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Full-Time vs Part-Time Student: What’s the Difference?

Wondering about the difference between a full-time vs part-time student? If you’re thinking about applying to grad school, don’t miss our analysis!

Applying to grad school is a big decision. You must determine the program, the schools you’re applying to, and whether scholarships and funding options are available. To figure out your work-life balance, you’ll eventually need to decide if you can handle full-time student credits.

There are many factors to consider when considering whether you should be a full-time vs. part-time student. It’s an incredibly overwhelming choice, so if you’re feeling stuck, this guide was designed to help you.

Table of Contents

How Many Credit Hours Are Full-Time for Grad School?

Full-time grad school studies involve more credit hours or semester units than part-time studies.

For students seeking graduate degrees, most educational institutions require a minimum of nine (9) credit hours taken during each fall and spring semester for full-time. If you’re also planning to do a summer term, most schools require a minimum of six credit hours to be considered full-time.

Note : At most grad schools, one class equals three credit hours. Most full-time students should expect to take at least four classes each semester.

What Is a Part-Time Student in Grad School?

For most grad schools, you’ll be considered a part-time student if your credit load is below the minimum number of credit hours per semester. For the fall or spring semesters, part-time usually requires a minimum of 4.5 credit hours. For the summer term, three hours typically count as half-time.

If a student takes any less than the minimum credit hours required per term, they are often considered part-time. For example, if you take eight credit hours per semester for your Master’s in Science, you’re technically a part-time student.

Difference Between Being a Full-Time vs. Part-Time Student in Grad School

The main differences between full-time and part-time grad school programs are:

• Full-time students enroll in more credits per semester.
• Part-time students sometimes pay less tuition per semester.
• Part-time programs take longer to complete.
• Full-time students may have access to more financial aid options.
• Part-time students have more time to work while studying.

Let’s take a closer look at each difference between part-time and full-time student life.

Number of  Credits

The most obvious difference between a part-time and full-time student is the number of credit hours in any given semester. So, how many classes are full-time? This depends on where you go to school, but it’s typically considered nine credit hours (or three classes per semester).

Part-time students take roughly half the number of classes. Furthermore, these students are still considered part-time – even if their credits are slightly below the minimum full-time quota.

Tuition Rates

Your tuition is based on the number of classes you’re enrolled in. Therefore, with fewer credits earned each semester, you’ll likely pay less tuition as a part-time student. Because you’ll need to complete a specific number of credits, you’ll likely pay approximately the same amount in tuition throughout your degree.

Some schools have a flat rate per semester for full-time students, regardless of whether they are enrolled in the minimum number of full-time credits or take extra classes. In this case, by taking more than nine credit hours (or whatever is considered full-time at your school), you might complete your program in fewer semesters and pay less overall.

Academic Progress

Regardless of whether you study full-time or part-time, you’ll need to meet the exact graduation requirements to complete your degree. While part-time students take fewer classes each semester, their progress will be slower. In other words, another key difference between a full-time and a part-time student is that it will take the latter longer to complete their degree.

Say that you’ve chosen a master’s degree that can be completed within two years as a full-time student. As a part-time student, the same program may take three or four years to finish.

Financial Aid Opportunities

Full-time graduate students may be eligible for various financial aid opportunities, including grants, work-study programs, and low-interest loans.

Part-time students can also access financial aid but must be registered for at least six credit hours to qualify for the general eligibility criteria. Part-time students may also receive lower amounts of funding than their full-time classmates.

Both part-time and full-time graduate students can apply for state and federal aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) . Scholarships with individual requirements are also available. For most scholarship eligibility, you’ll need to be enrolled in a minimum number of credit hours to apply, and you may also need to be enrolled full-time.

Are There Opportunities Other Than Financial Aid?

Part-time students have more time to work while studying (and their employer may even help out with tuition fees).

Many graduate programs offer full-time students total or partial funding in exchange for working in roles (e.g., teaching assistants, research students). You will likely need to be a full-time student to qualify for this funding.

Graduate students can often apply for scholarships, fellowships, and grants , depending on the institution and field of study.

Benefits of Being a Full-Time Graduate Student

Note : For this comparison, we’re referring to full-time students with a full credit hour load (without a full-time job).

You’ll Be More Immersed in Your Degree Program

Full-time graduate students have a greater ability to devote more time and energy to their studies. Since a degree can be earned faster, you may find it easier to put other parts of your life on hold (like pressing pause on starting a career or family). This often means you’ll be able to immerse yourself more deeply into your studies and the grad school experience.

You’ll Likely Finish Your Degree Sooner

Taking on a full credit load means it’ll take you less time overall to complete your program or degree requirements. If you add summer terms, you might be able to finish your studies in record time.

Related : How Long It Takes to Earn a Master’s Degree

Increased Opportunities to Network and Build Relationships

Full-time studies allow you to build better relationships with fellow students, mentors, and professors. Since you’ll spend more time on campus, it increases the chances of running into your peers and professors. This also allows you to take advantage of social or community opportunities that may present themselves.

Better Access to Financial Aid

You may be eligible for more financial aid opportunities when you’re enrolled full-time. Many financial aid providers offer aid packages that require full-time enrollment status. Based on their higher credit load (and increased cost of attendance), full-time students are typically eligible for more federal and state financial aid than their part-time counterparts. Additionally, many grants and scholarships are only offered to full-time students.

Challenges of Being a Full-Time Graduate Student

Increased upfront costs.

More credit hours results in higher tuition costs. For graduate courses, schools usually charge tuition based on the number of credit hours. Because of this, enrolling in more credit hours usually (though not always) means you’ll pay more per semester.

Less Earning Potential

Balancing a full-time course load with a part-time job may be difficult. It will likely be even more difficult if you want to attempt working full-time. If you choose to keep working, your academic results may suffer as a result. You may want to focus on finding scholarships or other financial aid opportunities that can help you finance grad school.

Greater Risk of Burnout

Balancing your studies, career, and personal life may add to stress and eventually lead to burnout. To help prevent this issue, remember to take time for yourself and practice self-care.

You May Need to Put Your Career on Hold

If you already have an established career, it may be detrimental to take a break from it so you can focus on your studies. This can slow down or halt your momentum.

Benefits of Being a Part-Time Student

It’s easier to achieve a balance.

Work-study-life balance may be easier with a part-time course load. It’ll be less stressful to juggle priorities with fewer credit hours each term. Realistically consider what you’re able to handle as you study.

You Can Immediately Put Your Education into Practice

Part-time students may be more able to use their learnings and experience in real-time. As you go through your program, you’ll pick up knowledge and experience to apply to your real job (and vice versa). This can prove beneficial in the long run, especially if you have a career in academic research  or another field related to your studies.

Lower Annual Costs

With a part-time course load, you may have fewer costs to worry about with a part-time load. Fewer credit hours mean fewer fees and lower study costs  may make it easier for you to pay for your graduate studies. In some cases , your employer might even pick up the tab!

Challenges of Being a Part-Time Student for Graduate Study

It will likely take longer.

With a part-time course load, you’ll usually need to study longer. You may require an additional year or two to finish a graduate degree.

It Can Be Harder to Connect with Faculty

Part-time students may struggle with setting meetings if they need help with their thesis or dissertation – or want to meet with their professors for advice. This struggle is especially true if classes are taken in the evening (when most advisors and professors are unavailable).

Fewer Networking Opportunities

Part-time studies limit your opportunities to build relationships with peers and mentors. With less time spent on campus – and an increased chance of missing out on extra-curricular activities – you might struggle to find networking opportunities to help you build relationships.

How Enrollment Status Impacts College Tuition

In almost all grad schools, the tuition paid each semester is based on the number of classes or credits taken. As a full-time graduate student, you’ll pay higher tuition fees (after all, you’re taking more classes). As a part-time student, a lower course load means less tuition each semester.

Of course, you’ll end up paying the same amount – or even more – in tuition fees to complete the same number of credits for your degree. However, these costs will be spread across more semesters, reducing your upfront costs.

Although you’ll pay the same tuition, a part-time degree may cost you more once you add up certain fees other than tuition (like annual).

Studying part-time will give you more opportunities to work simultaneously and earn income that you can use to fund your studies. Paying a significant portion of your grad school will help reduce the number of loans you take, saving you significantly on loan interest.

Can You Be Both a Part-Time and a Full-Time Student?

No. You’ll be a full-time or part-time student based on the number of credit hours you enroll in during a semester. Full-time designation depends on the institution, but it’s usually considered nine credits (or three classes) for grad students.

However, just because you start out as a full-time student doesn’t mean you can’t switch to being a part-time student (and vice versa).

Depending on your work or personal commitments, stress levels, financial situation, and various other factors, you can decide the number of courses to enroll in each semester. Just be aware that reducing your enrollment may affect your eligibility for financial aid and other assistance (such as housing grants).

3 Tips to Choose Between Full-Time and Part-Time Grad School

If the pros and cons listed above weren’t enough, here are a few tips to help you choose between being a full-time vs. part-time student.

1. Don’t Rush the Decision

Don’t rush this process. It may be a good idea to take some time for yourself before you decide. Consider taking a vacation or just a few days off work to relax. This time might help you gain the necessary perspective to make the best decision.

2. Talk to Your  Employer

It can be tough to decide when you don’t quite know whether your employer will be understanding. Before you decide between part-time or full-time programs, speak to your boss or employer about your academic goals. Will your boss be able to accommodate your changing schedule? Will your graduate qualifications help you land a higher-paid Ph.D. position  in the future?

3. Get Your Family On Board

Taking even more time away from your family to simultaneously balance studies and work is challenging for anyone. Before you decide, talk to your family and get them on board first. At the very least, explain how things at home may change until you graduate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to be a part-time student.

Generally speaking, as a part-time graduate student, you’ll pay less each semester than studying full-time, but you’ll probably pay more over the length of your degree. While tuition fees are lower, there are certain costs you will need to pay each semester (such as mandatory fees), which add up.

Can You Work and Be a Full-Time Student?

Many students work while pursuing a degree, including those juggling full credit loads. In fact, around 27% of full-time students  work at least 20 hours a week.

However, the more hours you work outside your studies, the likelier your academic success will be impacted. Consult with your academic advisor. They’ll be able to guide you on a realistic work commitment that won’t adversely affect your studies.

How Long Does Graduate School Take for Part-Time Students?

This will depend on how many credit hours you enroll in each semester, but most part-time graduate students complete the program in between three and six years. Some schools require you to complete your degree within a certain timeframe, most commonly between five and seven years.

Do You Need to Be a Full-Time Student for FAFSA?

No. Students enrolled for at least six credit hours per semester are eligible for federal financial aid through the FAFSA. The amount of aid received depends on your credit load and your assessed financial need.

Full-Time  or Part-Time Grad School: What’s Best for You?

Deciding between becoming a full-time vs. part-time student is a massive life step – and it’s only something that only you can do. You’ll need to consider several factors like budget, current commitments, and whether your employer will support your academic career.

Regardless of your choice, get all your ducks in a row before enrolling — and seek financial aid to ease the burden!

Chriselle Sy

Chriselle has been a passionate professional content writer for over 10 years. She writes educational content for The Grad Cafe, Productivity Spot, The College Monk, and other digital publications.  When she isn't busy writing, she spends her time streaming video games and learning new skills.

• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Graduate Certificate vs Degree: What’s the Difference? [2024 Guide]
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 18 Best Scholarships for Black Students in 2024-2025
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ The 25 Best Gifts for Nursing Students in 2024
• Chriselle Sy https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/chriselle-sy/ Dissertation vs Thesis: Your 2024 Guide

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Land your dream job, going to grad school full time | the pros and cons.

There are many benefits to going to grad school full time. Above all else, dedicating all of your focus to your studies can help you avoid distraction and excel. But the decision does come with some compromises, and even sacrifices.

Here are some common pros and cons to help you decide how to best structure your graduate school experience.

