phd in or of

What is right: PhD student OF or IN? [SOLVED]

When referring to yourself, or someone else, what is the right way to say that someone is a PhD student or has a PhD? It can be pretty confusing and troublesome because there are a load of different conventions in academia that not all people are aware of. Luckily, deciding whether to say PhD student of or in is relatively simple.

It is most common to say that someone is a PhD student in [topic/area] rather than say someone is a PhD student of [topic/area]. Saying someone is a “PhD student of” often means that you will be mentioning who their supervisor is.

Here are all of the things that you need to know when referring to PhD students’ area of study and how best to refer to a PhD student.

Is it PhD of or PhD in?

When you are trying to work out the preposition after the word PhD you have an option of using “of” or “in”.

In my experience, most people refer to their PhD being IN a particular subject. For example, I have a PhD in chemistry. It does not come naturally to me to say that I am a PhD of chemistry.

Colloquially, you might say that you did your PhD on a particular subject where the on means concerning.

Interestingly, if I was to use ‘of’ I would use it in the following ways:

• I am a PhD graduate of the University of Newcastle.
• I was a PhD student of Prof Erica Wanless.

Therefore, most of the time people refer to themselves as having a PhD “in” a particular subject rather than a PhD of a particular subject.

Also, it is important to note that the preposition on is used when you are working on your thesis.

You have a PhD in a subject, but you work on your doctorate or thesis to get that PhD.

Sticking to these simple rules will help you when deciding whether you should be saying PhD student of or in.

Introducing an academic with a PhD

The same rules apply when you are introducing an academic with a PhD. There biographies will often state that they have a PhD, and you can refer to that person a having a PhD in a particular field.

For example:

• Dr Gibson has a PhD in physics from the Griffith University.
• Dr Justin Chalker has a PhD in chemistry from the University of Oxford.

If you are unsure about the best way to introduce an academic who has a number of different qualifications be sure to clarify with them the full your introduction as to the preferences they have.

When I give a talk at a university, I often provide them with a biography which they read out before my presentation – asking your academics to provide a short biography to read out before their talk is a great way of ensuring that you are using all of the appropriate terminologies and preposition.

PhD student vs PhD candidate

Another issue that arises when talking about PhD students is whether or not you should refer to them as a PhD student or a PhD candidate

This is another confusing one!

The answer to this question is that every department is different.

In every university that I have been to there have been no clear distinction between a PhD student or PhD candidate. The two terms have been used interchangeably and there is no formal distinction.

However, in the United States of America there are some very important and subtle differences that can differentiate a PhD student from a PhD candidate.

What is a PhD student?

In some countries and universities, a PhD student is someone who is enrolled in a doctorate degree program and is in the early stages of their course.

Typically, these people will be working through the coursework component of their PhD studies and will not yet have past any qualifying exams.

Some universities require students to undergo a coursework component of the graduate program and pass examinations to allow them to progress to the research and dissertation portion of their studies.

Up until the completion of the coursework and examination the person will be known as a PhD student.

What is a PhD candidate?

In some universities and countries, a PhD candidate is someone who has completed all the required coursework and has successfully completed their qualifying exams.

After completing their courses and exams the student will be permitted to pursue research and accumulate data and results to write up a dissertation.

They will have to generate an original research question and begin developing hypotheses to test. This will all be under the guidance of an academic supervisor at an accredited tertiary education institution.

There is very little structure for this part of their course, and they will be required to be self-disciplined, worked continuously towards solving their research question, and produce a thesis which will be examined by other experts in the field.

The modern PhD

Many universities are now offering many modern ways of doing a PhD that means there is a greater mode of delivery. It is likely that will stop seeing the formal delineation between a PhD student in PhD candidate in an increasing number of universities.

You can get a PhD by submitting a thesis to be peer-reviewed by your peers, producing a number of peer-reviewed papers and submitting those under a PhD by publication scheme and you can also get a professional doctorate by contributing significantly to your field.

I go through all the different options for getting a PhD in my YouTube video, below.

Wrapping up

This article has everything you need to know about whether you need to say PhD student of or in.

There are a range of different academic conventions that can be relatively confusing but sticking with saying that someone has a PhD in a particular subject is the most widely accepted way of talking about a PhD student.

If you are introducing an academic remember to ask them for a biography and take note of whether they have a preference of how they want their PhD to be introduced. If in doubt, say that they have a PhD in a particular subject rather than they are a PhD of their subject.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

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Preposions following Ph.d: 'Ph.d in' or 'Ph.d on'

I'm confused using a preposition after the word PhD. Say,

PhD on Archaeology PhD in Archaeology

I have seen both "in" and "on" follwoing PhD Is there any difference?

