what jobs do you need a phd for

Ten Jobs Where You Can Use Your PhD

By Michelle Lanchart and Stacy Hartman

Earning a PhD provides you with more skills and career opportunities than you might think it does. Below are ten jobs where you can use your PhD—some in academic settings and some not. There are many other opportunities available to you; this list is just a place to start thinking about your career options.*

1. Staff culture writer, digital media company

Staff writers report on artistic and cultural events, providing analysis and context for a broad audience on a variety of topics. As a PhD, you already have the excellent writing and research skills the job requires, and your advanced training in the interpretation of literature, culture, and language enhances your ability to articulate the significance of cultural and artistic phenomena.

2. Dean of students, private high school

A dean of students leads curriculum design, develops academic and behavioral policies, and determines the best strategies to build students’ academic success. The research, leadership, and teaching experience you acquired while earning your PhD makes you a good candidate in this field.

3. Assistant professor, university or college department

An assistant professor teaches undergraduate (and, depending on the institution, graduate) courses, serves on committees that help determine academic and organizational policies for the department and institution, and conducts research, with an eye toward receiving tenure.

4. Research associate, variety of companies

As a research associate you would gather data to determine whether a product or service is desirable to consumers or companies. Your extensive experience conducting research and presenting it to a variety of audiences is a transferable skill that you bring to research associate positions.

5. Development writer, nonprofit or university

A development writer builds relationships with donors and increases public engagement through written and oral communication. Your ability to write about specialized research or technical activities for a general audience is useful for this position.

6. Assistant director, learning programs

Assistant directors have a variety of responsibilities, from providing instructional support to faculty members and graduate students to assessing and improving educational services. This can be an exciting opportunity to apply your teaching and leadership experience beyond the classroom.

7. Associate director, global programs

Associate directors work with faculty members to develop programs and curricula for students studying abroad. Your experiences teaching, developing educational programs, as well as studying, living, and researching abroad, are ideal for this position.

8. Program officer, think tank, foundation, or scholarly association

As a program officer you would take the lead in program development, which involves procuring grants and funding, managing projects, and overseeing budgets. These roles leverage your experience applying for funding and managing complex projects.

9. Copywriter, many companies and organizations

Copywriters produce and edit copy (i.e., writing) for marketing campaigns and then plan and implement those campaigns, which help companies promote products and services across a variety of media. Excellent research and writing skills and an ability to write for different audiences are essential for this job.

10. Curriculum designer, educational technology

Curriculum designers develop educational content and curricula to be delivered digitally to students or employees and often provide technical support to instructors or trainers. This is a great role for those who have developed skills in the digital humanities or in blended learning, and it also leverages your experiences in teaching and in curriculum development.

Your PhD gives you the skills to pursue a variety of career paths. To learn more about how to prepare for the job search and how to gain experience in the industries that interest you, visit the  Connected Academics Web site .

*Please note that the job ads are provided as examples and may no longer be accepting applications. A job ad’s inclusion in this list does not constitute an endorsement of the employer by the MLA.

3 comments on “Ten Jobs Where You Can Use Your PhD”

Steve Colburn says:

And don’t forget Government service at the Municipal, County, State, and Federal Level. I know Language and Literature academics who have pursued rewarding careers at all of these levels of Government service to the public, and have received good financial compensation, enjoyed reliable job security, defined-benefit pension programs, and the opportunity to pursue a challenging, rewarding job! Retired Training Manager and Senior Organizational Policy Analyst for Local County Government in Sunny South Florida! Life Member of the MLA, since Grad School in 1976.

Peter Marbais says:

There are a number of language editing opportunities in addition to copy editing. I made the transition from teaching English literature and composition to editing documents for ESL writers aspiring to publish in English-language journals. My experience helping ESL students at the Kent State University writing center and in my composition courses paved the way to helping researchers from around the world. The work is highly rewarding, and there are a number of great resources available online for both contract editors (freelancers) and full-time editors. This link provides a good overview of several types of editing roles: https://www.thebalancesmb.com/freelance-editing-jobs-1360401 .

Peter Marbais, PhD, ELS Quality Control Editor III American Journal Experts, a Research Square company

David -Ross Gerling says:

I made the transition to a law firm in Spain whose clients are Brits and American ex-pats or just foreigners in trouble with the Spanish legal system. My work as ex-pat advocate is every bit as satisfying and infinitely more lucrative than teaching Spanish . David-Ross Gerling, PhD

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

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

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

What Can You Get a PhD In?

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

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

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

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

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

PhD in Anthropology

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

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

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

PhD in Biology

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

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

PhD in Business

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

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

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

PhD in Clinical Psychology

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

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

PhD in Computer Science

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

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

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

PhD in Education

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

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

PhD in English

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

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

PhD in Psychology

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

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

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

PhD in Nursing

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

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

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

PhD in Physical Therapy

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

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

How to Choose a PhD Program

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

These considerations can help you compare online PhD programs :

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

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

Do You Need a PhD to Be a Professor?

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

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

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

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

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

Here are some common admissions requirements:

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

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

What Is the Easiest PhD to Get?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Does It Matter Where You Get Your PhD?

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

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

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

Earning Your PhD Degree Online

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

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

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

How to get a PhD?

Interested in obtaining a phd learn more about the steps to earn a phd, careers with phd, list of colleges offering programs and more..

Updated by TCM Staff on 15th April 2021

How to get a PhD: Steps and Requirements Explained

15th April 2021

College Monk — How to Get a PhD

A PhD is a postgraduate doctoral degree awarded to those students who produce an original thesis and make a significant research contribution to their respective field.

PhDs are available for those in a variety of different fields, and it’s often considered the highest and most well-respected degree available. Earning a PhD truly establishes someone as an expert in their field and indicates the deepest level of knowledge on a particular subject.

What is a PhD?

PhD — technically short for Doctor of Philosophy — is a type of doctoral degree, often considered the highest-level degree one can earn.

A PhD is a type of research degree that requires students to do an extensive amount of research and produce an original work, known as a dissertation.

People often use their PhD as a launchpad to pursue a career in academia. But, it’s also a popular option for those pursuing a career in STEM.

Those with PhDs make up a fairly exclusive club. Data from the US Census Bureau shows that fewer than 5% of the population holds a doctorate. And it’s not surprising, considering it often takes up to eight years to achieve this coveted title and requires writing an original dissertation the length of a book.

A PhD is actually just one type of doctoral degree. PhDs are research-focused. The other type of doctorate is application-focused (also known as an applied doctorate).

Source:  https://strathsltresearchers.wordpress.com

PhD admission requirements 

Not just anyone can earn a PhD. Given how well-respected the title is, it takes a lot of work and very specific criteria to enter a doctoral program.

The most basic requirement that all PhD candidates must have is a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. You won’t be accepted without this. You also usually need a high GPA.

Another requirement is a statement of purpose. In this statement, doctoral candidates will describe why they’re seeking a PhD, what they’ve done so far to prepare themselves, and what goals they plan to accomplish later.

Finally, PhD applicants will need several letters of recommendation. 

If you’re considering pursuing a PhD, it’s critical that you work to build relationships with professors and mentors who might recommend you. There’s a lot of competition, especially for the top PhD programs, and excellent recommendations will help you to stand out.

Keep in mind that the requirements might vary somewhat from one school to the next, so it’s important to do your research and decide ahead of time where you’ll apply.

Steps to obtain a PhD

Earning a PhD is no easy feat. It takes most students years to do so. Let’s look into the steps someone must take to get a PhD.

Step 1: Complete an undergraduate degree

Before you can take the next step toward your PhD, you’ll first have to receive a bachelor’s degree through an undergraduate program at a reputable university.

This education will provide the foundation for your more advanced coursework later. It’s important that you maintain a high GPA throughout your undergraduate years.

Step 2: Complete a master's program

Once you complete your bachelor’s degree, the next natural step is to pursue a master’s degree.

Graduate school requires that a student take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). A master’s degree typically takes about two years to achieve, and will be in a particular field of study.

While not technically required for a PhD, most people earn a master’s degree before earning their PhD.

Step 3: Apply for a PhD program

Once you complete your graduate program, it’s time to apply for your PhD program.

There are many doctoral programs to choose from, so it’s important that you research and find the best fit for your field of study.

During the application process, you’ll have to submit the following:

• A completed application
• Undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• Your GMAT or GRE scores
• Letters of recommendation
• A statement of purpose

Step 4: Complete your coursework

When you begin your PhD program, you’ll start by taking your coursework. 

As is usually the case with undergraduate and graduate programs, you’ll likely have some required courses and some electives. Usually, students will prepare their own plan of study for the courses they’ll take over the next couple of years.

Step 5: Prepare a research proposal

A research proposal is a document that outlines what, exactly, a PhD student will focus on during their research. 

A research proposal should include the major question or questions someone plans to answer with their dissertation, and how exactly they plan to arrive at that answer. 