The benefits of going to grad school full time

Some positive aspects to keep in mind when considering full-time enrollment in graduate school include:

• The ability to more completely immerse yourself in your studies and the graduate school experience . Not having job-related distractions can be a real benefit to both your coursework and your peace of mind. Going to grad school full time allows you to put all your attention on your education, and helps prevent feelings of stress and overwhelm that may arise from juggling multiple responsibilities.
• Potentially finishing your degree earlier than you would otherwise. A full-time graduate degree can be completed in 18 to 24 months, whereas a part-time degree can take 36 months or more.
• The opportunity to take on research and teaching assistantships. Depending on the school or program, an assistantship may also be available to part-time students, but often require a scheduling commitment those students can’t make. Going to grad school full time opens you up to many of these options, which not only help cover tuition costs but also offer experience in the field.
• More time to spend with professors and peers. The flexibility you’re afforded by focusing on grad school full time allows you to develop closer relationships , which can serve as a support system (and networking opportunity!) during your studies.

The downsides of going to grad school full time

As with most big decisions, enrolling in graduate school full time has its drawbacks, which include:

• Reduced Income. Unless you opt to pursue grad school full time and work full time , you will likely not be earning a salary while getting your graduate degree. Depending on your financial situation, this may result in taking out additional loans .
• Grad school can become the only thing you have time to do. While full-time enrollment can allow you to move through your program more quickly, there’s also the risk of it preventing you from engaging with other aspects of your life. If you have important responsibilities, concerns, or interests outside of school that may make full-time coursework difficult to commit to, it may be a good idea to defer graduate school until there’s less on your plate.
• Graduate studies can keep you from direct service work. Particularly if your area of focus is in the social-impact space, grad school courses may make you feel a bit detached from your regular, active community engagement. If this sounds like something you might feel, then other options such as individual college or university courses or pursuing a service program before applying might be a better fit.
• It could be difficult or disadvantageous to take time away from your career. While graduate studies can help to move you forward in your field, it may not be the most opportune time for you to take a break from work to study. Depending on your goals and where you are in your career, the scales might be tipped toward waiting until you’re more financially or professionally secure before pursuing graduate school.

There’s a lot to think about as you determine whether going to grad school full time will be right for you. This includes additional considerations that may be specific to your desired school or program, so be sure to keep in close contact with the admissions offices to assess all the available options.

Wondering whether studying part time is a better fit? Take a look at our article Going to Grad School Part Time | The Pros and Cons to help you make an informed decision.

30 Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs

These fully funded Ph.D. programs are in fields like business, computer science, education and nursing.

(Getty Images) |

Many Ph.D. programs are fully funded.

Students interested in graduate research in various fields, from public health and English to computer science and engineering, have numerous options for Ph.D. programs that offer full funding. These programs typically provide waived tuition and fees and an annual stipend. Some also offer health insurance and other benefits. Gaining admittance into these small cohorts can be highly competitive, and the programs can be time-consuming . Here are 30 fully funded Ph.D. programs at U.S. colleges and universities. Keep in mind this is not a comprehensive list – there are others out there.

• Ph.D. in anthropology at the University of Chicago

Anthropology Ph.D. students at the University of Chicago can receive funding for up to eight years of study, assuming they are in good standing at the university. During that time, they will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus health insurance and a living stipend – which equated to $33,000 for the 2022-2023 school year – and can apply for external fellowships.

Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University (MA)

Harvard University's T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston offers a Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health that aims to provide students with expertise in disease prevention and treatment. This program includes tuition, a stipend and health insurance for five years as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. International students receive the same benefits. Current research in the school's laboratories involves diseases like AIDS, cancer, diabetes, kidney disease, malaria and tuberculosis.

(Dominick Reuter) |

• Ph.D. in business at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Students enrolled in the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology can study a range of fields like organization studies, accounting and information technology. Those pursuing a Ph.D. will receive a full-tuition scholarship plus a monthly stipend of $4,267, capped at $51,204. They will also receive medical insurance, new laptops at the beginning of their first and fourth years of study and $4,500 over five years for conference travel expenses.

(Tommy Lavergne | Rice University)

Ph.D. in business at Rice University (TX)

At the Rice University Jones Graduate School of Business in Texas, students enjoy full financial assistance upon admission to the Ph.D. program. Aiming to prepare students to teach in fields like accounting, finance, organizational behavior and strategic management, the program provides students with a research or teaching assistantship. Students receive a tuition waiver and a $40,000 annual stipend contingent on making satisfactory academic progress and maintaining full-time student status.

Office of Strategic Communication | University of Iowa

• Ph.D. in business at the University of Iowa

The University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business offers Ph.D. degrees in fields such as accounting, economics, business analytics and marketing. The college says it provides full funding to "virtually all admitted students." This includes tuition and fees, a minimum nine-month stipend of about $20,000 with annual adjustments and comprehensive health insurance covered at 90%. Some departments offer funding for research presentations at major conferences, summer fellowships and paid time off for independent research.

Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University (NY)

According to Cornell University 's website, all students admitted to the chemical engineering Ph.D. program at the New York school receive a full tuition waiver, health insurance and a stipend. This funding can come from a teaching assistantship, research assistantship or fellowship, and full stipends are granted for nine months with the likelihood of additional aid in the summer.

Chris Taggart | Columbia University

Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University (NY)

Students enrolled in Columbia University 's Ph.D. program in clinical psychology at the Teachers College in New York receive fully funded tuition and a $25,000 stipend annually for three years. The stipend also carries into a student's fourth year. These doctoral fellows "may be expected to serve" as graduate teaching or research assistants. Students typically complete the mentor-matched program, which includes a full-year internship, in five to seven years.

Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University (RI)

Brown University 's Ph.D. students in computer science have access to "full financial support while completing the degree," plus the option to take classes at nearby schools without incurring additional costs, according to the school's website. In fact, doctoral students in any program at the Rhode Island university are guaranteed five years of financial support, which includes tuition remission, a stipend, health services fees and a subsidy for health insurance.

Georgetown University |

Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University (DC)

Georgetown University 's Ph.D. program in computer science provides scholarships and assistantships that cover full tuition at the Washington, D.C., school and include a stipend and health insurance for the first five years. Once enrolled in the program, students must complete the Apprenticeship in Teaching Program and ultimately write and defend a full research dissertation in a seminar open to the public.

Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University in St. Louis

Ph.D. students in the computer science or computer engineering program at Washington University in St. Louis receive full tuition support and health insurance. According to the university's website: "As a doctoral candidate, you will also receive a generous stipend to cover living expenses and a new, high-end Apple laptop computer. This support is guaranteed as you continue to make satisfactory progress towards your degree." Doctoral students may also qualify for one of three fellowships.

Jeff Miller | UW-Madison

• Ph.D. in counseling psychology at the University of Wisconsin—Madison

Incoming Ph.D. students at the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin—Madison are guaranteed full funding for the duration of the time that they are expected on campus, according to the university's department of counseling psychology website. Doctoral students also receive a benefits package that includes health insurance. Funding may come from financial aid, fellowships, assistantships and/or traineeships.

Emory University |

Ph.D. in economics at Emory University (GA)

Students enrolled in the economics Ph.D. program at Emory University typically receive full funding, according to the Georgia university's website. The stipend provided to students is $36,376 per year for five years, starting in fall 2023, and the full tuition scholarship is worth $70,200 per year. Funding for admitted students also includes a $4,370 annual subsidy that covers 100% of a student's cost of health insurance. First-year students have no stipend-related work requirements.

• Ph.D. in education at New York University

New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development offers more than 30 degree programs. Many can be pursued on campus or online. Ph.D. degrees are offered in areas like developmental psychology, educational leadership and childhood education. Full-time NYU Steinhardt Ph.D. students are eligible for a funding package that includes an annual stipend – $32,000 for the 2022-2023 academic year – tuition coverage for required coursework and student health insurance for five years.

L.A. Cicero, Stanford News Service |

Ph.D. in education at Stanford University (CA)

Stanford University's Graduate School of Education allows students numerous fellowship and assistantship opportunities at the California school, along with a "five-year funding guarantee that provides tuition aid, fellowship stipend, and assistantship salary, and covers the standard cost of attendance," the program website reads. At the Graduate School of Education, doctoral students can choose from a range of academic areas like curriculum studies and teacher education, and developmental and psychological sciences.

• Ph.D. in education at the University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education provides full funding to Ph.D. students as part of a fellowship and research apprenticeship package. This funding includes a living stipend, health insurance and coverage of tuition and fees for up to four years if the student maintains full-time enrollment. Some students may also qualify for additional summer funding.

• Ph.D. in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor

Doctoral students in engineering at the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor can choose from numerous areas of specialization under umbrella categories like aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, macromolecular science and engineering, and robotics. All engineering doctoral students are guaranteed full funding, a monthly living stipend and health insurance. The exact amount can vary, according to the program's website, and funding comes from a range of sources, including graduate student instructor positions and fellowships.

Boston University Photography |

• Ph.D. in English at Boston University

Annually, doctoral students studying English at Boston University receive a stipend plus full tuition, fees and basic health insurance. This funding is guaranteed for at least five years, with two of those years typically free from teaching requirements. Funding can sometimes be extended up to seven years, according to the university's website, but it's not guaranteed. Students may also apply for various prizes, fellowships and short-term research and travel grants.

(Stephanie Diani) |

• Ph.D. in English at the University of California—Los Angeles

Applicants to the Ph.D. in English program at the University of California—Los Angeles are automatically considered for various funding options. A six-year funding package includes "a minimum of two years of full fellowship, four years of summer stipend support and up to four years of teaching assistantships," according to the school website. Beyond tuition, fees and health insurance are also covered.

Jeff Watts |

Ph.D. in international relations at American University (DC)

American University offers doctoral students in its international relations program who do not have external funding a renewable four-year Dean's Fellowship that is contingent on making satisfactory academic progress. The fellowship includes the cost of tuition, fees and a stipend that must be earned via a part-time role as a teaching or research assistant. Students also must "demonstrate competency in a modern foreign language" before graduating.

Jonathan Cohen | Binghamton University

• Ph.D. in management at Binghamton University—SUNY

All students admitted to the interdisciplinary management Ph.D. program at the Binghamton University—SUNY School of Management in New York receive a combination of a full-tuition scholarship and a teaching or research assistantship for each academic year, up to four years. This STEM-designated business doctoral degree prepares students for careers in academia and work in the public and private sectors, and has a student-faculty ratio of 1-to-1, according to the university's website.

Duke University Communications |

Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University (NC)

Doctoral students at Duke University in North Carolina studying materials science and engineering generally receive full tuition, a stipend and fee support for the first five years. Students also receive up to six years of health insurance if they are on the university's student medical insurance plan. The doctoral program aims to help students publish with a faculty adviser and develop research skills, with the opportunity to present research at professional conferences.

Homewood Photography | JHU

Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University (MD)

The School of Nursing at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland provides most doctoral students with three fully funded years of study. Available financial aid includes graduate assistantships, targeted fellowships and nursing-specific funding. The university aims to "advance the theoretical foundation of nursing practice and healthcare delivery" with the degree, its website reads. "By graduation, most Hopkins nurse scholars have been awarded grants that continue their research and set them well on their way to a successful career."

• Ph.D. in nursing at the University of Virginia

All students admitted to the University of Virginia 's Ph.D. in Nursing program are eligible for four years of scholarship funding to cover tuition, insurance and fees, as well as annual stipends. To receive certain aid, students must work 10 hours per week as a graduate teaching assistant. With a heavy research focus, students can expect courses in qualitative, quantitative and historical research, and will have to submit a research proposal for peer review.

Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University (CT)

At Yale University in Connecticut, the School of Nursing offers full funding to its Ph.D. students. They receive a monthly stipend for four years in addition to paid tuition and health care. The program allows students to gain in-depth knowledge in a particular area of study. Every incoming Ph.D. student gets paired with a faculty adviser "whose area of expertise and active research most closely matches with the student’s scholarly interest," according to the school's website.