• prepositions

3 Answers 3

PhD or DPhil [UK] or Ph.D.[US]

You have a PhD in a subject.

You study for it at a university.

You work on a thesis, but your resulting doctorate is in that topic.

Refs: Collins Dictionary , Cambridge Dictionary

Both can be right. You do a PhD in a discipline. Eg a PhD in Engineering.

More colloquially, a PhD concerns a rather narrow particular topic. In this case you might say "I did my PhD on the psychoneurolinguistic effects of conjunction confusion." The "on" (=concerning) in this case refers not just to the thesis, but the research and the advancement of the communal state of knowledge that is required for a PhD.

Due to the breadth of a field and the narrowness of a PhD, having a PhD does not necessarily make you an expert at that field but rather an expert in areas within that field.

Both might be in practice but my horse sense says that 'on' is more appropriate. Why? Because, the PhD is on some topic. So, 'PhD on molecular biology,' is more frequent than 'PhD in molecular biology.'

On the other hand, if you are talking about some university or country, at/in may go. Say, PhD in the UK, or maybe, 'PhD at Brisbane University.

See the fun, if I say PhD on the UK would mean that I'm pursuing PhD on the country UK!

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Not the answer you're looking for browse other questions tagged prepositions ..

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abbreviation or noun

Definition of phd, examples of phd in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'PhD.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

New Latin philosophiae doctor

1839, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near PhD

Cite this entry.

“PhD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PhD. Accessed 21 Sep. 2024.

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Definition of PhD noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• to do/have/be a PhD
• Anne Thomas, PhD
• acquire/​get/​lack (an) education/​training/ (British English) (some) qualifications
• receive/​provide somebody with training/​tuition
• develop/​design/​plan a curriculum/ (especially British English) course/ (North American English) program/​syllabus
• give/​go to/​attend a class/​lesson/​lecture/​seminar
• hold/​run/​conduct a class/​seminar/​workshop
• sign up for/​take a course/​classes/​lessons
• go to/​start preschool/​kindergarten/​nursery school
• be in (North American English) the first, second, etc. grade/ (British English) year 1, 2. etc. (at school)
• study/​take/​drop history/​chemistry/​German, etc.
• (British English) leave/​finish/​drop out of/ (North American English) quit school
• (North American English) graduate high school/​college
• be the victim/​target of bullying
• (British English) play truant from/ (both British English, informal) bunk off/​skive off school (= not go to school when you should)
• (both especially North American English) skip/​cut class/​school
• (British English) cheat in/ (North American English) cheat on an exam/​a test
• get/​be given a detention (for doing something)
• be expelled from/​be suspended from school
• do your homework/ (British English) revision/​a project on something
• work on/​write/​do/​submit an essay/​a dissertation/​a thesis/​an assignment/ (North American English) a paper
• finish/​complete your dissertation/​thesis/​studies/​coursework
• hand in/ (North American English) turn in your homework/​essay/​assignment/​paper
• study/​prepare/ (British English) revise/ (North American English) review/ (North American English, informal) cram for a test/​an exam
• take/ (both British English) do/​sit a test/​an exam
• (especially British English) mark/ (especially North American English) grade homework/​a test
• (British English) do well in/ (North American English) do well on/ (especially North American English, informal) ace a test/​an exam
• pass/​fail/ (especially North American English, informal) flunk a test/​an exam/​a class/​a course/​a subject
• apply to/​get into/​go to/​start college/ (British English) university
• leave/​graduate from law school/​college/ (British English) university (with a degree in computer science)
• study for/​take/ (British English) do/​complete a law degree/​a degree in physics
• (both North American English) major/​minor in biology/​philosophy
• earn/​receive/​be awarded/​get/​have/​hold a master’s degree/​a bachelor’s degree/​a PhD in economics
• dissertation

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The Oxford Learner’s Thesaurus explains the difference between groups of similar words. Try it for free as part of the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary app

• 1 You have a couple of correct answers below. Personally I avoid periods in abbreviations, so I would use PhD, just as I would say Washington DC using the postal code abbreviation DC rather than the historical abbreviation D.C. (District of Columbia). –  Wayne Commented May 17, 2011 at 12:38

6 Answers 6

Actually both are correct. I could easily find both on my NOAD, and there are plenty of pages on the net where you find it written as "PhD".

The OALD gives an interesting distinction, stating that Ph.D. is especially North American English.

Now, being a non-native speaker, I can only rely on official sources to state who uses what , but there's no doubt that both variants are used.

Lastly, I think there's really no point in distinguishing them as " Philosophiae Doctor " or " Doctor of Philosophy " because it's the same exact expression, although considering the abbreviation, the former is the correct and original long version, the latter is just the English translation.

