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PhD Program

Program overview.

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Rigorous, discipline-based research is the hallmark of the MIT Sloan PhD Program. The program is committed to educating scholars who will lead in their fields of research—those with outstanding intellectual skills who will carry forward productive research on the complex organizational, financial, and technological issues that characterize an increasingly competitive and challenging business world.

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Learn more about the program, how to apply, and find answers to common questions.

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PhD studies at MIT Sloan are intense and individual in nature, demanding a great deal of time, initiative, and discipline from every candidate. But the rewards of such rigor are tremendous:  MIT Sloan PhD graduates go on to teach and conduct research at the world's most prestigious universities.

PhD Program curriculum at MIT Sloan is organized under the following three academic areas: Behavior & Policy Sciences; Economics, Finance & Accounting; and Management Science. Our nine research groups correspond with one of the academic areas, as noted below.

MIT Sloan PhD Research Groups

Behavioral & policy sciences.

Economic Sociology

Institute for Work & Employment Research

Organization Studies

Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Strategic Management

Economics, Finance & Accounting

Accounting  

Management Science

Information Technology

System Dynamics  

Those interested in a PhD in Operations Research should visit the Operations Research Center .  

PhD Program Structure

Additional information including coursework and thesis requirements.

MIT Sloan Predoctoral Opportunities

MIT Sloan is eager to provide a diverse group of talented students with early-career exposure to research techniques as well as support in considering research career paths.

Rising Scholars Conference

The fourth annual Rising Scholars Conference on October 25 and 26 gathers diverse PhD students from across the country to present their research.

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The goal of the MIT Sloan PhD Program's admissions process is to select a small number of people who are most likely to successfully complete our rigorous and demanding program and then thrive in academic research careers. The admission selection process is highly competitive; we aim for a class size of nineteen students, admitted from a pool of hundreds of applicants.

What We Seek

• Outstanding intellectual ability
• Excellent academic records
• Previous work in disciplines related to the intended area of concentration
• Strong commitment to a career in research

MIT Sloan PhD Program Admissions Requirements Common Questions

Dates and Deadlines

Admissions for 2024 is closed. The next opportunity to apply will be for 2025 admission. The 2025 application will open in September 2024. 

More information on program requirements and application components

Students in good academic standing in our program receive a funding package that includes tuition, medical insurance, and a fellowship stipend and/or TA/RA salary. We also provide a new laptop computer and a conference travel/research budget.

Funding Information

Throughout the year, we organize events that give you a chance to learn more about the program and determine if a PhD in Management is right for you.

PhD Program Events

May phd program overview.

During this webinar, you will hear from the PhD Program team and have the chance to ask questions about the application and admissions process.

June PhD Program Overview

July phd program overview, august phd program overview.

Complete PhD Admissions Event Calendar

Unlike formulaic approaches to training scholars, the PhD Program at MIT Sloan allows students to choose their own adventure and develop a unique scholarly identity. This can be daunting, but students are given a wide range of support along the way - most notably having access to world class faculty and coursework both at MIT and in the broader academic community around Boston.

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Profiles of our current students

MIT Sloan produces top-notch PhDs in management. Immersed in MIT Sloan's distinctive culture, upcoming graduates are poised to innovate in management research and education.

Academic Job Market

Doctoral candidates on the current academic market

Academic Placements

Graduates of the MIT Sloan PhD Program are researching and teaching at top schools around the world.

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MIT Sloan Experience

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The PhD Program is integral to the research of MIT Sloan's world-class faculty. With a reputation as risk-takers who are unafraid to embrace the unconventional, they are engaged in exciting disciplinary and interdisciplinary research that often includes PhD students as key team members.

Research centers across MIT Sloan and MIT provide a rich setting for collaboration and exploration. In addition to exposure to the faculty, PhD students also learn from one another in a creative, supportive research community.

Throughout MIT Sloan's history, our professors have devised theories and fields of study that have had a profound impact on management theory and practice.

From Douglas McGregor's Theory X/Theory Y distinction to Nobel-recognized breakthroughs in finance by Franco Modigliani and in option pricing by Robert Merton and Myron Scholes, MIT Sloan's faculty have been unmatched innovators.

This legacy of innovative thinking and dedication to research impacts every faculty member and filters down to the students who work beside them.

Faculty Links

• Accounting Faculty
• Economic Sociology Faculty
• Finance Faculty
• Information Technology Faculty
• Institute for Work and Employment Research (IWER) Faculty
• Marketing Faculty
• Organization Studies Faculty
• System Dynamics Faculty
• Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Strategic Management (TIES) Faculty

Student Research

“MIT Sloan PhD training is a transformative experience. The heart of the process is the student’s transition from being a consumer of knowledge to being a producer of knowledge. This involves learning to ask precise, tractable questions and addressing them with creativity and rigor. Hard work is required, but the reward is the incomparable exhilaration one feels from having solved a puzzle that had bedeviled the sharpest minds in the world!” -Ezra Zuckerman Sivan Alvin J. Siteman (1948) Professor of Entrepreneurship

Sample Dissertation Abstracts - These sample Dissertation Abstracts provide examples of the work that our students have chosen to study while in the MIT Sloan PhD Program.

We believe that our doctoral program is the heart of MIT Sloan's research community and that it develops some of the best management researchers in the world. At our annual Doctoral Research Forum, we celebrate the great research that our doctoral students do, and the research community that supports that development process.

The videos of their presentations below showcase the work of our students and will give you insight into the topics they choose to research in the program.

How Should We Measure the Digital Economy?

2020 PhD Doctoral Research Forum Winner - Avinash Collis

Watch more MIT Sloan PhD Program  Doctoral Forum Videos

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Study a PhD: A Guide to PhD Degrees

Looking to undertake PhD studies? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about PhD studies.

Looking to undertake PhD studies? Is getting a PhD even worth it? This guide will tell you everything you need to know about getting a PhD.

In this guide, we'll cover:

• What is a PhD?
• What Types of PhD Are There?
• How Long Does It Take To Get A PhD?

What Are The Requirements To Study A PhD?

What are the benefits of getting a phd, what is the average salary of a phd graduate.

• How Much Does Earning a PhD Cost?

Can I Do a PhD Online?

Would you like to study a phd abroad.

Click here to start a search for your ideal PhD program!

What is a PhD/Doctorate degree?

A Doctor of Philosophy, more commonly known as a PhD, is the highest level of degree  you can achieve in one field of study. It’s awarded by universities around the world for significant contributions to knowledge in various academic fields, or upon completing a PhD program.  

Pursuing a PhD involves conducting in-depth original research in a certain field . The results of this research are then compiled into a thesis or dissertation . This usually culminates in an oral examination or defense , where the candidate must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of their research area and defend their findings in front of a panel of academics in that subject field. 

Different Types of PhDs

“PhD” is an umbrella term for different types of programs. These can be broadly divided into four categories:  

• Traditional/Academic PhDs: Also known as a research doctorate, this involves a couple of years of original research on a specific topic. It usually focuses on a theoretical understanding of the topics, rather than practicing the knowledge in the professional setting. This is the most common type of PhD. 
• Professional Doctorate: These are designed for professionals who want to apply their research to their professional practice. Examples include the Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), and Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). These degrees are often more practice-oriented compared to the traditional PhD. 
• Higher Doctorates: These are awarded to people who contributed greatly to the research and knowledge body within their field and are thus given out later in that researcher’s life. You can’t apply for this type of doctorate like a regular PhD program. 
• Honorary Doctorates: These are given out by universities at their discretion, and don’t require any specific academic achievement or publication. Just like Higher Doctorates, you can’t apply for this type of Doctorate. 

