phd course year

Frequently asked questions

How long does it take to get a phd.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

Frequently asked questions: Graduate school

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Different types of programs may also focus on different questions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Youth Program
• Wharton Online

How the PhD Program Works

Program Overview

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

Admission to candidacy.

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

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

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

The Doctoral Dissertation

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

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

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

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

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

Policies and Procedures

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

Sample Program Sequence

Years 1 & 2.

Coursework Examination Research Papers Research Activities Field-Specific Requirements

Directed Reading & Research Admission to Candidacy Formulation of Research Topic

Years 4 & 5

Continued Research Oral Examination Dissertation

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How Long Does It Take to Earn a PhD?

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How long is a PhD program? That might be one of the first questions you ask yourself If you are thinking of earning a PhD. You have probably heard a range of years, and that is because how long it takes to earn a PhD depends on a number of factors. Keep reading to learn more!! 

What is a PhD? 

PhD stands for a “Doctorate of Philosophy.” This is an academic degree that qualifies the degree holder to teach their chosen subject at university level or to work in a specialized position in their chosen field. In general, the PhD is the highest level of degree a student can achieve. 

Also see: Top fully funded PhD programs

Why get a PhD? 

A PhD is a serious commitment with a serious return on investment. Here is a list of professional and personal benefits for earning a PhD. 

How long does it take to earn a PhD? 

Earning a PhD usually takes between four and seven years to complete, depending on the type of PhD as well as the schools requirements, the students educational background, and personal progress. Students who take full-time classes can typically finish in four years. A typical PhD program requires anywhere from 60 to 120 semester credit hours . 

Why earning a PhD takes years to earn

Assistantship obligations.

Teaching and research assistantships can be very beneficial for the experience they provide and the potential funding, but they can also be time consuming obligations for PhD students. Therefore, assistantships may affect the amount of time it takes to complete a PhD program. 

Comprehensive examinations

Universities often require students to demonstrate their readiness in a PhD program through comprehensive exams. These comprehensive exams may be known as: 

• Preliminary examinations
• Major field examinations
• Comprehensive exams or “Comps”
• General examinations

Dissertation

A dissertation is an in-depth research document that serves as the culmination of a doctoral program. It is an important document that demonstrates a student’s original research and contribution to their field of study. 

The dissertation involves conducting extensive research, reviewing previous literature, analyzing data, and presenting your findings in a structured manner. Once the dissertation is completed, it is typically defended orally in front of a committee of faculty members who assess the quality and validity of the research. 

Average PhD timeline

The specific of a PhD timeline carried by college and university. However, the following is a good overview of the average PhD program. 

• Year 1: Take advanced courses
• Year 2: Take advanced courses and begin preparing for exams
• Year 3: Study, take and defend your comprehensive exams and begin researching your dissertation proposal
• Year 4: Begin working on your dissertation
• Year 5: Finish and defend your dissertation 

Average PhD completion by focus

According to data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics the average time in years from graduate school entry to doctorate it took students to receive their degree in 2020 in certain fields is listed below. 

• Life sciences = 6.9 years
• Physical sciences and earth sciences = 6.3 years
• Mathematics and computer sciences = 7.0 years
• Psychology and social sciences = 7.9 years
• Engineering = 6.8 years
• Education = 12.0 years
• Humanities and arts = 9.6 years
• Other non-S&E fields = 9.3 years

Related : Top 10 PhD in Education programs

How to finish your PhD is less time

Look for accelerated classes.

Accelerated courses are an easy way to reduce the amount of time it takes to finish a PhD. Therefore, look into if your program offers any shorter courses. 

Work on your dissertation throughout the program

Working on your dissertation little by little throughout the program will allow you to speed up your doctoral timeline. In addition, it may reduce the likelihood that you’ll drop out before finishing your final project.

Maintain regular communication with your advisor

Establish regular communication with your advisor or supervisor. Regular meetings can help you receive guidance, address any issues, and ensure you are heading in the right direction.

Seek feedback early and often

Share your work and progress with your advisor, peers, or other trusted individuals often. Then, you should incorporate suggestions and revisions as you go along. This will help you refine your work and avoid major revisions later.  

Maintain a healthy school-life balance

While it is important to be dedicated to your PhD, it’s just as important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Therefore, be sure to prioritize yourself! While finishing your PhD in less time is a great feat, it is important that you are not sacrificing your well-being while doing so.

Key Takeaways

• PhD stands for “doctorate of philosophy” and is generally the highest level of degree a student can earn
• There are many professional and personal benefits to earning a PhD which can lead to a serious return on investment
• A PhD program typically takes 4-7 years to complete. However, it can take longer or shorter depending on personal circumstances and field of study 
• With planning and guidance from advisors, students can sometimes complete PhDs in less time

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Frequently asked questions about how long it takes to earn a PhD 

Do i need to have a master’s degree to get a phd, what is the easiest phd to earn, can i finish my phd earlier than the estimated time frame, what happens if i don’t complete my phd within the expected timeframe, can i work while pursuing a phd, can i accelerate the process of earning a phd, scholarships360 recommended.

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• PhD in USA – A Guide for 2024/25
• Finding a PhD

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

Why Do a PhD in USA?

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

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

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

Universities in USA

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

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

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

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 , eight of the top ten universities in the world are located in the United States. These are:

Method of Study

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

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

Teaching Requirements

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

Research Flexibility

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

PhD Admission Requirements in USA

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

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

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

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

How to Apply for PhD in USA

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

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

Application Deadlines and Fees

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

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

Funding your PhD in USA

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

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

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

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

PhD Duration in USA

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

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

Cost of a PhD in USA

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

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

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

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• The PhD Journey - Stages of a Doctoral Degree

The PhD Journey

Written by Mark Bennett

A PhD typically involves between three and four years of full-time study, culminating in a thesis which makes an original contribution to your field.

The process of getting a PhD is made up of quite a few components and milestones, from the literature review and writing up your dissertation right through to the viva examination at the end.

This section is a guide on how to do a PhD, providing in-depth advice and information on some of the main challenges and opportunities you’ll meet along the way!.

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7 stages of the PhD journey

A PhD has a few landmark milestones along the way. The three to four year you'll spend doing a PhD can be divided into these seven stages.

• Preparing a research proposal
• Carrying out a literature review
• Conducting research and collecting results
• Completing the MPhil to PhD upgrade
• Participating in PhD teaching, conferences and publications
• Writing your thesis
• Defending your PhD results at a viva voce

We've expanded on what you can expect from each stage below.

1. Preparing a research proposal

Strictly speaking, your research proposal isn’t part of your PhD. Instead it’s normally part of the PhD application process.

The research proposal sets out the aims and objectives for your PhD: the original topic you plan to study and / or the questions you’ll set out to answer.

It also explains why your work is worthwhile and why it fits with the expertise and objectives of your university.

Finally, a PhD proposal explains how you plan to go about completing your doctorate. This involves identifying the existing scholarship your work will be in dialogue with and the methods you plan to use in your research.

All of this means that, even though the proposal precedes the PhD itself, it plays a vital role in shaping your project and signposting the work you’ll be doing over the next three or more years.

2. Carrying out a literature review

The literature review is normally the first thing you’ll tackle after beginning your PhD and having an initial meeting with your supervisor.

It’s a thorough survey of work in your field (the current scholarly ‘literature’) that relates to your project or to related topics.

Your supervisor will offer some advice and direction, after which you’ll identify, examine and evaluate existing data and scholarship.

In most cases the literature review will actually form part of your final PhD dissertation – usually setting up the context for the project, before you begin to explain and demonstrate your own thesis.

Sometimes a literature review can also be evaluated as part of your MPhil upgrade .

Research vs scholarship

Research and scholarship are both important parts of a PhD. But they aren't the same thing - and it's helpful to know the difference. Research is the original work you produce with your thesis. Scholarship is the expert understanding of your subject area that enables you to conduct valuable research.

3. Conducting research and collecting results

Once you’ve carried out your literature review, you’ll move from scholarship to research .

This doesn’t mean you’ll never read another academic article or consult someone else’s data again. Far from it. You’ll stay up to date with any new developments in your field and incorporate these into your literature review as necessary.

But, from here on in, your primary focus in your PhD process is going to be investigating your own research question. This means carrying out organised research and producing results upon which to base your conclusions.

Types of PhD research

The research process and the type of results you collect will depend upon your subject area:

• In Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects you’ll focus on designing experiments, before recording and analysing their outcomes. This often means assembling and managing complex numerical datasets – sometimes in collaboration with the rest of your laboratory or workshop.
• In Social Science subjects you’ll be more focussed on designing surveys or conducting case studies. These will produce quantitative or qualitative data, depending on the nature of your work.
• In Arts and Humanities subjects you’ll often have less raw data, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be working with ‘hard’ factual information. You’ll analyse texts, sources and other materials according to an accepted methodology and reflect upon the significance of your findings.

