic planning, performance management, employee evaluation, economics of administration

Focus: Advanced training and research skills for the healthcare industry

Emphasis: Leadership and management roles, innovative thinking, communication mastery

Focus: Theory, ethics, research, and practice in public service programs

Skills Developed: Analyzing and proposing policies to improve communities and societies

Combination: Research skills with professional practice

Career Paths: Addictions counselors, applied researchers, professional consultants, clinical psychologists

Focus: Divine and spiritual traditions through academics, research, and religious studies

Career Paths: Professors, social service managers, private school teachers, directors of religious education

Please note that the difficulty of a doctorate degree can vary depending on individual circumstances, personal strengths, and the specific requirements of each program. It's important to thoroughly research and consider your interests, skills, and career goals before deciding on a doctorate program.

Free Ph.D. Programs Online (Fully Funded)

According to Best-Universities.net .

• Brown University Fully-funded Ph.D. program in computer science
• University of Houston-Downtown Full scholarship program for online doctorate
• Devry University Comprehensive scholarship program for online degrees
• University of Maryland-Baltimore County Full scholarship program for online undergraduate and graduate degrees
• Wilson Community College Full scholarship program for community college students
• University of Leeds Up to 30 fully-funded online Ph.D. programs
• University of the Witwatersrand Comprehensive scholarship program for online bachelor's or master's degrees
• The University of Texas at Dallas Full scholarship program for online bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees
• University of Strathclyde Full scholarship program for online undergraduate or master's degrees
• Emory University Fully-funded online Ph.D. program in economics
• New York University Fully-funded Ph.D. program in childhood education
• University of Pennsylvania Fully-funded online Ph.D. program in educational leadership and policy

If you're not looking for an accelerated program , the list below displays some of the best traditional Ph.D. programs in the country, according to Study.com.

Best Ph.D. Programs in the U.S.

Guide to Online Doctorate Degrees

Fewer positions requiring this advanced level qualification and reduced competition for such job opportunities among job seekers are some of the reasons behind the few doctoral graduates.

With technological advancements in almost all areas of life, acquiring education, a significantly advanced level of education has become more accessible. Graduate students now do not have to attend physical classes to pursue their dreams of developing and advancing their skills.

You can pursue your doctorate in the comfort of your home or even your office.

There was a 20% growth in students granted doctorate degrees between the 2009/2010 and 2019/2020 academic years, according to NCES. This growth has been attributed in part to online Ph.D. programs and the streamlining of modern universities.

Online Ph.D. programs are a relatively newer idea and online schooling in general has greatly increased access, flexibility, and convenience.

Students typically complete these degrees soon after completing a Master's degree in the same area. As such, and with bachelor's degrees being necessary stepping stones, students can expect their journey from primary school to a Ph.D. to take about nine years, barring any accelerated tracks and failed classes.

Cost of an Online Doctoral Degree Program

When choosing any doctoral degree program, it is crucial to evaluate the costs and salary after attending. Even though online Ph.D. courses may usually be cheaper than on-campus learning, secondary schooling is rarely cheap and not every field will allow you to make back the cost in a reasonable amount of time.

Tuition, materials, technology, transportation, housing, and groceries should all be factors brought into account when deciding whether or where to attend, and in what field you can find the most success and fulfillment.

Below are the annual tuition rates of different institutions as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Choosing an Online Doctoral Degree Program

Since doctoral programs require considerable investments of money and time, it is important to consider every factor before deciding on a school or program. Take some time to consider the marketability, cost, and difficulty of each program and your own interest in the subject. To reach your career and educational goals, do your best research.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD

• The length of a Ph.D. program can vary, but it typically takes 3 to 6 years to complete.
• A Ph.D. program typically takes 5 to 6 years in the United States.
• A Ph.D. program typically takes 3 to 4 years in the UK and many other European countries.
• The actual length of a Ph.D. program can be influenced by many factors, including the nature of the research, the student's progress, the advisor's availability, and funding considerations.
• Some students may finish in less time, while others may take longer.
• Part-time Ph.D. programs are also available, which can take longer to complete.

Here is a table summarizing the length of Ph.D. programs in different countries:

Top 50 Doctorate-Granting Institutions in 2022

This table presents data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NSF 24-300) on the top 50 doctorate-granting institutions in the United States, ranked by the total number of research doctorate recipients in 2022. The data is broken down by total doctorates awarded and the number awarded to male and female recipients.

Note: Includes doctorate recipients who did not report sex. Tied institutions are listed alphabetically.

Source: National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.

Top 30 States by Doctorate Recipients in 2022

This table presents data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NSF 24-300) on the number of research doctorate recipients for the top 30 states or locations in 2022. The data is broken down by total doctorates awarded, sex, and field of study (science and engineering vs. non-science and engineering).

Note: Includes doctorate recipients who did not report sex. S&E stands for Science and Engineering.

National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, Survey of Earned Doctorates.

Frequently Asked Questions about Doctoral Programs

A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) is typically research-oriented and focuses on contributing new knowledge to a field through original research. It's often pursued by those interested in academia or research careers.

A professional doctorate (e.g., Ed.D., D.B.A., Psy.D.) is more practice-oriented and focuses on applying existing knowledge to solve real-world problems in a specific profession. It's often pursued by those looking to advance in their professional careers.

The duration can vary, but typically:

• In the U.S., Ph.D. programs usually take 5-6 years to complete.
• In the UK and many European countries, it's often 3-4 years.
• Part-time programs can take 6-8 years or more.

The actual time can depend on factors like research progress, funding, and individual circumstances.

Common requirements include:

• A master's degree (some programs accept exceptional students with only a bachelor's)
• High GPA (often 3.0 or higher)
• GRE or GMAT scores (some programs are waiving this requirement)
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose or research proposal
• CV or resume
• Writing sample (for some programs)

Specific requirements can vary by program and institution.

Yes, it's possible to work while pursuing a doctoral degree, especially with the increasing availability of part-time and online programs. However, balancing work and study can be challenging due to the intensive nature of doctoral research.

Many full-time Ph.D. students work as teaching or research assistants within their university. Some programs, especially professional doctorates, are designed for working professionals and offer more flexible schedules.

Funding options can include:

• Fellowships and scholarships
• Teaching or research assistantships
• Grants (from the university, government, or private organizations)
• Employer tuition assistance
• Federal student loans
• Work-study programs

Many Ph.D. programs offer full funding packages to their students, which may include tuition waivers and stipends.

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• Best Online Doctoral Programs

Best Online Doctoral Programs Of 2024

Updated: Apr 23, 2024, 1:42pm

The best online doctoral programs offer flexibility and convenience that can make it easier for you to pursue an advanced degree, often while working full time.

Earning a doctorate can help you advance to the highest roles in your field and increase your salary potential. It’s also a chance for you to gain an advanced understanding of impactful issues and develop the skills to generate new ideas, solve problems and create meaningful change.

Below, learn about the best online doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including social work, psychology, education and nursing.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degree programs in the U.S. using metrics in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

We scored schools based on the following data points:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We chose the best schools to display in 10 categories of doctoral degrees.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

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Best Online Doctoral Program Options

Should you enroll in an online ph.d. program or doctorate, accreditation for online doctoral degrees, how to find the right online doctorate for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d. programs and doctorates.

• Best online Psy.D.: Rivier University
• Best online Doctor of Nursing Practice: University of Central Florida
• Best online Doctor of Business Administration: Walsh College
• Best online doctorate in physical therapy: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Best online doctorate in education: Johns Hopkins University
• Best online Ph.D. in organizational leadership: Indiana Wesleyan University
• Best online Ph.D. in counseling: Concordia University-Irvine
• Best online Doctor of Social Work: University of Southern California
• Best online Ph.D. in public administration: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
• Best online doctorate in educational leadership: Fairfield University

Best Online Psy.D.

Rivier university.

Program Tuition Rate

$1,275/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Nashua, New Hampshire, Rivier University offers a hybrid Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) with a limited number of online classes. The American Psychology Association-accredited program focuses on school psychology and counseling and prepares you to work as a psychologist in various environments. You’ll learn clinical diagnosis, assessment, prevention and intervention skills.

Students must attend full time and can work no more than 20 hours per week. It takes a minimum of five years to graduate.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $100
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60-130 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Fundamentals of research, group counseling
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes a 2,000-hour internship and at least six practicum experiences

Best Doctor of Nursing Practice

University of central florida.

$372/credit (in-state)

At University of Central Florida (UCF), practicing nurses can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The advanced track program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and prepares nurses for clinical leadership roles in the field.