What the breakdown above suggests is that you essentially have two options when it comes to pursuing a PhD – you can either opt for an academic route, or a professional/industry doctorate . 

How Long Does It Take To Get a PhD?

On average, PhD programs last 5-7 years , but this number varies greatly depending on the country, the university, and the specific field of study.

For example:

• PhD programs in the UK tend to be on the shorter end of the spectrum, typically lasting 3-4 years .
• In the US, however, the average completion time for PhDs rounds out at 6 years .

Make sure to keep in mind that the time it takes to earn a PhD also depends on the pace of your study, the field of study, the requirements of your program, and your prior educational background.

You’ll need to do some preparation in order to successfully apply for a PhD. The general rule-of-thumb is to check the university’s website for the specific requirements of the program you’re interested in. 

That said, there are some general requirements you’ll need to meet to pursue a PhD: 

Academic Transcripts  

You’ll be expected to submit transcripts of your Bachelor’s and Master’s studies , which have to show the courses you took and grades you received during your programs. 

Some PhD programs in the UK, particularly in STEM fields, may allow you apply for a PhD with only a Bachelor’s degree. However, PhD programs in Arts and Humanities require a Master’s degree. 

You may need to have to get your transcripts (and other documents) translated and stamped by a notary . For example, if you got your Bachelor’s and Master’s in Hungarian, but you’d like to study in Canada, you will need to get your transcripts translated into English. 

Research Proposal 

The majority of universities require students to submit a research proposal as a part of their PhD program application, unless if you’re applying for a pre-defined research project in science, technology, engineering, mathematics or medicine. Make sure if this exception applies to your program of interest. 

A good research proposal includes the scope, significance and some details about the topic you plan on researching during your program. 

Your research proposal will have varying significance depending on the country you’re planning on studying in. 

Academic CV/Resume 

The general practice is to include your education at the top of the CV, followed by work experience and then academic research. 

Make sure to check the industry standard for CVs/Resumes in the country and field you want to study in . For example, U.S. Resume may differ from your home country’s standards – it will make you stand out above other candidates who didn’t take that time to research your study destination’s standards. 

Note: While not adhering to the CV/Resume standards of the country/university won't immediately disqualify you as a candidate, it  does  show a certain lack of care and polish that other candidates might showcase in their own applications. The best way to describe is that details like this show your determination and proactiveness (because you're actively thinking about what could leave a better impression on the admission committee).

Motivation Letter/Statement of Purpose 

Research the university and the faculty thoroughly .

To compose an effective motivation letter for your PhD application, it’s crucial to thoroughly research the university and the faculty you're interested in . This is something recruiters and admission committees are actively looking out for - they want to see that:

• You know what the university/faculty is about
• You're familiar with the projects the department you're interested in is involved in
• You care enough to learn about the professors, researchers, and other people at the department you're applying for

It's not only about looking good - this thorough approach shows dedication and leaves a positive first impression when it comes to your research skills and maturity.

Avoid clichés and communicate who you are

Faculty members and admission committees have likely sifted through countless formulaic letters and readily available templates from the internet, so your authenticity and genuine enthusiasm will set you apart .  

Remember that no one expects you to be perfect - admission committees hire on potential, not perfection . Craft an interesting narrative unique to you, and articulate why that specific university and its PhD program align with your research interests and career aspirations. Don't forget to also explain why  you are the right choice  for them . 

Bonus tip:  If you have been involved in the process of securing funding for research in the past, make sure to mention that. This is especially important for institutions that don’t have internal funding, but it’s always a bonus no matter where you apply. 

Letters of Recommendation and/or References 

Some universities and programs require you to submit letters of recommendation and academic references from people who you’ve studied under or collaborated with in the past. 

Make sure to give people you want recommendation letters from enough time to write a strong letter detailing why you’re the right choice for this.  

Proof of Language Proficiency 

You’ll need to prove that you can speak and write in the language you want to study in. This usually means taking a language proficiency test.  

Here are some examples of certificates that are widely accepted for different languages: 

* General German language test for all foreign higher education students. ** German language test for those who want to study at Vienna University. Lots of universities in German-speaking countries offer their own specialized German courses like this, and they're often free or very affordable.

Additional Requirements 

If you're non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizen, you may be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate if you want to get a PhD in certain subjects in the UK. You can check if you need to apply for this clearance on the UK government website . 

You may need to complete graduate entry tests to apply for a PhD in certain countries – most commonly in the US, Canada, Australia and India. These include but are not limited to:

• Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
• Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
• Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
• And various language tests. 

A PhD can equip you with a variety of skills and a deep knowledge of your chosen field, but it also offers tangible benefits.  

Laura Forsberg White , PhD and a Professor in Biostatistics at Boston University, in the KAS interview with her, listed the following as the key skills students acquire in graduate programs: 

Hard Skills and a Deep Understanding of Your Field 

A PhD allows you to delve deeply into your field of interest, exploring complex theories, methodologies, and concepts in a profound way. You will gain hard skills that can be applied in a variety of contexts within your area of specialization . This level of knowledge makes you a sought-after professional in academia, industry, or the public sector. 

The example Prof. White gave was in her own field: students in Biostatistics and adjacent fields learn practical knowledge and skills in statistics, probability, critical analysis and more. 

Research Skills and Collaboration 

An essential part of many PhD programs is based around developing research plans, performing data collection and analysis, and presenting your findings . This cultivates strong research skills that are highly valuable both in academia and industry, in sectors such as finance, tech, consulting, and more, where data-driven decision-making is crucial. 

What’s more, PhD programs involve lots of collaboration with other researchers, which matures you as an individual and teaches you various soft skills you’ll need to succeed in your future roles, such as proper communication, taking and receiving feedback, critical thinking, time management and resilience and perseverance . 

Transferrable Skills 

Aside from academic knowledge and research skills, a PhD program helps you develop a range of transferable skills. These include project management, leadership, team working, and communication skills . Such skills are highly valuable in a variety of professional contexts. 

Many PhD programs also require students to undertake teaching or mentoring roles . This offers valuable experience if you aim to pursue a career in academia, giving you the chance to shape the minds of future generations and contribute to the growth and development of your field of study. 

Career Advancement 

If you decide to leave academia to pursue a career in the industry, a PhD can open up higher-level career opportunities, such as more  prestigious roles, higher pay, and quicker promotions.

It's also worth noting that a PhD is often required for tenure-track positions in academia .

What’s more, during your PhD, you'll attend conferences, seminars, and other academic events. These platforms allow you to meet and collaborate with other professionals, academics, and experts in your field. Such networking can lead to fruitful collaborations, job offers, or research partnerships . 

Contribution to Society 

As a PhD researcher, your work could lead to significant breakthroughs or advancements in your field . Whether you're studying medical sciences to contribute to public health, or researching environmental science to advance sustainability efforts, your research can make a real difference in society and/or the overall body of knowledge of your chosen field. 

When we consider pursuing higher education, one of the key factors that often drives our decisions is the potential impact it will have on our financial future. A PhD can provide the edge you need to not only secure high-paying roles but also garner respect and credibility in your chosen field . 

The average salary of PhD graduates varies significantly across countries and fields: 

United States

• Bachelor’s degree average: $70,000/year
• Master’s degree average: $82,000/year

Source: Payscale, 2023

United Kingdom

• Bachelor’s degree average: £33,000/year
• Master’s degree average: £35,000/year
• Bachelor’s degree average: €51,000/year
• Master’s degree average: €56,000/year

How Much Does Getting a PhD Cost?

