phd programs louisiana

2024 Best Grad Schools in Louisiana for Doctorate Degrees

Choosing the best grad school for you, average earnings, taking out student loans, more ranking factors that are important, one size does not fit all, top doctorate degree schools in louisiana, best doctorate degree schools in the southeast region, west virginia, north carolina, south carolina, mississippi, more louisiana rankings, bachelor's degrees, returning adults, master's degrees, notes and references, popular reports, compare your school options.

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Doctorate Leadership Studies

Doctorate in leadership studies, doctor of education (edd).

Louisiana State University Shreveport's premier EdD in Leadership Studies is designed for a wide range of leadership experiences across diverse industries. This cutting-edge, interdisciplinary online program is perfect for current and aspiring leaders.

The Leadership Studies doctoral program at Louisiana State University Shreveport is a competitive, cutting-edge program designed to provide practical, real-world development for leaders across a wide range of industries. Leaders of businesses, nonprofits, healthcare, government, first responder agencies and higher education institutions can all benefit from the EdD program. With concentrations in Leadership Studies, Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, as well as Health Communication and Leadership, this degree provides specialized programming aimed at taking your leadership to the next level.

The Doctorate (EdD) in Leadership Studies at LSUS is a flexible program for today's leader. With an innovative curriculum and experienced faculty, the degree in Leadership Studies allows students to gain expertise in leadership aimed at assisting, honing and growing your leadership presence, skills, and knowledge as you pursue existing and new opportunities in your career.

Why LSUS’   Doctorate of Leadership Studies   degree p rogram?  

The LSUS EdD in Leadership Studies is focused on leadership theory and practice and is open to students with graduate degrees in all disciplines. The LSUS program of study is designed for leaders from a wide range of industries, including nonprofits, for-profits, government, military, healthcare and education.

The emphasis of the program is on the needs of practitioner-scholars, rather than research-scholars. You’ll work closely with top faculty and fellow professionals to explore what makes successful leadership work. This flexible program is also specifically designed to meet the needs of working adults, with doctoral courses delivered though a myriad of online classes. Learn more about the program here.

An important note to take into account is the misconception that this degree is in educational leadership when, in reality, it is not. Teachers might not qualify for this degree due to their limited leadership experience. On the other hand, K-12 Principals and Superintendents are eligible for application given their relevant experience.

Please note:  The Ed.D. program is a competitive admissions program and as such, not all applicants who apply will be admitted. Each concentration accepts approximately 7-10 new students per year.

• Degree Type Doctor of Education (EdD)
• Program Length As quickly as 2 years
• Availability Online

Learn how to apply leadership theories to bring about organizational change and collaborate with key stakeholders to solve problems.   Whether you’re looking to advance your career in business, nonprofit management or take the next step as an entrepreneur, the leadership studies program will give you the practical tools to succeed.  

Set up for success  

The Leadership Studies program is delivered in a 100% online format, offering a flexible doctoral program option for working professionals. Each class meets weekly via Zoom, providing students an opportunity to network and engage other professionals as they explore each course. Top faculty bring diverse leadership and research experience to the classroom in areas such as business, human resources, political leadership, consulting, law enforcement, healthcare and more. Courses are offered in a 7-week format with students opting to take one or two courses per session. Comprehensive exams are offered each semester and are coordinated by program faculty.

Rigorous academic curriculum  

The LSUS Leadership Studies doctorate offers rigorous study in core foundational courses that target leadership theory, organizational leadership, research methods, and more. Concentration courses are taught by experienced faculty with opportunities to meet and collaborate with other students interested in furthering their knowledge set in a specific area. All courses are delivered 100% online in a 7-week format.

Financial aid for leadership studies graduate students  

More than $12.4 million in scholarship money is awarded to LSUS students each year.  Take some time to explore the types of financial aid you could qualify for .  

Developing leadership knowledge with leading faculty and courses is something that will enhance every area of your life – both professionally and personally. Some of LSUS’ doctoral graduates have gone on to positions such as:  

• Director of Research and Development
• Director of Emergency Management
• College Professor in a variety of related fields
• Dean of Students
• Executive Director
• Nonprofit Leader
• Program Administrator in Healthcare

View course requirements for the doctoral program in leadership studies .

Thinking about earning your doctoral degree in leadership studies? Get more information on the program here.

Unsure? Here are a few other graduate programs at LSUS you might want to explore.   

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Educational Leadership

Leadership Studies Faculty

Kevin Baxter, EdD

Ozlem Gumus, PhD

John Harrison, PhD

Grace Hildenbrand, PhD

Shaoping Qiu, PhD

Starting a successful career is closer than you think. With exceptional academics and generous financial aid, LSUS allows you to get your degree close to home while launching you to new heights.

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

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Doctoral programs in the college of sciences.

If you're interested in furthering your knowledge of the sciences, explore our doctoral programs ranging from biology to mathematics. You'll benefit from the best of both worlds: a flexible, supportive program that stresses individualized training and a diverse research environment that is rich in intellectual and technical resources.

