how to enroll in phd in usa

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How to Apply for a PhD in the US

Last Updated: January 18, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Carrie Adkins, PhD . Carrie Adkins is the cofounder of NursingClio, an open access, peer-reviewed, collaborative blog that connects historical scholarship to current issues in gender and medicine. She completed her PhD in American History at the University of Oregon in 2013. While completing her PhD, she earned numerous competitive research grants, teaching fellowships, and writing awards. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 20 testimonials and 96% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 629,106 times.

Getting a PhD is a challenging undertaking that takes years to achieve. It can also be an incredibly rewarding experience: you'll become a true expert in your field, and you'll be able to apply for a number of interesting jobs, including academic ones. If you're considering a PhD, start by figuring out which programs best fit your needs (they may not always be the ones at the biggest or most prestigious schools). Once you know what those programs are, you can tailor your materials accordingly and put together the best possible application packages.

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Researching Schools and Programs

• Keep in mind that it is not necessary for you to have a dissertation topic already chosen or even to have an extremely specific research focus. At this stage, you should just have a general idea of what you want to study and why. For example, if you are considering a PhD in English, then you should at least have an idea of the literary period that you wish to focus on.

• For example, if you are planning to pursue a PhD in Chemistry, then you should find out more about the lab facilities at the university that you are considering.
• Try to identify as many potential schools as you can. Graduate school is competitive and you will have a better chance of getting accepted if you submit multiple applications.

• Keep in mind that you may be working closely with the professor(s) you identify, so it is important to select professors who you really admire and whose research genuinely interests you.

• Keep in mind that funding opportunities are competitive. Putting forth a strong application may increase your chances of getting funding, but there are no guarantees.

"Even then, you need a back-up plan (or two or three) before you commit years of your life to a PhD."

Carrie Adkins, PhD

• Location. If you plan to return to your home country during breaks, then some schools may make the trip home less time consuming than others. For example, if you will be flying back to India at the end of each school year, then choosing a school closer to one of the US coasts will make traveling easier than flying out of the Midwest. Keep in mind that it is not a good idea to select a school based solely on location. This will severely limit your choices.
• Cost of living. Some US college towns can be quite expensive, which can make it hard to get by on your student stipend. Look into the average cost of housing, food, and other expenses in the university areas where you plan to apply.
• Extracurricular opportunities. Clubs can other types of groups can make the transition to a US university a bit easier. Many schools have clubs for people from certain countries, who speak certain languages, or who share other interests. Check out the extracurricular opportunities that are available at the universities you are considering.

Meeting the Basic Requirements

• Taking the GRE three to six months in advance is a good idea. You may even want to take it about year before you plan to apply, just in case you do not get a good score and you need to retake it.

• Score requirements vary by university, so check with each university to learn the score requirements before you apply. For TOEFL, you need to have at least a 600 on the paper-based test OR above a 95 to 100 on the internet-based test. For IELTS, you need to have above a 7.0 to 7.5.

• For example, if you plan to apply to 20 different programs, then you will need to ensure that you have about $2,000 for the application fees.
• Keep in mind that the fees may vary drastically among schools. More prestigious schools may charge higher application fees than less prestigious schools.

• For example, some programs require applicants to answer a specific question or set of questions in the statement of purpose.

• For example, it would be better to ask a professor in your discipline than someone who taught an elective class that you enjoyed.
• Having one letter of recommendation from an administrator or employer can be helpful to show a different perspective of your academic goals. For example, you might ask your department’s chairperson, one of the university’s deans, or a current or former boss. As with the professors you ask, the administrator who recommends you should be someone who will give you a glowing recommendation.

• Keep in mind that most schools require official transcripts.
• Sending transcripts may or may not require you to pay fees, depending on your university’s policies.

• If you have a piece that has been published, then this is an especially great choice for the writing sample, but unpublished pieces are fine as well.

Writing Your Statement of Purpose

• You may want to write one “basic” SOP and then alter or add to it as needed based on the special requirements of each university.

• For example, you might say something like, “Since I was a child, I had a passion for the natural world, and this passion led me to my desire to become a biologist.”

• For example, you might say something like, “As an undergrad, I participated in on-campus research expos and even attended a local conference. Then, during my MA program, I had an article accepted to Biology Quarterly and presented at a national conference.” [2] X Research source
• You can also talk about specific courses you took, professors who have supervised your work, and research that you conducted during your BA and MA programs.

• For example, you might say something like, “I hope to develop a new process for growing corn.”

• Try reading each professor’s biography on the university website. You may also consider reading one of these professors’ publications, such as an article or book.
• Try saying something like, “I hope to work with Professor Jones because she and I share a similar interest in botany.”

• Make sure that you include examples throughout your entire SOP.

Submitting Your Application Packets

• Some schools also require letters of recommendation to be submitted via an online system. You may need to submit your recommenders email addresses so that they can access this system.

• Address the packets. Make sure that you double check the addresses for each of your packets to ensure that they will be delivered to the correct location.
• Pay for postage. International postage can be quite expensive, so make sure that you reserve some money to pay for this cost. Pay the postage for each of your packets and send them out.

What Are The Main Reasons People Go To Graduate School?

Expert Q&A

• Even if a university is unable to provide you with direct funding or a scholarship, there may be other opportunities for you to earn an income while you are there, such as research assistantships. Look into this before turning down an offer from a university you might otherwise want to attend. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
• Once you are done with everything, do not forget to thank everybody who helped you, especially the referees who wrote letters of recommendation. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
• Gaining some sort of research or work experience in the field you plan to apply to will greatly improve your chances of admission. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Keep your address consistent throughout - do not abbreviate or introduce variations. This makes it all the more difficult for the graduate office to file your documents. Thanks Helpful 18 Not Helpful 5
• Use a reliable courier service to send documents to universities - FedEx, DHL, UPS, etc. Do not use a service for which you cannot track your package. Thanks Helpful 15 Not Helpful 7

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• ↑ http://grad.berkeley.edu/admissions/apply/statement-purpose/

About This Article

To apply for a Ph.D. in the US, earn a Bachelor’s degree and take the GRE, or Graduate Record Examination. Then, carefully read the application instructions of each school to increase your odds of getting accepted. In the mean time, request letters of recommendation from professors in your discipline or an employer. You will also need to have your transcripts on hand, and to write a statement of purpose. For tips on writing a great statement of purpose and nailing the rest of the process, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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PhD Admission Guide

Gain admission to your dream school, guide to phd admission.

While some students swear off further education after undergrad, some love the thrill of intellectual discovery and research. For these students, graduate school is a natural choice. Graduate degrees are separated into “professional” and “academic” categories. Professional degrees are JDs and MDs, while academic degrees are PhDs (literally “Doctorates of Philosophy” regardless of what field you actually study).

Whether or not you need to pursue a PhD depends entirely on what career you wish to have. Some require higher education, while many others do not. In this guide we’ll go over how to apply to PhD programs, what they are looking for, and how the application process works. This guide is focused on the US and Canada; Europe has a system which is simultaneously similar and very different.

What PhD Programs Look For

PhD programs want to make sure you are prepared academically for the rigors of the program, and that you have a concrete research goal in mind. PhD programs culminate with each student answering a research question they devise, contributing new knowledge to the world in the process. 

Thus these programs seek to evaluate your intellectual ability, research goals, previous research experience, and how you will contribute to their program. To determine this, they ask for the following:

Letters of Recommendation

We’ll go through each of these in turn, and explain what graduate programs are looking for from each.

Your GPA in undergrad is the single most important factor in PhD admissions. If your GPA is too low your application will be dismissed out of hand. While there are no hard limits, we suggest a minimum GPA of 3.5 for serious contention, especially at top schools. If your GPA is below 3.0 then you will likely not get admitted into any PhD programs.

The reason for this is that PhD programs are a lot of work. Being intelligent is necessary, but is far from sufficient alone. Everyone in PhD programs is intelligent, and everyone is also willing to do the work. Your GPA is seen as the primary indicator of your willingness and ability to do academic work to a high standard, and your preparation for the rigors of a PhD program.

Along with your overall GPA, schools request your major GPA. This is your GPA when calculated only using courses in your major. This is usually expected to be higher than your overall GPA. Your major GPA should be over 3.5.

While taking harder courses in undergrad is a great experience, they can also harm your overall GPA. Of course, the best approach is to take very hard classes and do well in them, but this is not always possible. We recommend taking a blend of courses, so you are never overloaded, and able to give each the attention it needs to do well.

Academic Preparation

Your GPA and transcript is also used to judge your academic preparation for the program. You should have a solid grounding in the field, and have taken advanced courses as well. Taking graduate level courses in undergrad can exemplify this. 

Some PhD programs also require research languages. This is more common in the social sciences and humanities, but all students will benefit from knowing other languages well enough to do research in them. You should look up language requirements when researching programs to apply to.

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test meant for students who intend to apply to graduate programs. Both MA and PhD programs ask for GRE scores. Much like the SAT or ACT in college exams, the test is meant to be a standardized measure of academic preparation and logical skill.

The test consists of six sections. The first is writing, next are two on verbal reasoning, then two on quantitative reasoning, and finally a research or experimental section, meant to test new questions. The entire test is offered on the computer, with one minute breaks after each section, and a ten minute break after the third section. While there is also a paper-based test, almost all testing is now done on a computer. Due to the pandemic, both testing centers and at-home testing are offered. The GRE is a multi-stage test, and how well you do on earlier sections determines the difficulty of later sections and questions. 

The verbal sections each consist of 20 questions, to be answered over 30 minutes. The whole is scored on a scale of 130-170. The quantitative section is scored the same, and consists of two 20 question sections, each of which should be completed in 35 minutes. The writing section is scored from 0-6. For this section, you write an essay on a given issue in 30 minutes, and offer a response critiquing a provided argument for 30 minutes.

Your total score from the GRE is given from 130-170. While the exact scores you need to enter graduate school vary, higher is better. In addition, some programs only care about your verbal score, while others only care about your quantitative score. How much weight each program puts on GRE scores varies greatly.

We recommend studying for the GRE for some time before testing. You can take the GRE up to five times per year, but must wait at least 21 days between testing dates. Only scores from the past 5 years will be released or considered by graduate programs.

Curriculum Vitae

This is akin to a resume, but is dissimilar enough that the two cannot be used interchangeably. The purpose of a CV is, like a resume, to detail what you have accomplished academically and in your career. It is far more focused on academics however, and is widely used for academic careers.

We recommend finding a template for a CV online, or asking your college’s advisors for help in creating one. If you already have a resume, then you will easily be able to convert it into a CV.

What admissions officers are looking for in your activities is primarily signs of research. This should be in whatever field you intend to pursue a PhD in. Publications are also incredibly valuable. All of academia runs on publication, and getting an early start helps your career at every step.

You should try to do research while still in undergrad. What this looks like depends entirely on what field you are pursuing. While the research does not have to exactly line up with what you wish to pursue, it should teach you skills which are cross applicable. Higher level academic research has its own set of methods and language which must be learned, and students who are already familiar with the forms and structures of research have a leg up in graduate school. 

Publication is not required, but is nice to see. If you have completed a master’s degree, you should have some publication history; of your thesis if nothing else. Speak with your academic advisors about getting your work published.

Each graduate school you apply to will ask for an essay. You will be able to use the same basic form for each, but will need to edit it to be about the particular program you are applying to. Most schools only require a single essay, although some programs ask for a second on diversity.

The purpose of this essay is to explain your research interests, what you have studied, your intended area of specialization, and what your focus will be on. Every PhD student is asking and trying to answer a very specific research question. This question forms the basis of their dissertation, and will be the focus of your life for several years if you are accepted.

Thus the essay is the most important part of your application. Your grades and GRE are required to see if you are academically ready for graduate school, but the essay lets readers know if you are a match for their program, and serious about your research.

Your essay should begin by stating which program you are applying to, and why. Next, go through your previous academic experience in the field, both coursework and research. You don’t have to go through every class, but cover the ones most relevant to your desired research topic.

You should discuss any prior research you have done in the field. If you completed a thesis for your undergraduate degree or a master’s program, cover that here. If you have any publication credits, cover those as well. This should relate directly to the field you are trying to enter. If you wish to pursue lab work, discuss your previous experiences; if instead you are pursuing field work, talk about your experiences there.

Next you should talk about the research you specifically wish to pursue through a PhD. You don’t need to have an exact research question worked out, but it is helpful to have some idea; you should at least know the subfield you will be focusing on. The more specific you are, the better. Having some discussion of methodology can be nice, but is not always necessary.

If there are any ongoing research projects ongoing at the school you wish to work on, cover those next. You should discuss how these projects specifically relate to your own research interests. Finally, you should talk about which professors you wish to work with. Professors take on graduate students to advise, and you ideally want one with a specialization at least tangentially related to your field of interest. The more closely related the professor’s studies are to your own, the better.

You will be able to leave much of this essay the same for each school you apply to, changing only the name of the program, the research projects, and the professors you wish to work with. 

This essay should be a page and a half to two pages long, single spaced. You should go into sufficient detail for those reading it to understand the research you want to pursue. These essays are reviewed by the faculty who run the department, and they make the admissions decisions for PhD programs. There are many more applicants than there are spaces, and admissions rates are low. The more specific and detailed you are in this essay, the better the faculty will understand your research aims, and the better your chances will be.

Diversity Statements

Not all programs ask for these, but you will likely be able to reuse the same essay for those that do. The purpose of the diversity statement is to see what unique points of view and experiences you will be able to contribute to the program. PhDs are about learning, and the more viewpoints and ideas within a program, the broader the experience will be.

If you are a member of an underrepresented group, an immigrant, come from an underprivileged background, or come from an area which is generally underrepresented, we suggest discussing that in this essay. You should not write an essay about your interactions with members of these groups, or a study abroad experience.

Above all, this essay should be authentic to you and your experience. The goal is to show how your background has shaped you as a person, and how it impacts your view of the world.

As with college applications, letters of recommendation are required for PhD admissions. These tell admissions committees who you are as a student and researcher, and give their opinion on how you will perform when doing graduate level work. Academic fields are small and often insular, and the professors writing your letters will often be known by those reading them, either by reputation or in person.

Programs ask for two to four letters. These should primarily come from professors who know you and your work well. If you had a thesis advisor, they should write one of your letters. If you’ve worked doing research for some time, then a mentor or lab director can also be a good source of a letter, even if they haven’t taught you in class. Letters should not come from non-academic sources, unless you have worked professionally in that field. 

While you have the option to read the letters that are written for you, you should always waive that right. If you don’t trust your writers to craft good letters for you, then you shouldn’t be asking them for letters. Asking to see letters is considered a sign of lack of trust, and is gauche. Many professors will decline to write letters if you insist on seeing them.

You should ask for letters well in advance of when they are due; we recommend at least a month or two. If you are asking non-tenured faculty for a letter, more leeway is recommended, as they have more on their plate, and are often more stressed. You may need to send a reminder as deadlines approach. You should also share a copy of your essay with letter writers, so they know exactly what subfield you intend to pursue, and can discuss this in their letters.

Finally, you should be aware of politics when asking for letters. Some professors do not like each other at all. If you are seen as the protege of a professor who others detest, this can impact your admissions chances. Always discuss which schools and programs you are applying to with your letter writers. You should also discuss your choices of writers with an advisor (for example a thesis advisor) familiar with the field. Academic politics are incredibly petty, but if you plan to pursue a PhD you need to be aware of the game, and how it is played.

If your application passes the first review, you will be invited to do an interview. This will be with faculty in the program you are applying to. This is to further get to know you, and to understand your research objectives. 

You should be able to clearly explain what you want to research, and how this program will help you do so. The people talking to you will all be familiar with the field, though not necessarily your specific subfield. They are looking for your ability to communicate and explain your view. Be prepared to answer some questions about the specifics of your goals, though it’s ok if you don’t know everything right now.

Interviews are generally in person, though due to the pandemic, virtual interviews have become more common. This is also your chance to ask any questions you have about the program you were unable to find answers to online. You can practice for this interview with an advisor or mentor; many schools have career centers which hold mock grad school interviews as well.

When and How to Apply to Grad School

There is no unified platform for PhD applications. Instead you must apply to each program individually, through the school’s website. This will mean filling out information multiple times, but they fortunately don’t ask for much. Once you have your documents in order, the rest is personal, demographic, and contact information.

You will need to pay to have your GRE scores sent to each school you apply to. Even though this is all electronic, they still charge dearly for it. 

Applications are generally due in December or January, with interviews held over the next few months. Applications open in September or October. We recommend getting your applications in before the due date, though most programs don’t use rolling admissions. Each program sets their own deadlines, so you should track when each of your applications is due carefully to make sure nothing gets overlooked.

Paying for Grad School

PhD programs are for the most part fully funded. This means you will not be paying tuition, and will also get funding to live on. This funding is generally contingent on academic standing, and doing work TAing, teaching, or on ongoing research projects (or most commonly, all of the above). Many grad students also work full or part time to support themselves. 

While you will not need to take on additional debt to pay for graduate school, you will not be well paid either. While the exact amount graduate students receive varies by school and program, it is generally in the range of $20-30,000 annually. This goes towards food, housing, and supplies.

While you are in a PhD program, you will not have to make payments on any government loans you took out to pay for undergrad, though they will continue to accrue interest. Making payments on them during grad school is difficult, but will greatly cut down on the amount you need to pay back later.

There are also outside scholarships available to help pay for graduate studies. While the amounts offered by these vary, most are small. They can help greatly with paying for the necessities however, and applying to them is usually worth the time investment.

Grad School Admission FAQ

Now we’ll answer some of the most common questions about applying to PhD programs.

Can older students apply?

Yes. Many professionals return to school for a PhD long out of undergrad. We suggest taking some courses at a local university in the field you plan on entering before you do this however. Academic research advances quickly, and this will familiarize you with the latest developments. Further, this will introduce you to professors who can provide you with letters of recommendation.

What are my odds of acceptance?

This depends on both your field and program. Generally, however, it is quite difficult to gain admissions to a PhD program, and admission rates hover around 10%. Only the best students get accepted, and this is even more the case at the top schools and programs.

When should I start thinking about applications?

When you choose your major, you should decide what level you want to reach within that field. Some majors lend themselves to PhDs if you want to work in that field, while others allow employment at various levels.

Where should I apply?

You should find programs with professors who are dedicated to your particular subfield. A prestigious institution which does not focus on your area is far less useful, regardless of how famous its name is. You are looking for someone who will be able to advise you, and help you perform worthwhile research. Further, professors are looking for students studying fields similar to their own when they admit graduate students.

How long are PhD programs?

Generally programs last 4-5 years, though this can vary based on field. The exact structure of the programs also varies a lot based on field and program.

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Study PHD in USA | Eligibility, Application Process (2022 Guide)

Accessibility

  PhD student in USA does not require  to focus immediately on dissertation proposal but will  have the time to first develop a more detailed understanding of your subject as the basis for your own research. That is why PHD in USA are longer as compared to UK.

World-leading universities and research

Rankings aren’t everything, but the upper reaches of global league tables continue to be dominated by US institutions. As there is a substantial investment in research output and expertise.

International community

  Whatever and wherever you study you’ll be welcomed as part of a diverse academic community .

Innovation :

America was the second country (after Germany) to adopt the modern PhD degree and its own structured approach to doctoral training is now influencing PhD study in the UK and Europe.

Breadth of opportunity :

With 50 states, six time zones and thousands of higher education providers you will find a huge opportunity after your PHD

NOTE : The fact that matters is, one needs to look for the quality and the number of research paper’s that are being published in the top journals in the industry country wise. 

In most cases the US is the best place to do your PHD. But do your research and find which country produces the best research work and go there for better learning and growing experience.

1.2) 5 Reasons Why one should pursue a PHD in the USA rather than a Master's/ Bachelors?

PHD is free/Cheap:

When it comes to Bachelors and Master’s, there are quite some options for us to get funding from or get scholarships. But the problem is that not a lot of students get full scholarships and they would be forced to pay the remaining tuition fees and alot of other costs that comes along while living in the USA.

We are all aware that education in the US is more on the expensive side and a lot of students find a way to pull it off with as many part time jobs as possible. But this affects their schedule and routine and drains their mental energy and consumes alot of their study time

Whereas PHD in the USA is a different story. The programs are fully funded and you even get paid to study there and there is no need to pay the tuition fee.