A PhD can cost you nothing or a fortune, depending on the university and the country in which you want to study in. Most universities also have different tuition fee structures for domestic and international students.  

Here’s a breakdown of the average tuition fees depending on the region and citizenship:  

You can read a more detailed breakdown of the costs of getting a degree in various countries in our Country Guides .

For those of you worried about the costs of studying abroad, there are plenty of scholarships out there to help you find your studies. Take a look at our free Scholarship Directory for a list of 440+ scholarships in 37 countries around the world.

Yes, you can definitely complete  PhD programs online . More and more of them are available every year, but it's important to remember that their quality varies widely depending on the field of study and the institution.

It would be good to check how long the online program you’re interested in has existed. PhD programs are collaborative by nature, and many majors aren’t a good fit for online studies.

Typically, PhD programs specifically designed for online instruction tend to be more effective compared to traditional programs that have been simply transferred to online learning platforms.

Need More Help With Your PhD Application?

Download our free PhD Application Documents handbook, which goes into detail on how to perfect your motivation letter, CV/resume, research proposal and more!

Keystone Team Author

The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.

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Doctoral Degree Programs

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Join a world-class community of scholars and education leaders exploring new frontiers in learning and teaching.

Doctoral study at Harvard means full immersion in one of the world's most dynamic and influential intellectual communities. At the Harvard Graduate School of Education, two distinct doctoral programs leverage the extraordinary interdisciplinary strengths of the entire University. The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.) prepares experienced educators for system-level leadership roles in school districts, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and beyond; and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.)  empowers cutting-edge interdisciplinary research informed by the cognitive sciences, economics, medicine, the humanities, and more.

Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D.)

The Doctor of Education Leadership (Ed.L.D) is a three-year, practice-based program designed to produce system-level leaders in American pre-K-12 education. The Ed.L.D. curriculum mines the vast intellectual and professional resources of HGSE, the Harvard Business School , and the Harvard Kennedy School , and includes a 10-month residency in the third year.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.)

The Doctor of Philosophy in Education (Ph.D.) , offered jointly with the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences , provides unrestricted access to faculty and resources at all Harvard graduate and professional schools. This five-year Ph.D. is ideal for conducting groundbreaking interdisciplinary research that directly informs and impacts education practice and policy.

Doctoral Programs

In this section, phd in public policy.

• PhD in Political Economy & Government

PhD in Health Policy

Phd in social policy.

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Health care and politics. Inequality and public policy. Economics and disruption.

You see today's most compelling global issues as complex, interrelated, and urgent. You believe that fresh ideas—and research to carry them through—are critical to building stronger communities and a more just world.

In collaboration with the  Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences  (Harvard Griffin GSAS),  Harvard Kennedy School immerses you in rigorous learning that bridges academic disciplines and draws from leading faculties across the university’s graduate schools. When you pursue a doctoral degree at HKS, you are among extraordinarily bright minds, you’ll work with committed faculty members who are leaders in their fields, and you’ll have unparalleled access to resources across Harvard University.

Prepare yourself for a career in academia or policymaking that demands advanced knowledge of economics, political science, and social policy. Translate your ideas into action that can untangle our world’s unprecedented challenges. Join us.

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Doctoral programs.

The goal of the GSE PhD in Education is to prepare the next generation of leading education researchers. The cornerstone of the doctoral experience at the Stanford Graduate School of Education is the research apprenticeship that all students undertake, typically under the guidance of their academic advisor, but often with other Stanford faculty as well.

In this apprenticeship model, doctoral students are provided with a multi-year funding package that consists of opportunities each quarter to serve as teaching and research assistants for faculty members' courses and research projects. By this means, and in combination with the courses they take as part of their program, students are prepared over an approximately five-year period to excel as university teachers and education researchers.

The doctoral degree in Education at the GSE includes doctoral program requirements as well as a specialization, as listed below, overseen by a faculty committee from one of the GSE's three academic areas.

Doctoral programs by academic area

Curriculum studies and teacher education (cte).

• ‌ Elementary Education
• ‌ History/Social Science Education
• ‌ Learning Sciences and Technology Design
• ‌ Literacy, Language, and English Education
• ‌ Mathematics Education
• ‌ Science, Engineering and Technology Education
• ‌ Race, Inequality, and Language in Education
• ‌ Teacher Education

Developmental and Psychological Sciences (DAPS)

• ‌ Developmental and Psychological Sciences

Social Sciences, Humanities, and Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education (SHIPS)

• ‌ Anthropology of Education
• ‌ Economics of Education
• ‌ Education Data Science
• ‌ ‌Educational Linguistics
• ‌ Educational Policy
• ‌ Higher Education
• ‌ History of Education
• ‌ International Comparative Education
• ‌ Organizational Studies
• ‌ Philosophy of Education
• ‌ Sociology of Education

Cross-area specializations

Learning sciences and technology design (lstd).

LSTD allows doctoral students to study learning sciences and technology design within the context of their primary program of study (DAPS, CTE, or SHIPS).

Race, Inequality, and Language in Education (RILE)

RILE trains students to become national leaders in conducting research on how race, inequality, and language intersect to make both ineffective and effective educational opportunities. RILE allows students to specialize within their program of study (DAPS, CTE, or SHIPS).

Other academic opportunities

• ‌ Concentration in Education and Jewish Studies
• ‌ PhD Minor in Education
• ‌ Stanford Doctoral Training Program in Leadership for System-wide Inclusive Education (LSIE)
• ‌ Certificate Program in Partnership Research in Education
• ‌ Public Scholarship Collaborative

“I came to Stanford to work with faculty who value learning in informal settings and who are working to understand and design for it.”

Doctoral graduates were employed within four months of graduation

of those employed worked in organizations or roles related to education

For more information about GSE admissions and to see upcoming events and appointments:

To learn more about the Academic Services team:

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PhD Programs

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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 five areas of study: Accounting and Management , 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)  , management  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

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Finding a PhD

Discover the best places to search for your PhD, learn what you should look for and how to approach a potential supervisor for enquires.

Key Resources

Find Your Perfect PhD

Your PhD starts here. Search our database of available projects and read expert advice on finding, applying for and doing a PhD.

Is Doing a PhD Worth It?

Find out how a PhD can benefit you, from improved career prospects to transferable skills and entry into higher education teaching roles.

Supporting Resources

PhD in USA – A Guide for 2020/21

A PhD in USA takes 5-6 years, costs between $12-45k per year and has a different structure to UK and EU PhDs. Find out if a US PhD is for you!

How to Choose a PhD Research Topic

From reading publications, talking to supervisors and using your career plans, read our guidance on choosing the right PhD Research Topic for you.

Gain valuable insight from our collection of exclusive interviews with both current and past PhD students. Learn from their best advice, personal challenges and career path after completing their doctorate.

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How Long Does It Take To Get a PhD?

A PhD program typically takes four to seven years, but a variety of factors can impact that timeline.

A PhD , or doctorate degree , is the highest degree you can earn in certain disciplines, such as psychology, engineering, education, and mathematics. As a result, it often takes longer to earn than it does for a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

While many PhD programs are designed to be finished in four or five years, the average completion time is much longer when you factor in the time it takes to research and write a dissertation. In 2020, for example, doctoral students took between six and twelve years to complete their PhDs [ 1 ]. By comparison, you can complete a master's degree in one to three years.