University of Minnesota |

• Ph.D. in psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities

Students admitted to the Ph.D. program to study psychology at the University of Minnesota—Twin Cities are guaranteed full funding for five years as long as they maintain satisfactory performance and degree progress. This funding includes full-time tuition, a nine-month stipend and subsidized health insurance. Funding comes from some combination of teaching assistantships, traineeships, research assistantships and fellowships. Students in the program can specialize in areas like cognitive and brain sciences, industrial-organizational psychology and social psychology.

Matt Cashore | University of Notre Dame

Ph.D. within the Romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame (IN)

University of Notre Dame doctoral students who focus on French and Francophone studies, Iberian and Latin American studies or Italian studies are guaranteed five years of funding. Funding includes a full scholarship, including tuition and fees, plus a stipend and health insurance. Anyone who completes the Ph.D. degree requirements at the Indiana university within five years will automatically receive a one-year postdoctoral fellowship via the university's 5+1 Program. Fellows will have a teaching load limited to one course per semester.

Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College (PA)

Students admitted to Bryn Mawr College 's Ph.D. program in social work receive full tuition waivers and "substantial stipends" toward living expenses. The Pennsylvania college's website says: "Consistent with our model, all Ph.D. students are funded equally, and do not compete for basic financial support during coursework." The program's cohorts typically include only three or four students each year. According to the college, it awarded the first Ph.D. degree in social work in the U.S. in 1920.

Vanderbilt University |

Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University (TN)

Funding is guaranteed for all admitted doctoral students enrolled in the special education Ph.D. program at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. This includes full tuition, a "competitive" monthly stipend and health insurance for up to four years. Students may also be nominated for additional honor scholarships and fellowships. Areas of focus within the Ph.D. program include high-incidence disabilities and early childhood education.

Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University (IL)

This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program at Northwestern University in Illinois combines coursework in humanities, social science and the visual arts. The program's students receive a five-year full-tuition scholarship plus an annual living stipend. Ph.D students enrolling at this program in fall 2022 will receive a living stipend of at least $36,960 during the 2023-2024 school year. Stipend amounts may change from year to year. Students can apply for subsidies to facilitate conference travel and summer language study.

(Photo by Sarah L. Voisin | The Washington Post via Getty Images)

• Ph.D. in women, gender and sexuality studies at University of Maryland

At the University of Maryland 's Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Ph.D. students without a master's degree usually have five years of guaranteed funding. Those with a master's degree usually are funded four years, with awards stemming from a mix of departmental fellowships and graduate teaching assistantships. Since the program's establishment in 1999, the department has granted 36 Ph.Ds, according to UMD's website.

Learn more about paying for graduate school.

Finding a fully funded program isn't the only option to offset the costs of graduate school. See these seven strategies to pay for graduate school to learn more. Check out the latest Best Graduate Schools rankings to see the country's top business, medicine and law programs – and more. For additional grad school tips, follow U.S. News Education on Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn .

Ph.D. programs that are fully funded

• Ph.D. in biological sciences in public health at Harvard University
• Ph.D. in business at Rice University
• Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Cornell University
• Ph.D. in clinical psychology at Columbia University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Brown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Georgetown University
• Ph.D. in computer science at Washington University—St. Louis
• Ph.D. in economics at Emory University
• Ph.D. in education at Stanford University
• Ph.D. in international relations at American University
• Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at Duke University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Johns Hopkins University
• Ph.D. in nursing at Yale University
• Ph.D. within the romance languages and literatures department at the University of Notre Dame
• Ph.D. in social work at Bryn Mawr College
• Ph.D. in special education at Vanderbilt University
• Ph.D. in theatre and drama at Northwestern University

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Pros & Cons: Full Time vs. Part Time PhD

Part-time vs. full-time phd: which one is right for you.

Returning to school can be a huge decision, especially if you’re a working adult. There are many factors to consider, including how you’ll find the time to do the required work. Because of this, many people may struggle to decide between a full-time and part-time PhD program.

The good news is that the only true difference between the two types of programs is the length of time it’ll take you to complete your work. The coursework and other components are typically the same.

This guide will help you weigh the pros and cons of committing to a full or part-time PhD program so that you can decide which option is best for your goals and lifestyle.

What’s the Difference Between a Part-Time and Full-Time PhD?

The only notable difference between a part-time and full-time PhD is the amount of time it takes you to complete your degree. You’ll still be responsible for completing the required research and coursework. 

That being said, the experience of a part-time PhD program may feel significantly different from that of a full-time student because:

• Full-time PhD candidates have more time to spend on their research and coursework
• Part-time candidates may have other commitments competing with schoolwork
• Financial assistance opportunities may vary depending on your program choice
• Research for a full-time student might be more immersive 

The best choice for you is going to be the option that allows you to balance your educational commitments with the rest of your life. To give you a better understanding of what these educational obligations might be, let’s take a deep dive into full and part-time PhD programs.

The Ins and Outs of Full-Time PhD Programs

A full-time PhD program is similar to a full-time job. It’s typically an immersive experience with two main goals:

• Grow a student’s knowledge about an important topic
• Provide training to improve skills through research and collaboration 

The path to these outcomes can be quite lengthy. Although your specific road might look a little different based on the institution and field of study you choose, the typical PhD program includes: 1

• Coursework – You’ll likely begin your program by taking graduate courses in your field to expand your knowledge base. Courses in research methods and scholarly writing will also be part of your curriculum. These are important preparation for the writing you’ll be expected to do as you progress through your program.
• Research – The time you spend outside of the classroom will mainly be used to research for your dissertation. The skills you acquire through your coursework will help you unearth sources, conduct experiments, or perform other research tasks.
• Meetings – You’ll also have regularly scheduled meetings with your PhD supervisor. The frequency and length of these meetings will depend on your institution and program. Here, you’ll discuss your progress, review your research, and get advice about your work.
• Teaching or fieldwork – Some PhD candidates are required to teach a certain number of classes during their time with an institution. Others must complete an internship, fieldwork, or another project. Your requirements will depend on the program you’re enrolled in and the institution you attend.
• Writing the dissertation – The pinnacle of your PhD program is, of course, the dissertation. This can take years to complete and is often the factor that extends the length of time it takes someone to finish their studies. It’s the compilation of all of your hard work, research, analysis, and writing.
• Defending your dissertation – Once you make that final edit to your dissertation, you’re almost finished. However, there’s one crucial step remaining: your dissertation defense. This is an oral exam where you present and answer questions about your research to a committee. The committee then decides if you have passed or if corrections are needed.

After the defense and committee approval, you’ll submit the final copy of your manuscript and be awarded your coveted degree. 

Required Coursework

Every PhD program is going to look a little different depending on your field of study and institution. A very general example of required coursework for a full-time student might look something like this:

• Year 1 – Two full semesters of coursework, including some specialized courses in your areas of study. More generalized research design and research methods courses may take up a significant portion of your classroom time.
• Year 2 – The second year will also contain two full semesters of classes. You’ll take more courses focused specifically on researching and developing a proposal. This will prepare you to begin working on your dissertation.
• Year 3 – Your course load will be smaller as your dissertation research and writing begins. If teaching, clinical work, or lab work is required in your program, you’ll work on these tasks while also working on your dissertation.
• Year 4 and beyond – You might have a few remaining courses to take, but your time after year three is primarily dedicated to your research and writing until your dissertation is complete.

Weekly Commitment

A full-time PhD program can be an intense endeavor. It requires approximately the same amount of time as a full-time job each week—about 35 to 40 hours. The way those hours are distributed depends on where you are in your program. For the first two years, the bulk of your time will likely be spent in the classroom.

After that, you’ll likely be researching, writing, and completing other required duties. 

Completion Timeframe

According to the National Science Foundation’s “Survey of Earned Doctorates”, there were 55,283 completed doctorate degrees in the United States in 2020. 2 The median length of time from beginning to completion was 5.8 years. At a minimum, most PhD programs take about 4 years, but even full-time students can take longer.

The time it takes you to complete your PhD as a full-time student is heavily dependent on how quickly and effectively you complete your dissertation. Factors that can delay completion include:

• You struggle with your research
• Writing takes longer than expected
• Your dissertation requires significant edits
• Life circumstances interfere with your studies

It’s important to remember that taking longer to finish your degree doesn’t diminish the accomplishment. Don’t get discouraged if you need to make revisions or if your research isn’t finished as quickly as you’d hoped.

A Full-Time PhD Program Might be Right for You If…

Students who successfully enroll in full-time PhD programs do so with the understanding that it’s a significant time commitment. Full-time programs might be best suited for students who:

• Don’t hold a full-time job
• Have the financial support needed
• Can commit as many as 40 hours per week to their school work
• Have significant schedule flexibility to accommodate classes, research, and other obligations

You might also begin as a full-time student and later make the switch to part-time if your circumstances change.

The Ins and Outs of Part-Time PhD Programs

Part-time PhD programs can offer students a little more flexibility. In fact, no two part-time PhD students are likely to have a program that looks the same. However, there are a few common traits among part-time PhD programs, such as:

• More flexibility in coursework
• Less of a financial burden all at once since costs are spread out over a longer period
• Less disruptive of your other life commitments
• More time to research

In a part-time program, you’ll likely have more time to attend to your other obligations. The trade-off is that you’ll be a student for far longer than you would if you attend school full-time. The work you must do is the same as if you attend full-time, it’s just spread out over more years.

Some key differences in the time commitment include:

• Classroom time  – You’ll take the same classes as a full-time student but instead of finishing most of the core work in the first year or two, it might take you three or four years.
• Weekly hours – If you’re a part-time student, you’ll likely spend half the hours working. This equates to about 15 to 20 hours per week that you’ll need to dedicate to school. Of course, this time might change depending on how your program and institution define part-time.
• Years to complete – The timeframe for part-time students to complete a PhD varies. The “Survey of Earned Doctorates” doesn’t differentiate between part and full-time students in its completion data. Anecdotally, a part-time PhD student might take anywhere from 5 to 10 years or more to complete their degree. 3

The biggest takeaway about part-time PhD programs is that they’re highly variable, especially when it comes to completion times.

A Part-Time PhD Program Might be Right for You If…

Many students can benefit from the flexibility offered by a part-time PhD program. You might be the perfect candidate if you:

• Have a family
• Need time for other obligations
• Prefer to work more slowly

Keep in mind that you might be able to start slowly and increase your workload as you go through your programs and life changes.

Find Your Perfect PhD Match

A PhD program can be a challenging and time-consuming commitment, whether you’re a full-time or part-time student. In fact, there isn’t a significant difference between the two, other than the time it takes to finish your degree. A part-time option can allow working adults or those with other life obligations to work toward a doctoral degree at a slower pace that’s more conducive to their needs.

If you’re considering a full or part-time PhD program, Alliant International University might be the right choice for you. Check out our offerings today to see if we’re a perfect match for your educational goals.

Sources: 

•  “The PhD Experience: A Review of the Factors Influencing Doctoral Students’ Completion, Achievement, and Well-Being.” International Journal of Doctoral Studies. 2018. http://ijds.org/Volume13/IJDSv13p361-388Sverdlik4134.pdf . Accessed January 27, 2022.
•  “Survey of Earned Doctorates.” National Science Foundation. November 30, 2021. https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf22300/data-tables . Accessed January 27, 2022.
•  “How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD Degree?” U.S. News and World Report. August 12, 2019. https://www.usnews.com/education/best-graduate-schools/articles/2019-08… . Accessed January 27, 2022.

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How the PhD Program Works

Program Overview

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

Admission to candidacy.

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

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

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

The Doctoral Dissertation

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

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

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

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

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

Policies and Procedures

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

Sample Program Sequence

Years 1 & 2.

