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2024 Best Grad Schools in the United States for Doctorate 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 doctorate degree schools in the united states, rest of the top 50 best doctorate degree schools in the united states, narrow doctorate 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% doctorate degree schools in the united states.

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Get started with your application to the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS)

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Welcome! 

Applications to degree programs for the 2025-2026 academic year will be available in early fall 2024.

Click here to Access the Applicant Portal

We’re delighted that you are interested in pursuing academic studies at the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Whether you intend to study toward a master’s or PhD degree, join a visiting students program, or participate in one of our outreach programs, we are looking forward to reviewing your application. For information about tuition and fees, see the Cost of Attendance section.

Harvard does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, political beliefs, veteran status, disability or any other protected classification, and we actively seek applicants from historically underrepresented communities. We hope you’ll consider applying. 

Immigration status does not factor into decisions about admissions and financial aid. For more information, see Undocumented at Harvard . 

Get Started 

Step 1: choose a program. .

You have several options for study at Harvard Griffin GSAS. 

Degree Programs 

The school offers master’s and PhD degrees in programs based in the arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering and applied sciences. Many programs also allow a student to conduct more focused research by choosing an area of study. Review the programs on offer to decide which program best meets your academic goals. 

Are you a Harvard College student looking for information on the AB/AM and AB/SM programs? Visit the Harvard AB/AM and AB/SM programs page.

Non-Degree Programs 

The Visiting Students Program offers you the opportunity to take classes and conduct research with faculty. 

Outreach Programs 

If you are looking for a short-term research experience, consider a paid summer internship  organized by Harvard Griffin GSAS, Harvard departments, and Harvard-affiliated teaching hospitals. The School also offers  Research Scholar Initiative , a post-baccalaureate program that enables college graduates to take part in a long-term research experience. 

Information for Exchange Scholars:

Exchange Scholars  

Step 2: Make a note of the application deadline and review admissions policies.

Application deadlines vary by program and are noted on the relevant program page . You should also review our admissions policies and Applying to Degree Programs .

Step 3: Determine whether you need to take standardized tests and register early. 

Degree programs may require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test or subject test scores. Applicants who are non-native English speakers may be required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting scores from an English Language test (TOEFL or IELTS). Review the admissions policy on English proficiency for more information.  

Step 4: Complete your application by the deadline. 

The degree program application becomes available in September. You should review Applying to Degree Programs before starting your application. All components of the application to a degree program are due by 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the deadline date.

Applications for the Visiting Students Program are accepted twice a year.

For application information about our Outreach Programs , visit your program page of interest.  

Who should I contact if I have a question about a specific program? 

If you still have questions after carefully reviewing your degree program of interest, reach out to the contact noted on the program’s page. 

Can I enroll in courses instead of applying to a degree program? 

If you are interested in taking courses for academic credit outside of a formal degree program, you may apply for Visiting Student status by the appropriate deadline. Please visit the Visiting Students website or contact [email protected] to learn more. 

Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (HILS) Applicants 

While prospective degree program applicants are encouraged to carefully choose the HILS program that best fits their academic goals, interested applicants may apply to up to three programs and pay only one application fee. If you elect to apply to three programs, only two may be programs in the Department of Medical Sciences (these programs are biomedical informatics, biological and biomedical sciences, immunology, neuroscience, speech and hearing bioscience and technology, and virology). The fee waiver for additional applications is ONLY available for those applying to multiple programs in the HILS federation. For more information, please consult the HILS page . 

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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.

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Master's vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Published on November 27, 2020 by Lauren Thomas . Revised on May 10, 2024.

The two most common types of graduate degrees are master’s and doctoral degrees:

• A master’s is a 1–2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers.
• A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3–7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research.

A master’s is also the necessary first step to a PhD. In the US, the master’s is built into PhD programs, while in most other countries, a separate master’s degree is required before applying for PhDs.

Master’s are far more common than PhDs. In the US, 24 million people have master’s or professional degrees, whereas only 4.5 million have doctorates.

Table of contents

Master’s vs phd at a glance, which is right for you, length of time required, career prospects, costs and salaries, application process, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about master's and phd degrees.

The table below shows the key differences between the two.

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A PhD is right for you if:

• Your goal is to become a professor at a university or some other type of professional researcher.
• You love research and are passionate about discovering the answer to a particular question.
• You are willing to spend years pursuing your research even if you have to put up with a lot of dead ends and roadblocks.

A master’s degree is the better choice if any of the following apply:

• You want to continue studies in your field, but you’re not committed to a career as a professional researcher.
• You want to develop professional skills for a specific career.
• You are willing to pay a higher upfront cost if it means finishing with your degree (and thus being able to work) much faster.
• You want the option to study part-time while working.

The length of time required to complete a PhD or master’s degree varies. Unsurprisingly, PhDs take much longer, usually between 3–7 years. Master’s degrees are usually only 1–2 years.

Length of a master’s

Master’s degrees are usually 2 years, although 1-year master’s degrees also exist, mainly in the UK.

Most of the degree consists of classes and coursework, although many master’s programs include an intensive, semester-long master’s thesis or capstone project in which students bring together all they’ve learned to produce an original piece of work.