We offer a PhD in Environmental and Evolutionary Biology. Learn more about the PhD in Biology (Department page) > Learn more about the PhD in Biology (Graduate School page) >

Computer Science & Computer Engineering

We offer two PhD programs in computing: a PhD in Computer Science and a PhD in Computer Engineering. Learn more about the PhD programs in computer science and computer engineering (Department page)> Learn more about the PhD program in computer science (Graduate School page) > Learn more about the PhD program in computer engineering (Graduate School page) >

Earth & Energy Sciences

We offer an interdisciplinary PhD in Earth & Energy Sciences that integrates chemistry, environmental science, geology, and physics. Learn more about the PhD in earth and energy sciences (College page) > Learn more about the PhD in earth and energy sciences (Graduate School page) >

Mathematics

We offer a PhD in Mathematics. Learn more about the PhD in mathematics (Department page) > Learn more about the PhD in mathematics (Graduate School page) >

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

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Doctoral degree in mathematics.

At the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, you can earn your PhD in mathematics, working with faculty who are devoted to advancing the discipline. Our math PhD program emphasizes research and prepares you for the highest levels of scholarship, along with ample career opportunities in academia and research-related agencies and industries.

As one of our math PhD students, you will select a dissertation topic within an area of mathematics with an active faculty research interest. Our mathematics PhD program offers three choices of concentration:

• Applied Mathematics (including Mathematical Biology, Numerical Analysis, Ordinary Differential Equations, and Partial Differential Equations);
• Pure Mathematics (including Algebra, Analysis, and Topology); and,
• Statistics.

Completing your PhD in math will put you at the top of your field. Mathematics is the foundation for all other scientific endeavors, and your work can help fuel the next great breakthrough.

Earn your PhD in mathematics from UL Lafayette.

Apply for Admission to the Math PhD Program

Earn your PhD in mathematics from UL Lafayette, and be a part of our active and research-driven mathematics community.

Apply to our PhD in mathematics program >>

Requirements for a PhD in Mathematics

As a math PhD student, you’ll choose a research area for your work. In our program, you’ll need to complete at least two semesters as a full-time student, and then you’ll get to complete the rest of your degree requirements over the next four years. You’ll get to focus on your original research during your entire time here.

Those degree requirements include certain coursework, comprehensive exams, and your dissertation.

Learn more about the PhD in mathematics requirements >>

Math PhD Coursework

You will complete at least 72 credit hours of coursework at the graduate level as you earn your PhD in mathematics from UL Lafayette. At least forty-eight of these semester hours must be in regular course work. At least 24 of these credit hours will be focused on your own dissertation research.

Learn more about the coursework for your PhD in mathematics >>

PhD in Mathematics Comprehensive Exams

Our math PhD students are required to take both written and oral comprehensive exams, which cover material from three 500-level graduate course sequences. You must pass your written comprehensive exam and complete a year of 600-level coursework before you can take your oral comprehensive exam for the PhD in the mathematics program.

Learn more about the comprehensive exams >>

PhD in Mathematics Dissertation

All of our PhD in mathematics students must complete a dissertation in order to graduate. Your dissertation will represent an original contribution to the field of mathematics or statistics, and will be of a high enough quality to be publishable in a professional journal.

As a math PhD student, you will complete your written dissertation and have a final defense of your dissertation.

Learn more about the math PhD dissertation process and requirements >>

Math PhD Language Requirements

In order to graduate, math PhD students must demonstrate knowledge of two languages other than English. If your native language is not English, then being proficient in English will not count as one of your additional languages.

Of those two additional languages, they can be a language spoken by humans, or can be computer programming or software languages.

Learn more about the language requirements for math PhD students >>

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Welcome to The Graduate School at Southern University and A&M College!

More students in Louisiana and throughout the U.S. are seeing the value of a graduate degree from Southern University.  The University has established programs that provide students with the knowledge and skills to meet work force demands.  The courses are taught by a dedicated graduate faculty which includes Fulbright Scholars, distinguished researchers, and mentors.

Your overall goal is achievable by earning your graduate degree, you should choose a field of study that suits your personality and your academic or professional goals.   The Graduate Program Brochure Search provides summary information about the degrees offered in each graduate program.

A more detailed information of all the graduate programs at Southern University-baton Rouge can be found at GRADUATE PROGRAMS.

A Message from the Dean

We are delighted about your admission to graduate study at Southern University A&M College, and we look forward to welcoming you to campus. As a graduate student, you are an essential part of our university community. Graduate students-doctoral, master's, and professional students-play a critical role in our pursuit for scholarship and advancement of our graduate programs.

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Doctoral concentration in creative writing, creative writing at ul.

The UL Lafayette Creative Writing Program invites you to join our close, energetic community of faculty and students.

Generalist Program

Our Ph.D. in English is unique in that it is a generalist program. That means you as a student gain broad expertise in a variety of creative writing genres: fiction, poetry, drama, and creative non-fiction. It also means that you’ll strengthen your understanding of literature, and develop solid pedagogical practice by instructing undergraduate courses in rhetoric and composition. There will also be opportunities to teach creative writing, literature, and design your own special topics courses.

