jobs for phd degree

Choosing a Career

• Mar 8, 2023

The 10 Best Jobs to Get with a Doctoral Degree

They pay well too!

Hayley Ramsey

HR Writer and Editor

Reviewed by Chris Leitch

You’ve spent 3–4 years — possibly more! — working hard to get to where you are now. But what’s your next step? If you’re still exploring your options and trying to decide which path to take, you might be wondering what jobs are available to those with a doctorate.

We’ve looked into the 10 best jobs to get with a doctoral degree, from clinical psychologist to business operations manager to biostatistician. We’ve explained what they do and how to get into the role, and we’ve also covered what they earn according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

10. College or university professor

What they do: University and college professors teach higher-education students all about a particular topic. Whether it’s science-based or humanities-based, you could impart your wisdom on fledgling students and earn money while you’re doing it. The role will include teaching, marking exams and papers, and giving support to your students.

How to become: To become a professor, you’ll need to complete your PhD program and also complete a teaching qualification, which can sometimes be completed while doing the job itself. For some subjects, the university or college will require a few years’ work experience, too. You’ll need to be a good communicator and have great organizational skills to be successful as a post-secondary teacher.

What they earn: $79,640 per year

9. Computer systems analyst

What they do: A computer systems analyst combines their knowledge of STEM subjects to develop and implement solutions to complex computer problems. They work alongside programmers and system architects to build computer systems that help organizations operate more efficiently.

How to become: To do this job, you’ll need a PhD in a STEM-related subject like computer science or mathematics. You’ll also need strong analytical skills, as you’ll be charged with interpreting complex information and you’ll be responsible for figuring out how certain changes will affect a project. On top of this, you’ll need to have excellent creativity and problem-solving skills, as the role involves creating innovative solutions to problems.

What they earn: $99,270 per year

8. Data scientist

What they do: A data scientist is responsible for sorting and analyzing large sets of data to determine trends and meaning for a company. They’ll transform this data into legible reports for management so they can fully understand the data they’re being presented. Data scientists will also develop systems and algorithms to export data, develop statistical techniques, and research the best ways to collect the data, too.

How to become: To become a data scientist , you’ll need to be proficient in IT systems and processes, which you’ll have experienced (to some degree) during your PhD — depending on the topic you studied. If your PhD is in computer science , you’re well on your way to being qualified for this job, and all that’s left to do is earn a professional certification in the area you want to work in.

What they earn: $100,910 per year

7. Mechanical engineer

What they do: A mechanical engineer is responsible for researching, designing, developing, manufacturing and installing mechanical components in different systems. This is usually focused around machinery but can range from creating systems for entire buildings to creating instruments for space exploration.

How to become: Mechanical engineers usually have a PhD in mechanical engineering or engineering technologies. You can also complete an ABET-accredited program in engineering technology, which is usually required to become a licensed engineer. To be successful in this role, you need to be able to apply basic engineering concepts and processes to the design of new systems and devices, and will need excellent problem-solving skills, too.

What they earn: $95,300 per year

What they do: Curators are responsible for collecting and collating various artefacts for collections to be displayed in a museum. There are many kinds of curator, such as academic curators, digital art curators and those who focus on a particular section, such as Renaissance art. They’re responsible for making sure exhibits are stored correctly to preserve them and for arranging the restoration of precious items they’ve got for a particular collection (if necessary).

How to become: To become a curator after you’ve completed your PhD, you’d be best gaining some work experience in the area you’d like to work in, whether that’s the liberal arts or historical artefacts from Egypt. You’ll also need to work on your project management skills , as you’ll be responsible for organizing and managing different projects — and managing others in your team. Having a PhD might mean you can come in a little higher on the career ladder , too.

What they earn: $63,880 per year

5. Business operations manager

What they do: A business operations manager is responsible for the business administration of a company, which includes things like monitoring day-to-day business operations, communicating with business partners, and negotiating deals and improving the overall performance of the business.

How to become: To become a business operations manager, you’ll need to have a PhD in business management or another related field, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and good problem-solving skills . It’s also a good idea to gain an understanding of accounting and finance, as you’ll be responsible for overseeing money handling and accounting processes.

What they earn: $115,250 per year

4. Health and safety engineer

What they do: Health and safety engineers have the highest-paying job on this list and are responsible for implementing safety policies for employees to follow. They also create safety reports and analyze their findings to make improvements in the future, and will conduct audits to make sure that businesses are abiding by the laws set out.

How to become: To do this job, you’ll need excellent problem-solving skills, as you’ll need to solve health and safety issues that arise quickly to avoid any injuries. You’ll also need to flex your analytical thinking skills , which you’ll probably have experience with when you were completing your PhD. Health and safety engineers work in a collaborative environment, so you need to be comfortable working together with others. If you want to pursue this career, you’ll have more success if you get some practical on-the-job experience.

What they earn: $99,040 per year

3. Epidemiologist

What they do: Epidemiologists are tasked with investigating diseases, identifying those at risk and figuring out how to control the disease — or prevent it altogether to improve public health. These scientists research, observe and study diseases, interact with people to study outbreaks, and perform tests to collect data.

How to become: This role requires a doctoral degree to be successful. While it’s not an absolute must, if you want to direct a research project, you’re going to need to finish your PhD. You’ll need to have strong critical thinking skills , an excellent understanding of math and statistical data, and have effective computer skills.

What they earn: $78,830 per year

2. Biostatistician

What they do: A biostatistician collects and analyzes data and statistics from living things. They then make conclusions and develop predictions. Their work benefits many areas, like creating new medicines and preventing outbreaks of disease. Their medical research is usually based around people and animals, and they work on clinical trials and studies with other scientists and researchers.

How to become: You’ll need a PhD in either statistics or public health if you want to follow this career path . It’s best to get some experience in the field if you can, so make sure to explore any internship opportunities available at a research institute or pharmaceutical company. You’ll also need good communication skills to be able to present your findings, be confident working in a team, and have good time management skills so you can meet the deadlines.

What they earn: $99,450 per year

1. Philosopher

What they do: Those who are a Doctor of Philosophy usually spend their time teaching others about ethics and questioning everything about the world. They partake in moral and spiritual questions around the human condition, and they often work in colleges. They can also provide consultation services to businesses and governments.

How to become: To become a philosopher, you’ll need to complete your PhD (usually a philosophy degree ). If you’ve already completed your PhD, you could look into working on a contract basis with companies looking for advisors. If you do want to work in a college or university, you’ll need to complete a teaching qualification.

What they earn: $88,260 per year

Final thoughts

Whatever your specialty, there’s an array of career paths to choose from when you have a doctoral degree. The best thing to do when trying to decide which path to take is to think about your specialty specifically. What is it about this subject that interests you? Is there a job that includes this that you can think of? If so, look into the requirements for that job and get the ball rolling. You’ve done the hard part, but now comes the next hard part: landing a job .

Want to recommend any other jobs that require a doctoral degree? Let us know in the comments section below.

Originally published on June 18, 2015.

Courses and Qualifications

Career Exploration

• PhD Careers – What to Do After a PhD

Choosing what to do after your PhD isn’t always easy, particularly when you’re not sure if you want to work in academia. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of career opportunities that come with a PhD – and a good chance it’ll increase your earning potential.

This page contains an overview of some jobs you can do after a PhD. We've covered routes into academia , including postdocs and fellowships , as well as permanent academic positions . We've also expored some non-academic career options for PhD graduates .

To help you make the best decision, we also have guides on PhD employability and earnings , and how you can decide if PhD study is worth it .

We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Will a PhD help you get a job or earn a better salary? And what are your career prospects in and outside of academia?

Everything you need to know about part-time and full-time work as a student or recent graduate in the USA.

Everything you need to know about part-time and full-time work in Germany as a student or recent graduate in Germany.

Academic careers

If you’re completing or applying for a PhD, it’s likely that at some point you’ll consider working in academia. Academia is the career path of researchers who work to advance teaching and research in institutes of education. While most academics are employed by universities, institutes could include government-funded experiments or sites of historical preservation, for example.

The main objective of academia is to produce original research. Though not all academics work in university, this page shall focus mainly on the university progression path.

How much do academics earn?

According to official data produced by HESA, in 2021-22 most full-time academics employed by a university in the UK were salaried between £47,419 to £63,668 . The second largest salary range, with just over 33% of academics falling into, was £35,326 to £47,419.