Length of a PhD

In the US, a PhD usually takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. The first 2 years are spent on coursework. Students, even those who choose to leave without finishing the program, usually receive a master’s degree at this point.

The next 3–5 years are spent preparing a dissertation —a lengthy piece of writing based on independent research, which aims to make a significant original contribution to one’s field.

Master’s degrees tend to prepare you for a career outside of academia, while PhDs are designed to lead to a career in research.

Careers for master’s graduates

There are two types of master’s degrees: terminal and research-intensive. The career prospects are different for each.

Terminal master’s degrees are intended to prepare students for careers outside of academia. Some degrees, known as professional degrees, specifically prepare students for particular professions; these include the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.

Other master’s degrees, usually Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Sciences (MS or MSc) degrees, do not necessarily lead to a specific career, but are intended to be a final degree. Examples include an MS in Communications or MS in Data Analytics.

In research-intensive master’s programs, students take coursework intended to prepare them for writing an original piece of research known as the master’s thesis . Such programs are usually intended to prepare for further study in a doctoral program.

Careers for PhD graduates

As research degrees, PhDs are usually intended to lead to an academic career. A PhD can be thought of like an apprenticeship, where students learn from professional researchers (academics) how to produce their own research.

Most students aspire to become a university professor upon the completion of their degree. However, careers in academia are highly competitive, and the skills learned in a doctoral program often lend themselves well to other types of careers.

Some graduates who find they prefer teaching to producing research go on to be teachers at liberal arts colleges or even secondary schools. Others work in research-intensive careers in the government, private sector, or at think tanks.

Below are a few examples of specific fields and non-academic careers that are common destinations of graduates of those fields.

• Computer Science
• Lab Sciences

Many government jobs, including economists at a country’s central bank, are research-intensive and require a PhD. Think tanks also hire economists to carry out independent research.

In the private sector, economic consulting and technology firms frequently hire PhDs to solve real-world problems that require complex mathematical modeling.

Graduate students from the humanities are sometimes hired by museums, who can make use of their research and writing skills to curate exhibits and run public outreach.

Humanities PhDs are often well-suited to research and grant-writing roles at nonprofits. Since so much of research is funded by grants, PhD students often gain a lot of experience applying for them, which is a useful skill in the nonprofit sector.

There are a wide range of non-academic research jobs for lab scientists with doctorates in subjects like chemistry, biology, ecology and physics.

Many PhD graduates are hired by pharmaceutical companies that need to perform research to create and test their products. Government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also hire lab scientists to work on research projects.

Job prospects after graduation vary widely based on the field. In fields like management, computer science, statistics, and economics, there’s little underemployment—even graduates from less well-known programs can easily find jobs that pay well and use the skills they’ve gained from the PhD.

However, in other fields, particularly in the humanities, many PhD graduates have difficulty in the job market. Unfortunately, there are far more PhD graduates than assistant professor roles, so many instead take on part-time and low-paid roles as adjunct instructors. Even non-academic careers can sometimes be difficult for PhDs to move into, as they may be seen as “overqualified”  or as lacking in relevant professional experience.

Because career options post-PhD vary so much, you should take the time to figure out what the career prospects are in your field. Doctoral programs often have detailed “placement” records online in which they list the career outcomes of their graduates immediately upon leaving the program. If you can’t find these records, contact the program and ask for them—placement information should play an important role in your choice of PhD program.

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Although PhDs take far longer to complete, students often receive a living stipend in exchange for being a teaching or research assistant. Master’s degrees are shorter but less likely to be funded.

Both master’s degrees and PhDs lead to increased salaries upon graduation. While PhDs usually earn a bit more than those with a master’s degree, in some fields, the wages are identical, meaning that no financial benefit is gained from going on to a PhD.

Cost of a master’s

The upfront cost of a master’s degree is usually higher than a doctoral degree due to the lower amount of financial aid available. However, increased salaries also arrive faster than with a doctoral degree, because people graduate much earlier from a master’s program.

Some master’s students do receive stipends for their degrees, usually as compensation for being a teaching or research assistant. In addition, many people complete master’s degrees part time while working full-time, which allows them to fund their living costs as well as tuition.

The cost varies significantly by school and program. Public schools are usually cheaper than private ones. Some master’s degrees, such as MBAs, are notoriously expensive, but also result in much higher wages afterwards that make up for the high cost.

The master’s wage premium , or the extra amount that someone with a master’s degree makes than someone with just a high school diploma, is 23% on average. Many universities provide detailed statistics on the career and salary outcomes of their students. If they do not have this online, you should feel free to contact an administrator of the program and ask.

Cost of a PhD

PhDs, particularly outside the humanities, are usually (though not always) funded, meaning that tuition fees are fully waived and students receive a small living stipend. During the last 3–5 years of a PhD, after finishing their coursework (and sometimes before), students are usually expected to work as graduate instructors or research assistants in exchange for the stipend.

Sometimes students can apply for a fellowship (such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program in the United States) that relieves them of any obligations to be a teaching or research assistant. Doctoral programs in the US tend to be better funded than in the rest of the world.

Sometimes, PhD degrees can be completed part-time, but this is rare. Students are usually expected to devote at least 40 hours a week to their research and work as teaching or research assistants.