Even though the proposal won’t be a part of your final thesis, it plays a vital role in shaping your PhD.

Step 6: Complete a literature review

The literature review is the first thing you’ll do before starting your project report.

In this review, you’ll conduct an in-depth study of all the research in your field. During this phase, a doctoral student should critically assess the existing literature on their topic and find gaps they may be able to fill with their research.

Step 7: Research and collect results

Once a student has completed their literature review, they’ll do more first-hand research and perform experiments to help answer the questions they’re exploring for their dissertation.

Step 8: Produce a thesis and write a dissertation

Source:  https://www.wikihow.com

Once you’ve completed your research and gathered sufficient results, it’s time to write your final thesis and dissertation. 

Though the two terms are often used interchangeably, your thesis is the argument or conclusion you’ve arrived at, while your dissertation is where you demonstrate your thesis.

Your dissertation is the culmination of all the research you’ve done. Dissertations are original work and often focus on a newly developed theory. A dissertation is roughly the length of a book, and can often take years to produce.

Step 9: Viva Voce

Viva voce is a Latin phrase that means “with living voice” or “by word of mouth.” It’s also the final — and one of the most important — steps in the process of earning a PhD.

Unlike other degrees, where you take a final exam, a PhD candidate must defend their thesis before a panel of appointment examiners. It’s common for the examiners to ask many questions, and this process can often take several hours.

Once you successfully complete your viva voce, you’ll be awarded your doctorate and can add that coveted “Dr.” to your title.

Online colleges offering PhD programs

Many students choose to pursue a PhD through an online doctoral program for the flexibility and convenience it brings. 

Here are a few popular online PhD programs:

What can you do with a PhD?

A PhD is the highest-degree that someone can earn. But after all those years of work, what exactly can you do with your degree?

One of the most common career paths for someone with a PhD is academia. Those with a doctorate degree often go on to teach at universities or spend their careers performing research, not all that different from what they did to earn the degree in the first place.

But academia isn’t the only option for PhD recipients, nor is it the most lucrative. 

PhD students often study STEM fields — science, technology, engineering, and math. Those industries are thriving today more than ever, making it a great field for those holding a doctorate.

Source:  https://www.jax.org

Some of the highest-paying PhD fields include:

• Information assurance
• Computer science
• Biochemistry and molecular biology
• Organic chemistry

Though academia and STEM may be the most common paths for PhD participants, they’re hardly the only ones. There are many options available to someone with a PhD. Other non-STEM fields include clinical psychology, market research, business development, linguistics, and intelligence.

A doctorate is the highest level of degree someone can achieve. There’s no doubt that it takes a considerable amount of work, and it takes most people years to achieve this recognition. 

It’s important to understand these trade-offs before you get started. But once you earn your PhD, you will hold one of the most highly-respected titles in the academic field and have a lot of doors open to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. 1) How long does a PhD take?

A. According to CBS news on an average, an American Student takes 8.2 years to complete their Ph.D. This can change according to various courses and in various countries.

2. 2) What qualifications do I need?

A. In US Bachelors degree holders can also apply for Ph.D. For applying in a PhD program one should have completed 16 years of formal education. Qualification in the entrance test is also necessary.

3. 3) Can I take PhD as a part-time?

A. Yes, part-time PhD is possible, and it has a more flexible schedule with classes and degree completion. In some programs, a minimum one-year residency is required. But, part-time PhD will take more time, and managing a part-time PhD will be more challenging.

4. 4) What is M.Phil?

A. A M.Phil qualification is less advanced than that of a PhD. In this, the students are expected to master a content area and it can be mastered in two years. Moreover, the PhD dissertation takes more time than an M.Phil dissertation.

5. 5) What are Financial Aid options available for me?

A. For Ph.D. there are a lot of financial aid opportunities available in the form of Scholarship and loans. Eg: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

10 PhD in Psychology Jobs

Created by careersinpsychology

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Careers in psychology can last for decades, so you definitely want to pick the right path before you get started.

Psychology is a huge field, and jobs after a PhD in psychology cover a huge spectrum of interests, specialties, and industries.

You’re probably already well aware that those kind of qualifications don’t come cheap. According to 2020 data from NCES, the six or seven years you will spend in grad school getting that PhD or PsyD will run you anywhere from $73,000 to over $155,000 depending on the university.

Before you fork over that kind of cash, you probably want to know what jobs you can get with a PhD in psychology.

PhD in psychology careers are both lucrative and fulfilling. But they require specialization and focus, so you need to think about what area you want to concentrate in before you begin your PhD in psychology program.

These 10 doctorate in psychology jobs are some of the options on the table after you graduate.

1. Clinical Psychologist

Doctorate in psychology jobs don’t get any more iconic than work as a clinical psychologist. You want the office with a couch and people laying on it telling you about their childhood? This is the PhD in psychology career you pick to get it.

Clinical psychologists work directly with individuals and groups who need professional psychoanalysis to help them through mental health issues. Private practice isn’t the only option in this role, though. Plenty of clinical psychologists work in hospitals, clinics, and larger rehabilitation or long-term care facilities. You have a wide range of subspecialties you can choose from, ranging from addiction issues to couples counseling. Or you can remain a generalist, and enjoy the variety of challenges that walk in the door needing your assistance.

2. Research Psychologist

If you aren’t as much of a people-person, but are fascinated by behaviors and thought processes, then becoming a research psychologist may be the right pick for you. Research psychologists don’t engage in one-to-one therapy work, but instead investigate the causes and cures of mental illness in general. That can involve devising and executing psychological experiments, or mining huge databases of behavioral data to uncover trends.

3. Industrial/Organizational Psychologist

I/O psychologists make their mark in the psychology of work. Businesses and other organizations need to understand how group psychology effects productivity, happiness, and cohesion in the workplace. There is a science to workplace dynamics. A doctorate in psychology gives you the toolset to understand how groups interact under the hierarchy and pressure of a factory floor, a hospital ward, or a trading desk. Public and private companies can pay out big bucks for the right kind of advice to make their organizations more efficient and effective.

An online PhD degree can make it easy for you to build up the practical experience you need in this specialty even while you are still studying.

4. Forensic Psychologist

With shows like Criminal Minds and the popular CSI series making a splash in popular culture, a lot of people are pursuing a PhD in psychology with the idea of becoming a forensic psychologist. If you want to understand exactly how twisted and dark the human brain can become, a doctorate is definitely in your future.

But forensic psychologists aren’t usually chasing shadowy figures into dark allies and deducing where serial killers work and play. Forensic psychology is really a specialty that has to do with the psychology of law and legal process. That goes far beyond criminal justice, extending to jury evaluation in civil trials, public policy analysis, and even reviewing laws before they are passed to assess the impact on individuals and society.

5. Educational Psychologist

The human brain is in many ways a learning machine. How we process, absorb, and interpret the world around us is a constant consideration for all psychologists. But educational psychologists specialize in understanding how we acquire, process, and interpret knowledge.

Many educational psychologists work in schools, offering counseling to children, but it’s a broader role than that. Psychologists in this job may evaluate textbooks and curricula to make sure they are optimized for delivering information, or evaluate standardized tests to be sure they are accurately measuring knowledge. Educational policy and legislative development lean heavily on research pioneered by these doctorate in psychology jobs.

6. Developmental Psychologist

Developmental psychology is also concerned with how the brain learns and grows, but it’s a field with bigger fish to fry than just educational matters. It’s the study of mental processes across the lifespan, as the brain and sensory systems grow, mature, and eventually began to deteriorate. Developmental psychologists study and diagnose developmental mental health disorders, playing an important role in pediatric healthcare. But they are also active in researching some of the biggest issues at the other end of the lifespan, looking for ways to cure or treat Alzheimer's and other age-related psychological issues.

7. Social Psychologist

If you’ve ever wondered why a meme goes viral, the social psychology might be the PhD in psychology career for you.

Social psychologists take on some of the most fascinating challenges in the field: they specialize in how individuals both influence and are affected in their thinking by interacting with others. Group think is a thing, and how it happens is the province of the social psychologist. They examine how cultures come from shared thought patterns, and how those patterns both fulfill and constrain the thoughts of people within them.

Understanding social interactions and psychological effects is important for big companies, governments, and healthcare organizations. Social psychology researchers also have plenty of impact on marketing and sales campaigns, right down to picking out the colors for product logos.

8. Health Psychologist

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, health psychology has developed into one of the most fascinating branches of the field. The world has turned into a showcase of reactions to the coronavirus, from panic to outright denial, providing data that will feed future health psychology PhD dissertations for decades.

But it’s also a moment in which more people than ever need the kind of help and advice that health psychologists can offer. From counseling patients on ventilators and in isolation to advising public health agencies on the best campaigns to increase vaccine acceptance rates, health psychologists have had their shining moment thrust upon them. With new recognition of the importance of professional PhD counseling in healthcare, that moment isn’t likely to fade anytime soon.