In this article, we'll explore the requirements of a PhD, what often ends up adding to the length of time, and important factors you should consider when deciding whether it’s the right choice for you.

PhD requirements + general timeline

Doctoral programs typically require PhD candidates to take take advanced courses, pass a comprehensive exam (sometimes called "comps"), and produce an original body of research, such as a dissertation, to obtain the degree. In some cases, you may also be expected to fulfill a teaching assistantship or research assistantship, both of which are meant to prepare you for a career in academia or research.

PhD requirements

The precise requirements you'll need to complete in order to get your PhD vary from one program to another, but some common tasks include:

Advanced coursework: Graduate-level coursework that explores a number of advanced sub-topics related to your field

Comprehensive exam: An exam that requires you to show knowledge of your field, such as its history, important figures, major theories or research, and more

Dissertation: An original body of research you contribute to your field

PhD timeline

The specifics of a PhD program vary by college and university, but the following estimates give you an idea of what to expect during your time in graduate school:

Year 1: Complete advanced coursework.

Year 2: Complete advanced coursework and begin preparing for your comprehensive exams.

Year 3: Study, take, and defend your comprehensive exams. Begin researching your dissertation proposal.

Year 4: Submit your dissertation proposal to your committee chair, and, once approved, begin working on your dissertation.

Year 5: Finish writing your dissertation and submit for committee approval. Defend your dissertation and apply for graduation.

Note that while this timeline gives a general timeline of how long it will take to complete a PhD program, it's very common for candidates to take more than one year to research and compose their dissertation.

Read more: Should You Go Back to School? 7 Things to Consider

PhD timelines by focus

Some PhD programs take longer to complete than others. For example, earning a doctorate in a science and engineering field typically takes less time than earning a doctorate in the arts or humanities, according to data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) [ 1 ]. The list below shows the median length of time it took doctorate students to earn their degree in 2020:

Physical and Earth Sciences: 6.3 

Engineering: 6.8 years

Life sciences: 6.9 years

Mathematics and computer science: 7 years

Psychology and Social Sciences: 7.9 years

Humanities and arts: 9.6 years

Education: 12 years

Learn more: What Is a Terminal Degree and Do I Need One?

Why does it take so long to complete a PhD?

There are a few reasons why it takes more time to complete a PhD compared to other advanced degrees.

1. Dissertations

Once a doctoral student has successfully passed their comps, they are considered “All But Dissertation” or “ABD.” Yet, the number of students who successfully complete their PhD program remains low—estimates show that nearly 50 percent of students drop out, often after reaching the dissertation phase [ 2 ].

The dissertation phase can often take much longer to complete than the other requirements of a PhD. Researching and writing a dissertation takes significant time because students are expected to make an original and notable contribution to their field.

2. Assistantship obligations

Teaching and research assistantships are beneficial because they can help pay for a PhD program, but they may also take time away from working on your dissertation. Some students are expected to teach at least one class per semester on top of their other obligations as graduate students.

For universities that reduce the teaching or research load that students have as part of their assistantship, times to completion tend to improve. Humanities students at Princeton University began finishing their degree in 6.4 years (compared to 7.5 years) thanks to the institution's financial support and the reduced number of classes students taught [ 3 ].

3. Other responsibilities

Doctoral students tend to be older. Graduate students pursuing a PhD in science or engineering were an average of 31.6 years old by the time they earned their degree in 2016, according to the National Science Foundation [ 4 ]. In effect, some PhD students may have competing obligations, such as family. If a student’s funding has run out, and they have to find full-time work, it also may affect the time they can dedicate to writing their dissertation.

Is a PhD right for you?

People pursue PhDs for various reasons: Some want a job that requires the degree, such as teaching at a university, while others want the challenges or intellectual engagement that a graduate program offers. Identifying why you want to earn a PhD can help indicate whether it’s your best choice.

If your career aspirations don't require a PhD, it might be better to focus on gaining professional experience. Or if you're interested in an advanced education, a master's degree may be a better option. It takes less time to complete than a PhD and can lead to more career opportunities and larger salaries than a bachelor's degree.

Learn more: Is a Master’s Degree Worth It?

Benefits of a PhD

The primary advantage of earning a PhD is your increased demand and marketability in the workforce.

In 2018, less than 5 percent of the United States population had a doctorate degree, compared to about 48 percent with a bachelor's degree and 21 percent with a master's degree, according to the US Census Bureau [ 5 ]. As a member of this elite group, the potential for advanced roles, promotions, or pay raises may be greater.

Even before you have a degree in hand, working toward a PhD gives you opportunities to hone valuable skills , including writing, research, and data analysis . Furthermore, completing a PhD program can demonstrate to potential employers that you have specialized knowledge and the fortitude to finish such an advanced degree.

Costs of a PhD

Beyond the time they take to complete, PhD programs can be expensive. The average cost of a PhD program in the United States is just under $100,000. At some schools, the cost of a PhD can even exceed $200,000 [ 6 ]. While many institutions offer funding support in the form of assistantships or scholarships, many PhD students still graduate with student loan debt. In 2023, the average student loan debt for PhD was $134,797 [ 7 ].

Another factor to consider is the loss of income you might incur while you're working toward your degree. Some graduate students accept teaching or research assistantships to help fund the cost of their program, but these may not pay as much as full-time positions. Working on your education may also mean pausing the professional experience you’d gain in the workforce—and potentially losing out on promotions and raises. However, it’s worth noting that graduate degree holders earn much more over the course of their lifetime than bachelor’s degree holders, according to the US Social Security Administration [ 8 ].

Read more: How to Pay for Graduate School: 8 Ways

Set yourself up for success

A PhD is a major accomplishment. As you think about your long-term goals and whether a PhD will help you achieve them, it's important to understand ways you can set yourself up for success. According to the University of Georgia, success in a PhD program often means [ 9 ]:

Understanding the demands and expectations of the program

Receiving adequate program orientation

Getting support from peers and faculty

Feeling a sense of belonging as a member of an academic community

These conditions underscore the importance of choosing the right program and school to fit your personal and professional goals. Take time to research the ways your potential institution offers financial support, mental health support, and career placement support, among other program features.

An advanced degree can be a lucrative credential. You can earn your master’s in a number of in-demand fields from top universities on Coursera. Earn a degree in computer science , business , management , or public health , all while enjoying greater flexibility than an in-person degree program tends to offer. Earning your master's can also help you discern whether a PhD makes sense for your larger objectives.

Article sources

Survey of Earned Doctorates. " Path to the doctorate , https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsf22300/report/path-to-the-doctorate." Accessed January 30, 2024.

International Journal of Higher Education. “ Who Are the Doctoral Students Who Drop Out? , https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1188721.pdf.” Accessed January 30, 2024.

The New York Times. " Exploring Ways to Shorten the Ascent to a PhD , https://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/03/education/03education.html." Accessed January 30, 2024.

National Science Foundation. " Science and Engineering Doctorates , https://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2018/nsf18304/report/age-at-doctorate-award-what-are-the-overall-trends-and-characteristics/characteristics-of-doctorate-recipients-sex.cfm." Accessed January 30, 2024.

US Census Bureau. " About 13.1 Percent Have a Master’s, Professional Degree or Doctorate , https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2019/02/number-of-people-with-masters-and-phd-degrees-double-since-2000.html." Accessed January 30, 2024.

Education Data Initiative. " Average Cost of a Doctorate Degree , https://educationdata.org/average-cost-of-a-doctorate-degree." Accessed January 30, 2024.