Fee waivers, assistantships and stipends are guaranteed in a PHD program and the stipends are quite high for PHD students in the US when compared to any other country. So for doing PHD, US can be considered the best place!

PHD saves us from the worst possible outcome:

When it comes to pursuing a degree abroad, what is the worst possible outcome that could come out of it?

We finish the degree there and yet we get shipped back to our home country with a bunch of huge educational loans and we have to find a job here with a currency that much lower in value and work hard to pay back all the educational loans

Whereas a PHD student wouldn’t have to be too scared about this fact since their educational expenses are usually taken care of via stipends and assistantships and other funding sources. And even if one doesn’t secure a job there, they could always get well paying great jobs back in India or any developing country which has so many universities.

Networking:

“ You are the average of 5 people that you hang around with the most”

Imagine getting enrolled into a good university in the US for PHD. What would be the quality of people there? 

While doing your bachelor’s degree, one would be surrounded by all kinds of people from all around the world with different lifestyles and mindsets and there you could find alot of people who tend to fool around and be less focused or live by ideologies that you might totally disagree with. 

Whereas when it comes to master’s degree, the quality of the crowd increases tremendously and with PHD, only the most motivated, interested and focused people get here. So you could learn and grow as a community while doing your PHD. Another important fact is, everyone doing a PHD is there by their own choice which makes them a group of highly interested and talented people with whom you would be spending most of your time with.

Friendships with Mentors:

“ PHD students are like 10 year projects”

• University Mentors

In research based universities, most of the professors tend to spend a huge amount of time with the PHD students than the ones in bachelors and master’s degree programs. Bachelors students are more focused on learning the basic concepts and master’s students are usually busy with course work and won’t stay for too long in the campus.

So, one of the biggest advantages of being a PHD student in the US is that you get to spend 4-6 years researching and further continue the work for years to come and hence the mentors and the professors would be more open to building a good relationship with you and that would make way for so much of learning and growth.

Come out of it matured and better:

One of the things that a PHD student would experience is this : They start earning money a lot later than the general population. Some would even take over 30 years to get their first paycheck and when you spend your 20s learning and researching and focusing while managing the possible financial hardships that come your way, makes you financially mature.

Pros and Cons of Studying in USA

Pros of studying in the usa .

• Education in the USA is something that many of us look out for. The quality of education in the USA is recognized worldwide as the best. They give practical learning experiences. International student enrollment for higher education is always higher in this country.
• The Association to Advance Collegiate School of business recognition is given to the best business schools in the world. Globally 531 business schools were given AACSB, and 400 schools belong to the USA.
• The USA is the home to some of the best universities globally, the top-ranked universities.
• There is a wide variety of subjects to choose from, such as marine education, nursing, ecology, etc.
• The Universities in the USA are recognized globally for their world-class education and good facilities.
• There is exposure to multiple cultures in the USA. There are also student exchange programs to diversify the learning objectives.
• They provide an all-rounder education by enabling the students to participate in sports and other extracurricular activities.
• The job opportunities are ample when you get a degree from one of the Universities in the USA. These degrees are recognized worldwide, and you can be assured of getting good employment opportunities.
• You can specialize in subjects and study according to your interests.
• The labs and libraries in the USA are excellent, and students have a significant amount of exposure to writers from different backgrounds.
• Some scholarships are designed for students. These scholarships vary from University to University and according to the type of degree you choose. Grabbing these scholarships will make it easier to manage your financial expenses

Cons of studying in the USA

• To be a student in the USA, one of the primary requirements is to write a TOEFL exam. This ensures that you have a good command of the English language.
• For other engineering and business studies, you will be required to write GRE, TOEFL, GMAT, SAT, etc. To be a doctor, you will be required to write a different set of entrance examinations.
• The cost of education and accommodation in the USA is higher when compared to your home country. Due to this, you may have to get a student loan.
• It is not that you will get a job if you study in any university in the USA. More of your knowledge and skills matter the most. But studying in the prestigious universities in the USA will be a feather on your cap!
• The standard of education will be initially hard to manage as you need to get used to the different curricula.
• The climatic conditions in the USA are very different and hence you should be able to adjust to them.
• The living expenses can also be higher. To manage this, you need to take up a part-time job.
• The testing in these universities can be rigorous and challenging, especially if you are a student of the most prestigious universities in the USA.

1.3) Is PHD the right choice for you?

Some students might be wondering if pursuing a PHD is a right thing for them.

It depends on the career you are in and if you are interested in research. For instance if you have a master’s in biology or in any of the languages or history, the jobs available for you would be scarce. So doing a PHD in such instances can open up a whole new alot of opportunities.

Now when it comes to research it can be categorized into two things : Discovering phenomenons in nature and inventing new stuff.

If research, discovery and inventions are something you desire, then PHD is the right choice for you.

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Top ph.d. programs in the usa :, ph.d. in management.

To become a scholar in business and management, you can do a Ph.D. in this field. This is a globally sought-after course. Doing a Ph.D. creates an avenue for several research work in this field 

• The University of Arizona
• Walden University
• Auburn University
• Campbellsville University

Ph.D. in psychology

To conduct research in psychology, you can do a Ph.D. in this field. To complete this course may take three years or even more than that. The eligibility for this course is the completion of a master’s in psychology.

Stanford University

Yale university, university of california.

• University of Arizona

Ph.D. in Computer science

Completing a Ph.D. in this field can take up to three years or more, but it would be beneficial in your career when you’re interested in research in this field. You’ll also be a master in your particular area of research.

Harvard University

• Massachusetts University of Technology
• Carnegie Mellon University 

Ph.D. in Marketing

Marketing is a broad field, and currently, it is the trending area of study as most of us use smartphones, and marketing here is unbeatable.

• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Michigan 

Ph.D. in Biotechnology

This is a doctorate course in the field of Biotechnology. You get to study Scientific communication, trends in Biotechnology, and so much more. This takes three to five years to complete.

Maschasuettes institute of technology

John hopkins university, ph.d. in microbiology.

Doing a doctorate in this course means you get to research microbiology. You get to research microorganisms and other things. 

This course can take around four to six years to complete.

Ph.D. in Physics

Ph.D. in Physics will get you a lot of good job opportunities. You will deal with theory, research, and experiment in this field. This will be a three-year doctorate course.

Princeton University

• University of Chicago

Ph.D. in Public Health

If you want to be an administrative head and want to have extensive knowledge in the field of medicine, you can do this doctorate course.

• Ohio State University

Ph.D. in Pharmacology

This course deals with medical drugs and their usage. You can work in clinics, hospitals, and medical centers.

• University of Washington

Ph.D. in Design

This is a creative course and can be pretty challenging. This is a practical degree program, and you have a wide range of streams to diverge in, such as animation, design, and much more.

• University of Buffalo
• Cornell University
• Kansas State University

PHD FAQ’s: Eligibility and More

2.1) intake seasons for phd programs, two teaching semester’s:.

The academic year in the USA consists of two teaching semesters: 

• August-December 
•  January-May.  

These will be when your classes and assessments take place. 

Most graduate programmes admit students in the autumn (or ‘fall’) semester because of the following reasons:

•  The scholarships and financial aids are aimed at this semester.
• There are not many financial aid opportunities as well as job opportunities available for the Spring semester

2.2) Duration of the PHD Program

The length of a PhD program in the USA is usually 4-6 years (full time ). 

Students spend 2 years on the coursework stage of their programme and 2-4 years working on their dissertation.

The minimum and the maximum durations would vary depending on the university and the field of study but traditionally a PHD program is for 5 years and there will be a year limit within which one should potentially finish their research to get their PHD.

There are students who find a way to get their PHD in 3 years as well. So expect anywhere between 4-6 years to get your PHD

Coursework : 

• Core classes (Essential )
• Elective classes (Optional )

Dissertation : 

  It’s the research proposal submitted as part of a PhD application.

2.3) AGE A FACTOR FOR PHD?

Is there any age limit for pursuing PHD or is it a good choice to start doing PHD after the age of 30? Would the age be a factor in getting jobs after?

Age is not any issue and there are people who start their PHDs even after the age of 40. So there are no age limits and in the United States they value the background and the profile and will not discriminate based on their age. So go for it if you really want to.

2.4) PHD AFTER BTECH?

Can we do a PHD right after bachelors or B.Tech Degree?

If one has decent research experience in Bachelors level itself and if it’s good quality research and if you have published papers and have some achievements to show, then yes, your chances of getting admissions into PHD would increase.

But it is generally recommended that we spend a little more time exploring the topic of interest in our master’s before jumping into a PHD program. Doing a master’s also strengthens your knowledge on the field which would be needed to be able to successfully complete your PHD.

But yes, it is totally possible to do your PHD right after bachelors. Even if the background of your profile doesn’t match with the PHD course you want to pursue, you can still get admissions if you can impress the professor you want to work with and these scenarios have happened in the past.

2.5) INTERNSHIPS DURING PHD:

Internships during PHD, Recommended or not?

The answer to this question would depend on the field you are in. 

Here’s the logic you need to look for. PHD is a degree where you are trying to become a researcher. Internships are jobs where you “work for the company and find ways to make them money”. Sometimes these two do not add up.

For instance, if you are in the Computer and software field, it’s completely alright to work in google or facebook or in some booming startups because it would help you become better in the particular field which would help with the research.

In most fields it is generally not recommended to do internships while being a PHD student since it would take your focus away from research.

What are the requirements to do a PhD in the USA?

3.1) phd in usa - requirements:.

Universities and graduate schools will set their own admissions procedures, but for most of the universities have following requirements :

• Academic transcripts  
• Research Statement
• Writing Samples
• Test Scores: General GRE And GRE Subject.

PS :   Some PhD subjects may use other graduate entry tests in place of (or in addition to) the GRE. The most common tests are:

GMAT – for DBA degrees and other programmes in Business and Management

LSAT – for JD programmes

MCAT – for MD programmes

DAT – for dental programmes

  You won’t necessarily need a Masters to apply for a PhD in the USA.  

This is because American graduate programmes effectively combine Masters and PhD study –some students actually receive a Masters at the end of their coursework stage.

If you do already have a Masters you may be able to receive credit for it and spend less time on the coursework stage of your program. This decision is made by your graduate school , who will decide how relevant your existing degree is.

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Started your gre prep, ready to see where you stand in the gre, 3.2) how do i apply for a phd and what will be the application fee.

Application Process :

 The Application process for the USA is easy and these are the following stages for same :

Step 1 : Be accepted for a PhD at an SEVP-approved institution

Step 2 : Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of $200 

Step 3 : Begin your application online

Step 4 : Schedule a visa interview 

Step 5 : Receive your visa 

Application and Visa Fee details :

• Typical application fees for PhD study in the USA are between $50 and $100.

You will also need to budget for the cost of any graduate entry tests and for your visa.

• In most cases you will need to pay fees of at least $360 during your visa application. This is made up of a $200 SEVIS fee and a $160 application fee. Some students may also need to pay an issuance fee.)

3.3) How to shortlist Universities for your PHD in the USA?

Which universities should one apply to for the best learning experience for the particular field and have the most chances of getting admissions into for a particular profile and work experience and research experience?

While it is hard to list out the top universities for every field out there, here’s a procedure one can follow to make sure they are in the right place:

• Select the field : Decide on which field you want to get PHD in
• List of universities : Make a list of universities in the US that is offering the particular PHD course.
• Get your CV Ready : It is very important to create a professional and detailed CV with your Work and research experience 
• Now compare your profile with theirs and get a good idea of what kind of profile one would need to be a PHD student in that particular university and the level of expertise present there

Additional Information

Phd types :.

Most universities in the USA simply award the standard PhD (or Ph.D.) as an academic doctorate. However they some different categories are DBA (Doctor of Business Administration), EdD (Doctor of Education) JD (Doctor of Laws) and MD (Doctor of Medicine).

Fees and funding :

Public institutions charge an average of $12,737 per year. Private institutions charge an average of $43,300 per year. 

PS .Figures are based on data published by the US National Center for Education Statistics.

Common types of assistantship include :

• Graduate teaching assistantships
• Research assistantships 
• Administrative assistantships 
• Fellowships

Top Universities for pursuing PHD in USA

This University was founded in 1636 and was named Harvard College. This is a highly prestigious and the oldest University in the United States. This University is located in Cambridge, Maschasuettes, a private ivy league University. It is ranked as no.5 by the QS World university rankings.

Acceptance rate: 5%

Average fee: $75,000

List of the Ph.D. courses : Math, Physics, biotechnology, and so much more.

Website : https://gsas.harvard.edu/programs-study/degree-programs

• Is it hard to get into the Harvard Ph.D. program?

The acceptance rate for a Ph.D. student is much higher in this University when compared to other degrees. With Good grades, you can get into this University.

• How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. at Harvard?

A minimum of two years is required to complete a Ph.D. Although it sometimes takes up to six years.

This is a private university that is located in Cambridge, Maschasuettes. This University has been essential in research that deals with modern technology and sciences. It is one of the top universities globally and is ranked as no 1 by the QS world rankings.

Acceptance rate: 7%

Average fee: $75,462

List of the Ph.D. courses :  https://gradadmissions.mit.edu/programs/degrees/doctoral-degrees

• How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. in MIT?

It takes around five years to complete a Ph.D. at MIT.

• Is GRE required for Ph.D. in MIT?

Yes, the GRE general test is required for Ph.D. in MIT.

This is a private university that is highly prestigious and is ranked as no 3 by the QS World university rankings. This University is located in Stanford, California, and it is the largest University with a large enrollment of students.

Average fee: $78,218

List of the Ph.D. courses

https://gradadmissions.stanford.edu/applying/frequently-asked-questions

A Ph.D. in MIT takes around five to seven years to complete.

• What GPA do you need to get for a Ph.D. in MIT?

A GPA of 3.6 on a scale of 4 is required.

California Institute of Technology

This is a private university located in Pasadena, California. This University is known for its science and engineering courses and is ranked as the best academic institution in the USA. This University is ranked as no.9 in the world’s best universities.

https://www.usnews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-graduate-schools/california-institute-of-technology-110404

• How hard is it to get a Ph.D. here?

The acceptance rate here is only 6.4%; hence it can be pretty competitive.

• How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. here?

It takes around four to six years to complete a Ph.D. here.

This is one of the oldest private research universities in the USA. It was named after the philanthropist John Hopkins. This was one of the few universities to include both teaching and research. This University has produced more than 38 Nobel laureates.

Acceptance rate: 11%

Average fee: $67,667

https://www.jhu.edu/research/

• Does John Hopkins University require GRE for Ph.D.?

GRE scores are optional; however, you will require that to do a master’s degree.

• Does John Hopkins offer Ph.D. programs?

Yes, they offer Ph.D. programs.

This is a public land grant university that has over ten campuses. It is located in the state of California. This University is known for its best research activities and its numerous research centers. This University is more than a century old and was established in 1868.

Acceptance rate: 14%

Average fee: $52,000

https://graduate.universityofcalifornia.edu/admissions/

• Is it hard to get into the University of California?

Compared to the other universities, this University is not that hard to get into as they have reasonable acceptance rates.

• Does the University of California offer Ph.D. programs?
• Yes, they do offer Ph.D. programs.

This is a private ivy league research university in Princeton, New Jersey. This University was established in 1746, and it is the fourth oldest University in the USA. They also offer a lot of scholarships for international students.

Acceptance rate: 6%

Average fee: $68,044

List of the Ph.D. courses: 

https://gradschool.princeton.edu/degree-options/phd

• How long does it take to complete a Ph.D. at Princeton University?

 It takes around five years to complete a Ph.D. at Princeton University.

• Can I apply to two Ph.D. programs at Princeton?

No, you cannot apply to two Ph.D. programs at Princeton. You can do only one at a time.

This is a private university in New Haven, Connecticut. It is an ivy league research university as well. It is one of the most prestigious and third oldest institutes in the USA. This University is ranked as the 17th best University globally by the QS world ranking.

Average fee: $45,700

https://www.yale.edu/academics/graduate-professional-study

It takes around four years to complete a Ph.D. here.

• Can you get a Ph.D. at Yale?

Yes, you can apply for Ph.D. programs at Yale.

Columbia University

This is a private ivy league research university in New York and is the oldest University in New York. This University was established in 1754. This University is ranked as the sixth-best university in the world.

https://gsas.columbia.edu/content/phd-programs

• How hard is it to study here?

It is highly competitive, and your GRE scores should be around 154 to 167.

Duke University

This is a private research university in Durham, North Carolina. It was established in 1838 by methodists and Quakers. This University is ranked as the 23rd best global University.

Acceptance rate: 8%

Average fee: $40,000

https://gradschool.duke.edu/academics/programs-degrees

• Is Duke a top university?

Yes, it is a top university, ranked as the 9th best national University.

• How hard is it to get into Duke?

It is competitive here, and the acceptance rates are also lower.

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For the first two years one would be required to take courses and will have to maintain a GPA over 3 -3.3.

Now remember there are various types of PHD programs available and what you experience might be a bit different from what’s described here but one can get a rough picture of what they will be up against.

The courses that you take in the first two years will mould you to become a better researcher and many of these courses would have projects which could potentially turn into a journal publication.

Selecting Dissertation Advisors:

Within the first year or the first two years, the student would have to analyze the professors, their areas of interest and expertise and their character to better select their own dissertation advisors.

In most cases we might have to select and come up with our own projects and research ideas whereas in some cases your dissertation advisor might already be working on the topic of your interest and in such cases you could join the research and contribute

Comprehensive/Qualifier Exam:

After completing the required set of courses in the first two years, the phd students are then required to take a comprehensive exam or a qualifier exam. Now the way in which this exam is conducted varies a lot based on the field and the university that’s conducting it.

In some cases, the students who fail this comprehensive exam would have to quit the PHD program. We do get to attempt this exam more than once and the number of re-attempts would also depend on the university conducting it. So this is an important step.

This exam most probably won’t be like the written 3 hour exams that we are used to writing. This exam would test your ability to be a successful researcher and the students might be given tough time intervals to complete research based tasks and even oral tasks.

Anyways reach out to the students in the university you are planning to take to get accurate details about what you would be facing in this comprehensive/Qualifier exam

Committee of professors and Proposal Defense:

In a proposal defense, the students have to be ready with the complete dissertation plans stating the papers and the projects that one has planned to work on. What kind of data one needs to collect, the kinds of analysis that one needs to do.

We also need to select a committee of professors and one of the professors in the committee should be outside your own department or university and schedule a meeting where you propose to them your project details

After the proposal defence, the professors would have to analyse if the research project is worthy for a PHD degree and if it is realistic and achievable

Once your proposal defence is approved, you would be working full time on your dissertation and would be expected to complete the research project proposed.

In many universities the PHD students are required and expected to teach subjects to B.Tech and Master’s students for a few semesters.

NOTE : Even within the same industry, different universities would have very different PHD programs where some universities would completely focus on quantitative research and some would focus more on a case study approach. So to get a clear idea, reach out to the PHD students in the university you are hoping to get admissions into.

PHD Experience FAQs

How many papers should we publish in our dissertation and is there a minimum requirement of any sort.

The number of papers that one can publish completely depends on the area of study and research since in certain areas one can publish over 10 papers easily whereas in other areas publishing 2 or 3 would be a great achievement.

There are students who just publish one paper in their dissertation and there are other who publish over 10. So it depends on your field of study and your dissertation advisors expectations and your capabilities.

How much stipend can one expect during their PHD in USA?

The stipends could vary from $10,000 or lower to over $50,000 depending on the university, the city and the cost of living in that area, the university and the area of study. Again to know exactly what to expect, reach out to PHD students in the university that you want to get into.

What kind of research assistantships and teaching assistantships can we expect to get during PHD for funding?

Research and teaching assistantships are for masters programs and by default traditional PHD programs in the US are fully funded. 

The point to note here is that in many universities, the PHD student has to teach and if one doesn’t do so, their stipend would not be given. So the fact is you are already working and researching for a stipend which should be enough to live through your PHD days in the US.

LIFE AFTER PHD:

Employment opportunities after phd in usa.

Here’s what could potentially happen after you finish your PHD:

Note : This is a generic question and the answer’s vary vastly based on the area of study, area of specialization and the country you live in. Anyways here’s all the possibilities that one could face after a PHD.

POST DOC POSITION :

Post doc basically means that after getting the doctorate degree one would continue do their research potentially in a university or research setting

Basically once you go from being a PHD student to a PHD graduate, you would still get to continue the journey you started during your PHD days and having a post doc position would mean it would be fully research oriented.