Coursework Examination Research Papers Research Activities Field-Specific Requirements

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Years 4 & 5

Continued Research Oral Examination Dissertation

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5 Things to Consider Before Doing a PhD While Working

• By Nicholas R.
• August 19, 2020

Those interested in getting a PhD but dreading the several years of no income or a stipend that doesn’t meet their needs may consider a part time or even a full time job. That way, they can gain experience in the field, save up a little money and have a non-academic route they could later make use of. After all, if you’ve already made it to the point where you’re eligible to study at PhD level, you’ve already proven that you have great time management skills and that you can dedicate yourself to your studies, right?…

It might sound like a workable plan to many, but getting a PhD while working might not be as easy as you may think. Take it from many PhD students and postgrads who warn that it a slippery slope from a part time PhD to no PhD at all.

If you decide to go down this route, keep the following considerations in mind to give you the best chance of succeeding.

1. Know Your Programme

Some part time PhD programmes, especially the ones offered by online universities and distance learning schools, are well suited for those who want to work and study at the same time. Some aren’t as rigorous or time-consuming as others, and in some fields, the experience of working in industry through your current career will be a great benefit. A part time PhD will also have a more manageable workload , and supervisors will usually be more experience in providing support to working students. But keep in mind that some PhD part time programmes will not be eligible for financial aid or funding , at which point part time study may no longer be personally worth it.

2. Know Your Job

If your work is related to your field of study and your employers understand and support the requirements of your PhD, you will have a much less stressful few years. Therefore, one of the first things you’ll want to do is to get your employer on your side.

You can go about this by sitting down with them and explaining what your research will be about, how it will benefit your professional development and how it will benefit them as a business. You will also want to reassure them that you’ll be able to remain committed to your job during your studies, as this is likely to be their biggest concern. Don’t just stop at their verbal support, ask your manager to sit down with you to discuss the possibility of funding support, study days and the assignment of a mentor if your workplace has a doctorate holder.

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

3. Know Your Situation

If you have young children, a sick parent, or generally any commitments that require hours of your time, it’s probably best to stay a full time student. If your field requires many publications or relies heavily on being able to network and interact with other researchers, keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to live up to their expectations if you already have work commitments you need to keep up.

4. Know Your Supervisor

Your supervisor should be supportive of the fact that you’re attempting to carry out a PhD whilst working part time rather than seeing it as a hindrance. As is to be expected, part time students generally struggle more than full time ones due to having greater external commitments, less contact time and a longer programme duration (beyond five years). You will want to find a PhD supervisor who is aware of these challenges, and if at all possible, try to get one who has taken this path themselves.

A good supervisor won’t only limit their support to physical help , such as introducing you to other researchers, suggesting relevant literature and facilitating data access, but also to emotional and mental support. A supportive supervisor maintains a good attitude and demonstrates concern for your research project. They should be keen to see you excel, help you refine your research skills and make you feel confident enough to experiment with your research approach and share your work whenever the opportunity presents itself, whether it is at a conference or in your place of work. Although you will be responsible for navigating yourself through your doctorate, a good supervisor will act as your safety net for when you get a little lost.

5. Know Yourself

Even the most organised people aren’t prepared for the workload that comes with a PhD. Make a time chart and be truly honest with yourself about how much time you have in the day, it might not be as much as you would think once you’ve factored everything in. Doing a part time PhD requires about 15-20 hours of commitment per week – will you have 15 hours to spare alongside your job, family and friends and other obligations? If not, then working and studying at the same time will most likely be out of your reach.

These considerations will hopefully put you in a better position to tackle a PhD while working part time (or dare I say it, working full time!). Even still, tackling a several year long PhD programme whilst working is probably one of the hardest things you will do, so if you decide to go down this road, much kudos to you.

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Are you always finding yourself working on sections of your research tasks right up until your deadlines? Are you still finding yourself distracted the moment

Starting your PhD can feel like a daunting, exciting and special time. They’ll be so much to think about – here are a few tips to help you get started.

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The unit of analysis refers to the main parameter that you’re investigating in your research project or study.

Bethany is a 1st year PhD student at the University of Bath, researching the adaptation of a self-help smartphone app (BlueIce) to prevent self-harm and improve the mood of University students.

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Full-Time Status

Full-Time status may be important to you to be eligible for loans, scholarships, etc.

Enrollment Status (Full-time, Half-time etc.):

• To be considered full-time for tuition purposes, students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents must register for at least 8.5 credit hours in both fall and winter semesters or at least 4.5 credit hours in a term.
• International students are required to be registered as full-time students. To be considered full-time for tuition and immigration purposes, international students must register for at least 9.0 credit hours in both fall and winter semesters or at least 4.5 credit hours in a term.
• A student enrolled in between 4.5 hours and 8.0 hours fall or winter semester or between 2.5 hours and 4.0 credit hours a term is considered a half-time student.

Petition for Graduate Full-Time Status:

• Part-time graduate students who are enrolled for at least 2.0 hours of acceptable credit per semester or one hour per term can be certified by their department as being engaged full-time in pursuit of their degree and can petition for graduate full-time status using ADV Form 2a . Acceptable credit may include thesis, dissertation, project, research, or internship hours.
• The student is not working at a full-time job.
• The department limits the student’s enrollment to less than full time because of a required TA/RA assignment. The combination of TA/RA assignment and registration must be equivalent to a full-time load.
• The student has completed all the required course work for the degree and is working full-time on the dissertation, thesis, project, or internship.

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Frequently asked questions.

In short, yes, you can work while studying for your PhD.

The hard part to juggle is finding the time to do both. You may find that part-time study is more flexible for you but it takes longer to complete. An excellent way to combine work and study is to get a job within the university you are studying at.

Check out other sources of support for PhD Students .

There are several benefits to both full time and part time PhD study. It can be extremely difficult to juggle a full time postgraduate position alongside working. It’s not called full-time for nothing! This is intensive but you can complete a full time PhD faster than it’s part-time equivalent.

Studying for a PhD is a big commitment, either full time for 3-4 years or part-time for generally 6-7 years. If you want, or need, to be working and studying for PhD this could have an impact on your study: here are some of the things you may find it helpful to think about before starting your PhD.

Is funding for a PhD in the UK enough to live on?

If you are fortunate enough to have full funding for your PhD, your studentship should cover both fees and living expenses and be tax-free. The stipend levels for students studying for a PhD in the UK is set by UK research councils for their own studentships, and this is followed by Universities for their own studentships. These will provide enough to live on and not to have to be working and studying for a PhD.

If you are looking for PhD Funding, you can search for your ideal studentship from the many opportunities we have listed on Postgraduate Studentships. We have a section for Charities and Trusts who are set up to support students looking to get additional financial help with their studies.

How much work is included in a Graduate Teaching Assistantship?

Some PhD studentships are called Graduate Teaching Assistantships – this means that you will be teaching for a certain number of hours in each academic year and this is part of the conditions of the studentship. It is advisable to find out exactly how this works with the University advertising the opportunity. Will you receive separate payments or is this part of the studentship? How many hours will it involve and how will that relate to your PhD? Will you receive training?

If you are considering an academic career, there may be some advantage in getting some initial experience. However you may also struggle with working and studying for a PhD at the same time.

Should I study my PhD full-time or part-time if I need to work?

If you need to work and study, it’s important to think about how you will manage that. Can you study full-time and work at the same time and if so how much work can you do? A full-time PhD is regarded as a full-time commitment. So anything other than a supplementary job for a few hours per week is challenging. Some students start with a full-time PhD and then move to studying the PhD part-time. So you would need to discuss this with your university first.

Planning to study a part-time PhD takes longer overall but it may also give you the time to do your PhD and to make the money you need. If you do decide to study part-time you may already have a job that will allow you to have flexible hours. Think also about part time work in a field that relates to your study. If you need to look for a job that will help you do your PhD, your University is likely to have temporary or part-time jobs that students can apply for on campus – most universities have a database of these jobs for students so you can find out in advance what the pay rates are and if that would be enough.

Universities also have a range of part-time jobs which may be administrative or involve working in labs. If you apply for one of these jobs, especially in your own department, it’s important to make sure you work out how you will manage this. This way, you're prepared for when you are working on your PhD and when you are working on your job.

What if I am an International Student?

If you are an international student in the UK there will be restrictions on how many hours you can work. The UK Government has made some improvements to this. There are more opportunities now to study and work in the UK .

Talking to your University about your options

Your university wants you to succeed at your PhD. It has experienced students working whilst studying and works and what doesn’t. If you are planning to work whilst studying it’s a good idea to talk to your department. These questions may form part of your application process because your Supervisor will want to make sure you have the means to conduct your research as well as support yourself.

Many students study for a PhD and work for at least part of the time and complete their PhD successfully. If you look at the options beforehand, you can plan what works best for you. This way you can get the most from your PhD whilst working at the same time.

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Full-time doctoral funding policies, revised funding plan.

After extensive review and consultation, including examining funding packages at high-ranking research institutions and conversations with multiple stakeholders, we will implement a series of changes to Steinhardt's full-time PhD funding model. The new model will begin in Fall 2022 , but specific proactive policies and initiatives will be launched in the 2021-2022 academic year. We believe that these modifications will strengthen our position as a top tier school and allow Steinhardt to attract more high-caliber doctoral students. 

The proposed changes are detailed below: 

Five-year funding packages

Effective Fall 2022, the Steinhardt Fellowship package for entering full-time PhD students in all departments will include an annual stipend of no less than $32,000, tuition remission to meet their total credit requirement, student health insurance, and maintenance of matriculation fees through the fifth year. We anticipate that five-year funding packages will:

• Strengthen our admissions offers to doctoral applicants
• Improve time to degree rates
• Reduce student’s financial anxiety 

Shifting to a five-year funding package also brings us in league with the other top U.S. News and World Report education schools. Based on the job placement data provided by departments, our full-time PhD graduates are well prepared to enter their chosen fields. We expect this trend to continue. 

Note: The five-year funding package will be limited to full-time doctoral students who enter Steinhardt starting Fall 2022. All Steinhardt Fellows who began (or will begin) prior to Fall 2022 will receive a $32,000 stipend for the number of years outlined in in their initial offer letters. 

Base Steinhardt Fellowship allocations

Each year, the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs allots a number of full-time Steinhardt Fellow allocations to departments. Over the past ten years, Steinhardt has allocated approximately 36 Steinhardt Fellowships per admissions cycle. During our conversations with faculty, it was understood that no new funding was available to significantly increase allocations for departments. For one department to receive an increase in their allocation, another department would be reduced. Each department’s allocation for future admissions cycles are included in the policy document that was shared with Chairs in Summer 2021 .  The allocations are based on a variety of historical doctoral data, including completion times, attrition rates, program interest (e.g., number of applications each year), faculty bandwidth, and placement of recent graduates.

The allocations will remain in effect until the next review in 2024-2025. The Doctoral Studies budget is reviewed annually, therefore allocations may be adjusted if Steinhardt's financial situation changes. The allocations outlined above assume that Steinhardt's budget will remain consistent over the next few years. 

If a department does not use its full fellowship allocation, the department may not carry over unused fellowships to the next admissions cycle, nor will these funds be available to the department for other use. 

Departments may matriculate additional full-time students (e.g., Externally Funded Fellows, Research Assistants) using external funding with the approval from the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. More information about this process can be found in sections 4 and 5 of this document. 

Flexible yield strategies

To increase the likelihood of yielding top candidates, departments may be permitted to admit additional applicants (i.e., more than their approved allocation) during each admissions cycle. Yield increase requests can be submitted by the Department Chair and will be reviewed by Vice Dean Kristie Patten and the Office of Doctoral Studies. If admissions offers are accepted above the approved allocation, the following year’s allocation will be reduced accordingly (i.e., if a department with 4 allocations accepts 5 students in 2022-2023, they may accept only 3 students in 2023-2024). 