Education Data Initiative. " Average Graduate Student Loan Debt , https://educationdata.org/average-graduate-student-loan-debt." Accessed January 30, 2024.

Social Security Administration. " Education and Lifetime Earnings , https://www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/research-summaries/education-earnings.html." Accessed January 30, 2024.

 A Data-Driven Approach to Improving Doctoral Completion. " Chapter 2: Description of Projects , https://cgsnet.org/cgs-occasional-paper-series/university-georgia/chapter-2." Accessed January 30, 2024.

Keep reading

Coursera staff.

Editorial Team

Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...

This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

PhD Program

The PhD is conferred upon candidates who have demonstrated substantial scholarship and the ability to conduct independent research and analysis in Psychology.

A student typically concentrates in one of several areas within Psychology. Across all areas, the training program emphasizes the development of research competence, and students are encouraged to develop skills and attitudes that are appropriate to a career of continuing research productivity.

Two kinds of experience are necessary for this purpose. One is the learning of substantial amounts of theoretical, empirical, computational and methods information . A number of courses and seminars are provided to assist in this learning, and students are expected to construct a program in consultation with their advisor(s) to obtain this knowledge in the most stimulating and economical fashion.

A second aspect of training is one that cannot be gained from the courses or seminars. This is first-hand knowledge of, and practical experience with, the methods of psychological investigation and study . Therefore, students are expected to spend half of their time on research and to take no more than 10 units of course work per quarter, beginning in the first quarter.

Students achieve competence in unique ways and at different rates. Students and advisors work together to plan a program to accomplish these objectives.

If current students have any questions about the PhD program, please email the Student Services Manager, Dena Zlatunich, at  denamz [at] stanford.edu (denamz[at]stanford[dot]edu) . The current Director of Graduate Studies is Professor Hyo Gwoen.

If you are interested in applying for our PhD program, please carefully review the information on the  PhD Admissions website . Follow-up questions can be directed to the admissions staff at  psych-admissions [at] stanford.edu (psych-admissions[at]stanford[dot]edu) .

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How the PhD Program Works

Program Overview

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

Admission to candidacy.

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

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

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

The Doctoral Dissertation

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

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

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

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

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

Policies and Procedures

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

Sample Program Sequence

Years 1 & 2.

Coursework Examination Research Papers Research Activities Field-Specific Requirements

Directed Reading & Research Admission to Candidacy Formulation of Research Topic

Years 4 & 5

Continued Research Oral Examination Dissertation

Hear From Our Doctoral Community

How this phd student discovered a dynamic research community at wharton, why this phd student chose to study business ethics at wharton, phd student creates a new pipeline for women in academia.

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What is a PhD?

As the highest degree level achievable at university, completing a PhD shows that you've made a meaningful new contribution to your chosen research field

PhDs at a glance

• Involves three or four years of full-time study, or up to seven part time.
• Typically undertaken after achieving a Masters degree.
• Can either be funded or self-funded.
• Assessed through a written thesis and oral exam.
• Many Doctoral graduates choose to pursue an academic or research career.

What is the meaning of PhD?

The term PhD or Doctorate of Philosophy is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase 'philosophiae doctor'.

A PhD degree typically involves students independently conducting original and significant research in a specific field or subject, before producing a publication-worthy thesis.

While some Doctorates include taught components, PhD students are almost always assessed on the quality and originality of the argument presented in their independent research project.

How long is a PhD in the UK?

Full-time PhDs usually last for three or four years, while part-time PhDs can take up to six or seven. However, the thesis deadline can be extended by up to four years at the institution's discretion. Indeed, many students who enrol on three-year PhDs only finish their thesis in their fourth year.

While most PhD studentships begin in September or October, both funded and self-funded PhDs can be undertaken at any point during the year.

If you're planning on studying for a PhD abroad, take a look at our individual country profiles .

Do I need a Masters to do a PhD?

The majority of institutions require PhD candidates to possess a Masters degree , plus a Bachelors degree at 2:1 or above. However, some universities demand only the latter, while self-funded PhD students or those with significant professional experience may also be accepted with lower grades.

You may need to initially register for a one or two-year Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Master of Research (MRes) degree rather than a PhD. If you make sufficient progress, you and your work will then be 'upgraded' to a PhD programme. If not, you may be able to graduate with a Masters degree.

If you need an MPhil or MRes before enrolling on your PhD, search Masters degrees .

What does a PhD involve?

A standard PhD degree is typically split into three stages. A three-year PhD may follow this pattern:

• First year - You'll meet with your supervisor to discuss your research proposal and agree an action plan with deadlines. You'll then complete your literature review, in which you'll evaluate and critique existing works to inform the direction of your project and ensure that your research will be original.
• Second year - Your focus will shift to gathering results and developing your thesis, and potentially begin writing chapters of your thesis. You may also present your results and ideas at academic conferences, gain teaching experience, collaborate with other students on similar projects, communicate the benefits of your research to the general public through workshops, lectures and presentations, or submit work for publication in an academic journal or book.
• Third year - Primarily involves writing your thesis, though your research may still be in progress. After your supervisor gives their approval, you'll submit your thesis before undertaking a one to three-hour oral exam ( viva voce ) in which you'll discuss and defend your thesis in the presence of at least one internal and external examiner.

How do I find a PhD?

As a PhD is different to other degrees, you're committing to more than simply an advanced qualification. You've chosen to engage in a large-scale independent research project and so you'll need to take into account a range of factors that will drive your search.

A methodical approach to the process is required and you'll need to consider the subject you're interested in carrying out research in and the type of Doctorate you're looking for, making sure this is the right project for you. Only when you're fully prepared and have a good idea of your research proposal should you search for PhD opportunities .

What other types of Doctorate are there?

Alternative types of PhD include:

• Higher Doctorate - These are usually granted on the recommendation of a committee of internal and external examiners, which assesses a portfolio of published, peer-reviewed research you've undertaken over the course of many years. This type of Doctorate is usually for those with several years of academic experience. Common award titles include the Doctor of Civil Law (DCL), Doctor of Divinity (DD), Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD/LittD), Doctor of Music (DMus/MusD), Doctor of Science (DS/SD/DSc/ScD) and Doctor of Law (LLD).
• Integrated/New Route PhD - This four-year PhD course is offered by over 30 universities and involves taking a one-year MRes before studying a three-year PhD. It combines taught elements with independent research, allowing students to learn different methodologies while building their transferable skills.
• Professional Doctorate - Geared towards students of vocational subjects such as medicine, education and engineering, professional Doctorates are focused on teaching and so normally involve smaller research projects and thesis component. They're often favoured by those aiming for a career outside of academia and are usually supported by employers.

How much does a PhD cost?

Tuition fees vary, but usually fall between £3,000 and £6,000 per year for UK students and those from the European Union (EU) with settled status. UK Research Councils pay universities £4,596 per year (from 2022/23) on behalf of each funded PhD student, so this gives a good indication of the average figure.

For EU students looking to pursue a Doctorate in 2022/23, you'll need to have gained settled or pre-settled status to be eligible for student finance - see PhD loans .

Non-EU students may pay considerably more for their tuition fees.

Despite this, many PhD students are now part or fully funded - scholarships and bursaries are widely available, and particular attention should be paid to Research Council grants .

PhD studentships and assistantships involving a mixture of research and teaching are also common, with scientific studentships usually paid at a higher rate.

How do I apply for a PhD?