Usually you could get the Post doc position in the same university that you got your PHD from. There are three types of people who use a research center in an university

• Professors 
• PHD students

RESEARCH ORIENTED WORK IN THE INDUSTRY IN THE SAME AREA:

This is the dream job for any PHD student who has a love for research and publishing papers. In this job you would be researching and innovating full time publishing papers and journals and will have the funds and the space to explore and work on deeper research for the company.

JOB IN A ACADEMIC RESEARCH SETTING IN THE SAME FIELD:

With an impressive profile and a recognizable PHD from the US, there is a good chance that one could land a job in the same field that they did their PHD in. This way the work they do is directly aligned with their training 

PROFESSOR JOB IN A TEACHING FOCUSED UNIVERSITY:

Becoming a professor who could also be a researcher is a hard position to get and so many PHD graduates do take professor jobs that primarily or entirely focuses on teaching

PROFESSOR JOB IN A RESEARCH UNIVERSITY:

Only 5% of PHD graduates become assistant professors in research based universities right after graduation.

The research expectations in these colleges are way higher than the smaller universities or community colleges that are focused on teaching. Here in these universities there will be less number of classes to teach so the professor could have enough time for research.

CONTRACT BASED TEACHING POSITIONS IN UNIVERSITIES:

These are positions where you would be called a visiting professor/asst.professor. These would mostly consist of teaching work and there won’t be too much expectations or needs for research.

JOB IN A NON-ACADEMIC RESEARCH SETTING IN A DIFFERENT FIELD:

It has been seen that people who have PHD’s in mathematics, statistics and so on get jobs as data scientist and similar roles where they partly use the skills they have learnt in PHD

OPPORTUNITY IN AN UNRELATED FIELD:

There are cases where people get PHD in a certain field and yet work in a completely unrelated field where there are more job opportunities

UNEMPLOYED:

It would not be true if anyone said that after PHD there is no chance of being unemployed. This does happen in some cases.

ENTREPRENEUR:

The last and yet the best option for anyone is entrepreneurship. PHD students in general are smart and work on innovation and research and invention and sometimes they start a company based on the research work they started during the PHD journey. 

For instance, the tech giant google itself is a company that was started by a PHD student who dropped out of a university to eventually become a billionaire.

So, the outcome that one could expect from a PHD in US could vary vastly from being unemployed to becoming a professor, researcher and an entrepreneur 

OTHER FAQs ON LIFE AFTER PHD IN USA

What is the difference between a phd career and a mba career.

The main difference is that PHD is a research based degree and MBA is a management degree. But oftentimes PHD students do take management roles in companies for their sound experience and knowledge about the subject involved.

What is the main difference between being a professor in a university and being a researcher in a lab?

Being a professor in a university means there will be alot of teaching responsibilities whereas a researcher wouldn’t have to teach. But professors do have this added advantage of having the freedom to pick the topic of interest and work on it

What should students do in their master’s to get better chances of getting into a PHD program and prepare for the transition as well?

The first thing the master’s student should do is to start making friends who are currently doing PHD and try and be a part of their research. This way one can understand if they are interested in the deep level of research that a PHD student would be doing.

Is it better to have an older dissertation professor or a younger one?

First things first, your whole PHD experience relies a lot on your dissertation professor and hence it is an important factor to consider. 

Now generally students would prefer an older dissertation professor since they would have more seniority in the particular field and more experience in publishing. But if there are younger professors who are more energetic, enthusiastic and with many interesting ideas, then go with them.

Just look at that professor’s passion for research and if his personality matches with yours because having a good relationship with your advisor is the most important factor because there are cases where students even quit their university because of the bad relationships they develop with their advisors.

So it is advised that we first take courses and check if you like your professor and if you think you could potentially get along well with them and if they publish quality work.

How to deal with leaving family and mental health during your PHD in USA?

One just cannot afford to be home sick if they have big ambitions and dreams. Right? Not just about studying abroad but just about anything in life has it’s good and bad sides. We cannot avoid the bad aspect of the things in our lives

So what’s the answer? Learn to deal with it. Adapt. Shift your focus towards the mission. Grow. 

Mental Health is becoming a huge issue in today’s world and the best way to deal with it is to be open and honest about everything in your life to yourself. Maintaining a journal, meditation and self help books do come in handy.

Is it okay to take our family with us during our PHD program and will the stipend be enough to get by?

In most cases the students are either already married or they get married during the course of the PHD. The stipend itself can be enough to run a family but it is recommended that you stay in an affordable neighborhood with your partner working as well so there will be less financial burden on you.

Getting admissions for MS and PHD. What are the differences in the admissions process?

When it comes to PHD, the student would have to explain why they are interested in research and where they wish to work on and for what reason and with which professor. In addition to that the aspiring student would have to sit for either multiple interviews with the professors from the particular university or a panel interview.

Whereas getting admissions for a master’s degree generally won’t require any interviews and would be as simple as stating why you wish to pursue a MS course offered by the university.

This is because master’s programs take 1-2 years whereas when it comes to PHD the professors would have to invest a lot of time in you (Around 10 years) and hence they would access what kind of person you are and if your interests and personalities match.

How do we approach professors? And is it necessary to approach professors even before getting admissions and how do we find the professors?

Any student can find the profiles of the faculty of a university on their website and they can examine their profiles for their current topics of interests and research. It is recommended that we approach professors even before admissions to look for guidance and form a bond with them if possible and the best way to approach is to reach them via email.

Written by Sai Subramaniam

Guided by Pavitra Srinivasan and the Galvanize In-house Experts

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One comment.

Quite informative. I will like to know of any University in the USA that can take me o PhD student I research intrest of Infrastructure and development. I have two masters in Project Development and Implementation 2011 and Economics 2022 ( Public Private Partnership) respectively.

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Application requirements for all doctoral programs (phd).

All of our doctoral programs are designed to develop outstanding educational researchers who have a deep understanding of the scientific, practical and policy issues they study. All require full-time study, and we promise five years of full-time financial support for every student we admit. Our doctoral programs are small, typically ranging from about 25 to 35 new students a year. The small size of our doctoral cohorts creates big educational advantages for students: the classes are almost always small, students receive individualized attention from their advisors, and they have many opportunities to develop close collegial relationships with fellow students.

It is extremely important to demonstrate in your statement of purpose that your interests converge closely with the current research of faculty who work in the program to which you are applying. Other doctoral applicants will certainly do this, and if you don't, you will forfeit an important competitive advantage to them. 

If you wish to contact faculty, please read our Which Degree Which Program article, by Professor Eamonn Callan, which outlines the appropriate process for contacting faculty with whom you share research interests. 

• Program website:  Degrees and Programs/PhD
• Length of Program:  5 years (average length)
• Tuition: fellowship/assistantship salary and tuition guaranteed for first five years of the program (autumn, winter and spring quarters) for all students, including international students. Funding includes two summers.

Application Requirements:

Application form.

Complete and submit Stanford's graduate online application .

Application Fee

The application fee is $125 , is non-refundable, and must be received by the application deadline.

Application Fee Waivers

Stanford offers three types of application fee waivers for which GSE applicants may apply and be considered:

• GRE Fee Reduction Certificate-Based Waiver
• Diversity Program Participation-Based Waiver
• School-Based Waiver

Please visit the Stanford Graduate Diversity website for instructions, deadlines, and the fee waiver application form.

Statement of Purpose

A Statement of Purpose is required. Your statement should be typed, single-spaced and should be between one to two pages . Describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the proposed program, your preparation for this field of study, and why our program is a good fit for you, your future career plans, and other aspects of your background as well as interests which may aid the admissions committee in evaluating your aptitude and motivation for graduate study. You may indicate potential faculty mentors as part of your study and research interests. Be sure to keep a copy for your records. What's a Good Statement of Purpose?

A resume or CV  is required of all applicants, depending on which document is most appropriate for your background. There is no page limit for resumes or CVs, though we typically see resumes of one page in length. Please upload your resume or CV in the online application.

Three (3) Letters of Recommendation

Applicants are required to submit three letters of recommendation . In the online application, you will be asked to identify your recommenders and their email addresses. Please notify your recommenders that they will receive an email prompt to submit their recommendation online. You can submit your request for letters of recommendation through the system without submitting the entire online application.  Stanford GSE only accepts online recommendations through the application system ; Stanford GSE cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed recommendations.

Recommendations should be written by people who have supervised you in an academic, employment, or community service setting. We very strongly recommend that at least one of these letters be from a university professor familiar with your academic work. Your recommendations should directly address your suitability for admission to a graduate program at Stanford GSE.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all three letters of recommendation are submitted through the system by the application deadline , so please work closely with your recommenders to remind them of the deadline.

College and University Transcripts

Transcripts are required from every college and university you have attended for at least one academic year as a full-time student. When submitting your online application, transcripts should be uploaded to the application as a scanned copy or PDF ; this is sufficient for the application review process. Please refrain from sending a secured PDF/transcript with a digital signature as our system cannot upload these properly. The best way to ensure we receive an upload-able document is for you to print out the secured transcript, scan it, and upload the scanned copy (not to exceed 10MB) as a PDF. 

If you earned a degree at the institution from which you are submitting a transcript, please ensure that the degree conferral date and the degree conferred is clearly visible on the document. If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Only if admitted will we contact you with instructions on sending two copies of your official transcripts to our office. We cannot accept mailed, emailed or faxed copies of your transcripts during the application process. Please note: the instructions for sending transcripts on the online application and on the general Stanford Graduate Admissions Office website differ from this Stanford GSE requirement.

Concerning course work completed in a study abroad program

If the coursework and grades are reflected on the transcript of your home institution, you do not need to submit original transcripts from the study abroad institution.

Concerning foreign institutions

If your institution provides a transcript in a language other than English, we require that you submit a translation of the transcript that is either provided by the institution or a certified translator. Translations must be literal and complete versions of the original records.

If your transcript does not include your degree conferral date and the degree conferred , please submit a scanned copy of your diploma, a conferral statement, or a conferral document in addition to your transcript . If you are currently enrolled in a degree program and will not have earned the respective degree by the time of submitting your GSE application, you should submit your most recent in-progress transcript from your institution.

Stanford University requires the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) from all applicants whose native language is not English. The GSE requires a minimum TOEFL score of 250 for the computer-based test, 600 for the paper-based test or 100 for the internet-based test in order to be considered for admission. The Test of Written English (TWE) portion of the TOEFL is not required. Applicants who have completed a four-year bachelor's degree or a two-year master's program (or its equivalent) in the U.S. or at an institution where English is the main language of instruction are not required to take the TOEFL. For more information on TOEFL requirements, please refer to the Required Exams  page on the main Stanford Graduate Admissions website. You may register for the TOEFL test directly at the ETS website .

TOEFL Dates and Deadlines

PhD applicants who are required to take the TOEFL should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test and have official TOEFL scores sent electronically to Stanford at institution code 4704 (department code does not matter) no later than November 1 . This will give your official TOEFL scores time to be sent from ETS and be received by our system in time for the December 1 deadline. PhD applicants to Knight-Hennessy Scholars should plan to take the internet-based TOEFL test no later than October 16 so your scores can be received by our system in time for the November 16 KHS GSE deadline. Please note that the TOEFL may be taken no earlier than 18 months prior to the application deadline.

Does Stanford accept tests other than TOEFL?

No. We accept only TOEFL scores; we do not accept IELTS or other test scores.

Contact Information

Admissions:  [email protected]  

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How to apply for a PhD in the US

Lecturer giulia evolvi shares everything you need to know about applying for a phd in the us from start to finish.

Giulia Evolvi

GRE . TOEFL . Statement of purpose . I remember staring at these terms when visiting university websites and trying to understand what they meant. After studying at universities in Italy and France, I decided to apply for a PhD programme in the US.

There are useful online resources on how to write successful application essays or how to understand the differences between studying in the US and Europe, but not many discuss the PhD application process. Supervisors and mentors in non-US universities are often not able to offer much support. This guide will help you start your applications, based on my personal experience of applying for a PhD in the US.

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Getting your tests: gre and toefl.

Applications for a US PhD programme usually require scores from GRE and TOEFL tests, exams that international students might be unfamiliar with. These tests are time-consuming and expensive, so it is important to start planning for them as soon as possible, especially because it can be difficult to find test locations outside the US.

The GRE is a test that every student, American or international, needs to take when applying to join a graduate programme. It has three parts: first is quantitative reasoning, which includes mathematical questions; second is verbal reasoning, which tests the knowledge of English words and can be challenging for international students because it is designed for English native speakers; third is analytical writing, consisting of two short essays where the student needs to critically assess a statement or position. Each university might require different scores for these three parts, and you send the scores automatically after the test to your selected list of universities.

International students also need to take the TOEFL to prove their knowledge of English. Students who come from English-speaking countries or who graduated from English-taught programmes usually do not have to take it, but it is important that you verify this with the universities you want to apply to.

For instance, students from countries where English is one of the official languages (such as India or Kenya) might nonetheless be required to take the TOEFL. Also, the results you submit must be from a test taken within the past two years old.

Each university will have different requirements in terms of the TOEFL score. The TOEFL has four parts (reading, listening, speaking and writing), and even if you are fluent in English it is usually best to get familiar with the format of each part to obtain a score that is high enough for graduate programmes.

Both are computer-based tests done through multiple-choice questions and writing/speaking exercises. Some students choose to hire tutors or attend courses to prepare for the GRE and the TOEFL, but it is possible to study for them individually by buying ETS books with exercises and/or using online resources.

PhD diary: Preparing for a PhD Is it possible to do a three-year PhD as an international student? How to decide if a postgraduate degree is right for you

Recommendation letters and transcripts

Applying for a PhD always requires a lot of paperwork, but documents for PhD applications in the US can be difficult to obtain for some international students.

Something quite crucial is the transcript of previous qualifications such as diplomas and degrees. Some universities in non-English countries offer diploma supplements that they send directly to American universities for the application process. In other cases, US universities require a certified translation, which can take time and money. It is important to communicate early and clearly with the universities you want to apply to and also with your home university to make sure it is possible to access all these documents.

Usually, PhD applications also require two or three reference letters. While this is a common practice across the world, US universities often want professors to send or upload them personally, which is not always the case in other countries. Deadlines are often non-negotiable, so I suggest that you identify people who can write reference letters for you and make sure they can do them in English and understand the submission process.

In some cases, you might also need to submit a bank statement. If you apply for programmes that offer full scholarship/funding (which I recommend), this is usually not necessary, but some universities may ask you to submit proof that you can support yourself throughout the programme. This is also required when you apply for a visa if you are not offered a scholarship.

The academic part: statement of purpose and writing samples

You might think that a long and detailed PhD project outline is the most important part of the application. While this is often true in many non-US countries, it is not always the case for US programmes. Instead, you usually have to write a one- or two-page statement of purpose in which you describe why you would fit in a given department.

Applications for US PhDs do not require personal connections with professors, and you do not need to have a supervisor in mind when you apply, but I suggest contacting professors in the department to verify whether your research interests match with theirs. Once accepted to the PhD programme, you will then select a supervisor and start writing your project.

In some cases, applications require a writing sample. Usually, it is advisable to send a university essay or a portion of your thesis. If you did not previously study in a programme taught in English, it is often possible to send a translation of your work or even a sample in another language.

Once all these documents and papers are gathered, you can start your applications. They are usually online, and there may be a fee for each application. It can be a long and expensive process, but many US universities welcome international students and offer an excellent education. In my case, it certainly was worth the effort.

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• PhD in USA – A Guide for 2020/21
• Finding a PhD

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

Why Do a PhD in USA?

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

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

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

Universities in USA

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

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

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

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 , eight of the top ten universities in the world are located in the United States. These are:

Method of Study

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

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

Teaching Requirements

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

Research Flexibility

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

PhD Admission Requirements in USA

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

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

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

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

How to Apply for PhD in USA

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

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

Application Deadlines and Fees

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

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

Funding your PhD in USA

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

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

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

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

PhD Duration in USA

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

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

Cost of a PhD in USA

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

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

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

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Studying a PhD in The USA - The Complete Guide

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The USA is a favourable postgraduate study destination for international students due to the high standard of academic study and the wide variety of subjects. By undertaking a PhD in the USA, you will find yourself becoming an internationally recognised expert in your chosen field.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the USA is considered the highest awarded degree in many US universities and institutes for most fields of study. For many international students, it's a dream course that offers an exciting new life chapter.

Attending Grad School for a PhD in the USA is not the same as undertaking a PhD in Europe or the UK , it can often be a different experience. However, studying abroad will improve your global cultural understanding in addition to your network of contacts for your future career. A PhD degree is often required when you apply for high-level management jobs, government expert positions, and careers like a university professor, researcher, or scientist in many fields.

There are a multitude of reasons why the United States is a fantastic choice for your PhD studies. Here’s everything you need to know about studying a PhD in the USA.

1. PhD course length

The total length of a PhD in the USA is between 4-8 years for full-time students and 8-10 years for part-time students, depending on your field of study. PhDs can be completed in 4-5 years for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject. Students typically dedicate 1-4 years on coursework, followed by 2-4 years of dissertation work. In the USA, the academic year is divided into two teaching semesters: August to December and January to May. 

Having a longer duration for your PhD allows for greater opportunities to adjust to your course and find your footing. This enables you to concentrate on developing a more comprehensive understanding of your chosen subject at a more relaxed pace.

2. World-class universities

The US repeatedly tops the charts of worldwide ranking universities, so what better place to do your PhD studies? Although rankings shouldn’t be the main deciding factor when making your PhD choice, they're a great indicator of educational expertise.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the location for your PhD. Does the university have a high employability rate after graduation? Are you wanting to go public or private university? What kind of research facilities do they have? 

Be sure to do some research before making a decision on your perfect place of study.

3. International community

The United States is a popular choice for international students from all over the world – making it an inspirational and cosmopolitan choice for your PhD studies. No matter what your choice of academic study is, you are guaranteed to find a diverse community that welcomes students from all backgrounds. 

4. Affordable tuition fees 

There are various tuition fee options available for PhD students regardless of your budget. The American higher education system is often associated with high fees and substantial student debt, but in fact, studying at an American university isn't always expensive, and many institutions offer affordable courses. For instance, PhD costs range from $28,000 to $55,000, which shows that finding a PhD course that’s more affordable is possible. 

5. Student experience

American universities typically have vibrant campus communities with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs and organisations. As a student, you will have the opportunity to engage in various social, cultural and recreational activities alongside your academic studies.

6. Student Support

American universities typically provide comprehensive support services to assist you on your PhD journey. These services may include academic advising, counselling, career services, libraries, writing centres and various student organisations aimed at fostering your personal and professional development.

7. Land of opportunity

It's fair to say that student life in the USA offers something for everyone, regardless of what you're looking for from a PhD. With 50 states, six time zones, and thousands of higher-education providers, there's an opportunity waiting for every individual across the globe.

So let’s take a look at some of the key factors to consider when studying for a PhD in the USA.

Studying a PhD in the USA: top tips

Who is eligible for a phd in the usa.

To be eligible for PhD in the USA, generally students should have completed a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, provide proof of English language proficiency, GRE scores and other supporting documents.  The eligibility criteria for a PhD in the USA can vary depending on the specific university and program. 

Can I get a PhD without a masters degree?

Yes, you can pursue a PhD without having a masters. Universities in the USA do not require a masters for you to apply. Because of the graduate programs in the US, you will receive your masters degree once you have completed your coursework stage. This practice combines the masters and PhD into one.

The eligibility criteria and requirements for direct entry PhD programs vary among institutions and fields of study, so it is advisable to check the entry requirements of the specific university or course you are interested in.

How to apply for a PhD in the USA

When applying for your chosen subject in the USA, you should expect to provide relevant information and statements to the university. This will include:

Completed application form – provided by your preferred university.

A personal statement – on why you want to study the subject, your research interests and career goals. Be sure to include any extracurricular activities and achievements within the body of your statement.

References – universities will expect that your referees will recommend you for the chosen course.

Test scores and grades – you will generally need to submit scores from standardised tests like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). 

English Language Proficiency – international applicants whose native language is not English usually need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It varies from institution to institution, but international students in the USA are required to have a TOEFL score of about 90.

Samples of work – it is recommended that you provide some work you have done that is relevant to your chosen subject. You may even be asked to complete a small task during the application process.

The application fee. 