• 1 Collins English Dictionary shows a separate abbreviation if you want to specify the degree in English: "DPhil". (Also at dictionary.reference.com/browse/phd , just further down the page.) –  MT_Head Commented May 17, 2011 at 9:52
• @MT_Head: Thanks for commenting. With "if you want to specify the degree in English" you mean "being unambiguous"? –  Alenanno Commented May 17, 2011 at 9:54
• Indeed. To give an anecdotal example: in the company I used to work for, which was British, people didn't tend to use periods for abbreviations of degrees, e.g. MSc , PhD . I now work for an American company, where the convention is to use them, hence Ph.D. –  Steve Melnikoff Commented May 17, 2011 at 9:55
• I see, I was thinking of that before honestly, since PhD (or PHD) can be other things too... Thanks for pointing it out! –  Alenanno Commented May 17, 2011 at 10:04
• 6 @MT_Head DPhil is also what a PhD is called at Oxford. If you use DPhil then a BE speaker would assume you specifically mean Oxford. –  mgb Commented May 17, 2011 at 15:07

PhD and Ph.D. are both correct. Canadians tend to omit the periods and those from the U.S. tend to keep them. A reference grammar explains it like this:

2  abbreviations and acronyms 1  punctuation We usually write abbreviations without full stops in modern British English. Full stops (AmE ‘periods’) are normal in American English.   Mr (AmE Mr. ) = Mister (not usually written in full)   kg (AmE kg. ) = kilogram  […]

Quote source: Swan, Michael. Practical English Usage (Third Edition). page 2.

I tend to use both 'PhD' and 'Ph.D'. A DPhil is awarded at both Oxford Uni and Sussex Uni in England. All others award PhDs to my knowledge.

It bugs me when people use 'Dr' before their name and then also state the award following it. I feel it should be one or the other.

• Agree with Dr being used with PhD part. –  Failed Scientist Commented Jul 28, 2016 at 10:19
• 4 "Oh, I'm going to get some cash out of this ATM machine." –  hBy2Py Commented Mar 31, 2017 at 17:00
• 1 @hBy2Py : Ha! That's an example of the ironically named RAS syndrome (Redundant Acronym Syndrome syndrome). According to Wikipedia the term was coined in 2001 in a light-hearted column in New Scientist, though I haven't a reference for the original article. On the original question, during my lifetime (started in the 1950s) in the UK there has been a slow but steady move to reduce the use of punctuation and capitalisation in print. This has been driven in part by the newspaper industry, though I can't give any source other than the say-so of journalist friends. –  Duckspindle Commented Sep 3, 2022 at 12:17

As many noted, both are accepted, so it is a matter of convention and taste.

The important is to be consistent with the other abbreviations you use throughout your text. Compare:

• I got a Ph.D. in A.I. at U.C.L.A in the U.S.
• I got a PhD in AI at UCLA in the US.

My personal preference goes for omitting periods, given that this is an abbreviation, following the Guardian style guide :

Do not use full points in abbreviations, or spaces between initials, including those in proper names

I remember discussing this with a trained secretary a long time ago. We eventually decided that the use of camel case (starting each abbreviated word in upper case) removes the need for the periods when abbreviating titles. However, when an abbreviation is relatively new or used in an unusual context, the periods help to avoid ambiguity.

For my own use, the overriding consideration is 'house style'. It is more important for a document to be internally consistent, to avoid confusion.

• Bobble's "house style" consideration typically applies not just to a single document but also, as the name implies, to all documents emanating from the same "house". For example, my academic discipline (linguistics) traditionally employs the no-periods convention for all titles (not only PhD, MA, and BA but also Mr, Dr, and Prof), while the style enforcer at my academic institution (an American university) insists that I sprinkle periods around (for a total of 9 in my 6 examples). –  H Stephen Straight Commented Feb 12, 2013 at 22:32

The most common I have seen are:

I have rarely come across a Ph.D. (with two periods).

• 28 Ugh. Ph.D looks like the inconsistent worst of all worlds. –  user1579 Commented May 17, 2011 at 16:57

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged abbreviations latin periods or ask your own question .

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• Master’s vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

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.

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.

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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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• PhD in USA – A Guide for 2024/25
• Finding a PhD

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

Why Do a PhD in USA?

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

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

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

Universities in USA

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

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

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

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 , eight of the top ten universities in the world are located in the United States. These are:

Method of Study

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

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

Teaching Requirements

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

Research Flexibility

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

PhD Admission Requirements in USA

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

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

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

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

How to Apply for PhD in USA

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

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

Application Deadlines and Fees

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

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

Funding your PhD in USA

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

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

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

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

PhD Duration in USA

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

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

Cost of a PhD in USA

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

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

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

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PhD or Ph.D? Which is correct?