Average pay, however, will depend on the department. For example, those working in Biological, Mathematical and Physical Sciences are more likely to earn between £34,000-£45,000 . Whereas, surprisingly, in the Humanities, Language Studies and Archaeology a higher percentage of academics were earning above £45,000 . This, however, is likely because the sciences tend to have more job opportunities for early career researchers, thus lowering the average rate of pay.

How to become an academic

To become an academic in the UK it’s increasingly expected that candidates will have a doctoral degree . In order to obtain a doctoral degree at least an upper second-class undergraduate degree will be needed, and usually a Masters as well.

After finishing a PhD there are two different routes that can be taken to achieve a permanent position:

• The first route focuses more on teaching . After completing a PhD, graduates might take up part-time teaching roles. The experience gained will make them more competitive candidates to apply for research or teaching fellowships and permanent lecture positions.
• Alternatively, PhD graduates looking to focus on research might apply for at least one post-doctoral position. Having completed a postdoc, you will then be able to apply for fellowships and lectureships.

Candidates are not always expected to have completed a fellowship to apply for a lectureship. These roles can be obtained after completing a postdoc or teaching experience.

Postdocs and fellowships

Both postdocs (post-doctoral positions) and fellowships are fixed term contracts of research that employ recent PhD graduates. Usually contracts will be between one to four years and applicants will be expected to have completed their PhD no more than five years prior.

The main difference between postdocs and fellowships is the level of responsibility and control granted over a research project.

What is a postdoc?

A postdoc is a temporary funded research position at a university or in industry. Postdocs work under the supervision of a research group or established academic and are considered an employee, unlike PhD students. Some roles will include teaching responsibilities and assistant supervisory roles to students. Responsibilities will also include grant writing, funding applications and administrative duties.

Sometimes postdocs can be referred to as Postdoctoral Research Assistants or Postdoctoral Research Fellows. A postdoc, however, is not the same as a fellowship.

What is a fellowship?

Research fellowships are competitive and prestigious positions. Unlike postdocs, you will be funded to complete your own research project. Some positions will also guarantee a permanent academic role after completion. To successfully achieve a fellowship, you’ll need an interesting and viable research project, a history of academic excellence, and experience in writing successful funding or grant applications.

The other type is a teaching fellowship . These roles are not always for early career academics and will be offered to senior researchers so make sure you check the job description.

Do you need a postdoc or fellowship to work in academia?

Technically you do not need to have completed a postdoc or fellowship to work in academia, but it is becoming increasingly expected.

Employment in academia is more competitive each year as the number of PhDs rewarded is increasing, whereas the available permanent academic positions are not. The experience gained from completing one or more temporary positions can help you increase the competitiveness of your CV, make connections and build a positive reputation within the academic community.

Permanent positions and tenure

If you’re able to demonstrate a high level of skill in research through publications and successful funding applications, then you may be eligible for a permanent position.

Lectureships

Lecturing jobs are an entry level permanent position. Sometimes referred to as Assistant Professors, lecturers are required to teach, conduct independent research and administrative duties.

Usually lecture jobs have a probationary period of three to four years before the job is considered permanent. This period will also require successful completion of various training programmes.

The next level of academic rank is Senior Lecturer or Reader . Traditionally a senior lecturer’s position focuses on teaching whereas a reader will conduct more research. Reader positions, however, are becoming less common. Senior lecturers can also be referred to as Associate Professors, a title which is more commonly used in America.

To qualify for a promotion, you’ll usually be required to provide evidence of significant progression to a panel. Evidence could include publications, grants and contributions to teaching. Though there is no expected time frame, lecturers are often successfully promoted to senior roles after four or five years.

Professorships

Professor is the most senior position in academia. They are expected to have extensively contributed to their research field, usually having multiple published monographs, and to have taken advanced leadership roles within their department.

What is tenure?

Tenure is a form of employment security common in North America that protects lecturers from being fired without proper cause. In the UK, however, academics in permanent roles receive the same employment security offered to every worker, though the details can change depending on the hiring institution.

Non-academic careers

Not all PhD students remain in academia after graduation. Many PhD graduates are able to thrive in industry roles because of the skills gained throughout their degree.

According to the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) just over 70% of PhD holders are no longer working in academia three and a half years after finishing their PhD, so you certainly won’t be in the minority if you decide that this is the best route for you!

You will have developed plenty of transferrable skills and hands-on experience during your PhD. These will serve you well when it comes to finding a job and help distinguish you from Bachelors and Masters graduates.

You’ll find PhD holders in all walks of life. From pharmaceuticals to the public sector, PhD graduates are not short of options. You also don't have to begin your industry career straight after graduation. You could go from academia to industry (or the other way around) at any point in your career.

If you're interested in the type of industry work you may be qualified for, here are some illustrative examples of PhD jobs:

• A PhD in the Arts and Humanities demonstrates excellent written communication, presentation skills, creativity and analytical thinking. You may be suited to work for jobs in the Publishing industry , Digital Marketing or Civil Service .
• A PhD in Biological and Medical Sciences builds specialist subject knowledge, data proficiency and collaborative skills. This will compliment work in industries such as Pharmaceuticals , Genomics or Clinical Care .
• A PhD in Business and Finance will help build organisational and data experience that could benefit careers in Accountancy , Data Science or Consultancy .
• A PhD in Chemical Sciences will provide you with laboratory skills and an advanced understanding of chemistry needed to benefit jobs in Chemical Engineering , Industrial Chemistry and Food Technology .
• A PhD in Earth Sciences could set graduates up for careers in Construction , Environmental Protection or Mineral Surveying , utilising analytical skills and strong subject knowledge.
• PhDs in Engineering have a strong emphasis on project management and practical construction. This could aid jobs in Management Consultancy and Finance as well as more practical fields such as Aeronautics .
• The specialist knowledge gained from a PhD in Law can enable students to comfortably enter industries such as Investment . Additionally, soft skills gained in communication will help in careers such as Teaching or Public Engagement .
• A PhD in Maths and Computing could benefit jobs in Finance , Investment or Web Development , complimenting skills in logic, problem solving and data.
• A PhD in the Physical Sciences demonstrates experience with software and data. This could set graduates up to work in Software Engineering , Data Science or even Sound Engineering .
• A PhD in Social Science and Health requires a deep understanding of human society on a macro or micro level. Graduates may find themselves working in Epidemiology , Public Health or Social Work .

You may be inclined to apply for jobs relating to the subject of your research or previous studies. But a PhD is a versatile enough qualification that you can often look outside your discipline area.

Non-academic PhD graduate jobs in STEM subjects

A PhD in a STEM subject can be used in a broad range of non-academic contexts, from industrial research settings to the public sector. Industry careers for STEM PhD holders could involve intellectual property, regulatory matters, big data, pharmaceuticals or consultancy.

Non-academic PhD graduate jobs in the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

If your PhD is in an Arts, Humanities or Social Science (AHSS) discipline, the skills you have to offer differ from STEM PhD holders.

Your aptitudes as a AHSS PhD graduate are likely to be suited for industries where communication skills are necessary. The ability to research and write about complex topics will be in-demand across any number of leading companies and sectors. Also, creative thinking will be highly valued by employers in strategic planning or industries such as marketing.

Making the transition to a non-academic career

You should invest some time during your PhD for personal and professional development (this is true if you want to stay in academia too!).

Even if you attend none of the formal training courses offered by your department, your PhD itself will provide you with many skills. When leaving academia, you'll need to translate your skills so they make sense to the industry and commercial employers. Think outside the box and take stock of what you are good at or have experience in.

Some translation examples include:

• The dissertation shows you're capable of presenting and organising large amounts of information.
• Having published papers shows you can communicate information across a range of formats.
• If you did interviews for your PhD project, you might graduate with skills in questionnaire design, sensitivity and data analysis.

There’s always a way to link your academic experience to the commercial world. Be prepared to do this in any upcoming job interviews.

It’s also a good idea to move away from the long, multiple page academic CV that you might be used to. Employers won’t read them. They also won’t be interested in scanning a lengthy list of articles. Instead, you should mention that you’ve had several publications without detailing every instance.

Want to find out more about PhD careers?

Check out our guide to PhD employability and earnings . Then, head to our course listings to find your perfect PhD opportunity .

