the top phd programs

• Best Online Doctoral Programs

Best Online Doctoral Programs Of 2024

Updated: Apr 23, 2024, 1:42pm

The best online doctoral programs offer flexibility and convenience that can make it easier for you to pursue an advanced degree, often while working full time.

Earning a doctorate can help you advance to the highest roles in your field and increase your salary potential. It’s also a chance for you to gain an advanced understanding of impactful issues and develop the skills to generate new ideas, solve problems and create meaningful change.

Below, learn about the best online doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including social work, psychology, education and nursing.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

• 6,290 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
• 52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
• All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
• Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
• Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degree programs in the U.S. using metrics in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

We scored schools based on the following data points:

Student Experience:

• Student-to-faculty ratio
• Socioeconomic diversity
• Availability of online coursework
• Total number of graduate assistants
• Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

• Fully accredited
• Programmatic accreditation status
• Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

• Overall graduation rate
• Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

• In-state graduate student tuition and fees
• Alternative tuition plans offered
• Median federal student loan debt
• Student loan default rate

We chose the best schools to display in 10 categories of doctoral degrees.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

• Best Online Colleges With A 100% Acceptance Rate
• Best HBCUs With Online Degrees
• Best Online Colleges
• Best Online Master's Programs
• What Are The Best Online Public Universities

Best Online Doctoral Program Options

Should you enroll in an online ph.d. program or doctorate, accreditation for online doctoral degrees, how to find the right online doctorate for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d. programs and doctorates.

• Best online Psy.D.: Rivier University
• Best online Doctor of Nursing Practice: University of Central Florida
• Best online Doctor of Business Administration: Walsh College
• Best online doctorate in physical therapy: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
• Best online doctorate in education: Johns Hopkins University
• Best online Ph.D. in organizational leadership: Indiana Wesleyan University
• Best online Ph.D. in counseling: Concordia University-Irvine
• Best online Doctor of Social Work: University of Southern California
• Best online Ph.D. in public administration: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
• Best online doctorate in educational leadership: Fairfield University

Best Online Psy.D.

Rivier university.

Program Tuition Rate

$1,275/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Nashua, New Hampshire, Rivier University offers a hybrid Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) with a limited number of online classes. The American Psychology Association-accredited program focuses on school psychology and counseling and prepares you to work as a psychologist in various environments. You’ll learn clinical diagnosis, assessment, prevention and intervention skills.

Students must attend full time and can work no more than 20 hours per week. It takes a minimum of five years to graduate.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
• School Type: Private
• Application Fee: $100
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60-130 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Fundamentals of research, group counseling
• Concentrations Available: N/A
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes a 2,000-hour internship and at least six practicum experiences

Best Doctor of Nursing Practice

University of central florida.

$372/credit (in-state)

At University of Central Florida (UCF), practicing nurses can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The advanced track program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and prepares nurses for clinical leadership roles in the field.

Coursework explores clinical management, communication skills and epidemiology principles. You’ll develop research and practice skills, learn to improve healthcare systems, develop health policy and analyze data to improve individual and population health.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
• School Type: Public
• Application Fee: $30
• Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare systems and policy, nursing environment management
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes clinical hours (but all coursework is available online)

Best Doctor of Business Administration

Walsh college.

$1,038/credit

You can earn an online Doctor of Business Administration from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. The part-time, online program includes asynchronous coursework and real-time Zoom classes, as well as optional opportunities to interact on campus. You can develop advanced business knowledge and skills to become a business leader or consultant.

In addition to coursework, you must pass a preliminary exam and complete a 15-credit dissertation process. The program requires students to graduate within seven years.

• Application Fee: $50
• Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
• Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations for business success, qualitative and exploratory research methods
• In-Person Requirements: No

Best Doctorate in Physical Therapy

Texas tech university health sciences center.

$265/credit (in-state)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center designed its hybrid Doctor of Science in physical therapy to help practicing physical therapists advance their careers. The post-professional 36-credit program takes four to five years to complete part time.

The flexible format makes it possible for students to keep working while attending school. Learners attend weekend lectures and labs at the Lubbock, Texas, campus. During the week, they supplement their in-person instruction with online assignments.

• Application Fee: $75
• Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Medical screening for rehabilitation sciences, motor control in orthopedics
• Concentrations Available: Research track, teaching track
• In-Person Requirements: Yes

Best Online Doctorate in Education

Johns hopkins university.

$2,100/credit

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland offers an online Ed.D. The part-time degree takes four years to complete and explores topics like the social determinants of education, entrepreneurship and technology.

You can customize the degree by choosing electives that align with your professional interests and by selecting one or more “areas of interest,” such as urban leadership or digital age learning and educational technology. Applicants need a master’s degree with at least 36 graduate credits to qualify for the program.

• Application Fee: $80
• Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Approaches to urban education, partnerships and community organizing
• Concentrations Available: Creativity, advanced learning, and twice exceptionality; digital age learning and educational technology; entrepreneurial leadership in education; mind, brain, and teaching; urban leadership

Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

Indiana wesleyan university.

$890/credit

Located in Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership that can prepare you to become an effective leader in as few as four years. The program focuses on inclusion, multiculturalism and international perspectives and develops research, presentation and executive skills.

You must attend an in-person residency during the July session, but the rest of the program takes place online and offers flexibility for working professionals. The school’s tuition guarantee locks in your tuition rate when you start the program.

• Application Fee: Free
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced leadership theory, statistical research design
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes an in-person residency

Best Online Ph.D. in Counseling

Concordia university – irvine.

$795/credit

Concordia University – Irvine in Irvine, California, is a Christian institution that offers a “biblically informed” online Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from its Townsend Institute. Designed for licensed mental health professionals, the degree develops advanced skills and prepares you for leadership roles in counseling, teaching and advocacy.

The accelerated program takes three to four years to complete. It requires two in-person residencies and a total of 700 hours of internship and practicum field experiences. In addition to coursework, you must complete a culminating 12-credit dissertation that includes original counseling research and a successful oral defense.

• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced counseling and career theories, advanced multicultural issues in counselor education and supervision
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two in-person residencies, a practicum and an internship

Best Online Doctor of Social Work

University of southern california.

$2,137/credit

University of Southern California ‘s online Doctor of Social Work from the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work emphasizes the importance of scholarship and practice in the field. Created for experienced social work professionals, the program can help you become a leader working toward social change and innovation.

The program offers a seven-semester accelerated track and a standard nine-semester option. In a capstone experience, learners research and create a prototype that addresses a current problem in social work.

• Application Fee: $90
• Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full-time
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Leading public discourse, financial management for social change

Best Online Ph.D. in Public Administration

West chester university of pennsylvania.

$645/credit (in-state)

West Chester University of Pennsylvania ’s online Doctor of Public Administration can prepare you for high-level roles in public affairs and administration. The program is offered by the College of Business and Public Management, accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the Department of Public Policy and Administration, accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

The curriculum explores strategic management, policy advocacy and decision-making in the public sector. The dissertation allows you to complete an applied research project. You can take electives and choose a concentration from multiple departments, including psychology, graduate social work and criminal justice.

• Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic public sector management and governance, research design for program and policy evaluation
• Concentrations Available: Options from multiple departments

Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Fairfield university.

$1,120/credit

At Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, you can earn an online, low-residency Doctor of Education in educational leadership. The program offers two tracks: teacher leader for certified working educators or higher education administration for higher education professionals.

