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Harvard awards 8,870 degrees

Totals reflect the 2021-22 academic year.

Today the University awarded a total of 8,870 degrees. A breakdown of degrees and programs is listed below.

Harvard College granted a total of 1,505 degrees. Degrees from the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences were awarded by Harvard College, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the Graduate School of Design.

All Ph.D. degrees are conferred by the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

All figures include degrees awarded in November 2021 and March and May 2022.

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Harvard college 1,505 degrees.

• 1,458 Bachelor of Arts
• 47 Bachelor of Science 

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences 1,332 degrees

• 421 Master of Arts
• 185 Master of Science 
• 5 Master of Engineering 
• 721 Doctor of Philosophy

Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences 606 degrees

• 235 Bachelor of Arts (conferred by Harvard College)
• 47 Bachelor of Science (conferred by Harvard College)
• 5 Master of Engineering (conferred by GSAS)
• 184 Master of Science (conferred by GSAS)
• 17 Master in Design Engineering (conferred jointly with GSD)
• 26 Master of Science/Master of Business Administration (conferred jointly with HBS)
• 92 Doctor of Philosophy (conferred by GSAS)

Harvard Business School 867 degrees

• 845 Master of Business Administration 
• 22 Doctor of Philosophy (conferred by GSAS)

Harvard Divinity School 131 degrees

• 39 Master of Divinity
• 74 Master of Theological Studies
• 11 Master of Religion and Public Life
• 2 Master of Theology
• 5 Doctor of Theology

Harvard Law School 833 degrees

• 209 Master of Laws
• 611 Doctor of Law
• 13 Doctor of Juridical Science 

Harvard Kennedy School 590 degrees

• 96 Master in Public Administration
• 182 Master in Public Administration (Mid-Career)
• 60 Master in Public Administration in International Development
• 252 Master in Public Policy
• 4 Ph.D. in Political Economy and Government (conferred by GSAS)
• 9 Ph.D. in Public Policy (conferred by GSAS)

Harvard Graduate School of Design 315 degrees

• 89 Master in Architecture
• 33 Master of Architecture in Urban Design
• 81 Master in Design Studies
• 51 Master in Landscape Architecture
• 3 Master of Landscape Architecture in Urban Design
• 37 Master in Urban Planning
• 4 Doctor of Design 
• 17 Master in Design Engineering (conferred jointly with SEAS)

Harvard Graduate School of Education 989 degrees

• 960 Master of Education
• 26 Doctor of Education Leadership
• 3 Doctor of Education

Harvard Medical School 335 degrees

• 29 Master of Biomedical Informatics
• 45 Master of Bioethics
• 13 Master of Healthcare Quality and Safety
• 17 Master in Clinical Service Operations
• 74 Master in Medical Science
• 157 Doctor of Medicine

Harvard School of Dental Medicine 61 degrees

• 16 Master of Medical Sciences 
• 8 Doctor of Medical Sciences 
• 37 Doctor of Dental Medicine 

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health 455 degrees

• 311 Master of Public Health                                                              
• 114 Master of Science         
• 25 Master in Health Care Management                                               
• 4 Doctor of Public Health                                                   
• 1 Doctor of Science                 

Harvard Extension School 1,479 degrees

• 192 Bachelor of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies
• 1,287 Masters of Liberal Arts in Extension Studies  

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National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics

• All previous cycle years

The SED is an annual census of research doctorate recipients from U.S. academic institutions that collects information on educational history, demographic characteristics, graduate funding source and educational debts, and postgraduation plans.

Survey Info

• tag for use when URL is provided --> Methodology
• tag for use when URL is provided --> Data
• tag for use when URL is provided --> Analysis

The Survey of Earned Doctorates is an annual census conducted since 1957 of all individuals receiving a research doctorate from an accredited U.S. institution in a given academic year. The SED is sponsored by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics (NCSES) within the National Science Foundation (NSF) and by three other federal agencies: the National Institutes of Health, Department of Education, and National Endowment for the Humanities. The SED collects information on the doctoral recipient’s educational history, demographic characteristics, and postgraduation plans. Results are used to assess characteristics of the doctoral population and trends in doctoral education and degrees.

Areas of Interest

• STEM Education
• Science and Engineering Workforce

Survey Administration

The 2022 survey was conducted by RTI International under contract to NCSES.

Survey Details

Featured survey analysis.

Doctorate Recipients from U.S. Universities: 2022

SED Overview

Data highlights, the number of research doctorates conferred by u.s. institutions, which began a sharp 15-month decline in spring 2020 due to the covid-19 pandemic, rebounded in 2022 with the highest number of research doctorates awarded in any academic year to date.

Over the past 20 years, most of the growth in the number of doctorates earned by both men and women has been in science and engineering (S&E) fields 

Methodology

Survey description, technical notes, technical tables, questionnaires, view archived questionnaires, featured analysis.

Research Doctorate Conferrals Rebound, Leading to Record Number of U.S. Doctorate Recipients in 2022

Related content, related collections, survey contact.

For additional information about this survey or the methodology, contact

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What is a PhD?