PhD and Ph.D are both correct ways to indicate the title, or honorific, of a doctor. However, Ph.D isn’t nearly as common as PhD. In fact, Ph.D is an old-fashioned method of writing it. But, there’s nothing wrong with using it that way. However, it’s more visually correct and recognizable in the modern world as PhD.

So, while there aren’t really any rules to remember for using PhD or Ph.D, it’s important to understand what it means. Plus the history of it will give you a little trivia.

Ph.D History

The earliest known documented use of Ph.D is from 1869. It’s an abbreviation of the Latin phrase, “Philosophiae Doctor” or “Doctor of Philosophy.” But “Philosophiae” has roots in ancient Greek, which translates into “love of wisdom.” To call someone a “doctor” is another way to say “learned person.”

Examples of both PhD and Ph.D

The examples below show the myriad of ways in how to use and where to place PhD or Ph.D as an honorific for a person.

Professor Cynthia Kline, PhD

In many cases, doctors will have other degrees of study alongside their doctoral education. These additional honorifics indicate that.

PhD in Operations Research

WHAT IS OPERATIONS RESEARCH?

Operations research (OR) is the discipline of applying advanced analytical methods—such as optimization, statistics, machine learning, and probability—to make better decisions that impact society and the world positively.

The mission of the PhD program is intimately linked to the mission of the ORC.

Phone:  617-253-3601 Email:   [email protected]

MIT’s doctoral degree (PhD) program in operations research (OR) provides you with thorough understanding of the theory of OR while teaching you to how to develop and apply OR methods in practice.

We offer a general degree track as well as three optional degree tracks in operations management , networked systems , and analytics . All doctoral students must complete the general degree track requirements; those who choose an optional degree track will have additional, specialized requirements to fulfill. 

General Degree Track

In addition to the writing competency requirements, our rigorous curriculum includes challenging coursework, action learning, and innovative research.

You’ll take eight graduate-level classes that have been approved by the ORC co-directors, including at least two courses in optimization, at least three in applied probability and statistics, and at least one in OR modeling.

You’ll put OR theory into practice through valuable, hands-on learning experiences, completing one of the following:

• Option 1: Participate in a summer internship, during which you’ll create OR models that address a real-world problem.
• Option 2: Undertake a project with an ORC faculty member, either as part of a supervised research activity or as an extra part of a regular course offering.
• Option 3: Take part in a class, for which you’ll build and implement OR models that have practical applications.

And, you’ll conduct in-depth research on a topic that complements your academic interests and career goals. You’ll write a thesis based on the independent research you conduct under the guidance of our expert faculty.

Qualifying Process and General Examination

All students enrolled in an ORC doctoral program must complete the Qualifying Process and receive a passing score on the General Examination.

• Students must choose one approved course from the three different categories (Optimization, Probability, and Machine Learning/Statistics). 
• Students must satisfactorily complete the three courses and receive two As and 1 B by the end of their third semester at MIT.  Of the 2 As, only one of those can be an A-.
• In their first year, students are required to register and take for credit the software tools course (15.S60) offered during IAP (January) led by current ORC students.
• During the student’s first summer at MIT (month of August), doctoral students will engage in a Common Experience project where students will work in teams to address an important problem for an organization.   
• General Examination : Students are required to take the General Examination once they have passed the Qualifying Process.  The General Exam is comprised of a research-oriented (RO) paper and an oral presentation of the RO paper and a discussion on a research paper selected by the General Exam Committee.

Upon completion of our doctoral program, you’ll have the specialized knowledge and technical skills to have a positive impact in a variety of fields, including business, education, and research. Many of our graduates have gone on to careers in academia, in the U.S. and abroad, while others have found success in business and industry as researchers and consultants.

 Analytics Track

In addition to the general PhD degree requirements, you will also:

• complete a summer internship with an organization related to analytics for your hands-on learning experience.
• take two specialized courses in analytics; these classes may count toward your eight required graduate-level classes.
• serve as a teaching assistant in courses related to analytics, or an approved equivalent.
• write a thesis on a topic related to analytics; one member of your thesis committee should be among the ORC faculty who specialize in analytics.

Networked Systems Track

• complete a summer internship with an organization related to networked systems for your hands-on learning experience.
• take two specialized courses in networked systems; these classes may count toward your eight required graduate-level classes.
• serve as a teaching assistant in courses related to networked systems, or an approved equivalent.
• write a thesis on a topic related to networked systems; one member of your thesis committee should be among the ORC faculty who specialize in networked systems.