Students enroll in the cohort-style program in the fall and graduate in three years by taking six credits per semester. Learners can build community during two one-week summer residencies. Applicants need a master’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

• Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
• Application Fee: $65
• Degree Credit Requirements: 57
• Example Major-Specific Courses: Action research for educational change, framing and critical analysis of problems of practice
• Concentrations Available: Teacher leader, higher education administration
• In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two one-week residencies

An online Ph.D. program or doctorate can offer many compelling features for students, but it might not be the right choice for everyone. Consider the questions below when deciding whether to pursue your doctorate online or in person.

• What type of schedule do you need? Online programs typically offer more flexibility that appeals to students who work full time or have personal responsibilities to fit around their school schedule. Online degrees allow learners to pursue higher education without putting their career on hold. This is especially true for programs that offer asynchronous coursework that students complete on their own time.
• What learning style works best for you? Do you work well independently and with a lot of freedom? If so, an online doctorate might be a good fit for you. If you think you’d prefer the camaraderie of an in-person cohort graduate program and structured opportunities to interact with instructors, an on-campus or hybrid program might suit you better.
• How does the program format affect your budget? Online programs can help you save on tuition, housing and transportation costs. For example, many public schools allow you to pay the same tuition, regardless of where you live. However, you might miss funding opportunities typically reserved for on-campus students, such as graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships and fellowships.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approve accrediting agencies that give schools institutional accreditation in the U.S.

Institutional accreditation means that a university has met minimum quality requirements related to its academics, financial management, faculty and staff, and student resources and services. To qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited college.

Programmatic accreditation is a separate process that gives special recognition to individual degrees, programs or departments within a university. Depending on your field, you might need a programmatically accredited degree to get a job or qualify for professional licenses or certifications.

You can search for a prospective school’s accreditation status on CHEA’s website .

Consider Your Future Goals

An online doctorate has the potential to help you achieve your career aspirations. However, not every program in your field will necessarily align with your goals. Before you choose an online doctorate program, think about your post-graduation plans.

For example, some online doctorate programs require professional experience through an internship or a practicum. This type of hands-on learning can help you develop your expertise and professional network. But these experiences usually take place in person and can be hard to fit into your schedule if you’re working full time.

You should also consider if you need a specific license or certification to get the job you want. If so, research the credential’s requirements to learn if your degree needs to meet certain criteria. For example, you may need to complete an accredited program or complete supervised clinical hours.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition rates for online doctoral programs in our guide vary significantly, from $265 to $2,137 per credit. Most programs required 42 to 60 credits, with some exceptions. In total, the degrees ranked on our list cost between $9,540 and $113,400.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , grad students at private, nonprofit schools paid an average tuition of $20,408 in 2022–23, while public school tuition cost $11,554 per year. Doctorate programs typically take at least three years to complete, putting total costs between $34,662 and $61,224.

Find funding for your online Ph.D. by filling out the FAFSA®, which can connect you with scholarships, grants and student loans. Many schools also provide funding to graduate students through scholarships, grants and fellowships.

Can you do a Ph.D. fully online?

Yes, many schools offer fully online Ph.D. programs. However, depending on the program and the field of study, you may need to complete on-campus residencies or field experiences like internships or practicums that take place in person.

What is the fastest Ph.D. to get online?

Program length for online Ph.D. programs varies depending on your field of study. You might be able to find some accelerated online Ph.D. programs that you can finish in less than two years. However, the best online doctoral programs on our list take at least three years to complete.

Are online doctoral degrees respected?

An online doctoral degree from an accredited university can provide the same rigorous education and training as a comparable on-campus program. If you’re concerned about whether or not your degree will be respected, consider doing some research about the way that your field or profession tends to view online doctoral degrees.

What is the best online school for a Ph.D.?

The best online school for a Ph.D. depends on your field of study, personal interests and career goals. Make sure that any prospective online school is institutionally accredited. Depending on the degree you want to pursue, it might also be important to find a program with separate programmatic accreditation.

Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.

Best PhD Programs of 2023

Written by Intelligent.com Higher Education Team

Updated: July 31, 2024

As the highest level of education available, a doctoral degree signifies expertise in an individual’s chosen field. Earning a PhD can increase earning potential, advance careers, and open up new opportunities for research and scholarship.

Compare School Options

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Why This Matters

Earn $99,000+ per year, individuals with a doctorate have the lowest unemployment rate, america needs 159,400 more college professors by 2031, our research.

This list features some of the best PhD programs at top colleges across the country. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for on-campus students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology .

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of PhD programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

The Top 24 PhD Programs

Institution type, undergraduate in-state, undergraduate out-of-state, graduate in-state, graduate out-of-state, student enrollment, admission rate.

• Intelligent Score
• Alphabetically By University Name
• Acceptance Rate
• In-state Graduate Tuition
• Out-of-state Graduate Tuition
• In-state Undergraduate Tuition
• Out-of-state Undergraduate Tuition

California Institute of Technology

In-state: $54,570

Out-of-state: $54,570

SAT: 1530-1580

The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) is one of the top schools in the world for science and engineering students. Caltech provides graduate students with a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience in their field. Many important discoveries in modern science were made there (they helped generate the first image of a black hole, developed new ways to modify bacteria's DNA for human benefit, etc.). They also offer state-of-the-art research facilities, including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 626-395-6341

Harvard Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

In-state: $49,653

Out-of-state: $49,653

In-state: $49,448

Out-of-state: $49,448

SAT: 1460-1580

This Ivy League school is the oldest institution of higher learning in the United States, and its alumni include more presidents and billionaires than any other college in the country. Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government is regarded as an exceptional program for Ph.D. in Public Policy degrees. They also offer Ph.D. degree programs for history, philosophy, music, linguistics, applied mathematics, and many other subject areas.

New England Commission of Higher Education

Phone: 617-495-5315

Stanford University

In-state: $55,473

Out-of-state: $55,473

In-state: $54,315

Out-of-state: $54,315

SAT: 1420-1570

Anyone who wants to earn a Ph.D. in Computer Science should consider attending Stanford University. Their facilities, founded in 1962, include the Stanford Artificial Intelligence Laboratory. This research center has studied AI applications for robotics, machine learning, natural language processing, and many other areas for over 50 years. This school is also home to the Stanford Theory Group, which studies topics such as cryptography and algorithmic game theory. Stanford has a student-faculty ratio of just 5:1, ensuring you'll get all the assistance you need to fully understand course materials and prepare yourself for a successful career.

Phone: 650-723-2109

MIT Sloan School of Management

In-state: $53,450

Out-of-state: $53,450

SAT: 1510-1580

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is an excellent option for STEM students with its world-class faculty and research facilities. This school's most notable doctorate program is its Ph.D. in Nuclear Science and Engineering degree path, as MIT offers one of the country's most powerful university-owned nuclear reactors. MIT also provides Ph.D. programs for aeronautics, biological engineering, cognitive sciences, planetary sciences, and statistics.

Phone: 617-253-1000

Princeton University

In-state: $48,502

Out-of-state: $48,502

In-state: $53,890

Out-of-state: $53,890

SAT: 1450-1570

Princeton University offers a strong selection of doctorate programs for foreign languages - you can earn a Ph.D. in German, French, and Italian or Spanish and Portuguese at this school. And if you would like to pursue another subject instead, there's a good chance that Princeton offers a Ph.D. program. This Ivy League institution offers Ph.D. degree paths with common majors such as English, history, psychology, and economics, as well as more niche options like plasma physics and music composition. Overall, there are more than 40 Ph.D. degree programs available at Princeton.

Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Phone: 609-258-3000

University of California at Berkeley

In-state: $11,442

Out-of-state: $41,196

Out-of-state: $11,442

SAT: 1310-1530

The University of California, Berkeley, stands out as the best public school in the country for earning a Ph.D. Their Goldman School of Public Policy is a top program for Ph.D. in Public Policy degrees. Berkeley is also notable for their Rausser College of Natural Resources - this is the oldest college in the University of California system. It provides Ph.D. paths for environmental science, metabolic biology, molecular toxicology, plant biology, and agricultural economics. The facilities operated by the Rausser College of Natural Resources include a cannabis research center, experimental field plots, and thousands of acres of research forests are located throughout the state.

National Architectural Accrediting Board

Phone: 510-642-5472

Yale University

In-state: $57,700

Out-of-state: $57,700

In-state: $44,500

Out-of-state: $44,500

There are dozens of Ph.D. programs available at Yale University. This is an especially good choice for music students, as Yale offers the world-renowned Institute of Sacred Music, a unique collection of historical instruments, and an extensive library of musical scores, recordings, books, etc. Most graduate music students at this school receive a generous stipend as well. They offer Ph.D. paths for music history, theory, and ethnomusicology.

Phone: 203-432-2771

University of Chicago

In-state: $57,642

Out-of-state: $57,642

In-state: $60,300

Out-of-state: $60,300

SAT: 1500-1570

The University of Chicago offers Ph.D. programs in many fields, including biological sciences, social sciences, business, social work, and public policy. If living in a big city is important to you, then the University of Chicago should be one of the first options you consider. Their main campus is located in Chicago's Hyde Park, a bustling neighborhood that's packed with hip restaurants and shops.

On-Campus, Online

Higher Learning Commission

Phone: 773-702-1234

Columbia University in the City of New York

In-state: $57,864

Out-of-state: $57,864

In-state: $49,024

Out-of-state: $49,024

SAT: 1460-1570

Columbia University is one of the best schools for students who want to earn a Ph.D. in Theater. This program takes an interdisciplinary approach to the subject, utilizing faculty members specializing in comparative literature, Germanic languages, and philosophy, as well as theater. Fellowships are available to help you cover the cost of your doctorate. It's also worth noting that Columbia is located in the middle of New York City (the legendary Broadway thoroughfare runs right through Columbia's main campus), which offers a thriving theater community and plenty of experiential learning opportunities for students in this program.

Phone: 212-854-2522

University of Pennsylvania

In-state: $53,166

Out-of-state: $53,166

In-state: $37,678

Out-of-state: $37,678

The University of Pennsylvania is an Ivy League school that Benjamin Franklin founded in 1740. They are best known for its Wharton School of Business, which offers Ph.D. programs for accounting, finance, marketing, statistics, applied economics, and several other majors. Wharton's reputation, relationships with corporate recruiters, and vast alum network will help you quickly find a good job after graduating.

Phone: 215-898-5000

Johns Hopkins University

In-state: $54,160

Out-of-state: $54,160

In-state: $57,010

Out-of-state: $57,010

SAT: 1470-1560

Phone: 410-516-8000

University of California Los Angeles

In-State: $1,007

Out-of-State: $1,846

Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Phone: 310-825-3101

Cornell University

In-state: $58,586

Out-of-state: $58,586

In-state: $29,500

Out-of-state: $29,500

SAT: 1400-1540

Phone: 607-254-4636

Duke University

In-state: $55,880

Out-of-state: $55,880

In-state: $57,900

Out-of-state: $57,900

SAT: 1470-1570

Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Phone: 919-681-3257

Northwestern University

In-state: $58,227

Out-of-state: $58,227

In-state: $56,067

Out-of-state: $56,067

SAT: 1430-1550

Phone: 847-491-3741

University of Michigan at Dearborn

In-state: $16,520

Out-of-state: $53,669

In-state: $24,344

Out-of-state: $24,344

SAT: 1340-1520

In-State: $676

Out-of-State: $1,366

Phone: 734-764-4400

New York University

In-state: $52,204

Out-of-state: $52,204

In-state: $34,704

Out-of-state: $34,704

SAT: 1370-1540

Phone: 212-998-0100

Carnegie Mellon University

In-state: $57,560

Out-of-state: $57,560

In-state: $46,441

Out-of-state: $46,441

SAT: 1460-1560

Phone: 412-268-2082

What You Should Know About This Degree

Doctoral degrees typically fall into two categories. A Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, is a research-focused degree, which prepares students for engaging in high-level research and scholarship in their field of study. Professional degrees, like a Doctor of Psychology or Doctor of Nursing Practice, specialize in teaching advanced professional skills for complex careers that require a significant level of training.

Depending on your career path, a doctoral degree may be optional or required. Many individuals pursue a PhD because they want to engage in research that advances their field. Others earn this type of degree because they want to teach at the university level and be eligible for tenure-track positions.

Whatever your reasons for pursuing a PhD, it’s important to note that these programs differ from bachelor’s or master’s degrees in that they are academically rigorous and typically more self-directed than other post-secondary degrees. They typically take several years to complete, including researching and writing a dissertation, and usually have a mentorship component in which students work closely with faculty. Therefore, when researching PhD programs, students should find out what kind of support and resources the school and program offers to ensure they will be positioned for success during this process.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching PhD programs:

• Am I eligible for this program? As the most advanced degree available, PhD and other doctoral programs typically have the most rigorous eligibility requirements. These requirements may include a master’s degree in a related field, work experience, and professional licenses or certifications. Be sure to review the program’s requirements before applying to ensure that you meet the basic eligibility qualifications.
• What type of financial support is available? Because earning a doctorate requires a significant time commitment from students while bringing prestige to universities for the research that PhD students perform, many universities offer fellowships and assistantships to help support students in these programs. This can include full or partial tuition, housing subsidies, and other benefits. In exchange, students may be required to teach courses or work as research assistants.

While researching PhD programs, take note of application requirements and deadlines. A typical PhD application packet will include transcripts for undergraduate and graduate coursework, writing samples, letters of recommendation, standardized test scores, and a resume, although specific requirements will vary by program. If you have any questions about the application process, contact a program or admissions representative.

Find out what financing options are available to you, including scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, grants, and loans. If you are employed, find out if your employer offers tuition assistance benefits.

Related Degrees

• Colleges and Universities
• Certificate
• Master's Degree

Highest Paying Doctorate Degrees [2024 Guide]

We’ve identified the 25 highest paying doctorate degrees. Compare salaries and job prospects.

Completing a PhD may open up doors in terms of career advancement. Plus, it may not take as long as you think to complete if you enroll in the shortest doctoral programs .

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

The following list contains the highest paying doctorate degrees along with career outlook and job growth statistics.

25 Highest Paying Doctorate Degrees

All career statistics and salary data are provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Click on the area of study you’re interested in to jump to that section.

Aerospace Engineering

Chemical engineering, pharmacology, business administration, cybersecurity, electrical engineering, data science, biochemistry, information security assurance, biomedical engineering, information technology and computer science, occupational therapy, criminal justice, engineering, organic chemistry.

While all of these industries are growing, some provide better job prospects than others.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $208,000
• Job Growth: 4%

One of the more specialized high paying doctorate programs is in immunology. Immunology is the study of disease prevention and immunity. Due to the specialized nature of the study here, jobs are typically well paid and much more specific.

A person who has studied immunology may be expected to work in research or academia but is also likely to land high-paying roles within the medical industry and at hospitals. The demand for this area of expertise is also rising faster than the average job growth, meaning there should be plenty of opportunities for graduates.