The generalist program ensures graduates concentrating in Creative Writing who opt for academic positions are qualified to teach in several areas. Graduates who choose careers outside of the academy will have experience managing a classroom while teaching and designing their own courses.

Opportunities

Assistantships are available in the Ernest J. Gaines Center, the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum, and within the English Department. Graduate teaching assistantships give you the chance to teach first-year writing, sophomore literature survey courses, a creative writing workshop, and a literature course of your own design. Three-year university fellowships with lighter teaching loads are also available.

You will be able to gain professional development experience through working on the University-supported in-house print journal The Southwestern Review, and our online literary journal Rougarou. Students also read at our Thursday Night Reading Series (TNRS) , and often attend the annual Association of Writers & Writing Programs (AWP) conference where our graduate creative writers host an annual off-site reading. Creative writers also have the opportunity to present their work at the Global Souths conference we put on each year through a creative plenary and creative panels.

In addition to our great faculty, and writer-in-residence, the UL Lafayette Creative Writing Program is enhanced by the Deep South Reading Series . Recent guests include: Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Katie Jean Shinkle, Terese Svoboda, Rodrigo Toscano, Asiya Wadud, Matthew Salesses, Vi Khi Nao, Clemonce Heard, and Wandeka Gayle.

Apply to Write with Us

In addition to the PhD in English application requirements, the department requires a creative writing portfolio. You should submit a creative writing sample of 15-20 pages as part of their application directly to the Graduate Coordinator for Incoming Students, Dr. Leah Orr at [email protected] . PDFs are preferred. Please specify the genre: Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Creative Nonfiction, or Hybrid work.

Read more info about applying.

Resources and Links

• Apply today to write with us at UL!
• Read about our current and past Writers-in-Residence.
• Have questions about our program? Contact our graduate coordinator at [email protected].
• See what jobs our students have landed.
• View our comprehensive English Graduate Student Handbook .
• Check out recent news and events for the UL Lafayette CWP.
• View Creative Writing PhD Requirements and Courses .
• Follow the UL Lafayette CWP on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram .

The English Department’s Thursday Night Reading Series (TNRS) features weekly readings of original poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, and experimental works from UL graduate students and faculty. Watch the video to see our graduate students share their work and  visit the TNRS Facebook page to learn more.

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School of Social Work

PhD Program

The LSU School of Social Work believes that doctoral education in social work must involve first and foremost a passionate commitment to learning, and a specific commitment to the pursuit of new knowledge that can improve the lives of our client populations. The PhD in Social Work Program prepares the next generation of social work educators, researchers, administrators, and policy-makers to contribute to the creation of the knowledge base of our profession.

We prepare students above all else to conduct empirical research targeted at the pressing needs of our client populations and service systems. Social work practitioners must have the highest quality, up-to-date knowledge to strengthen the evidence base of their work, and it is the job of doctoral-trained social workers to provide this. The major educational outcomes for our doctoral students are:

• To learn about the historical and contemporary contexts of social work research, focusing on the nature of research questions posed and the methods used to address these
• To learn to critically analyze the quality and merits of social work research in a variety of substantive areas
• To produce original research relevant to the field of social work, including the framing of research questions, synthesis of the existing relevant literature, the use of appropriate methods to investigate answers to research questions, and the analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of data
• To translate learning to practice, especially through preparation for teaching beginning social work professionals.

LSU is home to the only independent social work doctoral program in Louisiana. It is an interdisciplinary degree in which students are expected to explore diverse areas and traditions of inquiry and use a variety of research methods, all the while keeping a sharp focus on the need for information to inform social work practice. It is important to note that ours is not an advanced clinical (DSW) program. The course of study in our doctoral program is completely oriented toward mastering the skills needed to design and conduct empirical social work research. Our students work very closely with faculty mentors, oftentimes directly with them on their on-going research. We have a diverse student body that includes students from several foreign countries and we encourage international applications. 

Our faculty is well-equipped to effectively mentor doctoral student research. Major areas of research and scholarship expertise that our current faculty mentors provide our doctoral students include:

• Child welfare/child maltreatment/trauma
• Children's attachments to caregivers
• Substance misuse & interventions across the lifespan
• Juvenile justice
• School social work
• The personal and social circumstances of families receiving government support
• Social capital and poverty
• Vulnerable families
• Minoritized populations and communities
• At-risk youth
• Bullying & victimization
• Gay and lesbian youth
• Gerontology/aging
• Intimate partner violence
• Behavioral health & interventions
• Infant & child mental health
• Experiences of undocumented immigrants/refugees
• Health disparities
• Social welfare and social development
• Disasters and crises
• Changes/trends in family demographics

It is a good time to pursue a doctoral degree in Social Work. The profession increasingly demands evidence-based knowledge and expertise in research and evaluation. Recently, the Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work, a national/international consortium of Social Work PhD Program Directors, completed a national study that found that Social Work Programs at virtually all levels in the U.S. face a tremendous shortage of doctoral-trained academicians in the coming years to fill the ranks of the social work programs in our colleges and universities. We need more social workers who are passionate about pursuing the answers to important questions affecting our client populations and eager to take on the challenges to improving social work practice and the well-being of our clients.