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PhD / Doctorate Careers in Health Care

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8 Careers You Can Pursue With a Doctorate in Education

Industry Advice Education

By earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree, you’re preparing yourself for a career with lasting impact—on students, on the future of a college or university, on your community, or on the trajectory of a nonprofit trying to improve other communities locally and abroad.

You’re also positioning yourself for advancement. Professionals who earn an EdD are qualified for roles leading and operating schools at the elementary, high school, or college level. They learn to lead in a way that can be effective at the front of a classroom or at the ground level of an organization.

An EdD signals to employers that you’re a thought leader; that you’re someone who’s demonstrated the capacity to identify a problem, examine issues from multiple perspectives, and offer relevant insights for practical solutions. With your doctorate in hand, you’re prepared to take on a leadership role across a variety of industries.

Here’s a look at the types of positions EdD graduates pursue and eight of the top careers available in the field. 

Download our free guide to earning your EdD

Learn how an EdD can give you the skills to enact organizational change in any industry.

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What types of positions do EdD students pursue?

Northeastern’s EdD students cultivate their leadership skills in the program by integrating practice and insights from experienced faculty and high-achieving peers . They come from diverse fields, including business, criminal justice, healthcare, military, human services, and the nonprofit sector. Their job titles and careers are just as diverse, with students working as policymakers, systems analysts, and administrative leaders within higher education institutions, nonprofit organizations, and governmental agencies.

Top careers for doctor of education graduates

1. college president.

Median annual salary: $332,655

Presidents are the top leaders of a college or university. They establish and execute their school’s strategic vision, spearhead fundraising, attend student events, and deliver speeches to a variety of constituents, such as donors, lawmakers, government, and faculty, to raise the profile of the institution both locally and abroad. They also collaborate with senior administrators, faculty, and staff to devise new ways to support students and improve their learning environment while maintaining high academic standards. Depending on the type of public or private institution they lead, college presidents can earn impressive seven-figure salaries . 

2. Chief learning officer

Median annual salary: $156,399

In education, top executive roles include positions like “chief learning officer”—a senior-level professional who develops and drives strategies that help their college or university meet critical business goals. Chief learning officers (CLOs) focus on creating strategies for training, learning, and development, and typically oversee an insitution’s latest technologies, such as its online learning platform.

Median annual salary: $169,093

A provost—or vice president, depending on the college or university—is a senior-level academic administrator who tends to be second in command after the president. Provosts work closely with deans and department heads and help determine their institution’s academic goals and priorities, as well as how to allocate the resources necessary to support those initiatives. They often oversee daily operations and work to hire and retain a diverse faculty. 

4. School superintendent

Median annual salary: $145,399

Superintendents are the top executives of a school district. They’re responsible for establishing and overseeing their district’s budget, staffing, infrastructure, and spending. Superintendents collaborate closely with a school board to develop and implement new policies and programs in line with the district’s short- and long-term goals, as well as allocate the financial and human resources necessary to achieve the district’s overarching vision.

5. Elementary, middle, or high school principal

Median annual salary: $104,360

Principals oversee the daily operations of an elementary, middle, or high school. They hire teachers and staff, manage the budget, and enforce disciplinary rules when necessary. Principals also develop and assess educational programming aimed at achieving student learning outcomes, all while striving to create and maintain a positive learning environment. More than 20,000 principal positions are expected to emerge each year between 2022 and 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

A principal’s salary might differ depending on whether he or she works at an elementary, middle, or high school. According to PayScale, the median wages for principals at each level are:

• Elementary school : $90,571
• Middle school : $107,411
• High school : $96,733

6. Academic dean

Median annual salary: $101,707

Deans work at the senior administrative level of a college or university. The role varies depending on the institution, but deans often manage faculty and staff, set academic goals, implement strategic planning, oversee their department’s budget, help fundraise, support research initiatives, and foster student development. Some departments you might find them in are:

• Admissions : Those working in admissions develop and lead recruitment initiatives for a college or university. They evaluate applications, decide the number of students who should be admitted to the school, determine who those students should be, and communicate with prospects and their families.
• Research : A dean of research often oversees faculty and collaborates with them to create a strategy for developing short- and long-term research initiatives. They also work to secure research funding, oversee the research budget, and establish key industry partnerships.
• Student affairs : The student affairs office typically oversees a variety of different departments, such as residence life, athletics, student support services, and diversity and inclusion. A dean of student affairs typically establishes and evaluates nonacademic programs that foster and enrich the student student experience, handles disciplinary issues, and communicates with students’ parents or legal guardians.
• Advancement : The advancement office—also known as “development” or “alumni relations” depending on the school—is responsible for securing funding for the college or university from potential donors, including alumni, government policymakers, corporations, and foundations. They nurture and maintain those relationships, ensuring all gifts received are being used as intended.

7. Professor

Median annual salary: $87,380

Postsecondary teachers, or professors, work at the college or university level, developing course curricula, instructing students in a specific area of study, and assessing their progress. When they’re not teaching, professors are often conducting research, writing scholarly papers, or attending conferences.

Professors’ salaries vary based on where they are on the tenure track and their area of expertise. Below are the median salaries for professors based on rank, according to PayScale.:

• Instructor : $54,325
• Lecturer: $59,676
• Assistant professor : $75,696
• Associate professor : $86,123
• Professor : $92,393

Salaries range further depending on the professor’s focus. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics , the top 10 highest-paying subjects—and what those subjects offer in terms of median annual wage—are:

• Law : $127,360
• Economics : $115,300
• Engineering : $106,910
• Architecture : $105,770
• Health specialties : $105,650
• Forestry and conservation science : $101,650
• Atmospheric, earth, marine, and space science : $100,690
• Physics : $98,020
• Business : $97,130
• Computer science : $96,430

8. Executive director of education

Median annual salary: $100,350

Executive directors are often the senior leaders of a nonprofit organization or business. They work closely with a board of directors but are the ones who make the daily operational decisions. Executive directors hire and manage staff, handle external relations, engage volunteers, oversee the budget—including all fundraising initiatives—and develop policies, programs, and strategies that guide the organization’s mission and purpose. 

What can you do with an EdD from Northeastern?

When you earn your EdD from Northeastern , you’re not only advancing your own work, you’re joining a top-tier university and pursuing a rigorous education with an entrepreneurial orientation toward making our world a better place. You’re joining a vast network of students and alumni of the EdD program, which spans more than 2,000 professionals across many domains of education. You’re gaining access to engaging faculty who understand the importance of professional experiences in a growing leadership capacity, and who are prepared to offer you personal attention to support your professional development.

With your EdD, you can make a difference in the lives of children, communities, and organizations as you transform your problem of practice into a plan for change and action.

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

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About shayna joubert, related articles.

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

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How much do edd graduates make, did you know.

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

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PhD candidate in Musculoskeletal health and mental health

The Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Rehabilitation Science and Health Technology, has a vacancy for a fixed–term post as a research fellow in Musculoskeletal Health and Mental Health. The...

PhD Student

Last application date Aug 27, 2024 00:00Contract Limited durationDegree a master's degree in science or engineering, in the fields of chemistry, physics, physical chemistry, chemical physics, materials science, solid-state chemistry or related dis...

Scholarship in musculoskeletal health and mental health

Ph.D. candidate for modelling & optimising highly efficient drive systems for E-vehicles based on GaN devices

Ph.D. candidate for modelling & optimising highly efficient drive systems for E-vehicles based on GaN devicesThe Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems (HPE) at the Department of Information ...

Doctoral student in Political Science

Sapere Aude—dare to be wise—is our motto. Our students and employees develop knowledge and expertise that enrich both people and the world around them. Our academic environment is characterised by ...

Doctoral student in Political Science (psychological defense and disinfo.)

PhD Candidate for Computational Approaches for Studying Animal Behavior, Personality, and Emotions

About our Campus: Rehovot Campus (Rehovot) and Mt. Scopus Campus (Jerusalem). The position will be based across two campuses: The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment on The Hebrew University’s beautiful Rehovot Campus. Reh...

PhD PROJECT IN ENDOTHELIAL CELL HETEROGENEITY DURING STROKE

A pre-doctoral position in the context of a KU Leuven competitive 4-year C1 funding project entitled ‘Is the cerebroprotective function of Prdm16 during ischemic stroke mediated by controlling the ...