A PhD in immunology is a lot of hard work and is, therefore, suited to someone who already has considerable experience working in the medical industry. Those with an academic background in medicine should consider applying for an immunology program.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $129,850
• Job Growth: 7%

Of the three main sciences, physics can be the one that is the most fruitful for taking a doctorate. People who take a PhD in physics are likely to land themselves a position as either a researcher or a professor.

There are also several other high paying positions that are possible for someone who takes this career path, including more specialized roles or becoming lead physicists and consultants.

Physics is also one of the job markets that is predicted to see a considerable amount of growth for the next 10 years. Pursuing a physics doctorate can be perfect for someone who already has experience in physics or someone who already has either a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the subject combined with some practical experience.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $118,610
• Job Growth: 3%

Aerospace engineering is a field that would likely attract those who already have a background in either science or engineering. It is one of the fastest growing industries in the world, and demand for jobs is expected to increase as the years roll by. So the length it takes to get a PhD should be taken into consideration so you can quickly enter this field during its booming growth.

The doctorate focuses on the engineering of various different types of spacecraft and can be incredibly demanding. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary potential for this field is as high as $171,220.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $110,860

Math may not be the glamorous subject to study at doctorate level, but it can open up a wide range of potentially lucrative career options.

Math can allow students to work in various sectors of the economy and business, and they may also work in research or as a math lecturer or professor at a top university.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $109,760
• Job Growth: 5%

Taking a doctorate in management can be a logical step in the career of someone who has a history of working in business, project management, or the economy as well as several other sectors.

Earning this doctorate can open up chief executive roles within companies and roles like chief operations officer and supply chain management. It may also lead to regional and national management roles.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $108,540

Another engineering-based field that presents doctorate students with some big money career options is chemical engineering. The field combines a number of different disciplines, including all of the sciences, math, and statistics, as well as engineering.

It is a complex doctorate to take, but the rewards may be worth the effort, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing salaries up to $168,960 available in this field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $108,350
• Job Growth: 14%

One of the most popular PhDs to take is in economics. Economics is a social science that studies and theories about the production and consumption of goods and the effect that this has on society and the economy.

Taking a PhD in economics may open up a lot of doors. Working in the financial sector is usually lucrative, and a doctorate in economics can help give you an edge over competitors in what is a notoriously feisty industry. Top earners can make around $198,230 per year.

Economics analysis is a skill that is highly sought after, especially in the medical, legal, and education sectors.

While on the face of it, some people may believe that studying economics leaves you consigned to an office for the majority of your working life, the reality is that it can open up a lot of doors in a lot of different sectors. It may also provide you with a lot of travel opportunities and chances to meet new people.

A doctorate in economics may be perfect for someone who already has some experience in the field or for someone who has studied economics, math, finance, or business to a higher level and wants to take the next step in their academic and professional career.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $107,270
• Job Growth: 6%

Pharmacology is big business these days, and taking a doctorate in the subject may lead to some lucrative opportunities. It is expected that someone who wants to study pharmacology will have a background in the subject with a master’s degree being heavily preferred.

There are a lot of pre-requisites for getting onto a pharmacology doctorate program, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics is showing salaries going as high as $164,980.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $103,650

Getting a doctorate in business administration can open up a lot of doors. Students who end up taking their doctorate in business administration often end up working as leading and chief executives as well as entrepreneurs and financial advisors.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for someone with a doctorate in this field can be as high as $208,000. It can be ideal for someone who has a background in business or economics who wants to take the next step in their career.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $103,590
• Job Growth: 31%

As the world of IT continues to grow, so does the demand for more and more cybersecurity. The field is one of the fastest-growing in the world, and getting a doctorate in the subject may land you a range of different high paying jobs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roles like IT managers can offer doctorates a salary of up to $208,000. This sector is also constantly growing, and as such, the demand and the salaries should continue to grow as time passes.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $100,830

When it comes to job demand, electrical engineering is one of the safest career paths to go down. Electrical engineering has a huge impact on our day-to-day lives.

Most of our day-to-day electrical appliances exist as a result of electrical engineering, and taking a doctorate in the field may open the door to some pretty lucrative research and project management positions. It is advised that someone who takes a PhD in electrical engineering already have practical experience in the field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $98,490

A doctorate in education can open up a lot of different career options in that sector. A lot of doctors of education end up working in either research or in top positions at schools as principals and superintendents.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for someone working in education administration with a doctorate is around the $199,400 mark. A number of doctor of education programs do not require a dissertation .

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $98,230

Data is quickly becoming the most valuable commodity on the planet, and as such, the demand for data specialists and researchers is growing at an impressive rate.

Data science doctorates offer a gateway into these positions, and they usually come with some pretty high salaries. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, salary for a data scientist can go as high as $165,230, and with this field ever-expanding, the demand for these positions should continue to increase.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $94,270

Biochemists study the chemical and physical makeup of living organisms. Due to the specialized nature of the subject, research positions in this sector typically pay incredibly well.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, biochemist doctorates can start out at around $67,710 but can increase up to $169,860 or more. This doctorate may suit someone with a background in chemistry or some other science discipline.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $92,870

Information assurance is a new discipline that has been created as a result of the times we live in. Information assurance is effectively another type of cybersecurity that is designed to protect people’s data from third parties and other potentially dangerous sources.

A background in any sort of computer or data-related field can be ideal for getting onto an information assurance course. Due to the increasing demand for data protection, jobs in this sector can be particularly lucrative, and the demand for these jobs is expected to increase as time rolls on.

The demand for experts in this industry is very high and is only predicted to grow over the next decade.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $92,620

Biomedical engineering is becoming an incredibly popular field of research. It is an ever-growing and developing industry, and as such, the demand for expertise in the area is on the rise.

Getting a PhD in biomedical engineering is likely to secure you a lucrative research job for a university or a job in a hospital or the medical industry. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an average salary in this field for a senior position ranges from $127,980 to $169,860.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $92,270
• Job Growth: 35%

Statistics is one of the most versatile doctorates available today. Statistics are used in a wide range of different sectors, including finance, research, business, health care, government, and many others.

A doctorate in statistics can be ideal for someone who has a background in math or business. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top salary for someone working in statistics can be as high as $150,840.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $91,250
• Job Growth: 11%

The world of IT is constantly growing, and as it does, the demand for experts grows with it. Getting a doctorate in information technology and computer science can be an incredibly lucrative career move, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics showing top earners taking home as high as $208,00.

The jobs that can be accessed, such as chief technology officers or research roles within the industry, tend to be incredibly well-paid. This doctorate attracts people who have backgrounds in IT-related fields, such as computer science or computer programming.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $86,280
• Job Growth: 16%

For someone who already has experience working in occupational therapy, earning a doctorate in the field can be a huge benefit. Not only can it open the door for them to move up in the industry, but it can also expand their knowledge of the subject area.

It can provide them with theory-based research while also working on their leadership and management skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists holding a doctorate degree may reach a salary as high as $122,670.

The job growth for this doctorate is also incredibly high, which means it may be an excellent career path to enter in terms of job security.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $86,110

The number of career options that are available to someone who has a doctorate in criminal justice is typically vast. Working as a criminologist, a criminal justice researcher, or a federal law agency admin can earn graduates a lot of money.

This course of study is best suited for someone who already has real-world experience working in the criminal justice or law sector.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $83,160

Engineering jobs are almost always in demand, and while there are a lot of high paying jobs available for those who have an undergraduate or master’s degree, taking a doctorate in the field can really help you advance your career.

An engineering degree is already one of the highest paying associate degrees , highest paying bachelor degrees , as well as one of the highest paying masters degrees , but the doctorate can be perfect for someone who already has experience working in engineering and wants to take that next step in their career.