• Types of Doctorates
• A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest globally recognized postgraduate degree that higher education institutions can award.
• PhDs are awarded to candidates who undertake original and extensive research in a particular field of study.
• Full time PhD programmes typically last three to four years, whilst part time PhD programmes typically last six to seven years.
• A PhD can lead to an academia teaching role or a career in research. A PhD can also equip you with skills suitable for a wide range of jobs unrelated to your research topic or academia.

Definition of a PhD – A Doctor of Philosophy (commonly abbreviated to PhD , Ph.D or a DPhil ) is a university research degree awarded from across a broad range of academic disciplines; in most countries, it is a terminal degree, i.e. the highest academic degree possible.

PhDs differ from undergraduate and master’s degrees in that PhDs are entirely research-based rather than involving taught modules (although doctoral training centres (DTCs) offer programmes that start with a year of lecture-based teaching to help develop your research skills prior to starting your project).

In most English-speaking countries, those that complete a PhD use the title “Doctor” (typically abbreviated to Dr) in front of their names and are referred to as such within academic and/or research settings. Those that work in fields outside of academia may decide not to use the formal doctor title but use post-nominal letters (e.g. John Smith PhD); it’s unusual though for someone to use both the Doctor title and post-nominal letters in their name.

PhD vs Doctorate

A PhD and a professional doctorate are both research-based terminal degrees.

However, where a PhD focuses on original research mostly around theoretical concepts, a professional doctorate focuses on examining existing knowledge to solve real-life, practical problems.

While there is much crossover between the two, a PhD is generally better suited for an individual to wants to advance the knowledge and understanding in their field, and a professional doctorate degree is better suited to a working professional who wants to better be able to apply knowledge and understanding to their field.

What Are the Entry Requirements for a PhD?

To be accepted on to a PhD programme, students usually need to hold at least a high ( 2:1 and above ) undergraduate degree that is related to the field of research that they want to pursue. A PhD candidate may also be expected to hold a Master’s degree , however, this does not mean you must have one, as it is still possible to enrol into a PhD without a Master’s .

Self-funded courses may sometimes be more relaxed in relation to entry requirements. It may be possible to be accepted onto a self-funded PhD programme with lower grades, though these students typically demonstrate their suitability for the role through professional work experience.

Whilst a distance learning project is possible , most PhD candidates will carry out their research over at least three years based at their university, with regular contact with two academic supervisors (primary and secondary). This is particularly the case for lab-based projects, however, some PhD projects require spending time on-site away from university (e.g. at a specialist research lab or at a collaborating institution abroad).

How Long Does a PhD Take?

Typically, full-time PhDs last 3-4 years and part-time PhDs last 6-7 years. However, at the discretion of the university, the thesis writing-up period can be extended by up to four years.

Although most doctoral programmes start in September or October, they are generally much more flexible than taught-courses and can start at any time of the year.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Tuition fees for UK and EU students vary between £3,000 and £6,000 per year, with the average tuition fee of £4,712 per year for 2023/24 programmes.

Tuition fees increase considerably for international students, varying between £16,000 to £25,000 per year, with an average tuition fee of £19,600 per year .

Nonetheless, most students will secure PhD funding in the form of studentships, scholarships and bursaries to help pay for these fees. These funding opportunities can either be partial, which cover tuition fees only, or full, which cover both tuition fees and living expenses.

UK national students can also apply for Doctoral Loans from Student Finance England if they are unable to secure funding.

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

What Does a PhD Involve?

To be awarded a PhD, a doctoral student is required to produce a substantial body of work that adds new knowledge to their chosen field.

A PhD programme will typically involve four key stages:

Stage 1: Literature Review

The first year of a PhD involves attending regular meetings with your supervisors and carrying out a search on previously published work in your subject area. This search will be used to produce a literature review which should set the context of the project by explaining the foundation of what is currently known within the field of research, what recent developments have occurred, and where the gaps in knowledge are. In most cases, this will be an extension of your research proposal should you have produced one as part of your application. The literature review should conclude by outlining the overarching aims and objectives of the research project. This stage of setting achievable goals which are original and contribute to the field of research is an essential first step in a successful PhD.

The supervisor is the main point of contact through the duration of a PhD – but remember: they are there to mentor, not to teach, or do it for you . It will be your responsibility to plan, execute and monitor your own work as well as to identify gaps in your own knowledge and address them.

Stage 2: Research

The second year (and prehapse some of your third year) is when you work on your research. Having identified novel research questions from your review of the literature, this is where you collect your data to help answer these questions. How you do this will depend on the nature of your doctoral research: for example, you may design and run experiments in a lab alongside other PhD students or visit excavation sites in remote regions of the world. You should check in regularly with your supervisors to update them and run any ideas or issues past them.

Have the structure and chapters of your thesis in mind as you develop and tackle your research questions. Working with a view of publishing your work will be very valuable later on.

Stage 3: Write up of Thesis

The next key stage of a PhD is writing a doctoral thesis , which typically takes from anywhere between three months to one year. A thesis is a substantial body of work that describes the work and outcomes of the research over the previous two to three years. It should tell a detailed story of the PhD project – focusing on:

• The motivations for the research questions identified from the literature review.
• The methodologies used, results obtained, and a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the findings.
• A detailed discussion of the key findings with an emphasis on the original contributions made to your field of research and how this has been impactful.