The main cost of doctoral programs comes in the form of opportunity cost—all the years that students could be working a regular, full-time job, which usually pays much better than a graduate school stipend.

The average wage premium for PhDs is 26%, which is not much higher than the master’s degree premium.

In the US, the application process is similar for master’s and PhD programs. Both will generally ask for:

• At least one application essay, often called a personal statement or statement of purpose .
• Letters of recommendation .
• A resume or CV .
• Transcripts.
• Writing samples.

Applications for both types of programs also often require a standardized test. PhDs usually require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which tries to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative, critical thinking , and analytical writing skills. Many master’s programs require this test as well.

Applying for a master’s

Master’s degrees programs will often ask you to respond to specific essay prompts that may ask you to reflect upon not just your academic background, but also your personal character and future career ambitions.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg Business School requires Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) applicants write two essays, one about a recent time they demonstrated leadership and the second about their personal values.

Who you should ask for your letters of recommendation varies by program. If you are applying to a research-intensive master’s program, then you should choose former professors or research supervisors. For other programs, particularly business school, current work supervisors may be a better choice.

Some professional master’s programs require a specific test. For example, to apply to law school, you must take the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT. For business school, you must take either the GRE or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Applying for a PhD

When applying for a PhD, your resume should focus more on your research background—you should especially emphasize any publications you’ve authored or presentations that you’ve given.

Similarly, your statement of purpose should discuss research that you’ve participated in, whether as an assistant or the lead author. You should detail what exactly you did in projects you’ve contributed to, whether that’s conducting a literature review, coding regressions, or writing an entire article.

Your letters of recommendations should be from former professors or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and potential as a researcher. A good rule of thumb is to avoid asking for recommendations from anyone who does not themselves have a PhD.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

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The 15 Graduate Schools With the Best Return on Investment

The post-college job landscape can be daunting. Should you just go to grad school instead? That depends on what you plan to study.

Obviously not all grad programs are created equal. And not everyone has the resources to spend another five to six figures on a degree with not-so-great financial or professional prospects (or worse, one that no one will have any use for by the time you’re 30). So we asked IvyWise for a few guidelines for gauging whether a master's degree is the right path for you.

First, ask yourself why. Start with some soul-searching, advises Team IvyWise. Be honest about your motivations. Are you a recent college graduate who is unsure about what you want to do? Then taking time off to reflect, and then getting a job that puts your bachelor’s to use, is better than spending more years and more money on another degree you’re not even that excited about. On the other hand, if you are crystal clear about your long-term career goals—and how this degree will help achieve them—then grad school may be worth it. Have C-suite ambitions? Then a master’s is essential. According to a 2021 study , half of North American CEOs have one, while 74% of Europe’s top executives do.

When should you go? “There are advantages to working in the field for a few years prior to applying to graduate schools, as it can give you a better understanding of yourself, in particular the knowledge and skill gaps you need to fill to advance in your chosen field,” Team IvyWise says. “It also allows you to contribute your professional experiences in the classroom.” Plus, some employers will even pay for grad school. But again, it all depends on your personal goals. Do keep in mind, though, that certain programs, especially MBAs, often want applicants to have work experience.

How to find the right program. Ultimately, you know what’s best for you, but look for certain clues. For example, “programs that emphasize real-world application in their curriculums, and where you can participate in internships and applied learning projects, contribute to industry and academic publications, and receive mentorship,” Team IvyWise says.

And then there is the ROI. That specialized, skills-based expertise is becoming an increasingly valuable asset should be a factor when determining whether a certain program is going to be worth it in the end. To help narrow it all down, we asked IvyWise's consultants for a list of the degrees (and the top schools for each) with the best return on investment . Below, with insight gleaned from metrics like job opportunities, student feedback, and earning potential, among other things—as well as with the help of resources like the U.S. World News Report, Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, and the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity —they make the case for which MBA programs, STEM subjects, and liberal arts degrees are really going to pay off.

The Best MBA Programs

Despite the oft-cited opinion that going to business school doesn’t amount to more than a very costly networking exercise, there are plenty of reasons to justify the time and financial investment it takes to obtain an MBA, especially if you want to change careers, switch industries, or just earn more money. According to IvyWise's consultants, in today’s job market an increasing number of employers are looking at grad school degrees as an indicator that candidates have acquired valuable skills, including leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking.

To maximize your investment towards an MBA, “look for programs with far-reaching industry alumni networks and robust career services,” advises the IvyWise team, who created a list of the top business schools that are worth it, based on data both quantitative (median starting salary, tuition, ranking) and qualitative (including skills acquired, career paths, and fellowship opportunities).

Georgia Institute of Technology

SCHELLER COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Atlanta, Georgia

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $189,539 Lifetime return on investment: $1,623,056

“Georgia Tech’s MBA program focuses on the intersection of business and technology, offering 14 STEM-designated concentrations, including sustainability and the TI:GER program, which prepares students to become technology innovators.”

University of Texas at Austin

MCCOMBS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Austin, Texas

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $207,935 Lifetime ROI: $1,879,816

“McCombs’s home city of Austin is consistently named one of the best cities in the U.S. for business, technology, entrepreneurship, startups, job growth, real estate, and livability, so students will surely be able to explore their professional interests in a wide variety of fields.”

