Online marketing doctorate holders demonstrate expertise in the fields of business administration, management, mathematics, and economics.

Acquiring superior leadership skills in the area of marketing requires exceptional dedication to the craft, an insatiable interest in advanced education, and constant participation in research to interpret marketing trends and resolve industry challenges.

Now more than ever is the ideal time to pursue a doctoral degree in Marketing. The median annual earnings for marketing professionals with doctoral degrees is $113,258 – $122,037 according to Salaries.com.

Page Jumps!

• Best Online Schools for Doctorate in Marketing
  • LIBERTY UNIVERSITY
  • CALIFORNIA MIRAMAR UNIVERSITY
  • TRIDENT UNIVERSITY
  • WALDEN UNIVERSITY
  • KEISER UNIVERSITY
  • ARGOSY UNIVERSITY
  • GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
  • LIGS UNIVERSITY

Methodology:

Our profiled list of the 10 Best Online Schools for Doctorate in Marketing Degree Programs presents the institutions that excel in terms of program features and core components. The methodology used to determine these superior institutions and their programs focus on their retention and acceptance rates, admission requirements, and degree outcomes.

We’ve listed our discoveries randomly so you may research each one to locate the qualities and highlights of each school, depending on your career needs. The following points were considered:

• Awarded as a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) with an emphasis on the field of Marketing,
• 100% Online format availability,
• Designed to build on previous knowledge, offering advanced coursework in product development, marketing concepts, communications, global marketing, and consumer behavior, among many other topics,
• Promotes research, critical-thinking, as well as, written and oral skills used within the field of Marketing,
• Has proper regional accreditation,
• Instructed by experienced faculty, with actual work histories in business and marketing,
• Financial Aid opportunities, Grants & Scholarships,
• Focuses on improving Customer Service, Advertising, Promotions & Brand Recognition for your company,
• Intended to help students secure career advancement or entrepreneurship opportunities.

Are you interested in learning more? If so, please feel free to check our Methodology page.

Best Online Schools for Doctorate in Marketing

LIBERTY UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

Liberty University has a Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) in Marketing that teaches advanced knowledge in consumer behavior practices, advertising, promotions, and market research.

This 100% online marketing doctorate program is aimed at professionals who are aspiring leaders in their careers or fields of work. A focus on advanced qualitative research methods, and business research methods is one of the highlights of this degree.

Also, students develop analytical and strategic decision-making skills necessary for the development, implementation, and oversight of marketing strategy implementation. The 60-credit program may be completed in four years or less, depending on the student’s academic timeframe.

Campus Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

Accreditation: Liberty University has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Acceptance Rate: 99%

Retention Rate: 79%

Admission Requirements:

• Admission Application
• Proof of English Proficiency
• Application Fee
• Official Transcript of Records

Program Core Components:

• Marketing Research
• Marketing Promotions
• Strategic Marketing Management
• Supply Chain Management

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates of this online doctoral program emerge with practical skills that are useful for career advancement. They enrich their faculty of knowledge with a variety of new and exceptionally effective marketing strategies to increase top-line sales growth and promote brand awareness.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIBERTY UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DBA WITH A CONCENTRATION IN MARKETING

CALIFORNIA MIRAMAR UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

The Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) with a Marketing concentration in California Miramar University provides students the opportunity to improve and develop existing skills and gain new competencies to efficiently manage the full scope of a product management life cycle in a systematic, ethical, and strategic manner.

This online marketing program examines:

• consumer behavior,
• international marketing,
• advanced marketing research,
• and product theory and practices.

Marketing core programs, D.B.A. core course works, and a dissertation are the primary requirements for completion of this online doctoral program. Students need to obtain at least 66 credit hours to earn this online degree.

Campus Location: San Diego, California

Accreditation: California Miramar University receives accreditation from the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS).

Acceptance Rate: 57%

Retention Rate: 69%

Admission Requirements:

• Official transcripts from schools attended
• No GRE or GMAT required

Program Core Components:

• Managing Social Responsibility
• Organizational Change Management and Process
• Strategic Human Resource Management
• Advanced International Marketing
• Strategic Marketing

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates demonstrate extensive knowledge of the methodologies and theories of the different principles that successful business administration programs abide by. Also, they develop, implement, and effectively organize strategic plans in a real business setting.

CMU offers a range of student support services including employment services and placement services for their graduates.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CALIFORNIA MIRAMAR UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION: MARKETING DEGREE PROGRAM

TRIDENT UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

Trident University has a Doctor of Business Administration with Marketing concentration that is designed for working professionals currently holding a master’s degree, and are looking to have a competitive edge to further advance in their careers.

This 100% online doctoral program is designed to integrate experience with advanced instructions and research skills to establish solid competencies in strategic decision-making.

Also, this DBA program provides a strong foundation for business marketing concepts and innovative research methods for competent decision-making and data-driven problem-solving skills. A dissertation culminates this program as a demonstration of the applied doctoral study.

Campus Location: Cypress, California

Accreditation: Trident University is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Acceptance Rate: 49%

Retention Rate: 34%

Admission Requirements:

• Official Transcript of Records
• Curriculum Vitae
• Evaluation of International Credits (For International Students only)
• Cover Letter
• Scholarly Writing Sample
• Two (2) Letters of Recommendation
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Proof of English Proficiency

Program Core Components:

• Technology and Business Process Improvement
• Research in Business and Management Applied Statistics

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates of this degree utilize several business concepts. Quantitative and qualitative research methods are also considered for applied practices in the professional field. They demonstrate advanced literacy skills through the use of information in benchmarking and business literature researches.

LEARN MORE ABOUT TRIDENT UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DBA DEGREE PROGRAM

WALDEN UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

The Doctor of Business Administration with a Marketing concentration of Walden University explores the opportunities and challenges in the field from a real-world business perspective.

This specialization emphasizes integrated marketing, marketing channels, and competitive intelligence. This course comprises eight major components, namely:

• foundation courses,
• core business courses,
• business strategy courses,
• research methods courses,
• doctoral mentoring,
• specialization courses,
• doctoral studies courses,
• and doctoral writing assessment.

The major areas of study under this online doctoral program include B2B Marketing, Marketing Research, and Consumer Behavior.

Campus Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota

Accreditation: Walden University has earned accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Acceptance Rate: 98%

Retention Rate: 33%

Admission Requirements:

• Master’s degree in a business-related discipline
• Completed online application
• Official transcripts

Program Core Components:

• Business Strategy and Innovation for Competitive Advantage
• Contemporary Challenges in Business
• Quantitative Business Data Analysis Using SPSS
• Seminar in Marketing Research
• Organizational Leadership: Doctoral Theory and Practice

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates pursue advancement in their current professional career pathways upon completion of this doctorate degree.

They earn a new set of skills across several marketing-related fundamentals and processes that enable them to develop, implement, and organize effective marketing strategies for their industries, or businesses.

They are prepared to take over executive positions for their companies and are equipped with strong analytical and leadership skills.

LEARN MORE ABOUT WALDEN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MARKETING: DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (DBA)

KEISER UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

Keiser University has a Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing program that caters to professionals who are interested in making further advancements in their current professional life. This online doctoral marketing program tackles new knowledge through applied research and theories for the application in the global marketplace.

Students need to have 60 credit hours to complete this online doctorate program. A dissertation, which is equivalent to 12 out of the 60 credits, serves to demonstrate a student’s acquired knowledge and skill sets.

Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Accreditation: Keiser University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Acceptance Rate: 96%

Retention Rate: 72%

Admission Requirements:

• MBA degree from an accredited school
• Management-level working experience of at least two years

Program Core Components:

• Marketing Models and Theory
• Strategic Service Marketing
• Seminar in Global Marketing
• Seminar in Research Analysis in Marketing
• Consumer Behavior and Practice

Degree Outcomes:

DBA graduates will enhance their ability to meet marketing and business-related challenges and opportunities in the global business environment. They are equipped with the competencies that are critical to business decisions.

They are knowledgable in research methods and advanced ethical theories, combined with the formulation of organizational strategies and goals that are achievable through innovative information systems.

LEARN MORE ABOUT KEISER UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DBA SPECIALIZATION IN MARKETING DEGREE PROGRAM

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

Grand Canyon University offers a Doctor of Business Administration with a Marketing concentration that teaches professionals or students the application of data-driven strategies to creating advantage across several business principles.

This online doctoral program is suitable for individuals who want to have a specialization in market research, consumer behavior, and innovative solutions for successful marketing growth, and business development.

Students need to have 60 credit hours for the completion of this doctoral program.

Campus Location: Phoenix, Arizona

Accreditation: Grand Canyon University has earned its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Retention Rate: 71%

Admission Requirements:

• MBA Degree, or Fundamental Course in Finance, Accounting, and Statistics
• Minimum 3.0 GPA
• Admission Application

Program Core Components:

• Emerging Issues in Financial Management
• Data-Driven Marketing Management
• Economics for Business Decisions
• Foundations of Research
• Digital Technology and Consumer Behavior

Degree Outcomes:

Graduates are savvy business leaders as a graduate of the DBA program offered by Grand Canyon University. They can drive effectiveness in developing market-driven strategy, and expansion of the perceptions & definitions of various market industries.

They are well-prepared in careers in higher education or executive-level roles in their current industry. Also, they can effectively assess the influence of digital technologies in the marketing strategy of the industry.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE DOCTOR OF BA IN MARKETING DEGREE PROGRAM

LIGS UNIVERSITY

Program Standouts:

LIGS University offers an interactive Doctor of Business Administration with a Marketing Concentration that combines innovative approaches, and applied methodologies that will help professionals advance in their respective professions.