PhD position in the anthropology of tourism impacts in remote areas

Project Many places around the globe have turned towards tourism to sustain local livelihoods and conserve cultural and natural resources. Despite this widespread practice, there are still hardly a...

Two PhD positions (100%) in didactics of philosophy

The Institute of Philosophy of KU Leuven offers a complete study program in English, has 40 professors, and more than 100 doctoral students (most of which are international). It is one of the few p...

Ph.D. candidate for designing, modelling & optimising charging systems for E-vehicles based on GaN devices

Ph.D. candidate for designing, modelling & optimising charging systems for E-vehicles based on GaN devicesThe Laboratory for High Power Electronic Systems (HPE) at the Department of Information Tec...

PhD Student on the topic "Audiovisual perception, interaction and cognition in real-world and eXtended Reality Environments" (f/m/d)

In the Audiovisual Technology Group, Ilmenau Interactive Immersive Technologies Center (www.tu-ilmenau.de/i3tc) at the Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany) is a vacancy for aPhD Student on the topic "Audiovisual perception, interaction and cog...

PhD in Health Monitoring of Aircraft Structures and Systems

Applications are invited for a PhD fellowship. This PhD is situated in a joint project between the Departments of Mechanical and Materials Engineering of the KU Leuven - Campus Ghent, to fully cove...

PhD student position: quantum sensing of biomolecules and their chemical stimuli.

For the prestigious PhD school of the Swiss Nanoscience Institute, we solicit applications for a paid 4-year PhD student position in the Biomolecular Nano-Dynamics group at the Dept. of Chemistry a...

PhD/Researcher position: Privacy Engineering through Source Code Analysis

DistriNet is a leading research group specializing in secure and distributed software, embedded in the KU Leuven Department of Computer Science. With over 100 researchers, including 15 full-time pr...

Doctoral candidates in Statistics and Probability

The University | About us...The MATHCODA Doctoral Training Unit is a doctoral program covering a coherent set of themes around the ideation and study of novel mathematical tools for dealing with hi...

PhD position on CRISPR diagnostics on-chip to improve cervical cancer screening

Job descriptionCervical cancer is the most common gynecological cancer and this cancer could be prevented by screening programs. Currently the participation rates are low and in this project we wan...

PhD/Researcher position: Decentralized Data Sharing Middleware for Data Spaces

PhD in 3 years: Doctoral Researcher in Nanomedicine Based Cancer Therapy

The University of Oulu is a multidisciplinary, international research university, with about 3,600 employees who produce new knowledge based on high-standards research and provide research based ed...

PhD position on "On-Chip Separation of Proteins for Single-Cell Proteome Profiling"

PhD position on "On-Chip Separation of Proteins for Single-Cell Proteome Profiling"The laboratory of Single-Molecule and Single-Cell Biophysics (BMC)is a research group in the Department of Informa...

PhD: Automated Testing of Autonomous Satellite

About the SnTSnT is a leading international research and innovation centre in secure, reliable and trustworthy ICT systems and services. We play an instrumental role in Luxembourg by fueling innova...

Doctoral Researcher, Memory Politics

 The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Jyväskylä is seeking to recruit:A Doctoral Researcher in Memory Politics for a fixed term of 3 years, starting on January 2nd 202...

PhD Reconfigurable metasurfaces for Radar Cross Section (RCS) control

PhD Research Project "Reconfigurable metasurfaces for Radar Cross Section (RCS) control" Promoter: Prof. dr. G. Gerini (TU/e Electromagnetics Group – TNO Optics Department)Position PhD-studentIrène Curie Fellowship NoDepartment(s) Electrical Engin...

PhD Thesis Student (f/m) on ID06-LVP in the Matter at Extremes Group

The European Synchrotron, the ESRF, is an international research centre based in Grenoble, France.Through its innovative engineering, pioneering scientific vision and a strong commitment from its 700 staff members, the ESRF is recognised as one of...

PhD position in Human-Centric Optimization for Supply Chain Excellence

Position PhD-studentIrène Curie Fellowship NoDepartment(s) Industrial Engineering and Innovation SciencesFTE 1,0Date off 08/09/2024Reference number V39.7650Job descriptionThe labor shortage in the Netherlands has become a critical issue, affecting...

PhD Student on the topic "Audiovisual scene analysis and cognitive performance for speech perception in multi-person scenarios in eXtended Reality (XR)" (f/m/d)

In the Audiovisual Technology Group, Ilmenau Interactive Immersive Technologies Center (www.tu-ilmenau.de/i3tc) at the Technische Universität Ilmenau (Germany) is a vacancy for aPhD Student on the topic "Audiovisual scene analysis and cognitive pe...

Three PhD positions on computational illumination optics design

Are you eager to use your mathematical skills to model and design optical systems for sustainable high-tech devices for billions of people? Do you like to develop and analyze numerical methods for partial differential equations?Position PhD-studen...

2 PhD Positions in Designing and Optimizing Materials for Bacterial-Based Sustainable Biopesticide Delivery Systems

2 PhD Positions in Designing and Optimizing Materials for Bacterial-Based Sustainable Biopesticide Delivery SystemsThe bioMatter Microfluidics (Dr. Eleonora Secchi, D-BAUG) and SoftMat Group (Prof....

PhD candidate in Energy & Environment Engineering

The University | About us...The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. The University was founded in 2003 a...

PhD Student on ID03 in the Structure of Materials group

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Educational resources and simple solutions for your research journey

Career Opportunities After PhD: Tips for a Successful Job Search

Table of Contents

Challenges with employment and career opportunities after PhD

The current academic job market has become increasingly competitive for PhD graduates, which has made it important for them to explore the available options and careers after PhD. PhD holders exceed the limited tenure positions and are often forced to move to non-academic positions or remain underemployed in career paths after PhD that often require lesser degrees. Graduates of some fields may better navigate non-academic labor markets than others. 1

For example, STEM, business, and economics graduates are more likely to obtain industry-specific technical and applied skills. But, others wondering how to get into industry after PhD may not recognize the extent to which their problem-solving, analytical, and critical-thinking skills may be used outside academia.

Non-academic careers after PhD are not simply a preference but have become a necessity for many PhD holders, especially when academic jobs are limited. It could also be related to your personal values, family situation, instability/insecurities in working on a contract, preferences or available career options after PhD. Doctoral students also perceive limited support and a lack of resources to address their diverse career development needs during their training as a reason for this shift. 2 Most often, PhD scholars don’t know how to get into industry after PhD as they feel they are misfits here. The extent of mismatch could be in terms of skills, the field of study, and over-qualification. This article can help you overcome some challenges in finding suitable career opportunities after PhD.

Career options after PhD

Most often, PhD scholars don’t know how to get into industry after PhD as they feel they are misfits here. The extent of mismatch could be in terms of skills, the field of study, and over-qualification. This article can help you overcome some challenges in finding suitable career opportunities after PhD.

The following are just some of the PhD career options you have upon achieving your doctorate:

In academia

• Adjunct faculty position

In industry

• Policymakers/Adviser to policymakers
• Entrepreneur
• Public speaker

Optimizing your job search for great careers after PhD

As a PhD student, you might find it hard to decide the next step in your career after PhD. Not everyone completing a PhD will find full-time tenure positions at higher education institutions. You would naturally want a lucrative and rewarding career after PhD that makes all the hardships worthwhile. But choosing between academic/non-academic jobs or private/public sector jobs can be challenging, especially if you are unfamiliar with the job-hunting game inside/outside of academia. The following steps can help you with your job search process and steer your career path after PhD.