Increase cohorts using grants and outside funding

Prospective students with funding from an external source (e.g., Fulbright) that is comparable to, but covers less than, the full Steinhardt funding package may be admitted by exception working with the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Office of Doctoral Studies to secure the funds needed to make the funding package equivalent to the Steinhardt Fellowship funding package. The standard five-year Steinhardt Fellowship package includes:

• An annual stipend of no less than $32,000 stipend (starting Fall 2022)
• Tuition remission to meet their total credit requirement
• Comprehensive health insurance
• Maintenance of matriculation fees through the fifth year 

Steinhardt’s Office of Doctoral Studies may allocate limited financial resources to supporting full-time PhD students appointed as Research Assistants (RAs) or Externally Funded Fellows on sponsored projects. The goal is to ensure that all full-time students receive full funding packages equal to the prevailing rates. The amount of support would depend on the scale and type of the external funding. These opportunities must be competitive, prestigious, open to students in multiple fields of study, and provide significant multi-year funding for at least one student. Steinhardt will provide 100% of the shortfall between the award amount and Steinhardt’s full funding PhD package during award tenure. Examples of funding include Fulbright, Gates Millennium, IES-PIRT, and federal training grants. 

Because every funding agency and opportunity has different terms, conditions, and timelines, reviewing the potential funding packages will require close collaboration with centers, departments, and faculty. It will be an iterative process, but the Office of Doctoral Studies is confident that we can work together to admit additional students using external funding sources.

Departments may use a combination of active and anticipated research funding to admit additional full-time doctoral students as Research Assistants. Working closely with the Office of Research and the Office of Doctoral Studies, the incoming student’s offer letter must guarantee a Research Assistant position for a 5 year period at or above the prevailing Research Assistant stipend rate. The incoming student is required to be appointed on an active sponsored project for the first two academic years, with the explicit understanding that the faculty or research center would appoint the student on a future sponsored project for years 3-5. If funding for years 3-5 is not secured, the department is responsible for paying the student’s Research Assistant stipend. Because the student’s tuition and fees would be paid by the school’s budget, these requests require review and approval by the Vice Dean and the Office of Doctoral Studies. 

Future cohort sizes will be reduced if a department is unable to support students for their entire 5-year funding period. 

The availability of funding of a prospective full-time student’s funding package across all years must be verified before an admissions offer can be made. Organizations, government agencies, and foundations provide different levels and types of funding, therefore Steinhardt needs to assess financial implications and terms and conditions. The department must provide documentation of funding to the Office of Graduate Admissions and Office of Doctoral Studies.

The external funding package must be equivalent to the Steinhardt Fellowship funding package. These requests also need to be reviewed, verified, and approved by the Office of Graduate Admissions, The Office of Doctoral Studies, and the Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. 

Self funding or funding through personal gifts is not allowed for full-time PhD students.

Incentivizing Research Assistant placements 

Students who are funded as Steinhardt Fellows may choose to change to a Research Assistant line should an opportunity become available. If comparable to a Steinhardt fellowship and if offered during the student’s funded years, this funding can replace the Steinhardt Fellowship stipend.

Departments that shift a total of five (5) Steinhardt Fellow years to five (5) Research Assistant years will receive an additional allocation the next admission cycle. For example: 

A department appoints a Steinhardt Fellow to a Research Assistant position in the student’s 3rd and 4th year. The sponsored project funds the student’s Research Assistant stipend. This will provide two years toward the five years needed for an additional allocation.

Students beyond their Steinhardt Fellowship years (e.g., Year 6) may be appointed as Research Assistants. Their stipend will be funded and paid by the sponsored project and their healthcare and fees would be covered by the Office of Doctoral Studies. Any Research Assistant appointment beyond the 5th year will not count towards a department’s allocation increase. 

The school is also exploring raising the minimum Research Assistant stipend to further incentivize placements. Any potential increase would go into effect in Fall 2022. 

Matchmaking/Networking

Each year, the Office of Doctoral Studies and the Office of Research will host “matchmaking” opportunities for doctoral students. The event will be an opportunity for doctoral students to discover opportunities available outside of their home department. 

Principal Investigators and Research Center Directors will showcase their research projects and advertise training opportunities and potential employment (Research Assistant and hourly work) on their active grants. 

Strengthen support for students seeking external funding

It’s important for our students to develop the necessary skills to identify, write, and apply for prestigious external funding opportunities. Working closely with the Office of Research and Steinhardt’s network of research scholars, the Office of Doctoral Studies will offer professional development workshops designed to help guide our students through the grant writing process. 

If awarded, the Office of Doctoral Studies will work to ensure that the funding is processed according to NYU policies. 

Dissertation Finishing Awards

In an effort to further improve our time to degree rates, Steinhardt will award three $10,000 Dissertation Finishing Awards next year. Students whose degrees will be conferred during the 2021-2022 academic year are eligible to apply. Award recipients will be required to present their research at an annual conference (date TBD). 

Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Full-time status.

A graduate (nondoctoral) student is considered a full-time student if they are enrolled in 9 quarter hours of graduate credit for the quarter. An exception is made for students matriculated in master’s degree programs that only require 4 credit courses, in which case full-time student status is attained with enrollment in 8 quarter hours of graduate credit for the quarter.

A doctoral student’s full-time status is determined by the structure of the program.

Note that full-time status may be defined differently for federal loan purposes. International students have other considerations/requirements to maintain their visa eligibility.

Course Load

Federal financial aid recipients must be enrolled in and successfully complete a minimum number of credits each term to maintain eligibility. For more information, contact your financial aid counselor.

Course Overload

A maximum course load (different from full-time status) for a graduate (nondoctoral) student is 16 credits taken across a 12-week term, with no more than 8 credits per 6-week session.

To be eligible for a course overload (greater than 16 credits per 12-week term or greater than 8 credits per 6-week session), a graduate (nondoctoral) student must:

• Have a record of successful study with 12 or more credits a term at Northeastern University
• Have a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 3.500
• Provide a rationale to support the request

Students need to complete the appropriate form and return it to their career and academic advisor. Course overload is approved per term.

Each doctoral program has its own enrollment and course load requirements. Doctoral students who wish to seek a course overload must consult with the program director or designee.

International Student Enrollment Requirements

Importance of maintaining f-1 status.

International students studying at Northeastern are responsible for maintaining compliance with U.S. federal regulations. Failure to maintain full-time enrollment, in accordance with these regulations, can result in consequences.  Regular consultation with college academic advisors, as well as Office of Global Services international student advisors, is required before taking any action that may impact immigration status and educational endeavors in the United States.

Achieving Full-Time Enrollment Status

Full-time enrollment status must be maintained by F-1 students throughout the academic year. To achieve full-time status, graduate students must be enrolled in 8–9 credits throughout each academic term. Students can consult with their college academic advisor prior to each term to develop a course schedule to maintain full-time status. F-1 students are expected to study on-ground and cannot enroll in an online course without first speaking to a college academic advisor to confirm eligibility .  If approved , F-1 students who need to withdraw/drop from a course must withdraw/drop from the additional online course first and not from any of the on-ground core courses in order to maintain full-time status.

College of Professional Studies Academic Term

In CPS, each academic term in fall, winter, and spring is defined as a quarter term consisting of 12 weeks. Some courses are scheduled for the entire 12 weeks, while others are scheduled for either the first 6 weeks or the last 6 weeks (parts of a term). A full summer term consists of 8 weeks. Some courses are scheduled for the entire 8 weeks of a term, while others are scheduled for parts of a term.

F-1 students are required to maintain full-time enrollment status, except in the final academic term of degree completion. If the course requirements for degree completion are less than 8–9 credits, they must be completed on-ground throughout the entire final term.

Eligibility for Summer Term Off

All students, regardless of the term in which they begin studies, (e.g., CPS winter or spring quarter terms) are eligible to take the summer term off as their standard vacation term, as long as they confirm enrollment in the following fall term and they are not starting or ending their program of study in that same summer term.

Directed Study

Directed studies are offered when a course is required for a student’s program of study but said course is not available in a given academic term and there is immediacy for a student to complete said course. Academic deans/directors will make the decision if there is a compelling need to run a course as a directed study.

Independent Study

Independent study is an opportunity for a degree student to work independently under the supervision of an instructor to undertake special research, literature review, or experimental study projects in areas related to their program of study that they cannot accomplish as part of a standard course in the curriculum. A degree student may take up to two independent studies. The work to be done for an independent study is usually crafted by the student, with faculty input. Independent studies are entirely optional and not needed to graduate. A completed Request for Independent Study form, signed by both the student and the faculty member, must be submitted to the academic program for review and approval.

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What Is a Full-Time Student?

• How the Status Works
• Financial Aid

The Bottom Line

• Taxpayer Types

What Is Considered a Full-Time Student? Hours Defined

Julia Kagan is a financial/consumer journalist and former senior editor, personal finance, of Investopedia.

The term full-time student refers to a special status for taxpayers who are enrolled for a specific number of hours at their school. The number of hours that qualify a student as full-time is determined by the school. Individuals are considered full-time students if they attend an approved institution. There are different tax filing requirements required for both the full-time student and parents or guardians who claim the student as a dependent and/or pay any applicable educational costs.

Key Takeaways

• A full-time student is a legal tax status that is most applicable to figuring out dependency exemptions at tax time.
• Typically, the school determines the volume of coursework that is considered full-time.
• Tax requirements vary for full-time students and parents or guardians who are them as dependents.
• Federal student aid awards, such as Pell grants, are generally larger for full-time students than part-time students.
• Often, to be eligible for scholarships and on-campus living, students must be full-time.

Understanding the Full-Time Student Status

A full-time student is an individual enrolled in an approved institution. As noted above, schools determine the number of hours that qualify students as full-time. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) , a student is anyone who attends a school with "regular teaching staff, course of study, and a regularly enrolled student body at the school." They may also be someone learning full-time in a farming course at a government-approved school.

Full-time students may be eligible for certain tax breaks . The parents or guardians of a full-time student may also be eligible for certain tax breaks or have additional tax filing requirements. Keep in mind that the full-time student status alone does not exempt one from paying federal income taxes.

Full-time students who are U.S. residents or citizens must consider the following information to determine if they will be required to file a federal income tax return :

• Amount of earned and unearned income
• Your dependency status, meaning if you are considered independent or if someone else is claiming you as a dependent on their tax return
• Filing status

There are income requirements per age, filing and dependency status, and other factors. If an individual falls below those income requirements, they are not required to file a federal tax return. However, they may still wish to file an income tax return if they are due a refund or eligible for a refundable credit .

Full-time students are children under the age of 19 or adults under the age of 24 who attend an educational program at least five months per calendar year. These months don't have to be consecutive.

Full-Time Students and Financial Aid

Financial aid is money awarded to help pay for educational costs. It is awarded to students who demonstrate a financial need, and the amount awarded is based on the extent of that need and other factors, such as enrollment and degree-seeking status.

Eligibility for financial aid depends on the criteria set by the institution and the awarding entity. In addition to having a financial need, students must generally be enrolled at least part-time (at least six credit hours), a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, and in a degree-seeking or certificate program.

When thinking of financial aid, what often comes to mind is federal student aid. However, financial aid can be awarded by organizations, local and state governments, academic institutions, employers, and other grantors. The most well-known financial aid is awarded by the federal government.

Federal student aid includes grants, loans, scholarships, work-study, and other aid. To be eligible for Federal Direct Loan funds (Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, Direct Plus, and Direct Consolidation loans), Pell Grants, and work-study, the student must be enrolled at least part-time. However, federal student aid for part-time students is less than what is allocated to full-time students.

For example, the maximum Pell Grant awarded to full-time undergraduate students is $6,895 for the 2022-2023 academic year ($7,395 for the 2023-2024 year), whereas the maximum grant awarded to students enrolled half-time is $3,448 ($3698 for the 2023-2024 year). Student loan awards are often based on the cost of attendance and the maximum amount available for the loan program. Part- and full-time students are eligible. But, if a student falls below half-time, they must begin repaying the loan.