A director of engineering job title and other project management positions may offer some very high salaries, about $208,000 or more, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $82,180

With the stigma around mental health finally disappearing, the demand for jobs in psychology is on the rise. While a normal degree or masters in psychology may allow you to get jobs as a psychiatrist or a psychologist, higher-paying positions can become available following a doctorate.

It may also open up roles in research and as a university lecturer in the subject. The doctorate is suited to someone who already has their masters in psychology or who has a significant amount of experience working in the field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $80,790
• Job Growth: 9%

Getting a degree in philosophy can potentially lead to a surprisingly lucrative career in research or working as a lecturer. The doctorate is suited for someone who wants to work in research and who has a background in philosophy or religious studies.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries in this field are around $80,790 per year working in a research role, and up to $180,360 for college professors.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $79,300

Organic chemistry, perhaps more than any of the other sciences, can open up a lot of different career options for doctorates. As well as research and academic positions, someone who studies organic chemistry may be able to land a job in a number of different areas, including geology, the pharmaceutical industry, and engineering.

Organic chemistry is a notoriously difficult subject to study, though, so it is vital that you have a solid background in chemistry and some work experience before attempting to join the program. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries can go as high as $139,650 in this field.

• Annual Median Salary (Bureau of Labor Statistics): $69,000
• Job Growth: 2%

A doctorate in English can open a range of different academic doors for potential students. A PhD in English may be perfect for someone who already has an academic background in the subject and can also be perfect for qualified teachers and writers looking to take the next step in their career.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a doctorate in English may qualify you for a potential career in a lecturing position with salaries as high as $180,360, as well as positions within the publishing industry.

What Are the Different Types of Doctorate Degrees?

There are six common types of terminal degrees.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Traditionally reserved for those who want to remain in the world of academia, Ph.D. degrees focus on maximizing your ability to impart this advanced knowledge to incoming students. Outside of teaching, Ph.D. candidates also focus on pushing the limits of research and theoretical study within their chosen fields.
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) – The DBA experience is all about turning your terminal research in the areas of finance, marketing, accounting, and other related fields into applicable real-world skills. DBA graduates traditionally work in the corporate sector as executive officers and other ranking members of various managerial teams.
• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) – PsyD students aim to provide clinical services within a wide range of settings, including group, familial, medical, scholastic, and even corporate environments. Earning this degree can give you the power to serve as a practicing clinician or specialized counselor.
• Doctor of Education (EdD) – Capturing an EdD degree is the first step toward a leadership role within the corporate and administrative side of the education field. Working as a principal, district supervisor, or even regional superintendent all fit into the professional path of this degree.
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW) – If you’re interested in educating others on the best practices and leading theories of modern social work and community interaction, then a DSW program could be your option. Holders of this degree research and educate others in the social work field via hands-on training in the classroom and the office, as well as provide answers and guidance in unique or exceptional social issue cases.
• Doctor of Public Health (DPH) – Like most of the other degrees in this review, earning a DPH is all about the desire to lead others in a chosen workplace environment. In this case, that means maintaining residency as an administrator or public health coordinator at a hospital or a similar clinical setting.

The type of doctorate degree you will want to earn depends on your career goals and primarily whether you want to teach the subject or continue working in your field.

Campus or Online: Which One Is Right for You?

It’s no big secret that whichever doctorate route you choose, you will most likely be rewarded for your hard work and research via ample compensation. However, you can make this process a little easier on yourself by focusing on a path – either online or on-campus – that suits your unique needs and daily requirements.

While the appeal of the traditional college experience is the major selling point for the on-campus approach, working on your degree from home is a flexible alternative that can shape and mold itself to your current personal and professional schedule by allowing you to work on your research and coursework at your own pace.

Adding in that these doctorate programs often waive Graduate Record Examination (GRE) minimum scores based on your GPA, as well as reduce or completely remove residency requirements, is further proof that this approach is at least worth your consideration as you plan out your academic future.

Questions Related to Earning a Doctorate

Here are our answers to a few more questions you might have.

How Much Do PhD Graduates Earn?

PhD Graduates make on average close to $100,000, with some job positions paying nearer the $70,000 mark and others going well about $208,000 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).

There may be some who question whether it is worth taking the time to invest in a PhD. Doctorate programs require a lot of time and effort, but studies suggest that PhD students typically earn more and find it easier to attract higher-paying jobs than those with just an undergraduate or a master’s degree.

What Are the Highest Paying Degrees?

A lot of degrees can lead to well-paying jobs. The more specialized a degree is in a certain field, the higher the chances are that it will be well paying. These degrees currently tend to be those in the engineering sector, as these are the ones that offer the most in-demand jobs.

What Is the Highest Paying PhD Degrees?

Once again, this one will depend on how specialized your PhD is and how in-demand that expertise is at a given time. Engineering PhDs tend to be evergreen, while there is an increasing demand for those with PhDs and knowledge in computer science and other IT related subjects.

PhDs usually provide those who have them with a lot of the highest paying jobs opportunities.

Are There Any Degrees Higher than a PhD?

No, there are no higher degrees than a PhD.

A PhD, also regularly referred to as just a doctorate, is as high as you can go academically. It is a specialized research doctorate that demonstrates a high level of expertise in a field. Most people who obtain their PhD tend to stay on at universities as either a member of a research team or as a lecturer.

Do you need a masters to get a PhD ? While many PhD programs require you to earn a masters first, it is possible to earn your PhD without having earned a masters. These are the direct entry bachelor’s to PhD programs offered by some universities.

Getting Your Doctorate Degree

It is important that you take the time to do your research into what doctorate will help your career the most. Once you have done this, you can begin to find the right university and program for you and begin the next step in your academic and professional career.

Now that you understand your career prospects and doctorate opportunities, it’s time to lay out the blueprint for a successful future.

Outside of conducting research on each of the areas that interest you, feel free to use the search tool below to find accredited universities that offer online doctoral programs in your chosen field.

When paired up with the rest of what you’ve learned here, there’s nothing that can stop you from finding the right school – and program of study – to fit your personal and professional goals moving forward.

PhD Program Rankings (Adapted from US News and World Report)

Below are reputation scores and ranks of the top 27 PhD programs in Psychology, including top-ranked schools in each of six subspecialties. From US News and World Report, “America’s Best Graduate Schools” rank/school average reputation score.

Rank                                      School Average reputation score

1                                 Stanford Univ.                                                         4.8

2                                 Univ. of California-Berkeley                                       4.6

2                                 Univ. of Michigan-Ann Arbor                                     4.6

4                                 Univ. of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign                         4.5

4                                 Yale Univ.                                                                 4.5

6                                 Harvard Univ.                                                        4.4

6                                 Univ. of California-Los Angeles                             4.4

6                                 Univ. of Minnesota-Twin Cities                             4.4

9                                 Carnegie Mellon Univ.                                             4.2

9                                 Princeton Univ.                                                          4.2

9                                 Univ. of Pennsylvania                                                4.2

9                                 Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison                                        4.2