Method of study

Compared to the UK and Europe , studying a PhD in the USA involves several key differences. Students in the USA are usually in direct contact with their professor, compared with those in the UK where students might find that their PhD program is headed by a professor who gives them a little less flexibility to change their research and study areas. There can be several cultural differences between UK, Europe, and USA university lifestyles. US students are expected to undertake a great deal of teaching and marking, as opposed to PhD students in Europe. 

As a result, you may have less free time outside of the university when pursuing a PhD in the USA.

Application for PhD In USA

When applying for your chosen subject, you should expect to provide relevant information and statements to the university. This might include:

A personal statement on why you want to study the subject. Be sure to include any extra-curricular activities and achievements within the body of your statement.

References. Universities will expect that your referees will recommend you for the chosen course.

Test scores and grades. It is important that you provide a list of your awarded grades from previous courses you have studied.

Samples of work. It is recommended that you provide some work you have done that is relevant to your chosen subject. You may even be asked to complete a small task during the application process.

UK and Europe students decide on their PhD thesis subject area before they apply . While taking classes at a graduate level, prospective PhD students in the USA spend up to a year or two deciding on their specific research subject. It is normal to apply for up to six institutions for a PhD in the USA, and students apply to each institution separately as there is no central organisation. 

Students in the UK and Europe are expected to apply with an understanding of the subject already, usually in the form of a masters degree, and be ready to start studying at the PhD level straight away. In the USA it is expected that students do not have an in-depth understanding of their subject as they usually only have an undergraduate degree when they apply. 

When should I start applying for a PhD in the USA?

Deadlines for applications to PhD programs in the USA tend to be between December and February, and institutions should let you know about your application by April. Most US institutions recommend that you apply as far in advance as you possibly can to give them, and you, plenty of time to make arrangements. 

Universities in the USA do not require a masters for you to apply as well. Because of the graduate programs in the US, you will receive your masters degree once you have completed your coursework stage. This practice combines the masters and PhD into one.

It varies from institution to institution, but international students in the USA are required to have a TOEFL score of about 90.

Funding your PhD in USA

PhD students are very likely to receive financial support in the form of PhD scholarships ; some USA PhD students also receive PhD studentships .

Making your PhD application in plenty of time allows you more time to apply for and arrange your PhD funding. Many students find that funding can cover much, or all, of the cost of their PhD studies in the USA, which ranges between $28,000 and $40,000. Deadlines for funding applications can be as early as December before starting your studies in the Autumn/Fall. 

There are two types of PhD funding: fully funded, which pays for the student's graduate school tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, or partially funded, which pays for the student's tuition only partially or fully.

Can a PhD be fully funded?

Yes, many top universities in the USA offer fully funded PhD programs for eligible students. This funding pays for the student's graduate school tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. Partially funded PhDs only cover the student's tuition in part or in full.

Some PhD students will receive a stipend from their institution with an assistantship position, but this varies between institutions and between departments within institutions. Other students can find funding from both their own and the American government, and there are plenty of American government schemes like The Fulbright Program that offer funds.

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How long does it take to study a PhD in the USA?

For part-time students in the USA, a PhD can take eight to ten years, but it usually takes five to six years for full-time students. PhDs can be completed in four to five years rather than five or six for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject.

Top 10 ranked American universities

Based on 2023 worldwide rankings, the following table shows which US universities rank the highest.

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• Guide to Applying for Graduate School

The process of preparing for and applying to a PhD program can be overwhelming. The University of Pennsylvania has created this webpage to help prospective PhD students think through the process so you can put together a strong application.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree one may obtain within a particular field of study. This ranges from studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields; Social Science fields such as Education, Economics, Political Science, and Sociology; as well as Humanities fields such as English, History, Music, Philosophy, and more. The PhD degree aims to prepare people to think critically, develop research, and produce scholarship that may be used for further research or implementation . The PhD historically prepared students to take on faculty roles in colleges and universities, and that is still the goal for many students pursuing the PhD. However, today the PhD is a sought-after degree in many other industries including pharmaceutical research, arts organizations and other nonprofits, publishing, government policy, big tech, finance, and more.

• Who can apply to a PhD program?   PhD education is available to people from various educational, occupational, socioeconomic, and demographic backgrounds.
• Who should get a PhD?  People interested in uncovering new ideas, solutions, or processes within a specific area of study through conducting independent research.
• Why is it important for diverse candidates to become PhD holders?   Our world thrives on heterogeneous ideas and experiences, which is why it is indispensable to include students with diverse perspectives in our PhD programs. These students will generate important and original research.

Most PhD programs are fully funded, meaning that for a specific number of years, the program will pay for your tuition and fees and health insurance, as well as provide you with a stipend for living expenses . The structure of this funding varies by field. Below is an outline of general funding information as well as trends according to field of study.

• Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships: Part-time service that provides teaching and research training opportunities within your area of study.
• Funding packages provided through faculty research grants: Many STEM fields fund students through research grants awarded to faculty. In these cases, students perform research alongside the faculty. 
• Fellowships: Internal or external merit-based funding. Some fellowships require an application while others are given via nomination. Educational institutions typically have a resource listing fellowship opportunities. Winning a competitive fellowship looks good on your resume.
• Grants: Requires an application with supporting materials of either your grades, scholarly work, and/or anticipated research. These are available through internal and external means. Grants greatly vary so be sure to always understand the requirements. Educational institutions typically have a resource listing grant opportunities. Winning a competitive grant looks good on your resume.
• Employment: For example, serving as a residential advisor, on-campus jobs, etc. Some PhD programs restrict additional employment, so be sure to check before applying for jobs.
• The funding opportunities described here often can be combined.

Choosing a school or program that provides the most potential funding may be a challenging decision. The value of the same amount of funding will differ depending on the cost of living in different geographic locations. Admitted applicants should investigate cost-of-living tools (available on the web) and be sure to understand how their funding will be structured. Ask questions when you are admitted, such as: 

• Could you share more about your program’s funding mechanism?
• For how long is funding guaranteed? How does that compare to the average time-to-completion? Historically, what percentage of students have received funding beyond the guaranteed funding package?
• Does funding cover tuition, fees, books, health insurance?
• Does the funding rely on teaching, research, or other service? How much and for how long? 

Choosing a program for your studies is a personal decision that should reflect not only your research interests, but your work style, and interests outside of the classroom. Here we have identified five key tips to consider when selecting schools. 

• Ask about which programs are strong in your area of interest, which have high completion rates, and which have career outcomes that align with your goals. 
• Explore the websites of the professional academic associations in the field(s) that interest you. Many will have a directory of doctoral programs and other resources for graduate students. For example, see the American Economic Association’s list of graduate programs and their preparing for graduate school page .
• Conduct a general internet search with terms related to your research interest.
• Determine your geographic and personal preferences. Does the area meet your community needs? Is it important that the university aligns with your sociopolitical values? Do you prefer a large city or a smaller/college town? Is there a particular region(s) that has better access to resources needed to conduct your research?
• Access your current or former university career center. These services are often still available for former students!
• As you narrow your choices, try to identify at least 3 faculty in the programs of interest with whom you’d like to study. Also note how many of them have tenure. If relevant, research which of those faculty are taking on advisees in your year of matriculation.
• Read articles from faculty with similar research interests.
• Note the number of awards, publications, and service activities of faculty.
• Identify research opportunities funded by both your program and university at large.
• Connect with current and former students in the program for informational interviews.
• Connect with campus Diversity Offices.
• Whenever possible, before submitting your applications, make an appointment to visit the campuses and department(s) that interest you.
• Use  LinkedIn  to see what graduates of your program are doing and how they are involved in their communities.
• Estimate your feasible cost of living by geographic location and compare to the funding package offered.
• Consider availability of health insurance, childcare, housing, transportation, and other fringe benefits.
• Connect with a local bank or your prospective university’s financial services office for budgeting, savings, and other financial wellness advice.
• Research the career outcomes for PhD graduates from the institutions that interest you in your specific field.
• Your First Year in a Ph.D. Program
• What Does Academic Success Mean and How to Achieve it?  (STEM)
• Pathways to Science  (STEM)
• 7 Advantages PhDs Have Over Other Job Candidates  (Industry)
• During your undergraduate/master’s education, you should pursue coursework and/or research that will prepare you for the higher expectations of a PhD program; for example, taking a research methods course, pursuing a summer research experience, or conducting research with a professor at your home institution.
• Identify instructors who could write a letter of recommendation. Share with those instructors your interest in doctoral studies; faculty can be excellent resources for advice as well as recommendations!
• Experiences outside of higher education can also strengthen your PhD application. These may range from project management to volunteer work.
• Develop soft or hard skills. A soft skill that is most useful from the first day of your PhD program is networking. This is necessary not only for meeting other students but also to find collaborators with similar research interests and selecting faculty for your dissertation committee. Learning how to negotiate will also serve you well when approaching collaborative projects. Hard skills related to your field might include learning statistical analysis software, economic theory, a foreign language, or search engine optimization. In short, identify a few soft and hard skills that you can familiarize yourself with prior to your program’s start date.
• Finally, prepare by identifying leading researchers and practitioners in your field , exploring peer-reviewed literature and/or publications, and gain familiarity with research methods.
• Typically, PhD applications are due 10-12 months in advance of the program’s start date (i.e. apply in November to start the following September). A good rule of thumb is to begin your application process 6 months before the deadline. 
• The availability of reduced application fees or fee waivers varies and sometimes depends on financial status and/or experiences (AmeriCorps, National Society of Black Engineers, attending certain conferences, etc.). If you are interested in a reduced fee or waiver, reach out to the program coordinator for details.
• Be sure to address all the specific questions/topics in the statement prompt. 
• Clearly state why you want to pursue a PhD.
• Propose your research interest.
• Identify the faculty you’d like to study under. 
• Discuss the unique qualities/experiences you offer to the program/school.
• Outline what you hope to do with your degree.
• Ask for recommendation letters early in the process, at least 2-4 weeks before the deadline. A good letter takes time to write!
• Provide recommenders with your resume, information about the program, your statement of purpose and/or information about your research interests and research goals.
• Consider your current/former instructors, supervisors, colleagues. These should be people who can speak to your work ethic, academic abilities, and research interests.
• Test scores (i.e. TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.) may or may not be required.
• All transcripts including those for coursework completed abroad and transfer credits. Some programs require official transcripts, which take longer to procure.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Writing sample (field dependent): Include a graduate-level sample and update any statements, statistics, etc. as needed. It is highly encouraged that you edit your previous work.
• Diversity statement: Many institutions offer an optional short statement where students can expand on their diverse backgrounds and experiences that may contribute to the diversity interests/efforts of the school.
• Dress professionally, even if the interview is virtual. You don’t necessarily need to wear a suit but dress pants/skirt and a blouse/button down shirt would be appropriate.  
• Develop an engaging elevator pitch, a 30-60 second summary of your research interests and what you hope to gain by becoming a student at that particular university. Practice your pitch with a career counselor, faculty advisor, or friends, and ask for honest feedback.
• Prepare 2-3 questions to ask during the interview. These could include questions about program expectations, the experience and success of their PhD students, and (academic/financial/mental health) support for PhD students.
• Some interview programs will include multiple activities including a social event. Be sure to maintain a professional attitude: do not drink too much and keep conversation on academic/professional topics.
• This is also your opportunity to decide whether this campus is a good fit for you.
• Academia Insider  is a good resource. 

Unlike undergraduate and master’s level education, coursework is just one component of the degree. A PhD comes with additional expectations: you must independently conduct scholarly research in your field of study, train in specific activities such as teaching or lab/field research, pass “milestone” requirements along the way, such as comprehensive exams, and complete the process by writing a dissertation. Furthermore, some fields require you to write multiple articles (number varies by field/program) for conference presentation and/or peer-reviewed publication.

There are other important elements as well:

• Student/Advisor relationship. This is one of the most valuable relationships you can have as a PhD student. Your faculty advisor not only assists you with learning how to approach your research topic, but also typically serves as the lead supervisor of your dissertation research and writing, and ideally mentors you throughout the PhD experience. The selection process of choosing your advisor varies so be sure to know what is expected of you as a student and what is expected of the faculty member. Whenever possible, it is important to align your personality and work style with that of your faculty advisor. Many universities publish expectations for the PhD student/faculty advisor relationship;  AMP’ed  is Penn’s guide.
• Other relationships: Your faculty advisor is far from the only important person during your PhD career. Other faculty members will also serve on your dissertation committee and be potential mentors. Students in your program can also provide good advice and guidance along the way.
• Coursework: Most programs have a number of required courses all students must take regardless of research interests. Once you have finished this requirement, the classes you choose should closely align with your research topic. Choose courses that will help you learn more about your dissertation topic and research methods. It is a good idea to discuss elective course selection with your advisor. 
• The dissertation is a large-scale, written document that explores a narrow research topic of your choice. It is the final step before receiving your degree and must be presented and “defended” to your dissertation committee (made up of faculty members) for approval. Defending means that you have to answer in-depth questions about your topic. While this might sound daunting, the dissertation is simply a demonstration of all the knowledge and expertise you have acquired through your PhD education. 
• Networking comes in many forms and includes connections with your fellow classmates, faculty members, and scholarly community. Formal networking events typically take place at academic conferences, where scholars and students present research. Increasing your academic circle will not only allow you to have study buddies, but offer you the opportunity to collaborate on articles or even gain employment. Your school’s career center can provide best practices for effective networking. 

Explore  graduate programs at the University of Pennsylvania  and click on the programs that interest you to learn more about admissions and academic requirements.

Upcoming Penn recruitment events include:

• Fontaine Fellows Recruitment Dinner (by invitation only): every March
• IDDEAS@Wharton  (Introduction to Diversity in Doctoral Education and Scholarship): April 18-19, 2024. Deadline to apply is January 31.
• DEEPenn STEM  (Diversity Equity Engagement at Penn in STEM): October 11-13, 2024. Application opens in March 2024.
• DivE In Weekend  (Diversity & Equity Initiative for Mind Research): Fall 2024

National conferences to explore:

• The Leadership Alliance  supports students into research careers
• McNair Scholar Conferences
• SACNAS , the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the U.S.
• ABRCMS , the annual biomedical research conference for minoritized scientists
• The PhD Project  for students interested in business PhD programs

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How to apply for Phd in USA?

How to apply for PhD in USA for international students - The USA is inarguably one of the most preferred study destinations for international students, especially for its PhD programs. One of the main factors that attract so many applicants for PhD in the USA is that there are a wide range of courses available for PhD candidates. This is why international students prefer to study in the USA and research a lot about “how to apply for PhD in USA”. Besides, the US has also created a flexible platform for intensive research. Another positive aspect of pursuing a PhD in USA for Indian students is that it invests a lot in Research and Development. TOP EXAMS: IELTS | TOEFL | GRE | G MAT Country Guide: UK | Ireland | Australi a | Canada

Steps for Applying PhD in USA

Eligibility for applying phd in usa, how to apply for phd in usa with scholarship.

It is because of these initiatives that the US walks away with most of the international awards in any field and also records one of the highest registrations for patents in the world. Therefore, there is little room left for any doubt why the US attracts so many international students to its universities every year. However, candidates applying for PhD in the USA have questions on how to apply for PhD in USA for Indian students, when the application process starts. Added to that candidates are left out of the list of the PhD requirements in USA for international students. Here we have explained the entire process of how one can apply for PhD in the USA right from the time needed to research for universities to submission of application forms.

Read the steps to know "how to apply for PhD in USA" from India or for International students. The steps mentioned can be followed, right after the candidates' decision to pursue Phd in USA.

Choose your major subject - The first step before applying for a PhD in USA is to choose the subject in which one wants to do a Major. Most aspirants opt for the course in which they already have a bachelor’s degree, though there is no such hard and fast rule that requires one to choose the same subject. However, students who wish to pursue their PhD in another field have to present strong reasons and show proof of experience in the concerned field. In American countries PhD can be applied after a bachelors degree.

MET Institute of International Studies BBA Admissions 2024

B.Sc (Hons)/BA (Hons) Business Administration, is an International BBA programme offered at MET Institute of International Studies, Mumbai

Universities inviting applications | Get expert guidance

Research for universities - Once the aspirant has chosen his Major subject, the next step in “how to apply for PhD in USA” is to find universities that offer PhD in the USA in that particular subject. It is advisable to shortlist at least 8 to 10 PhD universities in USA. Some of the major factors to consider while choosing a university are:

Does the department’s research match the subject? Study carefully the current research initiatives of the university.

Does the candidate want a master’s degree with PhD in the USA? Check if the university provides a master's degree in your preferred subject and the facility to apply for a PhD in the USA for Indian students after your master’s course.

There are many universities in the US that offer a combined master’s and PhD degree. Generally, it takes between 3 and 6 years to complete a PhD in the USA. In that case, students are given the master’s certificate within 2- 3 years and then they can continue with their research in the next couple of years. Such courses are more common in arts and humanities-related subjects.

Top Universities for PhD USA

Deadlines - Once the list of universities, where one wants to apply for PhD in USA has been decided, the next big step is to look for deadlines for the same. There are several PhD programs, which offer rolling admissions in the USA, though the admission depends on the availability of seats. Usually, there are fewer seats in PhD compared to any other level. Also, the deadlines for application vary from department to department. Deadlines for some of the universities for PhD in US

List of scholarships to study abroad by country

Before gathering the things and researching answers to the question “How to apply for PhD in USA?” firstly check with your eligibility requirements for applying to PhD in USA. Here are the necessary PhD requirements in USA for international students

16 years of education - Minimum of 16 years of education is required, before applying for PhD. Therefore, the candidate must have completed at least 4 years of education (graduation or diploma) after 10+2.

Master’s - Students who have completed their master’s degree are also qualified to apply for PhD in the USA for Indian students. In fact, it is the standard norm in many universities. It is, therefore, ideal for a student to choose a specialized program in which he/She has graduated.

Tests - The admission procedure for PhD in the USA is more or less the same as in the case for MS in the US . The candidate needs to sit for the same standardized tests. The application for the tests is the first steps when you apply for PhD in USA. Listed below are the exams needed before applying for PhD in the universities.

GMAT - GMAT is taken for admission to management studies. Business schools use this test as a criterion for admission into a wide range of management programs.

GRE - GRE is mandatory for almost all graduate-level programs in the USA, including management studies. While all universities require GRE general test scores, some universities also ask students to take GRE subject tests.

TOEFL - TOEFL is an English proficiency test for students from non-native English-speaking countries. TOEFL is conducted more than 50 times a year at 4,500 test centers in 165 countries.

IELTS - IELTS is also an English proficiency test for students from non-native English-speaking countries. The IELTS test measures a candidate’s English language command on 4 different parameters- Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

However, not all universities require GRE or GMAT scores as part of PhD admission requirements in USA. Most of them, in fact, require a summary of the previous work the candidate has done.

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Application package

Mentioned below are the main documents which are necessary, while applying for PhD in USA for Indian students. Candidates can collect and prepare the drafts for these documents at earliest before applying for the university. These are the requirements for PhD in USA.

Statement of Purpose (SOP) - The Statement of Purpose is one of the most important elements of the application package for admission into PhD programs in the USA. It reflects the candidate's commitment to joining the PhD program and goals in life. The important thing to remember while writing an SOP is that it should be brief and reflect clarity regarding what the candidate wants from the program.

Letter of Recommendation (LOR) - The Letter of Recommendation is an independent assessment of the candidate's potential. Most universities require at least two to three recommendation letters. It is advisable to have recommendation letters written by the candidate's professors or employers.

Resume - At the PhD level, many universities would require the candidate to submit a resume along with the application. It should contain basic information like date of birth, academic qualifications and achievements and details of any previous work in his area of interest.

Academic transcripts - Academic transcripts include all the qualifications that the candidate will list in his application form. It is advisable for a candidate to start arranging for his transcripts from October itself.

Writing samples - Admission to PhD programs in certain universities may require you to write an application essay on a particular topic that can be discussed during your interview.

Best countries to study abroad

The following elements are also important in the application package -

Work experience certificates, if applicable

Photocopies of passport

Certificates for extra-curricular activities mentioned in the application form.

WES Evaluation documents, if required by the university.

Shortlist best ranked universities & get expert guidance

Want to study in Ireland? Explore Universities & Courses

Interview - Many universities in the USA, have a separate interview round for PhD candidates. These interviews are conducted by invitation only, i.e., the candidate is called for an interview only after his application is approved by the universities. The candidate is basically asked general as well as specific questions about the subject he wants to pursue in PhD in the USA. With the interview round the last for “how to apply for PhD in USA” process comes to the end.