Although financial aid is granted to part-time students, it is important for these students to understand the impact of their enrollment status on what is awarded. Schools determine whether a student is eligible based on their financial need. Financial need is determined by subtracting the amount the family is expected to contribute towards the cost of education from the cost of attendance. The cost of attendance for part-time enrollment is less than for full-time enrollment. Therefore, if a part-time student has a positive expected family contribution, this could reduce what they are eligible for in financial aid.

Benefits of Full-Time Student Status

One of the most rewarding benefits of being a full-time student is being able to finish school on time or faster than attending part-time. A four-year bachelor's degree usually requires the completion of 120 credit hours. If attending each semester in an academic year and taking at least 15 credit hours, the student can expect to complete the program in four years. Alternatively, if only taking nine credit hours per semester, the student can expect to complete the program in 6.67 years.

Many universities with on-campus housing require students to be enrolled full-time to reside there. For those wanting to experience dorm life, being full-time may be the only way to achieve that.

Many grants and scholarships (especially full-ride scholarships) also require students to be full-time to be considered. Even tuition reimbursement from employers may stipulate that the employee be enrolled full-time to be eligible.

Parents who support their full-time student children benefit from being able to claim them as dependents longer than what is allowed for part-time students. Full-time students who do not primarily support themselves can be claimed as dependents on a parent's tax returns until the age of 24. This tax benefit can help reduce taxes and lessen the blow from what is spent on tuition, room and board, and food for incredibly hungry college-goers.

Example of a Full-Time Student

The technical definition of what the government views as a full-time student can be broad. For example, a child under the age of 19 who attends an educational program for at least five months per calendar year is considered a full-time student. Additionally, anyone under the age of 24 must not be self-supporting in order for their parent or legal guardian to claim them as dependent on their own taxes.

Parents or guardians may also claim the American Opportunity Tax Credit (AOTC) , based on college tuition and related fees for full-time students, but this credit does have its own requirements for full-time students between the ages of 18 and 24 enrolled in an academic program.

What Does It Mean to Be a Full-Time Student?

Generally, a full-time student is a student enrolled in at least 12 credit hours at a post-secondary academic institution. However, some schools consider full-time to be at least nine credit hours.

How Many Hours Is a Full-Time College Student?

What constitutes a full-time status depends on the academic institution. Generally, full-time is considered to be at least 12 credit hours. However, some schools consider nine credit hours to be full-time.

What Does the IRS Consider a Full-Time Student?

The IRS considers a full-time student as a student enrolled in the minimum number of credit hours the institution considers full-time. The student must be enrolled at least five months out of the year and be a student at a school with faculty, a student body, and a course of study or a student in a full-time, on-farm training course.

What Is Considered a Full-Time Student for Financial Aid?

A full-time student for financial aid consideration is usually 12 credit hours. However, some institutions consider nine credit hours to be full-time, although it is technically three-quarter time.

Can You Be Both a Part-Time and Full-Time Student?

A student cannot be a part-time and full-time student simultaneously. However, a student may pivot back and forth from part-time to full-time and vice versa throughout the academic school year.

A full-time student is a legal tax status for determining exemptions. Generally, full-time is considered being enrolled in at least 12 credit hours in a post-secondary institution; however, each institution defines full-time independently.

Parents and guardians supporting full-time students may be able to claim them as dependents on their tax return to receive deductions from taxes and credits. Financial aid may be impacted by enrollment status, with greater amounts being awarded to full-time students than to part-time students.

Additional benefits to being a full-time student include finishing the course of study on time or early, receiving scholarships and other financial aid not eligible for part-time students, and enjoying traditional college dorm life.

Internal Revenue Service. " Full-Time Student ."

Internal Revenue Service. " Tax Information for Students ."

Internal Revenue Service. " Tax Benefits for Education: Information Center ."

Internal Revenue Service. " Form W-4, Excess FICA, Students, Withholding ," Select "As a full-time student, am I exempt from federal income taxes?"

Federal Student Aid. " Eligibility Requirements ."

Federal Student Aid Partners. " 2022-2023 Federal Student Aid Handbook: Chapter 3, Calculating Pell and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant Awards ."

Federal Student Aid Partners. " 2023-2024 Federal Student Aid Handbook: Chapter 2, Calculating Pell Grants ."

Federal Student Aid. " Loans ."

Federal Student Aid. " Wondering How the Amount of Your Federal Student Aid is Determined? "

Internal Revenue Service. " Publication 501, Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information ," Page 12.

Internal Revenue Service. " Publication 501, Dependents, Standard Deduction, and Filing Information ," Pages 12, 14.

Internal Revenue Service. " Publication 970, Tax Benefits for Education ," Pages 21-22.

Internal Revenue Service. " American Opportunity Tax Credit ."

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Full-time equivalency for phd students taking preliminary or qualifying exams.

If a graduate international student will not be enrolled full time during an academic term yet the academic department considers him/her to be full time, while the student prepares for or take preliminary or qualifying exams, the U-M International Center (IC) may authorize a Full Time Equivalency (FTE) for this student. This FTE allows the U-M International Center (IC) to report full-time enrollment to SEVIS to maintain the student's F1 status.

• Full Time Equivalency is for the purpose of maintaining immigration status only. You may not be considered an active student for other purposes, such as loans, for example.
• Rackham requires that all students register for at least one credit.

Who Can Qualify

An FTE may be granted in the following circumstances:

• A graduate student completing all formal course work during the current term. Upon completion of formal course work, the student will prepare for or take the preliminary exam or qualifying exam.
• A graduate student has already completed all formal course work but is currently preparing for preliminary exam or qualifying exam.

Requirements

A signed letter from the academic advisor or department is required. The letter must be on letterhead and must state the following information:

• That the student is considered to be full time by the department.
• What the student will be doing during the term of FTE authorization.
• The number of credits for which the student will register during the term of FTE authorization.

Please log in to the M-Passport portal , click on Requests > Full-time Equivalency , and follow the instructions from there.

The FTE must be received by the U-M International Center (IC) by the end of the  drop/add period of EACH TERM . A student who drops below a full course of study without prior approval of a Designated School Official (DSO) is considered out of status.

A comprehensive guide to part-time PhDs

Doing a PhD part-time can be an attractive option for many reasons. However, part-time PhDs are less common than full-time ones, and there tends to be a lack of information on this option. This guide to part-time PhDs answers the most common questions that prospective part-time PhD candidates have.

The difference between a part-time and a full-time PhD

How much work is a part-time phd, how long does it take to do a phd part-time, where is it possible to do a phd part-time, benefits of a part-time phd, disadvantages of a part-time phds, is it worth doing a part-time phd, skills necessary for completing a phd part-time, conditions for success in a part-time phd, online part-time phd programmes, ten questions to ask yourself before embarking on a part-time phd.

The main difference between a part-time and a full-time PhD is typically the amount of time that a student spends per week on PhD-related tasks. The typical length of a full-time work week is five 8-hour days, comprising 40 hours in total. In some countries, this includes breaks. Thus, 38-40 hours/week can generally be considered full-time employment.

A part-time PhD carries fewer hours per week than full-time employment.

Precise definitions of part-time work differ. While some consider part-time employment as anything less than 38 hours/week, the OECD for instance defines part-time workers as those who work less than 30 hours/week.

Some universities have minimum requirements for part-time PhDs, for example, a minimum of 20 hours/week. Others, however, are more flexible. They allow part-time PhD candidates to spend anything between a few hours to several days per week on their part-time PhD studies.

Coursework that is required in PhD programmes is generally adjusted to part-time candidates and stretched over a longer period. The same is true for certain deadlines and comprehensive exams if required.

The degree that is awarded upon successful completion of a part-time PhD is the same as those being awarded for completing full-time programmes.

Most degree certificates don’t even mention that a PhD was pursued on a part-time basis. There is no reason to worry that a part-time PhD degree may be perceived as worth less than a full-time one.

A part-time PhD requires pretty much the same amount of work as a full-time PhD. Part-time PhD programmes are spread out over a longer period, but the requirements in terms of credits and output ( a monograph or cumulative dissertation ) are usually the same.

Part-time PhD candidates are often highly aware of their time limitations. In turn, they may be better at utilizing their limited time during the week. For instance by minimizing procrastination, prioritizing tasks and making strategic decisions. However, this is difficult to generalise.

Part-time PhD students may be more inclined to work during evenings and weekends.

Other responsibilities during the ‘normal’ working hours result in less attention to PhD-related work. And sometimes, PhD work requires several hours of uninterrupted deep work.

In some cases, the lack of opportunities to focus on the PhD for a longer period can increase frustrations and stress levels. This is particularly true when part-time PhD students start together with a cohort of full-time PhD students and compare their progress with that of their full-time peers.

Ultimately, how much work a part-time PhD requires depends very much on a student’s research project, personality, efficiency, subjective perception of workload and stress, supervision, luck with experiments, and so on. This does not differ from a full-time PhD.

In most cases, a part-time PhD takes longer than a full-time PhD. A general rule of thumb is that the fewer hours someone spends on a PhD per week, the longer it takes to complete it.

The number of years that full-time PhD students take to complete a PhD varies. Some finish in three years. Others require four, five or more years. Thus, there is a huge variation in the time it takes to finish a PhD. The same is true for part-time PhDs.

There are also differences between universities. Some universities have a strict programme that takes, for instance, three years for full-time PhD students and six years for part-time PhD students.

Other universities adapt to the specific circumstances of individual PhD candidates. They may allow someone to finish a part-time PhD in three years as long as all requirements are met. But they may also be okay with a part-time candidate who spends a decade on his or her PhD studies.

Can you complete a part-time PhD programme? Yes, absolutely.

But due to the vast differences between universities as well as PhD programmes, it is essential to inform yourself properly before applying for a part-time PhD.

The regulations in terms of length of a part-time PhD have a major effect on a PhD trajectory, time planning, tuition fees if applicable, etcetera.

There are plenty of opportunities to do a PhD part-time, but the specific opportunities and arrangements depend very much on individual universities.

Some universities advertise specific part-time PhD programmes on their web pages. Or, with a little bit of digging, provide information online for those who are interested in part-time PhDs.

For other universities, it is difficult to find any information on part-time PhD programmes online. This does not always mean that there are no opportunities. Sometimes, it requires sending emails to the admissions office, or contacting a potential PhD supervisor directly to ask for part-time possibilities.

There are also differences in national contexts. In some countries, for instance, in Germany, part-time PhD studies are often the norm. In Germany, many paid positions exist that encompass 60% of a full-time equivalent: time during which a PhD student is required to work in a lab or assist a professor. In the remaining 40% of the time, which is unpaid, a PhD student is expected to work on a dissertation.

In some other countries, PhD students tend to be employed in the public sector, receive a salary and make pension contributions. In those cases, they tend to fall under the same regulations as the non-academic workforce. This can mean, for instance, that they have the right to change their contract to part-time, for instance in the case of care responsibilities.

There are many benefits to doing a PhD part-time. Some of the most common advantages are

• More secure finances: Many full-time PhD students experience financial insecurities because PhD scholarships are often not enough to cover living expenses, or do not cover the whole PhD trajectory. Part-time PhD students often work next to their PhD studies which provide additional income and a layer of financial security.
• Improved employability: This includes industry employability and employability in academia. Industry employability is enhanced if someone already gains substantial work experience outside academia, through working in a certain profession while doing a part-time PhD. Employability in academia is enhanced if someone already gains academic work experience (for example as a research assistant) and teaching experience (for example as a junior lecturer or teaching assistant) while doing a part-time PhD.
• Flexibility: Doing a PhD part-time tends to provide increased flexibility. For instance, students who have care responsibilities are more likely to be able to combine their PhD studies with their other responsibilities on a part-time basis.
• Efficiency: The advantage of many part-time PhDs is that they are very aware of their time limitations and force themselves to be strategic in their choices. Part-time PhD students also often benefit from existing work experience and tend to be a bit older than full-time students. Combined, they sometimes are more confident and struggle less with imposter syndrome. Since procrastination is essentially linked to a fear of failure, part-time PhD students on average may be more confident, suffer less from procrastination and are therefore able to work more efficiently.