Program Overview

Doctoral studies are characterized by three major phases of work: coursework (completion of a minimum of 39 credit hours of coursework); the General Examination (an intense period of self-guided study and examination directed by a doctoral advisory committee), and the dissertation (the student’s original research, guided by a primary mentor and two other faculty committee members, minimum of 15 credit hours). It is expected that the period of study for the doctoral degree in social work will be three to five years, but not exceeding seven. The minimum total credit hours for the degree is 54.

Admission Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with typical liberal arts, social sciences, introductory statistics, and human biology courses
• An acceptable grade-point average in undergraduate course work (as evaluated by the School of Social Work and the Graduate School)
• A master's degree in social work from a CSWE accredited program or a closely related discipline. Preference will be given to applicants with the MSW. Graduate students without the MSW will be required to enroll in 3 hours of the social work course: SW 7004 Human Diversity & Oppression.  
• A GPA in graduate studies of at least 3.00
• Completion of a graduate introductory research course with a grade of “B” or better
• Other materials as required in the application instructions, inclusive of the applicant's individualized Statement of Purpose: Plan of Doctoral Study

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) scores are not a requirement for admission to the PhD in Social Work Program.

How to Apply

Admission to graduate study is a two-step evaluation process: 

• The Office of Graduate Admissions determines eligibility for admission to LSU, and
• the academic department or college determines admissibility to the degree program.

Final admission to the University is subject to approval by the Office of Graduate Admissions. Prospective applicants to the PhD in Social Work program must submit the following documents:

• official transcripts
• a completed Application for Admission to the PhD in Social Work Program
• a completed Statement of Purpose: Plan of Doctoral Study
• a resume/CV
• three (3) letters of reference, one of which is academic
• two (2) scholarly professional writing samples that best illustrate your capacity for analytic and critical thinking

The Graduate School provides fellowships to social work doctoral students who meet specific eligibility requirements: Huel D. Perkins Doctoral Diversity Fellowships, Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) Fellowships, and some external fellowships. If you would like to be considered for a Graduate School Fellowship, please review the eligibility requirements to ensure you have included all required application materials in your packet. The Graduate School fellowship application deadline is November 1 . For all other (non-fellowship) applications, the deadline is February 1. Applications received by February 1 will receive priority in admissions decisions. Applications received after February 1 will be considered on a space-available basis.

LSU Graduate School: Application Checklist LSU Graduate School: Complete your Application LSU Graduate School: Information for International Applicants

Human Development & Family Science CONCENTRATION

  PhD Student Handbook

Catherine Lemieux PhD Program Director 3222 Huey P. Long Field House 225-578-1018

EMAIL Dr. Lemieux

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• PsyD vs PhD

Louisiana Psychology Doctorate Programs

The ongoing and expanding mental health crisis in Louisiana and across the nation has revealed the stark need for trained professionals who can help others cope with trauma, day-to-day stress and serious mental illness.

Fortunately for prospective professionals in Louisiana, several psychology doctoral programs are operational in Louisiana, which can help provide the crucial foundation for licensure as a psychologist in the state.

What’s On This Page

Quick facts.

• Louisiana PsyD Programs
• Other Psychology Doctorates
• Louisiana Psychologist Requirements
• Louisiana Doctorate Salary Outlook
• Tulane University has the highest graduation rate, at 83 percent.
• There are 13 schools in Louisiana that offer master’s degrees or higher in psychology.
• Xavier University of New Orleans and Loyola University of New Orleans ranked in the Princeton Review for 2018, for great schools for psychology majors.
• You can earn a stand-alone masters in psychology or combine it with a doctoral program.
• Applying for a provisional license first is a requirement for practicing psychology in Louisiana.

List of PsyD Degree Programs in Louisiana

Both main types of psychology doctorates can be earned at higher learning institutions in Louisiana — Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.). Let’s check out the vital statistics of these programs and their educational outcomes.

SEE ALSO:   5+ Online Accredited PsyD Programs

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

With the only Psy.D. available in the state of Louisiana, The Chicago School’s program, based at Xavier University, has been granted preliminary accreditation by the APA. Students of the degree program can choose from a few specialization areas, including behavioral, health and multicultural. No graduates have completed the program so far.

• Institution type: Private, not-for-profit
• Campus: New Orleans (at Xavier University)
• Annual tuition: $44,955
• Degrees offered: PsyD in Clinical Psychology
• Accreditation: APA (preliminary)
• Visit school: Click here
• PsyD Program Review : View Review

Other Psychology Doctorates in Louisiana

Louisiana State University

LSU’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences is home to a slate of Ph.D. degrees focusing on a range of areas within the field of psychology, including clinical, biological, school and industrial-organizational. The department’s Clinical Psychology Training Program has been accredited by the APA since 1956, and 83 students have completed their training in the past 10 years. Graduates have earned licensure at an 80% clip over that time.