This online doctoral program is one of the most flexible programs due to its installment basis upon payment of the enrollment of the course works. They gain an in-depth knowledge of marketing communications, types of marketing strategies, communication with media, and other marketing-related fundamentals.

Students need to have 60 credit hours for the completion of this degree program. The average students can finish this degree in 30 months. A dissertation is required to earn this degree.

Campus Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Accreditation: LIGS University receives accreditation from the Accreditation Service for International Schools Colleges and Universities.

Retention Rate: 80%

Acceptance Rate: 100%

Admission Requirements:

• Admission Application
• GPA of 3.0 or higher
• Application Fee
• Official Transcript of Records

Program Core Components:

• Definition of Marketing
• Internet Marketing
• Research of Environment and Situation
• International Marketing Activities
• Market Branding

Degree Outcomes:

DBA in Marketing graduates of LIGS University develop a strategic level of understanding in several essential business functions. They also identify appropriate management practices across several business settings.

They are fortified with practical communication skills, problem-solving and research skills, and a mindset of a global profession that helps them to become effective game-changers in their respective industry.

LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGS UNIVERSITY’S INTERACTIVE ONLINE DBA

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I need a Doctorate in Marketing to be successful?

Not particularly. A Doctorate in Marketing is not necessary to excel in the field. Although having a Doctorate can be beneficial, many successful marketing professionals have achieved success without having a Doctorate degree.

In order to excel in the field, you will need to have a strong knowledge of marketing principles and strategies, as well as the ability to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to marketing challenges.

What can I do with a Doctorate in Marketing?

With a Doctorate in Marketing, you can pursue various career paths, from a professor to a marketing consultant. You can become a marketing strategist, a market researcher, a digital marketer, or a brand strategist.

In addition, you can work for a business, a government agency, or a non-profit organization. You can also start your own business, helping companies develop and execute marketing plans. You may also be able to work in advertising or public relations.

What are the advanced classes specific to a Doctor of Marketing degree program?

• Retail Management and Merchandising
• Strategic Market Management
• Integrated Marketing Communications
• International Marketing
• Brand Management
• Professional Sales and Negotiation
• Digital Marketing 8. Market Research and Analysis
• Business Analytics
• Advertising and Promotion Management
• Business Law for Marketing
• Public Relations and Corporate Reputation Management
• Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation
• Consumer Behavior and Analysis
• Social Media Marketing

What is the highest-paying job in Marketing for Doctorate holders?

The highest-paying job for Doctorate holders in Marketing is typically a Professor of Marketing. According to Payscale, the average salary for a Professor of Marketing is around $119,000 per year.

In addition, another highest-paying job in marketing is typically a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). According to Payscale, the average salary for a CMO is around $182,244 per year.

As all fifty states have something special to offer, students will never run out of choices. Students from all over the world come to the US to take advantage of this opportunity, making the country a popular destination for those who dream of reaching their academic pursuits.

With the advancement of the educational system, some are even accessible online. Distance learning makes the quest for education seemingly uncomplicated.

Ph.D. candidates are immersed in significant, yet intensive research that would later pave the way for dissertation proposal, completion. and successful defense. A dissertation is aimed at contributing an enormous amount of useful data to the specific field of study.

This is a defining factor that sets a doctoral degree holder apart from the rest. That said, there is also additional coursework that will need to be fully complied with.

Interested? See our comprehensive list of 25 of America’s most popular PhD degrees for you to explore. See what each one has to offer you!

25 Most Popular PhD Degrees

Ph.D. in Accounting and Finance

Does the core concept of accounting in organizations and institutions fascinate you? You might be cut out for a Ph.D. in Accounting and Finance.

A doctorate degree in Accounting and Finance enables students to gain advanced knowledge in both theoretical and empirical research methods. It is vital for that Ph.D. to acquire in-depth training if you wish to pursue a career in high-quality accounting and finance research.

Ph.D. in Accounting and Finance degree holders possess critical and analytical skills that are useful in examining accounting and financial reports. These skills are vital in the survival of any financial institution. And as the corporate environment continues to thrive, this doctorate degree certainly puts you at an advantage.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3 years full-time, and may take 6 years part-time

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Straight out of postgraduate school, a degree holder can earn $150,000 as an assistant professor

♦ Chief Financial Officer is another career option with a $160,681 average pay per year

♦ An Account Manager earns between $54,900-$73,119

Pro: It is a lucrative and economical degree

Con: Very competitive admission process

Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics

Applied Mathematics is an interdisciplinary research field with numerous applications. Isn’t it true that mathematics solves various practical problems? Concepts in Applied Math are applicable to social sciences, business, technology, or engineering.

A Ph.D. degree in it requires both in-depth and basic understanding and knowledge of the related subjects. Students are equipped with analytical reasoning, problem-solving techniques, high conceptualization capacity, and communication skills.

More so, a Ph.D. program in Applied Mathematics is a way for students who breathe and live numbers and analysis to pursue the highest level of research in the field. The program prepares doctorate students to undergo independent research with a specific emphasis on mathematical methods. But be warned: a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics is not for the fainthearted.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3 years full-time

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Postdoctoral Research Associate earns an average of $53,571

♦ Senior Data Scientist earns $143,657

♦ Senior Software Engineer has an average starting salary of $121,500

Pro: A Ph.D. degree in Applied Math opens the doors to many career opportunities! And a year of Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics also earns you your Master’s.

Con: Intensive competition with fellow doctorate degree holders

Did you know? Baltimore Raven’s offensive lineman John Urschel retired from NFL to pursue a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics at MIT

Ph.D. in Audiology

Audiology and Speech Sciences endeavors to obtain an advanced understanding of human communication and the disorders surrounding it. The field of Audiology constantly engages students in research areas that are worth exploring. And educating eager students to become audiologists is the best way of furthering the study.

Unfortunately, there is a shortage of professional and academic personnel in the area. So a Ph.D. in Audiology is a great choice. Doctorate degrees in both Audiology and Speech Sciences put emphasis on the significance of science in understanding communication disorders.

Additionally, the importance and implication of clinical data to explain human communication is central to studying Ph.D. in Audiology.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3-4 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Audiologists earn a median salary of $89,490

♦ Clinical service providers earn $74,012

♦ University Faculty members’ median pay is $167,050

♦ Researchers median income is $60,528

Pro: Skills obtained from Ph.D. in Audiology are sought after in many high-level jobs in both private and public organizations. This is because there are only a few doctorate degree holders focusing on this field.

Con: Long hours of work, and extensive research

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering (BME) has become one of the most thrilling interdisciplinary fields in research. It plays a central part in modern science. Biomedical Engineers use modern research approaches from the fields of life sciences, engineering, mathematics, and computer engineering to find solutions to pressing biomedical problems.

Biomedical Engineering Graduate Program aims to train future engineers to accommodate cutting-edge technology both research and practical applications.

The Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering centers on the belief that it is vital for graduate students to undergo in-depth training in the life sciences and engineering. This will lead them to establish original research to add to the body of knowledge in the field of Biomedical Engineering.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Biomedical Engineer earns an average of $99,550

♦ Research Scientist has an average pay of $91,810

♦ Biomedical Engineering Director’s average income is $88,921

Pro: Ph.D. holders acquire the skills to diagnose and treat human diseases

Con: Clinical experience is often required in most jobs

Ph.D. in Business Administration

Business Administration remains to be the top college degree in the US. If you are armed with stunning credentials with a knack for analysis and practical reasoning, a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) may just be your natural academic and career path.

A Ph.D. in Business Administration prepares students to become leaders and consultants both in the corporate world and the academe.

DBA equips working professionals with the requisite expertise to take on leadership and management roles. the principles being upheld in this field are essential in maintaining competence as you lead an enterprise, regardless of its size.

Since Ph.D. in Business Management involves classes in core management courses, anyone who holds a DBA is expected to be a strategic and analytical leader.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3-6 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Chief Executive Officer earns $140,509

♦ General and Operations Manager has an average salary of $114,360

♦ Business Professor earns $131,748

Pro: Rewarding career and many opportunities outside of the academe

Con: High cost of Doctor Business Management Program

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Chemical Engineering is a dynamic and progressive field of study. It aims to aid industries, especially the pharmaceutical, energy, and food sectors, in problem-solving. A postgraduate degree in the field is a choice for dynamic and confident students.

The main goal of ChemE is to address issues affecting the general quality of life. Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering candidates engage in extensive research to, ultimately, attain a sustainable future.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3 years (full-time), 6 years (part-time)

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Research Scientist in Biotechnology earns $131,385

♦ Chemical Engineer has an average salary of $106,260

♦ Senior Process Engineer earns an average of $109,383

Pro: Ph.D. holder in Chemical Engineering will likely head a department in a chemical company

Con: Experience is necessary to land a top managerial post

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Highly trained clinical psychologists contribute greatly to society. A Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is a training model, both in theory and practice. that is centered on a scientist-practitioner approach.

The doctorate degree aims to train future psychologists to understand the sciences behind this field. Practicing clinical psychologists also contribute their findings in research and practical applications, enabling them to possess a discernment of the foundations for their practice.

Ph.D. holders are also expected to have acquired expert skills through evidence-based research and applied techniques, and in turn, explore those methods to address practical situations.

Quick Facts

Duration: 4-7 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Behavioral Health Psychologist earns an average of $72,953

♦ Clinical Psychology College Professor has an average salary of $88,345

♦ Mental Health Social Worker earns $65,100

Pro: A Ph.D. holder in Clinical Psychology is expected to have undergone rigorous training, and is therefore often renowned in the field

Con: Very competitive internship placement

Ph.D. in Computer Science

A Ph.D. in Computer Science gives you an edge in terms of professional practice. Ph.D. students are trained to be independent and creative in their project designs.