There is no universal rule for the length of a PhD thesis, but general guidelines set the word count between 80,000 to 100,000 words.

For your thesis to be successful, it needs to adequately defend your argument and provide a unique or increased insight into your field that was not previously available.

Stage 4: Attending the Viva

A viva voce , most commonly referred to as just a ‘ viva ‘, is an interview-style examination where the PhD student is required to engage in a critical appraisal of their work and defend their thesis against at least two examiners. The examiners will ask questions to check the PhD student has an in-depth understanding of the ideas and theories proposed in their thesis, and whether they have developed the research skills that would be expected of them.

The viva is one of the final steps in achieving a PhD, and typically lasts at least two hours, but this duration can vary depending on the examiners, the university and the PhD project itself.

Once you have done the viva – you’re on the home stretch. You will typically be asked to make some amendments to your thesis based on the examiner’s feedback. You are then ready to submit your final thesis for either:

• PhD – If you pass the requirements you will be awarded a PhD degree (most common outcome),
• MPhil – If you failed to meet requirements for a PhD, you may be downgraded to an MPhil degree (uncommon outcome),
• Fail – No award is given, typically for cases of plagiarism (extremely uncommon outcome).

What Is It Like to Undertake a PhD?

We’re often asked what it is like to undertake a PhD study. Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple answer to this question as every research project is different.

To help give insight into the life of a PhD student, we’ve interviewed PhD students at various stages of their programmes and put together a series of PhD Student Interviews . Check out the link to find out what a PhD is like and what advice they have to offer you.

What Are the Benefits of A PhD?

A PhD is the highest globally recognised postgraduate degree that higher education institutions can award. The degree, which is awarded to candidates who demonstrate original and independent research in a particular field of study, is not only invaluable in itself, but sets you up with invaluable skills and traits.

Career Opportunities

First, a PhD prepares you for a career in academia if you wish to continue in this area. This takes form as a career in the Higher Education sector, typically as a lecturer working their way to becoming a professor leading research on the subject you’ve studied and trained in.

Second, a PhD also enables the opportunity for landing a job in a research & development role outside of the academic environment. Examples of this include laboratory work for a private or third sector company, a governmental role and research for commercial and industrial applications.

Transferable Skills

Finally, in possessing a PhD degree, you can show to employers that you have vital skills that make you an asset to any company. Three examples of the transferable skills that you gain through a PhD are effective communication, time management, and report writing.

• Communication – presenting your work in written and oral forms using journal papers and podium presentations, shows your ability to share complex ideas effectively and to those with less background knowledge than you. Communication is key in the professional environment, regardless of the job.
• Time management – The ability to prioritise and organise tasks is a tremendous asset in the professional industry. A PhD holder can use their qualification to demonstrate that they are able to manage their time, arrange and follow a plan, and stick to deadlines.
• Report writing – Condensing three years of work into a thesis demonstrates your ability to filter through massive amounts of information, identify the key points, and get these points across to the reader. The ability to ‘cut out the waffle’ or ‘get to the point’ is a huge asset in the professional industry.

Aside from the above, you also get to refer to yourself as a Doctor and add fancy initials after your name!

What Can I Do After a PhD?

One of the most desirable postdoctoral fields is working within independent Research and Development (R&D) labs and new emerging companies. Both industries, especially R&D labs, have dedicated groups of PhD graduates who lead research activities, design new products and take part in crucial strategic meetings. Not only is this a stimulating line of work, but the average salaries in R&D labs and emerging start-ups are lucrative. In comparison, an undergraduate with five years of experience within their given field will, on average, likely earn less than a new PhD graduate taking on a R&D position.

It’s a common misunderstanding that PhDs only opens the door for an academic career such as university lecturers and training providers. Although obtaining a PhD opens these doors, the opportunities extend far beyond educational roles. In fact, recent data from the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) indicates only 23% of PhD graduates take a position in educational roles . This low percentage is primarily because PhD graduates have a wide range of skills that make them suitable for a broad spectrum of roles. This is being seen first hand by the increasing number of PhD graduates who are entering alternative roles such as research, writing, law and investment banking.

How Do I Find a PhD?

We appreciate that finding a PhD programme to undertake can be a relatively daunting process. According to Higher Education Student Statistics , over 22,000 PhDs were awarded in 2016/17 within the United Kingdom alone. Clearly there are a huge number of PhD programmes available. This can sometimes be confusing for prospective doctorates, particularly when different programmes are advertised in different places. Often, it is difficult to know where to look or where to even start. We’ve put together a list of useful sources to find the latest PhD programmes:

• A great place to start is with our comprehensive and up-to-date database of available PhD positions .
• Assuming you are still at university, speak to an existing PhD supervisor within your department.
• Attend as many postgraduate open days as you can. Whilst there, speak to current PhD students and career advisors to get an awareness of what PhDs are on offer.
• Visit the postgraduate section of university websites and the PhD Research Council section of the UKRI website.

Browse PhDs Now

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Degrees Awarded

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Top 15 Most Popular PhD Degrees in America in 2024

Key Takeaways

• PhDs and doctoral degrees are usually terminal degrees, which is the highest academic degree you can earn in your field.
• More than 50,000 doctoral candidates earn this advanced degree every year, though this number may be declining.
• The most popular doctorate degrees are in high-demand fields with lucrative opportunities like engineering, biology, and computer science.