Whatever subject you’re in, this research work will account for the greater part of your PhD results. You’ll have regular meetings with your supervisor, but the day-to-day management of your project and its progress will be your own responsibility.

In some fields it’s common to begin writing up your findings as you collect them, developing your thesis and completing the accompanying dissertation chapter-by-chapter. In other cases you’ll wait until you have a full dataset before reviewing and recording your conclusions.

4. Completing an MPhil to PhD upgrade

At UK universities it’s common to register new PhD students for an MPhil before ‘ upgrading ’ them to ‘full’ doctoral candidates. This usually takes place after one year of full-time study (or its part-time equivalent).

Forcing you to register for a ‘lesser’ degree may seem strange, but it’s actually an important part of the training and development a PhD offers:

• As an MPhil student you’re able to comprehend your field and produce new research.
• As a PhD student you’re able to go that crucial step further and produce the significant original contribution to knowledge that defines a doctorate.

The MPhil upgrade is when you take the step from the former to the latter.

The MPhil upgrade exam

Upgrading from MPhil to PhD registration usually involves a form of oral exam – similar to the viva voce that concludes a PhD. But, unlike a full viva, the MPhil upgrade is less formal and only covers part of your thesis.

In most cases you’ll submit a small amount of the material you’ve produced so far. This could be a draft of your first chapter (or part of it) and / or your literature review. You could also be asked to reflect on your progress in general.

You’ll then sit down with your supervisor and someone else from your department (familiar with your field, but unrelated to your project). They’ll offer feedback on the quality of your work and ask questions about your findings.

The aim of the process won’t be to examine your drafts so much as to confirm that your project has the potential to justify a PhD – and that you’re on track to complete it on time.

‘Failing’ a PhD upgrade is actually quite rare. Your university may ask you to repeat the procedure if they are concerned that you haven’t made sufficient progress or established a viable plan for the rest of your project.

What is an MPhil?

The MPhil (Master of Philosophy) is also a research degree, but its scope is more limited than a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy). And no, just like a PhD, an MPhil isn’t necessarily a Philosophy qualification. Our guide covers all you need to know about the difference between a MPhil and PhD .

5. PhD teaching, conferences and publications

During the PhD process, you’ll have lots of opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities, such as teaching, academic conferences and publications.

Although it isn’t usually compulsory to participate in these, they can be an incredibly rewarding experience and will look great on your CV.

Teaching during a PhD normally involves hosting undergraduate seminars or supervising students in the lab, as well as marking work and providing feedback.

Academic conferences are an excellent way to network with like-minded colleagues and find out the latest developments in your field. You might even be able to present your own work to your peers at one of these events.

Publishing during a PhD will help you increase your academic profile, as well as give you experience of the peer review process. It’s not normally a requisite of your PhD, but publications will certainly help if you plan on applying for postdoc positions.

6. Writing your thesis

As the culmination of three or more years of hard work, the thesis (or dissertation) is the most important part of the procedure to get your PhD, presenting you with the opportunity to make an original scholarly contribution to your discipline.

Our guide to writing your thesis covers everything you need to know about this lengthy research project, from structure and word count to writing up and submission.

We’ve also written a guide to the PhD dissertation abstract , which is an important part of any thesis.

7. Defending your PhD results at a viva voce

Unlike other degrees, a PhD isn’t normally marked as a piece of written work. Instead your dissertation will be submitted for an oral examination known as a viva voce (Latin for ‘living voice’).

This is a formal procedure, during which you ‘defend’ your thesis in front of appointed examiners, each of whom will have read your dissertation thoroughly in advance.

Examiners at a viva voce

A PhD is normally examined by two academic experts:

• One will be an internal examiner, usually appointed from elsewhere in your faculty and department. They won’t be directly associated with your project, but will have sufficient expertise to assess your findings.
• The other will be an external examiner. They will be a recognised expert in the area you are researching, with a record of relevant research and publication. Most universities in the UK allow you to invite an external examiner of your choice, provided there is no existing conflict of interest.

Your supervisor will help you prepare for the viva and will offer advice on choosing an external examiner. However, they will not normally be present during the examination.

The PhD timeline

Ready to take the next step?

There's lots more information about how to get a PhD in our advice section . Or, if you're ready to start looking at different projects, why not check out one of the thousands of current PhD opportunities in our database?

Not sure how PhD study will differ from a Masters? In this guide, we take a look at how the two qualifications compare, including applications, course structure, assessment and more.

Every student will need to write an abstract for their PhD dissertation. Here's everything you need to know about what an academic abstract is and how to write one.

What can you expect from a PhD? What's life actually like as a postgraduate student? Read our guides to the doctoral research experience.

The viva voce is the final oral exam at the end of a PhD degree. Our guide explains the usual viva format, covers common questions and explains how to prepare.

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• PhD Overview and Timeline

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

General Ph.D. Requirements

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

Optional additions to the Ph.D. program

Harvard PhD students may choose to pursue these additional aspects:

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

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

PhD Timeline

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

First Year (G1)

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

Second year (G2)

Throughout year.

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

Third year (G3+) and beyond

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

Completing your degree

Degree application.

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

Dissertation Submission and Commencement

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

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PhD Programs

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

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

How do I know which program is right for me?

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

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

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

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

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

Accounting & Management  

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

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UCLA Graduate Programs

Doctoral Studies

The doctoral experience.

We offer six types of doctoral degrees in over eighty fields of study. Most of our doctoral degrees are PhDs; we also offer a Doctor of Education, Doctor of Environmental Science and Engineering, Doctor of Public Health, Doctor of Musical Arts, and Doctor of Nursing Practice.

COMPLETE COURSEWORK AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Doctoral programs vary widely in the number of required courses as well as additional requirements. Most programs use the first year to prepare students for their chosen field. Some programs conduct an end-of-the-year exam for each first-year cohort, while others evaluate student by courses, papers, and projects completed in that first year. In addition to being assigned a Student Affairs Officer (SAO) by your program, you’ll also mutually choose your Faculty Advisor. Generally this is a natural process where a student’s and a faculty member’s interests and areas of specialization align. This relationship is an important one, which lasts well beyond a student’s tenure at UCLA. In your first year, you’ll take courses with a wide variety of faculty and make lasting friendships with your cohort.

• Registration & Enrollment

FIND FORMS FOR DOCTORAL STUDENTS

We’ve assembled all UCLA-wide forms that may be useful to a graduate student on a Master’s track in one place:  Forms for UCLA Doctoral Students . Your specific program may provide additional forms for your use. Here are some of the most common.

• Language Petition
• Nomination of Doctoral Committee
• Reconstitution of Doctoral Committee
• Graduate Degree Petition
• Leave of Absence
• In Absentia

KNOW YOUR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

To keep on track, a Doctoral student must meet specific requirements for a student’s program.

Type the name of your program to jump straight to its requirements:

Your Program Requirements cover most things a current student needs to know in order to graduate on time.  Our FAQs  answers a few common questions about program requirements. Any outstanding questions can be answered by your program through their website or from your Student Affairs Officer (SAO).

If your program offers a Master’s Degree along the path toward a Doctorate, you’ll be required to initiate a specialized process and meet criteria specific to your program.

NOMINATE YOUR DOCTORAL COMMITTEE

During your second or third year, you’ll begin assembling (nominating) your Doctoral Committee. Your committee is comprised of 4 or more faculty members (3 or more faculty members for professional (non-Ph.D.) doctoral committees) who are experts in your field who can guide you in your research. Some committee members will be on-campus while a few may be located at another academic institution. All committee members will be responsible for reviewing your work periodically, advising you on your direction and independent research, assessing your university oral qualifying exam, and approving your dissertation.

On occasion, your committee will fall out of compliance, in which case you’ll be required to  reconstitute your Doctoral committee . Common reasons include when one of your committee members leaves her or his post at UCLA or when you or a current committee member decides that you’ll benefit more by working with a different faculty member.

For more about your doctoral committee, see the Graduate Council’s guide  Graduate Student Academic Rights and Responsibilities  and  Standards and Procedures for Graduate Study at UCLA .

• Minimum Standards for Doctoral Committee Constitution
• Professional (Non-Ph.D.) Doctoral Committee Policy
• Nomination of Doctoral Committee
• Reconstitution of the Doctoral Committee and/or Change in Final Oral Examination Requirement

ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY

Becoming a doctoral degree candidate is not a given. The first phase of your doctoral program is supervised by a faculty advisor or guidance committee. Your program will administer the written, and in some cases the program’s oral qualifying, exam after you complete courses and other preparatory work recommended or required by your program

Your doctoral committee may also require additional written exams. Only upon satisfactory completion of the written and oral qualifying requirements may you advance to candidacy. A student must also have met language requirements for advancement. This accomplishment generally happens between your second and fourth year.

CONTINUE PROGRESS TOWARD YOUR DOCTORAL DEGREE

With the guidance of your Doctoral Committee, you’ll conduct fieldwork, research, writing, and independent study all the way up through your dissertation.