Since many industries require Ph.D. graduates, it’s not unusual for someone fresh out of school to start off their career at the top of the corporate ladder.

Industries understand that doctorate degree holders have extensive research experience and reserve for them significant positions. Statistics show that Ph.D. holders in the field receive significantly higher salaries compared to their peers, and of course, lower unemployment rates. 

If none of that works out, it’s not uncommon for computer scientists to start their own company–because they can.

Quick Facts

Duration: 4 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Data Scientist earns $143,657

♦ Senior Analysis Team Lead has an average salary of $105,714

♦ Software Engineer earns an average of $139,592

Pro: Ph.D. holders in Computer Science are a hot item in industry research, which promises a lucrative job

Con: Big financial investment because the degree is costly

Did you know? Anita Borg, director and founding member of Institute for Women and Technology (IWT) and the Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing has a Ph.D. in Computer Science from New York University

Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology

Students trying to earn a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology are psychologists who are trained to provide health services in the field and obtain the credentials to become psychological researchers.

The degree emphasizes diversity at both multicultural and individual levels. Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology is centered in a scientist-practitioner model. Basically, it is “the study of individuals, by observation or experimentation, with the intention of promoting change”.

As a result, doctorate degree holders in this field develop a full commitment to becoming health service counselors. This is especially true with Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology graduates. They make contributions that improve the welfare of the individuals and communities they engage with.

The mission of Counseling Psychology is to create an environment of knowledge generation and community engagement. Most importantly, it has the specific goals of eliminating mental and physical prejudice and creating a deeper understanding of the plurality of the human condition.

Quick Facts

Duration: 4-9 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ A Counseling Psychologist earns $102,740

♦ Mental Health Counselors earn an average salary of $72,061

♦ Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor earns an average of $75,447

Pro: Ph.D. holder in Counseling Psychology grants career versatility and the chance to help other people.

Cons: Costly, takes a long time to finish and can be emotionally draining

Ph.D. in Economics

A Ph.D. in Economics is designed for dedicated students aiming to pursue advanced Economics study. Research is a central aspect of this doctorate degree. 

A doctorate in Economics is awarded to Ph.D. students who have satisfactorily completed the program. Since the degree requires research, recipients must qualify as general economists and possess a mastery of scholarly research.

Quick Facts

Duration: 5-6 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Economists earn $113,940

♦ An Associate Professor has an average salary of $122,193

♦ Assessment Specialist earns an average of $58,148

Pro: A Ph.D. holder in Economics readily lands a high-paying job, and the chance of failure is quite low!

Con: Some Economic concepts may be too conservative and traditional for a modern-day student’s liking

Ph.D. in Education

A Ph.D. in Education provides an in-depth knowledge of core educational policies and the learning methods that are integrated into the educational process.

These include the strategies that are taken for curriculum design, as well teaching policy and schemes. Mastery of these is valuable in many applications. It is worth mentioning that a doctorate degree in Education is one of the top three choices of students contemplating a Ph.D.

Since education is met with complex challenges, especially in modern society, the field requires expert researches to collect and analyze data in academic disciplines. The many facets of our education system could certainly use policy reforms, and experts are a valuable asset in this respect.

Quick Facts

Duration: 5-8 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ School Administrator earns $84,907

♦ Curriculum Administrator has an average salary of $58,529

♦ Postsecondary Professor earns an average of $80,840

Pro: A Ph.D. in Education grants a competitive advantage and a tenured position, especially in academia.

Con: Ph.D. in Education is a very competitive field of choice

Did you know? Shaquille O’Neal has a Ph.D. in Education from Barry University with a special focus on Organizational Learning and Leadership

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

An Electrical Engineering Ph.D. student will be immersed in both theoretical and empirical studies. The student is free to choose the area of interest.

Mostly, Electrical Engineering programs utilize high-tech research facilities and a research community. In addition, collaborations from external institutions are encouraged. The Electrical Engineering program is an excellent choice for those who appreciate independence in their work process.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3-4 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Electrical Engineer earns $114,050

♦ Research Scientist has an average salary of $91,810

♦ Senior Electrical Engineer earns an average of $112,263

Pros: Ph.D. holder in Electrical Engineering enjoy a sense of independence in conducting basic or applied research. There are various career opportunities in academia, the electrical industry, and the government.

Con: Limited budget for research

Did you know? Mr. Bean, Rowan Atkinson, has a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from The Queen’s College Oxford

Ph.D. in General Engineering

The many existing engineering concepts and principles are the backbone of the doctorate degree in General Engineering. It does, however, provide a platform where graduate students can focus extensively on a particular subject.

As you study, you will learn that a Ph.D. in General Engineering is collaborative as much as it is interdisciplinary. The doctorate program prepares students for a higher degree of research and a set of specific skills that can potentially land them in top corporate positions.

Quick Facts

Duration: 2-4 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Research and Development (R&D) earns $117,841

♦ Research Scientist has an average salary of $91,810

♦ Project Engineer earns an average of $80,748

Pro:  General Engineering doctorate degree holder utilizes the core principles of the study to obtain solutions to pressing real-world problems.

Con: Limited budget for research

Ph.D. in History

To many, a Ph.D. in History is not exactly an enticing choice among the doctorate degrees available in America but it remains to be among the most popular. A specific niche on its own, a doctorate in History is for those who have the passion for earnest study and rigorous research.

Doctorate programs in History thrive in research and are specifically strict in imposing independent and original dissertations.

Most universities offering doctorate degrees in History allow students to apply regardless of an unrelated, previously earned undergraduate degree. However, it is best that your focus has always been on this field. Core foundation, after all, gives you that advantage.

Quick Facts

Duration: 8 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Professor, Post-secondary / Higher Education earns $80,840

♦ Research Associate has an average salary of $65,734

♦ Corporate Counsel earns an average of $159,457

Pro: History Ph.D. holders enjoy a versatile array of top-paying career options in higher-education institutions, museums, public history sites, and the government as researchers or consultants.

Con: The dissertation process takes 4 years to finish, and admission is highly competitive.

Did you know? Robert Gates, former US Secretary of Defense, has a Ph.D. in History, major in Russian and Soviet History, from Georgetown University.

Ph.D. in International Relations

A graduate degree in International Relations (IR) develops students’ abilities to conduct top-tier research in the field. In addition, Ph.D. programs in IR produce excellent and productive scholars.

With the extensive field of study covering a wide range of areas, doctorate holders of International Relations become respected specialists and consultants. A career in the government or international organizations usually awaits them.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3-4 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Research Department Manager earns $150,645

♦ Research Fellow has an average salary of $178,623

♦ Foreign affairs officer earns an average of $102,201

Pro: A Doctorate in International Relations leads to careers that involve the global scene

Con: It can be a brutal job market with high expectations from candidates

Ph.D. in Management

A Ph.D. program in Management aims to produce highly qualified individuals to lead. Holders of the degree are highly regarded both in the education or business sector. The degree program promotes excellence in research, teaching practice, and labor.

A Ph.D. in Management equips individuals with a solid foundation of the concepts and methodologies that are vital to their practice. Advanced research and communication skills are acquired within years of study.

Quick Facts

Duration: 4-8.3 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Account Supervisor earns $91,871

♦ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has an average salary of $140,509

♦ Contract Administrator earns an average of $65,509

Pro: A Doctorate in Management prepares you for a successful teaching and research career paths

Con: Highly competitive field with a high level of admissions per year

Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

Postgraduate programs in Mechanical Engineering provide students the opportunity to engage in a multi-disciplinary environment and gain expertise in the area.

The focus is usually on machinery and the use of CNC plasma cutter software for manufacturing and sustainable technologies, among others. The aim is to improve industrial manufacturing capabilities to support efficient production.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3-6 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ A Mechanical Engineer earns $100,820

♦ Principal Mechanical Engineer has an average salary of $135,982

♦ Senior Product Development Scientist earns an average of $84,121

Pro: Mechanical Engineering postgraduate degree is a profitable field of study

Con: High expectations to develop an original project

Did you know? Bill Nye “the Science Guy” has a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Cornell University. Showing instructional videos on US TV was his road to fame.

Ph.D. in Nursing Practice

In general, Ph.D. in Nursing Practice (DNP) is a research-focused degree in clinical practice. DNP programs are centered in Nursing Practice specialization. Earning a doctorate in Nursing Practice requires students to comply with a clinical project. The project must indicate in-depth knowledge in the practice.

A doctorate in Nursing Practice is a lucrative choice and opens various career opportunities.

Quick Facts

Duration: 8 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Doctor in Nursing Practice (DNP) earns $97,118

♦ Health Policy Analyst has an average salary of $74,861

♦ Nurse Practitioner earns an average of $124,680

Pro: A Doctorate in Nursing Practice requires minimal clinical work

Con: Emotionally draining and costly

Ph.D. in Pharmacology

Postgraduate studies in Pharmacology is a comprehensive and meticulous graduate program. It focuses on the effects of drugs and other chemicals on living specimens before being introduced to human subjects. Ph.D. degree in Pharmacology is a solid field of study that requires a basic to an in-depth understanding of the core sciences.

The main goal of the doctorate degree program is to promote the intelligent and calculated use of drugs and chemicals to aid in research. As a result, living systems can be investigated at the molecular level. It aims to understand how organs systems function at the cellular level.