9. Sports Psychologist

Becoming a sports psychologist is a dream job for any sports fan. Since there are a lot of sports fans in the United States, that makes it a particularly tough field to get into. But the rewards are massive.

Sports psychologists can and do work with pro athletes in any kind of competitive event, including big names who play for major teams. They might work for the teams themselves, advising on team building and coaching processes. In other cases, they work with individual athletes to maximize performance or help with injury recovery.

But sports psychologists play important roles in rehab and assisting amateur athletes, too. Not everyone needs to work for an NBA team to get satisfaction and deliver real results in this field.

10. Neuropsychologist

We saved the toughest job for last. Neuropsychologists explore the boundaries between the mental and the physical. They study the physiological processes underlying thoughts, perceptions, and feelings for a better understanding of how people think. That gives them an edge in determining when problems are purely psychological, or have a basis in physical injury or disease.

The reverse is also true, and neuropsychologists play an important role in research by helping the field of brain science interpret findings of imaging and experiments by translating them into effects on mental processes. New understanding of traumatic brain injury and diseases like Alzheimer's come out of neuropsychology research. It’s one of the most rewarding PhD in psychology jobs you will find.

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12 Career Paths You Can Pursue With a Doctorate in Business Administration

If you are considering earning your DBA online to increase your career possibilities and salary potential, a good starting point is to do a deep dive into the jobs you can get with an advanced business administration degree. 

Online DBA degree programs can enhance the careers of many professionals by equipping them with marketable, high-level skills like data-driven decision making, business intelligence, and ethical leadership. 85% of surveyed professional doctorate graduates say that their degree facilitated a promotion or career change. Additionally, 97% of DBA graduates report receiving a full-time job offer within six months of graduation.

Post-graduate education in business administration can equip you for greater success in your field. Consider 12 of the jobs that a business administration program can prepare graduates to fill. 

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Business Consultant

Business consultants — also called management consultants or management analysts — work with corporations and organizations to achieve their specific goals. A consultant may be retained in order to work on a specific company project, such as a reorganization or expansion. Consultants will request and review data and information about the organization then make recommendations for best practices based on what they observe. 

The consultant’s job is often split into two parts that work together: reviewing past information and presenting future plans. Therefore, consultants need to be skilled both in data analysis and in effective communication, so that they can empower their clients to make informed, clear decisions. Graduates of doctorate in business administration degree programs will especially excel at these dual responsibilities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that management analyst roles will grow by 14% between 2020–2030 , which is faster than the average rate for all occupations. They list a median annual salary of $87,660, however, that is based on bachelor and master’s level management analyst roles as well. The highest 10% of earners in these roles earned over $156,840 per year. 

C-Suite Executive

Professionals who hold a doctorate-level degree in business administration and have many years of relevant experience in their field are equipped to enter c-level roles such as chief executive officer, chief administrative officer, or chief operations officer. These professionals are typically responsible for oversight of many major aspects of a company, including employee teams, budgeting, and projects. 

Executive leadership roles such as c-suite positions are increasingly technical as the marketplace shifts toward higher prioritization of data and metrics. In fact, artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning technologies are the top three technical skills that are in-demand for C-suite executives. Business administration degrees that emphasize business intelligence are a perfect fit.

The BLS projects 8% growth rate in top executive roles between 2020 and 2030. They list a median annual wage for chief executives of $185,950. 

Economists study data, trends, and economic issues in order to understand various aspects of resource production and distribution. They may conduct surveys, perform statistical analysis, and use various technological tools and software programs to evaluate economic trends. 

Professionals in the economics field will find that a doctorate of business administration enhances their capacity to make interpretations and forecast trends in the marketplace. Their degree program will also strengthen their leadership skills, further empowering them to share their forecasts and predictions with key stakeholders of businesses, organizations, government agencies, or even individuals in order to assist them in making economic decisions.

The BLS lists a median annual wage of $108,350 for economists . However, this estimate includes economists with master’s degrees. Economists with doctoral degrees may have a higher earning potential that is closer to the top 10% of economist’s salaries listed by the BLS, which is higher than $198,230.

Professors who hold a doctorate of business administration are likely to teach classes in a college or university’s business school, and to cover topics like business practices, management skills, or ethical leadership. The day-to-day work of a professor may include meeting with a student to discuss a paper or exam grade, making lesson plans, and conducting a survey that will inform an upcoming scholarly article. 

The BLS projects a 12% growth rate for postsecondary teachers between 2020 and 2030. The median annual wage for these professionals was $80,560 in May 2020. The top 10% earned more than $179,540.

Organizational Development Manager

Organizational development managers determine what types of training and development could help the organization and its employees reach their goals. An organizational development manager may work with both teams and individuals in order to make development plans. Professionals with experience as human resources generalists or training managers who graduate from a doctorate of business administration degree program will find themselves well-suited for roles in organizational development management.

Organizational development managers are responsible for selecting training opportunities that align with the company’s objectives, creating and managing staff development budgets, and evaluating training programs and those who lead them. 

The BLS projects that roles for training and development managers will grow 11% between 2020–2030 , which is faster than the average for all occupations. These professionals earned a median salary of $115,460 in May 2020, with the top 10% of earners receiving over $200,210.

Director of Human Resources

A director of human resources (HR director) may work in any number of business fields. The HR director develops and implements policies, plans and coordinates activities, and oversees various components of organizational staffing. This professional will be responsible for recruitment, hiring, and training of staff members, delivery of performance evaluations, and, when necessary, disciplinary issues including termination. 

HR directors, who typically have years of experience in human resources or a requisite role, often work closely with senior leaders to ensure that the company culture is aligned with the organization’s goals and objectives. They are also involved in various dynamics of company procedures such as compensation, benefits, leave, and occupational health and safety. 

The BLS does not project a growth rate or list an average salary for Directors of Human Resources. However, they project a growth rate of 9% between 2020–2030 for human resources managers, which may shed some light on the subject. According to Built In , the average base salary for an HR director is $140,493 with an average of 432,770 in additional cash compensation, totaling $173,713.

Government Program Manager

Across all branches of the military and dozens of government agencies, skilled leaders with experience and education in workforce planning and leadership are needed to manage people and programs. A program manager in the federal government, for example, may work for the Environmental Protection Agency to develop training programs and conduct strategic planning. A program manager who works for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission may advise commission leaders, oversee nation-wide programs, and direct policy development.

At the local level, program managers may work for a city or state. They might, for example, be responsible for designing and implementing programs that lead a city’s decarbonization efforts. A program manager in such a position may collaborate with other leaders to create a plan for increasing their area’s use of green energy.

At the federal level, many program manager jobs are ranked as GS-15 according to the General Schedule Pay Scale. That means a salary range of $110,460 - $143,598 per year. As far as the state and local level, Payscale lists the average government program manager salary as $91,657 .

Nonprofit Executive Director

Nonprofit executive directors are the primary leaders of charitable organizations. They are responsible for overseeing programs that align with the organization’s mission and industry best practices. Oftentimes, their roles entail fundraising, strategic planning, and advising the board of directors. Nonprofit directors may have worked in the field for decades, or they may be transitioning from a public or private role into the philanthropic sector. Skills like leadership, strategic planning, and financial management may transition well to a nonprofit executive director role when combined with a doctorate of business administration degree.

The ability to understand the needs of the population the organization serves both through data and relationships are invaluable for such a leader — and makes a doctorate in business administration a great asset. These leaders need to be able to put together and activate staff teams who can accomplish great things with limited resources.

Salaries for nonprofit executive directors tend to vary based on the size of the organization and its budgets. The BLS does not track nonprofit executive director salaries or job projections specifically, but they do state that the average mean salary for top executives in social advocacy organizations was $164,010 as of May 2020 .

Strategic Planner

Strategic planners work to innovate and implement projects, systems, and strategies that improve a company or organizations. They may create and present various plans, or stages of plans, that project years into the company’s future — and outline the steps to take along the way. Graduates of doctorate of business administration degree programs who also have experience in management and analysis are strong candidates for strategic planner roles.

Strategic planners need to have a varied skill set that includes the ability to analyze data, design plans and strategies that address weaknesses, and communicate concepts with key stakeholders.

While it is not an exact match, the management analyst projections and salary listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics are useful for understanding the possible range for strategic planners. The BLS lists an average median salary of $87,660 for management analysts in May 2020 and a projected job growth rate of 14% from 2020–2030.

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts monitor and forecast marketplace trends. They work in most fields of industry studying and projecting sales and marketing trends so that the companies they work for can make strategic, data-driven decisions about the products and services they offer. Marketing assistants and account representatives will be strong candidates for a market research analyst career path when they combine their professional experience with a doctorate of business administration degree.