13                               Indiana Univ.-Bloomington                                          4.1

13                               Univ. of California-San Diego                                         4.1

13                               Univ. of North Carolina-Chapel Hill                               4.1

16                               Johns Hopkins Univ.                                                       4.0

16                               Univ. of Colorado-Boulder                                              4.0

16                               Univ. of Texas-Austin                                                  4.0

19                               Cornell Univ.                                                               3.9

19                               Duke Univ.                                                                   3.9

19                               Northwestern Univ.                                                  3.9

19                               Univ. of Chicago                                                      3.9

19                               Univ. of Washington                                                    3.9

24                               Columbia Univ.                                                             3.8

24                               Ohio State Univ.                                                             3.8

24                               Univ. of California-Irvine                                                 3.8

24                               Univ. of Virginia                                                              3.8

Top Specialty Programs

C linical Psychology

1. Univ. of Minnesota-Twin Cities

2. Univ. of Illinois-Urban a-Champaign

3. Univ. of Michigan-Ann Arbor

4. Univ. of California-Los Angeles

5. Univ. of Washington

Co unseling Psychology

1. Univ. of Maryland-College Park

2. Ohio State Univ.

3. Univ. of Minnesota-Twin Cities

4. Univ. of Missouri-Columbia

5. Univ. of Iowa

Developme n tal

2. Univ. of Virginia

2. Stanford Univ.

4. Univ. of Michigan-Ann Arbor

5. Univ. of Illinois-Urban a-Champaign

5. Univ. of California-Berkeley

Expe ri menta l P sychology

1. Stanford Univ.

2. Univ. of Michigan-Ann Arbor

3. Univ. of California-Berkeley

4. Univ. of Illinois-Urban a-Champaign

5. Carnegie Mellon Univ.

I ndustrial / Organizational

2. Univ. of Maryland-College Park

3. Michigan State Univ.

4. Ohio State Univ.

5. Bowling Green State Univ.

5. Univ. of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign

Schoo l Psychology

1. Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison

2. Univ. of Texas-Austin

3. Univ. of South Carolina-Columbia

3. Univ. of Nebraska-Lincoln

3. Columbia Univ.

(The response rate for psychology was 34%, the lowest response rate for the six PhD fields surveyed. Political Science had the highest response rate, at 54%.)

Reprinted with permission from US News and World Report. Copyright, 1995, US News and World Report.

APS regularly opens certain online articles for discussion on our website. Effective February 2021, you must be a logged-in APS member to post comments. By posting a comment, you agree to our Community Guidelines and the display of your profile information, including your name and affiliation. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations present in article comments are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of APS or the article’s author. For more information, please see our Community Guidelines .

Please login with your APS account to comment.

New Report Finds “Gaps and Variation” in Behavioral Science at NIH

A new NIH report emphasizes the importance of behavioral science in improving health, observes that support for these sciences at NIH is unevenly distributed, and makes recommendations for how to improve their support at the agency.

APS Advocates for Psychological Science in New Pandemic Preparedness Bill

APS has written to the U.S. Senate to encourage the integration of psychological science into a new draft bill focused on U.S. pandemic preparedness and response.

APS Urges Psychological Science Expertise in New U.S. Pandemic Task Force

APS has responded to urge that psychological science expertise be included in the group’s personnel and activities.

Privacy Overview

Doctoral Programs

In this section, phd in public policy.

• PhD in Political Economy & Government

PhD in Health Policy

Phd in social policy.

• Job Market Candidates

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

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

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

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

Top 15 Most Popular PhD Degrees in America in 2024

Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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

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

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

An Overview of PhD Programs Offered

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

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

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

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

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

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

What’s the difference between doctoral degrees and PhDs?

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

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

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

How We Ranked Popular Doctorate Degrees

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

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

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

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

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

1. Engineering

13,606 Doctoral Engineering Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

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

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

2. Education

8,605 Doctoral Education Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

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

3. Biological and Biomedical Sciences

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

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

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

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

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

4. Psychology

6,915 Doctoral Psychology Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

5. Health Sciences

3,710 Health-Related Doctoral Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

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

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

6. Social Sciences

3,705 Doctoral Social Science Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

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

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

7. Humanities

3,476 Doctoral Degrees Awarded in Humanities Fields in 2019

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

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

8. Business Management and Business Administration

More than 3,000 Doctoral Business Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

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

9. Chemistry

2,720 Doctoral Chemistry Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

10. Computer and Information Sciences

2,883 Doctoral Computer Science Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

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

11. Physics

1,859 Doctoral Physics Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

12. Economics

1,381 Doctoral Economics Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

13. Mathematics and Statistics

1,163 Doctoral Mathematics Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

14. English (Letters)

1,023 Doctoral English Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

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

15. History

977 Doctoral History Degrees Awarded in 2019

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

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

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

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

More About Doctorate Degrees and PhD Programs

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

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

Admission Requirements

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

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

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

Curriculum and Courses

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

The typical components of your PhD degree program may include:

Foundational Courses

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

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

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

Dissertation

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

Oral Defense

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

Teaching Requirements

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

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

Careers for Doctoral and PhD Graduates

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

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

Career options for those with doctorate degrees include.

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

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

• Harvard Business School →
• Doctoral Programs →

PhD Programs

• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
• Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has four areas of study: Accounting and Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management  

Business economics  , health policy (management)  , marketing  , organizational behavior  , strategy  , technology & operations management  .

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Graduate Studies

You are in a modal window. Press the escape key to exit.

• News & Events
• See programs

Common Searches

• Why is it called Johns Hopkins?
• What majors and minors are offered?
• Where can I find information about graduate programs?
• How much is tuition?
• What financial aid packages are available?
• How do I apply?
• How do I get to campus?
• Where can I find job listings?
• Where can I log in to myJHU?
• Where can I log in to SIS?
• University Leadership
• History & Mission
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Notable Alumni
• Hopkins in the Community
• Hopkins in D.C.
• Hopkins Around the World
• News from Johns Hopkins
• Undergraduate Studies
• Online Studies
• Part-Time & Non-Degree Programs
• Summer Programs
• Academic Calendars
• Advanced International Studies
• Applied Physics Laboratory
• Arts & Sciences
• Engineering
• Peabody Conservatory
• Public Health
• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions
• Plan a Visit
• Tuition & Costs
• Financial Aid
• Innovation & Incubation
• Bloomberg Distinguished Professors
• Undergraduate Research
• Our Campuses
• About Baltimore
• Housing & Dining
• Arts & Culture
• Health & Wellness
• Disability Services
• Calendar of Events
• Maps & Directions
• Contact the University
• Employment Opportunities
• Give to the University
• For Parents
• For News Media
• Office of the President
• Office of the Provost
• Gilman’s Inaugural Address
• Academic Support
• Study Abroad
• Nobel Prize winners
• Homewood Campus
• Emergency Contact Information

A Johns Hopkins postdoc, Herbert Baxter Adams, brought the seminar method of teaching from Germany, where he earned a PhD in 1876. The idea: That students would learn more by doing than by listening to lectures and taking exams.

That spirit of inquiry , of challenging the way things are done, lives on today in our nine academic divisions, all of which offer full-time graduate programs.

More information about our graduate programs is available below

School of Advanced International Studies

Students get global perspectives on today’s critical issues, with programs in international affairs , international studies , economics and finance , and public policy

Krieger School of Arts & Sciences

More than 60 full-time and part-time graduate programs spanning the arts , humanities , and natural and social sciences

Also see:   Part-time graduate options via Advanced Academic Programs

Carey Business School

The Carey Business School’s AACSB-accredited business programs provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful leaders and lifelong learners .