Coursework explores clinical management, communication skills and epidemiology principles. You’ll develop research and practice skills, learn to improve healthcare systems, develop health policy and analyze data to improve individual and population health.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare systems and policy, nursing environment management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes clinical hours (but all coursework is available online)

Best Doctor of Business Administration

Walsh college.

$1,038/credit

You can earn an online Doctor of Business Administration from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. The part-time, online program includes asynchronous coursework and real-time Zoom classes, as well as optional opportunities to interact on campus. You can develop advanced business knowledge and skills to become a business leader or consultant.

In addition to coursework, you must pass a preliminary exam and complete a 15-credit dissertation process. The program requires students to graduate within seven years.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations for business success, qualitative and exploratory research methods
• In-Person Requirements: No

Best Doctorate in Physical Therapy

Texas tech university health sciences center.

$265/credit (in-state)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center designed its hybrid Doctor of Science in physical therapy to help practicing physical therapists advance their careers. The post-professional 36-credit program takes four to five years to complete part time.

The flexible format makes it possible for students to keep working while attending school. Learners attend weekend lectures and labs at the Lubbock, Texas, campus. During the week, they supplement their in-person instruction with online assignments.

• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Medical screening for rehabilitation sciences, motor control in orthopedics
• Concentrations Available: Research track, teaching track
• In-Person Requirements: Yes

Best Online Doctorate in Education

Johns hopkins university.

$2,100/credit

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland offers an online Ed.D. The part-time degree takes four years to complete and explores topics like the social determinants of education, entrepreneurship and technology.

You can customize the degree by choosing electives that align with your professional interests and by selecting one or more “areas of interest,” such as urban leadership or digital age learning and educational technology. Applicants need a master’s degree with at least 36 graduate credits to qualify for the program.

• Application Fee: $80
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Approaches to urban education, partnerships and community organizing
• Concentrations Available: Creativity, advanced learning, and twice exceptionality; digital age learning and educational technology; entrepreneurial leadership in education; mind, brain, and teaching; urban leadership

Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

Indiana wesleyan university.

$890/credit

Located in Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership that can prepare you to become an effective leader in as few as four years. The program focuses on inclusion, multiculturalism and international perspectives and develops research, presentation and executive skills.

You must attend an in-person residency during the July session, but the rest of the program takes place online and offers flexibility for working professionals. The school’s tuition guarantee locks in your tuition rate when you start the program.

• Application Fee: Free
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced leadership theory, statistical research design
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes an in-person residency

Best Online Ph.D. in Counseling

Concordia university – irvine.

$795/credit

Concordia University – Irvine in Irvine, California, is a Christian institution that offers a “biblically informed” online Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from its Townsend Institute. Designed for licensed mental health professionals, the degree develops advanced skills and prepares you for leadership roles in counseling, teaching and advocacy.

The accelerated program takes three to four years to complete. It requires two in-person residencies and a total of 700 hours of internship and practicum field experiences. In addition to coursework, you must complete a culminating 12-credit dissertation that includes original counseling research and a successful oral defense.

• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced counseling and career theories, advanced multicultural issues in counselor education and supervision
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two in-person residencies, a practicum and an internship

Best Online Doctor of Social Work

University of southern california.

$2,137/credit

University of Southern California ‘s online Doctor of Social Work from the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work emphasizes the importance of scholarship and practice in the field. Created for experienced social work professionals, the program can help you become a leader working toward social change and innovation.

The program offers a seven-semester accelerated track and a standard nine-semester option. In a capstone experience, learners research and create a prototype that addresses a current problem in social work.

• Application Fee: $90
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leading public discourse, financial management for social change

Best Online Ph.D. in Public Administration

West chester university of pennsylvania.

$645/credit (in-state)

West Chester University of Pennsylvania ’s online Doctor of Public Administration can prepare you for high-level roles in public affairs and administration. The program is offered by the College of Business and Public Management, accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the Department of Public Policy and Administration, accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

The curriculum explores strategic management, policy advocacy and decision-making in the public sector. The dissertation allows you to complete an applied research project. You can take electives and choose a concentration from multiple departments, including psychology, graduate social work and criminal justice.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic public sector management and governance, research design for program and policy evaluation
• Concentrations Available: Options from multiple departments

Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Fairfield university.

$1,120/credit

At Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, you can earn an online, low-residency Doctor of Education in educational leadership. The program offers two tracks: teacher leader for certified working educators or higher education administration for higher education professionals.

Students enroll in the cohort-style program in the fall and graduate in three years by taking six credits per semester. Learners can build community during two one-week summer residencies. Applicants need a master’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 57
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Action research for educational change, framing and critical analysis of problems of practice
• Concentrations Available: Teacher leader, higher education administration
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two one-week residencies

An online Ph.D. program or doctorate can offer many compelling features for students, but it might not be the right choice for everyone. Consider the questions below when deciding whether to pursue your doctorate online or in person.

• What type of schedule do you need? Online programs typically offer more flexibility that appeals to students who work full time or have personal responsibilities to fit around their school schedule. Online degrees allow learners to pursue higher education without putting their career on hold. This is especially true for programs that offer asynchronous coursework that students complete on their own time.
• What learning style works best for you? Do you work well independently and with a lot of freedom? If so, an online doctorate might be a good fit for you. If you think you’d prefer the camaraderie of an in-person cohort graduate program and structured opportunities to interact with instructors, an on-campus or hybrid program might suit you better.
• How does the program format affect your budget? Online programs can help you save on tuition, housing and transportation costs. For example, many public schools allow you to pay the same tuition, regardless of where you live. However, you might miss funding opportunities typically reserved for on-campus students, such as graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships and fellowships.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approve accrediting agencies that give schools institutional accreditation in the U.S.

Institutional accreditation means that a university has met minimum quality requirements related to its academics, financial management, faculty and staff, and student resources and services. To qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited college.

Programmatic accreditation is a separate process that gives special recognition to individual degrees, programs or departments within a university. Depending on your field, you might need a programmatically accredited degree to get a job or qualify for professional licenses or certifications.

You can search for a prospective school’s accreditation status on CHEA’s website .

Consider Your Future Goals

An online doctorate has the potential to help you achieve your career aspirations. However, not every program in your field will necessarily align with your goals. Before you choose an online doctorate program, think about your post-graduation plans.

For example, some online doctorate programs require professional experience through an internship or a practicum. This type of hands-on learning can help you develop your expertise and professional network. But these experiences usually take place in person and can be hard to fit into your schedule if you’re working full time.

You should also consider if you need a specific license or certification to get the job you want. If so, research the credential’s requirements to learn if your degree needs to meet certain criteria. For example, you may need to complete an accredited program or complete supervised clinical hours.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition rates for online doctoral programs in our guide vary significantly, from $265 to $2,137 per credit. Most programs required 42 to 60 credits, with some exceptions. In total, the degrees ranked on our list cost between $9,540 and $113,400.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , grad students at private, nonprofit schools paid an average tuition of $20,408 in 2022–23, while public school tuition cost $11,554 per year. Doctorate programs typically take at least three years to complete, putting total costs between $34,662 and $61,224.

Find funding for your online Ph.D. by filling out the FAFSA®, which can connect you with scholarships, grants and student loans. Many schools also provide funding to graduate students through scholarships, grants and fellowships.

Can you do a Ph.D. fully online?

Yes, many schools offer fully online Ph.D. programs. However, depending on the program and the field of study, you may need to complete on-campus residencies or field experiences like internships or practicums that take place in person.

What is the fastest Ph.D. to get online?

Program length for online Ph.D. programs varies depending on your field of study. You might be able to find some accelerated online Ph.D. programs that you can finish in less than two years. However, the best online doctoral programs on our list take at least three years to complete.

Are online doctoral degrees respected?

An online doctoral degree from an accredited university can provide the same rigorous education and training as a comparable on-campus program. If you’re concerned about whether or not your degree will be respected, consider doing some research about the way that your field or profession tends to view online doctoral degrees.

What is the best online school for a Ph.D.?

The best online school for a Ph.D. depends on your field of study, personal interests and career goals. Make sure that any prospective online school is institutionally accredited. Depending on the degree you want to pursue, it might also be important to find a program with separate programmatic accreditation.

Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.

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Qualifications

What type of people study for the phd.

Doctoral students come from a variety of backgrounds. Their most important distinguishing features are an eagerness to discover new things and an aptitude for research methods in business.

More than half of the students are international. The number of first-year students in each department’s program is small and select. New students interact with doctoral students in all years and also with students in other Wharton departments. Typically, the number of peers with whom a doctoral student interacts and finds common interests ranges from 15 to 30.

Do most graduates enter the academic field?