These professionals explore everything from consumer demographics to product demand in order to provide research-based recommendations for marketing, advertising, and sales efforts. They employ statistics, visualizations like charts and graphs, and research methods such as polls, surveys, and focus groups to inform their recommendations. 

The BLS lists an average median salary of $65,810 for market research analysts with 10% of senior market research analyst professionals earning over $127,410. Market research analyst job positions are projected to grow by 22% from 2020–2030.

Project Manager

For graduates of a business administration degree program who enjoy empowering others to learn, grow, and work together effectively, the role of project manager is a great profession to consider. 

A project manager may work as a consultant or work at a company full time to oversee various company projects. Professionals in these positions are often responsible for setting project goals and milestones, collaborating with teams to ensure progress, and assessing projects at various stages. They oversee the timeline and budget, allocate resources, and update key stakeholders.

The BLS lists an annual median salary of $77,420 for project management specialists and business operations specialists, with the top 10% earning $135,220 or more. The BLS expects 9% job growth for management occupations between 2020–2030. 

Logistician

Logisticians analyze data, current events, and company performance to coordinate their company’s supply chain . They typically manage the full life cycle of a product, allocate needed materials, and work with suppliers and customers to create positive outcomes for all involved. The skills developed in a doctorate of business administration degree program can enhance and build upon the abilities of logisticians.

Logisticians may design strategies to improve efficiencies, perform troubleshooting tasks, and work to reduce costs for their company. While most logisticians work in manufacturing, they also find employment in the government, professional services, private corporations, and more. 

The BLS projects a 30% growth rate between 2020–2030 for logisticians , which is much faster than the rate for all occupations. They list a median annual wage of $76,270 for this position, with the highest percent earning more than $122,580. 

Accelerate Your Career with an online Doctorate of Business Administration from Marymount University 

The marketplace needs data-savvy leaders. Through the online Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Business Intelligence program at Marymount University Online you can prepare for high-level business management.

Our 100% online DBA program takes less than three years and focuses on applied research that directly correlates to the real-world. Prepare to lead with a DBA in Business Intelligence .

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10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree

So you want to do a PhD degree, huh? Here we've got everything you need to know about getting started.

So you want to do a PhD degree, huh? Are you sure about that? It’s not going to be an easy decision, so I’ve put together a list of 10 things you need to know before starting a PhD degree. Oh, and don’t panic!

I have recently graduated from the University of Manchester with a PhD in Plant Sciences after four difficult, but enjoyable, years. During those four years, I often felt slightly lost – and there was more than one occasion on which I didn’t even want to imagine writing up my thesis in fear of delving into fits of panic.

On reflection, I realise that – to quote a colleague – commencing my PhD was like “jumping in the deep end with your eyes closed.” If only I’d known to take a deep breath.

1. Are you sure you want to do a PhD degree?

Let’s be under no false impressions, completing a PhD isn’t easy. There will be times when you feel like Wile E Coyote chasing after the Roadrunner – a little bit out of your depth a lot of the time. It’s four years of your life, so make sure it is what you really want to do.

If you want to pursue a career in science, a PhD isn’t always necessary.

It is possible to make great inroads into industry without a doctoral degree. That said, a PhD can also be a very useful qualification with many transferable skills to add to your CV.

By the time you’ll have finished, you can include essentials such as time management, organisational skills, prioritising workloads, attention to detail, writing skills, presenting to an audience – and most importantly – resilience, to name but a few.

2. Choose your project, and supervisor, wisely.

This is  very  important.

Time after time, our experienced scientists at EI, including Erik Van-Den-Bergh (and I agree) say, “ make sure you’re extremely passionate about exactly that subject. ” When I saw the PhD opening that I eventually was offered, I remember being demonstrably ecstatic about the project before I’d even started it.

I was always interested in calcium signalling and organised a meeting with my potential supervisor immediately, which (to quote Billy Connolly) I leapt into in a mood of gay abandon.

Not only does this help you to keep engaged with your project even through the painstakingly slow times, it also greatly enhances your ability to sell yourself in an interview. If you can show passion and enthusiasm about the project and the science then you’ll be that one step ahead of other candidates – which is all the more important now that many studentships are competitive.

You have to  be the best  out of many, often exceptional candidates.

However, as important as it is to be passionate about your project, make sure that the person who will be supervising you is worthy.

Does your potential supervisor have a prolific track record of publishing work? What is the community of scientists like in the lab you may be working in? Are there experienced post-doctoral scientists working in the lab? Who will your advisor be? Is your supervisor an expert in the field you are interested in? Is the work you will be doing ground-breaking and novel, or is it quite niche?

There is nothing more frustrating – and I know many PhD degree students with this problem – than having a supervisor who is rarely there to talk to, shows little interest in your work, and cannot help when you are struggling in the third year of your project and some guidance would be much appreciated.

Personally, and I was very lucky to have this, I think it’s incredibly useful to have two supervisors. My PhD degree was split between the University of Manchester and the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth. Between my supervisors, I had two people with expertise in different fields, who could give me some fantastic advice from different perspectives. This also meant that I had two people to check through my thesis chapters and provide useful comments on my drafts.

Make sure you are passionate about your subject before taking it to PhD level. And by passionate I mean  really  passionate.

For a start, you will most likely have to write a literature review in your first three months, which if done well will form the main bulk of your thesis introduction and will save you a lot of stress and strain when it comes to writing up.

At the end of your first year, you will have to write a continuation report, which is your proof that you deserve to carry on to the end of your three or four years. This doesn’t leave much time for lab work, which means time management is incredibly important. If you think you’ll be able to swan in at 11 and leave at 3, think again.

Fundamentally, never, ever rest on your laurels! As tempting as it may be to slack-off slightly in the second year of your four year PhD, don’t.

4. Be organised.

This is a no-brainer but still, it’s worth a mention. Take an hour on a Monday morning to come up with a list of short-term and long-term goals. You’ll probably have to present your work at regular lab meetings, so it’s always worth knowing what has to be done (lest you look a pillock in front of the lab when there’s nothing to show for your last two weeks.)

It’s always good to have a timeline of what will be done when. If you have a PCR, maybe you can squeeze in another experiment, read a few papers, start writing the introduction to your thesis, or even start collecting the data you already have into figures.

The more good use you make of your time, the easier it’ll be to finish your PhD in the long run. Plus, it’s lovely to sit back and look at actual graphs, rather than worry about having enough to put into a paper. Once you’ve typed up your data, you’ll realise you’ve done far more than you had anticipated and the next step forward will be entirely more apparent.

5. Embrace change – don’t get bogged down in the details.

Felix Shaw – one of our bioinformatics researchers at EI – put it best when he said, “ it felt like I was running into brick walls all the way through [my PhD]… you’d run into a brick wall, surmount it, only to run straight into another. ”

You’ll find that, often, experiments don’t work. What might seem like a great idea could turn out to be as bad as choosing to bat first on a fresh wicket on the first day of the third Ashes test at Edgbaston. (Yeah, we don't know what that means either - Ed).

Resilience is key while completing your PhD. Be open to change and embrace the chance to experiment in different ways. You might even end up with a thesis chapter including all of your failures, which at the very least is something interesting to discuss during your  viva voce .

6. Learn how to build, and use, your network.

As a PhD student, you are a complete novice in the world of science and most things in the lab will be – if not new to you – not exquisitely familiar. This matters not, if you take advantage of the people around you.

Firstly, there are lab technicians and research assistants, who have probably been using the technique you are learning for years and years. They are incredibly experienced at a number of techniques and are often very happy to help show you how things are done.

There are postdocs and other PhD students, too. Not only can they help you with day-to-day experiments, they can offer a unique perspective on how something is done and will probably have a handy back-catalogue of fancy new techniques to try.

There are also a bunch of PIs, not limited to your own, who are great to talk to. These people run labs of their own, have different ideas, and might even give you a job once you’ve completed your PhD.

Don’t limit yourself to the labs directly around you, however. There are a massive number of science conferences going on all around the world. Some of them, such as the Society of Biology Conference, take place every year at a similar time in different locations, attracting many of the leaders in their respective fields.

If you are terrified by the prospect of speaking at a full-blown science conference and having your work questioned by genuine skeptics, there are also many student-led conferences which will help you dangle your fresh toes in the murky waters of presenting your work.

One such conference, the Second Student Bioinformatics Symposium, which took place at Earlham Institute in October 2016, was a great place for candidates to share their projects with peers, who are often much more friendly than veteran researchers with 30 year careers to their name when it comes to the questions at the end of your talk.

Another great reason to attend conferences, of course, is the social-side too – make the most of this. You never know who you might meet and connect with over a few drinks once the talks are over and the party commences.

7. Keep your options open.

You should be aware that for every 200 PhD students,  only 7  will get a permanent academic post , so it’s  incredibly unlikely that you’ll become a Professor  – and even if you make PI, it probably won’t be until your mid-forties.