School of Education

One of the nation’s top schools of education, according to U.S. News & World Report , with degree and certificate programs in teaching , special education , counseling , administration , and leadership

Whiting School of Engineering

Programs in fields of critical importance to the future, health, and safety of our world, including robotics , biomedical engineering , cybersecurity , and systems engineering

Also see: Part-time and online options via Engineering for Professionals

School of Medicine

Since 1893, Johns Hopkins Medicine has trained the next generation of great medical leaders and is widely regarded as one of the best med schools and hospitals in the world, with top programs in internal medicine , women’s health , HIV/AIDS , geriatrics , drug/alcohol abuse , and pediatrics

School of Nursing

The U.S. News & World Report top-ranked school prepares graduate level pre-licensure students and current BSN or advanced practice nurses to be health care leaders through a variety of MSN, DNP, and PhD programs. Students can focus on a wide range of advanced practice specialty areas – including health care organizational leadership , nurse anesthesiology , pediatric , adult/Gerontological , family , or critical care .

Peabody Institute

Founded in 1857, this world-renowned conservatory offers degrees in composition , computer music , conducting , performance , jazz , music education , music theory , and recording arts and sciences

Bloomberg School of Public Health

The Bloomberg School, U.S. News & World Report ‘s top-ranked graduate school of public health for more than two decades, offers programs in health administration , health science , and public policy

• Johns Hopkins University
• Address Baltimore, Maryland
• Phone number 410-516-8000
• © 2024 Johns Hopkins University. All rights reserved.
• Schools & Divisions
• Admissions & Aid
• Research & Faculty
• Campus Life
• University Policies and Statements
• Privacy Statement
• Title IX Information and Resources
• Higher Education Act Disclosures
• Clery Disclosure
• Accessibility

2024 Best Grad Schools in the United States for Master's Degrees

Choosing the best grad school for you, higher than average earnings, taking out student loans, more ranking factors that are important, one size does not fit all, top master's degree schools in the united states, rest of the top 50 best master's degree schools in the united states, narrow master's degree schools by region, rocky mountains, middle atlantic, great lakes, new england, plains states, far western us, other u.s. territories, rest of the top 15% master's degree schools in the united states.

Honorable Mentions

More Rankings

Bachelor's degrees, returning adults, doctorate degrees, notes and references, popular reports, compare your school options.

New Ph.D. programs welcome students this fall

Rit now offers doctoral programs in cognitive science and physics.

Scott Hamilton

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

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

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

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

An interdisciplinary approach to cognitive science

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Steadily growing opportunities in physics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recommended News

August 23, 2024

Cyber expert on the National Public Data breach   

News Radio WHAM 1180 chats with Jonathan Weissman, principal lecturer in the Department of Cybersecurity, about the National Public Data breach that exposed 2.9 billion records, including Social Security numbers.  (Interview starts at the 50-second mark.)

RIT is now an Adobe Creative Campus, expanding access to digital tools and trainings

As an Adobe Creative Campus, RIT students, faculty, and staff will have free access to Adobe tools, as well as additional trainings and certifications that can enhance their digital literacy and skillsets.

RIT students urged to launch dreams in their new journeys

More than 3,100 new RIT students got their official welcome Thursday, first parading past cheering faculty and staff in the annual Tiger Walk, then in the Gordon Field House and Activities Center for some friendly advice during this year’s Fall Convocation for New Students.

Inside ‘Upwards’ at RIT; an international semiconductor education exchange program   

WROC-TV speaks to Karl Hirschman, professor, and Jing Zhang, associate professor, both in the Department of Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering, about the hands-on workforce development approach Upwards uses.

College of Education

• Accreditation
• Executive Leadership Council
• Community Outreach Programs
• Support the College
• Counseling & Psychology
• Curriculum & Instruction
• Exercise Science
• Student Success Center
• Tk20 by Watermark
• Student Technology Requirements
• College of Education Testing Center
• Scholarships
• Student Athlete Wellness Advising
• CODE Student Organization
• NCAA Innovations Grant
• Teaching as a Profession (TAP)
• Start College in High School
• Jeffers Learning Resources Center
• Millard Oakley STEM Center
• Child Development Lab
• Office of Teacher Education

Ph.D. Programs

The Ph.D. in Counseling and Supervision prepares students to serve in a variety of specialty careers in the counseling profession.

The Ph.D. in Exceptional Learning offers five (5) concentrations focused on the characteristics, strengths, and educational needs of individuals and groups whose learning potential and opportunities for success are often unrealized.

The online Higher Education Ph.D. is designed for professionals in the field who are interested in using data science to best prepare students and confront challenges facing higher education.

Counseling and Supervision

Exceptional Learning (5 concentrations)

Higher Education (online)

Experience Tech For Yourself

Visit us to see what sets us apart.

Quick Links

• Tech at a Glance
• Majors & Concentrations
• Colleges & Schools
• Student Life
• Research at Tech
• Tech Express
• Current Students
• Faculty & Staff
• Mission and Vision
• Facts about Tech
• University Rankings
• Accreditation & Memberships
• Maps & Directions
• Board of Trustees
• Office of the President
• Strategic Plan
• History of Tech
• Parents & Family
• International
• Military & Veteran Affairs
• Tuition & Fees
• Financial Aid
• Visit Campus
• Dual Enrollment
• Request Information
• Office of the Provost
• Academic Calendar
• Undergraduate Catalog
• Graduate Catalog
• Volpe Library
• Student Success Centers
• Honors Program
• Study Abroad
• Living On Campus
• Health & Wellness
• Get Involved
• Student Organizations
• Safety & Security
• Services for Students
• Upcoming Events
• Diversity Resources
• Student Affairs
• Featured Researchers
• Research Centers
• ttusports.com
• Social Media
• Student Resources
• Faculty & Staff Resources
• Bookstore/Dining/Parking
• Pay Online - Eagle Pay
• IT Help Desk
• Strategic Planning
• Office of IARE
• Student Complaints

• FindAMasters

Masters-Study-In-Usa

• Top Universities for Postgraduate Study in the USA

Top Universities in the USA for Masters Study

Written by Mark Bennett

What to expect in this guide

Are you contemplating pursuing a Masters degree in the USA? Wondering if American universities are up to par for a graduate study programme? We're here to clear your doubts and guide you in the right direction!

What you’ll find on this page:

• The top 20 American universities in 2024 according to Times Higher Education, QS and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).
• How relevant these rankings are for Masters study.
• Where to look for domestic USA rankings.

Want to know more? Keep reading to find out where in the rankings your institution sits!

If you’ve been thinking about studying a postgraduate course in the USA, the sheer size and scope can be daunting. Over 4,300 American higher education providers cater to the ever-growing population of students. Even though only around 1,000 of them offer Masters/PhD-level degrees (which narrows things down slightly) there's still a huge variety of institutions to choose from.

In this guide we talk about the different kinds of institutions, university organisations and some of the top picks for postgraduate study in the USA according to international ranking tables.

On this page

Types of us higher education institutions – college vs university.

Americans often use the term ‘college’ as an equivalent term for ‘university’; so, ‘going to university’ becomes ‘going to college’. However, ‘college’ is more often used to refer to undergraduate education. With some exceptions, colleges are usually smaller, with a focus on a few, specific subject areas and do not generally offer postgraduate programmes.

There are two common types of colleges in the US:

• Community colleges that only offer undergraduate programmes (many of which are associate degrees, preparing students for Bachelors-level study).
• Liberal arts colleges which may have postgraduate programmes awarding Masters degrees and even PhDs, but the majority focus on undergraduate education

Universities

In the US, universities are primarily higher education institutions offering both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees

Normally, to be classed as a university, an institution has to include a certain number of faculties or schools. These can either focus on specific subjects or a particular level of teaching. It's common for a large American university to include dedicated undergraduate colleges alongside more advanced graduate schools.

Universities are where most of the academic research happens in the USA. This means they have the expertise and facilities to deliver advanced degrees such as Masters and PhD qualifications.