Quick Facts

Duration: 5-6 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Program Project Manager earns $147,389

♦ Research Scientist has an average salary of $91,810

♦ Medical Science Liaison earns an average of $157,882

Pro: The degree results in a crucial understanding of living subjects

Con: Time spent in the program is equivalent to earning an MD

Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry

Physical Chemistry is centered on the main objective of training highly qualified professionals to engage in scientific research in physical chemistry. Ph.D. students will be able to independently formulate scientific problems with corresponding hypotheses.

Physical Chemistry Ph.D. candidates are equipped not only in providing the hypotheses but also to determine the processes of solving these problems. Critical evaluation is vital in ensuring that the dissertation students produce is evidence-based and of empirical value.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3-4 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Chief Scientist earns $157,617

♦ Process Development Engineer has an average salary of $104,266

♦ Digital Project Manager earns an average of $80,637

Pro: One of the most high-paying among the doctorate degrees

Con: Difficult field and study time is quite lengthy

Ph.D. in Physical Therapy 

Physical Therapists require the completion of a doctorate in Physical Therapy (PT) to be part of a growing industry. The degree is focused on producing top-caliber physical therapists in various areas where health care and recovery services are offered.

It is a top-paying private practice that hospitals, clinics, and physical rehab centers require. With a Ph.D. in Physical Therapy, you are fully equipped with research and application skills to provide customized therapy treatments.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3-4 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Physical Therapist (PT) earns $97,960

♦ Home Health Care earns an average of $36,259

Pros: Ph.D. holders in Physical Therapy enjoy career stability because of their competence

Cons: Relatively new field, physically draining

Ph.D. in Physics

The Physics doctorate program requires the creation and interpretation of newly developed knowledge. This is made possible through new research, which should satisfy peer review.

A Ph.D. candidate in Physics must establish a substantial body of knowledge for the research, which is central to the program. The research must be systematic with a practical conceptual design and utilize applicable techniques that advance knowledge inquiry in Physics.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3 years full-time; 4-5 years part-time

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Research Scientist earns $91,810

♦ Physicist has an average salary of $139,220

♦ Professor earns an average of $84,177

Pro: Physics doctorate degree holders earn not only top salary but are widely respected in their field

Con: Research is extensive and very demanding

Did you know? The beloved Theoretical Physicist Stephen Hawking earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Cambridge. He is known worldwide for his quirks and his book The Brief History of Time.

Ph.D. in Political Science

A Ph.D. program in Political Science aims to produce highly professional political scientists. It is an opportunity for students to pursue advanced study in the area, with a focus on research.

Designed to train candidates to gain competence in the field, a doctorate degree in Political Science offers chances for collaborative engagement with leading scholars in the discipline.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3-6 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Director of Communications earns $183,036

♦ Research Analyst has an average salary of $100,185

♦ Corporate Counsel earns an average of $159,457

Pro: Degree program produces highly competent career professionals

Con: Tedious research process, extensive advisory requirements

Did you know? Miuccia Prada holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Milan

Ph.D. in Public Administration

The limited resources available to solve complex problems pose a threat to sustainability. Because of this, society needs scholars who are qualified to ensure that the next generation is able to function in a balanced ecology.

Ph.D. in Public Administration holders train the next generation of professionals the tricks of the trade while integrating public service. High-quality and evidence-based research are used to train Ph.D. candidates. Promoting competence in the field is at the core of the program.

Quick Facts

Duration: 3-5 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Executive Director earns $91,575

♦ Human Resources (HR) Director has an average salary of $179,040

Pro: A DPA works closely with individuals, thereby highlighting their outstanding people skills

Cons: Very competitive career

Ph.D. in Statistics

If you’re contemplating a Ph.D. program in Statistics, you’re in for an extremely rigorous process. The program equips Ph.D. candidates with skills and a collaborative attitude that could be useful in the statistical field.

Ph.D. in Statistics holders enjoy formulation and computation and explore statistical models to demonstrate the capacity of mathematical equations in solving real-life problems.

However, the program creates a welcoming environment for students, as it covers a multitude of interests. It aims to prepare students for a career in teaching and research, mostly at the university level. Moreover, government work is also a possible career path for Ph.D. graduates in this discipline.

Quick Facts

Duration: 5-6 years

Career Opportunities: 

♦ Data Analyst earns $79,000

♦ Senior Biostatistician has an average salary of $136,201

♦ Quantitative Analyst earns an average of $126,976

Pro: A Ph.D. in Statistics remains to be one of the top choices among doctorate degrees because it offers lucrative and long-term career options.

Con: Highly competitive both in terms of admission and career opportunities

So, here is your list of America’s 25 most popular PhD degrees. Does any of it pique your interest? Are you ready to commit your time and money to earn your Ph.D.? Are you up for the challenges ahead? Time to make that choice!

For more information, see:

• How to Stand Out as a PhD Student
• Hardest Grad School Interview Questions and Response Tips from PhD Experts
• All About the Survey of Earned Doctorates

Along with the rise in individuals born with or acquiring developmental disabilities, the need for qualified employees specializing in applied behavior analysis is also rising. And, as with most professions, the more education you have received, the more benefits, promotions, and higher salaries you will be qualified to obtain.

How do I earn an online Doctor of Applied Behavior Analysis degree?

Why Earn an ABA Degree

With an online Doctor of Applied Behavior Analysis degree, you can choose a career that helps to enrich the lives of others, as well as fit your own personality. At this level, you may choose to obtain a doctoral degree to allow for teaching at the university level or for doing extensive research in the field.

In addition, a professional doctorate degree will allow you to continue in your work with autistic children or others with developmental challenges.

Earn BCBA-D Recognition

Obtaining an online Doctor of Applied Behavior Analysis degree will prepare you for the Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA-D) certification. With these credentials, you may choose to become a behavior analyst specialist.

Behavior Analyst Specialist

The salary for this position can vary greatly depending on experience, education, and certifications.

The range is typically between $62,710 to $76,620 annually. They generally are tasked with assessing bad behaviors and implementing change techniques to encourage good behavior through applied behavior analysis. Their research helps them develop treatment plans that are specific for each individual patient.

As you work one on one with a patient, you can acquire positions within a school, home, healthcare facility, or through government agencies.

Psychology Professor

If you would prefer to teach at the university level, psychology professors usually earn between $86,187 to $204,658 annually. Your Ph.D., in this capacity, will typically allow for extensive research in human behavior and design, as well.

Self-Employed Psychologist

Some aspire to establish their own psychology practice with their doctorate degree. Of course, your state may also require licensing. Psychologists provide a more complex treatment to those who are suffering from mental illness or brain injuries/disorders.

As a private practice psychologist, you can expect to earn $85,330 or more per year, depending on experience and the number of clients.

Forensic Psychologist

As a forensic psychologist, your salary can average about $68,240 annually, however, with experience, you can earn upwards of $75,000 annually. Forensic psychologists review, analyze and evaluate court cases.

Often, they focus on family, criminal or civil court and work for consulting firms, prisons, law firms, or police departments. They evaluate behaviors and often testify in a court of law to present their evaluations to judges and juries.

Psychiatrist

If you want to continue your journey into human behavior and the mind, consider a position as a psychiatrist. Your background will lay the foundation, although, in this capacity, you will need a medical doctorate degree.

Also required will be a psychiatry residency and a license to practice and prescribe medications. The average salary for a psychiatrist ranges from $223,597 to $279,114 per year, depending on experience, location, and the number of clients.

Other Rewarding Careers

As you earn your online Doctor of Applied Behavior Analysis degree, you can see that your career choice will help those that need you the most and provide you with abundant rewards and inspiration.

One aspect that may be of particular interest to you is working with children that are autistic. Applied behavior analysis principles have been proven to work well with children who are considered to have autism spectrum disorder.

ABA specialists concentrate on basic skills, such as listening or imitating, although some students need work with more complex capabilities, such as reading or social skills.

In addition, there are other specialties to consider, such as those with traumatic brain injuries or language development issues.  Also, specialists are needed in organizational behavior management, special education, or geriatrics. If you prefer to use your skills on four-legged patients, animal training using ABA techniques is now widely accepted.

Choose a career that reflects your passions and interests. If a career in ABA is for you, please check out our choices for the Best Online Doctor of Applied Behavior Analysis Degree Programs.

Additional Info: Why earn a Doctorate Degree?

The 20 schools on this list have gradually become the top education schools in the country with faculty who know what it’s like to succeed…and every Ph.D. program on the list offers full funding.

Methodology

This list of doctoral programs, offering the Top 20 Fully Funded PhDs in Education, gives education professionals needed information on where they can find the best fully funded Ph.D. programs in education to help them expand and enhance their careers as educators and administrators.

The programs are listed in random order. They are not in a ranked order because each program has its own strengths. Consider each program individually to determine which one is right for you.

Each fully funded Ph.D. in education is a quality program. Inclusion in this list is based on the following findings:

• 100% fully funded degree program for high-achieving applicants;
• Coursework is designed to prepare professional educators and education administrators to transition into top positions of education practice and leadership;
• Courses are prepared and delivered by top faculty in a top degree program;
• Appropriately accredited;
• A dissertation will be required.

To delve deeper, please see our Methodology page.

Top Fully Funded Ph.D. Programs

INDIANA UNIVERSITY – BLOOMINGTON

Education Program Standouts: The doctor of education programs at the School of Education at Indiana University – Bloomington are some of the highest-ranking graduate education programs included in both US News and World Report as well as Times Higher Education.

The IU School of Education is dedicated to preparing its graduate students for careers in government, technology, schools, and public institutions. The doctoral degrees in education are geared toward creative, technological, and leadership training.