As the university fees are high for pursuing a PhD in USA for international students there are many organizations, NGOs, universities, and government bodies that provide scholarships to students to support their financial aid. These scholarships have different conditions like gender, local and international students, merit, creative or art talents, sports, volunteering activities, disability, etc., While applying for scholarships check for this eligibility and apply. Scholarships are of two types fully funded and partially funded. Scholarships which are for fully funded PhD in USA, cover all your expenses like university, accommodation, insurance, travel, and other miscellaneous. Partly funded scholarships cover up to 50% of your university fees or accommodation fees. For acquiring a fully funded PhD in USA for Indian students, a few of the scholarships are Full Bright Scholarships and Yale University Scholarships. The other partially funded scholarships are AAUW International Fellowships, Asian Cultural Council Fellowship Program.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

Universities in the US usually require a GPA score of 3 to pursue PhD in the USA.

International students will have to apply for the F-1 visa to pursue PhD in the USA.

You can work in the US after your PhD but you will have to apply for an employment visa as your F-1 visa will expire 60 days after your PhD in the USA ends.

To study PhD in USA, the candidate have to clear the entrance exams like GRE or GMAT through which university accepts your application. Along with them an english proficiency test like IELTS/PTE/TOEFL score should also be submitted in the application. For more details check the information in this article.

Generally in USA, the master's degree is included with the doctoral program. So if completed your bachelor's degree, you are eligible to apply for PhD in USA. If you already completed the masters this acts as an added advantage during the PhD application process.

In order to get Ph.D. admission in USA  you must meet the eligibility criteria for Ph.D. You must also fulfil the general requirements to get Ph.D. admission in USA.

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Questions related to

Yes you can try to learn various courses that are for approximately 3 months to 6 months in duration.

Yes you can learn before going to us. Learning skills definitively adds some value to the life of a candidate and also improves in getting good recognition in life..

Below i have mentioned some courses  that you can try before visiting us:

• Social media marketing
• Content writer
• Content creation
• Video editing
• Photography skills
• Digital marketing
• Makeup artist course
• Hairstyling course.

So these are some courses you can try.

Hope this answer will help you. Revert incase of any query.

Thank you and good luck:)

Hello Samarasimha,

YES, you can MS in UA after completing Bsc in Statistics. . All you have to do is score good marks in your PG and prepare for GRE. You should also decide upon the country and the university in which you are going to study.

Furthermore, the requirements to pursue MS in USA are as follows :

• 3 to 4 years bachelors degree in relevant field.
• 3.5 or higher GPA, equivalent to 87% in bachelors.
• GRE score of 330 or above.
• Statement of Purpose.
• Research Internships/ Published Research Papers.
• Project work/Seminars.
• 2-3 Letter of Recommendation.
• Social & Leadership Activities.

Further, requirements for Software jobs in USA are as follows :

• Enroll in a software development program. The first step to becoming a software engineer is to enroll in a software development degree program. ...
• Gain internship experience. ...
• Choose your specialty. ...
• Pursue industry certifications. ...
• Continue your education.

I hope that this will help.

Dear aspirant hope you are doing well..

To study at foreign universities/abroad in U. S , the admission process will require the candidate to give one language exam and one standardized exam. However, depending on the country, course, college, or university you are applying for you may be exempted from standardized exams. The language test will showcase your English proficiency skills. These exams are required for pursuing almost all courses abroad. Different countries have different language exams such as

• TOEFL exam for getting admission to the universities in the US and Canada. The score of this exam is valid for two years after the declaration of results
• There are plenty of universities abroad where you can apply to do master-level course, MSc in statistics, MSc in Operation Research, and Applied Mathematics, MSc in Mathematical Modeling, etc are some of the Master level Course in Mathematics that are available abroad. Students who have completed their graduation or bachelor's degree in Mathematics can apply for these courses. Foreign universities like Uppsala University, Dublin City University, Oxford Brookes University, University of York, University of Liverpool, etc offer all the above-mentioned courses in mathematics.

Top university of The USA for master degree courses

• John Carroll University
• Missouri University of Science and Technology
• Michigan State University
• West Virginia University
• Rhode Island College
• University of Arkansas
• Vanderbilt University
• DePaul University
• Delaware State University
• Texas A&M University-Commerce
• University of South Florida
• California State University Northridge

You can get the detailed information about the process how to apply for MS in USA. read the given article. Link is given below

https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/how-apply-for-ms-in-usa/amp

Hope it's helpful for you..

There are many ways to choose your university such as fees, the ranking of the university, which state it is located and scholarships. My suggestion is to choose your research focus and write academic papers. In the US, PhD in Commerce admission into the university depends on what you want to study (your area of research) and your already completed research papers. You can begin your research by searching online for US universities offering PhD in Business Administration. One example is University of California Los Angeles (https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/phd-program/admissions#app-req) .

Hello  Student

You are aBHM means Bachelor in Hotel Management so after doing BHM,to gain a bright future  inthis trade you have to do MSc in Hotel Management,post graduation in Hospitality Management,Master degree in travel and tourism management,or MBA in hotel management,AFter doing post graduation in Hotel management or travel and tourism management will give you the best return in employment opportunity.

Hope this will help.

Explore Career Options (By Industry)

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Data Administrator

Database professionals use software to store and organise data such as financial information, and customer shipping records. Individuals who opt for a career as data administrators ensure that data is available for users and secured from unauthorised sales. DB administrators may work in various types of industries. It may involve computer systems design, service firms, insurance companies, banks and hospitals.

Bio Medical Engineer

The field of biomedical engineering opens up a universe of expert chances. An Individual in the biomedical engineering career path work in the field of engineering as well as medicine, in order to find out solutions to common problems of the two fields. The biomedical engineering job opportunities are to collaborate with doctors and researchers to develop medical systems, equipment, or devices that can solve clinical problems. Here we will be discussing jobs after biomedical engineering, how to get a job in biomedical engineering, biomedical engineering scope, and salary. 

Ethical Hacker

A career as ethical hacker involves various challenges and provides lucrative opportunities in the digital era where every giant business and startup owns its cyberspace on the world wide web. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path try to find the vulnerabilities in the cyber system to get its authority. If he or she succeeds in it then he or she gets its illegal authority. Individuals in the ethical hacker career path then steal information or delete the file that could affect the business, functioning, or services of the organization.

GIS officer work on various GIS software to conduct a study and gather spatial and non-spatial information. GIS experts update the GIS data and maintain it. The databases include aerial or satellite imagery, latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates, and manually digitized images of maps. In a career as GIS expert, one is responsible for creating online and mobile maps.

Data Analyst

The invention of the database has given fresh breath to the people involved in the data analytics career path. Analysis refers to splitting up a whole into its individual components for individual analysis. Data analysis is a method through which raw data are processed and transformed into information that would be beneficial for user strategic thinking.

Data are collected and examined to respond to questions, evaluate hypotheses or contradict theories. It is a tool for analyzing, transforming, modeling, and arranging data with useful knowledge, to assist in decision-making and methods, encompassing various strategies, and is used in different fields of business, research, and social science.

Geothermal Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as geothermal engineers are the professionals involved in the processing of geothermal energy. The responsibilities of geothermal engineers may vary depending on the workplace location. Those who work in fields design facilities to process and distribute geothermal energy. They oversee the functioning of machinery used in the field.

Database Architect

If you are intrigued by the programming world and are interested in developing communications networks then a career as database architect may be a good option for you. Data architect roles and responsibilities include building design models for data communication networks. Wide Area Networks (WANs), local area networks (LANs), and intranets are included in the database networks. It is expected that database architects will have in-depth knowledge of a company's business to develop a network to fulfil the requirements of the organisation. Stay tuned as we look at the larger picture and give you more information on what is db architecture, why you should pursue database architecture, what to expect from such a degree and what your job opportunities will be after graduation. Here, we will be discussing how to become a data architect. Students can visit NIT Trichy , IIT Kharagpur , JMI New Delhi . 

Remote Sensing Technician

Individuals who opt for a career as a remote sensing technician possess unique personalities. Remote sensing analysts seem to be rational human beings, they are strong, independent, persistent, sincere, realistic and resourceful. Some of them are analytical as well, which means they are intelligent, introspective and inquisitive. 

Remote sensing scientists use remote sensing technology to support scientists in fields such as community planning, flight planning or the management of natural resources. Analysing data collected from aircraft, satellites or ground-based platforms using statistical analysis software, image analysis software or Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a significant part of their work. Do you want to learn how to become remote sensing technician? There's no need to be concerned; we've devised a simple remote sensing technician career path for you. Scroll through the pages and read.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysis, in a nutshell, entails thoroughly analyzing the details of a financial budget. The budget analysis aims to better understand and manage revenue. Budget analysts assist in the achievement of financial targets, the preservation of profitability, and the pursuit of long-term growth for a business. Budget analysts generally have a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, economics, or a closely related field. Knowledge of Financial Management is of prime importance in this career.

Underwriter

An underwriter is a person who assesses and evaluates the risk of insurance in his or her field like mortgage, loan, health policy, investment, and so on and so forth. The underwriter career path does involve risks as analysing the risks means finding out if there is a way for the insurance underwriter jobs to recover the money from its clients. If the risk turns out to be too much for the company then in the future it is an underwriter who will be held accountable for it. Therefore, one must carry out his or her job with a lot of attention and diligence.

Finance Executive

Product manager.

A Product Manager is a professional responsible for product planning and marketing. He or she manages the product throughout the Product Life Cycle, gathering and prioritising the product. A product manager job description includes defining the product vision and working closely with team members of other departments to deliver winning products.  

Operations Manager

Individuals in the operations manager jobs are responsible for ensuring the efficiency of each department to acquire its optimal goal. They plan the use of resources and distribution of materials. The operations manager's job description includes managing budgets, negotiating contracts, and performing administrative tasks.

Stock Analyst

Individuals who opt for a career as a stock analyst examine the company's investments makes decisions and keep track of financial securities. The nature of such investments will differ from one business to the next. Individuals in the stock analyst career use data mining to forecast a company's profits and revenues, advise clients on whether to buy or sell, participate in seminars, and discussing financial matters with executives and evaluate annual reports.

A Researcher is a professional who is responsible for collecting data and information by reviewing the literature and conducting experiments and surveys. He or she uses various methodological processes to provide accurate data and information that is utilised by academicians and other industry professionals. Here, we will discuss what is a researcher, the researcher's salary, types of researchers.

Welding Engineer

Welding Engineer Job Description: A Welding Engineer work involves managing welding projects and supervising welding teams. He or she is responsible for reviewing welding procedures, processes and documentation. A career as Welding Engineer involves conducting failure analyses and causes on welding issues. 

Transportation Planner

A career as Transportation Planner requires technical application of science and technology in engineering, particularly the concepts, equipment and technologies involved in the production of products and services. In fields like land use, infrastructure review, ecological standards and street design, he or she considers issues of health, environment and performance. A Transportation Planner assigns resources for implementing and designing programmes. He or she is responsible for assessing needs, preparing plans and forecasts and compliance with regulations.

Environmental Engineer

Individuals who opt for a career as an environmental engineer are construction professionals who utilise the skills and knowledge of biology, soil science, chemistry and the concept of engineering to design and develop projects that serve as solutions to various environmental problems. 

Safety Manager

A Safety Manager is a professional responsible for employee’s safety at work. He or she plans, implements and oversees the company’s employee safety. A Safety Manager ensures compliance and adherence to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines.

Conservation Architect

A Conservation Architect is a professional responsible for conserving and restoring buildings or monuments having a historic value. He or she applies techniques to document and stabilise the object’s state without any further damage. A Conservation Architect restores the monuments and heritage buildings to bring them back to their original state.

Structural Engineer

A Structural Engineer designs buildings, bridges, and other related structures. He or she analyzes the structures and makes sure the structures are strong enough to be used by the people. A career as a Structural Engineer requires working in the construction process. It comes under the civil engineering discipline. A Structure Engineer creates structural models with the help of computer-aided design software. 

Highway Engineer

Highway Engineer Job Description:  A Highway Engineer is a civil engineer who specialises in planning and building thousands of miles of roads that support connectivity and allow transportation across the country. He or she ensures that traffic management schemes are effectively planned concerning economic sustainability and successful implementation.

Field Surveyor

Are you searching for a Field Surveyor Job Description? A Field Surveyor is a professional responsible for conducting field surveys for various places or geographical conditions. He or she collects the required data and information as per the instructions given by senior officials. 

Orthotist and Prosthetist

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

Pathologist

A career in pathology in India is filled with several responsibilities as it is a medical branch and affects human lives. The demand for pathologists has been increasing over the past few years as people are getting more aware of different diseases. Not only that, but an increase in population and lifestyle changes have also contributed to the increase in a pathologist’s demand. The pathology careers provide an extremely huge number of opportunities and if you want to be a part of the medical field you can consider being a pathologist. If you want to know more about a career in pathology in India then continue reading this article.

Veterinary Doctor

Speech therapist, gynaecologist.

Gynaecology can be defined as the study of the female body. The job outlook for gynaecology is excellent since there is evergreen demand for one because of their responsibility of dealing with not only women’s health but also fertility and pregnancy issues. Although most women prefer to have a women obstetrician gynaecologist as their doctor, men also explore a career as a gynaecologist and there are ample amounts of male doctors in the field who are gynaecologists and aid women during delivery and childbirth. 

Audiologist

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a specialised doctor responsible for providing medical care to patients diagnosed with cancer. He or she uses several therapies to control the cancer and its effect on the human body such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and biopsy. An oncologist designs a treatment plan based on a pathology report after diagnosing the type of cancer and where it is spreading inside the body.

Are you searching for an ‘Anatomist job description’? An Anatomist is a research professional who applies the laws of biological science to determine the ability of bodies of various living organisms including animals and humans to regenerate the damaged or destroyed organs. If you want to know what does an anatomist do, then read the entire article, where we will answer all your questions.

For an individual who opts for a career as an actor, the primary responsibility is to completely speak to the character he or she is playing and to persuade the crowd that the character is genuine by connecting with them and bringing them into the story. This applies to significant roles and littler parts, as all roles join to make an effective creation. Here in this article, we will discuss how to become an actor in India, actor exams, actor salary in India, and actor jobs. 

Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats create and direct original routines for themselves, in addition to developing interpretations of existing routines. The work of circus acrobats can be seen in a variety of performance settings, including circus, reality shows, sports events like the Olympics, movies and commercials. Individuals who opt for a career as acrobats must be prepared to face rejections and intermittent periods of work. The creativity of acrobats may extend to other aspects of the performance. For example, acrobats in the circus may work with gym trainers, celebrities or collaborate with other professionals to enhance such performance elements as costume and or maybe at the teaching end of the career.

Video Game Designer

Career as a video game designer is filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. A video game designer is someone who is involved in the process of creating a game from day one. He or she is responsible for fulfilling duties like designing the character of the game, the several levels involved, plot, art and similar other elements. Individuals who opt for a career as a video game designer may also write the codes for the game using different programming languages.

Depending on the video game designer job description and experience they may also have to lead a team and do the early testing of the game in order to suggest changes and find loopholes.

Radio Jockey

Radio Jockey is an exciting, promising career and a great challenge for music lovers. If you are really interested in a career as radio jockey, then it is very important for an RJ to have an automatic, fun, and friendly personality. If you want to get a job done in this field, a strong command of the language and a good voice are always good things. Apart from this, in order to be a good radio jockey, you will also listen to good radio jockeys so that you can understand their style and later make your own by practicing.

A career as radio jockey has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. If you want to know more about a career as radio jockey, and how to become a radio jockey then continue reading the article.

Choreographer

The word “choreography" actually comes from Greek words that mean “dance writing." Individuals who opt for a career as a choreographer create and direct original dances, in addition to developing interpretations of existing dances. A Choreographer dances and utilises his or her creativity in other aspects of dance performance. For example, he or she may work with the music director to select music or collaborate with other famous choreographers to enhance such performance elements as lighting, costume and set design.

Social Media Manager

A career as social media manager involves implementing the company’s or brand’s marketing plan across all social media channels. Social media managers help in building or improving a brand’s or a company’s website traffic, build brand awareness, create and implement marketing and brand strategy. Social media managers are key to important social communication as well.

Photographer

Photography is considered both a science and an art, an artistic means of expression in which the camera replaces the pen. In a career as a photographer, an individual is hired to capture the moments of public and private events, such as press conferences or weddings, or may also work inside a studio, where people go to get their picture clicked. Photography is divided into many streams each generating numerous career opportunities in photography. With the boom in advertising, media, and the fashion industry, photography has emerged as a lucrative and thrilling career option for many Indian youths.

An individual who is pursuing a career as a producer is responsible for managing the business aspects of production. They are involved in each aspect of production from its inception to deception. Famous movie producers review the script, recommend changes and visualise the story. 

They are responsible for overseeing the finance involved in the project and distributing the film for broadcasting on various platforms. A career as a producer is quite fulfilling as well as exhaustive in terms of playing different roles in order for a production to be successful. Famous movie producers are responsible for hiring creative and technical personnel on contract basis.

Copy Writer

In a career as a copywriter, one has to consult with the client and understand the brief well. A career as a copywriter has a lot to offer to deserving candidates. Several new mediums of advertising are opening therefore making it a lucrative career choice. Students can pursue various copywriter courses such as Journalism , Advertising , Marketing Management . Here, we have discussed how to become a freelance copywriter, copywriter career path, how to become a copywriter in India, and copywriting career outlook. 

In a career as a vlogger, one generally works for himself or herself. However, once an individual has gained viewership there are several brands and companies that approach them for paid collaboration. It is one of those fields where an individual can earn well while following his or her passion. 

Ever since internet costs got reduced the viewership for these types of content has increased on a large scale. Therefore, a career as a vlogger has a lot to offer. If you want to know more about the Vlogger eligibility, roles and responsibilities then continue reading the article. 

For publishing books, newspapers, magazines and digital material, editorial and commercial strategies are set by publishers. Individuals in publishing career paths make choices about the markets their businesses will reach and the type of content that their audience will be served. Individuals in book publisher careers collaborate with editorial staff, designers, authors, and freelance contributors who develop and manage the creation of content.

Careers in journalism are filled with excitement as well as responsibilities. One cannot afford to miss out on the details. As it is the small details that provide insights into a story. Depending on those insights a journalist goes about writing a news article. A journalism career can be stressful at times but if you are someone who is passionate about it then it is the right choice for you. If you want to know more about the media field and journalist career then continue reading this article.

Individuals in the editor career path is an unsung hero of the news industry who polishes the language of the news stories provided by stringers, reporters, copywriters and content writers and also news agencies. Individuals who opt for a career as an editor make it more persuasive, concise and clear for readers. In this article, we will discuss the details of the editor's career path such as how to become an editor in India, editor salary in India and editor skills and qualities.

Individuals who opt for a career as a reporter may often be at work on national holidays and festivities. He or she pitches various story ideas and covers news stories in risky situations. Students can pursue a BMC (Bachelor of Mass Communication) , B.M.M. (Bachelor of Mass Media) , or  MAJMC (MA in Journalism and Mass Communication) to become a reporter. While we sit at home reporters travel to locations to collect information that carries a news value.  

Corporate Executive

Are you searching for a Corporate Executive job description? A Corporate Executive role comes with administrative duties. He or she provides support to the leadership of the organisation. A Corporate Executive fulfils the business purpose and ensures its financial stability. In this article, we are going to discuss how to become corporate executive.

Multimedia Specialist

A multimedia specialist is a media professional who creates, audio, videos, graphic image files, computer animations for multimedia applications. He or she is responsible for planning, producing, and maintaining websites and applications. 

Quality Controller

A quality controller plays a crucial role in an organisation. He or she is responsible for performing quality checks on manufactured products. He or she identifies the defects in a product and rejects the product. 

A quality controller records detailed information about products with defects and sends it to the supervisor or plant manager to take necessary actions to improve the production process.

Production Manager

A QA Lead is in charge of the QA Team. The role of QA Lead comes with the responsibility of assessing services and products in order to determine that he or she meets the quality standards. He or she develops, implements and manages test plans. 

Process Development Engineer

The Process Development Engineers design, implement, manufacture, mine, and other production systems using technical knowledge and expertise in the industry. They use computer modeling software to test technologies and machinery. An individual who is opting career as Process Development Engineer is responsible for developing cost-effective and efficient processes. They also monitor the production process and ensure it functions smoothly and efficiently.