• Reflect : Look back on your experiences to identify what aspects of your research you enjoyed most. It could be experimental or fieldwork, creative writing, connecting with other researchers or managing your project. There are many career options for PhD holders in the market and some reflection will help you identify the direction in which you want to go.
• Decide location : Your preferred location can influence your job search. Think about where you’d like to live and the job opportunities and career options for PhD holders available there. Often, you might find that you want to go back to your home country to pursue a career after PhD and would have to adjust your job search depending on the type of jobs available locally. Therefore, looking for the right job in the right place can reduce your search time.
• Network : Many PhDs underestimate the importance of networking effectively and having a good communication strategy in determining their careers after PhD. Jobs received through university networks tend to align with your education and offer better career opportunities after PhD. 3 So find some time to attend events and network with stakeholders in top companies and other universities. Speaking to senior colleagues about your job search can also help you understand their experiences and learn how to get into industry after PhD. Finally, make sure to have a LinkedIn profile to connect with people having similar interests and careers after PhD.
• Career centers : Your university career center can also offer guidance on possible careers after PhD, especially finding a good position upon graduating. They can also help you familiarize yourself with institutions that award research grants and their requirements.
• Websites : You may find career opportunities for PhDs on university websites or other relevant platforms, such as:

-Nature careers

-New scientist jobs

-Science Careers

-Technojobs-PhD jobs

• Strong resume : When applying for non-academic jobs, focus on enhancing the many transferable skills from your PhD, such as:

-Communication skills – your work with presentations, lectures, or seminars

-Creative thinking – good at outside-the-box thinking

-Management – great with time, workloads, mentoring undergraduate students

-Problem-solving skills – mention the many research problems solved

Use the following strategies to enhance the quality of your CV or resume for better

• Highlight achievements: Your CV should include sufficient detail to show a selection committee that you are the perfect candidate for the job. Update your CV regularly to include recent achievements and skills gained that are relevant in careers after PhD.
• Tailor-made for the job: Fine-tune your CV to meet the job requirements. An academic CV should be different from a non-academic one to match the needs of that particular opportunity. A 1-2 page summary of your experiences and expertise is sufficient for an industry job, but your academic CV should include a full record of your work and can be much longer.
• Add specific, credible information: To secure the best career after PhD, ensure the CV you submit is supported by sufficient details of specific experiences that highlight your efforts and skills.
• Add evidence: Incorporate quantitative evidence or proof to support the facts in your CV. Do not fabricate information that will crumble under scrutiny and mar your career options after PhD.
• Start early and keep looking: Finally, start your job search early and keep looking until you have found a job that meets your requirements.

You can pursue a variety of careers after PhD, and we hope the points above help you find the best career opportunities after your PhD is over. Best of luck with your applications!

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Earning A Ph.D. In Human Resources: Everything You Need To Know Before Enrolling

Updated: Jul 6, 2023, 12:37pm

A Ph.D. in human resources will allow you to pursue executive,upper-management or academic roles. Read on to learn why you might pursue a Ph.D. in human resources.

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What Is a Doctorate in Human Resources?

A doctorate in human resources, or a Ph.D. in human resources, is the terminal degree in the field, meaning it is the highest degree level you can attain. Doctoral degree holders in human resources are preeminent experts, driving the field forward through research and teaching.

A Ph.D. in human resources takes up to eight years to complete. Doctoral programs begin with two years of intensive coursework before students declare a concentration and focus on developing and defending a dissertation. Ph.D. students spend several years working on their dissertations before graduating.

Degree Finder

What can you do with a doctorate in human resources.

A doctorate in human resources qualifies you for the most advanced and high-level roles in the HR field. You are also qualified to pursue positions in research and academia, setting you apart from master’s degree holders. You can find work as a human resources professor at a university or as an industrial-organizational psychologist . Salary information via the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) .

Below, we cover four careers available for doctoral degree holders in human resources.

Human Resources Professor

Job Growth (2021-2031): +6% Median Annual Salary: $88,790 Job Description: Human resources professors work within business departments at colleges and universities. Job duties include teaching undergraduate students, mentoring Ph.D. candidates and performing research to advance the HR field.

Chief Executive

Job Growth (2021-2031): +6% Median Annual Salary: $189,520 Job Description: Chief executives work at the highest management level within some of the largest companies in the world. Job titles include chief operating officer, chief financial officer, chief technology officer or chief information officer. Professionals with a doctorate in human resources bring knowledge of management, leadership and best practices in big-picture company culture.

Human Resources Manager

Job Growth (2021-2031): +7% Median Annual Salary: $130,000 Job Description: Human resources managers take charge of HR departments at any company. They can work in many industries, including the nonprofit sector, healthcare and information technology, where they oversee hiring, firing, compensation, benefits and training.

Industrial-Organizational Psychologist

Job Growth (2021-2031): +4% Median Annual Salary: $139,280 Job Description: Industrial-organizational psychologists study the effects of applied psychological principles on the business and managerial world. They perform research and provide actionable advice to workplace management. You must have a Ph.D. or doctoral degree to practice independently as a psychologist.

What’s the Difference Between an MBA in Human Resources and a Doctorate in Human Resources?

An MBA in human resources and a Ph.D. in human resources are very different degrees. An MBA with a concentration in human resources covers broad business foundations like marketing, finance and economics alongside HR coursework. An MBA in HR qualifies graduates for many jobs due to their overarching business education.

Where an MBA provides breadth, a Ph.D. in human resources provides depth. A Ph.D. requires students to complete significant research and writing. Ph.D. students become human resources experts as they spend most of their degree conducting HR-specific research.

Compared to MBA graduates, doctoral degree holders are more limited in what business careers they can pursue; however, doctoral degrees qualify graduates to seek nearly any position in the HR field.

Admission Requirements for a Doctorate in Human Resources

Admission requirements for Ph.D. programs in human resources vary widely, moreso than undergraduate and graduate programs. Prospective students must meet a minimum GPA and generally need a master’s degree in the field. They must submit official transcripts, letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose detailing their intended research focus or the faculty members they’d like to research alongside.

Many Ph.D. programs admit small cohorts and require applicants to complete an admission interview. Some programs also require applicants to submit GMAT or GRE scores.

Common Courses in a Human Resources Ph.D. Program

Behavioral sciences.

A behavioral sciences seminar covers major theories and methodologies in psychology, such as cognitive processes and behavioral interactions. This course introduces students to research design and methodologies at the doctoral level.

Current Issues in Organizational Behavior

Organizational behavior and industrial-organizational psychology are key components of a Ph.D. in human resources. This survey course covers the spectrum of contemporary research in organizational behavior and its practical applications to companies around the world.

Organization Theory

This course delves into various theories on organizational performance and how Ph.D. graduates can apply them when entering the HR field. Students discuss, compare and contrast multiple models in organizational theory.

Survey of Social Psychology

This course surveys the major theories and research in the social psychology field. Social psychology studies how thoughts, behaviors and feelings change based on norms and other people and plays a crucial role in human resources.

Dissertation

A dissertation is the culminating requirement for Ph.D. candidates. In most cases, Ph.D. candidates must write a paper based on their original research, after which they must defend their dissertation to a panel of faculty members. This requirement takes years to complete, making it difficult to pinpoint exact completion timelines for Ph.D. programs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About a Ph.D. in Human Resources

What can you do with a ph.d. in human resources.

A Ph.D. in human resources prepares you for high-level human resources positions or roles in academia, such as research or teaching. In tandem with professional experience, graduates can pursue CEO jobs. Doctoral degree holders can also pursue licensure to practice or conduct research as industrial-organizational psychologists.

Is a doctorate in HR worth it?

Whether a doctorate in HR is worth it depends on your career goals. If you want to pursue careers in academia and research, a Ph.D. in human resources is the right fit for you. These degrees can lead to HR professor and industrial-organizational psychologist positions.

In contrast, you do not need a doctoral degree to become a human resources manager, although it can help. However, financially, you are likely better off pursuing an MBA in human resources for HR management careers.

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What Can You Get a PhD in? [Doctorate Guide]

What can you get a PhD in? This question is frequently asked by people who want to expand their knowledge and unlock new career paths by earning a doctoral degree.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

You can earn a PhD in a wide variety of fields, ranging from anthropology to zoology. This guide explores some of the most popular types of PhDs, associated careers, and factors to consider when selecting an online PhD program.

What Can You Get a PhD In?

Colleges and universities offer doctorate programs in a broad range of disciplines, so aspiring PhD students have many options.

The best PhDs to get depend on your professional goals, interests, and previous education. Here are ten of the most common PhDs that people pursue.

Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

• Online PhD in Anthropology
• Online PhD in Biology
• Online PhD in Business
• Online PhD in Clinical Psychology
• Online PhD in Computer Science
• Online PhD in Education
• Online PhD in English
• Online PhD in Psychology
• Online PhD in Nursing
• Online PhD in Physical Therapy

The program that’s best for you will depend on your personal interests and professional goals.

PhD in Anthropology

You can deepen your understanding of anthropological research methods and theories with a PhD in Anthropology.

Many programs allow doctoral students to specialize in a subfield, such as archeology, biological anthropology, and sociocultural anthropology. Courses vary by program but typically cover data analysis, field research methods, and public archeology.