Campus Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Doctorate of Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• PhD or EdD in Curriculum and Instruction
  • Specialization in Art Education
  • Specialization in Curriculum Studies
  • Specialization in Mathematics Education
• EdD in Educational Leadership
• PhD or EdD in Higher Education
• PhD in History, Philosophy and Policy in Education
• PhD or EdD in Instructional Systems Technology (EdD also offered online)
• PhD in Special Education

Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree
• GPA (minimum GPA varies from program to program)
• Personal Goal Statement
• Official Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation
• TOEFL scores (International Students)

Full Funding Options: Fellowships that offer full funding in the education doctoral programs at Indiana University Bloomington include the Dean’s Fellowship, Faculty Doctoral Fellowship, Proffitt Fellowship, and Malvina McNeill Fellowship.

Also, five different fellowships are offered to graduate students in the School of Education at IU Bloomington for members of underrepresented populations, three of which offer full funding. Department-specific funding may also be available.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORAL DEGREES IN EDUCATION AT INDIANA UNIVERSITY

MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Education Program Standouts: Michigan State University’s College of Education has developed some of the top PhD programs in the country. The education doctoral programs prepare leaders in education to deal with current challenges and address modern educational needs.

According to their website, Michigan State University’s “internationally known faculty members construct rigorous opportunities for advanced study, mentor students and engage in millions of dollars of funded research.”

According to the US News and World Report ranking of education graduation programs, in both elementary and secondary education, the University of Michigan has ranked number one in the country for over consecutive years.

Campus Location: Lansing, Michigan

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Doctorate of Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Curriculum, Instruction and Teacher Education
• Educational Leadership
• Educational Policy
• Educational Psychology and Education Technology
• Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education
• K-12 Educational Administration
• Kinesiology
• Mathematics Education
• Measurement and Quantitative Methods
• Rehabilitation Counselor Education
• School Psychology
• Special Education

Admission Requirements:

• Current Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Professional Goals
• Writing Sample
• Letters of Reference
• Transcripts
• GRE scores

Full Funding Options: While pursuing the educational doctorate at Michigan State University a variety of options are available for full tuition funding.

Graduate assistantships, the MSU Fellowship program which offers five years of funding along with a stipend and research funding for enrolled students are all available for graduate students who pursue the doctorate in education at Michigan State.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORATES IN EDUCATION AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

BOSTON COLLEGE

Education Program Standouts: Offering some of the top education doctoral programs in the country, The Lynch School of Education and Human Development is consistent in its inclusion in top programs of education in the U.S. and worldwide.

Named as the #1 Catholic school of education by U.S. News and World Report and offering $15.9 million a year in research funding, the Lynch school is defined by active inner support and looks to offer the best success to the schools and people they serve.

The Lynch School is planning to launch four brand-new interdisciplinary minors into their existing education programs.

Campus Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts

Accreditation:

• New England Commission of Higher Education
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

Doctorate of Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• PhD in Counseling Psychology
• PhD in Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology
• PhD in Measurement, Evaluation, Statistics and Assessment
• PhD in Higher Education
• PhD in Educational Leadership
• PhD in Curriculum and Instruction

Admission Requirements:

• Grades (graduate and undergraduate)
• Research experience
• GRE scores
• Personal statement
• Resume or CV
• Letters of recommendation
• Writing sample

Full Funding Options: The Lynch School of Education and Human Development at Boston College offers numerous fellowships for graduate students studying education including the Barry Fellowship and Duvjnak Fellowship which offer tuition remission. Also available at The Lynch School are many graduate assistantships, in fact, 361 assistantship programs are offered for graduate students across campus.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORAL PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION AT BOSTON COLLEGE

HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Education Program Standouts: Harvard Graduate School of Education has one of the very top PhD in Education degree programs in the country. Harvard is currently ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the number one school of education.

With a long and outstanding reputation for excellence, Harvard also provides options for full funding to doctoral students which makes a Harvard Doctorate accessible.

Campus Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Doctorate of Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Education
  • Culture, Institutions and Society
  • Education Policy and Program Evaluation
  • Human Development, Learning and Teaching

Admission Requirements:

• Resume and Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Purpose
• Three letters of recommendation
• Standardized test scores
• Postsecondary transcripts
• Supplemental form for the PhD in Education

Full Funding Options: Through the Graduate School of Education, Harvard University’s Doctor of Education programs can be fully funded through such fellowships as the James Bryant Conan Fellowship.

Those who are accepted into the Doctor of Educational Leadership degree program can expect a full tuition waiver. A number of other fellowships and grants are offered to assist students in obtaining a doctoral degree in education from Harvard.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN EDUCATION FROM HARVARD UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

Education Program Standouts: The University of Virginia has one of the top education programs, according to U.S. News and World Report. Ranked #17 overall in Best Education Schools as well as #4 for Special Education Specialty Ranking, The Curry School of Education and Human Development has made a name for itself in the world of education and educators.

Their missions are two-fold, to prepare students to work in education from kindergarten through college and to conduct scholarship and research that directly addresses the problems of education today.

Campus Location: Charlottesville, VA

Accreditation:

• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
• Inquiry Brief Commission of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)

Doctor of Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Reading Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction
• Doctor of Philosophy in English Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Gifted Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Language Education in Multilingual Contexts
• Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Social Studies Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education

Admission Requirements:

• Resume
• Writing sample
• Statement of purpose
• Possible master’s degree
• GRE scores

Full Funding Options: The University of Virginia Curry School of Education and Human Development offers full funding, such as the Dean’s Fellowship, for PhD students.

The Dean’s Fellowship offers four years of full tuition and fees, health insurance and a $32,000 yearly stipend. Full-time doctoral applicants to the University of Virginia are automatically considered for the Dean’s Fellowship.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FULLY FUNDED PHDS IN EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY

Education Program Standouts: The Graduate School of Education at the University of California Berkeley has top-ranked quality and offers PhDs in Education that promote research in areas such as Critical Studies of Race, Class, and Gender; Culture, Development and the Learning Sciences and Social Research Methodologies.

The Graduate School of Education at Berkeley grounds itself in theory and practice equally along with an emphasis on making a positive impact on social transformation and personal growth.

Campus Location: Berkeley, California

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Doctor of Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Science and Mathematics Education

Admission Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
• Satisfactory scholastic average, usually a 3.0
• Enough undergraduate training to do graduate work

Full Funding Options: The Mentored Research Award and the UC Dissertation-Year Fellowship along with the Doctoral Completion Fellowship grant students in the Educational Doctoral programs full funding along with a stipend to assist them in completing their doctorates.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA BERKELEY

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

Education Program Standouts: The University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education grants students seeking a top doctor of education degree the opportunity to do so with full funding. With an emphasis on both high-quality research and the building of practical knowledge building. The alumni at the University of Pennsylvania are recognized as some of the “most influential education leaders.”

Campus Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• PhD in Education, Culture and Society
• PhD in Education Policy
• PhD in Educational Linguistics
• PhD in Higher Education
• PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies in Human Development
• PhD in Learning Sciences and Technologies
• PhD in Quantitative Methods
• PhD in Reading/Writing/Literacy
• PhD in Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education

Admission Requirements:

• Statement of Purpose
• Letters of Recommendation
• Transcripts
• Official Test Scores
• Application Fee

Full Funding Options: All PhD students at the University of Pennsylvania are granted a full-time four-year fellowship that includes a stipend and student health insurance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHDS IN EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Education Program Standouts: The Doctor of Philosophy program is a part of the College of Education at the University of Washington. Offering one of the best doctorates in education programs in the country, the University of Washington College of Education is currently ranked No. 3 in Education Schools at Public Universities.

The programs include continuous research, a comprehensive foundation in academics as well as teaching experience.

Campus Location: Seattle, Washington

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Curriculum and Instruction: Excellence in Content Instruction
• Educational Organizations, Leadership, & Policy Studies
• Leadership in Higher Education
• Learning Sciences & Human Development
• Measurement & Statistics
• Multicultural Education
• School Psychology
• Social & Cultural Foundations
• Special Education
• Teacher Quality & Teacher Education

Admission Requirements:

• GRE test
• 3.0 GPA
• Unofficial transcripts
• Goal statement/statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Resume/Vita
• Writing Sample
• Interviews

Full Funding Options: The College of Education at the University of Washington offers around 120 teaching, research and staff assistantship positions to graduate students every year. Those who will be primarily considered have a strong background in teaching, research or administration.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Education Program Standouts: Ranked #3 by US News and World Report, Stanford University offers one of the best PhD in education programs in the country.

The Stanford Graduate School of Education prepares the next generation of education researchers under the guidance of top academic faculty and advisors.

Campus Location: Stanford, California

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Interdisciplinary Policy Studies in Education
• Cross-Area Specialization – Race, Inequality and Language in Education
• Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education
  • Elementary Education
  • Literacy, Language and English Education
  • History/Social Science Education
  • Mathematics Education
  • Science Education
  • Teacher Education

Admission Requirements:

• Application fee and form
• Statement of purpose
• Resume/CV
• 3 letters of recommendation
• College and university transcripts
• GRE scores

Full Funding Options: All PhD applicants accepted at Stanford are guaranteed 5 years of full-time financial support. Around 20% of the doctoral students at Stanford University are awarded the Stanford Graduate Fellowship in the first year of their doctoral program.

This fellowship offers 11 academic quarters of funding for graduate students. Students awarded these fellowships are part of faculty research and assist with courses through their apprenticeship requirements. Other grants and fellowships are also offered at Stanford.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN EDUCATION AT STANFORD UNIVERSITY

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS – AUSTIN

Education Program Standouts: The University of Texas – Austin College of Education ranks highly among the top doctoral education programs. According to their website, “The College of Education’s signature impact areas align the college’s strengths with essential needs in the fields of education in Texas and beyond.

They represent the major goals of the College of Education and help to determine how we will align the college’s resources to reach our vision.”