Indiana University

KELLEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Bloomington, Indiana

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $170,927 Lifetime ROI: $1,593,023

“Kelley’s MBA program is particularly strong in professional development, beginning during orientation with Me, Inc., a one-of-a-kind business professional development workshop that guides students to identify the right professional fits for their skills, personalities, and values—and ultimately setting them up for long-term success.”

University of Michigan

STEPHEN M. ROSS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Ann Arbor, Michigan

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $218,806 Lifetime ROI: $2,300,312

“UMich’s MBA offering is known for REAL (Ross Experiences in Action-Based Learning), a program that allows students to learn business by actually doing business. Hallmarks of the approach includes providing resources for new business ideas, offering seven-week-long consulting projects in 20 countries, letting students manage one of six student-led investment funds overseeing millions of dollars, and having them manage real businesses.”

Duke University

FUQUA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Durham, North Carolina

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $228,716 Lifetime ROI: $2,646,085

“Fuqua’s Global Academic Travel Experience (GATE) encourages students to dive into international business for two months, starting with six weeks of interactive coursework on a particular country’s history and current economic landscape, followed by an intense 2-week tour to the country or region studied that includes meetings with business and government leaders in a wide variety of industries and economic sectors.”

Top STEM Degrees

Engineering.

The School: MIT

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $386,193 Lifetime ROI: $6,534,312

“Engineering degrees are routinely in the top five highest earning master’s degrees. With jobs growing across the discipline and median annual salaries falling in the high $150,000 range for some areas, a career in engineering ensures growth and financial stability. MIT’s rank as the #1 school for engineering, plus its strong selection of graduate programs, world-class faculty, extensive industry pipelines, and cutting-edge lab facilities make MIT an excellent (and highly competitive) choice. The Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (MEng) program enables students to solve some of the world’s hardest problems and conduct groundbreaking research to drive progress in every sector touched by electrical engineering, computer science, and artificial intelligence and decision-making.”

Computer Science

The School: Columbia University

FU FOUNDATION SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING & APPLIED SCIENCE New York, New York

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $463,450 Lifetime ROI: $6,041,342

“No surprise here, as steady career advancement and strong earning potential makes computer science a lucrative academic discipline. Particularly high-growth areas include AI, Machine Learning, Big Data, Cybersecurity, and Software Development. Columbia’s M.S. in Computer Science program provides advanced education in several tracks, including computational biology, natural language processing, and software systems, while also offering opportunities to participate in state-of-the-art research. In addition, its strong reputation, robust alumni network, well-connected faculty, and NYC location make it ideal for establishing industry connections and getting applied experience—and all contribute to the high ROI of the program.”

Applied & Computational Mathematics

The School: University of Washington, Seattle

DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED MATHEMATICS Seattle, Washington

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $169,280 Lifetime ROI: $909,219

“Actuaries and economists are some of the highest paying jobs in this field, but this is a discipline that can be applied across so many sectors, including finance, business, technology, government, scientific research, and healthcare. UW is internationally known for being at the forefront of cutting-edge research, and the Department of Applied Mathematics offers a welcoming environment that is also flexible for working professionals, thanks to both in-person and online options. As a top-rated public institution with strong value for money, UW is known for its exceptional research profile and collaborative faculty—not to mention the perks of its location in Seattle, and its proximity to beautiful natural settings.”

Architecture

The School: Notre Dame University

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE Notre Dame, Indiana

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $137,145 Lifetime ROI: $1,306,807

“As we face the worsening impacts of climate change, architects are at the forefront of thoughtful and sustainable design to adapt to new demands. Using alternative and recycled materials, engaging in eco-friendly design practices, and repurposing old buildings are some of the ways this field is evolving to meet society’s needs. Not to mention all the advances in technology, which make this a particularly exciting time to be an architect. A unique facet of Notre Dame’s Master of Architecture program is that all students are required to spend a semester in Rome to do a deep dive into Italy’s rich history of successful urbanism and lasting architecture. A classical approach with a focus on principled design and community is the Notre Dame program’s M.O., while the emphasis on academic advising and teaching assistant positions, as well as a 100% placement rate upon graduation, are some of the top reasons it is a stellar choice for those interested in architecture.”

The School: Ohio State University

COLLEGE OF NURSING Columbus, Ohio

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $113,590 Lifetime ROI: $686,656

“Two million new jobs will be added in the healthcare sector in the next 10 years, and in particular, there is a 38% projected growth for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioner roles. Practitioners, especially, are highly skilled medical professionals who enjoy a great degree of career fulfillment, versatility, and advancement. OSU’s option for a Graduate Entry Master of Science in Nursing welcomes students with a college degree in a different major to transition to the field after meeting specific prerequisites, while the traditional master’s program is designed for those who have already obtained a bachelor’s degree in nursing. No matter which path a student chooses, the OSU College of Nursing is consistently ranked among the best in the U.S. and sets graduates up for success in roles across private practices, clinics, hospitals, managed care organizations, and governmental agencies and across specialties like pediatrics, nurse-midwifery, psychiatry, and women’s health.”

Top Liberal Arts Degrees

Applied psychology.