• Institution type: Public
• Campus: Baton Rouge
• Annual tuition: $12,541 in-state, $29,456; many enrollees receive free tuition and annual stipends
• Degrees offered: PhD in Biological Psychology, PhD in Cognitive and Brain Sciences, PhD in Clinical Psychology, PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, PhD in School Psychology
• Accreditation: APA

Tulane University

Tulane University is home to several Ph.D. programs in psychology, including one that’s been accredited by the APA since 1991, a Ph.D. in School Psychology. Other doctorates in psychology offered at Tulane include degrees in developmental, social and cognitive/behavioral. A total of 24 students have earned their degrees from the school psychology program since the 2008-09 school year, and 88% of them have earned professional licensure.

• Campus: New Orleans
• Annual tuition: All admitted students receive free tuition
• Degrees offered: PhD in School Psychology, PhD in Cognitive/Behavioral Neuroscience, PhD in Developmental Psychology, PhD in Social Psychology

Louisiana Tech University

Louisiana Tech’s College of Education offers an APA-accredited Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, first honored by the APA in 2002. The university also offers a Ph.D. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. More than 50 students have completed the counseling psychology Ph.D. program since the 2009-10 school year, and 90% have been granted professional licensure.

• Campus: Ruston
• Annual tuition: $12,954 in-state, $24,476 out-of-state
• Degrees offered: PhD in Counseling Psychology, PhD in Industrial-Organizational Psychology

How to Become a Psychologist in Louisiana

Working as a licensed psychologist in the state of Louisiana is a multistep process that begins with a solid foundation of advanced education in psychology. Let’s take a closer look at what’s required here.

• Finish college, ideally with a psychology major. Some but not all psychology doctoral programs require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, but those that don’t will still require a student to have extensive undergraduate coursework in the field and/or another closely related one, such as biology. Absent either of those, students may need to get a master’s degree before they’ll be a sufficiently attractive doctoral candidate.
• Get your doctorate. While both a Psy.D. and Ph.D. are accepted in the state of Louisiana as proof of basic competence in psychology, students who graduate from schools that haven’t been accredited by the APA will face additional reviews of their academic credentials.
• Fulfill other state requirements. In addition to a doctoral degree, ideally from an APA-accredited school, candidates in Louisiana face several other prerequisites , including a pre-internship practicum of at least 300 hours, three professional references, documentation of completion of an internship and a criminal background check. Applicants must score at least 500 on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, and they must pass the written and oral portions of the state’s jurisprudence examination.
• Maintain valid licensure. Licensed psychologists must renew their credentials annually, and they must complete 40 hours of continuing education on a two-year schedule.

Louisiana Clinical Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook

Clinical, counseling and school psychologists in Louisiana have one of the highest average annual salary rates among their counterparts across the country, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics . The average annual wage for this role in Louisiana is $96,040, No. 5 nationally, and more than double the overall annual salary for all jobs in the state ($44,170).

SEE ALSO: Louisiana Clinical Psychologist Salary

In addition to high wages today, clinical psychologists in Louisiana can expect more job freedom over the next decade. That’s because these positions are projected to expand by 11.4%, compared to 5% for all jobs in the U.S.

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Xavier university of louisiana’s institute for black catholic studies awards three master of theology degrees this summer.

• 27 August 2024

Founded in 1925 by St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, Xavier is the nation’s only historically Black Catholic institution of higher education. This made it the ideal home for the Institute for Black Catholic Studies (IBCS). Established at Xavier in 1980, the Institute is a graduate program of pastoral theology whose mission is the formation of African American Catholics and others for ministry in Black communities and the church at-large. Each summer, IBCS faculty, staff and students gather on Xavier’s campus for an intense semester of graduate studies and continuing education courses. They are immersed in a rich community life of prayer, worship and cultural activities. Now, as the university approaches its historic centennial celebration, Xavier’s IBCS just celebrated its 45 th summer session with the commencement of three master’s of theology (Th.M.) graduates: Dr. Rafiqur Rahman, Fr. Patrick Hyland, S.J. and Fr. Joshua Peters, S.J.

Meet the Graduates

Dr. Rafi Rahman is an assistant professor in the College of Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities Department of Religious Studies at Florida A&M University. Dr. Rahman received his Ph.D. in Religious Studies and Theology from the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. In his academic career, he has studied Religion and Culture, Islam, Judaism, Comparative Religion, Black Church Studies, Sociology of Religion and Inter-religious Dialogue. He spent Summer 2024 on a teaching fellowship in Rome, Italy. Although he missed the commencement ceremony, Dr. Rahman dedicates his Th.M. degree to the late Dr. Kirk Gaddy, who was instrumental in his educational endeavors at Xavier.

“The IBCS experience at XULA is not one that is solely concentrated upon the acquisition of a theological education to augment an individual’s academic competency in theology, history, Christian ethics, or Black Church studies per se. But, rather, it is about gaining and appreciating the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed to become a better person and create a more inclusive world that is tolerant of the Other,” said Dr. Rahman. “The life education I received and the people I have met at the IBCS have profoundly and positively affected my life – I am proud to be an IBCS graduate of the Xavier University of Louisiana.”