Campus Location: Austin, Texas

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Doctor of Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• PhD in Curriculum and Instruction
• PhD in Education Leadership and Policy
• PhD in Educational Psychology – Counseling
• PhD in Education Psychology – Human Development, Culture, and Learning Sciences

Admission Requirements:

• Application and Fee
• Transcripts
• GRE and GMAT
• Letters of recommendation

Full Funding Options: Fellowships are available for graduate students attending the University of Texas – Austin. One of the fellowships available is the Donald D. Harrington Recruitment Fellowship which offers up to 3 years of tuition remission along with a stipend.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT AUSTIN

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – LA

Education Program Standouts: Named the #1 Graduate School of Education and Information Studies by US News and World Report for 2019, UCLA’s Graduate School has proved its commitment to new practice, groundbreaking research and award-winning faculty in order to offer some of the best doctorates in education available in the country.

Campus Location: Los Angeles, California

Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Education
• Doctor of Philosophy in Special Education

Admission Requirements:

• Application and fee
• GPA of 3.0
• Statement of purpose
• Diversity Statement
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree (check individual program requirements)

Full Funding Options: Students entering the UCLA doctoral programs may receive full funding for the entirety of their doctoral studies. If they do not, there are a number of fellowships, grants and assistantships that may be applied for.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – LA

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN – ANN ARBOR

Education Program Standouts: The doctoral programs at The University of Michigan School of Education are designed to produce leaders in advanced education who are able to think rigorously, know the craft of research and make a difference in the future of education. With many concentrations, the PhD in Education is tailored to the unique interests and research of each student.

Campus Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Educational Studies
  • Educational Policy, Leadership and Innovation
  • Educational Foundations and Policy
  • Learning Technologies
  • Literacy, Language and Culture
  • Mathematics Education
  • Science Education
  • Teaching and Teacher Education
  • Education and Statistics
• English and Education
• Education and Psychology
• Higher Education
  • Academic Affairs and Student Development
  • Research, Evaluation, and Assessment
  • Organizational Behavior and Management
  • Public Policy in Postsecondary Education
  • Individually Designed Concentration

Admission Requirements:

• Application and fee
• Letters of recommendation
• GRE scores
• Transcripts
• Current CV

Full Funding Options: The majority of students in the doctoral programs at the University of Michigan School of Education receive a minimum of four years of full funding. This includes a stipend for living expenses along with health insurance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORATE OF EDUCATION DEGREES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN – ANN ARBOR

UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN – MADISON

Education Program Standouts: Ranked #1 among Public Schools in Education by US News World Report, the School of Education at The University of Wisconsin – Madison offers graduate programs in more than 12 areas which include occupational therapy, fine art and educational policy studies among others.

The School of Education provides some of the best doctorate of education degree programs for those who want to pursue a career in educational research.

Campus Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• PhD in Curriculum and Instruction

Admission Requirements:

• 12 credits in professional education courses
• Application and fee
• Curriculum Vitae
• Letters of recommendation
• GRE scores
• Statement of reasons for graduate study
• Writing sample

Full Funding Options: The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers doctoral students assistantships and fellowships, many of which cover the full cost of tuition and include a stipend.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

Education Program Standouts: Teacher’s College at Columbia University, ranked #7 by US News and World Report of all graduate education schools, was founded “on the proposition that education alone can’t correct our society’s inequalities.”

In spite of being one of the top educational programs in the country, the Teacher’s College focus is on maximizing “the life chances of all people.”

Campus Location: New York City, New York

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Education Leadership
• Economics and Education
• Education Policy
• Politics and Education
• Cognitive Science and Education
• Education Leadership
• History and Education
• Philosophy and Education
• Science Education
• English Education
• Sociology and Education
• Mathematics and Education

Admission Requirements:

• Online application form
• Statement of purpose
• Resume
• Two letters of recommendation
• Program-specific supplemental materials

Full Funding Options: Teacher’s College at Columbia University offers scholarships, research assistantships, fellowships, and grants which can cover the full cost of tuition for their PhDs in Education.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAMS AT TEACHER’S COLLEGE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

Education Program Standouts: Peabody College Vanderbilt University offers some of the top PhD programs in the field of education. Dating back to 1785, Peabody has been ranked in the top positions by US News and World Report for the last 10 years and is currently ranked number 6 in Best Education Schools.

The mission of Peabody is to better the human condition and focus on the learning and development of children.

Campus Location: Nashville, Tennessee

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Leadership, Policy and Organization
  • Specialization in K-12 Educational Leadership and Policy
  • Specialization in Higher Education Leadership and Policy

• Special Education
  • Early Childhood
  • High Incidence Disabilities
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Low-Incidence Disabilities
  • Severe and Multiple Disabilities
  • Visual and Hearing Impairments

• Teaching & Learning
  • Development, Learning and Disability
  • Language, Literacy and Culture
  • Mathematics and Science Education
  • Learning and Design

• Educational Neuroscience

Admission Requirements:

• Online application
• Transcripts
• GRE scores
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Scholarly writing sample

Full Funding Options: All admitted students into a PhD program at Vanderbilt University Peabody College receive funding for up to 5 years of study. This includes tuition, a monthly stipend and health insurance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE EDUCATION DOCTORATE AT PEABODY COLLEGE VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY

JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

Education Program Standouts: The Doctorate of Philosophy in Education at Johns Hopkins University is part of a school of education that is only improving in its reputation for success. Jumping up 10 spots this last year in the rankings of US News and World Report for Best Graduate Schools, Johns Hopkins deserves recognition for its advancement.

The Doctor of Philosophy degree in education is designed for students who are interested in becoming scholars equipped to address the modern challenges of education and improve pre-K-12 learning outcomes.

Campus Location: Baltimore, Maryland

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Doctor of Philosophy in Education

Admission Requirements:

• Master’s degree from an accredited university
• Online application form
• Official transcripts
• GRE score

Full Funding Options: Full tuition assistance along with a stipend is available to outstanding students who are accepted to the Doctor of Philosophy in Education degree program.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION FROM JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

Education Program Standouts: Educational policy and evaluation students work closely with nationally and internationally recognized faculty members on collaborative and independent research projects that result in policy briefs, reports, scholarly articles and engagement in education policy.

The program also provides opportunities for internships in applied settings and varied experiences in scholarly publishing.

Campus Location: Tempe, Arizona

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Educational Policy and Evaluation
• Learning, Literacies and Technologies

Admission Requirements:

• GRE score
• Transcripts
• Letters of recommendation
• 3.0 GPA

Full Funding Options: Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College supports full-time students in the PhD program with funding renewable for four years.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD PROGRAMS IN EDUCATION AT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

NEW YORK UNIVERSITY

Education Program Standouts: The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development includes 10 departments and over 30 degree programs. The quality of the PhD doctoral students is a source of pride to Steinhardt which they strive to maintain. The doctoral graduates from Steinhardt are continuously known as leaders and innovators in their field.

Campus Location: New York, New York

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• Bilingual Education
• Education and Jewish Studies
• Educational Communication and Technology
• Educational Leadership
• Educational Theatre
• English Education
• Higher and Postsecondary Education
• History of Education
• International Education
• Music Education
• Sociology of Education
• Teaching and Learning

Admission Requirements:

• Resume/CV
• Statement of purpose
• Letters of recommendation
• Transcripts
• GRE

Full Funding Options: Full-time Steinhardt PhD students are eligible for full-time tuition remission along with a stipend to help with living expenses.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY DEGREES IN EDUCATION AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY STEINHARDT

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Education Program Standouts: Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy, perhaps more than the other schools on the list, emphasizes a wide variety of disciplines and brings them into harmony.

Their PhD in Learning Sciences along with the PhD in Computer Science and Learning Sciences studies many channels of inquiry including individuals, groups, and organizations to make discoveries that revolutionize the education world.

Campus Location: Evanston, Illinois

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Doctor of Philosophy in Education Degrees and Concentrations:

• PhD in Learning Sciences
• PhD in Computer Science and Learning Sciences

Admission Requirements:

• Online application
• Two letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• Resume/CV
• Writing sample
• Official transcripts
• Optional GRE scores

Full Funding Options: All students accepted into the Ph.D. programs at Northwestern University receive full tuition with an academic year stipend for five years contingent on progress.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHDS IN EDUCATION AT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to say a degree is “fully funded?“

The very term “fully funded” or “full funding” when said of a doctoral degree program can be misunderstood. It can mean everything related to the degree program is paid for by someone other than the student—most often the university. Put simply, the student does not have out-of-pocket expenses for their degree program.

Better doctoral degree programs mean more than tuition remission and funding of other degree-related costs, such as various fees that arise. Top doctoral degree programs, most often when discussing fully funded degrees or full funding for a doctoral program, will cover not only the cost of tuition and degree-related expenses.

Fully funded degrees, in this second sense, will also provide doctoral students with a stipend, above and beyond strictly degree-related costs, to be used for living expenses while in the doctoral degree program. This is the goal that potential doctoral degree students looking for when applying to doctoral degrees that are “fully funded” or offer “full funding.”

So, be sure to be clear about what is meant when using the language of fully funded and full funding. The specifics of what funding includes and how it is divided up and divvied out can vary. Let’s take a look at some of these questions.

What is funded in a fully funded degree?

In a fully-funded degree that covers only tuition, fees, and degree-related expenses, only the actual cost of the degree is covered. In better doctoral degree programs, tuition and fees are covered. As nice as this is, in addition to tuition, the funding package will include a living expenses stipend, above and beyond tuition cost as well as a health insurance program for doctoral students.