The School: University of Southern California

DANA & DAVID DORNSIFE COLLEGE OF LETTERS, ARTS, AND SCIENCES Los Angeles, California

Median annual salary 10 years after graduationn: $118,274 Lifetime ROI: $812,883

“A master’s in psychology will enable you to pursue work across industries, from education to healthcare to the private sector, and in various roles like school counseling, social work, corporate training, and criminology. With a projected 6% job growth in the next ten years, this is a great career path. USC’s applied psychology students explore how psychology fosters organizational success, setting them up for a wide variety of careers, including learning and development; user experience; diversity, equity, and inclusion; consumer insights; and organizational consulting. The program also has exciting global immersion components and robust career services. The emphasis on cross-sectoral applied training is apparent in the alumni who have jobs in large consulting firms, innovative tech companies, and media, as well as those traditional counseling roles. Plus, an online option provides flexibility for working professionals.”

Communications

The School: Northwestern University

SCHOOL OF COMMUNICATION Evanston, Illinois

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $118,496 Lifetime ROI: $983,693

“Communications encompasses a broad range of roles across marketing, technical writing, human resources, public relations, social media, and journalism. Salaries and earning potential will vary widely across these areas, but at the higher end, the median salary for advertising, marketing, and promotions managers was $135,900 in 2019. Students pursuing a Master of Science in Communication at Northwestern can customize their programs to suit the skills and topics they are most passionate about, with innovative elective options like brand management, crisis communication management, generative AI & the media, and public persuasion. Northwestern’s MSC is one of the most user-friendly options out there, with a rolling admissions process, online modalities, and customizable curricular options. It also takes just one year to complete, making it a more affordable option.”

Human Resources

The School: Pepperdine University

GRAZIADIO BUSINESS SCHOOL Malibu, California

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $178,885 Lifetime ROI: $1,399,249

“According to the BLS, jobs in this sector will grow 5% between 2022 and 2032. Human Resource professionals can find particularly high paying jobs in the professional, scientific, and technical service industries. Pepperdine’s online Master of Science in Human Resources program offers a curriculum aligned with the official requirements of the Society for Human Resource Management and provides the relevant skills needed by modern HR professionals. A standout online option for busy professionals, the 16-month program features two immersion experiences in Los Angeles, which enables cohort community-building and knowledge application in professional settings. The program has an extensive global network and offers robust career development services, including one-on-one executive coaching.”

International Affairs & Public Policy

The School: American University

SCHOOL OF INTERNATIONAL SERVICE Washington, D.C.

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $120,343 Lifetime ROI: $565,479

“For those who enjoy public service and international engagement, careers in these fields can facilitate highly rewarding opportunities to make an impact on the local, national, or global levels. AU has two excellent schools for international affairs master’s degrees and public affairs and is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as #5 in Global Policy and Administration, #12 in Public Policy, and #13 in Public Affairs. Students getting the M.A. in International Affairs Policy and Analysis (IAPA) self-design specializations by selecting courses in areas such as environmental policy, foreign policy, and peace-building, and apply their analytical skills and substantive experiences to real-world problems in the Integrated Policy Exercise course, a capstone experience. The Master in Public Policy (MPP) program emphasizes experiential learning opportunities in Washington, D.C., and students select from 11 concentrations, like Education Policy, Public Financial Management, and Cyber Policy and Management.”

The School: Johns Hopkins University

KRIEGER SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES Baltimore, Maryland

Median annual salary 10 years after graduation: $166,959 Lifetime ROI: $1,560,302

“Providing an extremely useful and broadly applicable skill set, economics degrees can be leveraged in industry roles or for advanced study. Specialized skills will enable you to take on high-level positions, including those dealing in personal financial management, national budget concerns, or international lending. (According to the BLS, in 2022, econ master’s degree holders made about 15% more than those who just completed a bachelor’s degree.) JHU’s M.S. in Applied Economics program focuses on preparing students to support decision-making processes involving global markets and policy, while the M.S. in Financial Economics sets students up for careers that focus on modeling financial markets, forecasting trends, and elevating decision-making in both the public and private sectors. Multiple program modalities, three intake terms, and numerous electives make this a highly customizable option. Plus, Johns Hopkins’s MSFE has a lower tuition than similar programs in business schools. For those who want to pursue an in-person degree, the program’s D.C. campus scores high for professional networking and a vibrant city life. The program is also heavily focused on career placement, ensuring your time and money are well-spent.”

Leena Kim is an editor at Town & Country , where she covers travel, jewelry, education, weddings, and culture.

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A Bachelors degree or the equivalent (i.e., a four-year course of study in an accredited college or university) is required for admission. A Masters degree is not required, although some applicants have a Masters degree. Superior academic performance is expected.

GMAT or GRE Scores

Note: gre/gmat scores are optional for dro phd applicants.

Applicants may take either the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT), but scores from one are required. Test scores should be input into the appropriate section of the application. Admitted students will be asked to submit an official copy if there is not one on record. Decisions are not binding until these materials have been received.

• The GRE is administered by Educational Testing Service at numerous centers throughout the United States and abroad.
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Applicants from abroad must also take either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the IELTS unless they received a degree from an institution where English was the language of instruction.

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The Decision, Risk and Operations Division is interested in your reasons for pursuing doctoral studies. Please describe them in an essay that is fewer than 1000 words.