Fr. Patrick Hyland, S.J., is from Cleveland, Ohio. He received a Bachelor of Arts in Hispanic Studies from Boston College. Fr. Hyland also received two Master of Art degrees, one in philosophy from Cleveland State University and another in history from St. Louis University during his formation as a member of the Society of Jesus. Fr. Hyland also received a Baccalaureate in Sacred Theology (S.T.B) from the Universidad Pontificia Comillas in Madrid, Spain. His first assignment as a Jesuit priest is St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, Ohio.

“I was attracted to the Institute for Black Catholic Studies as a way to deepen my faith and commitment to the universal Church, which is far more diverse, talented, and hopeful than any single parish or diocese can possibly hope to represent,” said Fr. Hyland. “Jesuits are called to the frontiers, and one serious frontier in the Church today is the long history of African American Catholics.”

Fr. Joshua Peters, S.J. was born in Detroit and is a member of the Midwest Province of the Society of Jesus. He serves as the Director of Mission and Identity at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep on the West Side of Chicago. Fr. Peters was ordained to the priesthood in June 2020 amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown, and this experience made him a priest who takes nothing for granted.

“I credit my family as well as the Black Catholic communities in Detroit, Cincinnati, Dayton, Oakland, Chicago, and New Orleans for helping me answer God’s call,” said Fr. Peters.

The IBCS, an interdisciplinary and holistic pastoral theology program, develops laypersons, religious men and women, and clergy for culturally competent, effective ministry. In keeping with Xavier University of Louisiana’s mission to promote a more just and humane society, the IBCS prepares students to assume roles of Black Catholic leadership and Christian service in a global society, drawing others to Christ in the spirit of St. Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.

The IBCS will reconvene in 2025 – June 29 to July 18. For more information, please visit the website at www.xula.edu/ibcs or contact the Institute for Black Catholic Studies at (504)520-7691 or [email protected] .

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Fall 2024 graduate studies academic calendar of events and deadlines.

NOTE: Only events and deadlines specific to Graduate Studies are listed in the calendar below. Other important dates (registration, final exams, etc.) are listed in the University Academic Calendar.

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Higher education - phd, admission requirements.

Terms and Deadlines

Degree and GPA Requirements

Additional Standards for Non-Native English Speakers

Additional standards for international applicants.

For the 2025-2026 academic year

See 2024-2025 requirements instead

Fall 2025 quarter (beginning in September)

Priority deadline: December 2, 2024

Final submission deadline: June 16, 2025

International submission deadline: May 5, 2025

Priority deadline: Applications will be considered after the Priority deadline provided space is available.

Final submission deadline: Applicants cannot submit applications after the final submission deadline.

Degrees and GPA Requirements

Bachelors degree: All graduate applicants must hold an earned baccalaureate from a regionally accredited college or university or the recognized equivalent from an international institution.

Masters degree: This program requires a masters degree as well as the baccalaureate.

University GPA requirement: The minimum grade point average for admission consideration for graduate study at the University of Denver must meet one of the following criteria:

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the baccalaureate degree.

A cumulative 2.5 on a 4.0 scale for the last 60 semester credits or 90 quarter credits (approximately two years of work) for the baccalaureate degree.

An earned master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution or the recognized equivalent from an international institution supersedes the minimum GPA requirement for the baccalaureate.

A cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale for all graduate coursework completed for applicants who have not earned a master’s degree or higher.

Official scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), C1 Advanced or Duolingo English Test are required of all graduate applicants, regardless of citizenship status, whose native language is not English or who have been educated in countries where English is not the native language. Your TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test scores are valid for two years from the test date.

The minimum TOEFL/IELTS/C1 Advanced/Duolingo English Test score requirements for this degree program are:

Minimum TOEFL Score (Internet-based test): 80

Minimum IELTS Score: 6.5

Minimum C1 Advanced Score: 176

Minimum Duolingo English Test Score: 115

Additional Information:

Read the English Language Proficiency policy for more details.

Read the Required Tests for GTA Eligibility policy for more details.

Per Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulation, international applicants must meet all standards for admission before an I-20 or DS-2019 is issued, [per U.S. Federal Register: 8 CFR § 214.3(k)] or is academically eligible for admission and is admitted [per 22 C.F.R. §62]. Read the Additional Standards For International Applicants policy for more details.

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Transcripts, letters of recommendation.

Required Essays and Statements

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We require a scanned copy of your transcripts from every college or university you have attended. Scanned copies must be clearly legible and sized to print on standard 8½-by-11-inch paper. Transcripts that do not show degrees awarded must also be accompanied by a scanned copy of the diploma or degree certificate. If your academic transcripts were issued in a language other than English, both the original documents and certified English translations are required.

Transcripts and proof of degree documents for postsecondary degrees earned from institutions outside of the United States will be released to a third-party international credential evaluator to assess U.S. education system equivalencies. Beginning July 2023, a non-refundable fee for this service will be required before the application is processed.