Individual universities in the USA can either be public or private, depending on their funding status.

• Public universities are funded and administered by the state rather than the federal government. They tend to be large and often very prestigious institutions. Most US states maintain a single state university but sometimes they might operate across a network of sites (in which case individual campuses may specialise in particular academic fields). Because they are supported by state funding, fees at public universities are usually lower than those at private universities.
• Private universities in the USA are not funded by the state, but neither are they necessarily run on a commercial (for-profit) basis. Instead, they sustain their research and teaching activity through external investment (from charities or other organisations), and with the revenues they raise from tuition fees. Private universities are often more expensive than state universities, but most will also offer scholarships and other funding packages to help encourage and support students.

Colleges vs universities in the UK

Colleges in the US almost always refer to tertiary education (undergraduate or over) whereas colleges in the UK can deliver academic or vocational courses to students aged 16–18, in order to prepare them for university or employment. Read more about the distinction between colleges and universities on our guide.

Graduate schools

Often existing as part of larger universities, graduate schools offer only Masters and PhD level qualifications. You may hear students go from ‘college’ to ‘graduate school’ (or ‘grad school’).

An individual university may have more than one graduate school, specialising in different subject areas. Some graduate schools focus on professional training like in Business, Medicine and Law. They may sometimes also be referred to as ‘professional schools’.

US university organisations

The US higher education system is home to various organisations and groups of universities, some of which are internationally famous. It’s worth knowing a little about organisations like this as you decide where you want to study in the USA.

The Ivy League

We may as well start with the big one! The Ivy League is probably the most famous university association in the world. Its name is shorthand for academic excellence and student prestige.

Formed of eight of the country’s highest-ranking universities, the Ivy League are some of the most sought after by students. However, you must remember that admission is highly competitive, and you shouldn’t think they are the be-all and end-all of American educational excellence. There are many top-ranking universities that aren’t members!

You can find more information on our Ivy League guide.

Public Ivies

The private nature of the Ivy League has led some top public universities in the US to be referred to as 'Public Ivies'. The Public Ivies aren't a formal association (and their 'membership' is completely unofficial), but the term is still a meaningful mark of respect.

The Association of American Universities (AAU)

The Association of American Universities is a membership organisation comprising leading public and private North American research universities. It includes 60 US institutions (including seven of the eight Ivies!) as well as two in Canada. In practice, the AAU is similar to the UK’s Russell Group. Membership serves as a badge of quality and allows universities to collectively lobby on higher education issues.

The Carnegie Classification of Institutes of Higher Education

The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education system is based on the number of programmes US institutions offer at different levels, and the dominance of different subject areas in their research and training activity. The Basic Classification groups institutions according to the level and size of their degree programmes. Where a university offers postgraduate programmes, you can also use its Graduate Instructional Program Classification to see which disciplines predominate in its provision.

Top US universities for a postgraduate study

The following table gives the top 20 universities in the USA , based on global university rankings.

This information is based on the latest rankings tables, researched and published by Times Higher Education , QS and the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) . For more information on using international rankings as a postgraduate, see our guide.

Domestic rankings of US universities

There are a wide range of domestic rankings that only include universities in the USA. Most are produced by American media outlets and similar organisations. Domestic rankings don't compare US universities internationally; instead, they rank US institutions against each other. While this is useful if you're narrowing your search to the USA, it’s less helpful if you're still comparing a range of options for postgraduate study abroad.

We haven't summarised specific US university rankings here, but significant examples include:

• The U.S. News and World Report’s Best Grad Schools ranking looks at universities providing postgraduate ('graduate') qualifications in 12 broad fields.
• The Washington Monthly National University Rankings doesn't produce a specific ranking of graduate schools, but its main rankings do consider each university's research performance in detail, making it more relevant to advanced degree programmes such as Masters and PhDs.
• The America's Top Colleges ranking is published by Forbes magazine (an influential American business publication). This ranking focusses primarily on student-centred metrics such as satisfaction, academic success and graduation rate.

Think USA is the place for you? Read our comprehensive guides on Masters applications, funding and student visas .

Search for a Masters in the USA

Ready to start looking for your ideal study abroad opportunity? Browse and compare Masters degrees in the USA on FindAMasters.com.

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

You may also like....

Everything you need to know about part-time and full-time work as a student or recent graduate in the USA.

Why you'll need health insurance as an international student in the USA and how to find the right plan for you.

Our guide tells you everything about the application process for studying a Masters in the USA.

How much does it cost to study a Masters degree in the USA? And what kind of funding is available? Our guide covers typical postgraduate fees at American universities, plus details of bursaries and scholarships for domestic and international students.

Our guide tells you exactly what kind of visa you need to study a study in the USA and what you need to apply for it.

What's it like to live in America as a Masters student? Read a detailed guide to postgraduate accommodation, living costs and working while studying.

FindAMasters. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about Masters study?

Select your nearest city

• Aberystwyth
• Beaconsfield
• Bishop Burton
• Bournemouth
• Bridlington
• Chatham Maritime
• Cirencester
• East Malling
• Hemel Hempstead
• High Wycombe
• Huddersfield
• Isle of Man
• Jordanstown
• London Central
• London East
• London South
• London West
• Londonderry
• Loughborough
• Middlesbrough
• Milton Keynes
• Musselburgh
• Northampton
• Potters Bar
• Saffron Waldon
• Scarborough
• Southampton
• St Leonards on Sea
• Stoke on Trent
• Wolverhampton

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAMasters, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, application tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAMasters.com

or begin browsing FindAMasters.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Do you want hassle-free information and advice?

Create your FindAMasters account and sign up to our newsletter:

• Find out about funding opportunities and application tips
• Receive weekly advice, student stories and the latest Masters news
• Hear about our upcoming study fairs
• Save your favourite courses, track enquiries and get personalised subject updates

Create your account

Looking to list your Masters courses? Log in here .

Let us help you find a Masters

Never miss a course

Enter our ambassador competition

Get funding news, tips and advice

Hear about upcoming events

Sign up to our newsletter today

We've been helping students find the right postgraduate course for over a decade.

Login to your account

Enter your username below to login to your account.

Get the Reddit app

A subreddit for those who enjoy learning about flags, their place in society past and present, and their design characteristics

Flag of Elektrostal, Moscow Oblast, Russia

By continuing, you agree to our User Agreement and acknowledge that you understand the Privacy Policy .

Enter the 6-digit code from your authenticator app

You’ve set up two-factor authentication for this account.

Enter a 6-digit backup code

Create your username and password.

Reddit is anonymous, so your username is what you’ll go by here. Choose wisely—because once you get a name, you can’t change it.

Reset your password

Enter your email address or username and we’ll send you a link to reset your password

Check your inbox

An email with a link to reset your password was sent to the email address associated with your account

Choose a Reddit account to continue

Moskovskiy, Russia

Essential moskovskiy, places to stay.

Food & drink

Moskovskiy Is Great For

Eat & drink.

Zhukovsky International Airport

Zhukovsky International Airport, formerly known as Ramenskoye Airport or Zhukovsky Airfield - international airport, located in Moscow Oblast, Russia 36 km southeast of central Moscow, in the town of Zhukovsky, a few kilometers southeast of the old Bykovo Airport. After its reconstruction in 2014–2016, Zhukovsky International Airport was officially opened on 30 May 2016. The declared capacity of the new airport was 4 million passengers per year.

Sygic Travel - A Travel Guide in Your Pocket

More interesting places

• Privacy Policy
• STOCK 360° TRAVEL VIDEOS