Graduates who earn this degree may go on to work as college professors, forensic anthropologists, and museum curators.

PhD in Biology

A PhD in Biology prepares students to contribute new knowledge to the biological sciences. Students can focus on various areas of specialty, including computational biology, ecology, and genetic epidemiology.

These programs often have interdisciplinary curricula that allow students to study advanced biological concepts and research methods. Course subjects may include biochemistry, contemporary biology, molecular neuroscience, and statistics. Current professionals work in bioinformatics, biotech, education, healthcare, and other industries.

PhD in Business

A PhD in Business trains business leaders and researchers. Students learn how to use advanced financial models and strategies to solve complex business issues.

Business PhD programs frequently teach subjects like accounting, consumer behavior, industrial organization, and microeconomics. Additionally, they cover research methods like econometrics and statistical analysis.

Graduates can use their business knowledge and skills to become business consultants, C-suite executives, economists, and professors.

PhD in Clinical Psychology

You can enrich your understanding of the human psyche with a PhD in Clinical Psychology. This degree focuses on researching mental health issues and psychological science. Students also learn how to apply their knowledge in clinical settings.

Typically, courses cover adult psychopathology, clinical interviewing, professional ethics, and psychological assessment. Students may also be required to complete clinical practicums. Graduates often pursue careers as child psychologists, neuropsychologists, and medical psychologists.

PhD in Computer Science

A PhD in Computer Science allows students to expand their knowledge of advanced computer systems and theories.

Curricula often cover a broad range of topics, like algorithms, data management, and random computing. Additionally, this degree trains students to conduct cutting-edge research in subfields of computer science, such as artificial intelligence and cryptography.

Graduates frequently work as chief technology officers, computer and information research scientists, and senior software engineers.

PhD in Education

If you want to research educational approaches and theories, you might consider a PhD in Education. This academic degree trains students to develop new learning methods and promote more effective teaching.

Common courses include advanced qualitative methodology, educating diverse learners, and instructional design. Also, many students specialize in higher education, literacy, special education, and other niches. Current professionals with this degree often work in teaching, administrative, and research positions in colleges and K-12 schools.

PhD in English

A PhD in English gives students the opportunity to interpret, theorize, and teach literature, film, and other types of media.

Courses cover literature from a variety of cultures, genres, and periods, such as children’s literature and Victorian literature. Moreover, these programs often promote interdisciplinary research that engages with history, psychology, and other fields. This degree can help you qualify for a position as a college professor, editor, or technical writer.

PhD in Psychology

A PhD in Psychology prepares students to conduct independent research on human cognition, behavior, and mental processes.

Students also learn how to implement clinical research methods and design experiments with human subjects. This research-intensive degree covers subjects like affective science, developmental psychology, professional ethics, and history and systems of psychology.

Additionally, many programs include clinical practicums. Graduates frequently work as academic researchers, clinical psychologists, and market researchers.

PhD in Nursing

A PhD in Nursing gives students a strong theoretical foundation in healthcare delivery and nursing science.

Standard course topics may include grant writing, leadership for nurse scientists, and methods in clinical research. This degree also trains students to apply advanced research methods to develop innovative approaches to patient care and improve healthcare policies.

A PhD in Nursing can unlock careers in clinical research, health policy, and nonprofit organizations.

PhD in Physical Therapy

A PhD in Physical Therapy allows students to research the science of physical therapy and educate others about the latest approaches to treating ill, injured, and disabled patients.

The curriculum typically addresses subjects like applied physiology, movement science, and prosthetics. Students also learn how to treat patients in clinical settings. This degree helps prepares students for specialized physical therapy careers in acute care, oncology, sports, and other areas.

How to Choose a PhD Program

The right PhD program for you aligns with your goals and sets you up for academic and professional success.

These considerations can help you compare online PhD programs :

• Faculty reputation . Prestigious faculty can assist with networking and connect you with exciting professional opportunities, such as presenting at top conferences.
• Funding opportunities . Many PhD programs offer complete funding packages, which may include stipends and other benefits.
• Placement rates . Programs that place alumni in tenure-track academic jobs and high-paying industry positions may provide excellent career support.
• Research areas . It’s strategic to look for a program that offers courses and extracurricular activities related to your interests. For instance, an English PhD program with speculative fiction courses might be ideal if you want to study science fiction writers.

Additionally, you can contact current PhD students to get a sense of the program’s culture and learn about their experiences.

Do You Need a PhD to Be a Professor?

You don’t always need a PhD to become a professor . The requirements vary by institution and position.

Some colleges hire people with master’s degrees and relevant industry experience to teach freshman-level courses. For instance, someone with an MBA and several years of work experience might teach undergraduate finance courses.

Schools that require a terminal degree may also accept a doctorate degree from an accredited university, even when it’s not a PhD. A professional doctorate degree focuses on practical applications of knowledge, while a PhD emphasizes original research.

How Hard Is It to Get Into a Ph.D. Program?

If you want to learn how to get a PhD, you can start by researching admissions criteria for online programs in your field. Requirements vary by program, so some schools may be more difficult to get into.

Here are some common admissions requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field
• GRE scores (only some schools require them)
• CV or resume
• Personal statement
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample
• Interview with the admissions committee

The specific requirements influence how challenging it is to get into a particular program, so it’s beneficial to research the criteria ahead of time.

What Is the Easiest PhD to Get?

The difficulty level of any PhD is highly subjective. But choosing a quality PhD program can increase the likelihood that you finish your degree on schedule.

A PhD program with these qualities can help facilitate your success:

• Classes that align with your research focus
• Knowledgeable faculty who enjoy mentoring graduate students
• Full-funding packages
• Student support services, like mental health counseling
• Professional development workshops
• State-of-the-art research facilities
• Clear program milestones

Additionally, you may finish your doctoral degree faster. A program with less requirements makes it one of the easiest PhDs to get such as fewer credit hours or doesn’t include a dissertation component.

What Are Some of the Highest Paying PhD Degrees I Can Get?

Many careers that require an advanced degree have lucrative median salaries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are the median salaries of ten high-paying careers often pursued by people with PhDs:

• Physicists — $142,850
• Computer and information research scientists — $136,620
• Pharmacists — $132,750
• Political scientists — $128,020
• Economists — $113,940
• Mathematicians — $112,110
• Medical scientists — $99,930
• Physical therapists — $97,720
• Clinical and counseling psychologists — $90,130
• Postsecondary business teachers — $88,790

Many factors can affect salaries and job availability, including geographic location, skills, work experience, and your PhD program’s reputation.

Does It Matter Where You Get Your PhD?

The institution you choose for your PhD can impact your academic performance, career trajectory, and personal life.

Choosing a program that offers financial support can give you more time to focus on your studies and develop marketable skills. Additionally, you may find it easier to conduct and publish innovative research with access to leading faculty and top facilities.

Employers often consider a school’s reputation when considering job candidates, so selecting a prestigious program could boost your chances of landing a preferred position.

Earning Your PhD Degree Online

What can I get a PhD in? Colleges and universities offer a broad range of doctoral programs in numerous disciplines. These degrees enable you to study advanced concepts in your chosen field and immerse yourself in the world of academic research.

Graduates use their PhDs to pursue a variety of careers in academia, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. Many jobs that require graduate degrees offer lucrative wages and other benefits, such as academic tenure.

If you want to build your expertise and perform ground-breaking research, you can begin your journey by researching online PhD programs from accredited universities.

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Department of Geography

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master’s degree. A doctoral candidate in geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. For the students to make such contributions, they must concentrate on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular specialties; thus, any aspirant for a doctorate must obtain master’s training or its equivalent before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. In short, admission to doctoral candidacy is official recognition that a student’s general foundation in the breadth of geography is satisfactory. Students then devote their attention to developing depth in chosen specialties.

The general requirements for a doctoral degree in geography are more rigorous than those for a master’s degree. At the same time, the greater flexibility of the doctoral program allows advanced students to pursue programs of study tailored to their special interests and needs.

Progress through the degree is marked by: 

• Successful performance in a verbal qualifying exam; 
• Four-day written comprehensive exam, with a verbal portion after the written answers have been assessed by the committee;  
• Formal dissertation proposal; and 
• Verbal defense of a completed dissertation.