Some students propose their own research area and apply for funding, while in some cases a supervisor may already have funding for a project and advertise it like a job. When making a PhD application, you'll typically be asked to submit:

• an academic CV
• your academic transcripts
• two or three academic references
• a personal statement
• a research proposal.

International students without settled UK status looking to study certain courses in medicine, mathematics, engineering and material sciences are required to comply with the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) . This involves undergoing a security clearance process with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. International students may also have to prove their English proficiency.

What can I do next?

Your ability to critically analyse, display intellectual maturity, and research independently and honestly is highly valued within academia and the workplace.

Many students who undertake a PhD get an academic job or become an industry researcher, possibly following the PhD with postdoctoral study, then a fellowship or lectureship.

Other career options will depend on your study area.

Discover what a PhD degree can lead to at your PhD, what next?

Find out more

• Consider your PhD options at 5 routes to getting a Doctorate .
• Get help with choosing your PhD supervisor .
• Explore funding postgraduate study .

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PhD Program

Professor Wender discusses chemistry with his graduate students.

Doctoral study in chemistry at Stanford University prepares students for research and teaching careers with diverse emphases in basic, life, medical, physical, energy, materials, and environmental sciences.

The Department of Chemistry offers opportunities for graduate study spanning contemporary subfields, including theoretical, organic, inorganic, physical, biophysical and biomedical chemistry and more. Much of the research defies easy classification along traditional divisions; cross-disciplinary collaborations with Stanford's many vibrant research departments and institutes is among factors distinguishing this world-class graduate program.

The Department of Chemistry is committed to providing academic advising in support of graduate student scholarly and professional development.  This advising relationship entails collaborative and sustained engagement with mutual respect by both the adviser and advisee.

• The adviser is expected to meet at least monthly with the graduate student to discuss on-going research.
• There should be a yearly independent development plan (IDP) meeting between the graduate student and adviser. Topics include research progress, expectations for completion of PhD, areas for both the student and adviser to improve in their joint research effort.
• A research adviser should provide timely feedback on manuscripts and thesis chapters.
• Graduate students are active contributors to the advising relationship, proactively seeking academic and professional guidance and taking responsibility for informing themselves of policies and degree requirements for their graduate program.
• If there is a significant issue concerning the graduate student’s progress in research, the adviser must communicate this to the student and to the Graduate Studies Committee in writing.  This feedback should include the issues, what needs to be done to overcome these issues and by when.

Academic advising by Stanford faculty is a critical component of all graduate students' education and additional resources can be found in the  Policies and Best Practices for Advising Relationships at Stanford  and the  Guidelines for Faculty-Student Advising at Stanford .

Learn more about the program through the links below, and by exploring the research interests of the  Chemistry Faculty  and  Courtesy Faculty .

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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 .

2022 UChicago graduate selected as 2024 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow

April 17, 2024

By Andy Brown

Assistant Director, College Communications

Russell Legate-Yang, AB’22, has been selected as a 2024 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow, which will support him in his doctoral studies at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Since 1998, the  Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans has honored the contributions of immigrants and children of immigrants to the United States by investing in the graduate education of 30 New Americans each year. 

Legate-Yang is one of 30  2024 Soros Fellows , who were chosen for their achievements and their potential to make significant contributions to U.S. society, culture or their academic fields. With 2,323 applicants and a 1.3% selection rate, this year’s cycle is among the most competitive in the fellowship’s 26-year history. Each Soros Fellow will receive up to $90,000 in funding to support their graduate studies at institutions across the country.

The son of Canadian and Chinese immigrants, Legate-Yang graduated from the College with an AB in Economics and Mathematics, both with Honors, in 2022.

The highly competitive fellowship will support Legate-Yang’s pursuit of a Ph.D. in economics. It will also connect him with other fellowship winners, who will gather for town halls, local meetups, campus visits and the annual Fall Conference in New York City.

Legate-Yang’s research focuses on understanding and improving K-12 public school effectiveness. He says his work is urgent, noting that the COVID-19 pandemic reversed decades of learning gains and exacerbated already large education gaps.

“Targeted recovery efforts require that we first understand what works and why: Why do learning losses persist? Which schools and programs effectively help students?” he said. “We only get a few chances to pick a new neighborhood, job, or school, and we cannot run experiments in our lives to decide. We need research to help us make effective and informed decisions.”

Legate-Yang, from Swarthmore, Pa., said he learned to apply rigorous methods to study intractable problems as a student in the College. His dual-major coursework in math and economics helped him develop an analytical mindset and build a methodological toolkit for research, while the Core Curriculum pushed him to think more broadly about social structures and approach problems from different perspectives. 

“Through diverse research projects in economics, political science and public policy, and especially my honors economics thesis, I learned to separate cause from chance in data and connect academic work to practical problems,” he said.

After graduating in 2022, Legate-Yang joined Blueprint Labs at MIT to study K-12 public school effectiveness with economists Josh Angrist and Parag Pathak. He also worked with New York City Public Schools to revamp the city’s school ratings system for its over 1,700 public schools and 1 million students. 

The revamped system considers students’ starting points before they enroll in a school, and will soon be deployed by the city for use by students, families and education policymakers.

Graduate school and the Soros Fellowship will help Legate-Yang prepare for a career committed to advancing social good and giving back to communities that he said paved the way for him to reach this point. 

“I'm incredibly thrilled and grateful to join this community of Fellows,” he said. “I would like to thank my family, Baba, Mom and Vivian, for encouraging me, allowing me, and teaching me to do what I’m passionate about every day. Thanks to my friends for having fun with me through it. And thanks to my partner Krithika, who inspires my life. I’d also like to thank my mentors and colleagues, whose investment in my work empowered me.”

In addition to being selected as a Soros Fellow, Legate-Yang was also chosen this year for the  National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship Program , which will support his graduate studies. 

Legate-Yang received interview support from the  College Center for Research and Fellowships  (CCRF), which supports College students and alums who apply for nationally competitive fellowships.

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Johns Hopkins PhD students vote to ratify three-year collective bargaining agreement

The approved contract guarantees increased pay and benefits for represented students and ensures that jhu remains a leader in graduate education.

By Hub staff report

Union-represented PhD students at Johns Hopkins University have voted in favor of ratifying a three-year collective bargaining agreement that guarantees them enhanced pay and benefits.

The 29 articles that make up the contract between the university and the union that represents PhD students—Teachers and Researchers United – United Electrical, Radio and Machine Workers of America Local 197 (TRU-UE Local 197)—address a broad range of important topics including minimum stipend levels, union rights, appointment duties, grievance and arbitration, training and professional development, professional rights, and health and safety provisions.

The contract offers enhanced pay and benefits that raise the minimum stipend to $47,000 per year beginning this July. Stipend increases are approximately 32% on average across the bargaining unit and more than 50% in some departments. The three-year agreement also includes guaranteed minimum stipend increases of more than 6% in the second year of the contract to $50,000, and then a 4% increase in the third year of the contract. Among other benefit enhancements, the contract also includes paid health benefits for children and some spouses, parental leave benefits, increased vacation and sick time, and a one-time $1,000 signing bonus for all bargaining unit members.

"We are confident this newly ratified contract will allow Hopkins PhD programs to offer highly competitive funding packages and continue building on our nearly 150-year-old tradition of recruiting some of brightest minds and most promising talent in the world to study here in Baltimore," JHU President Ron Daniels and Provost Ray Jayawardhana wrote in a message to faculty. This moment marks just some of our first steps towards meeting the ambitious vision for the future of graduate education laid out in the university's Ten for One strategic plan, and with PhD education as a major focus of the institution's philanthropic efforts, more exciting developments lay ahead.