Upon admission to the University of Denver, official transcripts will be required from each institution attended.

Three (3) letters of recommendation are required.  Letters should be submitted by recommenders through the online application.

Essays and Statements

Personal statement instructions.

The Higher Education Department understands equity, diversity, and social justice as essential and fundamental concerns in the study, practice, and leadership of post-secondary education.  Please provide a personal statement of academic and professional goals (1-2 pages, double-spaced).  Include in your statement: (1) Research interests and professional objectives in the study of higher education. (2) Any personal, educational, and employment experiences that have shaped your research and professional interests in the study of higher education. (3) Expectations for how the PhD in Higher Education at the University of Denver specifically will support your research interests and professional objectives.  Note: if there is a specific faculty member with whom you would like to work, based on your research interests, please mention and discuss in this statement.

Diversity Statement Instructions

Please provide a statement of equity, diversity, and social justice (1-2 pages, double-spaced). Include in your statement: (1) Your thoughts on the roles and opportunities for equity, diversity, and social justice in postsecondary institutions and/or higher education policy. (2) Any personal, academic, and/or professional experiences that have shaped your understanding and commitment to equity, diversity, and social justice in higher education.

Résumé Instructions

The résumé (or C.V.) should include work experience, research, and/or volunteer work.

Additional requirements for this program:

Virtual interview may be required.

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Your submitted materials will be reviewed once all materials and application fees have been received.

Our program can only consider your application for admission if our Office of Graduate Education has received all your online materials and supplemental materials by our application deadline.

Application Fee: $65.00 Application Fee

International Degree Evaluation Fee: $50.00 Evaluation Fee for degrees (bachelor's or higher) earned from institutions outside the United States.

Applicants should complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.

New Ph.D. programs welcome students this fall

Rit now offers doctoral programs in cognitive science and physics.

Scott Hamilton

RIT is beginning two new doctoral programs in cognitive science and physics. Both programs offer diverse research opportunities, including soft matter physics research.

Sophia Caruana was seeking an interdisciplinary doctoral program where she could pursue her interests in data ethics, AI, and human-centered computing. Kaitlin Boedigheimer was interested in exploring possible research opportunities in soft-matter physics. 

Both of them found their niche within two of RIT’s newest Ph.D. programs: cognitive science and physics.

The cognitive science Ph.D. program is jointly delivered by faculty experts from six colleges within the university: College of Liberal Arts ; College of Science ; Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences ; Kate Gleason College of Engineering ; College of Engineering Technology ; and National Technical Institute for the Deaf . The physics Ph.D . is offered by the College of Science .

An interdisciplinary approach to cognitive science

RIT’s cognitive science Ph.D. program provides an interdisciplinary study of the human mind that combines insights from psychology, computer science, linguistics, neuroscience, augmented reality, and philosophy. Students will gain the skills and abilities needed to analyze data, grasp complex concepts, and interpret and communicate concepts for a wider audience.

Matt Dye , professor and director of the cognitive science program and NTID’s Sensory, Perceptual, and Cognitive Ecology (SPACE) Center , explains that the joint offering between the six colleges is a unique asset for graduate students.

“Cognitive science itself is inherently interdisciplinary. It requires this kind of marriage of liberal arts, engineering, and technical thinking,” said Dye. “One of the advantages we have at RIT is that students can learn from experts from across six different colleges, so they can acquire a range of skills and abilities that they might not get at other universities.”

The multidisciplinary approach means students from all undergraduate backgrounds can apply for the program, provided it matches their academic and career interests. Four students were accepted into the program this year.

Sophia Caruana said she has a deep interest in interdisciplinary research and education, which made RIT’s cognitive science doctoral program a perfect fit for her. Here, she presents a previous research project, “How faculty and students at Nazareth University perceive and use chat bots.”

Caruana, from Rochester, N.Y., graduated this past May from Nazareth University with a bachelor’s degree in ethical data science and minors in psychology, philosophy, and math. When she made the decision to pursue her Ph.D., she wanted to find an interdisciplinary program that would work well with her current expertise.

In 2023, she met with Professor Cecilia Alm , who would become her Ph.D. faculty advisor at RIT, to learn more about Alm’s Computational Linguistics and Speech Processing (CLASP) lab . That meeting was the final push Caruana needed to apply to RIT.

“Professor Alm explained that my role in her lab as a cognitive science student would focus on using biologically-inspired systems to model human emotions with artificial intelligence. The questions surrounding that are really intriguing, and something I was already thinking about with my own research,” said Caruana. “I think the work in the CLASP lab is going to be monumental for ethical, human-centered AI, and I knew I wanted to be a part of it.”

Steadily growing opportunities in physics

Boedigheimer earned her bachelor’s degree in physics from University of Minnesota – Twin Cities and her master’s degree in physics from University of Minnesota – Duluth. But she realized there were more job opportunities in her field for Ph.D’s. Once she heard about RIT Professor Shima Parsa ’s soft matter research at a colloquium, her interest in RIT was piqued. After she visited the campus in March, she was convinced.