Doctorate degrees can lead to career advancement, research positions, and a higher average salary. But which are the most popular subjects at the doctorate level?

Many popular advanced degrees can be found in the life sciences, as well as in select social science fields, healthcare industries, and in a wide range of engineering subdisciplines.

In many cases, popular PhDs are also among both the top PhD programs and the highest paying PhDs .

It’s also possible to earn many excellent doctorate degrees entirely online .

Otherwise, read on to find where the most PhD and doctorate degrees are being earned today.

An Overview of PhD Programs Offered

It may be possible to earn a PhD in just about any field.

However, the value of this PhD will depend a great deal on your selected area of study. The PhD is a research intensive degree. And because of this, one of the primary reasons that individuals will pursue their doctoral studies is to contribute to research in their field.

This makes the PhD particularly popular in fields with robust research opportunities and needs. For instance, a doctorate in psychology degree may qualify you to conduct meaningful mental health research.

A computer engineering degree may qualify you to contribute to research teams making strides in artificial intelligence. A PhD in cell biology could put you on the front lines in the battle against a deadly disease.

In some fields, such as clinical psychology, it may be more appropriate to earn an applied doctorate, as opposed to a research based PhD program. And in some fields, such as fine arts or library sciences, a master’s degree may already qualify you for a top salary in your field. Whether or not a PhD is right for you will depend on your intended career path.

That said, PhDs and doctorate degrees are available in the full spectrum of academic disciplines. Many of these doctorate degrees are also available online or in blended formats.

What’s the difference between doctoral degrees and PhDs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The major distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, doctorate degrees may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

How We Ranked Popular Doctorate Degrees

The National Science Foundation (NSF) provided a comprehensive survey of completed doctorate degrees from 2005 to 2015. While the exact year over year figures may fluctuate slightly, the proportion of graduates in each field has remained relatively constant during the period surveyed, as well as to the present day.

The National Science Foundation notes that, in 2020, 55,283 doctoral degrees were awarded throughout the United States. This represents a small decline in doctorate degrees awarded in the previous year–55,614 in 2019.

To find the most popular doctorate degrees in America, we compared NSF survey data with the information provided by governing bodies in particular fields. For example, to find the most current number of psychology doctorates awarded, we compared the NSF survey data to the American Psychological Association data.

The Most Popular PhDs and Doctoral Degrees in the U.S.

The figures provided by the National Science Foundation include both applied doctorate degrees and research based PhDs. This is reflected in the ranking below:

1. Engineering

13,606 Doctoral Engineering Degrees Awarded in 2019

When all subfields are counted together, engineering makes up the single most popular doctorate degree. Engineering is a field that uses science and technology to create and operate machines, structures, infrastructures, and manufacturing processes.

There are many different types of engineering including biomedical engineering, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, industrial engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, communications engineering, and more.

Doctoral level students will typically have some experience in the field. Earning a doctoral level degree in engineering can qualify you to work in a wide range of research and development positions for private firms, think tanks, government agencies, universities, and more.

Students who are interested in earning an engineering doctorate can start with a look at Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees .

2. Education

8,605 Doctoral Education Degrees Awarded in 2019

A doctorate in education could help you build toward a career as a special education policy expert, district administrator, university professor, and much more. The doctorate in education is highly popular because it provides a clear pathway to a wide range of careers in education research and leadership, and because it is extremely versatile.

Education doctorate online programs produce post-secondary educators, private education firm leaders, policy consultants, literacy researchers, and more. Moreover, doctors of education will qualify for today’s most lucrative and important careers in higher education leadership. Upon completion, PhD graduates may pursue careers as college presidents, school superintendents, deans, and more.

Start your search for a PhD in education with a look at the Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students .

3. Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Between 5,328 to 7,885 Doctoral Life Sciences Degrees Awarded in 2019

Biology, biomedical engineering, and related subjects make up a rapidly growing area of innovation. Biology is the study of life and living organisms.

This discipline covers a vast array of topics and specializations, biology students study life at the macroscopic and microscopic level. Those in biomedical specializations will study the intersection between biology, pathology, and healthcare.

The high growth in this particular field makes the doctorate degree highly popular. Whether you want to become a doctor or nurse, a zoologist or ecologist, a botanist or biochemist, an immunologist or virologist, earning a biology or biomedical doctorate can provide a pathway for participation in groundbreaking research.

Students interested in earning their doctorate degree in biology or biomedicine can start with a look at the Best Research Universities for Biology .

4. Psychology

6,915 Doctoral Psychology Degrees Awarded in 2019

Psychology is the study of the mind. Earning a doctorate in psychology will provide you the opportunity to conduct research in key areas like human development, cognition, and behavior. Those earning an applied psychology doctorate will practice clinical skills like counseling, behavioral therapy, and therapeutic treatment for mental health disorders.

For many working professionals in the field of psychology, a doctorate degree is a required credential. For instance, students who plan to ultimately become practicing clinical psychologists will be required to earn their doctorate degree in psychology from a program that is accredited by The APA Commission on Accreditation, and subsequently qualify for and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

5. Health Sciences

3,710 Health-Related Doctoral Degrees Awarded in 2019

Medicine is a huge field without countless areas of specialization. If you’re interested in the human body, studying how it works, and using that understanding to relieve suffering, pain, and sickness, medicine is a great path of study.