The majority of students who enter a Wharton doctoral program assume a faculty position at an academic/research institution upon completing the PhD degree program.

How long does a PhD take?

The required coursework for a PhD takes two years, and defense of a thesis proposal, performance of thesis research, and defense of the final thesis usually take 12 to 18 months at a minimum. It is reasonable to expect to take four to five years to complete the PhD.

Can I do it part time? Is there distance learning? Is there an online program?

The Wharton PhD program is full time during the period of coursework. Most students also pursue their theses full time for 12 to 18 months. There are no PhD-level courses offered through distance or online learning.

Do I need prior work experience or business courses?

No, not necessarily. Application decisions depend primarily on an evaluation of the candidate’s ability to handle complex course material and do original research. While experience is helpful, evidence of strong intellectual ability — as indicated by test scores, course grades, or letters of recommendation — is the most important factor.

Will prior graduate work help? Can I transfer prior graduate work and have it apply to the PhD?

Up to one year of graduate credits may be transferred (maximum of eight credits), but any transfers are usually less than the maximum, because students are required to take the core courses for the doctoral program here at Wharton. Prior work can shorten the time for required coursework a little, but its main advantage will be to provide a better background for dealing with the rigorous core courses.

Application Requirements

What is the deadline for tests.

All tests must be taken no later than December 15th. You may self-report your unofficial scores on the online application in order to meet the deadline. Official scores must also be sent from ETS/GMAC in order to complete your application.

We do not accept late test scores. Please plan in advance to ensure that scores and materials are submitted by the December 15th deadline.

As states on our website, please submit your application by December 15th, 11:59PM EST.

What code should I use to send official scores?

Please use the following codes to send official test scores:

GRE:  2954-5199 or 2954-0000

TOEFL: 2954-02 or 2954-00

GMAT: G56-97-12

If you are unable to find the exact codes for the GRE/TOEFL, as long as you use the Wharton School code (2954), we will be able to confirm your scores.

What tests should I take? Is there a minimum score?

All applicants must take either the GRE or GMAT, depending upon department/program admission requirements. While there is no minimum test score required to apply, good performance on one of the tests can offset lower scores on other portions.

As each department’s requirements on standardized tests vary, please see the Admissions Requirement page for details on test requirements by department.

The average GRE scores for doctoral students entering in fall 2024:

Verbal: 159 Verbal %: 77 Quantitative: 169 Quantitative %: 90.5 Writing: 4 Writing %: 62

The average GMAT scores for doctoral students entering in fall 2024:

Verbal: 41 Verbal %: 92.5 Quantitative: 49.5 Quantitative %: 80 Total: 740 Total %: 96.5 Writing: 6 Writing %: 86

The ETS codes for requesting to have your scores sent to the Doctoral Program are: GRE: 2954-5199 or 2954-0000 GMAT: G56-97-12

We will accept GMAT and GRE scores that are up to 5 years old. If your test scores are more than 5 years old (taken prior to July 2019), you will have to take the test again and submit the new scores. Please see the GRE and GMAT websites for further information on taking those tests.

GRE/GMAT test scores CANNOT be waived. There are no exceptions unless outlined by the department. Failure to provide required application materials will result in your application’s rejection. Please note that certain programs will accept only the GRE.

See  Application Requirements for specific information.

The average GPA of accepted applicants generally falls within the upper tenth percentile.

Is the TOEFL required? Can it be waived if I have lived or studied in an English-speaking country?

Applicants whose native language is not English must take the TOEFL. You may request a TOEFL waiver if you have earned an undergraduate or master’s degree (or will receive the degree by June 2025) in an English-speaking country or from an institution in which English is the language of instruction.

To waive the TOEFL, you must submit your request under the  optional essay  section of the application  and  have it documented that your medium of education was English. Your transcripts may serve as documentation that English was the language of instruction.

TOEFL scores are valid for two years. If your TOEFL test was taken prior to July 2022 you will need to submit new scores.

Ask the Educational Testing Service (ETS) to report your test scores using the following Wharton Doctoral Programs’ ETS codes: · TOEFL: 2954-02 or 2954-00

Please note, we do not accept IELTS scores in place of TOEFL scores.

What is the average TOEFL score? Do you keep scores submitted in prior years?

Generally, the better the test score, the more likely a student will succeed in the program. We do not keep scores submitted in prior years, unless an applicant submitted an application. Applications and all supplemental materials (including test scores) are kept on file for one year after the year of application, and then destroyed.

The average iTOEFL scores for doctoral students entering in fall 2024:

Reading: 29 Listening: 28 Speaking: 23.4 Writing: 26 Total: 107

The ETS codes for requesting to have your scores sent to the Doctoral Program are: TOEFL: 2954-02 or 2954-00

Can I request an interview when applying?

Interviews are not granted prior to decisions. Accepted candidates are generally invited to visit at Wharton’s expense before they make a decision on whether to attend.

Can the application fee be waived?

Applicants from the following fellowships can waive the $80 application fee: McNair , Fulbright , IDDEAS, Leadership Alliance, and GRE Fee Reduction recipients . ​There are no other exceptions for offering application fee waivers.

Can I pay the application fee by credit card?

You can pay the $80 application fee by credit card when you submit your online application.

Admissions Process

When should i apply.

We will begin accepting applications in September for the following year’s admission period. The deadline for applications and supporting documentation (letters of recommendation, transcripts, and test scores) is December 15.

When and how will I be notified of the committee's decision?

The admissions committee meets in late February and again in early March, and the departmental programs make their final decisions by late March. Admission notification is made by April 15.

You will be notified of departmental decisions via the e-mail address you provide, so be sure to check your email regularly and to notify the Doctoral Office of any changes in your contact information.

Can you provide a paper application — I would rather submit a paper application than the online application?

Unfortunately, we no longer offer a paper application. All applications must be submitted using the online system.

How many applications do you receive each year, and how many do you admit?

The number of completed applications is usually between 800 and 1300. Less than 5% of applicants are offered admission, and usually 30 to 40 students matriculate.

Can I defer admission?

An offer of admission with financial support is made for the upcoming academic year only. Acceptance of the offer may not be deferred. An accepted applicant who must postpone acceptance of an offer of admission may reapply for consideration the following year. The applicant must follow the December 15th deadline to submit their application for review.

Can I request feedback on my application if I am not offered admission?

The admissions committee cannot offer feedback on individual applications.

Can I apply as a transfer student from a PhD program at a different school?

All applicants must complete an application with all required materials by the December 15 deadline regardless of their status at another school.

Can I apply to more than one Wharton PhD program?

No. It is for the benefit of both the applicant and Admissions Committee for an applicant to apply to one program only.

You are welcome to apply to separate schools at Penn (i.e. Arts & Sciences, Med). Please note you will be required to submit separate applications, materials and application fees.

Can I re-apply to a Doctoral Program?

Yes. Candidates who submitted an application to a Wharton Doctoral Program and were not offered admission may re-apply but not for the same academic year, e.g., an applicant who was not admitted for fall 2018 may re-apply for fall 2019. See Reapplication Process for more information.

Which programs are STEM-designated?

STEM-designated programs are denoted on our Programs of Study page .

Online Application

I'm having trouble accessing the online application. what is the problem.

You must have a Login Account to access the Online Application. To get a Login and Password please visit our online application, available in September.

My password will not work. Why?

You may be entering the incorrect password. A common problem is passwords are case sensitive. Be certain you are entering your password with the same capitalizations and lower cases as appear in your confirmation e-mail.

To have your login and password information re-sent to you, click the login link and follow the directions to have the information re-sent to you.

If all else fails, please email the doctoral office for assistance:  [email protected] .

When should I check the system after submitting the application?

You should allow at least three weeks for processing for your online account to truly reflect the status of your application.

Will I receive an e-mail when decisions are made? How will I know when to check the system?

You will receive an e-mail each time your status changes; this includes when we release a decision. Once you receive an e-mail, you need to check your status online. The e-mail only indicates there is a change to your application; it does not indicate what the change is.

Can I use AI during the application process?

The Wharton School of Business embraces the use of generative AI technology and sees it as an important tool for business scholars in this rapidly changing world. While we believe that generative AI will continue to provide utility to all students, your work contained within the application must be your own.

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The number of students accepted in any department is therefore determined by the amount of financial aid available.

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Pursuing PhD with no relevant coursework. Is self study and publications sufficient to show competence?

I am from metallurgical engineering background. I am doing PhD in mechanical engineering. I have an average of B+ in my undergrad advanced mathematics and programming courses. I have no past exposure to Non linear mechanics and Finite Element Analysis.

I am in the first semester of my PhD and I don't have the courses on Nonlinear mechanics and Finite element analysis being offered in my university for the next two years.