Normally, funding lasts between 3 and 5 years with the goal of the timely and fully funded completion of the doctoral program within the term of the funding package. Universities invest a good deal of money in their doctoral students, so they want their fully-funded students to finish. Moreover, “failed” doctoral students don’t look good to potential future students or potential donors.

Successfully new doctors make the university, department, and faculty look good. Put in the work, and good departments and faculty will do everything they can to help you finish your fully funded doctorate.

Here’s a breakdown of what is commonly covered in top fully funded doctorate:

• Full-time Tuition
• Related Fees
• Stipend for Living Expenses
• Student Health Insurance

What do I have to do for a fully funded degree?

Fully funded doctorates, almost without exception, require the student to be enrolled in a doctoral program as a full-time student in order to maintain their funding. Also, depending upon department standards, students with full funding must keep their grade point average above a certain level to keep their funding.

As we have already discovered, “fully funded” and “full funding” can vary in meaning. For those doctoral programs that cover tuition and fees, as well as provide a stipend and health insurance, how the students receive this funding and the funding schedule can differ.

• Fellowships
• Assistantships: Research or Teaching
• External Funding Sources: Scholarships
• Travel and Research Grants

The “Gold Standard” for full funding will be awarded a Fellowship. Fellowships are normally quite competitive and limited to a small number. They are awarded on a merit basis. Those who have been awarded a fellowship receive full tuition, a stipend (usually more than other fully funded degrees), and health insurance.

Beyond showing up for class and performing well, no other extracurricular demands are made upon the student. This is a great benefit for doctoral students, given the intense demands doctoral studies make.

Instead of being required to fulfill certain funding obligations to maintain their funding package (see below), students with a fellowship can spend more time researching, presenting at conferences, and publishing their work. This can serve as an important head start in relation to their doctoral student peers who are not able to network and publish as much because of funding obligations.

Another way in which doctoral degrees are fully funded is through assistantships. Though not as great as a fellowship, an assistantship is also highly coveted. If you have been awarded an assistantship, as with a fellowship, you are guaranteed that your tuition will be covered, you will have a stipend, and health insurance coverage during your doctoral studies.

The downside of an assistantship in comparison with a fellowship is that you will have to devote twelve to twenty hours on average per week to earning your stipend. Assistantships usually come in the form of research or teaching assistantships.

A research assistantship is often more highly desired because it normally will be less demanding than a teaching assistantship and allows the doctoral student to work directly with a faculty member, helping them in their research and learning the discipline firsthand.

A teaching assistantship will usually require a doctoral student to teach one course per semester during the course of their doctoral studies.

In the absence of or in addition to doctoral fellowships and assistantships, internal and external scholarships may be available to doctoral students. Scholarships are awarded for a host of reasons. Those interested in scholarships should contact schools they are interested in, as well as research the internet for potential sources of funding through scholarships.

Travel and research grants are often offered to doctoral students in order to cover travel expenses incurred in the course of presenting at conferences during the doctoral program and/or additional expenses that research might entail for the doctoral student. The availability of such funding can be found through departmental representatives.

How much money is a fully funded degree worth?

Earlier, we mentioned that universities and faculties want their fully-funded doctoral students to succeed and finish their degrees. One reason was just how much money is invested in a doctoral student. Let’s take a look at what a doctoral degree is worth.

• Average Yearly Doctoral Tuition: $32,800
• Average Yearly (Median) Doctoral Stipend: $2800
• Average Yearly (Median) Health Insurance Costs for College Students: $2,000

Full funding in a doctoral program normally lasts three to five years. Let’s take four as the average and multiply the monetary equivalent of what the fully-funded doctoral student receives over the four years of funding. We arrive at a quite staggering amount of $264,000! On average, a fully funded doctorate is worth a little over a quarter of a million dollars!

Can I find a fully funded online doctoral degree program?

Fully funded online doctorates are a rarity. It might be going too far to say there are absolutely zero fully funded online doctorates, but such would be the great exceptions.

Some of the reasons why fully-funded online doctorates are almost as uncommon as the dodo bird stems from the fact that most fully-funded doctoral students are employees of their universities and departments through teaching and research assistantships.

Another contributing factor for why there are so few online doctorates that offer full funding is that full-time study is an almost invariable requirement for funding. In the world of online doctoral studies, a large proportion of students are not full-time. Perhaps there will be a shift in the world of online doctoral studies towards offering full funding for non-traditional students. Time will tell.

However, as more and more students embark upon their doctoral studies through online doctoral degree programs, the impetus to recruit and reward outstanding applicants through fully funded online doctorates may grow.

Can I work while participating in a fully funded Ph.D. program?

Yes, you can work while participating in a fully funded Ph.D. program. Many universities allow students to hold part-time jobs while completing their Ph.D., as long as it does not interfere with their academic work.

Additionally, some universities may even provide resources to help students find part-time work that is related to their research or field of study. Check with your university to see what resources are available.

Generally speaking, gaining more years of higher education is almost always good for your earnings potential!

Short of professional degrees (which include Doctors of Medicine and Juris Doctors, or lawyers), Ph.D.’s also earn the most over their lifetime when compared to other degree types. Take a look at the highest-paying doctoral degrees!

Additional Resources: America’s Most Popular PhD Degrees

The Highest Paying Doctoral Degrees

Now that we’ve covered the important factors that affect Ph.D. earnings (including industry and location of employment), let’s take a look at what specific highest-paying doctoral degrees are available on a national level.

We’ve looked at over 50 of the most common doctoral degree programs in terms of early career earnings, mid-career salaries, and “maximum” earnings. While there are obviously outliers with Ph.D. programs in many of these fields, “maximum” career earnings were taken by noting the earnings of the top 10% of earners with the degree in question, or the average salary for degree holders with the degree in a single city, whichever is greater.

Below we’ve ranked the highest paying doctoral degrees by their “maximum” salaries.

Ph.D. in Statistics

Statisticians utilize statistical analysis to aid in decision-making and product development in a wide range of industries. Commonly employed in business, health care, government roles, think tanks, technology, and non-profits, statisticians are in high demand among organizations that intake enough data to require statistical analysis.

Most statistician jobs require a master’s degree, so obtaining a doctoral degree in statistics helps statisticians to stand out even more in this sought-after profession. It’s noteworthy that doctorate degrees in statistics have one of the highest starting salaries of doctorate degrees surveyed. Their “maximum” salary, however, is slightly lower than the remaining professions in our ranking.

• Average Early Career Salary: $58,310
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $67,230
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $78,760

SEE: DOCTOR OF STATISTICS (PH.D. STAT.) SALARY AND INFORMATION

Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering

As populations age and health care becomes more reliant on big data and technology, Biomedical Engineering stands to play a more and more central role in healthcare solutions.

In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that Biomedical Engineering roles are expected to increase by more than 5% in the next seven years. Presently a doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering stands as the primary way to become involved with research in biomedical research.

Often paired with an M.D., some medical device makers who also practice as medical doctors make substantially more than the maximum salary listed below. Just looking at the Ph.D. in the subject, however, the most common job description includes designing, studying, or improving biomedical devices.

Common locations of employment for biomedical engineering include hospitals, consulting firms, research groups, university settings, and manufacturing companies. It’s worth noting that while early-career average earnings are on the lower end of our list, by mid-career, Ph.D.’s in biomedical research are farther into the pack.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $62,647
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $70,619
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $88,164

SEE: DOCTOR OF BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (BME PH.D.) SALARY AND INFORMATION

Ph.D. in Immunology

Immunologists are medical researchers (and for those with M.D.s, practicing physicians) who focus on disease immunity. For those holding Ph.D.s in Immunology, common work settings include teaching in universities, research in universities or hospitals, policy-related roles, or research in public and private labs.

While dual M.D.s and Ph.D.s are often required to pursue research on your own as an immunologist, just one of these two degrees focused on immunology is required to obtain a position in public and private research settings.

Since 2004, there has been a widespread shortage of immunologists across the nation. This has led to 10%+ additional vacancies in job openings each year over the last decade. This has been reflected in the rising income of immunologists.

When looking at early, mid, and maximum salaries for immunologists, it’s of note that those holding both Ph.D.s and M.D.s stand to make substantially more than those with “just” a Ph.D. in the discipline.

• Average Early Career Salary: $248,453
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $276,843
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $368,422

SEE: DOCTOR OF IMMUNOLOGY SALARY AND INFORMATION

Ph.D. in Pharmacology

Pharmaceuticals are big business, and pharmaceutical researchers are on both the front line with patients in need and scientific endeavors expanding the field. Those who pursue Ph.D. in pharmacology (a distinct degree from a Pharm.D.) are expected to have a master’s degree in related material.

Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, on the other hand, are shorter programs requiring 60-90 credit hours of prerequisites at the undergraduate level.

Pharm.D. programs prepare students for being pharmacists, while Ph.D.’s in pharmacology prepare students for research and instruction roles. While entry-level earnings are lower for Ph.D.s than Pharm.D’s, Ph.D.s can earn significantly more in research roles by their mid and late-career.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $112,065
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $118,979
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $133,394

SEE: BEST ONLINE SCHOOLS FOR DOCTOR OF PHARMACY (PHARM.D.)

Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering

Electrical engineers are some of the most versatile engineering types, finding employment in aviation, consumer goods, technology, transportation, logistics, and a wide range of other industries. While most forms of electrical engineering already provide a steady and well-compensated gig for life, Ph.D.s in electrical engineering are highly sought after.

While a Ph.D. in electrical engineering may still do some engineering work (some will work exclusively on topics they have specialized in) many hold advanced degrees in engineering instead of supervising teams.