"We extend our gratitude to the faculty members and the student workers who participated in this process, and who helped us reach this important milestone."

The ratified agreement is the product of more than 40 bargaining sessions between university and union representatives. Terms of the proposed agreement were reached on March 29.

Posted in University News

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University, PhD union reach tentative agreement

Hopkins PhD students vote in favor of unionization

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USM Students, Alum Earn Graduate Research Fellowships

Thu, 04/18/2024 - 01:23pm | By: Van Arnold

Three University of Southern Mississippi (USM) students and a recent graduate have been awarded prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships that will provide substantial funding for their continued scientific pursuits.

The awardees include:

• Damien Cooper, a senior from Batesville, Miss., majoring in chemistry.
• Carmen Dunn, a second-year doctoral candidate from Lenoir City, Tenn.
• Zacchaeus Wallace, a senior from Jackson, Miss., majoring in polymer science and engineering.
• Baylor Lynch, a 2022 USM graduate (conservation biology) from Griffin, Ga.

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the quality, vitality, and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. A primary goal is to broaden participation of the full spectrum of diverse talents in STEM. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Fellowships provide students with a three-year annual stipend of $37,000 along with a $16,000 cost of education allowance for tuition and fees (paid to the institution), as well as access to opportunities for professional development available to NSF-supported graduate students.

“These students have worked extremely hard to achieve this level of recognition, and we are certainly proud of them and their accomplishments,” said Dr. Chris Winstead, Dean of USM’s College of Arts and Sciences. “I am also very proud of the many faculty that have supported these students along the way. This recognition is a clear sign that our students, with support from an engaged and active faculty, are prepared to succeed at the highest levels. 

Added Winstead: “The fact that we have four awardees, representing three different disciplines in the college, is a great indicator of the depth of talent in both our students and faculty. As a dean, I really couldn’t be prouder. Helping students succeed is why we are here.”

Cooper works in the lab of Dr. Matthew Donahue, Associate Professor of chemistry and biochemistry. He has been a member of the Donahue Research Group since early 2021. The news of his fellowship caught Cooper completely off-guard.

“I could not believe it when I saw it. I was playing a game with a friend and a lab mate texted me to say the results were out,” said Cooper. “I had never jumped for joy in my life. I remember calling all of my folks and telling them about it. It was of the greatest news I had ever heard.”

Cooper’s research focuses on the synthesis and derivatization of a nitrogen heterocycle called piperidine. This compound is a structural motif found in many pharmaceutical drugs boasting a wide range of uses such as antihistamines, antivirals, antifungals, SSRI’s and more. In the lab, he targets ways to access different parts of the ring by adding and changing the functional groups attached.

Cooper plans to attend Rice University in the fall to pursue a doctorate in chemistry.

“With the help of this NSF fellowship, I will be able to focus on my research full-time and make further advances in the chemical space for the betterment of people worldwide,” said Cooper.

Dunn works in the lab of Dr. Zhe Qiang, Assistant Professor of polymer science. She expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to apply for the fellowship and to ultimately realize that her hard work had paid off.

“More than anything, I was really overwhelmed with appreciation for the people who have supported me to this point,” said Dunn. “Without my PI (Dr. Qiang), my family, my mentors, and my group members, I could not have dreamed of having a shot at this.”

Dunn’s research focuses on sustainable polymer materials. Specifically, she is designing elastic dynamic networks with unique properties. Dunn has also worked with local schools and educators to design demonstrations and presentations to teach the importance of polymer sustainability and research in K-12 classrooms.

Dunn notes that going forward her research focus will shift to designing and implementing dynamic graft blend compatibilizers to potentially improve current recycling methods for polyethylene/polypropylene blends.

“Recycling and upcycling polymer blends is a large challenge for several reasons, and I am looking forward to seeing the potential impact of my work on this widespread issue,” said Dunn.

Wallace works in the lab of Dr. Tristan Clemons, Assistant Professor of polymer science. He described learning the news of his fellowship as a “wow” moment.

“As soon as I saw the email that morning, I called my parents and celebrated the news with them,” said Wallace. “This recognition is a testament to the time and effort I have dedicated to my success and my mission to better my community and contribute to a growing scientific future.”

Wallace’s research focuses on applying novel therapeutic strategies that reduce the undesirable effects of reactive oxygen species – a major catalyst for conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and many more common disease states.

“My intended field of specialization is transitional research aimed at studying and developing therapies for cancer metastasis and cardiovascular disease, the two most prevalent causes of death in the South and the world,” said Wallace.

Following graduation, Wallace plans to attend Vanderbilt University where he will pursue a doctorate in biomedical engineering.

Lynch previously worked in the lab of Dr. Michael Andres, Assistant Professor in the Division of Coastal Sciences, at USM’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. Lynch earned his undergraduate degree in conservation biology in 2022 and currently serves as an outdoor science instructor (K-12) at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

What was Lynch’s reaction to the news he had been awarded an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship?

“Upon opening my phone while half-asleep, an email from NSF instantly jolted me awake, mostly due to anxiety,” said Lynch. “However, after reading I was awarded the fellowship, I called my parents so they could relay the good news to my cat.”

Lynch’s early career research focus has centered on ecology, specifically within marine, estuarine, and riverine ecosystems.

“Throughout my career and into my future graduate studies, I have specialized in utilizing various chemical tracers to understand ecological processes in these environments,” he said.

Lynch plans to use his fellowship funding to pursue a master’s degree in fisheries and aquatic science at the University of Florida. His research focus will be on toxicology, examining the impacts of harmful substances on fish populations and water bodies throughout Florida.

Learn more about the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program and see the full list of awardees.

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Two Penn students awarded a 2024 Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans

Min jae kim is pursuing an m.d./ph.d. in the perelman school of medicine, and zijian (william) niu is a fourth-year in the college of arts and sciences..

University of Pennsylvania students Min Jae Kim and Zijian (William) Niu have each received a  Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowship for New Americans , a merit-based program that provides graduate school funding for immigrants and children of immigrants to the United States. 

Kim is a graduate student pursuing an M.D./Ph.D. in neuroscience at the Perelman School of Medicine ; and Niu is a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in biochemistry, biophysics, and physics as a Roy and Diana Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Scholar in the College of Arts and Sciences . 

They are among the 30 chosen as 2024 PD Soros Fellows from 2,323 applicants. Each Fellow receives as much as $90,000 for graduate studies.

Born in Korea, Kim’s family immigrated to the U.S. when he was 14 and settled in Fairfax, Virginia. Kim’s research focuses on the biological underpinnings of neurological disorders and applying mathematical and engineering principles to address them. At Penn, alongside multidisciplinary research and clinical faculty members at Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia , Kim is investigating novel methods to optimize clinical effects of neuromodulatory therapies across neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Kim earned his bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University in 2022. He worked on numerous translational and clinical research projects across the neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry departments at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine . At Johns Hopkins Hospital , Kim participated in research in identifying neural circuits involved in Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy. From this work, he holds a patent as a lead inventor and was awarded the Barry Goldwater Scholarship . Kim had additional training at Harvard Medical School before coming to Penn in 2023. He has published more than 18 papers in medical and scientific journals, and his research has been recognized by national and international medical organizations. Kim’s goal is to become a neurosurgeon-scientist and to develop next-generation neuromodulatory therapeutics to repair neurophysiological and network dysfunctions in neurological disorders.