There are also disadvantages and challenges in part-time PhDs. Some of the most common disadvantages of doing a PhD part-time are:

• Difficulty to maintain a work-life balance: ‘Getting it all done’ is always challenging. Adding a part-time PhD to existing tasks, activities and responsibilities can negatively affect a person’s work-life balance. Part-time PhDs frequently require multi-tasking, which can interrupt the flow of work and lead to mistakes. Furthermore, evenings, weekends and holidays may be the only times when uninterrupted PhD work for several hours or days is possible. When part-time PhD students are not very good with boundary setting, they can easily feel overwhelmed and as if they can never take a break.
• Tuition fees: While not all PhD students (regardless of whether full-time or part-time) have to pay tuition fees, many do. Tuition fees tend to be adjusted in part-time programmes. Nonetheless, paying tuition fees for several years can be a financial burden. In addition, part-time PhD students are not always eligible for all scholarships and funding opportunities.
• Less supervision: Part-time PhD students often work even more independently than their full-time counterparts. Of course, the amount of supervision differs for full-time PhD students as well. However, a simple reason for less supervision is simply that part-time PhD students are not always physically present in a lab or department. They have less spontaneous interactions with their supervisors and other professors. It reduces the opportunities to ask a quick question or get feedback on a small issue. Part-time PhD students may be more reliant on more formal, scheduled meetings every few weeks or months.
• Feelings of isolation: Part-time PhD students may feel disconnected and isolated due to a lot of independent work, less physical presence and opportunities to connect with colleagues and peers. Furthermore, part-time PhDs tend to be in the minority, as full-time PhDs are still more common. This means that part-time PhDs may feel misunderstood and have no one to share their unique experiences and challenges with.

Following your curiosities and researching a topic in-depth can be a wonderful thing.

Yet, the question of whether a PhD part-time is worth doing or not is difficult to answer. It depends on the unique situation and ambition of each person in question.

Some people embark on a PhD part-time to progress in their career. Some people hope for a financial reward after completing a PhD part-time. Some people intend to change careers and use a part-time PhD to start the process while still earning money in a different job. Some people look for a challenge and embark on a part-time PhD for self-fulfilment. Some people have no other option but to do a PhD part-time.

Every person has to decide for him- or herself whether it is worth it, sensible and feasible. The decision requires a lot of self-reflection, and financial and life planning.

The decision to do a part-time PhD should not be treated lightly.

Completing a PhD part-time requires several skills. These skills can be learnt. However, a complete lack of these skills at the start of a part-time PhD will make the trajectory much more challenging.

First of all, part-time PhDs benefit from a high degree of self-discipline.

Those who struggle to motivate themselves and to get the smallest task done without any external pressure, might not be the best candidates for part-time PhDs. Part-time PhD work requires a lot of self-discipline as well as self-motivation.

Next, the ability to multi-task and keep a cool head in stressful situations is a big advantage for those who embark on a part-time PhD.

Stressing out easily and feeling easily overwhelmed with many tasks and deadlines, on the other hand, is counterproductive in a part-time PhD.

Furthermore, flexibility and the ability to adapt to different circumstances is pivotal.

Part-time PhD students tend to wear many different hats. They need to be able to switch between different roles and juggle lots of different tasks and responsibilities.

Additionally, not everything will work according to plan. Part-time PhD students have to accept that things do not always work out as expected and have to quickly adapt to new situations.

Lastly, the ability to work independently can make or break a part-time PhD trajectory. Working on a PhD part-time often means working from home, alone, without social interaction and constant feedback opportunities. Not everyone is cut out for this type of work.

A fundamental condition for success in a part-time PhD is the selection of a fitting research topic.

As in any PhD, regardless of whether full- or part-time, a PhD student spends many waking hours on the topic. If the topic is not interesting to the PhD student, and he or she is not passionate about it, motivation to work on it will inevitably decrease over time.

At the same time, the most passionate and skilled PhD student may still struggle if the institutional environment and supervision are suboptimal.

A supportive institutional environment that assists, accommodates, and invests in part-time PhD students can make a world of difference.

Probably even more important than the institutional environment is a good relationship between the part-time PhD student and PhD supervisors.

The quality and quantity of supervision matters, but also the social compatibility between students and supervisor/s. Therefore, applying to a programme without having ever met the prospective supervisor in person is a risky business.

If a prospective PhD student intends to continue working part-time in a different job, all parties should be informed and agree with the arrangements. If there is a connection between the PhD topic and the job, some employers even enter a formal arrangement that allows the student to do PhD work during some ‘normal’ working hours.

Pulling off a part-time PhD without all parties approving, or even knowing about it, can create a lot of problems along the way.

Lastly, a certain degree of financial security is required. Of course, this depends on the unique financial arrangements made by a part-time PhD. However, if other work, scholarships or grants are not enough to cover living expenses during a part-time PhD, it is not advisable to embark on this journey.

While online, part-time PhD programmes were available before the Covid19 pandemic, they have become much more common in the last two years. There are some strong opinions when it comes to online, part-time PhD programmes.

Proponents of these online programmes highlight how they can help to create a more level playing field . It allows PhD candidates, for instance, to live in a low-cost living area, while following a PhD at a prestigious university in a high-cost of living area.

Opponents lament the decreasing quality of PhD supervision in online PhD programmes. Some argue that doing a PhD increasingly becomes increasingly financialised, with universities collecting tuition fees but not providing adequate support.

However, with everything, this is very difficult to generalise . It requires prospective PhD students who are interested in these programmes to inform themselves thoroughly and to decide on a personal basis whether an online programme is a good fit or not. Speaking with others who already do, or finished, online part-time PhD programmes might be particularly useful.

If you consider embarking on a part-time PhD, your decision can be supported by asking (yourself) the following questions:

• What is my motivation to do a part-time PhD?
• Am I passionate enough about my (potential) research topic to spend several years working on it?
• What are the potential advantages and disadvantages of doing a part-time PhD, and how can I mitigate the disadvantages?
• Do I have enough self-discipline and endurance to do a part-time PhD with limited supervision?
• Do I have the flexibility to incorporate potential coursework into my day-to-day agenda?
• How many hours/week do I want to spend on my PhD, and how many hours can I (afford to) spend on it?
• What are the part-time PhD regulations of the university/universities where I consider applying?
• Is the (potential) PhD supervisor a good fit, and does the institutional environment seem supportive of part-time PhD students?
• How can I finance the part-time PhD?
• What do I want to do after completing the PhD?

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The 100% online PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy (60 credits) is specially designed for people looking to expand their hearts and minds while developing skills to meet the challenges of 21st Century life. Research and study in counseling theories and practice are integrated with theological inquiry in this vibrant doctoral program.  

You may also be interested in: Doctor of Marriage and Family Therapy .

Program Details

• Note: Internship placements will be in-person at a location near you.
• Additional credits required until the completion of dissertation; additional credits may also be required if interested in pursuing state license)
• Enrolling New Students: August (View application deadlines) .
• $28,800 total in tuition & fees for the full 60-credit program (2023-2024)
• Financial Aid: Explore our federal financial aid options that may be available to you.

100% Online. Flexible. Affordable.

• Integration of Psychology & Christianity : Students assess individuals, couples, families, and congregations from an integrated point of view, incorporating theological issues with Marriage and Family systems theory and pertinent psychological perspectives in pastoral or clinical settings.
• Broad Audience : Students demonstrate advanced counseling skills appropriate to meet the needs of individuals, couples, families, and congregations seeking mental health services and programs.
• Self-Reflection : Students practice in-depth self-reflection to enhance their ongoing personal and professional development.
• Significant Research Project: Students create and present a significant research project resulting in a dissertation that contributes to the field of marriage and family therapy.
• Enrichment Programs : Students create and deliver integrated psychological and spiritual enrichment programs.  Examples of previous enrichment programs created by Eastern doctoral students include workshops for individuals, couples, and families, as well as seminars offered on special topics in a clinical or church setting.

Brooke Wheeler, PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy ’25

Our Mission

The PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy trains students in professional mental health and pastoral counseling fields to be skilled scholar/practitioners in marriage and family therapy who apply their minds and hearts to promoting processes of change and growth in individuals, couples, families, and communities. This scholar/practitioner research program prepares students for leadership roles in academia, research, behavioral healthcare, and pastoral care.

State Authorizations

Please check the  State Authorizations page  to determine if Eastern University’s program fulfills your state credentialing requirements. Students who seek similar credentialing in states other than Pennsylvania are advised to contact the appropriate credentialing agency within their home state to seek information and additional guidance about credentialing in your state of residence. Additional state or local requirements may exist for field placements or practica in this state. Out-of-state student placements/practica cannot be guaranteed by the program or the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences. Students are responsible for following all state and local requirements and regulations for their field placement/practica coursework.

Learn More: PhD in Marriage and Family Therapy

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RIT graduate pursues Ph.D. across time zones

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Full-Time PhD Student (Research and Teaching Assistant) in the Center for Green Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology-Ghent University Korea

Job Information

Offer description.

Job summary:

PhD candidate (Full time Research and Teaching Assistant in the Center for Green Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology)-Ghent University Global Campus.

Departments : 

• KR01 – Department of Environmental Technology, Food Technology and Molecular Biotechnology, Ghent University, Korea
• BW22 – Department of Animal Sciences and Aquatic Ecology, Ghent University, Belgium

Degree : 

• Master degree in the field of Ecotoxicology and Biology or Environmental Science.

Contract: 

• 1 year, followed by 1 year on condition that the previous term was given a positive evaluation, and followed by 2 years (again on condition that the previous term was given a positive evaluation); for a grand total of 4 years.

Occupancy rate : 100%.

Vacancy type :  

• Assistant Academic Personnel (AAP) Ghent University in Korea has a vacancy for a position of research assistant (100%). It concerns a temporary full-time position for a maximum period of 4 years.
• Last application date : 15 June, 2024 (applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as the position will be filled upon finding the right candidate).
• Starting date: 1st September, 2024 .

Job Position:

• Ghent University Global Campus, South Korea, has a vacancy for a PhD Student (Research and Teaching Assistant) in Environmental Technology in the Center for Green Chemistry and Environmental Biotechnology (GREAT) at Ghent University Global Campus, starting from September 1, 2024 (open to negotiation). The request(s) and standard(s) for the PhD in GUGC is equivalent to Ghent University home campus (the phd certificate will awared by Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Belgium). 
• The terms of employment at GUGC are comparable to those at the campus in Ghent, Belgium. However, free student accommodation and a yearly travel budget are foreseen. GUGC is an equal opportunities employer. This position allows promising scientists to carry out research for a period of up to maximal 4 years, under the supervision of Professor Jihae Park at Ghent University Global Campus, Korea. In addition, he/she will also be assigned a co-promoter. PhD degree diploma will be from Ghent University, Belgium.
• As a teaching assistant, the PhD candidate is supposed to spend his/her time in teaching activities pertaining to undergraduate mathematics courses that include the courses (Chemical Analytical Methods/ Environmental Chemistry and Technology/ Green Chemistry and Biotechnology). These activities include assisting with exercise/tutorial (wet/dry) sessions, preparing and grading tests/exams and providing support for bachelor projects.
• Apart from the teaching activities, the PhD candidate is supposed to perform research in the area of environmental technology and valorization using the waste and aquatic organisms. In this regard, the candidate is expected to complete a doctoral research proposal containing a extensive literature review, a set of research objectives and research plan within the first six months of joining. This research proposal will need to be approved by the GUGC Campus Council in order to ensure renewal of the first contract with GUGC. 