You don’t need to become a medical doctor in order to earn a doctorate degree in the health sciences. Health sciences can include doctoral level study in a wide range of areas including physical therapy, public health, occupational therapy, and much more.

Doctorate degrees in health sciences are both popular and varied. Additional specializations can include important areas like immunology, virology, environmental health, and much more.

Among the more popular health sciences degrees, consider our look at the Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

6. Social Sciences

3,705 Doctoral Social Science Degrees Awarded in 2019

The Social Sciences is a broad educational category that encompasses various disciplines and subdisciplines including psychology, sociology, economics, political science, anthropology, and more. For the purposes of this ranking, we excluded psychology doctorates in the figure above.

Most consequently among the social sciences are fields like Criminology and Criminal Justice; Public Policy and Urban Studies; Gender and Women’s Studies; Health Policy Analysis; Linguistics; and more.

This is a field in which a doctorate degree can be particularly valuable. There is a great deal of emphasis on field research, statistical analysis, and policy development in the social sciences. Students who earn their doctorate degrees have a chance to lead research and influence positive change in numerous settings.

Students who are interested in applying this knowledge in the legal sector can start with a look at The Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) Ranked in 2023 .

7. Humanities

3,476 Doctoral Degrees Awarded in Humanities Fields in 2019

Humanities is actually a category of disciplines, rather than a single discipline itself. Humanities includes a number of key branches English, Economics, and History. However, each of these humanities subjects is fairly popular on its own. This section refers to the sum of doctoral candidates pursuing humanities degrees in a wide range of other subjects.

The figure here from the National Science Foundation refers to the number of doctoral students pursuing advanced degrees in subjects like Philosophy, Religious Studies, Music, Art History, Archeology, and more.

8. Business Management and Business Administration

More than 3,000 Doctoral Business Degrees Awarded in 2019

While the MBA is the single most popular advanced degree available, the doctorate in business administration is reserved for those with a direct interest in the theories and research behind certain business practices. In most cases, the DBA program is perceived as an academic “capstone” that signifies their accomplishment of real-life, practical experience.

In this regard, a DBA can carry a certain level of prestige that may qualify you for highly competitive leadership opportunities.

To get started, check out our look at the Best Online DBA Doctorate in Business Administration Degree Programs .

9. Chemistry

2,720 Doctoral Chemistry Degrees Awarded in 2019

Chemistry is a life sciences subdiscipline and is the study of the fundamental materials and processes that make up the universe and everything within it. Those who earn doctorate degrees in chemistry will have the opportunity to apply their advanced knowledge and credentials in a wide range of laboratory and field settings.

Doctors of chemistry will qualify to conduct research, provide post-secondary education, or serve in organizational leadership roles in an array of fields including engineering, medical science, pharmacology, environmental science, food science, and forensics, just to name a few.

10. Computer and Information Sciences

2,883 Doctoral Computer Science Degrees Awarded in 2019

Computer and information sciences doctorate degrees are popular for good reason. This field is a frontier brimming with innovations. This means that doctoral graduates have an opportunity to participate in fast-paced research and development projects and serve in leadership roles at bleeding edge companies.

Earning a PhD in computer science can lead to many high-paying opportunities for private research firms, government agencies, universities, and much more.

Start your search with a look at the Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2023 .

11. Physics

1,859 Doctoral Physics Degrees Awarded in 2019

Physics is a notoriously challenging field that incorporates branches like quantum physics, mathematical physics, biophysics, astrophysics, and much more. Therefore, those who pursue doctoral degrees in physics will work in a wide range of settings. Graduates with a doctorate degree in physics may work in laboratories, conducting field research, or leading research teams for government agencies.

Because physics is the study of matter, energy and the properties comprising the physical world around us, physicists may work in a wide range of areas including geological survey, space exploration, environmental sustainability and more.

12. Economics

1,381 Doctoral Economics Degrees Awarded in 2019

Economics is the most popular humanities discipline among doctorate degree candidates. It is also among the highest paying PhDs that you can earn.

Economics is the study of production, consumption, and the transfer of wealth. These are concepts that apply to virtually every area of labor and commerce, which means that your economics doctorate could qualify you for research and consultation opportunities in various settings. Your knowledge of financial systems, market behavior, and global economics could provide inroads into banking and finance, healthcare systems, government research, and a host of other high-paying career prospects.

13. Mathematics and Statistics

1,163 Doctoral Mathematics Degrees Awarded in 2019

Mathematics is the study of numbers, shapes, quantities, and patterns. Math students explore the relationships, rules, and formulas that govern the behavior of numbers and which, consequently, shape the world around us. Earning a doctoral degree in mathematics or statistics will enable you to apply these studies in a research, development or postsecondary education.

Your expertise could apply in a wide range of settings from sociological research and policy development to engineering innovations and technology implementation. Indeed, mathematics principles can be used to improve our comprehension of everything from the economy, public health, and resource distribution to weather, construction, and supply chain management. As a graduate with a doctorate in mathematics, you may be in a position to provide both leadership and education in virtually limitless private, public, and government-funded settings.