AWS Solution Architect

An AWS Solution Architect is someone who specializes in developing and implementing cloud computing systems. He or she has a good understanding of the various aspects of cloud computing and can confidently deploy and manage their systems. He or she troubleshoots the issues and evaluates the risk from the third party. 

Azure Administrator

An Azure Administrator is a professional responsible for implementing, monitoring, and maintaining Azure Solutions. He or she manages cloud infrastructure service instances and various cloud servers as well as sets up public and private cloud systems. 

Computer Programmer

Careers in computer programming primarily refer to the systematic act of writing code and moreover include wider computer science areas. The word 'programmer' or 'coder' has entered into practice with the growing number of newly self-taught tech enthusiasts. Computer programming careers involve the use of designs created by software developers and engineers and transforming them into commands that can be implemented by computers. These commands result in regular usage of social media sites, word-processing applications and browsers.

Information Security Manager

Individuals in the information security manager career path involves in overseeing and controlling all aspects of computer security. The IT security manager job description includes planning and carrying out security measures to protect the business data and information from corruption, theft, unauthorised access, and deliberate attack 

ITSM Manager

Automation test engineer.

An Automation Test Engineer job involves executing automated test scripts. He or she identifies the project’s problems and troubleshoots them. The role involves documenting the defect using management tools. He or she works with the application team in order to resolve any issues arising during the testing process. 

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Insider's guide: PhD requirements in USA for international students

Pursuing a PhD in the United States can be a life-changing experience for international students looking to enhance their academic qualifications, advance their careers, and expand their horizons. However, before embarking on this journey, it's important to understand the requirements and expectations of the US doctoral education system.

In this article, we'll delve into the essential PhD requirements in the USA for international students, covering academic qualifications, English language proficiency, standardised tests, funding, and visa procedures.

Table of Contents

Academic qualifications, english language proficiency, standardised tests, visa procedures, frequently asked questions.

Academic qualifications are an important requirement for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. Students are typically required to hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognised university, with a strong academic record and relevant coursework.

The specific academic qualifications required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Some programs may require a bachelor's degree in a specific field, while others may accept students with a bachelor's degree in a related field. Some programs may also require a master's degree, while others may allow students to earn a master's degree as part of the PhD program.

In addition to the degree requirements, international students may be required to provide official transcripts and diplomas from all institutions attended, as well as a course-by-course evaluation of their academic credentials from a recognised credential evaluation service.

It is also important for international students to have relevant coursework and research experience in their field of study. PhD programs in the USA typically require students to conduct independent research and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field. Therefore, having a strong academic background and relevant research experience can increase a student's chances of being admitted to a PhD program.

International students should carefully review the academic qualifications required for each program they are interested in and ensure that they meet the requirements. If their qualifications do not meet the requirements, they may need to take additional coursework or earn a higher degree before applying to PhD programs.

Also read: Ultimate guide PhD in the UK

English language proficiency is also one of the essential PhD requirements in USA for international students. The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial to succeed in academic and professional settings in the US.

Most universities require international students to demonstrate their proficiency in English by taking an English language proficiency exam. The most commonly accepted exams are the TOEFL, IELTS.

The minimum scores required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Typically, a minimum score of 80 on the TOEFL or 6.5 on the IELTS is required, but some programs may require higher scores.

In addition to the TOEFL or IELTS, some universities may accept other English language proficiency exams, such as the PTE Academic or the Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) exam.

Also read: PhD Scholarship for Pakistani Students

Standardised tests are an important requirement for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. Standardised tests are used to assess an applicant's academic abilities and potential for success in a PhD program. The most commonly required standardised tests for PhD programs in the USA include the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

The GRE is a standardised test that assesses a student's verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills. The test is typically required for admission to graduate programs in a wide range of disciplines, including science, engineering, social sciences, and humanities.

The GMAT is a standardised test that assesses a student's analytical writing, integrated reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and verbal reasoning skills. The test is typically required for admission to graduate programs in business and management.

The minimum scores required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Typically, a minimum score in the 50th percentile or higher is required for the GRE, while a minimum score of 600 or higher is required for the GMAT.

The specific standardised tests required for admission to PhD programs can vary depending on the university and program. Some programs may require the GRE or GMAT, while others may require a different test, such as the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for programs in the health sciences.

Funding can be a critical consideration for international students pursuing a PhD in the USA. Pursuing a PhD in the USA can be quite expensive, with tuition and living expenses often exceeding $50,000 per year. While federal financial aid is not available to international students, there are a variety of funding options that may be available to help cover the cost of tuition, living expenses , and research-related expenses.

One common source of funding for PhD students is through teaching or research assistantships. These positions typically provide a stipend or salary in exchange for work done in support of the department or faculty member providing the funding. Assistantship opportunities can be competitive, but they can provide valuable experience and financial support for students throughout their program.

Scholarships and fellowships can also be a valuable source of funding for international students pursuing a PhD in the USA. These awards may be offered by the university, private foundations, or other organisations, and can cover some or all of the cost of tuition and living expenses.

International students may also be eligible for funding from their home country or through external sources such as grants or fellowships. It's important for students to research these opportunities and understand any restrictions or requirements that may apply.

Finally, some students may choose to fund their PhD program through personal savings or by taking out student loans. While these options can provide flexibility in terms of funding, it's important for students to carefully consider the long-term financial implications of taking on debt to fund their education.

Also read: PhD in USA without GRE

The visa application process is an important step for international students seeking to pursue a PhD in the USA. International students who are accepted into a PhD program in the USA will typically need to obtain an F-1 student visa.

To begin the visa application process, students will need to provide proof of acceptance into a program, typically in the form of an acceptance letter from the university. In addition, students will need to demonstrate proof of financial support to cover the cost of tuition and living expenses in the USA. This can be done by providing bank statements or other documentation showing that the student or their sponsor has sufficient funds to cover these costs.

Once the initial documentation has been submitted, students will need to complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa application fee, and schedule an appointment at a US embassy or consulate in their home country. During the appointment, students will need to provide biometric data (such as fingerprints) and participate in an interview with a consular officer. The interview is an important part of the visa application process and can be a deciding factor in whether the student is approved for the visa.

It's important for international students to begin the visa application process well in advance of the start of their PhD program, as it can take several weeks or even months to complete all of the necessary steps. Students should also consult with the international student office at their university for guidance and support throughout the process.

Also read: PhD in abroad with scholarships (for Indian students)

Pursuing a PhD in the USA as an international student can be a challenging and rewarding experience. While the requirements for admission can be rigorous, they are designed to ensure that students have the academic qualifications, language proficiency, and aptitude needed to succeed in a doctoral program. With careful planning and research, international students can find funding opportunities and navigate the visa application process to achieve their academic and professional goals.

What is the typical academic qualification required for international students to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

International students are typically required to hold a bachelor's or master's degree from a recognised university, with a strong academic record and relevant coursework.

Do international students need to take the GRE or GMAT to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

Yes, in many cases international students are required to take the GRE or GMAT as part of the application process for PhD programs in the USA. The specific requirements can vary depending on the university and program.

Are there any language proficiency tests required for international students to apply to PhD programs in the USA?

Yes, international students whose native language is not English may be required to take an English language proficiency test, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, as part of the application process for PhD programs in the USA.

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Getting a PhD in the USA: A Complete Guide for International and Domestic Students

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If you’re looking for the right university to obtain your PhD at, then you’re probably already an expert in your area of interest and want to back that up with the right credentials. You may also be tempted by access to the world’s top universities’ research capabilities, which could allow you to conduct empirical studies of whatever it is that you’re interested in.

Regardless of whether you’re a math-oriented person looking to get a doctor’s degree in one of the STEM fields, or you’re more inclined towards social sciences, there is no better place for you to look for a satisfactory PhD program than the United States of America!

It’s home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. With flexible curriculums, beautiful campus grounds, and some top-notch job opportunities, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in the States.

There is a significant difference in the approach to PhD studies in the USA and the rest of the world. The PhD programs are much more structured and provide comprehensive, thorough training to complement your independent research.

One of the most challenging and troublesome parts of obtaining a PhD in the USA is the application process itself. There are plenty of things to take care of, and if you’re not stringent about it, you might find yourself failing to secure funding or worse yet, getting denied on your visa application.

Consider this page to be your go-to guide to the US PhD programs and opportunities. Here, you’ll find all the information you could possibly need regarding the PhD application process, the best schools to satisfy your research interests, as well as information regarding funding and tuition fees.

Enjoy these page jumps to navigate easier!

PhD in the USA vs. Anywhere Else

Public vs. private, graduate schools, the ivy league and other groups, online phd programs, usa university rankings 2021, new york city, san francisco, finding the right program and university: a checklist, structure of a phd program in the usa, application materials, admission requirements, finances and aid, the visa process, the bottom line.

The most fundamental difference between partaking in a PhD program in the United States and Europe is the structure of your studies. While the British and European universities tend to focus on the individual pursuit of your area of interest, schools in the States are more inclined towards helping you hone your skills and expertise. If you consider yourself more independent and don’t like too much oversight when conducting research, you may want to think twice before deciding to study in the USA.

American universities will allow you to apply for a PhD right after completing your undergraduate degree, whereas in European and British universities, a master’s degree is a requirement. So if the only accreditation you’ve got is a bachelor’s degree, but you still want to pursue a PhD, you’re left with no choice but to study in the USA.

In terms of workload, you’ll have much more to do at an American university. The entire duration of your program will be much longer than in the case of other schools, with about five to six years on average to complete the studies. In Europe, most PhD degrees can be obtained within three or four years.

On top of that, schools in the USA will actively encourage you to pursue research assistantships and other side activities that will not only contribute to your workload but could also serve as a means to generate additional income. While the positions of a research or teaching assistant are also available at European and British universities, these opportunities are not nearly as plentiful as in the case of American institutions.

Finally, there is one major difference in the application process. While students hoping to get into a university in the UK or Europe have to present their research project prior to getting into the school, it is a vital part of the decision process. On the other hand, in the US, you can apply to a particular department and submit your research proposal later on, after you’ve been accepted into the student body.

PhD in America 2021: Overview of Universities

The concentration of universities and other higher education establishments in the United States can give many prospective students quite a headache in the beginning. The US Department of Education lists 4,298 degree-granting educational institutions as of 2020. Not all of them can grant PhDs, but even after subtracting those out, you’ll still end up with a wide range of universities to pick from. To make it easier for you, we’ve categorized them so that you can narrow down your choice to the school profile that suits you best.

While the day-to-day campus life does not differ much, whether you’re in a public or a private school, the most important discrepancy is that regarding tuition fees. Public universities receive funding from governmental institutions, while private schools rely mostly on donations and other sources. This means that private institutions will charge higher tuition fees (on average) than public state universities.

If you’re from the USA, you should keep in mind that state (public) universities impose much lower fees on students originally from the same state as the school. If you’re not hellbent on moving out of your home state and exploring the country, you might want to consider looking at the local public options first, as you won’t have to chase after as much funding.

A graduate school is a specialized entity with the purpose of running its mother university’s graduate programs. There are various kinds of graduate schools — some of the largest and wealthiest universities in the USA might have a few of these, each one specializing in a particular subject.

It’s important to know what they are, since more likely than not, you’ll end up sending your PhD application over to a graduate school belonging to a certain university rather than the main institution itself. Keep this distinction in mind when applying — you don’t want to be enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program all over again!

When considering getting a PhD in the USA, you’ll come across one of the Ivy League schools sooner or later. The Ivy League is a group composed of the most prestigious higher education establishments in all of the United States. It includes schools like Harvard, Princeton, or Columbia University. The competition to get into one of these is fierce, and you might have to prove remarkable skill and aptitude in order to secure funding. As the elite of American universities, these institutions charge some of the world’s highest tuition fees.

Thankfully, your choice isn’t limited to the Ivy League. There are other university groups, such as the Public Ivy (comparable to Ivy League schools in terms of teaching quality with much lower fees) or the Association of American Universities (AAU).  Members of either of these groups offer quality education and research facilities at a fraction of the price of an Ivy League tuition.

Not everybody looking to obtain a PhD in the USA has the time and resources they can devote to the full-time pursuit of a degree. Whether it’s work or other responsibilities that are preventing you from enrolling in person, you should not give up on your ambitions. There are plenty of online PhD options in the USA for both domestic and international students. They usually come at a fraction of the cost of a regular, in-person degree, with funding options available as well.

You can find all sorts of PhD programs to pursue online, from computer science through management all the way to business administration. It’s also possible to study some of the more specialized subjects, such as behavioral analysis, which is quite convenient if you already have a masters degree in a more general area and would like to get a PhD in a certain niche.

There are plenty of official university rankings that pit all of the schools against each other with the aim of helping students find the most suitable program. Rankings such as the Times Higher Education Ranking or the TopUniversities Ranking are immensely helpful when it comes to comparing various schools and PhD curricula. Still, it’s important to avoid getting caught up in the comparison game too much.

There are thousands upon thousands of schools in the world, and the most prestigious, elite schools always take up the first 50 spots on these lists. This can lead some students to disregard some of the lower-ranked schools as not worthy of their time and money. Do not make that mistake. Aside from comparing universities using some of the rankings mentioned above, you should also check student satisfaction ratings and browse through lists of faculty members working at the department you’d like to apply to. These factors are equally as important as general rankings, and they might have a significant impact on your final decision.

Most Popular Student Cities

The USA is a huge country, and, like every large nation, its various regions are fundamentally different from each other. There are quite a few “student hotspots” across the fifty states. Here are four of the most popular ones. Each one is located in a completely different area of the country in order to give you the most complete overview of the US as a whole.

The Big Apple is probably the most popular student and tourist destination in the whole of the United States. It attracts dozens of thousands of prospective domestic and international students. It’s home to such prestigious institutions as the NYU, Columbia University, or the Juilliard School. NYC is a vibrant, multicultural metropolis — a great place to pursue higher education in performing arts or social sciences.

If you want to get a more gritty, day-to-day American reality, free of the distractions of the fairytale-like life in New York, you might want to give Chicago a shot. It isn’t as glamorous as NYC or San Francisco, which also means that the cost of living is a bit lower in this city. You’ll have a pick of some great schools, such as the University of Chicago or the Northeastern University of Illinois, just to name a few.

San Francisco has traditionally been at the forefront of social justice in the USA. As such, it is one of the most inclusive and friendly cities for students from all kinds of different backgrounds. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about the cost of living in San Francisco or all of California, for that matter. Since the city’s close proximity to Silicon Valley, it makes for a great place for students pursuing a PhD in the STEM fields. You’ll have the opportunity to land an internship or a full-time position at one of the tech giants located there. The competition is fierce, though, so you’ll have to be at your very best to stand a chance!

You might be slightly baffled by seeing a Texas city on a list of the most student-friendly places, but there was simply no way for us to exclude Houston from this list, especially if you’re looking for a place to get a PhD in USA. Houston is home to Rice University, a school with a strong focus on comprehensive research. There is also the University of Houston or the Texas Southern University, both of which are strong, household names with rich histories.

The Sunbelt Capital is the perfect place to meet some great, like-minded people and focus on your research, far away from the hustle and bustle of New York or San Francisco, not to mention the complete lack of annoying travelers and tourist-trap restaurants!

Choosing the right school to obtain a PhD is a tough task. Once you’ve narrowed down your options a little by taking a look at the rankings and finding a city to spend the next six years of your life in, you need to take a more detailed look at the universities and the programs they have on offer. If you’re having trouble evaluating all of the information, help yourself by using the checklist below!

• Research facilities . Do they suit your needs? Are you going to be able to conduct all of the empirical and theoretical research you need to complete your PhD dissertation?
• Faculty members . Take a good, long look at all of the professors who work at each school. Try and identify those whose work interests you the most — those people will be immensely helpful throughout your PhD program.
• Funding opportunities . Look into all of the scholarships, grants, research, and teaching assistantships available at each school to see where you’re most likely to secure funding.
• Job placement rates . In the end, the likelihood of you getting a job is entirely up to you and your own skills and experience, but the university you’ve graduated from can influence these characteristics in more than one way. Checking up on how many former students of the department you’re interested in have achieved professional success can be a good way of evaluating the actual quality of education you’ll get at each particular institution.
• Extra-curriculars . Whether it is on-campus activities, groups, or teams, or activities outside of the school grounds, you should make sure that there is something you can do in your free time in the vicinity of your chosen university. Four to six years is a very long time, and you’re not going to spend all of it studying.

The initial stages of a PhD in USA are very similar to taught masters degree programs. You might even end up in some courses with masters students in the beginning! The taught classes and modules are divided into two groups: core classes and elective courses . The completion of core subjects is obligatory if you want to pass the year, while elective courses are optional, but bear in mind that you will need to pass some of them in order to satisfy the program requirements.

Once you’re done with all of your classes, you’ll have to pass a dissertation qualifying exam , which is a comprehensive examination that will test your knowledge and evaluate whether or not you’re qualified to carry out your own research.

After the exam, you’ll have to go through the lengthy and difficult process of conducting research and writing your dissertation. This stage of a PhD study consists of choosing your research topic and submitting a dissertation prospectus (research proposal). This is an essay outlining the entire project, your methodology, and the intended outcomes. Afterward, you’ll be assigned a group of advisors (a.k.a. “committee of supervisors”) who will provide you with assistance and evaluate your work as you go along.

As for the grading and assessment of your work during the US PhD program, you will be assessed based on the following:

• Coursework – essays and examinations from all of your core and elective courses,
• Examinations – a comprehensive exam that meant to assess whether you’re ready to begin conducting research or not,
• Dissertation prospectus – the outline of your intended research and its oral defense,
• Dissertation defense   –  the culmination of your PhD pursuit — the presentation and oral defense of your dissertation.

Applying for a PhD in the USA: What to Expect?

Once you start applying to your chosen schools, it is important to keep calm and have an alternative course of action in mind in case things don’t go the way you planned. Admissions to American schools are amongst some of the most competitive globally, so there is a high likelihood of failure at every stage of the process.

Even students with impeccable accreditation and outstanding letters of recommendation get rejected, which is why it is so important to be mentally prepared for every outcome.

As for the practical side of things, everything you’ll need to submit is listed below.

It’s quite likely that some universities will expect you to submit some extra materials with your PhD application, but you’re expected to have the following at the ready regardless of where you’re applying:

• academic transcripts,
• personal statement,
• entry test scores,
• CV (resume),
• letters of recommendation,
• research statement,
• writing samples.

You already know that a master’s degree isn’t a requirement to pursue a PhD in USA. There are, however, other criteria that schools will use to evaluate whether or not you’re a suitable candidate. This includes a Grade Point Average (GPA) based on the academic transcripts you’ve provided, your Graduate Records Exam (GRE) results, as well as widely recognized English proficiency test (ex. IELTS or TOEFL) if you come from a non-English speaking country. 

After you’ve successfully satisfied the admission requirements presented above, some schools might invite you for a format interview, after which they will come to a final decision. Keep in mind that not all schools hold interviews, and many of them will accept or deny your application based only upon the submitted materials.

Tuition payments for a PhD study in the United States are incredibly high, with dozens of thousands of dollars per year being the standard nationwide. According to the American National Center for Education Statistics, the average yearly fee at private universities was as high as $44,000. Public (state) universities charge much less than that, although it is still a hefty fee at around $13,000 per year for in-state students.

Those coming from another state or abroad should expect a much higher payment, albeit still lower than what they’d need to pay at one of the private establishments.

You should plan your finances ahead of your PhD application so that you don’t end up with crippling debt at the end of your studies (unless you’re absolutely certain that you’re able to pay it off). Whether it’s through various assistantships at the school, funding programs, or scholarships, you should not have to go into your PhD studies worrying about how you’re going to pay for them.

Information for International Students

Incoming international students need to face additional screening and evaluation in order to get admitted to their chosen university. This is mostly due to the lengthy visa process , but you should also have some time set aside to figure out your living arrangements and travel itinerary.

Once you’re accepted for a PhD at a university approved by the Student Exchange and Visitor Programme, the visa process will be fairly straightforward, albeit lengthy, and quite unpleasant. Here are the main steps that students wishing to enroll in a PhD program at an American university need to go through:

• Paying the $200 SEVIS registration fee . The Student Exchange Visitor Information System charges a pretty hefty fee for registering you within their ranks. Unfortunately, without this payment, your university won’t be able to provide you with the right visa application form (the I-20).
• Filling out the online application . This will require you to fill out another form, as well as upload a current picture of yourself. You’ll also have to pay a $160 application fee.
• Schedule and attend a visa interview . The interview will take place in the US Embassy in your home country, and it’s not as scary as it sounds. Just make sure to bring all of the required documents, and you’ll be good to go!