You may also, despite having commenced along the academic path, decide that actually, working in a lab environment isn’t for you. Most PhD graduates, eventually, will not pursue an academic career, but move on to a wide range of other vocations.

It might be that Science Communication is more up your street. This was certainly the case for me – and I made sure that I took part in as many public engagement events as possible while completing my PhD. Most Universities have an active public engagement profile, while organisations such as STEM can provide you with ample opportunities to interact with schools and the general public.

You might also consider entrepreneurship as a route away from academia, which might still allow you to use your expert scientific knowledge. There are a variety of competitions and workshops available to those with a business mind, a strong example being Biotechnology YES.

I, for example, took part in the Thought for Food Challenge, through which I have been able to attend events around the world and meet a vast array of like-minded individuals. Many of the participants from the challenge have gone on to set up successful businesses and have even found jobs as a result of the competition.

8. Balance.

Remember that you still have a life outside of your PhD degree – and that this can be one of the greatest opportunities to make amazing friends from around the world.

A science institute is usually home to the brightest students from a variety of countries and can provide a chance to experience a delightful range of different people and cultures. Don’t just stick to the people in your lab, go to events for postgraduate students and meet people from all over campus.

There are usually academic happy hours happening on Fridays after work where you can buy cheap beer, or some lucky institutions even have their own bar. At Norwich Research Park, we not only have the Rec Centre, along with bar, swimming pool, calcetto, samba classes, archery, and a range of other activities, but there are also biweekly “Postdoc pub clubs” which are very fun to join on a Tuesday evening.

Maintain your hobbies and keep up with friends outside of your PhD and you’ll probably find it’s not that gruelling a process after all.

Plus, the people you meet and become friends with might be able to help you out – or at least be able to offer a sympathetic shoulder.

9. Practical advice.

If, after reading all of this, you’re still going to march forth and claim your doctorhood, then this section should be rather useful.

Firstly, make sure your data is backed up. It’s amazing how many people don’t do this and you’d be bonkers not to. Keep your work saved on a shared drive, so that if your computer decides to spontaneously combust upon pressing the return key, you won’t have lost all of your precious work – or have to go through every one of your lab books and type it all up again.

Secondly, don’t leave your bag in the pub with your half-written thesis in it. I did this, the bag was fine, I was in a state of terror for at least half an hour before the kind person at Weatherspoons located said bag.

Thirdly, read. Read broadly, read anything and everything that’s closely related to your project – or completely unrelated. It’s sometimes amazing where you might find a stroke of inspiration, a new technique you hadn’t thought of … or even in idea of where you might like to go next.

Finally, ask questions – all of the time. No matter how stupid it might sound in your head, everyone’s probably been asked it before, and if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

You’ll probably look far less stupid if you just ask the person standing next to you how the gradient PCR function works on your thermal cycler rather than standing there randomly prodding buttons and looking flustered, anyway.

10. Savour the positives.

At the end of all of this, it has to be said that doing a PhD is absolutely brilliant. There’s no other time in your life that you’ll be this free to pursue your very own project and work almost completely independently. By the time you come to the end of your PhD, you will be the leading expert in the world on something. A real expert! Until the next PhD student comes along …

Related reading.

A PhD, is it worth it? Just ask our students

The realities of doing a PhD

My advice for PhD students? See what bites

COVID and my PhD: to lockdown and back

How does a PhD work and how to find the right one

Building the confidence to take on a PhD

PhD life, 10 things we learned in our first six months

What’s the third year of a PhD like? Tips for navigating your PhD

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Comparing the differences between MD vs. PhD vs. professional doctorate

By Michael Feder

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.  Read more about our editorial process.

Reviewed by Marc Booker, PhD, Vice Provost, Strategy

At a glance

• MD is the abbreviation for Doctor of Medicine and PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. These are two types of doctoral degrees in addition to professional doctorates. 
• An MD is a doctoral degree for medical professionals, while a PhD is an academic degree focused on original research. Somewhat similar to a PhD are professional doctorates, which focus on applying practical research to problems in workplaces or communities.   
• A professional or practice-based doctorate (EdD, DBA, etc.) can be medical, and others are for scholar-practitioners in disciplines like education, business or psychology.
• University of Phoenix does not offer MD or PhD programs, but students can earn a doctorate in business, nursing, education or healthcare that allows them to build upon their industry expertise. Learn more about the differences between these degree programs and if one of the  five doctoral programs  at University of Phoenix is right for you !

What is a doctorate? Breaking down the three types

Some people might confuse an  MD (Doctor of Medicine)  with a  PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) , and vice versa. While both an MD and a PhD are prestigious degrees near the top of the  academic ladder , they each have a different meaning and come with very  different requirements .

Different still from both of those degrees are professional doctorates, which allow industry professionals to translate their education and experience into credibility and leadership through research. Professional doctorates have similar requirements to PhDs, such as a dissertation and residency, but focus on the application of research and professional growth over original research.

Upon graduation, those who have earned any of these three degrees can call themselves a “doctor,” but the path to a degree, the purpose behind it and its applications vary based on the choice. MD graduates want to work in medicine and healthcare. PhDs want to bring new knowledge and research to the world. A practice-based doctoral graduate wants to grow in their professional expertise. (If the last one sounds like you, University of Phoenix can help!)

Keep reading to learn more about these doctoral programs and which is right for you.

What does MD stand for?

MD is an abbreviation for Doctor of Medicine and identifies a  medical practitioner  who has completed undergraduate studies and four years of medical school. An MD program teaches medical students about the human body and diseases through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical labs.

Several  types of physicians  might have this degree, depending on their area of study. For example, medical practitioners with an MD degree might become a medical doctor and potentially specialize in dermatology, cardiovascular disease, family medicine, oncology, pediatrics, neurology or preventive medicine. As you can see, this degree  can lead to a variety of career paths , depending on which specialty interests you and what your medical education is.

Learn more about online doctoral degrees at University of Phoenix. 

How to earn an MD

Becoming a Doctor of Medicine  requires a significant investment of time and money, but the reward can be well worth it. Before medical school, you’ll need to  take the Medical College Admission Test  (MCAT ® ) and earn a passing score. You’ll also need to build a portfolio of coursework and experience to help you gain admittance to medical school.

Medical school typically takes students four years to complete. You’ll learn the latest techniques and approaches for patient assessment, diagnosis and treatment. Medical schools commonly provide a combination of classroom,  research and clinical experience . You’ll work alongside peers and healthcare professionals as you develop skills in general medicine.

You’ll choose a field to specialize in during your final year of medical school. Students have more than 120 options to choose from when specializing, including  primary care,   pediatrics, geriatrics, emergency medicine and family medicine .

After graduating, you’ll complete residency training to further develop skills in your specialty. Residency typically lasts three to seven years, depending on the field you’ve selected. During the residency portion of your education, you’ll treat patients under the supervision of more experienced physicians.

Even after you begin to practice as an MD,  the educational portion of your career never stops . As practices change, patient needs evolve and research continues, MDs benefit from ongoing education to stay current.

What does PhD stand for?

A PhD, or  Doctor of Philosophy , is a doctoral degree that recognizes graduates who have completed a full postsecondary program. Students can earn a PhD in more fields than philosophy. After completing the necessary coursework, original research and hands-on experience, you can earn a PhD in fields like science, the humanities and engineering.

Earning a PhD can help unlock a wide range of potential career opportunities. Computer engineers, research scientists, statisticians, healthcare administrators, professors, chemists and other careers commonly require a PhD degree, in addition to appropriate undergraduate study.

How to earn a PhD

Becoming a PhD is also a  serious commitment  that requires an investment of  time, money and energy .

Here is what’s typically required to become a PhD:

• Complete a bachelor’s degree in your field
• Complete a master’s degree in an appropriate field
• Pass any program entrance exams
• Fulfill coursework, research and hands-on lab requirements in your program
• Finalize and defend your dissertation as a  doctoral candidate  (unless your program specifies otherwise)

It’s important to note that many PhD  programs have different requirements , prerequisites and parameters for students. Check with your preferred institution for a more detailed explanation of these requirements.

What is a professional doctorate?

While some professional or practice-based doctorate programs are medical,  others are designed for professionals in other fields . These programs are meant for  scholar-practitioners  in disciplines like education, business or psychology. One of the key differences between this degree and a PhD is the focus on applying research to a professional setting rather than conducting theoretical and research-focused studies. Often, programs are differentiated as academic versus professional.

Examples of doctoral degrees are Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Practice and Doctor of Business Administration. Each of these programs focuses on a specific discipline and applying research in those areas to a professional setting.

How to earn a doctorate

While  practitioner doctoral programs  teach different skills, they all share common requirements. You’ll need to  complete a bachelor’s degree  in your field and sometimes a master’s degree, depending on program requirements.

After completing the necessary coursework and research, students also typically need to finish a supervised thesis and defend their dissertation or capstone project-specific coursework, research and hands-on labs alongside other students in the same field. However, this will depend on the specific program and its requirements.