 Profile of the candidate:

• Strong interest in environmental engineering and life sciences.
• Master's degree in a relevant field (ecotoxicology/biology/environmental science).
• Excellent academic record, fluent in spoken English and highly competent in scientific writing in English.
• Creative and analytical mind. 
• Team spirit and an inquisitive, self-motivated attitude, as well as independent learning/research skills are essential, with the ability to take a leadership role among team members.
• Your academic qualities comply with the requirements set out in the UGent guidelines. For further information please visit: https://www.ugent.be/phd/en

Job description

You will: 

• function within an international team of researchers and build a professional network
• perform research activities with the aim of writing a PhD thesis in English
• publish your research in scientific journals and present your results at the national and international level

Selection Criteria:

• Scientific background and knowledge
• Working experiences 

Application Documents:

• Motivation letter (1-page)
• Full resume (CV), including at least 2 references’ contacts
• Copy of the certificates and transcripts for education
• Transcripts (overview of study results and ranking)
• Others (subjected to the supervisor’s requirement in the later stage)

*The documents shall be merged into a single PDF file (< 10MB) and sent to  [email protected] (Subject line: GREAT_Application_Surname). Please kindly noted only the selected candidate(s) will be contacted for the next step. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Application process and interview

• Interviews (in-person or online) will take place in stages from the first available time.
• Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as the position will be filled upon finding the right candidate.

Selection process

• CV screening=> Interview=> Internal committee=> Approval by internal committee => Acceptance notice to the selected candidate.

*We reserve the right to hold applications on file for potential future job openings. For submission of your file and any inquiries, please contact us via e-mail:  [email protected]

Requirements

Additional information, work location(s), where to apply.

Ten Vanderbilt engineering students awarded prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Brenda Ellis

May 16, 2024, 3:30 PM

Seven engineering graduate students and three undergraduates in the Vanderbilt School of Engineering are 2024 recipients of the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship.

“These fellowships are extremely competitive, so being selected as an NSF Graduate Fellow is a tremendous recognition of our outstanding students and our faculty mentors. In addition to these students who are already at Vanderbilt, the graduate student cohort that is matriculating this fall will include several additional NSF recipients,” said E. Duco Jansen, senior associate dean for Graduate Education. The School of Engineering currently has over 45 NSF GRF awardees.

The seven current engineering graduate student winners are:

• Emily Berestesky, Biomedical Engineering
• Austin Coursey, Computer Science
• Skyler Hornback, Chemical Engineering
• William Richardson, Computer Science
• Soren Smail, Interdisciplinary Materials Science
• Jacob Schulman, Biomedical Engineering
• Harrison Walker, Interdisciplinary Materials Science

The three engineering undergraduate winners are:

• Abigail Eisenklam, Computer Science/Mathematics
• Alexander Oh, Electrical Engineering/Computer Science
• Schyler Rowland, Biomedical Engineering

Each of those fellowships provides three years of financial support inclusive of an annual stipend of $37,000 along with a $16,000 cost-of-education allowance for tuition and fees, as well as access to opportunities for professional development available to NSF-supported graduates students. It is one of the most prestigious awards for graduate students, with about 16% of applicants awarded each year.

Begun in 1952, this fellowship program is the oldest and most prestigious of its kind; 42 recipients have gone on to become Nobel laureates, and more than 450 have become members of the National Academy of Sciences.

Contact: [email protected]

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Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science

• Graduate Internship Program 2025

Engineering Co-operative Education Office (ECEO) and Engineering Graduate Office (EGO) offer the Graduate Internship Program (GIP) to provide graduate students in the participating professional programs an opportunity to gain valuable work experience through an full-time, paid internship of eight months with a single employer. Admission to it is limited, competitive, selective and not mandatory. All details pertaining to the GIP for any future cohort(s) are subject to annual review, and ECEO and EGO maintain the rights of any changes to it in accordance with regulations.

This Q&A is for the 2025 Graduate Internship Program (GIP).

1) Is this a co-op program?

• Not to be confused with the mandatory co-op education program undertaken by undergraduate Engineering students at Memorial, this Graduate Internship Program (GIP) is optional and offers limited, competitive, and selective admissions to eligible graduate students who are nominated to it.

2) Which academic programs are participating in the GIP and who are eligible for it?

• Oil and Gas Engineering;
• Environmental Systems Engineering and Management;
• Safety and Risk Engineering Management;
• Energy Systems Engineering; and
• Computer Engineering
• Completion of at least five program courses for students who started their program in Fall 2023; or
• Completion of at least three program courses if they started their program in Winter 2024.
• Twenty-five eligible students (five from each participating program) will be nominated and invited for opt-in to the 2025 cohort. They will have to submit the opt-in request form to proceed.

3) When does the 2025 Graduate Internship Program (GIP) start and how long is it for?

• It will begin in Spring 2024 semester to prepare students who have opted in for an eight-month full time internship that lasts through Winter 2025 and Spring 2025.

4) Can you increase the number of students invited to opt-in to more than twenty-five?

• The GIP is subject to yearly review before we introduce it more widely.

5) I am a thesis-based (MEng/PhD) Engineering student. Can I participate?

• No. You are in a research-intensive program; you should focus on conducting and completing research funded by your supervisor(s).

6) I am currently studying in a professional engineering program. Why is it not listed as one of the participating programs above?

• The GIP is not a faculty-wide program. Each academic program makes its own decision to offer what they deem the best program experience to its students. Only the five academic programs listed above are currently participating in GIP.

7) I am a graduate student in one of the participating programs. Do I have to apply to be considered for the GIP? How can I express interest in it?

• You do not have to apply or express interest. The EGO will invite top five eligible students from each participating programs for opt-in to the 2025 cohort of GIP.

8)  What is the criteria used for a student to be nominated and invited for an opt-in to the GIP?

• The primary criteria is academic performance. Five eligible students with the highest cumulative average by the end of Winter 2024 semester will be invited by the EGO to opt-in to the GIP.  If there are two students with the same cumulative average, the student who completed more program courses will be selected between them. The decision of the nominations is final.

9) When can I expect to find out if I am invited to opt-in?

• You will be notified by the EGO via email by the first two weeks of classes in Spring 2024 semester at the latest. You do not have to send follow-up emails.

  10)  I am invited to opt-in. What can I expect if I submit the opt-in request form?

  11)  Am I guaranteed an internship if I am opting into the GIP?

• You have to first pass the pre-screening set by the ECEO then secure an internship placement through the job competition hosted by the ECEO (with help and guidance from EGO and ECEO). Internship placement is not guaranteed as a significant part of the employer selection process depends on relevant experience and the quality of the application (including resume, cover letter and an interview).

12)  What if I am opting into the GIP but I do not pass the pre-screening or secure an internship placement?

• You will continue with taking and completing your program courses related to your degree as normal.

13)  Will there be an additional fee to participate in the GIP?

• Yes, students are expected to pay for the additional fee associated with participating in the GIP.

14)  How much would a student be paid for an internship?

• Students in the undergraduate engineering program normally earn approximately $2,000 to $4,000 per month. For more details, please refer to the university student employment salary page:  https://www.mun.ca/hr/careers/student-and-other-positions/student-employment-rates/

15)  Will I receive credit hours for the internship?

16)  I am invited to opt in but I have other questions to ask but these questions are not covered in this Q&A.

• EGO and ECEO will meet with you and provide guidelines to help prepare you for the Graduate Internship Program (GIP).

17)  I have some questions and/or feedback. Who can I contact?

• Please email  [email protected] . 
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Related Content

Chiefs' Harrison Butker blasted for commencement speech encouraging women to be homemakers

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has aggravated one of the internet's biggest culture wars by telling a class of college graduates that one of the “most important” titles a woman can hold is homemaker.

During a commencement speech last weekend at Benedictine College, a Catholic liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas, the NFL player railed against abortion, Pride month and Covid-19 lockdown measures.

Drawing the most viral backlash this week, however, was a section of his speech in which he addressed the female graduates specifically — telling them that it’s women who have had “the most diabolical lies” told to them.

“How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world,” Butker said. “But I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.”

The criticisms that followed took aim at Butker as well as the NFL.

"Hey @NFL — If you want to continue to grow your female fan base and any other marginalized group (straight white men are already watching your product), come get your boy," wrote Lisa Guerrero, a former NFL sideline reporter and now an investigative journalist for "Inside Edition."

He went on to tell the graduates that his wife would agree that her life “truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.” It is her embrace of this role, he said, that made his own professional success possible.

Butker’s comments share similarities with some of the more extreme ideas around gender roles that have gained traction in communities that promote “ tradwife ” lifestyles or other relationship dynamics that center on traditional gender roles .

“Listen, there’s nothing wrong with his wife being a homemaker. Homemakers are wonderful, that’s not the point,” filmmaker Michael McWhorter, known by his more than 6 million TikTok followers as TizzyEnt, said in a video response. “The point is he seemed to be acting as if you should be ashamed if you don’t want to be a homemaker, or, ‘I know what you really want to do is just stay home and have babies.’"

The speech was the latest incident to add fuel to the flames of this increasingly vocal cultural battle, much of which is playing out online. While many prominent right-wing men have voiced such beliefs before, they’re usually confined to internet forums, podcasts and other online communities where these ideologies thrive.

A spokesperson for Butker did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Benedictine College and the Kansas City Chiefs did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A spokesperson for the NFL told People Magazine that Butker "gave a speech in his personal capacity" and his "views are not those of the NFL as an organization."

"The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger," a spokesperson told the publication.

Butker, who is teammates with Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, further drew surprise and criticism when he quoted Kelce’s girlfriend, Taylor Swift, whose monumental career success as a global pop star has inspired college courses .

“As my teammate’s girlfriend says, ‘familiarity breeds contempt,’” he said, drawing murmurs from the crowd as he used the “Bejeweled” lyric as an analogy for why Catholic priests should not become “overly familiar” with their parishioners.

In the days since his speech, a Change.org petition for the Chiefs to dismiss Butker for “discriminatory remarks” has garnered nearly 19,000 signatures.

“These comments reinforce harmful stereotypes that threaten social progress,” the petition stated. “They create a toxic environment that hinders our collective efforts towards equality, diversity and inclusion in society. It is unacceptable for such a public figure to use their platform to foster harm rather than unity.”

Those who criticized Butker’s speech online include actor Bradley Whitford as well as DJ and rapper (and self-proclaimed Swiftie ) Flavor Flav .

But his speech was also lauded by some on the religious right, including conservative sports media personalities such as Clay Travis and Jason Whitlock , who defended Butker’s statements toward women.

“Not a word Harrison Butker says here should be remotely controversial. He’s 100% correct,” former NFL wide receiver T.J. Moe posted on X . “Those trying to convince women that being assistant VP of lending & intentionally childless at age 40 is more fulfilling than making a family and home are evil.”

Sports and culture commentator Jon Root also posted that Butker “exposed the lies that the world has been telling women.” Women, he wrote, are wrongly encouraged to climb the corporate ladder, view children as a “burden” and see marriage as “not worth pursuing.”

Still, a deluge of viewers online took issue with his attitude toward women and the LGBTQ community. Many women also rejected the premise that they would be happier staying at home in lieu of paid work, even if they do have a husband and children.

“I am moved. I actually had no idea that my life began when I met my husband,” neurosurgeon Betsy Grunch, known as Ladyspinedoc on TikTok, said sarcastically in a TikTok video . “It did not begin when I graduated magna cum laude from the University of Georgia with honors. It certainly did not begin when I graduated with a 4.0 GPA, Alpha Omega Alpha, from medical school. And I had no idea that it did not begin when I completed my residency in neurosurgery.”

Angela Yang is a culture and trends reporter for NBC News.