If I manage to self study the material from books and publish 2-3 papers on the application of the subjects in the next 5 years, will that be enough to show competency in the topics on my future career applications?

• publications
• research-process

• Also, keep in mind that you have already been accepted to this PhD project - which means that your supervisor and someone at the university's or department's admissions committee have looked at your skills and decided that you are sufficiently competent to attempt this, even without taking those courses. –  juod Commented May 4, 2020 at 1:31

Reading "stuff" doesn't demonstrate competency, but publishing papers certainly does. If you can "use" something, and demonstrate it, then no one will really question whether you are capable of using it.

Don't worry about it, other than to worry about the difficulty of getting yourself to the point where publishers are willing to accept your papers. The rest will follow naturally.

I'll point out that professionals do this as a matter of course. If they need competency in a subject to publish, then they just do it. They wouldn't normally take a course (for credit) and wouldn't require any certification. Academic life is, among other things, a continuous path of study.

• I'm surprised to see a mathematician offer this advice to a graduate student. What you say is true in a narrow sense, but in any theory / computation heavy area, lack of rigorous coursework in grad school can be a serious impediment to research for all but a handful of students. –  user_of_math Commented May 3, 2020 at 15:41
• 1 @user_of_math, actually not, except initially as the learn to use what they have studied. Coursework is only a guide. The student needs to do the hard stuff. If we all depended on coursework for everything, then science (and math) could never expand. But learning difficult topics is, by definition, difficult. I hope I didn't suggest otherwise. –  Buffy Commented May 3, 2020 at 15:46

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Do PhD programs in Europe have coursework?

I will start my master's in Europe this coming semester. The field (let's name it MS1) is really new to me and before accepting the offer, I was deciding between master's in MS1 or a PhD in another field (let's name it PhD2). MS1 and PhD2 are not really the same, but they are somehow connected.

Now, I'm thinking that just in case I happen to not like MS1, I would pursue a PhD in PhD2. Since I don't know much about PhD2, I want to have some coursework about the topic.

Soooo, do PhD programs in Europe have coursework?

PS: If no, maybe I need to get another master's in PhD2 before proceeding with the PhD itself.

Any thoughts/comments?

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Doctoral Program - Coursework

PhD students register for 10 units in each of the Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters. Most courses offered by the department for PhD students are three units, including the core courses of the first-year program. In addition to regular lecture courses on advanced topics, reading courses in the literature of probability and the literature of statistics are available each quarter. Students working on their dissertation may register for up to 10 units of directed research in each quarter. Students should also register for selected courses outside the Statistics Department to fulfill the breadth requirement .

Prerequisites

Equivalents of Math 113, Math 115; Stats 116, Stats 200; CS 106A. (Descriptions of these courses may be viewed on Stanford's ExploreCourses course listings pages.

Previous experience has shown that before starting the core courses students need to have mastered the material in the prerequisite courses (or their equivalents at other universities), as demonstrated by very strong and relatively recent grades. Where this background is missing or not recent, admission to the PhD program will involve working with the Graduate Director to design an individual program to make up the necessary courses.

Core Courses

Statistics 300A, 300B and 300C systematically survey the ideas of estimation and of hypothesis testing for parametric and nonparametric models involving small and large samples.

Statistics 305A is concerned with linear regression and the analysis of variance. Statistics 305B and 305C survey a large number of modeling techniques, related to but going significantly beyond the linear models of 305A.

Statistics 310A, 310B and 310C are measure-theoretic courses in probability theory, beginning with basic concepts of the law of large numbers, and martingale theory.

Although the content of the first-year core courses is specified by the department, the order in which topics are studied and details of the presentation are left to the instructor and will vary from year to year. Unusually well-prepared students may place out of Statistics 305A. Students who do not have a sufficient mathematics background can, with approval from the Graduate Director, take the 310 series after the first year. All core courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Literature/Work in Progress Course

Stats 319 is a literature course in statistics and probability that is offered each quarter. The course is generally taken by students in the second and third years and may be taken repeatedly. It serves two connected purposes:

• to expose students to a variety of topics of current research interest, for example, to help identify dissertation topics. Students are expected to read several articles and to write a short paper related to the reading that is presented to the class. The paper can be a synthesis of the reading material, or it may mark the beginning of research in the area. Reading assignments are made in consultation with any faculty member, especially the course instructor.
• to fulfill the Work in Progress requirement. Each post-quals and pre-orals student gives a 50-minute talk once a year. This requirement gives the student practice in giving and receiving feedback on talk techniques, and keeps the department informed of the student's work. The talk can be on dissertation work in progress, on an ancillary project (consulting, RA work), or on a selection of papers that the student has recently read. The instructor of the literature course, along with the student's course peers, provides feedback on the talk, and can also provide guidance in topic choice where needed.

All students who have passed the qualifying exams but have not yet passed the Dissertation Proposal Meeting must take Stats 319 Literature of Statistics at least once per year.

Advanced Courses (Depth Requirement)

Students are required to complete a depth requirement consisting of a minimum of three courses (nine units) of advanced topics courses offered by the department. Courses for the depth and breadth (see below) requirements must equal a combined minimum of 24 units. Recommended advanced topics courses include the following:

• Introduction to Time Series Analysis (Stats 307)
• Information Theory and Statistics (Stats 311)
• Advanced Statistical Methods (Stats 314A)
• Modern Applied Statistics: Learning (Stats 315A)
• Modern Applied Statistics: Learning II (Stats 315B)
• Stochastic Processes (Stats 317)
• Modern Markov Chains (Stats 318)
• Machine Learning Methods for Neural Data Analysis (Stats 320)
• Function Estimation in White Noise (Stats 322)
• Multivariate Analysis (Stats 325)
• Causal Inference (Stats 361)
• Monte Carlo (Stats 362)
• Design of Experiments (Stats 363)
• Bayesian Statistics (Stats 370)
• Convex Optimization I (EE 364A)
• Convex Optimization II (EE 364B)

In any given year only some of these courses will be offered. These courses are normally taken after the first year and may help students to find dissertation topics.

Consulting Workshop

Students taking the Consulting Workshop, STATS 390, provide a free consulting service to the Stanford community. Researchers from all areas of the university community are free to request appointments to discuss their research or analysis problems. This course allows students to assimilate material from their first-year courses, especially STATS 305A/B/C.

The consulting is executed by teams of students, in which inexperienced students are matched with those more experienced. The course is offered each quarter and may be taken repeatedly. Students are encouraged to participate in the formulation of the consulting problems and in any data analysis which may be involved.

Curriculum and Thesis

In their first and second years, PhD students are required to complete a series of core classes, coursework in their major and minor fields of study, and an advanced research methods course before proceeding to the thesis-writing stage.

Core courses

Students must satisfy the requirements in at least 10 of 12 half-semester first-year core courses (14.384 and 14.385 are considered second-year courses). The requirements can be met by earning a grade of B or better in the class or by passing a waiver exam.

Waiver exams are offered at the start of the semester in which the course is offered and graded on a pass-fail basis. Students who receive a grade of B- or below in a class can consult the course faculty to determine whether to take the waiver exam or re-take the course the following year. These requirements must all be satisfied before the end of the second year.

Course list

• 14.121: Microeconomic Theory I
• 14.122: Microeconomic Theory II
• 14.123: Microeconomic Theory III
• 14.124: Microeconomic Theory IV
• 14.380: Statistical Methods in Economics
• 14.381: Estimation and Inference for Linear Causal and Structural Models
• 14.382*: Econometrics
• 14.384*: Time Series Analysis (2nd year course)
• 14.385*: Nonlinear Econometric Analysis (2nd year course)
• 14.451: Dynamic Optimization Methods with Applications
• 14.452: Economic Growth
• 14.453: Economic Fluctuations
• 14.454: Economic Crises

*Courses 14.382, 14.384, and 14.385 are each counted as two half-semester courses.

Most students will also take one or more field courses (depending on whether they are waiving core courses) during their first year. Feel free to ask your graduate research officer, field faculty, and advanced students for advice on how you structure your first-year coursework.

Second year students must also successfully complete the two-semester course 14.192: Advanced Research Methods and Communication. The course, which is graded on a pass-fail basis, guides students through the process of writing and presenting the required second-year research paper.

Major field requirement

By the end of year two, PhD students must complete the requirements for two major fields in economics. This entails earning a B or better in two designated courses for each field. Some fields recommend additional coursework or papers for students intending to pursue research in the field.

Major fields must be declared by the Monday following the spring break of your second year. Your graduate registration officer must approve your field selections.