What does the title “Dr.” really mean?

The term “doctor” or “Dr.” is commonly used today to describe a wide variety of occupations. Students who complete a doctoral degree can earn the title of “Dr.” even though they earned their credentials in a non-medical field like education or business management.

While a variety of professionals can earn a doctorate, the term is often still  reserved for medical practitioners . In conventional use,  doctors typically refer to medical physicians . However, it is appropriate to use “Dr.” if you graduated from any of the three programs discussed above.  

read similar articles

What is doctoral candidacy?

Practitioner doctoral degree programs at university of phoenix.

While University of Phoenix (UOPX)  does not have  MD or PhD programs, it does offer several professional doctoral degrees that can be earned completely online. Students might choose the UOPX programs because classes are flexible and offered online, and because of the University’s unique “ Scholar-Practitioner-Leader model .”

If you are curious about a doctoral degree, the following programs are available at UOPX:

• Doctor of Business Administration  — This doctorate can help you gain strategic vision and skills to position yourself as a business leader. It explores how to solve organizational problems, how to design and conduct research studies, how to introduce innovative business ideas to the industry and more.
• Doctor of Management   — This doctorate equips you with critical thinking skills to find creative solutions to complex problems.
• Doctor of Education  — This doctoral program prepares you to use analytical, critical and innovative thinking to improve performance and solve complex problems in education.
• Doctor of Health Administration  — If you’re a health professional who is seeking greater responsibility in shaping the future of the health sector, this doctorate can help you meet the challenges inherent to today’s healthcare landscape, including economic fluctuations, burgeoning patient needs and industry-changing legislation.
• Doctor of Nursing Practice  — This doctorate is designed for working nurses who require a doctorate for advanced practice or nurses who desire their terminal degree. It does not prepare students for professional certification or state licensure as a nurse or as an advanced practice nurse.

These doctoral studies are only some of the many options for professionals who want to gain the  highest academic credentials  in their fields. Doctoral programs offer significant benefits to program graduates, including  newly developed skills , insight into field trends, hands-on research opportunities and  leadership capabilities .

Completing a doctoral program is also a strong indication to employers that you’re serious about your career and your field. With so many options for advanced study, these programs are available for most major fields. Even if you have already completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree in your discipline, a doctorate lends further credibility to your reputation and  can help prepare you for a leadership position .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Feder is a content marketing specialist at University of Phoenix, where he researches and writes on a variety of topics, ranging from healthcare to IT. He is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University Writing Seminars program and a New Jersey native!

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What Can You Do With a Human Services Degree?

Understanding the Numbers When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors — like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

When you think about the principles that are most important to you, do they factor into choosing your career path? Suppose your career goals include making an impact on a personal level by working for departments and organizations whose purpose is to help facilitate change and improve lives. In that case, a degree in human services is an excellent match for your education and career.

Because of the versatility of the degree, whether you're content with a bachelor’s or plan to continue your education by working toward a master’s in social work or another related field, a bachelor’s in human services provides you with the education and skills you need to begin your career — and build a successful one.

What is Human Services?

From the social worker running an anti-bullying campaign for an after-school program to the caregiver at an adult daycare, human services are just that — providing services that the people of the community need.

Built on a foundation of ethics and an understanding of cultural and economic diversity, those in the human services field strive to help people with varied backgrounds find the services and programs that they need to better their situations, whether they are advocating for children, giving care to the elderly or assisting in rehabilitation treatment.

Consider a Human Services Degree

Much thought goes into choosing a degree path that's right for you. For example, suppose you're drawn to working closely with your community and the people that make up your neighborhood. In that case, a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Human Services is a path worth your consideration. Gaining some insight into what human services are, and the possible employment options upon completing your degree, will help you determine if human services is the right field for you.

There's much to consider when starting your degree, including what area of study you'd like to focus on. Whether you’re weighing your future earning potential with the cost of your education in terms of both time and finances, or you’re concerned about the future outlook for job availability in the human services field after you graduate, you'll want to consider what you can do with a human services degree.

Why Should You Study Human Services?

Many students who enter a human services degree program are “helpers” who are invested in positively impacting individuals and communities. Those who choose human services as a career are there because they want to be in the " helping professions " to make people’s lives easier, better and safer. Providing care and assistance for those who need it most, human services professionals are out to change the world for the better, one person at a time.

In a human services degree program, you'll study how people live and function in society while understanding how social structures and systems impact the lives of individuals, MacCarty said.

Students currently enrolled in this degree path are as varied in their backgrounds as the careers they may enter after completing their studies and are interested in positions across the spectrum of human services. While some students are beginning their educational journey, others are going through a career shift, moving from higher-paying professions to human services because it matches their values.

"It can be a fulfilling career path for individuals who are passionate about helping others and making a positive impact on society," said MacCarty.

A bachelor's in human services can provide a well-rounded education, preparing you for your desired career. Before you graduate, you can evaluate programs and services already in place and assess what's still needed to benefit the community. In addition, you'll learn to identify problems, provide action plans, be culturally aware and understand the legal and ethical standards within the field.

Some programs offer concentrations to help position your education on a particular career path. For instance, at SNHU, you can focus on these specific areas of study:

• Child and Family Services : A BA in Human Services with a concentration in Child and Family Services means that you'll be entering the workforce with an in-depth understanding of children's cognitive development, how trauma impacts a child and their family and the laws and ethics surrounding child advocacy. Careers with this focus may include a child welfare advocate, family court liaison and domestic violence counselors.
• Gerontology : A BA in Human Services with a concentration in Gerontology prepares you to help those who need aging services and programs. This concentration will teach you about gerontology  and prepare you for work in the field. You'll gain knowledge of the aging process, the importance of continued healthcare and the policies that affect seniors. Careers in gerontology include geriatric care managers, mental health aides and home health administrators.
• Substance Abuse : A BA in Human Services with a concentration in Substance Abuse can be a first step toward your career as a drug and alcohol counselor, though it's important to remember that licensing requirements for those positions vary by state. The field is expected to grow, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), with positions as mental health, behavioral disorder and substance abuse counselors  projected to increase by 22% through 2031.

You may also choose a general human services degree, which allows you to select from courses in either these concentrations or other relevant areas.

Jobs and Careers in Human Services

Human services encompass a wide range of careers. What sector you'll serve best depends on your personal and professional interests and goals. Positions span from working for the government in the justice system to nonprofit organizations  working closely with communities to assisting with mental health and wellness facilities.

After you graduate with your bachelor's degree in human services, the kind of careers that you can expect to start in is entry-level for social advocacy, child welfare or counseling, with expanding opportunities upon completion of a master’s program .

• Community Services : As a community advocate, outreach personnel are liaisons between the government and the people. Human services departments are comprised of an array of organizations that are in need of well-educated human service professionals. The duties of these organizations include helping people find employment and performing eligibility screenings for state and federally-funded benefits such as welfare and the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Social and community service managers made a median salary of $74,000 , with a 12% job growth through 2031, according to BLS.
• Government (Justice System) : Positions for human services within the justice system occur on both state and federal levels and, in some cases, regional or local. Justice system careers include probation officers, juvenile detention workers, juvenile court liaisons and case workers. These roles are an essential part of our justice system, ensuring that cases are adequately handled with a high degree of ethics and with hopes that rehabilitation and intervention will prevent future trouble with the law.
• Health Services : There are many ways to work within the healthcare system that don't involve becoming a doctor or nurse. A home health aide, group home worker or gerontology aide all provide a health service, whether physical, mental or emotional. Health is an important aspect of human services. Many organizations strive to improve the health and wellness of children, families, the elderly and entire communities.
• Mental Health and Wellness : One sector of human services that is consistently growing and expecting an increase in demand is mental health and wellness. If you're interested in helping those living with mental illness, you may find work as a psychological aide, a crisis intervention counselor or a behavioral management aide. If your calling is helping those battling with substance abuse or addiction, you may look for employment at a rehabilitation center as a case worker or as a drug or alcohol addiction counselor. You may also continue your education by earning a master's degree in counseling  and become a licensed clinical mental health counselor .

• Social Work : Social workers are a diverse group, helping children and their families in cases of child or domestic abuse, overcoming adversity or finding assistance in cases of extreme hardship. Becoming a social worker  after completing a bachelor's in human services would give you fieldwork and experience that would be beneficial if you choose to further your education by pursuing a master's degree in social work. In 2021 social workers made a median salary of $50,390 , with a 9% job increase through 2031, according to BLS.

Your future career in human services is heavily determined by the direction you want it to take. Because the field is expansive with differing kinds of employment opportunities, you may find that your career path will narrow over the course of your program as you find an area that fits you better than others.

For example, maybe you’ll realize that you not only did well in a child welfare course highlighting ethics and law, but you're now very interested in becoming a child advocate. Or maybe you would prefer to work in health services and realize during your studies that working in a rehabilitation facility is where you would be doing your best work.