Operations Management Track

• complete a summer internship with an organization related to operations management for your hands-on learning experience.
• take two specialized courses in operations management; these classes may count toward your eight required graduate-level classes. 
• serve as a teaching assistant in two MBA courses related to operations management or assist in one and take another one for credit. At least one of the classes for which you’re a teaching assistant must include recitation.
• write a thesis on a topic related to operations management; one member of your thesis committee should be among the ORC faculty who specialize in operations management.

For more information about our PhD program, please see our General Exam Syllabus .

For more information about ORC course offerings, please go here .

The Common App is Open. Class of 2029, Apply Today!

PhD vs. EdD in Higher Education: Which Path Is Right for You?

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In today’s competitive higher education landscape, advanced degrees have become essential for those looking to enhance their leadership skills and advance to executive positions. As a result, job posting data shows that the number of institutions offering advanced higher education programs has increased by 24 percent in the last five years.

Whether you are starting a new career path or seeking to become a leader in the higher education industry, you may be considering furthering your education and are unsure whether a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Education (EdD) in higher education leadership is right for you.

Understanding the differences between these two degrees is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your career goals. 

Key Takeaways

• A PhD is ideal for individuals interested in academic research, teaching at a Research 1 university, and contributing to educational theory.
• An EdD emphasizes practical application and leadership in educational settings, preparing graduates for roles such as college presidents, deans, and policy-makers.
• Deciding between a PhD and an EdD requires you to reflect on your personal and professional goals, considering factors such as career aspirations, program flexibility, and institutional reputation.

What Is a PhD in Higher Education?

A PhD in Higher Education is a research-focused degree designed for those who wish to contribute to academic scholarship through theoretical research. This degree is ideal for individuals who aspire to teach full time at a university, engage in scholarly research, or take on academic administration roles.

Therefore, the primary focus of a PhD program is to prepare graduates to generate new knowledge and theories in the field of education.

According to Lauren Bent, Associate Professor of the EdD in Higher Education Leadership program at Regis College , “A PhD is ideal for those who are interested in theoretical research and academic scholarship. Generally speaking, if a student aspires to teach in a Research 1 institution, a PhD is a better option for them.”

PhD candidates typically explore subjects such as educational theory, policy analysis, and higher education research. They are trained to conduct rigorous research, often aiming to publish their findings in academic journals and present at conferences. 

What Is an EdD in Higher Education?

An EdD in Higher Education, on the other hand, is a professional doctorate focused on the practical application of research to solve real-world problems in educational settings. The EdD is tailored for those looking to take on leadership roles within educational institutions.

“The EdD aims to develop scholar practitioners and leaders who use applied research to improve problems in schools, institutions of higher education, other educational organizations, and educational policy,“ Bent explains.

The EdD emphasizes the application of research to practice, preparing graduates to implement changes and improvements within their organizations.

Regis College, a member of the Carnegie Project on the Education Doctorate (CPED) , emphasizes that scholarly practitioners blend practical wisdom with professional skills and knowledge to address and solve problems in practice. They utilize practical research and applied theories as tools for change, understanding the importance of equity and social justice.

According to Lightcast data, EdD programs prepare students with specialized skills needed in various areas of higher education leadership such as:

• Academic affairs
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Enrollment management
• Fundraising
• Program development
• Project management
• Student recruitment
• Student services  

Four Differences Between a PhD and an EdD in Higher Education Leadership

1. curriculum and coursework.

The PhD and EdD programs differ significantly in their curriculum and coursework. PhD programs are heavily research-oriented, with courses centered around research methodologies, statistical analysis, and theoretical frameworks.

Typical classes might include:

• Advanced Research Methods
• Statistical Analysis in Education
• Educational Theory and Philosophy
• Policy Analysis in Higher Education

In contrast, EdD programs focus on the practical application of research to address real-world challenges. Coursework is designed to develop leadership skills and practical knowledge. Classes may include:

• Organizational Leadership in Education
• Strategic Planning and Implementation
• Applied Research in Education
• Equity and Social Justice in Higher Education

“Within the program, there are courses where students are learning to design their own research studies, and they have lots of opportunities to develop a scholar practitioner mindset,” Bent adds. “The activities and assignments in our courses are intentionally designed to be relevant, pragmatic, and applicable to what our students are doing—and will do—in their professions.” 

2. Program Length and Structure

The length and structure of PhD and EdD programs can vary, but generally, PhD programs take longer to complete due to their extensive research requirements. On average, a PhD program can take anywhere from four to seven years to complete, including time spent on coursework, comprehensive exams, and the dissertation.

EdD programs are typically designed to be more flexible and manageable for working professionals. They can often be completed in three to five years, with a structure that accommodates part-time or online study options.

3. Dissertation Requirements

Both PhD and EdD programs require a dissertation, an extensive research project that is a key component of doctoral programs. Both programs require that dissertations focus on identifying a research question, conducting a literature review, designing and executing a study, and presenting the findings in a written document.