Essay Instructions: The Admissions Committee is interested in your reasons for pursuing doctoral study. In an essay no longer than 1000 words, please describe your educational goals, research interests, and professional objectives. If you have already formulated plans for dissertation-level research, please describe them as specifically as possible. Additionally, please describe the academic and/or professional achievements that have contributed most to your development and the formation of your goals and interests.

The Management Division is interested in your reasons for pursuing doctoral studies. Please describe them in an essay that is fewer than 1000 words. and indicate the subarea to which you are applying (Organizational Behavior, Strategy, Organizational Theory).

The Marketing Division is interested in your reasons for pursuing doctoral studies. Please describe them in an essay that is fewer than 1000 words in length and indicate the subarea (consumer behavior or quantitative modelling) that seems like the best fit for you, given your background. Note that your selection at this time is not binding. In fact, our PhD program has a set of core classes that all students take regardless of the subarea you indicate in your application and you are free to work on any marketing-related topics using the most appropriate methodologies.

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Two letters of recommendation are required. However, a total of four may be submitted.

Research Paper (DRO Only, Optional)

Applicants to the Decision, Risk, and Operations Division are encouraged to submit up to two research papers as part of their application, if they have them. The application form provides the option to submit research papers under Essays.

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An application fee of US$100 must be submitted with your application. An application is not considered complete until the fee has been paid.

Fee waivers are available to active duty US military personnel, and members of the Peace Corps, Teach for America, Teach for China, or Teach for India who are currently in service. Applicants who qualify for a fee waiver should email a fee waiver request, as well as proof of service, to [email protected] .

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The Top International Relations Schools

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The Top International Relations Schools of 2024, Ranked

An insider’s guide to the world’s best programs—for both policy and academic careers.

The Teaching, Research, and International Policy (TRIP) Project at William & Mary’s Global Research Institute has long partnered with Foreign Policy to create a reputational ranking of academic programs in international relations. Over the past two decades, our process has remained simple and consistent: We ask IR professionals what they think are the five best places to study for an undergraduate, terminal master’s, and doctoral degree.

In our most recent survey on the topic, conducted from October 2022 to January 2023, we received responses from 979 IR scholars across the United States, 294 staff affiliated with U.S. think tanks, and 291 policymakers who worked in the U.S. government during the George W. Bush, Obama, and Trump administrations. For the first time, we also asked respondents which Ph.D. programs are best for a student interested in a policy career, rather than an academic one. As the number of tenure-track positions in universities declines and the demand for expertise within the policy community increases , this question is more relevant today than ever before.

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• Ph.D., ACADEMIC
• Ph.D., POLICY

Undergraduate Programs

These results should look familiar to those who follow national undergraduate rankings. Ivy League schools, Stanford University, the University of Chicago, and a few large public universities were favored across the board. But a handful of outliers punched well above their weight: Georgetown University, American University, George Washington University, Tufts University, and William & Mary all placed much higher here compared with their rankings in U.S. News & World Report , widely considered the most influential college ranking in the United States. In fact, Georgetown stands out as the top undergraduate choice among policymakers and think tank staff.

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Master’s Programs

For master’s students hoping to pursue a policy career, all three groups we surveyed expressed a preference for programs on the East Coast. Only a few schools located west of the Rocky Mountains made the top 20 in each list. Respondents also highlighted several options outside the United States in the top 20: IR faculty included four international programs, while policymakers included five—all located in Europe—and think tankers included eight, one of which is in Asia.

Ph.D. Programs for Academics

IR faculty members’ rankings of Ph.D. programs have proved remarkably stable over the years. Between our 2017 survey and our most recent one, no top 15 program has moved more than one spot in either direction; in fact, most held the same rank. Additionally, policymakers and think tank staff appeared to value academic Ph.D. programs located in Washington, D.C., and outside the United States much more than U.S.-based IR scholars did.

Ph.D. Programs for Policymakers

When asked about doctoral students pursuing a policy career, all three groups we surveyed showed a preference for institutions with strong connections to Washington. Schools such as George Washington University, Georgetown University, and American University are ranked higher for students pursuing policy careers than for those hoping to enter academia. Conversely, institutions such as the University of Chicago and Massachusetts Institute of Technology are ranked lower for policy careers than academic ones. This shift highlights the importance of proximity to policy centers and the availability of practical engagement opportunities in shaping perceptions of a program’s value for a policy-oriented career in IR.

Advice to Prospective Students

Prospective students would do well to explore the specific features of various programs rather than focusing solely on a broad reputational ranking, which tells us little about a program’s regional, functional, or methodological strengths. For example, both academic and policymaker respondents who specialize in international political economy and/or trade policy ranked the London School of Economics master’s program higher than respondents who focus on security policy. Similarly, academics who specialize in the study of Latin America ranked the University of California, Berkeley Ph.D. program higher for an academic career than their non-Latin Americanist colleagues.

Still, prospective students should keep in mind that reputation matters. Although reputation may be an imperfect indicator of quality, it is a strong indicator of perceived quality within the field. A program’s standing can have conscious and unconscious effects on graduate school admissions committees, scholarship committees, and hiring managers in the public, private, and higher education sectors. For this reason, our ranking provides a systematic measure of these perceptions to assist prospective students in making informed choices as they plan for their future.