Minor field requirement

PhD students are also required to complete two minor fields, taking two courses in each field and earning a grade of B or better. Your graduate registration officer must approve your field selections.

Minor coursework is normally completed by the end of year two, but in some cases students can defer the completion of one field until after general exams. Students must consult with their graduate registration officer before making a deferment.

Options for minor fields include the eleven economics major fields, plus computation and statistics (from the interdisciplinary PhD in Economics and Statistics).

Students who wish to satisfy one of the minor field requirements by combining two courses from different fields–for example, environmental economics and industrial organization II–can petition the second-year graduate registration officer for permission.

At least one minor field should be from the department’s standard field list.

The fields in which the Department offers specialization and the subjects that will satisfy their designation as a minor field are given in the chart below. Some fields overlap so substantially that both cannot be taken by a student. In any event, the same subject cannot be counted towards more than a single minor field. Students must receive the approval of their Graduate Registration Officer for their designated major and minor fields.

List of fields

• Development
• Econometrics
• Industrial organization
• International
• Macroeconomics
• Organizational
• Political economy
• Public finance
• Computation and statistics (minor only)

Subjects satisfying major and minor requirements

Advanced economic theory.

Major: At least two of 14.125, 14.126, 14.281, and Harvard Ec 2059. Recommended for major: 14.126, 14.281, and at least one of 14.125, 14.127, 14.130, 14.147, and Harvard Ec 2059.

Minor: Any subset adding up to two full semesters from 14.125, 14.126, 14.127, 14.130, 14.137, 14.147, 14.160, 14.281 and Harvard Ec 2059. 

*Effective academic year 2025-26, students may also complete a minor in economic theory by completing all four micro core courses 121-124 plus one of 125, 126, 281

Econometrics and Statistics

Major: Any one of 14.386, 14.387, 14.388 in addition to one of 14.384 or 14.385. Recommended for major: 14.384 and 14.385. 

Minor: 14.382 in addition to one of 14.384 or 14.385. 

*Dual PhD in Economics and Statistics has an additional requirement of 14.386.

Economic Development

Major and minor: 14.771 and 14.772 or 14.773

Major: 14.416J and 14.441J

Minor: Any two of 14.416J, 14.440J, 14.441J, 14.442J, 14.448. 

Industrial Organization

Major: 14.271 and 14.272 or 14.273. Recommended for major: 14.271, 14.272, and 14.273.

Minor: 14.271 and 14.272 or 14.273. 

International Economics

Major and minor: 14.581 and 14.582

Labor Economics

Major: 14.661 and 14.662A. 

Minor: Two subjects chosen from 14.193, 14.661, and 14.662

Monetary Economics

Major and minor: Two subjects chosen from 14.461, 14.462, and 14.463

* Effective academic year 2025-26, students may also complete a minor in macroeconomics by completing all four macro core courses 451-454 plus either 461 or 462

Organizational Economics

Major and minor: 14.282 and one of 14.283-284, 14.441J, or an approved substitute

Political Economy

Major and minor: 14.770 and 14.773

Public Economics

Major and minor: 14.471 and 14.472

Minimum class requirement

Effective for students entering the program in 2025 or later, students must complete a total of 13 semester long classes plus 14.192 during their time in the PhD program. Subjects that are waived will not count towards this requirement.  Classes counting towards this requirement include classes in Course 14, classes that count for any major or minor field or interdisciplinary program requirement, and classes approved by the 2nd-year GRO.

General exams

MIT requires doctoral candidates to complete an advanced course of study that includes general exams at its completion. Beginning in 2019-20, the Economics Department will operationalize this requirement to include successful completion of: the core and other required courses; course exams and other requirements of courses in each of a student’s two major and two minor fields; the written research paper and oral presentation components of 14.192. Students may present for the general exams while having one remaining minor field to complete. The faculty will review these components together with the candidate’s overall course record to determine whether students have passed the general exam requirement and can proceed to the thesis writing stage.

Typical course schedule

Math Camp begins on the second Monday in August.

Fall Semester

14.121/14.122 (Micro Theory I/II) 14.451/14.452 (Macro Theory I/II) 14.380/14.381 (Statistical Method in Economics & Applied Econometrics) Field Course (major or minor)

Spring Semester

14.123/14.124 (Micro Theory III/IV) 14.453/14.454 (Macro Theory III/IV) 14.382 (Econometrics) Field Course (major or minor)

2-3 Field Courses 14.192 (Advanced Research and Communication) 14.384  or  14.385 (Advanced Econometrics)

3 Field Courses 14.192 (Advanced Research and Communication)

Years 3 and up

Field workshop Field lunch Thesis writing

Upon satisfying the core and field requirements, PhD candidates embark on original research culminating in a completed dissertation. A PhD thesis normally consists of three research papers of publishable quality. The thesis must be approved by a student’s primary and secondary thesis advisors, and by an anonymous third reader. These three faculty members will be the candidate's thesis committee and are responsible for its acceptance. Collaborative work is acceptable and encouraged, but there must be at least one paper in the dissertation without a co-author who was a faculty member when the research started.

Criteria for satisfactory progress

Third-year students.

• Meet regularly with their advisor
• Participate consistently in their primary field advising lunch, their primary field workshop, and the third-year student research lunch
• Participate in third-year meetings organized by the thesis graduate research officer

Students should present on their research in progress at least once in both the third-year student research lunches and their field advising lunch. Presentations provide opportunities for early and broad feedback on research ideas and the chance to develop oral presentation skills. Research ideas or early stage work in progress is encouraged and expected.

Fourth-year and later students

• Participate consistently in their primary field advising lunch and their primary field workshop
• Present at least once per year in their field advising lunch or field workshop. A presentation each semester in the field advising lunch is strongly recommended by most fields; consult your advisors for more information

Satisfactory progress toward a dissertation will be evaluated based on progress assessments by the student’s primary advisor, regular participation in the lunches and workshops, and field lunch or workshop presentations that show continued progress.

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Doctor of Philosophy

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is an internationally recognised graduate research program that will enable you to become an independent researcher. 

With the guidance of an advisory team, you'll undertake a research project, produce an 80,000-word thesis and complete an oral examination.

A PhD takes 3 to 4 years full-time. Under guidance, you'll develop advanced research skills and knowledge in your chosen field.

The thesis is a substantial document that makes an original contribution to your field of research. Your thesis may involve an alternate format .

You'll need a strong academic background and you may need to submit a research proposal and other documents to support your application. About 1,000 PhD candidates join UQ each year researching a wide range of topics.

Research at UQ

UQ is one of Australia’s top research-intensive universities. Our research makes an impact on the world's cultural, environmental, economic and social challenges.

Learn more about UQ's research

Program highlights

• Be inspired and challenged to explore new ideas and develop greater understanding of complex questions with leading researchers.
• Access premier resources including one of Australia’s largest libraries, with more than 2 million physical resources and 116,800+ journal subscriptions.
• Foster and improve your skills through the Career Development Framework, created with industry.
• Learn from researchers whose work addresses national and global cultural, environmental, economic and social challenges.

41 in the world

CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024

51 in the world

Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023

Supervision

You have to find and contact a thesis supervisor before you apply

This supervisor will support, guide and mentor you through your research, and can introduce you to professional networks that will start your career.

Find a supervisor

3-Minute Thesis

The showcase event for research candidates is the 3-Minute Thesis (3MT). 

3MT is held each spring.

Learn more about the 3MT

Career development

UQ offers a range of development opportunities via the Career Development Framework (CDF) to help you develop portable skills for any career or industry.

Learn more about the CDF

Studying at UQ gave me the flexibility to expand my knowledge across different areas of science outside of my chosen specialty. Keeping my scientific and translational skills broad has allowed me to adapt to different environments and opportunities throughout my career.

Bioplastics vs microplastics: making better fertilisers to protect our environment

8-minute read

The Gen Z housing crisis: what needs to change?

6-minute read

3D-printed tablets: the future of pharmacy is tailored and... tasty?

Từ Hồ Chí Minh đến Brisbane: Hành trình UQ của tôi

Entry requirements, gpa equivalent.

Select where you studied and your qualification to see the GPA you need to be considered for this program.

Meeting the GPA requirement doesn’t guarantee admission.

Academic entry requirements

You have to prove you are prepared for PhD study. You do this by showing you:

• have completed some research experience
• have completed an approved university degree  and
• can meet the English language requirements.

Approved degrees

An approved degree needs to be:

• in an area relevant to your proposed PhD project and
• completed no more than 10 years ago.