14. English (Letters)

1,023 Doctoral English Degrees Awarded in 2019

The National Science Foundation uses the category of “Letters” to account for a wide range of disciplines centering around the use of both the written and spoken world. This includes disciplines and subdisciplines such as English, Literature, Creative Writing, Speech, and more.

These are popular areas of doctoral study for those in the fields of language and literacy education, individuals pursuing leadership roles in the publishing sector, and for those interested in conducting research in areas like speech pathology. This is also a popular area of advanced study for post-secondary literature and composition professors.

Those interested in the field can get started with a look at the Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) .

15. History

977 Doctoral History Degrees Awarded in 2019

History is an interdisciplinary field that brings together various areas of academic inquiry such as literature, archeology, political science, and philosophy to provide a better understanding of how the events in our past have shaped present-day realities.

History serves as a pathway into understanding the evolution of scientific inquiry, the emergence of important philosophical movements, breakthroughs in civic governance and so much more. This means a doctorate in history can lead to a wide range of careers in education, law, civics, public service, and much more.

In history, a PhD is considered a terminal degree and can lead to opportunities for professional historical research, consultation for government agencies, professorship in a university history department, and more.

Get started today with a look at the Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2023 .

More About Doctorate Degrees and PhD Programs

If you are a prospective doctoral students, you may have many questions.

Below you will find a summary of the most important aspects of doctorate degree programs. That is, admission requirements, typical curriculum, and other program requirements.

Admission Requirements

Every doctorate program has its own admission requirements. However, most doctorate programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission:

• A completed online application
• Official undergraduate college transcripts
• A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
• GRE scores, MAT scores, or GMAT scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal interviews
• Personal statement or essay
• Plan of study

Key Point: In most cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, some specialized doctoral degrees and PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.

Curriculum and Courses

Most PhD programs will require students to participate in extensive research and complete a dissertation. Regardless of whether you complete a traditional, hybrid or online doctoral program, the typical time to completion is three to six years.

The typical components of your PhD degree program may include:

Foundational Courses

While some foundational doctorate courses may be focused on your specific discipline or area of study, most courses will focus on research methods and experimental design. You may be able to complete many of these requirements through online classes.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Many doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation

In most cases, the central component of your PhD program will be the completion of your dissertation. After gaining status as a PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original research question. This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. While you will work closely with your advisor or mentor, much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some Ph.D programs will also include a teaching component, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in an undergraduate or graduate school. It may be possible for students in online doctorate degrees programs to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Key Point: The PhD is a research-focused degree. The dissertation is a central part of many doctoral programs.

Careers for Doctoral and PhD Graduates

Students who complete doctoral programs are generally eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that, in 2021, working professionals with a PhD earned more per week than Americans in every other educational demographic.

According to the BLS, the median weekly earning for graduate students with doctorate degrees was $1909. By contrast, those with master’s degrees earned a weekly median of $1574, while bachelor’s degree holders earned a median of $1334.

Career options for those with doctorate degrees include.

• Theoretical Research
• Scientific Research
• Post-Secondary Education
• Public Policy Consultation
• Clinical Practice
• Organizational Leadership

Key Point: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a doctorate will earn more than graduates with bachelor’s or master’s degrees.

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Associate Professor Will Hall receives faculty award for excellence in doctoral mentoring

Posted on May 12, 2024

Associate Professor and L. Richardson Preyer Early Career Scholar Will Hall was honored by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill during the doctoral hooding ceremony on Saturday, May 11, at the Dean E. Smith Center. Hall was the 2024 recipient of the The Graduate School’s Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring.

A 2015 Ph.D. graduate of the School of Social Work, Hall has received numerous honors, including the 2024 Excellence in Mentoring Doctoral Students Award from the School of Social Work.

You can find the full release from UNC.edu below .

Doctoral hooding speakers encourage curiosity

by The Graduate School

UNC-Chapel Hill honored nearly 300 doctoral graduates at its annual doctoral hooding ceremony held in the Dean E. Smith Center, featuring keynote speaker Angeli Achrekar ’13 (PhD).

Achrekar is the deputy executive director of the program branch at the Joint United Nations Program on HIV/AIDS, an assistant secretary-general of the United Nations, and an alumna of the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health.

“Today is indeed a special day for you, graduates. You are crossing an important threshold – from pupils to leaders, from learning to doing – armed with the knowledge, networks and know-how bestowed upon you and earned by you from this prestigious University of ours,” Achrekar said.

Beth Mayer-Davis, dean of The Graduate School, said alumni of graduate education at Carolina are among the next generation of leaders.  

“Our graduates become public servants, scientists, business leaders and world-renowned experts,” she said. “Through years of near-constant change and the grand challenges facing our society, they have triumphed and made our world a better place.”

There was a palpable energy of hope at the ceremony, with several of the events’ speakers remarking on the doctoral graduates’ penchant for curiosity and service-mindedness.

“At Carolina, we value collaboration. We know that the best work is often shared work, and progress happens when diverse teams of people with different backgrounds come together to tackle problems,” said Interim Chancellor Lee H. Roberts. “My charge to you today is to take that culture of openness and low barriers with you into the world.”