If you want to avoid going through all that trouble just to be able to get a PhD in the USA, remember that you can also complete an online program with a school located in the States. These degrees are just as valid as those obtained in the traditional manner, with the added benefit of students completing all the coursework at their own pace, should their schedule not allow them to enroll in a full-time PhD program.

Getting a PhD in USA is a major aspiration of many students all over the world. Such a degree opens up many career paths, not to mention the ability to teach at universities! A PhD is particularly helpful if you want to land a well-paying job in the USA as a foreigner. It is much easier to get a work visa with such accreditation, especially if you’ve received your PhD at an American university.

Not only does a PhD provide you with many opportunities that would otherwise have been unavailable to you, but it also immensely contributes to your personal growth. Becoming a true expert in your area of interest is incredibly fulfilling, arguably more so than the career prospects that come with a PhD degree.

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Graduate Enrollment and Degrees

The CGS Graduate Enrollment and Degrees report, published annually since 1986, presents the findings of the CGS/ETS Survey of Graduate Enrollment and Degrees and is a joint project of the Council of Graduate Schools and the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

The latest report,  Graduate Enrollment and Degrees: 2012 to 2022 , is the most current version of the only national survey that collects data on first-time and total graduate enrollment across all fields of master’s and research doctorate programs in the United States. It is also the only source of data on first-time and total graduate enrollment by degree level (master’s/certificates versus research doctorate) and the only national survey that collects data on applications to graduate school by broad field of study. For the first time, the report also includes analysis of U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data for top 10 graduate degree occupations projected to have the most job openings each year.

Quick Takes

• Applications for admission to U.S. graduate schools rose by nearly 4% between Fall 2021 and Fall 2022, demonstrating college graduates’ continued demand for advanced training.
• Domestic first-time graduate enrollment declined by 4.7% between Fall 2021 and Fall 2022. By contrast, there was a 10.2% increase in international graduate first-time enrollment between Fall 2021 and Fall 2022.
• Graduate degree holders will continue to play a crucial role in the U.S. workforce. Based on our estimates, there is a labor force shortage of about 29,000 graduate school trained educational and career counselors , along with education administrators, relative to anticipated demand for professionals in these fields.

• Between Fall 2021 and Fall 2022, first-time graduate enrollment decreased by 7.8% among Black/African American students, 5.7% among Latinx students, and 1.6% among American Indian/Alaska Native students.
• While it is too early to say if these data constitute a trend, and survey data were collected during a period of strong job growth that may have impacted student decisions to pursue short-term income rather than graduate education, the gap between workforce demands and qualified graduates must not continue to widen .

Read the Full Report

Tables and appendices are available here .

CGS Recommendations

Graduate school must be made more accessible in order to meet workforce demands, particularly in areas of acute national need. This can include expanding access to online course offerings; recruiting non-traditional students into graduate programs; increasing graduate student retention efforts; and assisting individuals with some graduate credits in completing their degrees.

CGS also makes the following policy recommendations:

• Expanding Pell grant eligibility to graduate students.
• Student loan reform.
• Reinstating subsidized loans for graduate students.
• Eliminating origination fees on student loans.

Historical Reports

Reports dating back to 2012 are available free online to administrators, faculty, and staff members of CGS member institutions. Visit the report archive  to view, print or download PDFs of past reports of the Graduate Enrollment and Degrees survey.

For more information about the CGS/GRE Survey of Graduate Enrollment and Degrees, please contact  Brian D. McKenzie .

Studying PhD in the USA 2023 - 2024: Your Complete Guide

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Thinking about PhD? Think America!

PhD in the USA comes not only with a substantial recognition of your expertise but also impacts your overall growth in person. Learning shoulder to shoulder with the best minds that walked on this planet is a privilege. Starting from engineering, computer science, applied sciences, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and medicine to management, you may earn your PhD in the USA in the program of your choice. There are many fully funded PhD programs in America for international students in 2023 that you may opt for, too. Overwhelmed? Don’t worry; reading this blog is the first step which may guide you to your dreams of studying PhD programs in the U.S.A. Let’s keep scrolling!

Why Study PhD in the USA?

The top reasons to study in the USA include unparalleled academic excellence, American prestige , choices of flexible college programs alongside the best Universities like Stanford and Harvard and a diverse range of courses offered for PhD in the USA.

1. Course Length of PhD in the USA

Students prefer to earn their degree in the USA for the flexibility of the PhD programs in the USA for international students in 2023. The duration of your PhD in the country may vary from program to program. The maximum no. of years a part-time doctoral student spends is ten years. In other cases, full-time enrollment in PhD programs in the United States of America demands a minimum of 4 years. There are many online PhD programs in the country you may go for. Adding more to the best things about studying in the USA, you will also have the option of one-year PhD programs in the USA.

2. Top-Notch Universities

If the USA were to be a person, it would have definitely boasted about being the top destination country with its cities encompassing every aspect of a student’s dream. The hunt for knowledge seems never ending in the top institutes for PhD in the USA. The USA is home to distinguished universities like Harvard and Stanford. Studying Doctor of Philosophy in the USA means you will never have to look back. 

And, just in case you are very prepared and have the merits for pursuing a PhD in the U.S.A. for international students, the chances are high that you might get an acceptance letter from the oldest universities in the world. The fully funded PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023 add to the glee of every applicant. Most public and private universities conduct intakes year-long. Also, the intakes for 2023-2024 in the USA are ongoing. You may go ahead and plan accordingly and not miss the opportunity of studying at world-class universities and the best faculty. 

3. Diversity in the College Campuses 

The USA is the pioneer in neo-cultural globalisation or, let us rather say, the initiator of cultural diversity. The USA is home to approximately 9,50,000 international students, making up 5.5% of the international diaspora in the US. The whooping number of students choosing the USA as their destination for higher studies is a testimony to the diversity of the beautiful campuses host. 

4. Availability of Scholarships for PhD in the USA

The education system of the USA is very well devised to serve the needs of every student enrolling for PhD degree in the USA. There are many scholarships available for PhD students in the American universities. The scholarships allow you to pursue a fully funded PhD in the USA for international students 2023. There are entities such as the Government of the USA, universities and various private organisations that extend scholarships to students with merits and credible need of funds to pursue their PhD programs in the USA. We will be discussing it further in some moments. 

5. Availability of Jobs after PhD in the USA

American universities typically have vibrant campus communities with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs and organisations. As a student, you will have the opportunity to engage in various social, cultural and recreational activities alongside your academic studies.

Best Universities for PhD Programs in the USA

1. harvard university.

Tuition Fees: $78,000 ‍Acceptance rate: 4% QS Ranking: 4th

US Ranking: 2nd

Top Courses: Arts & Humanities, Business & Management, Engineering & Technology, Life Sciences & Medicine, Social Sciences & Management

Intake Seasons: Fall/Spring

Famous Alumni: Bill Gates

Harvard University stands as one of the best universities in the USA and the entire world. The university enrols close to 22,947 students annually, making it one of the toughest universities to get into as well. The university hosts a range of PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023, including chemical biology, engineering, immunology and neuroscience, among other top PhD programs in the U.S.A. The campus is also home to the largest library system in the world. 

2. Stanford University

Average Fees: $80,000 ‍Acceptance rate: 16% QS Ranking: 5th

US Ranking: 3rd

Eligibility: GPA: 4, SAT: 1465, ACT: 31.5, IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL: 90, GMAT: 690, GRE: 162

Intake Seasons: Fall

Famous Alumni: Elon Musk

Located in the silicon valley, the university is a pioneering institution brimming with knowledge. As a campus that is spread across more than 8,000 acres and home to 16,000+ students flocking in from various parts of the world each year, it is one of the best choices for PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023.

3. University of Chicago

Average Fees: $78,000 ‍Acceptance rate: 6.5% QS Ranking: 11th

US Ranking: 12th

Intake Seasons: All Seasons

Famous Alumni: Susan Sontag

The University of Chicago introduces you to a world that's transformational, effective and always on the go. The campus is home to more than 17,000 students and boasts of one-of-its-kind diversity. A wide number of PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023 makes it one of the top choices for students in the world. 

Top 3 PhD Scholarships in the USA

There may be situations where you wish to pursue PhD in the USA but are unable to take your leap of faith due to financial constraints. You may enroll in fully funded PhD programs in the U.S.A for international students 2023 with the help of the scholarships provided for PhD in the U.S.A. We have listed below the best scholarships for PhD in the United States of America. 

1. Fulbright Foreign Student Program

Amount: $35,000

Provider: Binational Fullbright Commission/US Embassies

Deadline: 17th May, 2023

Expenses Covered: Tuition and fees, Round-trip travel, Living expenses and others

The scholarship offered by the organisation for PhD in the U.S.A. comes by as a ray of hope in your tough times. The scholarships help you move further towards a bright future backed by the PhD programs in the U.S.A. from top educational institutions. 

2. AAUW International Fellowships

Amount: $20,000

Provider: American Association of University Women 

Expenses Covered: Full tuition and Fees

Deadline: 1st December, 2023

The scholarship is one of the oldest, largest and most competitive scholarships for PhD in the U.S.A. The scholarship or fellowship is offered to women from across the world. The scholarship aims at boosting the contribution of women in the field of research and development. And transforming the world. 

3. Campbell Fellowships for Transformative Research

Amount: $54,000

Provider: School of Advanced Research

Expenses Covered: Stipend, Tuition fees waiver, Registration costs

Deadline: November, 2023

The scholarship is among the best short-term scholarships for PhD in the USA for women scholars. The duration of the Campbell fellowship lies between 6 months to 9 months. The scholarship is awarded to female scholars who are working in global research for women in developing nations. 

Application Requirements for PhD in the USA

Pursuing a PhD on American soil sounds like a dream come true. However, the process of application is extensive and requires due diligence and the best research before the selection of the scholarships and the colleges or the courses. We have tried to help you out below with some of the many requirements for applying for scholarships for PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023. Scroll for the list below:

1. Applying 

The first step is completing the application form before the deadline. You may check out the websites of the scholarships and universities and keep track of deadlines.

There are two types of scholarships. One is an easy scholarship which might not require an essay, and there are scholarships for PhD in the U.S.A. demanding essays. Thus, depending on the requirement, prepare an essay describing the needs of the scholarship for you.

3. Credible References

You must collect credible sources of references while applying for the scholarships. The reference must align with the PhD programs in the USA for international students 2023 you are applying for.

4. Competitive Exam Scores

Receiving a scholarship for PhD in the United States of America comes with criteria of scores in competitive exams like IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, and ACT, among many others. Take your tests well to qualify for the applications of scholarships to transform your PhD into fully funded PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023.  

Top 3 Jobs Options After PhD in the USA

1. professor/ lecturer.

After completing your PhD in the U.S.A., you become eligible for the position of lecturer or professor in the top universities in the world. 

2. Scientific Assessor

The job of a scientific assessor is also available post you earn your degree in any of the PhD programs in the U.S.A. for international students 2023.

3. Research & development

A PhD in the U.S.A. makes you eligible to apply for jobs in the research and development field. If your field of study is research-oriented, you may have job opportunities in some of the best research institutes in the world nestled in the USA. 

Hope you are ready to resume or take forward the academic journey you have been aiming for. The blog was just an initiative for you to understand the overall landscape of PhD in the U.S.A. You may get in touch with us via the comment section below or DM us on our Instagram channel for additional info you might need. 

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Apply to the PhD in Public Health Program

Requirements for admission into the phd program.

When you apply online, please be sure to select the following items to start your PhD in Public Health (PhD) application:

Enrollment Status: Degree Seeking

Major: Public Health (PhD)

Degree: Doctoral Degree

Though we do not have posted minimum standards, we do want to see that you have the skills required to succeed in our professional academic programs. In an effort to evaluate your application, the following materials are needed in your PhD application to the School of Public and Community Health Sciences.

• Master of Public Health degree or equivalent
• Completed application packet
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB scores (for international students only)

Application Materials

Application packet checklist.

• Completed online application form
• Three letters of recommendations
• Personal statement
• Curriculum vitae or resume
• Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (Note: all international students - non-U.S. university transcripts need to be first professionally evaluated before being submitted.  Options include the World Education Services site and the Educational Credential Evaluators site. )
• Official TOEFL, IELTS, or MELAB scores (Note: for international students only)

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants will need to submit three recommendations. Applicants should select references who can comment on their potential for success in the public health field, including former advisors, instructors, co-workers, employers, former employers, volunteer coordinators, clergy members, or other professionals. Avoid selecting recommenders who have a conflict of interest with your acceptance into the program, such as family members or close friends.

Personal Statement

The personal statement is an important part of the application as it helps the Admissions Committee learn about an applicant's interest in public health. The personal statement also provides a writing sample, so applicants should compose their statements thoughtfully and edit them carefully. The entire personal statement should not exceed two single space typed pages. Please address each of the following questions or issues below with a brief paragraph.

• Why do you want to pursue graduate studies in public health?
• What are your short-term and long-term career objectives?
• Briefly describe the education, life/work experiences and personal characteristics that will enable you to be successful in the program and your chosen career.
• Describe any significant extracurricular or community service activities.
• Describe your primary and secondary research interests.
• Provide a list of faculty member(s) whose research interests best match your own, and with whom you would like to work.
• For applicants who do not have an MPH from the University of Montana, include a brief description of the completed coursework in the Public Health areas of: biostatistics, environmental health sciences, epidemiology, health policy and management, and social and behavioral sciences.
• Please comment on anything else you think would strengthen your application.

Curriculum Vitae or Resume

All applicants are asked to submit updated curriculum vitae or resume. Applicants who have existing graduate degrees may wish to include a list of publications and/or presentations at professional meetings.

Transcripts

All applicants are asked to enter universities/colleges/schools attended into the appropriate section in the online application, to ensure all required transcript can be checked as received.

Application Deadlines

The Admissions Committee typically meets twice a year to consider new applications, and it is highly recommended that prospective students submit their completed applications by the admission deadlines.

PhD students can start the program during the fall or spring semesters.

For the Fall semester , the application deadline is January 15.

For the Spring semester , the application deadline is September 1.

Late applications may be submitted after the deadlines.  However, they may not be considered if available positions have been filled.

Click the "Start Your Application" button below to begin.

International Students

International students are encouraged to apply for the PhD program. International applicants must complete every section of the international student form. To have an I-20 issued, international applicants must attach a certified financial statement that reflects the funding recorded in Section III. For more information, please refer to the Graduate School web site.

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Why Study in USA?

Let’s Look at the Numbers!

• As per the latest QS World University Rankings 2023 :
• 2 US universities are in the Top 5  list
• 7 more US universities between Top 30  list

Why PhD in USA

Rather than waiting for one or two openings, many departments take PhD applicants each year. This may be an advantage for students because it allows them to apply for a PhD within the regular enrolment period.

In addition to giving annual admissions and vacancies for PhD programs in USA, university departments do not bind you to a specific subject or field of study. In comparison with other nations, where PhD is rewarded based on a certain project, American departments allow you to choose what you want to accomplish in the next 4-5 years of your life.

So these were some of the reasons to study PhD in USA for Indian students.

Top PhD Universities in USA

Following are some top PhD universities in USA:

Universities

• Harvard University
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Stanford University
• California Institute of Technology
• Carnegie Mellon University
• Purdue University
• University of California, Los Angeles
• University of Texas, Austin
• University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign
• Ohio State University
• University of Pennsylvania

Structure Of PhD

PhD programs in the US are a pure exploration degree. An original exploration is an essential demand for an American doctorate since you need to present your explanation behind the thesis.

US doctorates begin with tutored classes and assessments in the form of a comprehensive test. Upon completion of which a participant finalises their discussion content and start with the exploration.

Specific Reasons to Study in USA

Popular fields of phd study in usa.

• Biological Sciences
• Anthropology
• Engineering

Program Duration & Cost of Education in USA

After the completion of the degree, you can opt for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for a minimum of 12 months (or for 36 months, in the case of STEM programs)

In the United States, a PhD program normally lasts 4-6 years. On the other hand, some students take eight years to get their degree. There are two types of coursework years: 1-4 years of course work and 2-4 years of study. In the United States, the academic year is divided into two semesters: August to December and January to May. Courses and examinations for PhD candidates take place throughout the academic year.

For more details click here

Eligibility Criteria for PhD in USA

Applicants must submit transcripts, application form and fee, a statement of purpose, recommendation letters and a detailed resume.

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Intake & Application Deadlines for PhD in USA

• Start preparing for applications at least 2 years in advance
• Fall intake is the preferred intake; submitting applications for Spring intake is not recommended.
• Fall Semester deadlines are between November & February

A Sneak Peek into the PhD Application Process in USA

The following documents are required

• College Transcripts
• Detailed Resume
• Scanned Copy of Passport
• Some universities additionally ask for a research proposal
• Application Form
• Letters of Recommendation

Networking with US universities professors is an integral step before starting the application process.

When to Apply for PhD in USA

It is recommended to prepare at least two years ahead of time for applications. By the end of the preceding year, GRE (or GMAT, if applying to B schools) scores should be available. Official undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, a statement of intent, and in certain cases, research project proposals and writing examples should all be presented at the same time.

The application deadline varies by institution and field of study. It is suggested to visit the homepage of the university or department that interests you for getting information related to the application deadline and intake. Application deadlines may range from November to March.

Visa for PhD in USA

International students who wish to pursue Study Abroad PhD in the United States must get a student visa. Canadian and Bermudan students, on the other hand, do not require a visa to study in the United States.

Before acquiring a student visa, students must apply to an authorized institution. Visa applications are processed by both the US Department of State and the US Department of Homeland Security. The student must have a good moral character and his or her profile must indicate that he or she is travelling to the country to study.

Student Visa Terms and Provisions in USA

• Students need an F-1 visa to pursue a full-time education in US universities
• Upon receiving the I-20 from the admitted university, a student must apply for a visa
• Students can apply up to 120 days from the program start date

Choosing the Right University in USA

The PhD degree is awarded by 282 universities in the United States. Different colleges have different admissions standards and academic program difficulties. Candidates can choose from a list of colleges that offers PhD programs in USA based on their previous research expertise, interest in pursuing a PhD, and undergraduate curriculum.

Requirements for PhD in USA

Following is the list of generally required documents for getting PhD admission in USA:

• Statement of Purpose
• High GRE score
• Recommendation letter
• Language Competency
• Financial aids

These were some of the PhD requirements in USA for international students.

PhD in USA for Indian Students

Pursuing a PhD in the United States is a very good option for Indian students. There are hundreds of higher education institutions that offer admissions in PhD programs in USA to overseas students.

Students from all across the world attend PhD universities in USA. Whatever and wherever you choose to study, you will be welcomed by academic communities.

How to Apply for PhD Programs in USA

Process for Applying for a PhD in USA:

• Make a list of your research interests.
• Find the PhD programs in USA that meet your career goals
• Find out some ways to finance your studies
• Give the GRE test
• Take the Language proficiency test such as TOEFL or IELTS
• Collect your letters of recommendation
• Prepare a Statement of Purpose
• Fill online application form
• Submit your application form with all the necessary documents

PhD in USA Fees

PhD programs are available at several universities throughout the United States. As every PhD universities in USA have different facilities, therefore, cost of PhD in USA would vary. The fees charged by prestigious universities are significantly more than those levied by other universities.

Private Institution Fees: The average private institution fee for students in the United States is $ 43,300 (about INR 32.5L) each year.

Fees levied by the public university: According to costs structure of the public universities, the average annual fee assessed by the public institution for resident students is $ 12,737 (about INR 9.5L). International students, on the other hand, have to pay higher costs than in-state students.

PhD in USA – Types of PhD Courses in USA

Mostly, the US universities award the standard PhD or as an academic doctorate, which is equal to PhDs in other countries. However, some programs award professional doctorate degrees which include practical projects and case studies in addition to academic classes and dissertation research like the DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) and EdD (Doctor of Education).

The last type of ‘doctoral’ qualification is for students who seek to qualify for regulated professions like law or medicine, for example, JD (Doctor of Laws) and MD (Doctor of Medicine) degrees which are different from academic doctorates.