You need one of the following approved degrees to apply for a PhD:

• Master of Philosophy (or another research master’s degree); or
• Bachelor’s degree from an approved university with at least honours class IIA or equivalent; or
• Coursework master’s degree with an overall grade point average of 5.65 on the 7-point UQ scale which includes relevant research experience, approved by the dean; or
• Postgraduate degree (at least one year full-time or equivalent) with an overall grade point average of 5 on the 7-point UQ scale, together with demonstrated research experience equivalent to honours class IIA will be considered on a case-by-case basis; or
• Bachelor’s degree plus at least 2 years of relevant research experience , including research publications.

Research experience

You'll meet the requirements for admission into a PhD in terms of 'research preparedness' if you can provide evidence that you've planned and executed project work and/or a body of research with some independence.

To demonstrate this, we'll ask you to provide one of the following:

• with completed courses that aim to develop research skills (minimum value of #1 unit e.g. 50 per cent of a #2 unit course), and/or
• the completion of a supervised research project that includes an individually graded written report with a combined minimum course volume equal to #4 units at UQ.
• Scholarly papers involving a substantial contribution as an author, appearing in recognised academic journals or in volumes published by recognised academic publishers.
• Research or technical reports prepared for industry, government or business, which adhere to the broad conventions of academic publishing (i.e. contain an up-to-date review of relevant literature, a description of relevant research methods and an evaluation of results, etc.) and which identify you as a significant contributor.
• A portfolio of published creative work together with published critical discussion of some or all of that work, or of a comparable body of work by others, and which demonstrates your development of a scholarly approach to creative work as research investigation.
• Demonstrable industry or work experience where you can demonstrate that you have planned and executed a project, working with a high level of independence.

Student visas

International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Doctor of Philosophy are eligible to apply for an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

This program has two CRICOS codes:

• 0100213 – Architecture, creative arts, education, health, information technology, management and commerce, mathematical sciences, social and cultural studies
• 0100214 – Agriculture and environmental studies, dentistry, engineering, human movement, medical studies, natural and physical sciences, pharmacy, psychology, veterinary science

Discuss your proposed project with us to determine which CRICOS code is most relevant for your visa application.

There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the genuine temporary entrant (GTE) requirement.

Learn more about student visas

Additional entry requirements

Many departments will have additional entry requirements and may request documents to support your application, such as a research proposal. You should discuss these additional requirements with your potential thesis supervisor.

Additional application information

Minimum English language proficiency requirements apply, please refer to the English proficiency policy .

English language requirements

There are a few ways you can meet our English language requirements. If you sit a test, the following scores are needed for PhD admission:

Read our English language requirements

Scholarships

There are several types of PhD scholarship:

• tuition fee scholarship : this covers the fees charged by UQ for PhD study
• living stipend scholarship: this is a   fortnightly payment (or stipend) to support your daily expenses
• top-up scholarship: may be provided by external organisations, supervisors, or philanthropic donations. When awarded, they provide an additional payment on top of a living stipend scholarship. They cannot be held without a living stipend scholarship.

Each year, we award more than 600 scholarships to attract and support the highest quality higher degree by research applicants.

View all postgraduate research scholarships

University scholarships

UQ scholarships include:

• Graduate School Scholarships
• Graduate School Tuition Fees Scholarship
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scholarships
• Earmarked Scholarships
• The Graduate School Scholarship

Other scholarships

Throughout the year we advertise a range of other research scholarships, including top-up scholarships, travel grants and external scholarships, including:

• Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

How to apply for a scholarship

You can apply for many scholarships using the same form as your PhD application. External scholarships might have different ways to apply. 

Our Scholarships website explains how to apply for each scholarship. If you are applying for a non-UQ scholarship, outcome dates may vary.

Fees and costs

Tuition fees.

Your fees will vary according to your academic field, study load and whether you study internally or remotely.

Learn more about postgraduate research fees

Research costs

The department you enrol with will meet all necessary costs for your project, including:

• resource and facility costs: at UQ, which may include other organisations in Australia or overseas
• travel costs: to complete fieldwork, collect data, or to visit libraries or other repositories
• coursework costs: for courses studied outside the department
• relevant training: in particular methodologies or techniques.

How to apply

Before you apply, 1. check your eligibility.

Check your eligibility by reviewing the entry requirements for UQ's Higher Degrees by Research. If applying for a scholarship, check the scholarship's eligibility and important dates.

2. Approach a potential supervisor or find a project

You'll either need to find:

• a supervisor in your field who will support your proposed project.  Identify a researcher .
• a project you can join that suits your interests.  See available projects .

If you're choosing a researcher, you'll need to find one with relevant expertise and get agreement to support your PhD and project.

Many departments will require additional information to make a decision around your motivation, understanding, commitment, and financial support required.

They may request documents to support your application, such as a research proposal. You should discuss these additional requirements with your potential thesis supervisor.

3. Gather your documents

You will need to compile the necessary documents. We will accept scanned copies of original documents, but you will have to keep all original documents for the duration of your studies.

Upload all documents as PDFs and name your files like this: LASTNAME_firstname_document-name.pdf

If any of your documents is in a language other than English, you will need to send both the original document and an official translation.

Send the following documents with your application:

An academic CV assists us to determine your readiness to commence a higher degree by research. For the purposes of this application, your academic CV should be current (i.e. no more than 6 months old) and include information under the following headings:

Personal details

• your full name
• your contact details (phone number, email address, city and country of residence)
• nationality
• languages spoken and proficiency level for each
• your ORCID ID or other research output identifier (such as Google Scholar) if you have one (see the ORCID ID and research identifiers information provided by UQ Library).

As the purpose of this academic CV is to determine your academic suitability for a higher degree by research program at UQ and your competitiveness against other applicants, we only require information that is of direct relevance to our decision-making processes. With this in mind, please do not include the following in your academic CV:

• photographs/head shot
• marital status
• driver’s license
• date of birth/age
• hobbies and interests.

Educational qualifications and academic awards

List each of your formal educational qualifications in reverse chronological order (i.e. with the most recent formal educational qualification listed first). For each qualification, include:

• the commencing and end dates (month and year) for the qualification
• the full title of the qualification (e.g. Bachelor of Arts instead of B.A.)
• the institution attended and the enrolling school/administrative unit
• the city and country where the institution is located
• your Grade Point Average (GPA) for the overall qualification
• any academic achievement awards (e.g. Dean’s awards, subject prizes, University medals, thesis prizes etc.) received for the qualification
• if a research thesis was part of the qualification, include the title and word length of your dissertation.

As part of your application, please submit academic transcripts and degree certificates for each educational qualification you list.

Please do not include:

• high school qualifications
• the individual subjects/courses undertaken throughout your qualifications or the grades awarded for these
• training courses/professional development activities not resulting in a formal qualification.

Professional affiliations and memberships

List any professional/disciplinary associations or committees that you a member of and include:

• the commencing and end date (in years) for the affiliation/membership
• the name of the professional association or committee
• your membership type (e.g. student member, affiliate member, full member etc.) or role (e.g. committee member, secretary, president etc.).

Employment history

List each of your previous employment roles in reverse chronological order (i.e. with the most recent/current employment listed first) and include:

• the commencing and end dates (month and year) for the employment
• the title of each position
• the name of the employing organisation, the city, and country where you were based
• your main duties or accountabilities in that role, providing detailed information on any research-related activities
• any achievements during that role that are relevant to your proposed field of research .

Other research experience

List any voluntary, unpaid, or extra-curricular research-related projects or experiences you have undertaken (e.g. summer research projects, internships etc.) and include:

• the commencing and end dates (month and year) of the experience
• the name of the organisation, the city, and country where you were based

Research outputs

In reverse chronological order (i.e. the most recent output first) list your research outputs,  including for example research published or accepted for publication, research reports, and research by creative practice.

If needed, use sub-headings to separate refereed journal articles, published conference proceedings, edited book chapters, books, creative works, industry reports, invited papers, patents, media commentary, conference presentations and posters, invited talks etc. If applicable, use additional sub-headings to indicate if outputs are published , accepted for publication (but not yet in print), or (submitted but) under review .

Do not include any outputs/publications that are ‘in preparation’ .

For all research outputs, include:

• the output/publication reference using an official bibliographical style (such as Turabian/Chicago, APA, Harvard), including listing all authors in the order that they appear in the work with your name in bold
• the Digital Object Identifier (DOI), PubMed Identifier (PMID), International Standard Book Number (ISBN) or URL where applicable
• the standing of the journal or conference and the impact of the work (e.g. impact factors, citations and other metrics indicators)
• relevant indicators of national or international significance
• rejection rates for the outlet etc.
• how much of the original research you were responsible for (i.e. what was your role in the conception and design of the project and how involved were you in the analysis and interpretation of the research data on which the publication is based?)
• the extent to which you authored the paper.