While you’re completing your degree, keep an eye on your future. Be sure to participate in the great career and professional development events and resources at UCLA.

DEFENDING YOUR DISSERTATION

Some programs require you to present your dissertation to your doctoral committee in a time-honored event called the final oral examination (or final defense). To find out if your program has this requirement, consult your program requirements for the year you were admitted (see KNOW YOUR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS above).

FILE YOUR DISSERTATION

You will complete an approved doctoral dissertation that demonstrates your ability to perform original, independent research and constitutes a distinct contribution to knowledge in your principal field of study.

CELEBRATE YOUR GRADUATION

Doctoral Degrees are awarded four times a year, and are integrated into a single commencement—called the Doctoral Hooding Ceremony—held once each year at the beginning of June.  UCLA Graduate Commencement for Doctoral Students  is where you’ll find info about tickets, locations, schedule, parking, and dress code (including caps and gowns). For information on commencement ceremonies hosted by various graduate departments and programs, search for your program on this year’s schedule .

YOUR FUTURE

Once you graduate, our support continues. You’ll find great resources, guidance, career support, and opportunities to network with fellow graduates through  UCLA’s Alumni Association .

To network with fellow alumni and learn about meetups and events, like our UCLA Alumni Facebook page . and follow UCLA Alumni on Twitter .

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The degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the University's principal research degree for graduate students and is available in all faculties and departments. A Cambridge PhD is intellectually demanding and you will need to have a high level of attainment and motivation to pursue this programme of advanced study and research. In most faculties a candidate is expected to have completed one year of postgraduate study, normally on a research preparation masters course, prior to starting a PhD.

Completion normally requires three or four years of full-time study, or at least five years of part-time study, including a probationary period. Terms of research are normally consecutive and, for full-time students, require residency in Cambridge. Not all departments offer part-time research degrees (see Part-time study).

Various routes to the PhD are possible and, if you are made an offer of admission, it will be made clear whether you are required to study for a masters degree or certificate in the first instance, or will be admitted directly to the probationary year for the PhD. You are registered for the PhD only after a satisfactory progress assessment at the end of the probationary year (five terms for part-time degrees). The assessment is designed also to focus your mind on the stages necessary for completion of your research within the normal time limit and to address any structural problems that have arisen during the first year. The progress examination/assessment at the end of year one is a substantial academic hurdle and continuation to the PhD is not automatic.

During your PhD, your effort will be focused on writing a dissertation of up to 80,000 words. This must represent a significant contribution to learning, for example through the discovery of new knowledge, the connection of previously unrelated facts, the development of a new theory, or the revision of older views, and must take account of previously published work on the subject. Many Cambridge dissertations go on to form the basis of significant publications.

Although you will spend long hours working independently, your department and college will support you in different ways. You are also able to attend regular seminars in your subject area, might be involved in teaching, perhaps giving seminars or supervising, and can play an integral part in the social life of your department and College.

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

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

(CAIAIMAGE/TOM MERTON/GETTY IMAGES)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PhD Degree Requirements

This webpage provides a quick overview of the requirements for our PhD program. More detailed information can be found in the Psychology Graduate Guide . This webpage and the Graduate Guide supplement the Psychology PhD requirements defined in the Stanford Bulletin and the policies for all Stanford graduate education as defined in the Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook . 

The most important component of our PhD program is engaging in scientific research. Students in our PhD program conduct in-depth research in at least one of five areas of study: Affective , Cognitive , Developmental , Neuroscience , or Social Psychology. All students are expected to spend at least half of their time engaged in research. Each quarter, students should register for 8 - 10 research units (PSYCH207: Graduate Research) and take no more than 10 units of coursework.

The sections below outline program requirements regarding coursework and teaching, as well as key milestones towards a PhD degree.

Course Requirements

• Teaching Requirements  
• Key Program Milestones

Core Courses, Statistics/Methods Courses, and Advanced Units must be taken for a letter grade and passed with a grade of B- or higher. Click each requirement to open the relevant sections in the Graduate Guide.  

Professional Seminar 

All incoming students are required to take PSYCH207 in the first quarter (Year 1 Autumn). This is a course taught by the Department Chair with guest lectures from faculty across all areas, and serves to introduce the first-year students to the Department. 

• PSYCH 207: Professional Seminar for First-Year Ph.D Students

As a part of PSYCH 207, first-year students are also expected to meet with their advisor(s) early in the fall quarter of the first year to discuss mentorship expectations. 

Core Courses

Students are required to complete 4 of the following Core Courses by the end of Yr 3.

• PSYCH 202: Cognitive Neuroscience
• PSYCH 205: Foundations of Cognition
• PSYCH 211: Developmental Psychology
• PSYCH 213: Affective Science
• PSYCH 215: Mind, Culture, and Society

Statistics / Methods Courses

Students must complete PSYCH 251 and one additional statistics/methods courses by the end of Year 2. At least one of the two courses must be taken in the first year. 

• PSYCH 251: Experimental Methods (Required) 
• PSYCH 249: Large-Scale Neural Network Modeling for Neuroscience
• PSYCH 252: Statistical Methods for Behavioral and Social Sciences
• PSYCH 253: Measurement and the Study of Change in Social Science Research
• PSYCH 289: Longitudinal Data Analysis in Social Science Research

Some students may wish to take advanced courses in Statistics or CS not listed above; please consult with your advisor and send an inquiry to the Student Services Manager. These requests may be reviewed by the DGS and/or the GPC.

Advanced Units / PhD Minor  

Students must complete 12 units of advanced graduate coursework (“Advanced Units”, or AU), or complete a PhD Minor by the end of Year 4.  

Students and their advisor(s) should discuss the course requirements and create a plan together for completing the Advanced Units. To this end, rising 2nd year students must submit an Advanced Courses Form by the first Monday in October (usually the first Monday of the Fall Quarter) of the 2nd year. 

Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) Statu s

Students should apply for Terminal Graduate Registration (TGR) status once they have accumulated 135 units of residency and have filed a Dissertation Reading Committee form . Students in TGR status should register for PSYCH 802: TGR Dissertation (0 units) and take no more than 3 units of coursework per quarter. Typically, students transition to TGR in the Winter quarter of 5th year. 

For more information about Course Requirements, consult the Graduate Guide and the Stanford Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures Handbook .

Teaching Requirements

All students serve as teaching assistants for at least 5 Psychology courses during their graduate study, regardless of the source of their financial support. Of these 5 TAships, students must apply for 2 of their TAships to be in one of the two tracks: 

• PSYCH 1 Track (2 quarters of Introduction to Psychology)  
• STATS Track (2 quarters of core statistics/methods course: PSYCH 10, PSYCH 251, PSYCH 252, PSYCH 253).  

Students can review the Department's complete  TA policy  for more details. Questions about TA assignments or TA policy should be directed to the Student Services Manager. 

Program Requirements and Milestones

Year 1: First Year Project (FYP)

At the end of their first year of graduate study, students must submit a written report of their first-year research activities, called the First Year Project (FYP) by June 1 The FYP is submitted to their advisor, second FYP reader (another faculty), and the students’ services manager. Students are also expected to present the results of their FYP in their area seminar. 

Year 2: Admission to Candidacy

In our department, a student’s application for candidacy must be filed as soon as all requirements for Year 1 and Year 2 are completed (and by the end of the 2nd year). The decision to advance a student to candidacy is made based on a holistic assessment of the student’s progress in the program. For more information, please refer to the Graduate Guide, section on Admission to Candidacy. 

Conferral of a masters degree: Graduate students in the Department of Psychology who have completed (a) the first-year and second-year course requirements and (b) at least 45 units of Psychology courses may apply for a conferral of the MA degree.

Master of Arts Degree in Psychology (Optional)

Graduate students in the Department of Psychology who have completed (a) the first-year and second-year course requirements and (b) at least 45 units of Psychology courses may apply for conferral of the MA degree. The application should be reviewed with the Student Services Manager. The  application process  typically occurs in 2nd or 3rd year.

Year 3: Research Plan and Dissertation Reading Committee   

Students in Year 3 are expected to:

(1) Form a dissertation reading committee (due Feb 1): The research committee includes the dissertation advisor and at least 2 additional faculty members, for a total of 3 members, at least two of whom should have primary appointments in the Psychology Department. 

(2) Schedule and hold the 3rd Year Committee Meeting to take place in Winter or Spring quarter (before June 1), and submit a research plan to their committee 2 weeks before the meeting

(3) After the committee meeting, submit the Research Plan to the Student Services Manager and report the meeting date using the Committee Meeting Google Form .

Year 4: Area Review and Research Roadmap (ARRR) and Committee Meeting

Students in Year 4 are expected to:

(1) Schedule and hold the 4th Year Committee Meeting in the Winter quarter and submit an Area Review & Research Roadmap (ARRR) to the committee two weeks before the meeting.