The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master’s degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Students entering the four-year Ph.D. program must take the doctoral qualifying exam in their first year. A committee from three of the four fields of geography and formally appointed by the Graduate Program Officer will administer the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam can take place any time during the year, but students in the four-year Ph.D. program typically take it during spring semester.

Students in the four-year Ph.D. program complete a comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation proposal in the second year. Depending on the needs of their research, and in agreement with their doctoral committee, students can fulfill these two requirements in either order. Once students have successfully passed their comprehensive exam and defended their proposal, they typically take two years to research, write, and defend their dissertations.

Our online Graduate Student Handbook explains the program requirements for all degrees.

Mechanical Engineering

• Graduate study in Mechanical Engineering
• Ph.D. programs

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

The Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering prepares students for careers in research and academia. Our collaborative faculty are investigating a diverse range of research areas like additive manufacturing, air quality, cellular biomechanics, computational design, DNA origami, energy conversion and storage, nanoscale manufacturing, soft robotics, transdermal drug delivery, transport phenomena, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.

Interested? Visit our research pages for more information, including faculty areas of expertise and research videos.

• Other Ph.D. programs

I’d like more information.

View the  degree requirements  in the handbook.

Doctor of Philosophy in Mechanical Engineering

Students typically complete the Ph.D. degree requirements in three to five years. Early in the program, students focus on course-work that enhances their knowledge as they prepare to conduct research.

Within one year, students must pass the departmental qualifying exam, an oral exam that tests research skills and knowledge of a core mechanical engineering subject area.

Student research forms the core of the Ph.D. program. Research involves active student-directed inquiry into an engineering problem, culminating in a written thesis and oral defense.

Ph.D. Financial Support

The majority of full-time Ph.D. students accepted through the standard application process receive fellowships that cover full tuition, the technology fee, and a stipend for living expenses for up to five years, as long as sufficient progress is made toward degree completion. These awards are sufficient to cover all expenses for the year (including summers). Students are required to pay for health insurance, the transportation fee, the activity fee, books, and course supplies. Off-campus housing is available within walking distance of campus. At least one year of residency is required for the Ph.D. We offer two ways to enter the Ph.D. program.

Advanced entry Ph.D.

The advanced entry Ph.D. is for students with an M.S. in an engineering discipline or equivalent field.

Direct Ph.D.

The direct Ph.D. is for students entering the program with a B.S. in an engineering discipline or equivalent field.

For a comprehensive overview of the programs, including degree requirements, please consult the most recent handbook

Ph.D. candidate Remesh Shrestha, co-advised by Professors Sheng Shen and Maarten de Boer, explains his research to create polymer nanowires that have high thermal conductivity:

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The application for fall entry opens in October.

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What can you do with a psychology degree?

August 16, 2024  ·  4 minutes  ·  By Carly Johansen

Explore jobs and outcomes for an online bachelor’s in psychology

Earning a psychology degree means becoming a psychologist, right?

Not necessarily.

You may be surprised to learn that 50% of psychology bachelor’s degree-earners don’t wind up working in health care at all. The skills gained in a psychology degree program are widely valued by employers and applicable to a variety of settings.

According to Oregon State University senior instructor Kristen Yax, psychology is “the Swiss Army Knife of degrees” — one that can lead graduates in countless rewarding directions.

“First and foremost, it’s a direct path to many career opportunities in the field – from clinical or social to research or education,” says Yax. “But psychology is also relevant if not critical in almost every profession imaginable, and a psych degree opens many doors in many industries that more specialized degrees of study often do not.”

And as someone interested in studying psychology, you likely want to learn what drives people, whether that’s in the workplace, social structures, or through their purchasing habits or technology usage.

So, with a core focus on human behavior, what can you do when you earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology online from Oregon State University? Let’s explore.

Social services

Perhaps most related to health care work is the field of social services. While social services could include mental health therapist and psychologist roles (with a master’s or Ph.D. under your belt), helping people in your community can reach far beyond those two roles.

With skills like counseling techniques, problem-solving, communication aptitude and strong empathy responses, psychology graduates are primed for helping roles.

“Social services work revolves around a shared set of values and combines insights from cognitive science, advocacy, psychotherapy, and public policy,” according to The Best Schools social services career guide .

Jobs in the field of social services for psychology bachelor’s graduates include social and human service assistant , probation officer or correctional treatment specialist , community health worker and social and community service manager .

Human resources

One adjacent outcome for a psychology bachelor’s graduate is working in the field of human resources. This career path requires interpersonal skills, data analysis and ethics and diversity knowledge — all competencies that you can gain through your coursework as a psychology student.

According to Learn.org , “Individuals with a psychology degree have diverse career opportunities in human resources.”

This category of work includes a variety of entry-level and advanced positions, including  HR generalist ,  recruitment coordinator , compensation and benefits manager , human resources manager and even career coaching.

Oregon State grad Tracey Campion said this of her experience gaining the skills needed to become a career coach: “A bachelor’s degree in psychology could not be a more fitting education for a coach, and I am so appreciative that the OSU Ecampus [psychology] program was available for me to return to school online as an older, working student from outside the country.”

Marketing and communications

Another field psychology graduates are qualified to enter is marketing and communications. At first glance, psychology and marketing may seem unrelated. But with core knowledge in areas like behavioral motivation, research skills and statistical analysis, the parallels shift into focus.

“Psychology majors are well-suited for careers in marketing. The courses you take in your undergraduate studies, such as social psychology, human behavior, research design and statistics, directly apply to many roles within the umbrella of marketing,” according to a report published by Psychology.org .

Career opportunities in marketing for psychology bachelor’s graduates include advertising, promotions or marketing management , public relations and fundraising , or market research analysis .

Psychology and technology ? Minus the final five letters, you may wonder what these two fields may have in common. The short answer is people. The more precise answer is knowledge in topics like cognitive processes, evaluation development and the building and coding of qualitative assessments.

“UX designers make products and services more intuitive, enjoyable, and streamlined for users — often in a digital environment, like a business’s website or app,” according to Psychology.org . “An understanding of psychology fits well with this profession. Concepts like memory limitation, cognitive load, and the psychology of colors all make for a better designer.”

In the field of technology, psychology bachelor’s graduates can look for job opportunities as a UX designer , a cognitive scientist , or an AI ethics specialist .

If you decide to go on to graduate school, you can put a master’s in human-computer interaction to work in the field of research.

What about graduate school?

Graduate school is a common next step for students who earn a psychology bachelor’s degree. Because the knowledge gained in an undergraduate psychology program is so broad, students often choose to pursue a more specific master’s or Ph.D. after graduation.

“ Oregon State University and their rigorous psychologyprogram did help me to [feel] reallyprepared . I was always on time for early admissions applications and things of that sort. Ilook forward to going into my graduate school, and all thanksto everyone here,” saidKaren Baek, who earned her B.A. in Psychology online.

We’ve already explored a few outcome-specific post-secondary degree options, but let’s take a look at a few of the most common graduate degrees for psychology students:

• Master’s in Clinical Psychology
• Master’s or Ph.D. in Research Psychology
• Juris Doctor in Law
• Master’s in Criminal Justice
• Master’s in Social Work

So, how do you make your next move?

Apply to Oregon State University today.

If you’re not ready just yet, you can connect with an Oregon State Ecampus enrollment services specialist to learn more.

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How did Raygun qualify for the Olympics? Is she really the best Australia has to offer?

Since Australian breaker Rachael "Raygun" Gunn failed to score a single point in any of her Olympic bouts, many have asked how she qualified for the Games.

Fellow breaker and anthropologist Lucas Marie says she won her qualification "fair and square" last year, but African American man Malik Dixon has criticised the Olympic body for letting her in.

What's next?

Breaking will not be an event at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games — a decision made before Raygun's performance.

The 2024 Paris Olympics marked breaking's debut as a sport at the global event, with 36-year-old lecturer and breaker Rachael "Raygun" Gunn representing Australia for the first time.

Having failed to win a single point in any of her Olympic bouts, Raygun quickly became a viral sensation.

The question on many people's minds now is: How did she even qualify?

Lucas Marie is a breaker who has competed, performed, taught and judged breaking competitions over the past 25 years. He's also an anthropologist who recently co-authored an article with Gunn.

He says the answer to that question is simple.

"There was an Oceania qualifier in which any B-boy or B-girl from Australia [or] New Zealand could enter, and that was in Sydney in October 2023," he told ABC News.