However, the nature of the dissertation can differ depending on the program.

PhD dissertations are typically theoretical, contributing new knowledge to the field. They often involve original research and aim to be published in academic journals.

EdD dissertations, on the other hand, are more practical and focus on solving real-world problems within educational institutions. These projects often involve applied research that can be directly implemented in practice.

4. Career Outcomes

The career outcomes for PhD and EdD graduates also differ. PhD graduates often pursue careers in research, higher education teaching, and academic administration. They are well-suited for roles that require deep theoretical knowledge and extensive research skills.

EdD graduates, in contrast, are prepared for leadership roles in educational administration, policy-making, and executive leadership. They are equipped to implement change and drive improvements within their organizations.

“Our EdD prepares students to be leaders in schools, colleges and universities, and other organizations connected to educational policy,” Bent explains. “Our graduates have become college presidents, vice presidents of enrollment management and student affairs, deans, and founders and CEOs of non-profit organizations.”

If you are ready to take the next step in your career in higher education, here are a few factors you should consider before enrolling in a PhD or EdD degree program. 

Factors to Consider When Making Your Decision

Personal and professional goals.

When deciding between a PhD and an EdD, consider your long-term career objectives and personal interests.

“People who aspire to higher leadership roles often find that a doctorate is required to advance their careers,” Bent says.

Reflect on how each program aligns with your aspirations and whether it provides the opportunities and experiences that will help you reach your goals. Understanding your personal and professional motivations will guide you to the program that best supports your future ambitions.

Program Flexibility

Consider the flexibility of the program, including the availability of part-time or online options, which can help you balance your education with professional and personal responsibilities.

“The modality of learning is important,” Bent adds. “Whether it's online, in-person, or hybrid, it needs to suit the students’ learning styles and lifestyles.”

Evaluating how the program's structure fits into your current lifestyle and commitments can help. Flexible options can make it easier to manage your studies alongside work and family, ensuring you can fully engage with and benefit from the program.

Institutional Reputation and Resources

Choose a reputable institution that offers access to faculty expertise, research facilities, and professional networks.

“Students should consider the faculty who are teaching and advising them,” Bent concludes. “What are their backgrounds and areas of expertise?”

You can research an institution’s reputation through a general internet search. Those top results should give you the key accomplishments and differentiators for the programs you are considering. 

Take the Next Step in Your Career in Higher Education

Both the PhD and EdD in higher education offer unique advantages and can help you advance your career in different ways. Remember to reflect on your career goals and personal interests to determine which program best aligns with your aspirations.

If you’re looking for a degree that combines practical leadership skills with scholarly research, consider Regis College’s EdD in Higher Education Leadership program .

To learn more about the program, contact an admissions counselor to find out how an education at Regis can serve your professional goals.

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Two PhD students in experimental hadron physics

Do you want to contribute to solving one of the most elusive riddles of matter, using modern methods that you take part in developing? Do you want to work together with competent and nice colleagues in an international environment? Then you are welcome to apply for employment as a doctoral student at Uppsala University!

One of the great challenges in modern physics is to understand how the strong force binds the fundamental building blocks, quarks and gluons, into hadrons. Neutrons and protons, which make up most of the visible mass in the universe, are examples of hadrons. In our research group, we are particularly interested in hyperons, i.e. three-quark systems that are similar to protons but where one or more of the light quarks have been replaced by heavier strange or charm quarks.  By studying how hyperons form and decay, we can measure their structure at the femtometre level – that is, distances around 10-15 m! Our group has recently taken the first "snapshots" of the formation of strange hyperon-antihyperon pairs. We now want to take these innovative experiments to the next level by exploring hadrons with charm quarks. The Belle II facility in Japan, where electrons and positrons collide, is perfect both for this and for other types of structural studies. Using similar methods, we can investigate the existence of so-called CP-violating processes – something that could help us understand why the universe consists of matter, but almost no antimatter.

We are looking for a PhD student who can participate in the collection and analysis of data from Belle II, as well as to develop modern analysis tools, possibly using machine-learning techniques, for electron-positron experiments. It is also possible to either include a theory component, or conduct a project within the hadron beam experiment HADES in Germany, if there is interest. The PhD student is expected to participate in meetings and workshops abroad work with simulations, reconstruction, analysis and interpretation of data, and contribute to tasks relevant for the operation and improvement of the experiment.

Requirements

A person can be admitted as a PhD student of physics if they

• passed an advanced level degree in physics, technical physics or equivalent, or
• completed at least 240 ECTs, of which at least 60 at advanced level including an independent project work of at least 15 ECTs, or
• acquired equivalent knowledge in some other way.