(2) After the committee meeting, submit the ARRR to the Student Services Manager and report the meeting date using the Committee Meeting Google Form . 

Final Year: Oral Examination and Dissertation  

Students in Year 3 and above are expected to hold a committee meeting every year. In their final year, students must form their Oral Examination Committee including identifying an external chair. Students must submit the Oral Exam Form to the Student Services Manager at least 2 weeks before the anticipated defense and follow the standard Department protocol for reserving a room for their defense.

Individual Development Plan

Every year, each graduate student completes an Individual Development Plan (IDP) and has a meeting with their advisor to discuss the IDP and set an Action Plan for the coming year. The goal of the IDP is for the student to step back from their daily tasks, reflect on the larger picture, discuss these topics with their mentor, and make an action plan for achieving their goals going forward. The IDP meeting must occur by June 1 each year. 

The IDP process has 4 steps:

1. Student completeness the IDP Self-Reflection form  

2. Student prepares the IDP Meeting and Action Plan form and schedules a one-on-one meeting with the advisor. 

3. Student and Advisor(s) complete the Action Plan (pages 3-4 of the IDP Meeting and Action Plan form ). 

4. Student submits the IDP Meeting Google Form to report the meeting to the Student Services.

Students can also use the IDP meeting to discuss mentorship expectations and schedule additional meetings if further conversations are needed. Note that first-year students must schedule a separate meeting with their advisors to discuss Mentorship Expectation as a part of their ProSem requirement

Graduation Quarter

Registration for Graduation Quarter is required for the term in which a student submits a dissertation or has a degree conferred. Please consult the Registrar's Academic Calendar for the quarterly deadlines for submitting dissertations; they are strict, and missing the deadline can have serious funding implications. For more information, please refer to the Graduate Guide and Registrar's Office website .

PhD Program Timeline At-A-Glance

• FYP Proposal and name of 2nd reader due to Student Services

End of Fall Quarter 

• Complete the mentorship expectations meeting with advisor
• FYP due to Student Services, advisor, and 2nd reader

Summer of 1st Year

• Meet and receive feedback from advisor and 2nd reader
• Submit  Advanced Units coursework form  to Student Services

June 1  

• IDP Meeting Due

By the end of 2nd Year

• Submit  Candidacy Form  to Student Services
• Submit  Doctoral Dissertation Reading Committee form  to Student Services
• Schedule 3rd Year Committee Meeting
• Hold Committee Meeting (Research Plan to committee 2 weeks before meeting), and report meeting to Student Services; IDP Meeting
• Schedule 4th Year Committee Meeting
• Submit ARRR to the committee two weeks before the meeting
• Hold Committee Meeting
• Report meeting to Student Services
• IDP Meeting

2 weeks before Defense: 

• Submit the  Oral Exam form  to Student Services

End of Spring Quarter: 

• Oral Examination
• Submit Dissertation 
• Schedule and hold a 5th Year Committee Meeting 

Graduate School

UH Doctoral Degree Programs

The university of houston offers a wide array of programs leading to the doctoral degree. whichever program you choose, you’ll work closely with renowned scholars, conduct ground-breaking research and prepare for a dynamic future., doctor of education.

• Health Science Education
• K-12 Leadership
• Literacy Education
• Mathematics Education
• Social Studies/Social Education
• Special Populations

Doctor of Musical Arts

• Collaborative Piano
• Composition
• Music Education
• Performance 

Doctor of Philosophy

• Atmospheric Sciences
• Biochemistry
• Biomedical Engineering
• Accountancy
• Management Information Systems
• Supply Chain Management
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Science
• Communication Sciences and Disorders
• Counseling Psychology
• Creative Writing & Literature
• Art Education
• Early Childhood Education
• Learning, Design, and Technology
• Reading, Language Arts, and Literature Education
• Science Education
• Social Education/Social Studies
• Teaching and Teacher Education
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Geosensing Systems Engineering and Sciences
• Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies
• Hospitality Administration
• Industrial Engineering
• Motor Behavior
• Exercise Physiology
• Obesity Studies
• Sport and Fitness Administration
• Materials Science & Engineering
• Mathematics
• Measurement, Qualitative Analysis, & Learning Sciences
• Mechanical Engineering  
• Petroleum Engineering
• Pharmaceutical Health Outcomes & Policy
• Pharmaceutics 
• Pharmacology
• Physiological Optics
• Political Science
• Clinical Psychology
• Developmental, Cognitive, and Behavioral Neuroscience
• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Social Psychology
• School Psychology
• Social Work

Professional Doctorate Programs

• Optometry (OD)
• Pharmacy (PharmD)

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Doctor of Philosophy

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

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

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

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

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

Research at UQ

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

Learn more about UQ's research

Program highlights

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

41 in the world

CWTS Leiden Ranking 2024

51 in the world

Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023

Supervision

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

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

Find a supervisor

3-Minute Thesis

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

3MT is held each spring.

Learn more about the 3MT

Career development

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

Learn more about the CDF

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

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Entry requirements

Gpa equivalent.

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

Meeting the GPA requirement doesn’t guarantee admission.

Academic entry requirements

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

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

Approved degrees

An approved degree needs to be:

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

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

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

Research experience

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

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

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

Student visas

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

This program has two CRICOS codes:

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

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

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

Learn more about student visas

Additional entry requirements

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

Additional application information

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

English language requirements

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

Read our English language requirements

Scholarships

There are several types of PhD scholarship:

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

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

View all postgraduate research scholarships

University scholarships

UQ scholarships include:

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

Other scholarships

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

• Westpac Future Leaders Scholarship

How to apply for a scholarship

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

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

Fees and costs

Tuition fees.

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

Learn more about postgraduate research fees

Research costs

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

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

How to apply

Before you apply, 1. check your eligibility.

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

2. Approach a potential supervisor or find a project

You'll either need to find:

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

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

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

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

3. Gather your documents

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

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

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

Send the following documents with your application:

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

Personal details

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

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

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

Educational qualifications and academic awards

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

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

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

Please do not include:

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

Professional affiliations and memberships

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

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

Employment history

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

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

Other research experience

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

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

Research outputs

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

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

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

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

Waqar Niyazi

Content Curator

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

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

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

Table of Contents

Doctor of Philosophy: Course Details

1.1  Why study Ph.D?

• What is Ph.D?

2.1   PhD Full form

2.2   PhD vs Doctorate

PhD Admission Process

3.1   Eligibility

3.2   UGC NET

3.3   Important Dates

• PhD Programs Types
• Ph.D Courses

5.1   Science

5.2   Arts

5.3   Medical

• PhD Colleges in India

6.1   Government Colleges

6.2   Private Colleges

•   Ph.D in India

7.1   PhD in IIT

7.2   JNU PhD

7.3   DU PhD

7.4   Mumbai University PhD

Why study Ph.D?

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

What is PhD?

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

PhD Full Form

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

PhD Full Form –  Doctor of Philosophy

PhD Duration

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

PhD vs Doctorate

PhD Degree Requirements

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

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

Also See: PhD Jobs

Who should study for a Ph.D?

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

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

PhD Eligibility

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

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

CSIR-UGC NET Exam

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

Important Dates

PhD Programs

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

Full-Time PhD

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

Part Time PhD

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

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

Learn More:   Online PhD Programmes

Fully Funded PhD Programs

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

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

PhD Courses

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

PhD Courses: Science Stream

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

PhD Courses: Arts stream

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

PhD Courses: Medical stream

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

PhD Courses: Engineering Stream

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

PhD Courses: Management Stream

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

PhD Courses: Pharmacy Stream

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

PhD Courses: Commerce Stream

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

PhD Courses: Agriculture stream

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

PhD Courses: Law

PhD courses related to Law are PhD in Law, Doctor of Law (LL.D.), PhD in Legal Studies M.Phil in Law. The PhD in Law course brings ample opportunities for students to choose from. Interesting job profiles that attract PhD in Law graduates are Attorney, Deputy Program Manager, Administrative Coordinator, Legal Manager, Legal Counsel, Legal Consultant, and Legal Affairs Manager.

Top PhD Colleges in India

Top PhD Government Colleges

Top PhD Private Colleges

Top PhD Colleges in Mumbai 

Top PhD Colleges in Chennai

Top PhD Colleges in Bangalore

Top PhD Colleges in Delhi

Top PhD Colleges in Kolkata

PhD in India

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

IIT Bombay PhD

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

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

IIT Madras PhD

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

See: IIT Madras PhD

IIT Indore PhD

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

IIT Bhubaneswar PhD

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

See: IIT Bhubaneswar PhD  

IISC Bangalore PhD

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

See: PhD in IISc Bangalore

IIT Hyderabad PhD

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

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

Bangalore University PhD

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

Amity University PhD

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

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

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

Mumbai University PhD

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

IIT Kharagpur PhD

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

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

Harvard PhD 

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

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

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

MIT PhD 

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

The PhD specializations offered in MIT are - 

Oxford PhD 

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

Stanford PhD 

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

Cambridge PhD 

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

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

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

Ques. What is a PhD?