Achrekar’s charge to graduates continued the theme of openness. “There are opportunities, everywhere, to contribute to something larger than ourselves. We just must be curious, open and ready to jump right in.”

Before joining UN AIDS, Achrekar served as the principal deputy U.S. Global AIDS coordinator for the president’s emergency plan for AIDS relief. Her dedication to public service, especially for issues that affect women and girls, has led to large-scale transformational impact, fundamental to ending the AIDS pandemic.

During her speech, Achrekar shared a few key principles that have guided her decisions at critical junctures in life: bringing skill to scale, leading change with humility and centering in service.

At the close of the ceremony, she charged students to “go forth with the lux libertas — light and liberty — the founding principles of our University as you find your way to contribute, to serve and to put your indelible mark on making this world better for the next generations to come.” 

The Graduate School, founded in 1903, administers over 160 degrees spanning over 80 programs. It will confer more than 1,400 master’s and doctoral degrees during 2024 Spring Commencement exercises.

Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring At this year’s hooding ceremony, William Hall ’04, ’12 (MSW), ’15 (PhD), associate professor and L. Richardson Preyer Early Career Scholar at the UNC School of Social Work, received The Graduate School’s 2024 Faculty Award for Excellence in Doctoral Mentoring. Hall embodies the tenets of a service-minded mentor. He offers constructive advice and support to students, even those who are not direct mentees; provides safety and inclusivity for students with a variety of social identities and lived experiences; listens generously; and invests fully in each student as a whole person.

Hall’s current students and those who nominated him have published over 55 peer-reviewed publications collectively. He has guided or supported doctoral students with at least 10 successful grant applications, totaling over $250,000.

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JMU awards record number of doctoral degrees

SUMMARY: Twenty-seven Dukes representing seven programs of study were awarded doctoral degrees during The Graduate School’s Spring Commencement ceremony on May 9. Another 14 candidates are expected to complete their degree requirements this summer, capping an academic year in which JMU will have conferred a record 56 doctoral degrees.

Twenty-seven Dukes representing seven programs of study were awarded doctoral degrees during The Graduate School’s Spring Commencement ceremony on May 9. Another 14 candidates are expected to complete their degree requirements this summer, capping an academic year in which JMU will have conferred a record 56 doctoral degrees.

The numbers reflect the university’s new designation as an R2 Doctoral University with high research activity .

The Clinical Audiology program produced the largest number of May doctoral graduates with seven, followed by Counseling and Supervision with six and Strategic Leadership Studies with five. The other programs were Music Performance, Pedagogy, and Literature (four), Assessment and Measurement (three), and Communication Sciences and Disorders and Nursing Practice (one each).

Preeti Pandey (’24Ph.D.), a May graduate from India, was drawn to the Communication Sciences and Disorders doctoral program for its exceptional faculty and cutting-edge research opportunities. “ Dr. Ayasakanta Rout’s research interests and goals aligned perfectly with my research aspirations,” she said.

Pandey’s research focuses on hearing-aid technology, and the affordability and accessibility of hearing health care worldwide. Her dissertation assessed the global applicability of advanced hearing-aid algorithms.

“My journey at JMU has been transformative, characterized by rigorous coursework, invaluable mentorship from faculty members, and various opportunities for both research and professional development,” she said. “I am grateful to my mentor and my department that has shaped me into a proficient researcher and a compassionate advisor.”

Pandey has accepted a post-doctoral researcher position at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus beginning this fall.

A licensed marriage and family therapist in Virginia, May graduate Jinok Lim (’24Ph.D.) appreciated the flexibility of JMU’s hybrid Counseling and Supervision doctoral program, which allowed her to manage her responsibilities as a counselor, spouse and mother.

Lim is a native of South Korea. Her scholarship centers on the lived experiences of Korean immigrant women in the U.S., specifically their post-traumatic growth following immigration. “Successfully defending my dissertation in March was a significant milestone in my academic journey,” she said.

Lim said the support of the Graduate Psychology faculty and staff, as well as her fellow cohort members, made her feel valued as an Asian immigrant woman in the program.

In addition to her coursework, Lim refined her skills as an educator and supervisor by advising and teaching master’s students in JMU’s counseling programs.

Lim presented at eight national and regional counseling conferences. She also received numerous awards and scholarships, including the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision’s 2022 Diversity Scholarship and the Jonathan D. Davis (’81, ’85M) Scholarship for 2022-23.

“Looking ahead, my goal with my Ph.D. is to contribute to the development of counselors-in-training with robust multicultural competencies, enabling them to effectively serve diverse populations in the U.S.,” she said. “Having worked in the field, I’ve observed a significant gap in culturally sensitive mental health services, underscoring the critical need for well-prepared counselors.”

Fifteen Dukes earned doctoral degrees in December, including Aisha Keplinger (’23DNP), a family nurse practitioner with Inova Health System in Northern Virginia.

“One of the most commendable aspects of Aisha’s work as a Doctor of Nursing Practice student was her ability to take a complex topic, such as implementing a social determinants of health screening tool in a vulnerable population, and creating a population-based approach to meeting community needs,” said her advisor, Dr. Andrea Knopp .