For this position, the applicant is also required to have

• completed advanced level courses in subatomic physics
• completed independent work corresponding to approx. 20 weeks of full-time studies in subatomic physics
• basic knowledge of programming, for example in Python and/or C++.
• good oral and written skills in English
• ability to work both independently and in collaboration with others.

The degree does not have to be completed at the time of application, but no later than at the time of admission.

Applications should include: a brief description of research interests and relevant experience, CV, copies of certificates and diplomas, MSc thesis (or a draft thereof), a reference list and other documents, that the applicant wishes to claim.

Rules governing PhD students are set out in the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5, §§ 1-7 and in Uppsala University's rules and guidelines.

About the employment

The employment is a temporary position according to the Higher Education Ordinance chapter 5 § 7. Scope of employment 100 %. Starting date 1 January 2025 or as agreed. Placement: Uppsala

For further information about the position, please contact:  Karin Schönning, [email protected].

Please submit your application by 1:a november 2024, UFV-PA 2024/2861

Physics and Astronomy is one of Uppsala University's largest departments with nearly 400 employees, of which approximately 100 are PhD students. The department conducts world-class research and education in both theoretical and experimental physics and has extensive collaboration with the outside world. The research is carried out at nine research divisions and touches everything from the unimaginably small to the incredibly large, including the energy supply, climate development, new materials, as well as the universe and its smallest constituents. This entire spectrum is also reflected in the department's courses and educational programs. Around 2,500 students study courses at basic and advanced level at the department every year. Read more at www.physics.uu.se

Are you considering moving to Sweden to work at Uppsala University? Find out more about what it´s like to work and live in Sweden .

Uppsala University is a broad research university with a strong international position. The ultimate goal is to conduct education and research of the highest quality and relevance to make a difference in society. Our most important asset is all of our 7,600 employees and 53,000 students who, with curiosity and commitment, make Uppsala University one of Sweden’s most exciting workplaces.

Read more about our benefits and what it is like to work at Uppsala University https://uu.se/om-uu/jobba-hos-oss/

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Please do not send offers of recruitment or advertising services.

Submit your application through Uppsala University's recruitment system.

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College tops 1,100 PhDs with most diverse class

The College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder is celebrating a milestone, welcoming its largest-ever cohort of doctoral students. With a 25% rise in PhD enrollment year-over-year, CU Engineering continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in graduate education, particularly among women and students from minoritized communities.

“CU Engineering is dedicated to becoming a top destination for the brightest minds across engineering fields, where novel research and innovation have the potential to impact everyday lives,” said Keith Molenaar, dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science. “Our growth in PhD enrollment is a testament to the success of this strategy, and our strong enrollment of women and students from diverse backgrounds reflects the inclusive and supportive environment we seek to cultivate.”

The incoming class includes a record percentage of female doctoral students, with women making up 37% of new PhD enrollees, surpassing the national average of 29%, according to data from the American Society for Engineering Education . CU Boulder stands as the top large public institution for the percentage of women doctoral students enrolled—among institutions with more than 1,000 PhD students—holding a lead over peer institutions.

The overall PhD enrollment at CU Engineering now has 10% of its students from minoritized communities, higher than the national average of 7%. These gains are part of the college’s broader efforts to attract and support a more diverse student body through targeted recruitment and funding opportunities.

Among the incoming and continuing doctoral students, 18 have been awarded the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, putting CU Boulder in the top 15 for NSF GRFP recipients nationwide across all disciplines and the College of Engineering and Applied Science at No. 7 nationwide in engineering disciplines. This recognition, which supports outstanding graduate students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines, further proves the academic excellence found within CU Boulder Engineering’s doctoral programs.

Program Strengths and Expanding Opportunities

The college’s growth extends beyond traditional engineering fields, in line with its strategy to continuously innovate a portfolio of programs that address emergent needs and opportunities in climate, space, health and quantum. 

Newer programs, such as engineering education, biomedical engineering and robotics, have attracted significant interest from prospective students. These interdisciplinary programs are designed to meet the evolving needs of the workforce and offer doctoral students cutting-edge research opportunities in emerging fields.

"Exploring physics during my bachelor’s and master’s studies sparked a deep curiosity about how complex systems function and their potential to drive innovation, and encountering Kaushik Jayaram ’s research at CU Engineering introduced me to the fascinating world of bio-inspired robotics," said Mija Jovchevska, incoming PhD student and CU Boulder Chancellor Scholar. "At first, I wasn't sure how my background would fit, but after meeting Jayaram and Nicole Xu , I knew CU Boulder was the right choice. Their pioneering work in bio-inspired robotics and biohybrid systems, along with CU’s interdisciplinary approach, supportive community, and Boulder lifestyle, made it the perfect place to bridge my physics background into this exciting, emerging field of research."

