How To Get A PhD Degree
A PhD degree, abbreviated for Doctor of Philosophy, is a doctoral degree that many graduate students pursue for career advancement. As the highest of degrees in many fields, it gives the person who earns it a wide range of employment and self-employment options. There are several different types of PhD programs, and earning the degree is a long but worthwhile process.
Research PhD Jobs
Research different types of PhD programs and jobs. They range from health sciences and computer sciencesto agriculture and engineering. Graduates may become professors, researchers, independent consultants, executives and much more. The range of job opportunities is very diverse for every field.
Choose A PhD Focus
Some people choose a very applied focus, so the ultimate decision should be something a student wants as a lifelong career. Avoid making hasty decisions. The best option is to choose a desired field of work first, and choose a field where two or more desired applications lie. Graduate degrees are worth their cost, but post-graduate tuition is expensive enough that majors must be chosen wisely.
Complete Program Requirements
Students who choose their PhD focuses before finishing an undergraduate degree should choose an undergraduate program that is closely related to their PhD focus. For example, a person who is interested in robotics and information sciences should choose computer science as a major. Try to develop a good relationship with faculty for future references for the PhD program. During the junior year as an undergraduate student, complete an internship in a related field. After graduation, take the Graduate Record Examination. Scores from this test are required for entrance into PhD programs. PhD applicants must write a statement of purpose and obtain recommendation letters from several professionals who have worked closely with them. Apply to at least one desired program.
PhD Salaries And Projected Job Growth
Average pay ranges for people holding a PhD degree vary from one field to another. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual average salaries for medical scientists and sociologists were about $75,000. However, they jumped to more than $100,000 for political scientists, physicists and astronomers. Prospective PhD students who are seeking degrees that pay the most should research their desired specialties and fields on BLS.gov. Most fields where PhD graduates are hired are expected to grow in jobs at an average rate over the next several years.
Top Online PhD Programs
| Rank | School | FT to PT Faculty Ratio |
Institution Fin. Aid Rate |
Acceptance Rate | Retention Rate | Graduation Rate | Accred. Years |
Default Rate |
Job Place. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
103 South Bldg Cb 9100, |
6.25 to 1 | 46% | 34% | 97% | 89% | 112 | 1% | N/A |
| 2 |
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
100 Church Street SE, |
3.39 to 1 | 59% | 47% | 90% | 70% | 99 | 3% | N/A |
| 3 |
University of Florida
355 Tigert Hall, |
13.07 to 1 | 38% | 44% | 96% | 85% | 101 | 2% | N/A |
| 4 |
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
14th and R StLincoln, |
3.87 to 1 | 57% | 59% | 84% | 67% | 99 | 4% | N/A |
| 5 |
Texas A & M University
805 Rudder Tower, |
22.71 to 1 | 52% | 63% | 92% | 81% | 88 | 5% | N/A |
| 6 |
The University of Alabama
739 University Blvd, |
2.61 to 1 | 47% | 53% | 85% | 67% | 117 | 0% | N/A |
| 7 |
University of Scranton
800 Linden Street, |
1.75 to 1 | 91% | 72% | 88% | 77% | 85 | 3% | N/A |
| 8 |
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
601 E John Street, |
2.3 to 1 | 40% | 68% | 93% | 82% | 99 | 3% | N/A |
| 9 |
Temple University
1801 North Broad Street, |
1.01 to 1 | 69% | 67% | 87% | 66% | 93 | 3% | N/A |
| 10 |
University of Northern Iowa
1227 W 27th St, |
3.24 to 1 | 56% | 78% | 81% | 66% | 96 | 2% | 76% |