What is the Role of a Human Service Worker?

Social change has brought about many new challenges; as a result, there's been an increase in demand for human service workers across the board. A few reasons for the rise are mental health advocacy, increased life expectancy, substance abuse treatment options and immigration.

An aging population has fostered the need for more retirement communities and senior homes, adult daycare facilities and case workers representing the elderly. In addition, better medical care, higher living standards, more comprehensive health care knowledge and cleaner water over the past century have spurred a surge in life expectancy worldwide. With life expectancy increasing, the number of seniors who need care or assistance in finding programs that will help them administratively, financially and medically has also increased.

Advocacy and public awareness for mental health issues , including substance abuse and addiction, have also created a need for more human services in those areas. In acknowledging mental illnesses as conditions that need to be treated, just like we treat physical illnesses, increasing the number and variety of counselors at different levels is changing how to respond to mental health concerns. For example, government, private sector and nonprofit organizations use counselors and aides trained specifically to handle grief or show people how to manage their stress better.

Recognizing the correlation between drug or alcohol abuse and crime, increasing rehabilitation efforts within the community and the criminal justice system aims to reduce the number of repeat offenders, decrease minor offenders in an overpopulated prison system and fix the problem rather than perpetuate the cycle of crime, according to the National Institute of Health ( NIH ). In addition, treatment in mental health or rehabilitation facilities in lieu of prison time when appropriate has the potential to not only assist the individual but also positively affect families and communities.

The impact of human services is immense and can help create changes in our society that will make a difference in both the short and long term. Human services workers are a key part of building better communities, and a degree can help you become a part of this growing field.

Discover more about SNHU's human services bachelor's degree : Find out what courses you'll take, skills you'll learn and how to request information about the program.

Ashley Wallis '16 is an Army veteran and writer with a BA in English Language and Literature from Southern New Hampshire University. Find her on Twitter @AshDWallis .

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Founded in 1932, and online since 1995, we’ve helped countless students reach their goals with flexible, career-focused programs . Our 300-acre campus in Manchester, NH is home to over 3,000 students, and we serve over 135,000 students online. Visit our about SNHU  page to learn more about our mission, accreditations, leadership team, national recognitions and awards.

What Can You Do With an MS in Engineering Management?

Industry Advice Engineering

With so many degree specializations available, engineering can be a difficult field to navigate as a recent graduate. There are numerous factors when choosing a career path, but among the most important aspects to consider are your long-term professional goals. A master’s degree in engineering management can prepare you for the technical demands of the field and provide a leadership foundation for the future.

If you’re wondering whether advancing your education aligns with your career goals, here’s a closer look at what engineering management is, what you can do with a master’s degree, and whether earning an advanced degree in this field is worth it.

What Is Engineering Management?

From healthcare and banking to communications and entertainment, organizations are increasingly using tech-based solutions to design and deliver products and services. As a result, businesses need more leaders who are proficient in both engineering and business management. Engineering management is meant to bridge this gap between engineering and business operations.

Engineering management is an interdisciplinary approach to training project managers, providing them with the technical background and business leadership skills needed to oversee projects and product development in various industries. Since this discipline connects many different departments, engineering management focuses on expanding proficiency in several skill sets to understand both the technical and strategic sides of development to communicate objectives to business stakeholders effectively.

Do You Need a Master’s Degree To Be an Engineering Manager?

A specialized degree is always helpful when entering the workforce but is not required. Individual employers typically determine whether or not applicants need a master’s degree in engineering management, and most employers require a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience , according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you don’t have a relevant undergraduate degree, however, returning to school may be a great option if you want to broaden your career options. In fact, a master’s degree can increase your earning potential by approximately 18 percen t.

Jobs You Can Get With a Master’s in Engineering Management

Earning a master’s in engineering management equips you with the skills to succeed in the engineering industry. Dedicated to training technically skilled organizational leaders, the degree prepares students to navigate both business and engineering challenges. If you’re considering earning a graduate degree, here are potential job titles you can pursue as a result of advancing your education.

Engineering Manager

Engineering managers oversee engineering-based product development and the operations that support it. They’re in charge of making the best strategic choices regarding project prioritization, supply chain management, process optimization, product design, compliance protocols, and more. A master’s in engineering management is specifically designed to prepare students for this demanding role.

Systems Engineer

Systems engineers build, implement, and maintain systems involved in production, coordination, or service delivery. Combining technical and human-centered practices, systems engineers create and troubleshoot tools, systems, and processes to solve real-world problems as efficiently as possible. For this role, an engineering management degree equips you to analyze the information required to coordinate data, people, resources, and services to develop adaptable systems to satisfy complex goals.

Project Manager

Project managers work in all industries supervising company outputs, monitoring performance, and developing the most efficient workflows. A master’s in engineering management is extremely beneficial to those interested in working in engineering, technology, or manufacturing because these industries often have complex processes that require both business operations knowledge and engineering expertise.

Manufacturing Engineer

This type of engineer specifically works in manufacturing, which could be mechanical, chemical, or digital. Manufacturing engineers must have a thorough understanding of operations, material processing, equipment handling, and system maintenance associated with their manufacturing methods. A master’s in engineering management provides the in-depth engineering and managerial education needed to optimize costs, resources, processes, safety, and supply chains.

Program Manager

An engineering program manager directs all the technical, functional, and strategic processes involved in developing and executing programs and products. They decide what technologies and processes to use, guide research, and coordinate staff, stakeholders, and supply chains. An engineering management degree offers the expertise needed to gain a broad view of operations, analyze problems, and make strategic decisions.

Principal Engineer

Principal engineers are high-ranking leaders who provide direction for other engineers. They’re often considered industry authorities; therefore, principal engineers must stay current on best practices, regulations, and other changing conditions in engineering fields. An engineering management degree prepares principal engineers to be organizational leaders with the comprehensive experience and skills to align the goals of senior management, clients, and engineering teams.

Product Manager

Product managers plan and oversee a product strategy from research and conception to launch and beyond. They manage production timelines and assess product demand, user needs, and market gaps to devise solutions for developing new products and improvements to existing ones. A master’s degree in engineering management can prepare product managers to balance research, design, development, sales, and marketing objectives to deliver products that serve long-term business goals.

Quality Engineer/Analyst

A quality engineer is responsible for monitoring the quality of manufactured goods. They assess quality standards and implement solutions to meet the criteria through testing, documentation, maintenance, and risk mitigation. Quality engineers can benefit from a master’s degree because it offers industry-specific knowledge in manufacturing. For example, students learn how to put processes in place to control quality on a large scale.

Business Analyst

While analysts work in every industry, they can specialize in helping engineering businesses evaluate the competitive landscape and innovate to become industry leaders. From customers and resources to regulations and supply chains, analysts assess internal and external factors affecting the business and develop strategic ways to improve product offerings and stand out from competitors.

Is a Master’s in Engineering Management Worth It?

While earning a master’s degree can be very beneficial to your career options, there are other factors that may hold you back from advancing your education. Graduate programs take time and money to complete, so it’s important to make sure this commitment is worth the investment. Here are three factors that you should consider when applying to master’s programs.

Higher Salary Potential

Earning a master’s degree isn’t cheap, but there is plenty of evidence indicating that it’s money well spent. According to a government report, the median annual salary of engineering managers is $135,040. This is largely due to the fact that engineering managers are classified as organizational leadership roles that require extensive skills. As a result, engineering professionals who earn this degree typically command higher salaries.

Positive Job Growth

Technology is at the forefront of innovation in every industry, which means engineering professionals with interdisciplinary skill sets are becoming increasingly valuable to organizations. Government data shows that engineering manager positions grow at a rate of 1.7 percent annually. While engineering positions are growing, so are leadership roles that require engineering expertise. Earning a master’s degree expands engineers’ career options by offering management training to expedite their entry into these higher-level leadership positions.

Valuable Experience

The best master’s degree programs take an experiential learning approach, giving students the opportunity to study alongside experts in the field and apply their skills in real engineering projects. These curriculums are designed to stimulate technical, analytical, operational, strategic, and human-centered thinking to solve problems.

Earning your master’s from an accredited institution, like Northeastern’s Master of Science in Engineering Management  program, can set you apart from other job candidates. Not only will you have a more robust project portfolio, but you’ll also have more industry-specific experience from experiential opportunities such as internships, networking, and job placement.

Become a Leader in the Field

The engineering field is vast and multifaceted, giving you the flexibility to mold your education to your career goals as they evolve. Whatever industry, organization, or specialization you choose, a master’s degree can help you get to the forefront of your field. Just as engineers have led the way in new technological advances, you too can take charge and learn how to lead a company into the future.

Want to become a business leader in the engineering, manufacturing, or technology industry? Check out our  Master of Science in Engineering Management programs to learn more about how this degree can elevate your career.