CU Engineering’s doctoral programs continue to gain national recognition, with recent rankings placing the college at No. 12 among public institutions and in the top 25 overall for graduate engineering education, according to U.S. News & World Report .

Boulder: A Top Destination for Graduate Students

In addition to academic prestige, CU Boulder’s location in the heart of Boulder, Colorado, offers doctoral students an unparalleled quality of life. Boulder is consistently ranked among the best places to live in the United States, known for its access to outdoor recreation, vibrant cultural scene and innovative tech ecosystem.

The region’s proximity to national laboratories and leading technology companies also provides CU Engineering students opportunities to collaborate on research and internships, further enhancing their graduate experience.

As the College of Engineering and Applied Science continues to grow, it remains dedicated to providing students with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to excel in their fields and become leaders in research and innovation. With a record-breaking doctoral class and strong enrollment gains in female students and students from historically underrepresented communities and minoritized identities, CU Engineering is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory.

Prospective students interested in joining CU Engineering’s growing doctoral programs can learn more and apply online.

For more information on the college and programs, visit our main engineering program page .

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She was manager at The Grill, then got her UGA PhD. Now this Athens resident is dominating MMA

This story was updated to add new information

Athens resident Madeline Schellman , known in the ring as "Mad-Dawg," is making waves not just in the academic world but also in the world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA).

A recent PhD recipient from the University of Georgia's College of Education, Schellman is a testament to determination, hard work, and an unyielding spirit.

Who is Athens MMA fighter Madeline Schellman?

Growing up in Marietta as the second oldest of four children, Schellman found her drive early on. By seventh grade, she became a highly motivated student.

She had graduated fourth in her class of 600-700 students at Hillgrove Highschool in Powder Springs.

College years

Her academic success led her to the University of Georgia in the fall of 2013. "Loving the purity of math but also the humanity of psychology, she decided to major in both," said Richard Schellman, her father.

Determined to pay her way through college, Schellman maintained a high GPA while juggling various jobs, including The Grill in downtown Athens, where she eventually became a manager.

This experience, combined with her academic endeavors, honed her ability to handle diverse and challenging situation, a skill that would prove invaluable in her future career.

She graduated from UGA in 2017 with a bachelor's degree in both math and psychology. She immediately began a Masters/PhD program at UGA in psychometrics, working as a research assistant and a full-time employee at Navvy, a company specializing in Diagnostic Classification Modeling(DCM).

Her expertise in DCM made her an integral part of Navvy, and when the company was acquired by a national firm, Schellman played a crucial roll in the transition and still does today.

She completed her Master's in 2021 and recently earned her PhD in 2024, all while serving as a senior advisor to the new company.

But Schellman's story doesn't end in the academic or corporate world. With the same dedication and tenacity that marked her academic career, she has entered the MMA arena, quickly gaining her unofficial name "Mad-Dawg."

Always athletic and playing soccer, Schellman was invited to a gym and became interested in combat sports. She started fighting at Megalodon Gym in Athens in 2020 and began competing in Jiu-jitsu in 2021 and in 2022, she started competing in Muay Thai, a form of full contact boxing.

Her record is 4-0 in Muay Thai and she has competed in Jiu-jitsu all over Georgia and other states as a purple belt with just a few losses.

"I like to see myself as a generally kind person," said Schellman. "I don't like confrontation, so it's actually hilarious that I fight."

Her dedication to the sport caught the attention of the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA), which sponsored her to fight in an international Pankration MMA competition in Saudi Arabia in October, 2023.

Schellman said that she just sort of fell into the sport and she will continue to fight as long as she is happy. "I want to do it as long as I'm having fun and I don't want it to be something that becomes any kind of obligation," she said.

Representing the USA, she won her first MMA competition, beating the favored Ukrainian competitor in the semifinal and knocking out the accomplished Kazakhstan fighter in the final.

Schellman says that her biggest strength in fighting is that she refuses to lose and that one of her greatest downsides is too much thinking.

In March 2024, she won the NFC welterweight championship in Muay Thai. GAMMA has invited her to represent USA in an international MMA fight in Indonesia in December 2024.

Now the 29-year-old is an advanced amateur fighter and is considering turning professional. She trains constantly and has beaten all of the MMA competitors she has encountered.

Residing in Athens, she fights two to three times a year in Atlanta with her next scheduled fight in Buford at The Tannery for NFC Fight #169 October 26.

Her journey from a highly motivated student to a respected academic and now an up-and-coming MMA fighter is nothing short of inspiring.

For ticket information to her next fight in Buford, please visit NFC .

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