Following is the list of the most popular PhD courses in USA:

PhD in USA in Management

A doctorate in business administration demonstrates significant discipline and commitment to leadership excellence, distinguishing graduates from their management peers. Depending on their degree focus, hobbies, and industrial experience, doctoral graduates work in a variety of growing industries, including health and information technology. Many PhD in management graduates contribute to the future of business practice through research or teaching.

• Auburn University
• Binghamton University
• California Baptist University
• Campbellsville University

PhD in USA in Computer Science

The PhD in Computer Science prepares students to research important aspects of computer engineering, such as computer architecture, integrated controller design, photonic processing, high-performance computing, and network computing.

• The George Washington University
• Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
• University of New Mexico
• Northern Arizona University

PhD in USA in Psychology

The American Psychological Association recognizes three doctoral programs in psychology: clinical, counselling, and school psychology. Those who wish to teach or conduct research should get a PhD in Psychology, whereas those who want to work in private practice or with patients should get a Psy.D.

• University of Arizona
• University of Maryland Baltimore County
• University of San Francisco
• Grand Canyon University

PhD in USA in Marketing

A PhD in Marketing is a full-time doctoral program that lasts three to five years. This is a professional degree that aims to prepare students to teach and do research by focusing on theoretical aspects of marketing.

• Indiana University
• New York University

PhD in USA in Biotechnology

PhD in Biotechnology is a three-year biotechnology doctoral degree that takes about three years to complete. Students in this program will learn about research methodology, scientific communication, and recent biotechnology trends, among other things.

• University at Buffalo
• University of Vermont
• University of Iowa

PhD in USA in Physics

Those pursuing a PhD in Physics may anticipate it to take four to five years to complete, with two years of classroom study and two to three years of research and experimental work for their dissertation.

A PhD in Physics may take four to five years to complete, with two years of classroom instruction and two to three years of thesis research and experiment work.

• Cornell University
• Rice University
• Southern Illinois University
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

PhD in USA in Microbiology

Microbiologists often need a PhD to do independent research and work at universities and institutions. Graduate students in microbiology focus on a particular branch, such as bacteriology or virology. A PhD program typically includes coursework, laboratory research, and the completion of a thesis. PhD in Microbiology typically takes four to six years to complete.

• University of Kentucky
• Colorado State University
• University of Nevada

PhD in USA in Public Health

A doctor of public health (DrPH) is a terminal degree that prepares graduates for careers in public health administration, management, research, or education.

• University of Utah

PhD in USA in Design

PhD in Design combines creativity and practical skills to produce a degree program with a wide range of applications. The topics and disciplines you study will be determined by your goals. From painting to lighting to animation and graphic design, a student can study it all.

• University of California
• Kansas State University

PhD in USA in Pharmacology

Three years of full-time study is required for a PhD in Pharmacology. In this course, students conduct research and ask questions concerning drug action and disposition. This course will prepare students to work in medical centers, clinics, or hospitals by providing them with a wide grasp of prescription drugs.

• Johns Hopkins University
• University of Washington

Some other top PhD courses in USA are:

• PhD in Data science USA
• PhD in Finance in USA
• PhD in Mathematics in USA

So, these were some top courses to study PhD in USA for Indian students.

PhD in USA with Scholarship

In the United States, universities usually provide financial aid to their students and it is rare for successful graduate students to be totally self-sufficient. Although the ‘sticker price’ for a US PhD may appear high, it is unlikely that you will pay that amount.

Funding will be available in a variety of forms. ‘Full-ride’ scholarships will cover tuition, living expenses, and other fees. Partial price reductions or full price waivers are also common options.

PhD in USA With Scholarship for Indian Students

Following is the list of scholarships for Indian students to pursue PhD in USA:

• Fulbright-Nehru Research Fellowship
• AAUW International Fellowships
• University of Iowa’s PhD Programs
• Fulbright-Nehru Doctoral research fellowship

Salary After PhD in USA

Unlike several European countries, the United States does not have a national minimum wage or compensation scale for PhD students. Depending on their school, the field of study, and location, PhD students can earn anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 per year.

PhD in USA with Stipend

The issue area and institution determine the amount of the stipend. Some universities give graduate students more money, while others give them less. Grants may be used to supplement an adviser’s income if he is well-funded. However, the most common figure is between INR 13.5L and 18.7L.

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Why choose the USA for your PhD?

PhD from USA has numerous advantages, especially for international students. Universities in USA follow a different structure compared to Europe as its PhD curriculum is designed for students to take their time to understand the subject fundamentals well before commencing their research. US universities have the best of faculty for PhD programs, students get access to industry experts to interact and learn from, learning in a multicultural environment provides Indian students with a diverse academic community adding to their network.

What is the structure of a PhD Program in the USA?

The first part of a PhD program in USA is generally like a taught Master’s with two types of coursework to study- core and elective. The design of the program will determine a student’s freedom to choose classes. Some courses may mandate personal development activities to provide a holistic learning experience. This is followed by a dissertation qualifying exam. Students who qualify get to work on their capstone project to finish the PhD degree in USA.

What is the duration of PhD programs in USA?

Duration of PhD programs in USA can vary depending on an individual’s level of education, choice of subject and available research opportunities. Typically PhD in USA takes 8-10 years to complete. Full-time students can complete their PhD degree in 5-6 years. If one has a Master’s degree s/he can complete her/his PhD degree in 4-5 years. In the US PhD, students spend the first 4 years on their program coursework and another 2-4 years on their PhD dissertation.

What are the advantages of doing a PhD in the USA?

PhD from USA has its oblivious advantages. Being a developed nation the country has the best infrastructure to offer to students with world-class academia. Funds are allocated in good numbers for research purposes that make USA a sought after destination for PhD aspirants. Close tie-ups with corporates keep students updated with the latest industry developments and the universities focus on providing talent that industry requirements, enhancing students’ earning potential.

Why should one pursue a PhD in the USA rather than a Master’s/ Bachelor’s?

The decision is more between a Master’s or a PhD from USA. A bachelor’s degree from USA is a matter of personal choice as it tends to be a year longer compared to European universities. Universities in USA grant PhD admission without a master’s degree for most of their courses. They do not offer coursework reduction for students who already have a master’s degree, which takes the course duration anything between 5-7 years for full-time students.

What are the Intake seasons for PhD programs in USA for Indian Students?

USA graduate programmes have specific application deadlines tied to the start dates for their taught classes. It’s common for application windows to open between August and December for admission to a PhD in the autumn or fall of the following year. The academic year for PhD in the USA consists of two teaching semesters: August-December and January-May.

What are the requirements to do a PhD in the USA for Indian Students?

Eligibility criteria for PhD programs in USA for Indian students are as follows:

• Successful master’s degree students with an exceptional profile and an undergraduate performance can directly apply for PhD in USA with 16 years of education.
• Competitive GRE score (GMAT for post-doctoral management programs).
• Many universities require GRE Subject Test scores.
• IELTS/TOEFL score for language proficiency
• Academic & Research projects, Internships and/or publications as desired by the university.

How to shortlist Universities for your PHD in the USA?

Universities in USA are known for providing quality education however while shortlisting a university for a PhD program there are certain considerations to be made. They are as follows:

• Choose a course- Not a university-based on ranking. Course curriculum, training, research opportunities, faculty, university accreditation are some of the more important points to be considered.
• Location- Completing a PhD program can take 6-8 years. Looking at your lifestyle and personal preferences before shortlisting a university. If you have an active lifestyle then a big city might be better, but if you like a relaxed way of living then a university away from the city may be better suited.

How do I Apply for a PHD in USA and what will be the application Fee?

Application requirements for PhD in USA may vary depending on the university you wish to apply to. However, there are some basic requirements across all US universities as mentioned below:

• Academic Transcripts
• Standardised Test Scores- GRE / IELTS / TOEFL
• Personal statements/Essay – describing your achievements and extra-curricular interests.
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing Samples-published papers, reports or articles if any. Or you may be asked to write an essay on a specific subject.
• Research Statement- If required by the university you will describe your general research interest and give some idea about your future course of direction.

The application fee may vary from $100-150 plus the fee for tests.

What are the employment opportunities after PhD in the USA for Indian Students?

Indian students can apply for jobs after completing their PhD degree in USA. However, the availability of jobs depends highly on one’s area of specialisation. A biomedical student may find more job opportunities than a music student. Taking up academic jobs are more common for PhD students. Also as an international student your visa type, status, work permit, sponsorship and employment rules for foreign nationals will play a crucial role in determining your career prospects in USA post-course completion

Is it possible to pursue PhD in USA without GRE?

• When applying for a PhD in the USA you will discover several universities that do not require GRE scores but prefer applications that include them. Here are the main possibilities for applying for a PhD in USA without GRE:
• You can apply to universities in the USA that offer PhD programs.
• You can choose from online or part-time PhD programs in the USA, as well as less selective universities that do not require the GRE.

What is part time PhD in USA?

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, is a university-awarded postgraduate degree. It is the highest level of academic degree available in a field. A Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) is a post-graduate degree awarded by a university’s business school or business faculty. Completing a Part Time PhD or a Part Time DBA can improve your career prospects significantly. A Part Time PhD or Part Time DBA degree can provide an advantage or be a required qualification for students or professionals interested in leadership, academia, consulting research, and entrepreneurship. Part-time PhDs and Part-time DBA programs are available at many universities around the world. The number of Part Time PhD and Part Time DBA programs available can be overwhelming.

Below are some of the part time PhD in USA which you can opt for your further studies:

• Ed.D. in Organization and Leadership
• PhD in Information and Technology
• PhD in Strategic Leadership
• PhD in Public Health
• PhD in Neuroscience
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering

Can I do PhD after MBA in USA?

Yes, after an MBA, one can pursue a PhD in USA. Several business schools around the world offer PhD programmes that can be pursued after completing an MBA. Many schools require some years of work experience for the MBA program.

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• Study in USA: Top Universities, Scholarships, Fees, Intake
• PhD in USA - Cost, Types, Eligibility & Duration

PhD in the USA - Types, Cost, Eligibility 2024

Confused about a phd in the usa here’s everything you need to know.

The US as a study-abroad country for post-graduate programs is unique in its way since its fundamentals include structured degree programs with comprehensive training and independent research. These extraordinary qualities enhance the appeal of the PhD programs and that’s why many students prefer to study here.

Why study PhD in the US?

The US institutions follow a rigorous approach in their graduate programs, which means they provide essential training and emphasis on professional development, which exceeds minimum requirements of ‘traditional’ research-focused PhD programs in other parts of the world.

• In-depth understanding: American PhD programs, on an initial stage, develop a deep understanding of the subject. This forms the basis of your research. So, instead of just focusing immediately on your dissertation proposal, you have the time to first understand what it is all about
• World-leading research institutions: The US institutions are ranked at the top of global league tables, which reflects their considerable investment in research output and expertise
• International perspective: US universities welcome a large number of international students from various countries. Therefore, irrespective of your subject area, you’ll always be part of a diverse academic community
• Innovation: The US is a kind of trendsetter in post-graduate studies . It is the second country after Germany to switch to the modern PhD degree that includes a structured approach to doctoral training
• Ample opportunities: With 50 states, six time zones and a large number of higher education institutions, whatever you plan to seek from your PhD study, is available to pursue 
• Funding: Most of the research-intensive universities in the US are substantially funded. This means more chances of financial aid to students than any other country 

Structure of the PhD

PhD programs in the US are a pure research degree. An original research is an essential requirement for an American doctorate since you need to present your rationale behind the thesis.

US doctorates begin with taught classes and assessments in the form of a comprehensive exam. Upon completion of which a student finalises their dissertation topic and start with the research.

Duration of PhD

Usually, the duration of PhD in the US is four to six years (full time). In which you’ll spend Year 1 to Year 4 on the coursework stage of the program and Year 2 to Year 4 on the dissertation.

The academic year in the US includes two teaching semesters i.e., August-December and January-May. During this time your classes and assessments will take place.

Types of PhD

Mostly, the US universities award the standard PhD or as an academic doctorate, which is equal to PhDs in other countries. However, some programs award professional doctorate degrees which include practical projects and case studies in addition to academic classes and dissertation research like the DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) and EdD (Doctor of Education).

The last type of ‘doctoral’ qualification is for students who seek to qualify for regulated professions like law or medicine, for example, JD (Doctor of Laws) and MD (Doctor of Medicine) degrees which are different from academic doctorates.

Eligibility criteria for PhD programs

The eligibility criteria vary as per the institution and stream of the study program. However, the basic requirements are the same across fields:

• 16 years of educational background
• Exceptional academic results in both levels i.e., undergraduate and master’s
• GMAT scores for post-doctoral management programs (some might ask for GRE test scores)
• Results of English language proficiency tests such as the IELTS
• Academic and research projects, internships, or publications

Popular fields of PhD study in the US

• Biological Sciences
• Anthropology
• Engineering

Cost of pursuing PhD in the US

Many American institutions offer PhD programmes therefore, the fees for the same vary a lot. However, actual fees depend upon public and private institutions and sometimes on a students’ resident status:

• Public institutions offer PhD degree normally at an average of $12,737 annually, but for international students, it may be higher
• Private institutions offer PhD at an average of $43,300 annually on graduate programs to all students

Also Read -  How you can finance your education in the USA

The modern PhD is a dynamic qualification to develop a wide range of transferrable skills. Therefore, the job market for PhD graduates is quite diverse. Besides, many students pursue careers in higher education including administration and leadership positions and academic posts. While others use their research and teaching expertise into professions of secondary and further education or public administration or industry.

Talk to our US education experts

Updated on February 3, 2022

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After You Are Admitted

Congratulations on your admission to a graduate program at Hunter College! Follow the steps below to accept your offer, commit to the College, and submit your official transcripts.

In order to reserve your space in the graduate program please respond to the enrollment survey through the online application no later than three weeks from the date of your official notification. Please log back into your online application using your Username and Password and click on the "Your application decision is now available online" link. This link will lead you to your official notification and the Hunter College Graduate  Enrollment Form  (located towards the bottom of the letter in purple font) where you can let us know whether you will be attending.

All newly accepted graduate degree students must submit a non-refundable, non-deferrable commitment deposit of $250 (USD) to reserve their space in the graduate program and register for courses. The commitment deposit will be credited towards the student's first semester tuition charges.  Commitment deposits are due three weeks from the date on your official acceptance letter.

• Graduate applicants admitted into a graduate degree program who are Veterans of the United States Military Service, currently on Active Duty or members of the National Guard or Reserves, ( submit the required proof ) are exempt from paying the $250 commitment deposit.
• Graduate applicants who are offered Non-Matriculated status are not required to pay the $250 commitment deposit.
• Applicants admitted into the Doctor of Education Degree (Ed.D.) Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), PhD in Nursing, and Doctor of Physical Therapy program (DPT) are not required to submit a commitment deposit. All admitted students need to acknowledge their acceptance through the online application system.
• Detach the bottom of your Commitment Deposit Form (the form will be included in your letter of acceptance).
• Write your Applicant (AY) ID Number on your check or money order payable to Hunter College.
• Submit your payment to either the Office of the Bursar (all students, except for Social Work) or the Silberman School of Social Work (if you are admitted to that school).

Mail your check or money order to:

ENROLLMENT NEXT STEPS

For new graduate students.

Once you have accepted your admission offer and committed to Hunter, review and complete the steps below in order to successfully start your journey at Hunter College as a new graduate student.

All admitted students must submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities and post-secondary schools attended, regardless of the number of credits earned at the institution. Official transcripts are those issued directly by the institution at which the coursework was completed and/or the degree earned, holding original seals and/or stamps and/or signatures. Official transcripts must arrive directly from the institution in a sealed institutional envelope or via secure electronic copy.

You do not need to send official transcripts prior to receiving a Graduate Admission offer from Hunter College.

If you previously attended Hunter College and have indicated this on your Graduate Admission Application, you do not need to request an official transcript from the Hunter College Office of the Registrar. Your official Hunter College transcript will be automatically retrieved.

Students Admitted to the School of Arts and Sciences, Department of Nutrition and Public Health, Doctor of Physical Therapy Program or the School of Nursing

Request that your official transcripts are mailed to:

Attn: Graduate Admissions Office, Room 223 North Hunter College 695 Park Avenue New York, NY 10065

Colleges/Universities Using Parchment Services/National Student Clearinghouse : Select "Hunter College Graduate Admissions" as the recipient.

Students Admitted to the Silberman School of Social Work

Attn: Enrollment Management, 7th Floor Silberman School of Social Work 2180 Third Avenue New York, NY 10035

For any questions, please email us at [email protected]

Within  five (5) business days  after you have committed to Hunter College and submitted your deposit in CUNYfirst, you will be able to activate your Hunter College email account.

To access your Hunter email, please log-in to Microsoft Office 365 and click on the “Outlook” icon. Your log-in credentials are as follows:

• CUNYfirst [email protected] ([email protected])
• Office 365 Password: Your CUNYfirst password

To access your Hunter email, enter your CUNYfirst username followed by @myhunter.cuny.edu at the login screen.

All official College communication will be sent to your Hunter College email address.  Make sure to activate your Hunter College O365 email account immediately and make a habit to check it regularly.

Within  five (5) business days  after you have committed to Hunter College and submitted your deposit in CUNYfirst, you will be sent your Hunter NetID and temporary password. Your NetID will be needed to:

• RSVP for student events
• complete various applications such as declaring a major/minor, late registration, and course repeat requests
• access Hunter's secure WiFi
• access off-campus library resources, computer labs, etc.

Keep an eye out for an email notification with subject line "Your Hunter College NetID." Follow the instructions in the email to activate your Hunter NetID and reset your temporary password.

Prior to registering for classes, all students are required to submit:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) immunization records
• Meningococcal Meningitis information

For instructions on how to submit both, please visit the Immunization Records website.

All new graduate students must consult with a graduate advisor prior to registering for classes.

Some programs have orientation sessions for the new graduate students, including the  School of Education . You will be contacted by your program directly if they will be hosting a new student orientation. We encourage you to attend these orientations. If your program does not host a new student orientation then you should contact the Graduate Advisor of your program.

All students are strongly encouraged to register for classes with the CUNY Schedule Builder. Schedule Builder is a real-time class scheduling tool that enables you to plan and register for courses that meet your schedules and other needs.

To register for classes, first visit your CUNYfirst account  to view your specific enrollment appointment date/time and to access your Class Schedule Builder.

As a new graduate student, you are required to obtain a student ID card known as the Hunter OneCard .

You may upload a photo for your OneCard in advance so that you may pick up your card on your next visit to campus.

How to Submit Your Photo

• Visit  https://onecard.hunter.cuny.edu
• Log in using your NetID and password.
• Navigate to the  Profile  window (located on the gray bar.)
• Open the online photo upload window by selecting  Click to submit a new photo. A new browser tab will open to the  Online Photo Submission application .
• Click the cloud upload icon to open a local folder to select a photo file,
• Drag a photo file to the cloud upload icon for upload, or
• Snap a photo when a camera is available for the browser device.
• Review the photo requirements, terms and conditions, and preview your uploaded photo.
• Crop and adjust your photo to center, if necessary.
• When satisfied with the image preview, click  Submit & Sign Out.  If not satisfied with the preview, click  Edit  pencil icon to restart the photo upload process.

Once the photo has been approved, your OneCard will be available for pickup on your next visit to campus.

Photo Guidelines

• Desired format: JPEG
• Should be cropped slightly above head to middle of chest
• Should be taken against a plain, light background
• Must be a color photo.
• Must not include sunglasses or hat.
• Must be positioned directly facing the camera.
• Eyes should be open and looking at the camera.
• Can not use any Photo Filters.

Non-Degree Students

To complete your admission as a non-degree student, additional steps may be required as follows:

• You must provide a copy of your diploma or academic transcript that indicates the conferral of the equivalent of a US bachelor's degree. (Unofficial copies of student transcripts are acceptable. Copies of online transcripts are not acceptable.)
• If you are a US Permanent Resident , you must provide a copy of both the front and back of your current permanent resident card.
• If your previous academic record(s) indicate that you had a different last name , you must provide a copy of a government-issued document indicating the name change (i.e., a marriage certificate/license, divorce decree, court order, etc.).

All documents should be scanned and uploaded directly to your Graduate Non-Degree Application. If you have already submitted your online application, additional documents may be submitted to the Graduate Admissions Office via email at [email protected].