The number of doctoral candidates at JMU is expected to continue to rise in the coming years, in part due to the Counseling and Supervision program’s move from an in-person to a hybrid mode of delivery that includes both online classes and periodic, short residences. The new Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program, which will enroll its first class in January 2025, will also feature this low-residency model catering to working professionals.

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by Jim Heffernan (’96, ’17M)

Published: Friday, May 10, 2024

Last Updated: Saturday, May 11, 2024

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Department of the History of Art

Congratulations to phd student marco pomini on winning the singleton center’s graduate paper prize.

We are thrilled to announce that Marco Pomini , PhD student in the History of Art department, has been awarded this year’s prestigious Graduate Paper Prize by The Singleton Center for his outstanding paper titled “Image Making on a Precarious Border: Ignazio Fabroni’s Drawings in the Galley (1664-1688) .”

Please join us in congratulating Marco Pomini on this well-deserved recognition!

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Aerospace Engineering Doctoral Student Awarded School of Engineering Graduate Student Teaching Assistant Award

By Keelin Kelly '24

Ph.D student Jacky Cai is from Shanghai, China, but has been at the University of Dayton since his senior year of undergraduate through an exchange program with Shanghai Normal University. He started at UD in 2016 as a mechanical engineering student but decided to switch to aerospace engineering for his master's degree study. Upon completing his graduate study, he continued to pursue a doctorate degree and continued working with his advisor, Dr. Gunasekaran, in the University of Dayton Low Speed Wind Tunnel  lab. 

“Dr. Gunasekaran has been a great advisor. He is the reason I stayed at UD for my Ph.D,” Cai said. “We have a great facility here and great students in the lab. The idea of community at UD reflects in our lab, and I enjoy working here.”

Cai became a teaching assistant in 2018 and started instructing classes in 2020. In his eight years at UD he has been a teaching assistant for MEE 225, MEE 401, MEE 409, MEE 440, AEE 553 and AEE 590 and an instructor for ENG 103 and MEE 431L-432L. He enjoys teaching project-based classes and helping his students bring their ideas to life. 

“Sometimes you know a student’s idea is too ‘creative’ and difficult to complete, however, you still want to try your best to help them achieve what they want to do anyway,” Cai said. “That’s the fun part of teaching because you really don’t know what problem you are going to solve before you walk in class everyday.”

In addition to conducting his own research on propeller aerodynamics with Dr. Gunasekaran in the UD Low-Speed Wind Tunnel, Cai has helped and mentored more than 10 undergraduate students in aerospace research. Almost all of them have been able to publish papers under his mentorship. 

“The students’ successes in the lab are my biggest achievement, especially because I am trying to move myself forward as an educator, not just a researcher,” Cai said. “I still do research, but what makes me more proud is working with students to achieve their goals.”

Cai was awarded the School of Engineering Graduate Teaching Assistant Award at the Graduate Student Showcase and Awards in April. He accepted a post graduate position as an assistant professor at Wichita State University and will move to Kansas in June. 

“There have always been good friends around me, giving me ideas and providing me with help even if it is outside of their research work,” Cai said. “It’s a good community, and I am going to miss all of the friends I have made here at UD.”

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Van Wie receives lifetime award for pedagogy achievements

Bernie Van Wie, a professor in the Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, has received the 2024 Donald R. Woods Lectureship Award for Lifetime Achievement in Chemical Engineering Pedagogy.

As part of the award from the Chemical Engineering Division of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), Van Wie will give a lecture on his work at the national ASEE meeting in June in Portland, Oregon.

The Donald Woods award is given for lifetime achievement “recognizing a sustained career of contributions to pedagogical practice, scholarship, and mentoring that not only caused innovative and substantial changes, but also inspired other educators to new behaviors that benefit students in Chemical Engineering,” according to the ASEE website .

During his career, Van Wie developed hands-on desktop modules for conducting engineering experiments that are used at more than 50 universities around the U.S. and the world. He began work on developing a low-cost, small footprint set of engineering experiments in the early 1990s when he was teaching fluid mechanics and heat transfer. He saw that students needed to see and do engineering to understand it well. He is quick to say without his colleagues, graduate students, and faculty willing to use these modules his efforts would not have succeeded.

Van Wie developed hands-on desktop modules for conducting engineering experiments that are used at more than 50 universities around the U.S. and the world.

The portable modules are made of clear plastic and allow students to observe flow patterns of water through fluid chambers and heat exchangers to understand difficult concepts. Working on problems in teams of three or four, students have the chance to learn collaboratively about the physical meanings behind the terms in their engineering equations. 

The modules have been used in chemical and mechanical engineering courses, including fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and kinetics. The hands-on devices can be used directly in the classroom, unlike other expensive devices on the market that need a functioning laboratory.

The learning modules have been shown to improve understanding of engineering concepts. Van Wie’s research teams have shown students who use the hands-on modules in classes improve significantly in conceptual understanding compared to control groups. Students also build collegiality through the activities, which transfers to success in other classes.

Van Wie’s work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, USDA, the Norcliffe Foundation, the World Bank, and Washington State University. He also received a Fulbright award to share his work in Nigeria. He has received several other awards, including an award for innovation in chemical engineering education from the American Institute of Chemical Engineering.

In addition to his research in pedagogy, Van Wie conducts research in bioprocessing and biosensing. He holds a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Oklahoma.

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