Research grants and relevant awards

Include only those research grants and relevant awards that you have received at the time of making your application (i.e. do not list grants or awards that you applied for and did not receive or are awaiting a decision on). For each research grant/award, include:

• the name of the granting/awarding body and the country in which they are based
• the name of the grant/award
• the year(s) in which the grant was active or the year in which the award was made
• the amount of the research grant/award
• if relevant (e.g. for research grants), the title of your application.

Applicants from creative and professional-based disciplines may also include non-research grants and awards related to their creative or professional practice.

Research achievements relative to opportunity (optional)

In recognition of the diverse personal and professional pathways that applicants have experienced, you are invited to provide information ( maximum 200 words ) to contextualise your research outputs and achievements, relative to the opportunities that you have had to participate in research-related activities.

This section of the CV is optional and should only be included if you believe there are factors relevant to your research achievements that you would like the selection panels to know. Examples of factors include (but are not limited to):

• study/career disruptions due to illness, caregiving, natural disasters etc.
• non-linear academic or career progression, or a change in career direction
• reduced ability to take up research-related opportunities (e.g. attend conferences) due to caregiving responsibilities.

Academic referees

Please provide us with two referees who can comment on your academic work. For each referee, include their:

• honorific and name
• employing organisation and the city and country where they are located
• contact details, including office address, telephone, fax and email (preferably an institutional, rather than private, email address)
• an indication of the capacity in which you know this person (e.g. were they a lecturer or thesis supervisor, an employer, how long you’ve known them etc.). 

If possible, please include at least one:

• senior person (preferably your supervisor or the head of your organisational unit) closely associated with your current work, and
• person who is not a member of your proposed advisory panel/supervisory team.

Formatting and document specifications

We recommend that you use the below formatting settings to improve the readability of your CV:

• margins of at least 1.5 centimetres
• single line spacing
• no smaller than 12 point Times New Roman font (or equivalent)
• left justify text (not full justify)
• include your name and page number on each page
• be consistent in your formatting and spelling throughout
• limit the use of bold, underline, italics, and multiple font types.

Please proofread your CV carefully before uploading it to your application.

Save as a PDF and name your file: LASTNAME_firstname_CV.pdf

There is no page limit to your academic CV – it can be as long as required to include the information requested here.

Please include in your CV all the headings listed above – if you do not have any content to add for a particular heading please list ‘None to date’ under that heading .

An academic CV for employment purposes within Australia would not include the information requested here outlining your three most significant publications or your research achievements relative to opportunity. It would, however, include information about professional and service activities undertaken and may include a summary of your relevant research/teaching interest areas and skill sets – this information is not required in the CV you submit here for application to an HDR program.

This should show all study you have undertaken since secondary school, whether complete or incomplete, including the institution grading scale. The grading scale is often found on the final page or the reverse page; be sure to include all pages.

An academic transcript can also be called an:

• academic record
• diploma supplement
• statement of learning
• record of achievement.

A degree certificate is a legal document, imprinted with a university seal. It should state the name of your qualification and areas of study.

Include all degree certificates (testamurs) for post-secondary study with your application. If you studied in China, you must provide a:

• award certificate and
• graduate statement/certificate.

All applicants have to prove they can meet English language requirements . Any test scores have to be valid at your proposed commencement date.

Include a copy of the information page (with your photo) in your passport. This will verify your identity and ensure we can make offers correctly.

Include the contact details of two referees who will support your application. These referees will need to provide insight into your research experience.

We will contact your referees for a report, but you will need to enter their details into the application form.

Other documentation, originals or certified copies, may be required depending on your individual circumstances, for example:

• evidence of change of name
• proof of citizenship, if you are not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand by birth
• evidence of your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander status
• previous research program information .

If you don't provide us with all documents it will take us longer to process your application. Your start date might then be delayed, or you might miss an admission or scholarship deadline. 

4. Apply online

Once you have prepared your application and contacted a potential supervisor, use the online application form to apply. Your application can only be assessed once your referees have responded to us, and all outstanding documents and school/institute endorsements have been received.

Important dates

The academic year for research students is divided into four research quarters (RQ).

Candidates applying for a Student Visa or UQ scholarship may need to apply earlier. Make sure you check  scholarship round application deadlines  and outcome dates before applying.

The agreed start date will be included on your Confirmation of Enrolment.

Find out more about research quarter dates

The academic year for research students is divided into four research quarters (RQ). You can start a PhD in any quarter, as long as the Census Date hasn't passed.

Candidates applying for a UQ scholarship may need to apply earlier. Make sure you check scholarship round application deadlines and outcome dates before applying.

The agreed start date will be included on your offer of admission.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants

For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.

Contact the ATSIS Unit

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Biomedical Engineering

College of engineering, ph.d. program.

Formal coursework for a Ph.D. must cover at least three out of five core areas: physiology and cellular/molecular biology, biomaterials and tissue engineering, biomechanics, biomedical imaging and bioinformatics, and neuroengineering; Each of these core courses must be of 9 units or more. Graduate level introductory courses in each core area are available for students who are unfamiliar with the subject area. Aside from the core area requirement, considerable flexibility is allowed in the selection of courses to adapt to diverse interests, educational backgrounds, and career plans. Students are also allowed to take a certain number of upper-level undergraduate courses to broaden their background.

Students start thesis research within a few weeks of matriculation. Research during the first year defines the theme for the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination at the beginning of the second year. The purpose of the Qualifying Examination is to ensure that the student is sufficiently prepared and motivated to complete Ph.D. thesis research. Students submit a research document and take an oral examination with questions centered around the subject of the document. The questions may range from fundamental knowledge, prior research, to future prospect. By passing the Qualifying Examination, the student is formally accepted as a Ph.D. candidate.

The ensuing Ph.D. research must demonstrate the student’s ability to conduct an original, coherent, and independent investigation, to abstract principles, and to interpret the results in a logical manner. The student must pass a Ph.D. Proposal Examination, designed to assess the plan for completing the Ph.D. research, within the first three years of residence. Ph.D. dissertation and oral defense must be completed within six years of passing the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination.

Other Requirements

All students are required to take Biomedical Engineering Seminar (42-701) or (42-801) during each semester of residence. All Ph.D. students must also complete three semesters of Teaching Assistantship. Detailed requirements are described in the Graduate Student Handbook.

• Program Handbook
• Frequently Asked Questions
• M.S. Program

Direct Entry

Students entering the Ph.D. program without an M.S. degree are classified as Direct Entry. Direct Entry students must satisfactorily complete at least 84 units of coursework, among which at most 21 units may be advanced undergraduate courses. Most Direct Entry students graduate within 4-5 years of full-time study.

Advanced Entry

Qualified candidates with an approved M.S. degree may be accepted into the Advanced Entry Ph.D. program. Advanced Entry students are required to complete 42 units of coursework, among which at most 9 units may be advanced undergraduate courses. Advanced Entry students are expected to devote most of the effort to research starting the first year. Many of them are able to graduate in no more than 4 years.

The Department of Biomedical Engineering participates in a combined M.D.-Ph.D. Program with the  University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine,  to offer M.D. degree from the University of Pittsburgh and Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University. The aim is to allow physician-engineers to blend research and clinical perspectives in treating patients.

Prospective students should apply directly to the  University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine , indicating an interest in the Ph.D. Program in Biomedical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. During the first semester of the second year of medical school, the student should submit an application to the Ph.D. program, which may include supporting documents previously submitted to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Students formally enter the Ph.D. program after completing their second year of medical school, although research may start as soon as the summer before the first semester of medical school and during the subsequent two summer semesters. This allows the student to gain a total of six months of research before officially entering the Ph.D. program.

Ph.D. requirements are similar to those for the Advanced Entry Ph.D. program except that there are no specific core course requirements, such that students may tailor biomedical engineering -relevant courses in consultation with the advisor. Completion of the Ph.D. program is targeted at 3-4 years.  The student then returns to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine to completes the last two years of M.D. training.

BME PhD Admission and Completion

As a top ranked graduate school, CMU is selective in its PhD admissions. Once admitted, CMU BME has a regular PhD review process that tracks student progress and ensures supportive mentorship. As a result, the large majority of our students complete their PhD.

BME PhD Financial Support

All full time Ph.D. students accepted through the normal application process are provided continued support for the duration specified in the admission offer letter, subject to successful progress evaluated each semester, including tuition, fees and a competitive stipend.

Much of the efficiency of the Ph.D. Program, where most students graduate within 5 years, may be attributed to the early start of research and the rigorous system of performance assessment held...