Niu was born in Kaifeng, China, but spent much of his early childhood in Shanghai. His family immigrated to the U.S. when he was 8, and he grew up in Winchester, Massachusetts. At Penn, Niu works with Arjun Raj in the Raj Lab for Systems Biology to develop new computational methods for biomedical image analysis, including a deep learning algorithm for detecting diffraction-limited spots in fluorescence microscopy images obtained from spatial transcriptomics. For this work, he was awarded the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship in 2023. Niu is also a Dean’s Scholar , a recipient of the Roy and Diana Vagelos Science Challenge Award and the William E. Stephens Prize , and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa . In 2022, he co-founded the student-led Project Lucid to build awareness and confidence for effective science communication among Penn undergraduates. Niu has also been a teaching assistant and peer educator at Penn and a STEM mentor at underserved Philadelphia high schools. With the PD Soros Fellowship, Niu plans to pursue a Ph.D. in computational and systems biology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology .

Kim and Niu are Penn’s 23rd and 24th Paul & Daisy Soros Fellow since the fellowship program was founded in 1998, according to the  Center for Undergraduate Research and Fellowships .

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• April 2024: UB researcher receives grant to study oral histories of Black world language teachers

Published April 18, 2024

BY SARA DEMBSKI

Ub researcher receives grant to study oral histories of black world language teachers.

Tasha Austin , assistant professor of learning and instruction in the University at Buffalo Graduate School of Education, was awarded a prestigious Spencer Foundation Small Research Grant in the amount of $47,124. Beginning in February 2024, the two-year project will allow Austin to continue researching the intersection of Blackness and bi/multilingualism for professionals who have become world language (WL) teachers.

Her project, “Excavating the Oral Histories of Black World Language Teachers,” will conduct oral history interviews to help fill the gap in research through discrepant case sampling to learn what compels Black teachers to persist towards becoming WL professionals.

“Tasha Austin is rapidly earning a reputation for her insightful and compelling scholarship. This Spencer Foundation grant is a reflection of her strength as a researcher and the novel ways she chooses to conduct her research. I am so excited to see the outcomes of this project,” said GSE Dean and Professor Suzanne Rosenblith .

After joining GSE’s faculty in 2022, Austin had the opportunity to discuss her research interests with Rosenblith, prompting her to explore grant opportunities.

“We were talking about some of the courses that folks are taking to become teachers, and how when they get to the point of trying to figure out how to overcome some of these systemic inequities, it can be demoralizing, because once you realize that they exist, it's almost like they're everywhere,” Austin said. “And so, I was sharing with Dean Rosenblith that what frustrates me is that it's not that they've not been able to overcome before, and it's not that Black folks aren't always navigating these systems and finding ways to do it successfully.

“I just felt like all of the stories about that success are kind of reduced to these superhero kind of stories—like it has to be particular people, like MLK. When we talked about the commonplace efforts of Black educators, I began to bring up world language teachers and how, for all intents and purposes, it's really a negligible amount of Black world language teachers,” Austin continued. “Last time I checked, 2.5% of teachers are Black world language teachers. And so, together, we were thinking about the power of having those stories really nuanced and talked about.”

The main goal of Austin’s research is to learn how this group of Black WL teachers can be supported and increased. This is especially important now since, according to Austin’s research, there has been a 44% drop in conferred WL degrees over the last decade.

With this absence of Black WL teachers, students lose African American traditions and principles in the classroom. Austin reports that the cultural mismatch between educators and students, largely along racial lines, negatively affects students’ performance in school. Although racial and cultural overlap doesn’t automatically mean a good academic standing, Black educators do bring a tradition of teaching excellence and their knowledge of navigating anti-Blackness.

Tasha Austin, assistant professor of learning and instruction

A secondary goal for Austin is bringing to light that this type of research is not simply done by one person. “The entirety of the process is rooted in this desire to draw together these kinds of everyday Black folks. Now, these are scholars, but I still say they’re ‘everyday’ because having a degree doesn't make you a scholar, right? But I could not have done it without them,” she said. “And my plan is to continue to draw together these folks who have these capacities and these insights. I definitely don't see it as something that I can do alone.”

Austin expresses gratitude for those who have helped uplift her as she has pursued her research endeavors, including Betina Hsieh, associate professor at California State University, Long Beach’s College of Education; Dawnavyn James, GSE PhD student; Aminah Raysor, GSE PhD student; Uju Anya, associate professor at Carnegie Mellon University; Aris Clemons, assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Anne Charity Hudley, associate dean of educational affairs and professor at Stanford University; Jamie Thomas, dean of social sciences at Cypress University; LJ Randolph, assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison; Ryuko Kubota, professor at the University of British Columbia; Theresa Austin, professor at University of Massachusetts Amherst; Geneva Smitherman, professor at Michigan State University; April Baker Bell, associate professor at Syracuse University; Marcelle Haddix, dean and professor at Syracuse University; Cheryl McLean, associate professor at Rutgers University; Michéle Foster, professor of urban education at the University of Louisville; and Nelson Flores, associate professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

“Without these folks, I wouldn't be able to make such an intervention because I draw on their work to substantiate the value that my work might bring,” Austin said. “And I'm missing 1000 names, right? But it feels important to not ever get any kind of recognition or elevation of what I'm doing without bringing in the folks in the room that make it possible.”

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Pharmacy lab assistant accepted to M.D./Ph.D. program

Since the time she conducted her first research experiment as a student at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, Darby Porter was hooked on research.

While completing her undergraduate studies in chemistry and neuroscience at the University of South Carolina Honors College, Porter joined the lab of Jun Zhu , Ph.D., in the College of Pharmacy. After graduating in 2023, Porter continued as Zhu’s lab assistant and has now been accepted into the Medical Science Training Program to pursue an M.D./Ph.D. at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Porter joined Zhu’s lab after searching through the university’s research registry.

“I typed in drug discovery and drug design, and while I didn’t understand what much of it meant, I thought Dr. Zhu’s research was a good option because I knew what the main keywords were – dopamine and HIV,” she says.

Turns out, it was the perfect fit for Porter’s ambition to conduct research and do benchwork.

“I love conducting experiments and analyzing results,” she notes. “I love connecting the results from one experiment or set of experiments to a broader issue that is affecting people’s health. Being able to tie in what is happening at the molecular level with patients who are experiencing a disorder is a nice blend that I want to incorporate into my career.”

I love connecting the results from one experiment or set of experiments to a broader issue that is affecting people’s health.

Porter developed an interest in serving patients alongside her research while working at CAN Community Health, an HIV- clinic providing care to underserved health populations in the Columbia area.

Zhu noted Porter’s dedication to successfully conducting experiments as well as drafting manuscripts and grant applications.

“What distinguishes Darby from other students is her deep interest and passion about her work and the potential implications it may have on human health,” Zhu adds. “She is an example to students who want to develop their career in the field of biomedical science. For faculty, it is our responsibility to not only provide research training opportunities but also guide students for future career development.”

Porter will begin the arduous eight-year process of earning her M.D./Ph.D. in June, where she will begin her studies in translational research before starting her medical school studies in the fall.

“I think I want to eventually do clinical research,” she says, “The advantage of having an M.D. and a Ph.D. is that you can identify a therapeutic target on the bench and then develop some level of treatment while working with patients. I like the idea of working on one project and seeing it to completion.”

Topics: Research , Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences

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