Advancing a Global Affairs Career

The intersection of large-scale challenges and technological advancements demands a broader range of knowledge and skills from international relations professionals. Learn about the impact this is having on employment trends in the latest FP Graduate School Guide .

To learn how your academic institution can be part of the FP Guides, contact Director of Academic Partnerships: Sherri Greeves, [email protected] .

Irene Entringer García Blanes is a senior project manager for the Teaching, Research, and International Policy Project at William & Mary. Twitter:  @EntringerIrene

Susan Peterson is the Wendy and Emery Reves professor of government and international relations at William & Mary.

Michael J. Tierney is the George and Mary Hylton professor of international relations and director of the Global Research Institute at William & Mary. Twitter:  @MikeTierneyIR

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Department of Geography

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The Ph.D. is a different kind of degree from the master’s degree. A doctoral candidate in geography must be capable of making original contributions to knowledge and scholarship. For the students to make such contributions, they must concentrate on a narrow and clearly defined field of study. We require, however, that doctoral candidates know more of geography than their particular specialties; thus, any aspirant for a doctorate must obtain master’s training or its equivalent before being admitted to doctoral candidacy. In short, admission to doctoral candidacy is official recognition that a student’s general foundation in the breadth of geography is satisfactory. Students then devote their attention to developing depth in chosen specialties.

The general requirements for a doctoral degree in geography are more rigorous than those for a master’s degree. At the same time, the greater flexibility of the doctoral program allows advanced students to pursue programs of study tailored to their special interests and needs.

Progress through the degree is marked by: 

• Successful performance in a verbal qualifying exam; 
• Four-day written comprehensive exam, with a verbal portion after the written answers have been assessed by the committee;  
• Formal dissertation proposal; and 
• Verbal defense of a completed dissertation.

The four-year Ph.D. program is reserved for students who have a master’s degree from another graduate program. That can be another geography program at another university, a non-geography program at another university, or a non-geography program at Penn State.

Students entering the four-year Ph.D. program must take the doctoral qualifying exam in their first year. A committee from three of the four fields of geography and formally appointed by the Graduate Program Officer will administer the qualifying exam. The qualifying exam can take place any time during the year, but students in the four-year Ph.D. program typically take it during spring semester.

Students in the four-year Ph.D. program complete a comprehensive exam and defend their dissertation proposal in the second year. Depending on the needs of their research, and in agreement with their doctoral committee, students can fulfill these two requirements in either order. Once students have successfully passed their comprehensive exam and defended their proposal, they typically take two years to research, write, and defend their dissertations.

Our online Graduate Student Handbook explains the program requirements for all degrees.

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Online Master’s and Doctoral Programs List

The University of Idaho’s online graduate degrees reflect our mission of making education accessible across the state and nation and responding to changing employment demands. Delivering the quality instruction expected of a research university, our online master’s and doctoral programs are taught by our esteemed faculty members and build upon our century-old reputation as an educational leader in the Northwest. 

Online graduate students can earn a degree from one of our top-ranked national programs around their existing obligations and have access to the same opportunities and resources, including the on-campus library, research projects, scholarships, and teaching assistantships. If you’ve thought about returning to school but require more flexibility due to your full-time job and raising a family, advance your career with any of the programs listed here.

Available via online or distance learning: 

• Climate Change , P.S.M.
• Geographic Information Skills, Mapping, and Monitoring , P.S.M.
• Precision Nutrition for Human and Animal Health , P.S.M.
• Scientific Communication and Leadership , Certificate
• Sustainable Soil and Land Systems , P.S.M.
• Water Resources , P.S.M.

College of Business and Economics

• Online Master of Business Administration , M.B.A.
• Adult Organizational Learning and Leadership , M.S.
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• Curriculum and Instruction , M.Ed.
• Physical Education , M.Ed.
• Special Education , M.Ed.
• Education , Ed.D., Ph.D. (may vary from all to mostly online)

Engineering

• Advanced Semiconductor Design
• Civil Engineering , M.Engr.
• Computer Engineering , M.S., M.Engr.
• Computer Science , M.S.
• Cybersecurity , M.S.
• Electrical Engineering , M.S., M.Engr.
• Engineering Management , M.Engr.
• Geological Engineering, , M.S.
• High-Speed Circuits and Systems , Certificate
• Mechanical Engineering , M.Engr.
• Power System Protection and Relaying, Certificate
• Secure and Dependable Computing Systems, Certificate
• Smart Grid Cybersecurity
• Technology Management , M.S.

Letters, Arts and Social Sciences

• Criminology , M.S.
• Emerging Media , M.A.
• Music , M.Mus.
• Media Production , Certificate
• Public Administration , M.P.A.
• Psychology: Human Factors , M.S.
• Theatre Arts , MFA
• Strategic Media Management , Certificate

Natural Resources and Environmental Science

• Environmental Science, M.S.
• Environmental Education and Science Communication, Certificate
• Master of Natural Resources, M.N.R.
• Fire Ecology, Management and Technology , Certificate
• Remote Sensing of the Environment, Certificate
• Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Aspects of Sustainable Planning Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Habitat Assessment Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Geospatial Intelligence Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Geotechnician Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: GIS Programming Application , M.S.
• Geographic Information Science: Natural Hazards and Emergency Planning Application , M.S.
• Statistical Science , M.S. 
• Teaching Mathematics , M.A.T.