"And leading up to that, there were a lot of other events in which breakers were competing.

"She won those battles fair and square and won the qualification in Sydney.

"And it wasn't really a surprise to anyone. 

"She's been fairly consistent, winning or coming second or third at a lot of breaking events in Australia for the last five to 10 years."

Marie said there was nothing out of the ordinary about Raygun's performance.

"It's not like gymnastics where there's this kind of agreed-upon standard," he said.

"It's always had a rawness to it. It's always had an improvisational kind of quality. And I think looking different and trying different stuff has always been celebrated.

"And I think Raygun, in a way, was just expressing a core kind of hip hop trait in a way a lot of breakers do."

He described her efforts as bold.

"I thought — and this is how I judge a lot of breaking events — I thought, 'Oh, she's making some really interesting choices to mimic Australian animals.' And you can kind of see the choices that she's making in the moment."

Is she the best Australia has to offer?

Team Australia chef de mission Anna Meares insisted after Raygun's performance that she was the best breaker the country had to offer. But is this true?

"It's sometimes just who's performing better on the day," Marie said.

"And at the qualification event in which she won, and other events in which she's won, she performed better on that day and won the ticket.

"That doesn't mean she's the best. It doesn't really work like that.

"I think she's a great breaker. She won the qualification. She's won other events in the past, and she was a good representative for Australia at that competition."

Asked whether there were B-girls in Perth, regional Victoria or rural Brisbane who might have qualified but could not afford to travel to Sydney for the tryouts, Marie agreed this was possible.

"Of course, there's breakers all over the country that maybe should have been in that event, but they weren't."

Breaking will not carry over to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, a decision made before Raygun's battle.

Marie described this as sad.

"Maybe, based on the ratings, they'll reassess that and maybe allocate some medals to breaking," he said.

"I really hope that's the case, and I hope that for other breakers who want to compete in it as a dance sport."

Marie said that at the end of the day people should remember they were dealing with a human.

"As a friend of Rachael's, there's a human being who's getting a lot of negative attention," he said.

"I think people kind of miss that sometimes and forget the human aspect of all this."

'Toying with the culture'

Malik Dixon is an African American who has been living in Australia for more than a decade and is a Sydney University graduate.

He said Raygun made a total "mockery" out of breaking at the Olympics.

"She was dressed like a member of the cricket team or an Australian PE teacher, and from that point it just seemed like satire," Mr Dixon told ABC News.

"It just looked like somebody who was toying with the culture and didn't know how culturally significant it was being the first time in the Olympics and just how important it was to people who really cherish hip hop and one of the elements of hip hop, which is breakdancing.

"It made me think, was Borat her breakdancing coach?"

Mr Dixon said too many people felt entitled to African American culture.

"The African American space has been one where we've shared our community so much and without any restraints, any barriers, roadblocks, obstacles, any gatekeepers, that essentially what should have been African American cultural capital is just shared, which is cool," he said. 

"We like to share, right? 

"We shared 400 years of free labour.

"To see Rachael in her attempt to be a part of the culture just be grossly underwhelming made it seem like she didn't take it seriously."

Olympics body criticised for Raygun qualification

Mr Dixon criticised the body that qualified Raygun, saying she devalued breaking with her performance.

"Whatever governing body nominated her as Australia's entrant into the Olympics either did not understand the assignment or didn't really believe in the integrity or significance of breakdancing, because if they did they would just say, rather than disrespect the culture, we're just not ready to send an applicant this year."

He said Raygun was extremely audacious and not self-aware.

"You've got to know your role, know your position, know your limitation," he said. 

"And I think that part of privilege is saying that there are no limits to what I can do. 

"Part of privilege is having the authority to say that there are no limits and there are no requirements, there are no prerequisites to what I can do."

Raygun's degrees do not hold much water with Mr Dixon.

"Due to consumerism, this Foundational Black American product, which is hip hop, is global," he said.

"And even people who have no connection to any African Americans or any local or regional things that come out in these songs, they have become a part of the whole experience now.

"If I came in and said that I was an authority on Greek music and I was going against the grain of what the mainstream Greek musicians thought, or the school of thought, and I've said that I was the authority, people would check me on that.

"If I had a PhD in sprinting, does that qualify me to go against Noah Lyles? No, it doesn't."

He also doubts Raygun was the best breaker Australia had to offer.

"[There's] got to be somebody out here that's better than that! The kangaroo! The sprinkler! She did the sprinkler out there, man!" he said.

Should everybody just lighten up?

Should we lighten up? Mr Dixon does not believe so.

"Larrikinism is used as a get-out-of-jail-free card and to escape responsibility of how words or actions impact a hurt person," he said.

"But when the majority culture is offended, there's no playing around.

"This is a part of my culture, and I don't think Australians are in a place to tell me how I should feel about breakdancing being mocked on an international stage.

"People who don't have any or limited access to black people or hip hop culture now may see Rachael and her buffoonery as a representation of hip hop and black culture.

"People who were already side-eyeing breakdancing as an Olympic sport, Rachael Gunn has put the nail in that coffin.

"This might be the most viral clip of the whole Olympics. From a comedy standpoint, she's got it, but from an Olympics perspective, its regressive."

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FAMU moves to add new graduate degrees in aerospace engineering beginning fall 2025

Florida A&M University is taking steps to add new graduate degrees in aerospace engineering, which are expected to be offered in fall 2025.

FAMU trustees met during a virtual Academic and Student Affairs Committee meeting Monday and approved both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. program in aerospace engineering through the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering .

The joint college between Florida State University and FAMU, located in Innovation Park, is the only shared school of engineering in the nation.

Currently, the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering has an Aerodynamics Certificate offering for students through its online graduate certificate program that consists of four courses.

But the future graduate degree programs are expected to leverage the joint engineering school’s existing faculty and resources while also supporting the Florida Board of Governors' goal of increasing degree offerings in the STEM field (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), according to the university.

“With these particular master’s and Ph.D. programs, students are able to get their degree while being more qualified to get jobs in the aerospace engineering sector versus having a degree in mechanical engineering and only having done some aerospace work,” FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Dean Suvranu De said during the meeting.

“That is the intent of this whole initiative — to recognize students who are already working in aerospace engineering with our faculty and Innovation Park.”

Plans to add the new degree programs through the FSU-FAMU College of Engineering come after the universities recently requested a $13 million operating budget increase during the 2024 legislative session for the goal of becoming one of the top 50 engineering colleges in the nation within the next five years — an achievement that would also make it the first HBCU engineering college to achieve the distinction.

Although the operating budget increase request was rejected, the 2024 legislative budget included $21.2 million for the engineering school.

The curricula for the future aerospace engineering programs will include topics such as fluid dynamics, gas dynamics, fluid-structure interactions and flow control.

While the master's program will focus on experiential learning and industry collaboration, the doctoral program will foster research excellence within the aerospace engineering discipline and industry, according to a FAMU report.

In addition, the master's program will have a 30-credit requirement and the doctoral degree will require 48 credits for those with a master's degree but 60 credits for those entering with a bachelor's degree. The tuition rate will be about $405 per credit hour for Florida resident students and $1,022 per credit hour for nonresident students.

Last year, a Ph.D. in material sciences and engineering started being offered through the joint school, preparing graduates for occupations such as materials engineers or scientists, architectural managers, engineering managers and postsecondary faculty.

More: FSU, FAMU to add doctoral degrees in 'hot,' in-demand fields beginning fall 2023

With the aerospace engineering programs, students will be prepared for careers in areas such as aerospace and defense, space missions, manufacturing, spacecraft operations and architectural designers.

The university’s projected enrollment goal is to have 25 students in both programs combined during its first year of being implemented before growing to an expected 75 students in the programs by year five.

FAMU's Board of Trustees Chair Kristin Harper and trustee Nicole Washington — who also serves as chair of the Academic and Student Affairs Committee — both agreed that the aerospace engineering programs will help FAMU in its push for Carnegie R1 classification (Very High Research Activity) by 2030 as the university is currently ranked Carnegie R2 (High Research Activity).

The new degree additions await approval from the full board, with a vote set to take place during a May 29 meeting that will be held via Zoom while the trustees attend a retreat in Tampa.

Contact Tarah Jean at  [email protected]  or follow her on X:  @tarahjean_ .