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Advanced degree holders earn a salary an average 25% higher than bachelor's degree holders. (Economic Policy Institute, 2021)

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Unlocking your potential: Top MBA careers for today’s graduates

Oct 27, 2023 | Online MBA

In today’s competitive job market, professionals are constantly seeking ways to enhance their career prospects or increase their annual salary. One qualification that has consistently proved to be a valuable asset in the job market is a Master of Business Administration (MBA). 

According to Statista , 92 percent of employers reportedly plan to hire MBA graduates across a variety of industries. While this is just a projection, nearly 97 percent of those employers did hire MBA graduates back in 2021. 

If you are wondering how attending business school can unlock your professional potential, here’s an overview of what jobs you can get with an MBA, the top job market trends affecting graduates, and what you can do to ensure your degree positively impacts your career.

Experience the Northeastern Online MBA firsthand

What jobs can you get with an mba.

Perhaps one of the most common questions students and business professionals ask when pursuing additional education is, “what jobs can I get with this degree?” However, it’s important for prospective MBA students to fully understand the professional takeaways of an MBA. 

“I think most people don’t understand that an MBA is meant to build your confidence and business acumen to be successful in any industry or role,” says Robert Towner, Assistant Vice President of Northeastern Edge.

Business professionals in nearly every industry and field can rest assured that an MBA will enhance their career path. “An MBA degree is incredibly unique in that it’s applicable to any industry that you’re in,” continues Towner.

For example, while Towner was earning his MBA, he solidified his passion to go into higher education leadership, while others pursued a degree working in a variety of industries such as healthcare and technology. “It’s one of the few credentials in the marketplace that’s not specific to a role,” says Towner.

As a result, Towner encourages prospective MBA students to think more about how a business education will advance their careers, rather than obtaining a specific job title or role.

Top Job Market Trends Affecting MBA Graduates

Since an MBA is not specific to a particular job title or industry, it is important to understand today’s job market and how it can affect your career path as an MBA graduate. Here are the top three job market trends you should be aware of.

1. Increasing Technology Use

Largely driven by the emergence of remote work since the COVID-19 pandemic, technology has become an increasingly important tool in business. Not only that, according to a report conducted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce , 86 percent of small business owners attributed their use of technology as the main reason their businesses survived the pandemic. As a result, business professionals in nearly every industry feel a newfound pressure to upskill and adapt to new technologies.

According to Towner, an online MBA can be an effective way for professionals to fill these gaps while also working on other skills and competencies. Towner assures that prospective MBA students will become more familiar with technology related to business analytics and decision-making “that will naturally give you confidence working in whatever space you are in.”

2. Decreasing Company Loyalty

Historically, earning a promotion has been a common goal of business professionals pursuing an MBA degree. However, Towner has observed a recent shift in these motivations, citing that “more people are open to new roles and opportunities, while less people are just looking for a promotion.”

While there are many reasons for this change, Towner thinks the pandemic and a decreasing sense of company loyalty are huge factors. “I think people stopped feeling the same level of loyalty to their employer than previously,” continued Towner. The Pew Research Center backs up this claim, reporting that November 2021 reached a 20-year high “quit rate.”

With this in mind, it is important to remember that an MBA degree does not have to be a stepping stone to a higher role at your current organization, but also a way to create a new lens when examining your current company and role. “An MBA really broadens your awareness of what’s going on in your own company and its daily operations,” concludes Towner.

3. Accepting Attitude Toward Online Programs

One of the biggest concerns of online degree holders has been employers’ attitudes toward virtual education. Before the pandemic, many online degrees did not offer the same curriculum or rigor expected in a traditional degree program. 

However, since COVID-19, more institutions are offering highly effective online MBA degree programs that have boosted their reputation in the job market. Towner notes that reputable institutions, like Northeastern, have also added to the credibility of online MBA degrees.

Not only that, Towner notes that almost every student who attended school between 2020 and 2022 took online classes in some form. “I think online education is just assumed nowadays,” says Towner. “Some components of your schoolwork today are going to be done online.”

5 Ways to Ensure an MBA Is Right for Your Career

Earning an MBA can be incredibly beneficial to your job prospects, but it’s important to consider how your degree can optimize your career opportunities. Instead of wondering what jobs you can get with an MBA, consider how you can make an MBA degree count.

1. Consider Industry Trends

Industry trends are important to consider before pursuing any additional education; this is especially true for an MBA. If you’re hoping to move up within your organization with an MBA, find out whether that industry has a high demand for this qualification. 

“I think one of the biggest areas that we continue to see high demand is in the technology sector,” says Towner. This is largely due to the fact that many professionals, like engineers, have highly technical skills that don’t necessarily translate into the leadership skills needed to move up to middle management.

“An MBA is a pathway to no longer stay behind a desk, but rather to be somebody who’s involved in the decision-making and strategy of the company overall,” says Towner.

However, not all industries are conducive to internal upward movement. While there is a huge demand for leadership roles in healthcare, the shortage of clinical workers in hospitals has led to leadership’s hesitation in transitioning healthcare workers into administrative roles. As a result, Towner urges MBA graduates outside of healthcare who want to change industries to apply to these types of leadership positions. 

2. Take Ownership of Your Educational Experience

Just like everything in life, many times you get out what you put in. This is particularly true when it comes to advancing your education. 

“Online MBA students need to be prepared to own their own educational experience,” says Towner. This means that all professionals—from entry-level positions to C-suite executives—need to continually push themselves to reap the benefits of the networking opportunities, skills development, and experiential learning in an MBA program. 

“You have to want it, and you have to have that internal drive,” says Towner. “If you just want to check a box and get the degree, then you are not going to get the same experience when it comes to employment outcomes,” says Towner.

3. Understand Your Employer’s Reimbursement Programs

Many employers invest in their staff through tuition reimbursement programs . These programs are intended to help employees cover the cost of advancing their education. However, there are often stipulations to these benefits. 

“If you are using your employer to pay for your education, you need to understand what their policies and rules around reimbursement are,” says Towner.

This is very important to your professional success because some reimbursement policies can be incredibly strict and prevent you from taking the next step in your career–especially if that means leaving the company. For example, if you decide to leave your organization three years after you earn your degree, consider asking the following questions: 

• Are you going to have to pay your company back?
• How quickly do you need to pay them back?
• Can you afford paying back this amount?

“You need to know that these policies can have an effect on your career success,” says Towner. Since networking is a huge component of an MBA degree, it’s very possible that a connection you make with faculty or fellow professionals could lead to new job opportunities. If an offer is too good to pass on, you need to ensure you can afford to pay your company back for your education.

“This is where online MBAs can really help individuals because they tend to be affordable programs,” says Towner. “If you have to pay back your employer, wouldn’t you rather be paying it back on an online tuition rate price rather than an in-person tuition rate price?”

4. Identify the Right Time to Enroll

Even though professionals can always go back to school to improve their skills and competencies, “you only get to do one MBA in your lifetime,” says Towner.

While an MBA can be an excellent tool that will serve you well in your future career, Towner admits that “you probably get a lot less out of it than an individual who says something like, ‘I’m an engineer and I want to transition into a management role at a top 50 technology company.’”

This means you should have a clear understanding of your career path before enrolling in an MBA program. “I think it has to do with professional confidence and your ability to identify your desired career path,” says Towner.

5. Pick the Right School

Picking the right school is perhaps the most important step in ensuring your MBA degree has the greatest impact on your career. While MBA programs cover similar topics and help to develop similar skills, there are differences between institutions that you need to consider before enrolling. 

For example, “one of the best things about our online program at Northeastern is the ability to quickly refresh and change content to ensure it is still applicable to the industry-driven market,” says Towner. 

Instead of creating a stagnant curriculum that quickly becomes outdated, schools like Northeastern leverage their professional connections and expert faculty to ensure content matches industry expectations. Not only that, graduates can always earn newly created certificates to stay ahead of the curve.

“We want our students to say ‘I’m receiving a curriculum that’s validated by today’s industry, but I can always go back as more content is added and add those kinds of tools to my tool belt for my career,” says Towner.

Consider an Online MBA for Your Career

When you are thinking about what jobs you can get with an MBA, it is important to determine what programs meet your personal and professional goals. As technology continues to reshape business, earning an online MBA has become a crucial step in enhancing career outcomes. 

In many ways, Northeastern’s Online MBA stands out as the best option for professionals seeking to propel their careers to new heights. Its online MBA program offers a comprehensive and dynamic learning experience that equips professionals with the essential business acumen and technological proficiency required in today’s competitive job market. 

Take the first step toward a rewarding and fulfilling career transformation by choosing Northeastern’s Online MBA. By doing so, you will embark on a transformative journey that will unlock your professional potential and position you for success in today’s digital age.

If you’re ready to take the next steps in your career, check out the program page . You can also experience the Northeastern Online MBA firsthand by exploring the online video resource library .

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