The University of Idaho General Catalog is available online.

Distance Learning Versus Online Graduate Degrees

U of I’s online graduate degrees utilize two distinct formats. Online learning uses pre-recorded, or asynchronous, lectures that students can then review on their own time. Distance learning simulates a real-time virtual classroom. Wherever an online student is located, they have direct access to a traditional classroom environment where they can interact and participate in discussions with their fellow students and instructors.

The Benefits of U of I’s Online Graduate Programs 

Whichever online degree you begin, being an online learning student at U of I comes with a host of benefits.

• Flexibility: We design our online master’s and doctoral programs around the schedules of working adults, allowing you to maintain existing employment, family, and seasonal commitments without altering your schedule or taking a hit in income.
• Quality: We’re one of the region’s most respected research universities. Whether the class is pre-recorded or virtual, our leading faculty members deliver the same depth and detail of instruction that you expect in an on-campus classroom.
• Place-Based Degrees: Especially where research is concerned, our faculty members partner with regional organizations to support our online graduate students as they complete a place-based thesis or non-thesis research project. You, in turn, can conduct guided research relevant to your geographic region without ever setting foot on campus and may even be able to do so through your existing employer.
• Scholarships: Many erroneously believe that scholarships are off the table to online graduate students. Supporting your endeavors and professional growth, the University of Idaho has opened up teaching assistant opportunities and place-based scholarships to online students.
• Affordability: No matter where you are in the country or world, all online courses for master’s and doctoral programs are charged at our in-state rate. 
• Ahead of the Curve: The University of Idaho championed distance learning ahead of everyone else with our innovative Engineering Outreach program. We introduced these degrees over 35 years ago, and while we’ve adjusted delivery methods to available technologies, our commitment toward advancing your career through quality education has not wavered.

Learn More About U of I’s Online Graduate Degrees

Thinking about enrolling in an online graduate degree program? To get your questions answered, reach out to the College of Graduate Studies by email or by phone at 208-885-2647, or request additional information today .

Tuition and Fees for SOE Graduate Programs

Below are the 2024-2025 tuition rates and fees for School of Engineering graduate programs.

Graduate Courses

The 2024-2025 tuition rate for School of Engineering graduate level courses is $1,765 per credit. Undergraduate courses (numbered below 100) are billed at $1,049 per credit. Please visit the Student Financial Services website for details regarding the  estimated cost of attendance for graduate students . 

The School of Engineering offers scholarships to Tufts alumni or alumni of bridge schools for some SOE master's programs. Certificate students are not eligible for these scholarships and discounts cannot be combined.   Learn more about  School of Engineering graduate scholarships .

PhD Programs

The 2024-2025 tuition rate for School of Engineering PhD students is $4,975 per semester. Full tuition is charged for nine semesters unless the student enters the program with an appropriate master's degree, in which case tuition is charged for six semesters. Please visit the Student Financial Services website for details regarding the  estimated cost of attendance for graduate students . 

Full-time PhD students within the School of Engineering often receive   a tuition scholarship. For information regarding Part-time PhD programs, please visit the  School of Engineering’s Part-time PhD Program page.

TEEP Program

The 2024-2025 tuition rate for the online Teacher Engineering Education Program is $420 per credit. Some courses may require an additional $150 lab fee.

Ancillary Fees

• A Graduate Student Activity Fee  of $62 is assessed to students in master's and doctoral programs to support the activities of the Graduate Student Council. This fee is not charged to certificate students or students enrolled in fully online programs.
• A Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) Fee is assessed for comprehensive individual injury or illness medical coverage for students. If desired, coverage is also available for spouses and children. Students who are admitted full time, and part-time students registered for seven (7) or more credits in residential (including hybrid) programs, are automatically enrolled in SHIP while tuition is being charged. Students enrolled in fully online programs are not charged the SHIP fee. The insurance may be waived if proof of outside comparable coverage from a US carrier is submitted. The Student Health Insurance Plan is $ 4,391 in 2024-2025.
• A Student Health and Wellness (SHAW) Fee is mandatory for students who are admitted full time and part-time students registered for seven (7) or more credits in residential (including hybrid) programs. SHAW is estimated at $1,162 for 2024-2025  (students are charged approximately $581 per semester). This fee covers use of Tufts Health Service, Tufts Counseling and Mental Health Services, the Center for Awareness, Resources, and Education (CARE), and Tufts Health Promotion and Prevention (HPP), all on the Medford/Somerville campus. This fee is assessed per semester while tuition is still being charged. Students enrolled in fully online programs are not charged the SHAW fee.

Continuation Policies and Fees

All School of Engineering graduate students will be charged continuation tuition for each semester after the tuition requirements for the program have been satisfied. The 2024-2025 continuation tuition is $1,000 per semester.

While most tuition rate changes are effective in the fall term each academic year, The Trustees of Tufts College reserve the right to change the tuition or to establish additional fees or charges for special features or services whenever such action is deemed advisable. We will provide the earliest possible notification of changes in tuition and other fees.