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

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

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

Ques. What can I get a PhD degree in?

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

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

Ques. Is a PhD after a Masters?

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

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

Ques. What is the salary of a PhD?

Ques. What is the easiest PhD to get?

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

Ques. Can I complete my PhD in 2 years?

Ques. Which PhD has the highest salary?

Ques. Is it free to get a PhD?

Ques. What qualities characterize a great PhD student?

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

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

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

Most Popular Tags

154 Reviews found

Hamara vishwavidyalay

Loan/ scholarship provisions.

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

Campus Life

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

Placement Experience

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Ph.D review

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

Course Curriculum Overview

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fee Structure And Facilities

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

PhD in Post Harvest Machinery from CIPHET

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

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

PhD in Agro-processing Center from CIPHET

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

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

Very good Institute

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

College Events

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

Good Institute for Research studies.

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

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

Good college for Research studies.

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

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

Superb college for PhD

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

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

Fantastic experience of my life

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

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

NBAIR Review

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

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

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

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

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

My college Review

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

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

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

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

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

Ph.D in Science

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

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

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

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

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

Ph.D. : 43 answered questions

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

● Top Answer By Anumita Mukharjee on 28 Apr 22

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

● Top Answer By Srabani Guha on 24 Jul 23

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

● Top Answer By Arati Sinha on 29 Mar 23

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

● Top Answer By Karuna Nair on 13 Mar 23

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

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 23 Mar 23

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

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 17 Mar 23

Ques. Is a PhD from IGNOU valid?

● Top Answer By Pankaj Kumar on 18 Oct 22

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

● Top Answer By Poornima Sahoo on 18 Mar 23

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

● Top Answer By Bidita Ghose on 14 Jul 23

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

● Top Answer By Advait Joshi on 27 Jun 23

Ph.D. (Chemistry)

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

IIM Mumbai - Indian Institute of Management

IIMV - Indian Institute of Management

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

IIM Sambalpur

IIM Sirmaur

University Business School, Panjab University - [UBS]

PSG Institute of Management - [PSGIM]

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Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy): Course Details, Eligibility, Duration, Fees

PhD is a doctoral program that deals with a variety of research methods and specializations including English, Microbiology, Psychology, and more. PhD duration in India is 3-5 years which depends on the coursework completion by the student. Ph.D. graduates primarily work as Consultants, Researchers, Professors, and R&D Industry Experts.

Table of Contents

About phd course, who should pursue phd course , phd eligibility criteria, phd admission process, phd entrance exam, phd fees structure, integrated phd, phd courses, categories of phd candidates, top phd colleges in india, phd in india, syllabus and subjects for phd, phd course comparison, salary of a phd graduate, career options after doctor of philosophy course, phd scholarships, skills that make you the best phd graduate, phd course details.

PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy, which is a high-level academic program that involves in-depth study and research in a specific field of study. The average PhD fee is in the range of INR 30,000–3 LPA .

PhD course duration is 3-5 years . The PhD syllabus includes core subjects such as research methodology, understanding of literature review, and other related topics.

PhD Admission requires students to have a 50-55% aggregate in postgraduation and qualifying entrance exams such as CSIR NET, GATE, UGC NET , etc. The PhD job scope is vast, where graduates are involved in developing new technologies or products, working on research projects with universities or organizations, etc.

Why Choose PhD Course?

PhD is one of the most prestigious degrees that a student can pursue. With the recent focus by the government to encourage research education in the country, a PhD degree is considered the most viable option.

To gain a deeper insight into "Why to choose a PhD," below are a few points listed:

• A PhD degree offers various career opportunities in research, academia, or other specialized areas of work.
• There has been an increase of 13.7% in enrollment in PhD from the previous year.
• The advancement of technology has made it easier for students to access research resources and collaborate with researchers from other countries.
• The Indian government has taken several initiatives to support and promote PhD courses in India such as MERU, IMPRINT, Prime Minister Research Fellowship, Global Initiative of Academic Networks, etc.

Read More:   PhD Jobs and scope

Before deciding whether to pursue a PhD course, it is important to understand the alignment between individual expectations and course offerings. Below is a general overview of aspirants that can pursue the PhD course:  

• A PhD qualification is for those who have a strong academic background and an interest in a career in academia or research, pursuing a PhD program is a wise choice.
• Individuals who enjoy the process of exploring new ideas, theories, and concepts in their field of study are well-suited for a PhD degree.
• Those who are interested in a career in teaching, research, or consulting in their field of study should consider pursuing a doctor of philosophy course.

The basic PhD eligibility criteria is common for most of the colleges. Given below are the PhD requirements enlisted as common criteria by various colleges for admission to PhD program:

• Candidates who have completed their postgraduation from an accredited university with a minimum of 50-55%  aggregate marks are eligible to apply for PhD course.
•  A candidate is required to clear cutoffs for entrance exams such as UGC NET, GATE, CSIR NET, BHU RET, etc as per the college requirement.
• Some universities may also require relevant work experience in the field of research to which the candidate is applying.
• There is no upper age limit to enroll in the course.

The admissions to the PhD course can be done through both online  and  offline  methods. PhD admission in India is also available from the website or by directly visiting the college's admissions office. 

Listed below is the PhD admission process in general:

• PhD registration can be carried out through online and offline methods.
• Students need to visit the website college to check for entrance exams.
• If any entrance exam is conducted, the candidate needs to qualify. 
• Once the merit list is published, candidates need to sit for a counseling session.
• Upload the necessary documents   and pay the PhD admission fees.

Read More:   PhD Admission

PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy and it is one of the prestigious courses to pursue to enhance skills and develop expertise. PhD admission is based on entrance exams held at the national, state, or institute level. Below mentioned is the list of PhD entrance exam :

• BARC PhD Admission Test
• ICMR Junior Research Fellowships
• DBT Biotechnology Eligibility Test
• BINC Examination
• BITS PhD Entrance Examination

State-level PhD Entrance Exams

Some entrance exams are conducted at state levels which can grant a candidate wishing to pursue PhD degree at the university of their choice. Here is a list regarding the information on PhD entrance exam state-wise :

A Quick Glance at the PhD Entrance Exams

The PhD eligibility criteria of the above-mentioned entrance exams are entirely dependent on the conduction body; hence it varies. While the format of the entrance exams varies on the specialization, as each college or subject has its own governing body.

Below listed are some of the general guidelines for the PhD entrance exam:

• The exam pattern includes logical, reasoning, and knowledge-based questions. The mode of the test will be both online and offline.
• The paper is MCQ based.
• The exam is divided into common and subject-specific sections.
• The syllabus, mode of examination, and question pattern may change according to a university/conduction body.
• There is no negative marketing.

PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus

PhD exam syllabus helps the candidates to prepare for the exam by delivering the necessary knowledge and information about the exam pattern. The syllabus varies according to the PhD specialisation chosen by the student such as Management, Commerce, Education , etc. Below given is the common syllabus for the common paper:

• Research Methodology
• Indian Logic
• Logical Reasoning
• Mathematics
• Verbal Reasoning
• People Development & Environment

Read More on PhD Entrance Exam Syllabus

The average PhD fees ranges from INR 30,000 - 3 LPA . The PhD course fees, however, vary as per the institute concerned according to its prestige, infrastructure, faculty, etc. Below is a list of colleges with respective fee structures:

Traditional academic study and professional practice are both combined as part of a form of a doctoral program known as an integrated PhD.

Integrated PhD programs frequently combine coursework, research, and professional experience to allow students the opportunity to get a thorough understanding of their topic.  Below mentioned are details of the Integrated PhD course:

PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy and the course duration is between 3 - 5 years, depending on the specialization students decide to pursue. In India, the PhD course provides excellent exposure to multiple opportunities and qualifies them to work in their respective research areas either in India or abroad.

Listed below are some of the top PhD specialization:

• PhD in Economics
• PhD in Computer Science
• PhD in Philosophy
• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in English

Other popular PhD course specializations are listed below:

Doctor of Philosophy courses are highly valued by employers and are essential for careers in academia and research. A student can pursue a PhD degree in various streams according to their experience, interest and, future scope.

Below is a list of the various streams in which PhD degree is available:

PhD Courses in Science 

PhD course in the Science stream aims to prepare students for careers in academia or industry, where they can apply their scientific knowledge and research skills to solve real-world problems with specialization in chemistry, botany, bioscience, etc.

Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Science:

• PhD in Mathematics
• PhD in Chemistry
• PhD in Physics
• PhD in Biotechnology
• PhD in Zoology
• PhD in Clinical Research
• PhD in Bioinformatics
• PhD in Applied Sciences
• PhD in Mathematical and Computational Sciences
• PhD in Bioscience
• PhD in Basic and Applied Science
• PhD in Environmental Science and Technology
• PhD in Botany
• PhD in Applied Chemistry and Polymer Technology

PhD Courses in Humanities and Social Science

Doctor of Philosophy course in Humanities and Social Science aims to develop the student's ability to conduct original research and to produce new insights into the social and cultural aspects of life. Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Humanities and Social Science:

• PhD in Political Science
• PhD in English
• PhD in Psychology
• PhD in Sociology
• PhD in History
• PhD in Geography
• PhD in Social Work
• PhD in Public Policy
• PhD in International Relations and Policies
• PhD in Arts 
• PhD in Humanities and Social Science
• PhD in Public and Economic Policy
• PhD in Life Science

PhD Courses in Engineering

The PhD course in Engineering aims to develop the student's ability to create innovative solutions to complex engineering problems with specializations such as civil engineering, genetic engineering, etc.

Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Engineering:

• PhD in Engineering
• PhD in Production Engineering 
• PhD in Information Technology
• PhD in Chemical Engineering 
• PhD in Quantitative Techniques
• PhD in Ceramic Engineering
• PhD in Computer Science Engineering
• PhD in Civil Engineering
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering
• PhD in Genetic Engineering
• PhD in Aeronautical and Automobile Engineering
• PhD in Marine Biotechnology

PhD Courses in Commerce

PhD programs in commerce are designed to equip students for careers in academia or research, where they can use their knowledge of research, analysis, and innovation to solve challenging problems in the fields of business and commerce.

Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Commerce:

• PhD in Commerce
• PhD in Finance
• PhD in Statistics
• PhD in Accountancy
• PhD in Commerce Management
• PhD in Business Economics
• PhD in Commerce and Management
• PhD in Accounting and Financial Management

PhD Courses in Business Management

The PhD programs in Business Management seek to develop highly qualified researchers who can contribute significantly to the business community, academia, and society by tackling the complex problems and difficulties that face organizations and economies around the globe.

Below is a list of subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD course in Business Management:

• PhD in HR Management
• PhD in Marketing
• PhD in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• PhD in Management
• PhD in Operations Management
• PhD in Organisational Behaviour
• PhD in Business Administration
• PhD in Renewable Energy
• PhD in Aviation Management
• PhD in Disaster Management

PhD Courses in Law

The goal of the PhD in law programme is to give students advanced training in legal analysis and study techniques. Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD course in Law:

• PhD in Legal Studies
• PhD in Law and Governance
• PhD in Constitutional Law
• Doctor of Law

PhD Courses in Medicine

The Doctor of Philosophy course in medicine is designed to challenge students to think critically about medical issues and to develop the ability to analyze complex medical problems. The subject areas include radiology, pathology, neuroscience , and among others.

Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Medicine:

• PhD in Physiotherapy
• PhD in Medicine
• PhD in Physiology
• PhD in Radiology
• PhD in Hospital Administration
• PhD in Medical Physics 
• PhD in Immunology
• PhD in Pathology
• PhD in Neurosciences
• PhD in Paramedical 
• Doctor of Medicine in Homoeopathy
• Doctor of Medicine in Forensic Medicine
• Doctor of Medicine in Cardiology
• Doctor of Medicine in Biochemistry

PhD Courses in Pharmacy

The PhD courses in Pharmacy's objective is to create highly qualified and knowledgeable individuals who can apply their knowledge in the workplace and make significant contributions to the field of pharmacy through study and teaching.

Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD degree in Pharmacy:

• PhD in Pharmaceutical Science
• PhD in Pharmacology
• PhD in Pharmaceutics 
• PhD in Medical Chemistry
• PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry

PhD Courses in Agriculture

The PhD courses in Agriculture seek to create creative answers to the current problems in agriculture, such as food security, climate change, and resource sustainability.

Below is a list of the subject areas in which a student can pursue PhD course in Agriculture:

• PhD in Horticulture
• PhD in Agronomy
• PhD in Agricultural Economics
• PhD in Plant Pathology

There are various categories of students who pursue PhD. Below is a list of PhD Candidates: 

• Full-Time Research Scholars: A full-time search A scholar is someone who is enrolled in a PhD programme and is devoting their full time to completing the degree requirements.
• Part-Time Research Scholars:  Applicants interested in working as part-time science staff at the institute can apply in one of the following categories:
• External Sponsored Candidates
• Self-Financed: Candidates in this category go through the normal admissions process but do not receive any financial assistance from universities.
• Sponsored: The candidates are awarded based on their merit and offered full sponsorship by Research & Development organizations to conduct research. 
• Govt. /Semi Govt. Fellowship Scheme:  The candidates are granted a fellowship by the government and hence get financial assistance through the government. 
• Study Leave Candidates: The candidates are granted three years of leave by the government/research institutes/companies to conduct research at specific institutes.
• ICCR Awardees:  Indian Council of Cultural Relations awardees, are sponsored by their respective state governments. 

Below is the list of the 10 best PhD Colleges in India:

Top PhD Colleges in Chennai

The following are the top PhD colleges in Chennai:

Top PhD Colleges in Mumbai

The following are the top PhD colleges in Mumbai:

Top PhD Colleges in Hyderabad

The following are the top PhD colleges in Hyderabad:

Top PhD Colleges in Bangalore

The top PhD colleges in Bangalore are as follows:

Top PhD Colleges in Delhi

The following are the best PhD colleges in Delhi:

Top PhD Colleges in Kolkata

The best PhD colleges in Kolkata are listed below:

Top PhD Government Colleges

Several government-funded colleges offer PhD in various courses across various streams. The PhD fees in India in government colleges range between INR 10,000-72,000 PA . Here is a tabular list of the top PhD government colleges in India:

Top PhD Private Colleges

Prestigious private institutes are spread all across India offering PhD courses. Below is a table of the top private colleges offering PhD in India:

The number of PhD applicants and students in India has been steadily increasing, indicating a positive growth trend for pursuing a PhD. Below mentioned are PhD course details of top colleges in India:

IIT Bombay PhD

IIT Bombay is one of India's best institutions to pursue a PhD. There are 35 programs in total, and applicants can specialize in any of them. Admission to the PhD programs is through a rigorous selection process that includes clearing the required cut-off for the entrance exam and clearing an interview.

Below is the table for PhD admission process:

IIT Bombay PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:

Read More:   IIT Bombay PhD

IIT Delhi PhD

Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi is one of the twenty-three IITs created to be centers of excellence for research, training, and development in science, engineering, and technology in India. IIT Delhi offers over 25 specialization options for PhD degree.

IIT Delhi PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:

Read More:   IIT Delhi PhD

IIT Madras PhD

IIT Madras is considered one of the premier institutes for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in India. The admission process is highly competitive, and candidates need to have an excellent academic record and research experience to be considered for admission.

IIT Madras PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:

Read More:  IIT Madras PhD

IIT Indore PhD

The highly regarded PhD course at IIT Indore offers students a great platform to explore their research interests and grow as successful researchers in their discipline. Additionally, the institute offers few PhD candidates financial aid in the form of research assistantships and other fellowships.

IIT Indore PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:

Read More:  IIT Indore PhD

IISC Bangalore PhD

One of India's top research universities, IISc Bangalore, offers a highly regarded PhD program in a variety of subjects, including engineering, science, humanities, and social sciences.

The PhD programs at IISc Bangalore are created to give students the chance to cooperate with business partners and some of the top researchers in their respective domains. Below is the table for PhD admission process:

IISc Bangalore PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:

Read More:  IISC Bangalore PhD

The Doctor of Philosophy courses offered by IGNOU are well-organized, and adaptable, and give students the assistance and resources they need to thrive in their chosen academic or research fields. A variety of online and offline delivery methods are used to provide the courses.

IGNOU PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:

Read More:  IGNOU PhD

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University provides a range of PhD programs in fields like law, business, engineering, and the humanities. The college also offers students to apply for PhD scholarships such as the Earn and Learn Scheme, EBC, Maulana Azad National Fellowship, and Merit Scholarship of the University.

Read More: BAMU PhD

Amity University PhD

Amity University, Noida is a well-known institute with campuses throughout India. Without a doubt, pursuing a doctoral program here is something to think about. The university offers over 70 different doctoral programs. 

Amity University PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:

Read More:  Amity University PhD

JNU, or Nehru University, is one of India's best universities, particularly for studies where students have the chance to work with experts from different countries and conduct interdisciplinary research.  A variety of integrated courses are also available through JNU, including MPhil-PhD, MTech-PhD , and MSc-PhD . 

JNU PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:

Read More: JNU PhD

Delhi University or DU is one of the best colleges in Delhi, as well as in overall India. The university is renowned for its research and teaching excellence, and its faculty members are highly qualified and experienced

DU PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:

Read More: DU PhD

Gujarat Technical University or GTU offers various range of PG and Doctoral Programs to students with research and teaching opportunities, such as seminars and workshops, which can help students gain a deeper understanding of their chosen field.