Kaitlin Boedigheimer believes she’ll have better job prospects with a Ph.D. in physics. She will be researching the filtration methods of nanoplastics to expand her interest in soft matter physics.

“The state-of-the-art technology here really impressed me,” said Boedigheimer.

She is one of seven students in the first class of physics Ph.D. students at RIT. The program offers a wide array of research areas including atomic/molecular/optical physics, multi-messenger astrophysics, photonics and the next quantum revolution, and physics for sustainable/renewable energy. Boedigheimer will be focusing on the filtration methods of nanoplastics, working closely with Parsa.

The new physics program had nearly 120 applicants in its first year. The recently announced National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program (NRT) gives RIT the resources to grow the program by a few students each year in the future.

“Since the NRT is a highly prestigious fellowship, this allows us to actively recruit the very best and brightest graduate students into our new Ph.D. program,” said Seth Hubbard , program director and professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

These two new programs bring RIT’s total doctoral programs to 15. RIT’s other programs include astrophysical sciences and technology , biomedical and chemical engineering , business administration , color science , computing and information sciences electrical and computer engineering , imaging science , mechanical and industrial engineering , microsystems engineering , and sustainability .

RIT’s priority in building doctoral research programs is integral to the university’s future. These programs attract top-tier faculty who generate research funding and support teams of graduate student researchers. In turn, the faculty and research opportunities recruit Ph.D. students to the university.

More information is available on the cognitive science doctoral program website , or by emailing Matt Dye at [email protected] .

Go to the physics Ph.D. program website for more information.

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• Election 2024
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Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry bans teaching of critical race theory in schools

Crt is an advanced academic concept traditionally taught in graduate-level courses, by: piper hutchinson - august 27, 2024 11:49 am.

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order Tuesday prohibiting the teaching of critical race theory in Louisiana K-12 public schools. (Allison Allsop/Louisiana Illuminator)

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order Tuesday prohibiting the teaching of critical race theory in Louisiana K-12 public schools. 

Critical race theory (CRT) is an advanced academic concept that holds that race is socially constructed, and it examines how legal structures are used to oppress people of color. Most classes that take the theory into consideration are in graduate programs at the university level. There is no evidence these courses are being taught to children and teenagers. 

Some conservative politicians use CRT as a blanket term when targeting the teaching of slavery or other topics that actually do not apply critical race theory. 

A news release from Landry described the concept as “ divisive teachings that instruct students to view life through the lens of race and victimhood.” 

“Louisiana students are best served with a clear focus on reading, math, meaningful high school experiences, elevating the teaching profession, and expanding educational freedom for families,” Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley said in a statement to the  Illuminator. 

The governor’s edict is already drawing criticism from education circles.

Belinda Davis, an LSU political science professor, often deflected conservative attacks when she was member of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. As an appointee of former Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, she fought back against claims of student indoctrination at the hands of liberal teachers.  In an email Tuesday, she said Landry’s order will not address actual instructional needs.

“In political science research, we call this symbolic politics. It is designed to satisfy the extremists in his party by solving a problem that doesn’t exist,” Davis wrote. “I can’t wait to see the ‘list’ that Superintendent Brumley comes up with. As a public school parent, I wish he’d spend time on reading and math.”

John Guzda, a social studies teacher at West Jefferson High School in Harvey, said the governor’s order is “not only misguided but also detrimental to the education of our students.”

“It is evident that the Governor does not understand what CRT even is,” Guzda said in a statement. “As educators, we cannot ignore uncomfortable truths of America’s past. The systematic killing of Indigenous peoples, the horrors of Jim Crow laws, the forced internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, and other such events are integral parts of American history.”

Bans on CRT in public K-12 schools and universities have swept conservative states. Bills to ban it have been introduced in the Louisiana Legislature but failed. 

Landry’s executive order instructs Brumley, another conservative Republican, to review the state Department of Education’s policies and contracts to eliminate anything that endorses theories that posit that a n individual, by virtue of his or her race or sex, is inherently racist, sexist or oppressive.

The superintendent has also been asked to flag claims that moral character is necessarily determined by someone’s race or sex, or that, by virtue of their race or sex, they bear responsibility for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race or sex. 

Landry also wants Brumley to weed out anything that suggests meritocracy or traits such as a strong work ethic are racist or sexist, or were created by a particular race or sex to oppress another race or sex, or encourages students to discriminate against someone based on any characteristic protected by federal or state law. 

Two years ago, Brumley ushered through new social studies curricula for K-12 schools that expressly excluded critical race theory.  At the time, Brumley said he defined CRT as teaching in a way that “everything must be viewed from the lens of race.”

 Greg LaRose contributed to this report.

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Piper Hutchinson

Piper Hutchinson is a reporter for the Louisiana Illuminator. She has covered the Legislature and state government extensively for the LSU Manship News Service and The Reveille, where she was named editor in chief for summer 2022.

Louisiana Illuminator is part of States Newsroom , the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization.

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