Students start thesis research within a few weeks of matriculation. Research during the first year also defines the theme for the Ph.D. Qualifying Examination at the beginning of the second year.

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Florida State University

FSU | Department of Anthropology

Department of Anthropology

• PhD Degree Program

Course Work Requirements

Students should review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the "College of Arts and Sciences" section of the current Graduate Bulletin.

Students must complete thirty-six (36) semester hours of graded course work and twenty-four (24) dissertation hours for a total of sixty (60) semester hours. Distribution of the thirty-six (36) semester of course work is as follows: 15 credit hours in required courses (see below) and 21 credit hours in elective courses. No more than six (6) hours of graded Directed Individual Study (DIS) may be taken for credit. There is a cap of twelve (12) hours of graded graduate level coursework outside the Department of Anthropology at FSU that may be applied as elective credit.

REQUIRED COURSEWORK (total of 36-hours of graded course work):

• ANG 5117: Core Seminar in Archaeology
• ANG 5493: Core Seminar in Cultural Anthropology
• ANG 5513: Core Seminar in Physical Anthropology
• Theory - 3 credits
• ANG 5801: Field Methods in Cultural Anthropology
• ANG 5074: Seminar in Geospatial Archaeology
• ANG 5126: Zooarchaeology
• ANG 5127. Advanced Zooarchaeology
• ANG 6119. Geoarchaeology
• ANG 5580 Biocultural Adaptation and Paleodemography
• ANG 5581 Method and Theory in Human Biology
• ANG 5824 Anthropological Fieldwork: Archaeology
• ANG 5074 Seminar in Geospatial Archaeology
• ANG 5194 Analysis and Interpretation of Archaeological Research
• ANG 6484 Cultural Analysis
• Electives are chosen from available graduate-level courses in Anthropology. There is a cap of 12 hours of approved graduate courses from another department at FSU that may be used to fulfill the electives requirement. No more than 6 credit hours can be from Directed Independent Studies. There will be no double counting classes as fulfilling both a theory or method and an elective, but additional theory or methods classes can be taken for elective credit.
• See Graduate Program Director for a current list of possible elective courses.

DISSERTATION HOURS (24 hours):

A minimum of twenty-four dissertation hours is required for completion of the doctoral degree. Students can enroll in dissertation hours after successfully passing qualifying exams (also referred to as “preliminary examination” at FSU) and they must comply with College and University requirements.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Qualifying Exams which evaluate whether a student is capable of completing dissertation research;
• Dissertation Defense to display a completed dissertation and show the ability to answer questions about it from the supervisory committee.
• Prior to the dissertation defense, doctoral students must have a valid supervisory committee consisting of 4 faculty members with GFS status, one of which must be from outside the department (University Representative).
• To meet the Scholarly Engagement requirement, doctoral students will have this assessed and confirmed by the supervisory committee.
• As per University policy, the doctoral degree must be completed within 5 calendar years from the time the student passed the qualifying exam and admitted to candidacy. Additionally, students must meet all the manuscript clearance requirements as articulated by the Graduate School.

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• Programs : PhD in Information Studies

PhD Coursework & Plan of Study

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

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

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

Doctoral Core - 9 Credit Hours

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

Research Methods Courses - 9 Credit Hours

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

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

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

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

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

Electives - 21 Credit Hours

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

Students are particularly encouraged to take the following courses:

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

Plan of Study

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

The plan of study consists of the following seven components:

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

Coursework Listing

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

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

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

Doctoral Program Overview

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

PhD Degree Resources

Student handbook.

• PhD Program Handbook

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NTNU offers a range of courses at the doctoral level . In addition to the doctoral thesis, a PhD education consists of a coursework component of at least 30 ECTS. Most PhD programmes have a combination of compulsory and elective courses. As part of your application process, you must develop a plan for your coursework component. For more information on which courses are available for you, look at the web pages of the specific PhD programme.

Doctoral courses through Nordic universities

Nordic Five Tech (N5T) is an exclusive, strategic alliance of the five leading technical universities in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. As a PhD candidate at one of these universities, you may attend PhD courses at all five universities at no extra cost.

External candidates

If you are not a PhD candidate at NTNU, you may still apply for and attend PhD courses here .

National Researcher Schools

A national researcher school consists of a network of universities, university colleges and research institutes and complements the regular PhD programmes . By participating in a national researcher school you gain access to a larger research group, a greater variety of PhD courses, joint seminars and so on. Once you have been admitted to a PhD programme, you may join a national researcher school in your field of study.

The National Researcher Schools are financed by the Research Council of Norway.

Overview of the National Researcher Schools for PhD candidates at NTNU.  The page at the Research Council of Norway is in Norwegian, but most of the researcher schools have English names.

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Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language – 2024 Intake

Ma in tesl (slqf 10) with an exit qualification of postgraduate diploma in teaching english as a second language (pgdip in tesl – slqf 9) 2024 intake.

Conducted by the Department of English and Linguistics , USJ

Applications are invited from eligible candidates for the Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language scheduled to begin in August 2023. This two-year programme (SLQF 10) covers the key areas of Structure of English, Psycholinguistics, Sociolinguistics, Second Language Teaching Pedagogy, Testing and Assessment in ESL, Curriculum & Materials Development in ESL and Second Language Research Methods.

Who is this programme for?

• Teachers of English or Teacher Educators who wish to upgrade their professional standing.
• University lecturers seeking postgraduate qualification in TESL.
• Anyone with a basic degree planning a career in English Language Teaching.

Entry Requirements

• A four-year Bachelor’s degree in English or TESL (SLQF 6) or
• A three-year Bachelor’s degree with English as a subject (SLQF 5) or
• A Bachelor’s degree in English medium (SLQF 5 or 6) or
• Any other degree acceptable to the university senate (SLQF 5 or 6)

Note: Admission to the MA in TESL programme is limited and competitive. The selection to the programme will depend on candidates’ GPA (or letter grades) in the Bachelor’s Degree and their performance at a selection test conducted by the Department of English and Linguistics.

Duration : 02 Years

2 years (Year 1: Taught programme; Year 2: Taught programme & Independent research)

Candidates who successfully complete the 1 st year modules may exit the programme with Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in TESL (SLQF 9)

Mode of Delivery: Blended Learning This programme involves both on-campus and online learning. Sessions are held on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sessions may also be held on a few Sundays, when necessary.

Course fee : Rs. 220,000/- (Payable in two installments)

In addition, a library fee, an examination fee and registration fee should be payable at the time of registration. First Installment: 150,000 Second Installment: 70,000

Application Closing Date: 23 rd August 2024

How to apply.

• Click on the “ Apply Now” button below or go to “ Applications ” page.
• Select the Course “ Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language ” and log in with your email & NIC/passport number
• Enter your details and click on Submit.

• Account Holder      : University of Sri Jayewardenepura
• Account number     : 053010006780
• Bank & Branch       : People’s Bank, Gangodawila Branch
• If the bank officer informed you that this account number is incorrect, please ask the officer to contact People’s bank, Gangodawila branch.
• People’s bank account contains 15 digits normally. But this account contains only 12 digits. So, you cannot use Cash Deposit Machines or bank applications to pay.
• Login again by repeating the above 1 st & 2 nd steps again.
• Click on the “Next” button at the bottom. (If necessary, you are allowed to edit your details)
• Color Photograph (3.0cm width x 4.0cm height with plain sky-blue background) – .jpg or .png file
• Scanned copy of Birth Certificate – .pdf file
• Bank payment receipt or Online payment receipt- .pdf file
• Scanned copies of Academic Certificates (First Degree & Masters/MPhil) – .pdf files
• Scanned copy/ies of Professional Qualifications Certificate/s- .pdf files
• Scanned copy/ies of Other Qualifications Certificate/s – .pdf file/s
• Service letter – .pdf file

** No need to upload any Research Proposal / Concept paper. Also, applicants are not requested to submit an experience letter.

• It is compulsory to Post the printed application (from the 4 th step above) along with the certified documents included in the above 8 th step through a registered post to Assistant Registrar, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Gangodawila, Nugegoda . Write “ MA in TESL – 2024 Intake ” on the top left-hand corner of the envelope.

For further details, please contact:

Prof. Chitra Jayathilake Co-Coordinator Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language Department of English and Linguistics Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences University of Sri Jayewardenepura Gangodawila Nugegoda

Phone: +94 740503152 (Only between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.)

Prof. Lalith Ananda Co-Coordinator Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language Department of English and Linguistics Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences University of Sri Jayewardenepura Gangodawila Nugegoda

Contact Faculty of Graduate Studies Mrs. Shashi Buwaneka: +94 11 288 1558

Registrar, University of Sri Jayewardenepura

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