GTU PhD courses are offered in various specializations as mentioned below:

Read More: GTU PhD

The course and subjects for a PhD degree depend on the specialization aspirants decide to pursue.  Listed below are some common PhD subjects that students, regardless of their chosen stream, will get a chance to study: 

• Ethics of Interviewing for a Research Course
• How to Write a Research Proposal
• Introduction to Social Media as a Research Tool

Read More: PhD Syllabus and Subjects

PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy, it is one of the highest degrees a student can pursue. PhD duration is 3-5 years and throughout the tenure, the aim is to develop an in-depth understanding of students related to theories, research techniques, and most recent developments in their field of study. There are also other courses for students that offer similar career opportunities to students.

MPhil vs PhD

The table below shows the difference between MPhil and PhD:

The table below shows the difference between MBA and PhD:

The table below shows the difference PhD and MD:

PhD graduate salary is influenced by various factors such as experience, skills, industry outlook, etc. According to Glassdoor, a PhD graduate's average salary is INR 6 LPA in India. The individual can increase their compensation by working on the above factors and keep on learning as per the job dynamics.

Read More:   PhD Salary

A Doctor of Philosophy graduate has a broad spectrum of lucrative employability opportunities in a wide variety of industries and areas of employment, such as:

• Learning Counsel
• Research Scientist

PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy and the aim of the course is to enhance the research in the country for which the government has taken various initiatives in the field of education and research to provide scholarships to students.

Below is a list of some of the PhD Scholarship: 

• National Fellowship for ST students
• National Fellowship (NF) for OBC students
• UGC NET Fellowship
• Maulana Azad National Fellowship
• ICSSR Research Fellowship
• Two fellowships instituted by Research Center on Rural Problem
• Two fellowships instituted by VasantraoNaik Research Centre
• Earn and Learn Scheme
• University Scholar Fellowship, Shetkari & Shetmajur Palya Scholar Fellowship

Read More: PhD Scholarships

PhD graduates need to have skills to help them succeed in their professional lives. After they have completed their research, aspirants will need these skills to ensure that they succeed in their workplace. Some of these skills include:

• Quantitative Analysis Skills
• Research Skills
• Analytical Skills
• The Ability to Work Under Pressure
• Interpersonal Skills

Top PhD [Doctor of Philosophy] Colleges

Chennai,Tamil Nadu

IISc Bangalore

Bangalore,Karnataka

Mumbai,Maharashtra

Delhi,Delhi NCR

Kanpur,Uttar Pradesh

IIT Kharagpur

Kharagpur,West Bengal

IIT Roorkee

Roorkee,Uttarakhand

IIT Guwahati

Guwahati,Assam

PhD Fee Structure

Faqs on phd.

Q: Is PhD a good career choice?

A: Yes PhD is a good choice for candiates who wants to work in research, academia, or other specialized areas of work.

Q: What are the jobs after PhD in India?

A: After completing PhD graduates can work as consultants, researchers, professors, and R&D industry experts in India.

Q: What are the PhD benefits in India?

A: A PhD program is a great opportunity to advance your education and job opportunities in India with increasing government focus to encourage researches in India in coming time. Having a PhD can have a variety of advantages, including expanding your access to higher-level research opportunities and raising your income potential.

Q: What is a PhD Fellowship?

A: A PhD Fellowship is a type of grant awarded to individuals who are pursuing a doctoral degree. The fellowship often pays for tuition, fees, and a living allowance, freeing up students to concentrate on their research and studies without having to worry about money.

Q: What is the full form of PhD?

A: PhD full form is Doctor of Philosophy.

Q: What is PhD age limit in India?

A: There is no upper age limit to enrol in PhD in India.

Q: Is GATE mandatory for PhD after MTech?

A: After obtaining an MTech, GATE scores are practically necessary for admission to doctoral programs, notably at IITs and NITs. Also some of the Indian universities and institutions conduct their own PhD entrance exam for admission.

Q: Can I do PhD after graduation?

A: For direct admission to a PhD degree, students must have finished a four-year undergraduate programme, as recently notified by UGC.

See Various PhD Colleges in India

Graduate Education

Office of graduate and postdoctoral education, peer tutoring available for grad students and select courses.

Aug 17, 2024

This fall, Georgia Tech is excited to launch its pilot partnership with Knack, the fastest-growing peer learning platform for college students, to offer specialized tutorial services for select first-year graduate courses. This initiative is designed to support graduate students by providing access to peer tutors who have excelled in the same classes.

All students enrolled in select graduate-level courses will have access to free peer tutoring. Peer tutoring is available for on-campus and online students. For a complete list of participating courses, click here .

Knack’s easy-to-use platform allows grad students who need tutoring to book sessions with verified Georgia Tech grad peer tutors who previously aced the courses in which they offer assistance. To view available tutors, visit  gatech.joinknack.com and sign in using your student account.

Interested in becoming a peer tutor?   

Graduate students interested in becoming paid peer tutors must have received an A in the course they’d like to provide tutoring services. Interested students should visit gatech.joinknack.com, to create a verified tutoring profile and get paid to complete tutor training before helping students.  This opportunity is open to US citizens and permanent residents. Please note that Knack does not meet the federal regulatory definition of an on-campus employer. As such, F-1 student visa holders who engage in work as a peer tutor for Knack will be in violation of the F-1 student visa status. To learn more about employment eligibility as a visa holder, please visit the OIE web resource:  F-1 Employment Overview | Office of International Education (gatech.edu).   

Interested students should visit  gatech.joinknack.com , to create a verified tutoring profile and get paid to complete tutor training before helping students. 

This initiative’s funding is expected to extend throughout the 2024-25 academic year.  Tutoring will remain free for this school year and will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Through this partnership, Georgia Tech aims to enhance the academic success of its students and foster a collaborative learning environment for its graduate community.

Dr. Bonnie Ferri, vice provost for Graduate and Postdoctoral Education, highlights the importance of introducing a tutoring program for core courses to promote academic success across students from diverse backgrounds. She appreciates the advocacy of the Graduate Student Government Association for their support of introducing Knack peer tutoring, part of the Graduate Transformative Teaching and Learning initiative. For further information about Graduate TTL, visit https://gradpostdoc.gatech.edu/mission-and-strategic-initiatives/ttl . 

For more information, please visit  gatech.joinknack.com . 

Brittani Hill | Marketing and Communications Manager 

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Undergraduate

15-1 Management Course Roadmap

This roadmap should be viewed as one plan for structuring your schedule. There is a lot of flexibility when you take Course 15 classes. Even if you think it is too late to declare Course 15, email: [email protected] or come see us in E52-150 (Suite 133). Subjects that fulfill both  Course 15-1  and  GIR  requirements are bold.

15-1 Management Single Major PDF

Beginning Sophomore Year Fall

First year fall.

• Science GIR

First Year Spring

Sophomore year fall.

• 15.069  or  18.05  or 14.30 [REST] 1                                      
• 15.301 [CI-M, LAB] or  15.312 [CI-M] 2                               
• 15.501                                                                             

Sophomore Year Spring

• 15.276 or 15.279 [CI-M]
• 15-1 Restricted Elective
• HASS                                                                                     

Junior Year Fall

• 14.01 [HASS-S] or 15.0111 4                                               
• 15-1 Restricted Elective                                                
• 15-1 Concentration Elective 3
• Science GIR

Junior Year Spring

• REST Subject 5

Senior Year Fall

• 15-1 Concentration Elective 3                          
• HASS  or Elective 4 6                                                           
• Elective(s) 6                                                                       
• HASS                                                                               

Senior Year Spring

• Elective(s) 6

Beginning Sophomore Year Spring

Sophomore fall, sophomore spring.

• HASS          
• 15.069  or  18.05  or 14.30 [REST] 1                                            
• 15.301 [CI-M, LAB] or  15.312 [CI-M] 2                                                     
• 14.01 [HASS-S] or 15.0111 4  
• 15-1 Restricted Elective
• HASS or Elective

Beginning Junior Year Fall

• 15.069  or  18.05  or 14.30 [REST] 1                                      
• 15.501       
• HASS        
• 14.01 [HASS-S] or 15.0111 4                                              
• 15-1 Restricted Elective                                            
• HASS or Elective 4 6
• 15-1 Concentration Elective 3  

Notes: 1 Contact the MIT Sloan Undergrad Office for alternative options for the Probability & Statistics requirement. Please note, the course or courses MUST cover both Probability and Statistics in depth similar to 15.069 . Course 15/6 and 15/14 double majors can petition Course 6/Course 14 to count 15.069 as a substitute for 14.30 or 18.05 .

2 Students who choose to take 15.312 need an Institute LAB . The Course 15 choices are: 15.076 (may count as a Concentration Elective ); 15.417 (counts as a Restricted Elective); or 15.418 (may count as a Concentration Elective) . The Institute LAB can also be fulfilled with a non-Course 15 Institute LAB.

3 For sample 15-1 Concentrations and more information, see the  Concentration Guide .

4 14.01 is a HASS subject. 15.0111 is not a HASS subject. If students take 15.0111, the 9 units will count toward the 180 units beyond GIRs and students will need to take another HASS subject.

5 Please note that students can use no more than one subject in their department to fulfill the  REST requirement . Depending on the subject and concentration, the second REST subject may count as a Concentration Elective.

6 57-72 additional units will be needed to accrue the 180 units beyond GIRs.

7 See ‘Choosing Between Alternate Versions of Subjects’ below for advice on course selection.

Choosing Between Alternate Versions of Subjects

Communications: 15.276 has a focus on presenting quantitative information to non-quantitative people in a business setting. 15.279 focuses on communicating in a broader range of business situations. Both 15.276 and 15.279 have small class sizes with lots of opportunities for practicing planned and impromptu presentations.

People, Teams, and Organizations / Organizational Processes: 15.301 and 15.312 are similar in content and deliverables to a HASS course. 15.301 and 15.312 are separate courses though there is significant overlap in content between them. Also, although 15.301 is 15 units and 15.312 is 12 units, the amount of work is similar. Students who take 15.312 will need an alternate Institute LAB .

15-1 Restricted Electives: The 15-1 Restricted Electives for the Management major are considered the foundations for deeper study in the concentrations. Restricted electives should help to inform students of which concentration they would be most interested in completing and how they should organize their subject choices within the concentration.

15-1 Concentration Electives: Students are given a lot of flexibility in determining their concentration and the classes that will count toward the concentration. Some concentration electives can also be double counted towards other majors/minors or HASS requirement. The Undergraduate Office and your advisor are good resources for planning your concentration electives depending on your professional and skill acquisition goals. See the 15-1 Concentration Guide .

Microeconomics: 14.01 counts as a HASS subject and is a prerequisite for higher level Course 14 courses. 15.0111 is a great option for those looking for a focus on using microeconomic principles in business decision making and/or are not looking to do advanced work in Economics.

Probability & Statistics: We anticipate that the majority of Course 15 students will take 15.069, as it involves how to apply probability and statistics in different business areas/situations. 14.30 is an  alternative for Course 14/15 and 6-14/15 double majors. 18.05 is an alternative for Course 6 and 18 majors. Contact the Sloan Undergrad Office for alternative options for the Probability & Statistics requirement. Please note, the course or courses MUST cover both Probability and Statistics in depth similar to 15.069.

Course 15 subjects with a '1' in the fourth decimal place (ex. 15.433/15.4331): The subject number with an extra '1' is the undergraduate number of the graduate subject. They meet together, in that they share the same lecture and deliverables, but the faculty have a different expectation and evaluation criteria for the undergraduates as compared to the graduate students (due mainly to the difference in professional experience that students have to draw upon). The undergraduate course number was added as a way to hold seats specifically for undergraduates. As with all undergraduate Course 15 subjects, there is no bidding necessary.

Contact the Undergraduate Team

Meet the team.

Scott Alessandro

Senior Director, Undergraduate Programs

Rianna Allen-Charles

Associate Director, Sloan Undergraduate Programs

Karyn E Glemaud-Anis

Assistant Director, Undergraduate Programs

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Division of graduate studies menu, division of graduate studies, ge teaching assistant for global studies courses.

Department:  Global Studies FTE:  0.40 or 0.45 Terms:  Fall  Academic Year:  2024

The Department of Global Studies seeks GE Teaching Assistants as discussion leaders and graders for various Global Studies courses for our fall term. The specific course level will be determined at a later date. This position is open to graduate students with interest and expertise/experience relevant to the course(s) they are applying for. The successful candidate will assist the instructor of record with grade assignments and exams.

Preferred Qualifications:

•        Experience teaching a topic in Global Studies •        Basic computer skills (Word, PPT, Excel, and Canvas) •        Communication and problem-solving skills (team teaching) •        The ability to follow instructions, work accurately and in a timely fashion GE applicants would have interest and expertise/experience relevant to:      GLBL 101 - Introduction to Global Issues      GLBL 240 - Perspectives on International Development      GLBL 340 - Global Health and Development      GLBL 360 - International Cooperation and Conflict      GLBL 370 - International Human Rights      GLBL 431 - Cross-Cultural Communication

Application Procedure:

**THIS POSTING IS A LATE HIRE AND MAY RESULT IN A DELAYED FIRST PAY PERIOD •        Fill out GE application at https://graduatestudies.uoregon.edu/sites/default/files/ge-application.pdf           application.pdf AND INCLUDE A CV •        Email materials to the Department Head and Director of Graduate Studies for Global            Studies, Professor Yvonne Braun ( [email protected] ) •        Deadline: Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Application Email:  [email protected]

Deadline Date:  Wednesday, 09-04-24

Open Until Filled:  Yes Open Until Filled, Review Begins On:  Thursday, 09-05-24

Contact Information: Professor Yvonne Braun Department of Global Studies School of Global Studies and Languages 114 Friendly Hall University of Oregon Eugene, OR 97403-1248

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2024-2025 Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog

Dsa 390 - ethics and professionalism in data science.

Entire Catalog Colleges Content & Navigation Course Filters Courses Degree Types Program Acronyms Program Descriptions Program Emphases Program Requirements Program Types Subjects Search Search Help Search Descriptions

This course presents local and global impacts of data science and data analysis on individuals, organizations and society. Topics include the requirements of professional ethics and responsibilities, personal privacy, security and legal issues. Provides preparation for an internship in data science. Offered fall and winter semesters. Prerequisite: Admission to the data science and analytics major.

If you are in need of assistance please submit any questions or comments .

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First-Year Requirements

In addition to your UC application, we take both your academic record and your personal experiences into consideration during the review process . At UCLA, we seek students who have excelled academically and gained valuable perspective from the personal experiences that have helped shape their lives.

Read on to find out more.

The Criteria We Consider

When reviewing an application, we implement a holistic review process, which includes looking at some of the following criteria:

• Achievement in high school or college coursework
• Personal qualities
• Likely contributions to the intellectual and cultural vitality of our campus
• Achievement in academic enrichment programs
• Other achievements in any field of intellectual or creative endeavor, including the performing arts, athletics, community service, etc.

Academic Preparation

You must complete 15 A-G courses with at least 11 courses finished prior to the beginning of your last year of high school. To be competitive in the UCLA admission process, applicants should present an academic profile much stronger than any minimum UC admission requirements.  See below for a listing of the A-G requirements:

• 2 years history/social science
• 4 years of college-preparatory English
• 3 years of mathematics (4 years recommended)
• 2 years of laboratory science (3 years recommended)
• 2 years of language other than English (3 years recommended)
• 1 year of visual and performing arts (if available)
• 1 year of college-preparatory elective

Keep in mind that there is no single academic path we expect all students to follow. However, competitive applicants earn high marks in the most rigorous curriculum available to them.   Each application for admission is reviewed within the context of courses available to that student. If a particular required subject is not available, we’ll consider your application without it.

Standardized Testing (SAT/ACT)

UCLA will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes.

If you choose to submit test scores as part of your application, they may be used as an alternative method of fulfilling minimum requirements for eligibility or for course placement after you enroll.

UCLA’s ACT number: 0448 UCLA’s College Board (SAT) number: 4837

Personal Insight Questions

These personal questions are just that — personal. This is your chance to augment the information elsewhere in your application and give us more insight into you during the review process.  Our hope is to hear your true, authentic voice in your responses.   As a first-year applicant, you may respond to four of eight questions. Each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words. Which questions you choose to answer is entirely up to you. You should select questions that are most relevant to your experience and that best reflect your individual circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Because we receive more applicants than we have room to accept, admitted students usually have academic achievements far higher than the minimum requirements. So, to be “competitive” is to be among the strongest achieving students to apply.

We look for students who take advantage of the academic opportunities available to them. If you have advanced courses, we encourage you to take advantage of them. The University of California adds extra weight to grades received in UC-certified honors, AP, IB and transferable college courses.

We do not require or accept letters of recommendation in our process and we do not collect transcripts at the point of application . However, once admitted, students are required to submit official transcripts f rom any high school or college they have attended . Some professional schools may request a letter of recommendation as part of their supplemental application process.

We do not offer admission interviews. Applicants are considered for admission based upon the information they submit in the UC application . However, some majors in our  specialty schools require a supplemental application as part of their admission process. Supplemental applications may involve an audition, portfolio submission and/or letters of recommendation. Find out more from the supplemental applications page.

Supplemental Applications

Of course, a strong academic performance combined with sustained, meaningful involvement in extracurricular activities is the ideal. But if it comes down to a choice between excelling in your coursework or your extracurricular activities, choose your academics.

UCLA will honor full IGETC certification from a first-year student if the requirements were completed before entering UC. Partial IGETC, however, will not be accepted from entering first-years at any UC campus and IGETC is not recommended for applicants to the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.