For roles like chief technology officer, head of product, staff research engineer, project expert, and director of research and development, having a doctorate degree in electrical engineering may help candidates to stand out in extremely competitive fields. Additionally, moving up the corporate ladder that far increases pay far beyond that of “run-of-the-mill” engineers.

For the top 10% of earners holding a Ph.D. in electrical engineering, over $78,000 in compensation is the norm, often ranging much higher depending on the role performed.

• Average Early Career Salary: $73,027
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $77,006
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $88,708

SEE: DOCTOR OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING (D.E.E.) SALARY AND INFORMATION

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Ph.D.s in clinical psychology have a wide range of career paths to choose from. For those looking to practice clinical psychology, a 1-year externship program is often required, where students obtain experience working with patients. Ph.D.s will also often specialize in one area. Common areas include health psychology, child psychology, and neuropsychology.

Additionally, Ph.D.s in clinical psychology may elect to work in case management roles, as supervisors in treatment centers, in hospital settings, in education, in corporations, or in research settings.

This wide range of occupational settings creates quite a disparity between early-career earnings and the earnings of the upper 10th percentile of clinical psychologists, as one can see below. With this range of roles one can pursue with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, however, comes great freedom.

This versatile degree can help those in need, advance the study of the human mind, enhance corporate efficiency, or help in the education of the next generation of psychologists.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $46,400
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $79,800
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $138,600

SEE: DOCTOR OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY (CLINPSYD) SALARY AND INFORMATION

Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering

Ph.D.s in Aerospace Engineering is one of the few sub-discipline degrees among doctoral engineering choices. While there are many Ph.D.s that may help you advance in aerospace engineering fields (physics, other engineering degrees, natural sciences, and so forth), aerospace engineering Ph.D.s often spend additional time diving into research on one subsystem of aerospace technologies.

For example, sensors, payload analysis, failure analysis, and so forth. With that said, a Ph.D. in any engineering discipline often provides a framework through which recipients can address any engineering problem.

And — even if not initially — many Ph.D.s in aerospace engineering find themselves working in other engineering fields, running their own companies, or moving into management. As one may expect, aerospace can be quite a lucrative field and includes employers such as NASA, defense contractors, branches of the military, airlines, vehicle manufacturers, telecommunications companies, and research opportunities at universities.

• Average Early Career Salary: $67,093
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $74,236
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $84,112

SEE: Doctor of Aerospace Engineering (Ph.D. AE) Career Guide: Salary and Degree Info

Ph.D. in Engineering

Ph.D.s in engineering are research-based degrees that focus on engineering at a theoretical level and prepare the recipient for either a role as a researcher or university instructor or industry work.

A similar doctorate of engineering degree is also a research degree (unique among professional degrees) and is similar in many ways to Ph.D. in engineering save for a higher focus on industry applications.

Ph.D.’s in engineering are some of the most versatile engineering degrees at the doctoral level. However, they may require time for the recipient to gather domain-specific knowledge (say, engineering related to wind tunnels, power plants, or aircraft).

This is evidenced by the growth in salary from entry-level through the highest 10% of earners in which engineering Ph.D.’s can nearly double their salary.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $69,140
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $121,830
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $174,530

Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering

Chemical engineering is a multidisciplinary field utilizing physics, chemistry, economics, engineering, and math to resolve problems related to producing, using, transforming, and transporting chemicals.

Chemical engineers are routinely involved with all manner of consumer and business-facing production environments, from creating new materials for diapers to hazard assessments to large manufacturing plants.

Almost any consumer product produced on a large scale likely had a chemical engineer involved with some portion of manufacturing. So one can imagine the demand for chemical engineers is high. In fact, around 8% more chemical engineering manufacturing jobs are expected to be open in the next seven years.

For those with Ph.D.s in the discipline, employment opportunities also exist in research, academia, consulting roles, and entrepreneurship.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $75,633
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $83,381
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $99,727

SEE: Doctor of Chemical Engineering (PhD CE) Career Guide: Salary and Info

Ph.D. in Physics

Physics is the study of matter and the behavior of matter through space and time. When many think of physicists, they think of the cosmos. But many of the hardest engineering problems are also related to physics.

Those with Ph.D.s in physics will likely have specialized in one or more subject matter areas including optics, the physics of sound, atomic physics, nuclear physics, and gravitational physics, among many others. This often leads to important research roles in private industry or university settings.

From cars to spacecraft to telescopes, physicists have played integral roles in advancing products. With that said, even if Ph.D.s in physics have previously specialized in one area of science, physics helps to prepare scientists with the ability to think about a wide range of problems.

For this reason, many Ph.D.s in physics may find themselves in demand in a wide variety of industries throughout their career. And many talented physicists will find themselves well compensated.

• Average Early Career Salary: $65,995
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $71,659
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $114,248

SEE: Doctor of Physics (Ph.D. Physics) Career Guide: Salary and Info

Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry

Chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, and reactions between compounds and materials. Organic chemistry utilizes the same research methods to focus on organic matter.

The good news is that this collection of compounds and materials (those that contain carbon) comprise a majority of known chemicals. Furthermore, all living matter is the study of organic chemistry. This means that applications for analysis through organic chemistry are veritable and limitless.

From pharmaceuticals to natural resources and geology to chemical engineering, the results of organic chemistry are all around us. Unfortunately (or fortunately if this is not the case for you), organic chemistry is known by many as one of the “hardest” subjects taught in higher education. For those who can excel in the subject matter, a wide range of career opportunities and compensations are available.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $59,968
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $67,470
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $84,061

Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Biochemistry is the scientific study of chemical processes related to or within living organisms. Molecular biology is an approach to studying biological mechanisms from a molecular level.

Together these fields of study offer a uniquely fine-grained way of studying living systems. While Ph.D.s in biochemistry and molecular biology are highly specialized, they find employment in a surprisingly wide range of settings.

From state crime labs to pharmaceutical development projects, biochemists and molecular biologists are often some of the most crucial specialists for ascertaining what goes on in our body at a molecular and chemical level.

Additionally, Ph.D. programs in these disciplines may, of course, find employment in research and instruction in university settings.

With this wide range of employment settings, there is also a wide range of compensation for biochemists. For the top 10% of earners, however, the field can be quite lucrative, making it our 4th highest-paying doctoral degree for 2022 and 2023.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $67,506
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $73,701
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $82,048

SEE: Doctor of Molecular Biology (PhD Mol Biol) Career Guide: Salary and Info

Ph.D. in Computer Science

Computer science is the study of the theory of computation as well as the design of computational systems. Computer science as a field of study has nearly as many sub-disciplines are there are forms of computing technology.

Though many Ph.D. recipients in the field will have specialized in a handful of technologies or theoretical components related to computing, computer science is also an approach to problem-solving that lends itself to the solving of many engineering situations.

While many with computer science degrees will find themselves in roles such as software developers early in their career, gaining a doctoral degree in the discipline can help workers quickly advance to positions such as systems architect, researcher, or development positions in subdisciplines of computer science.

Particularly highly compensated subdisciplines within computer science include information assurance, machine learning, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, virtualization, and many others.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $117,667
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $130,949
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $149,109

SEE: Best Online Doctor of Computer Science Degree Programs

Ph.D. in Economics

Economics is the social science that is intent on studying the production, consumption, and distribution of services and goods. Economic analysis often falls into a variety of categories that a Ph.D. candidate in economics could choose to focus on.

Broadly, these segments of economic analysis include micro and macroeconomics, theoretical analysis and applied analysis, normative and positive economics, and rational and behavioral economics.

As with all social sciences, each competing school of thought offers its own insights, and many are highly sought after in many domains of industry and public life. Economic analysis is particularly sought after in fields such as education, health care, criminology, and finance, among others.

A Ph.D. in economics can, of course, also elect to work in research or academic settings depending on their skill set. While early-career earnings are quite solid for those with Ph.D.s in economics, those moving into consulting roles or finance can command much higher salaries.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $78,124
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $93,369
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $106,848

SEE: Doctor of Economics (DEc) Career Guide: Salary and Info

Ph.D. in Information Assurance

Information Assurance is a discipline just recently brought to prominence by the massive amount of data and information held in computing devices and networks. With the rise in prominence of the internet and connected devices, many corporations and public entities have been unable to keep up with cybersecurity demands.

As of 2019, over 1 million cybersecurity openings will be unfilled nationwide. Additionally, the average age of those currently working in cybersecurity is approaching 50, meaning a lack of younger talent.

Though they will still need hands-on experience at lower levels, Ph.D.s in information assurance are great candidates for being the go-to resource on cybersecurity for organizations. As such, being a Ph.D. in information assurance in many organizations could put you on a shortlist for advanced positions such as chief information security officer.

While the average early and mid-career salaries of information assurance Ph.D.s are quite strong, many C-Level information assurance roles can bring in $300,000+.

The top 10% of jobs for the highest-paying Ph.D. in Information Assurance bring in over $100,000 a year or more, making information assurance the highest-paying Ph.D. surveyed in this year’s ranking.

• Average Early Career Earnings: $86,682
• Average Mid-Career Earnings: $96,249
• ‘Maximum’ Earnings: $106,915

SEE: Doctor of Information Assurance (Ph.D. IA) Career Guide: Salary and Info

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Ph.D.?

First, we should clarify exactly what degrees we’re talking about. A Ph.D. is an abbreviation for Doctorate of Philosophy. Ph.D. holders obtain Doctorate of Philosophy degrees in some subjects. Though “Philosophy” is in the title, this is largely a historical artifact from when the study of philosophy encompassed most of the traditional arts and sciences.

Today, someone holding a Doctorate of Philosophy in Statistics will have mainly studied statistics and supporting disciplines within their course of study. The underlying spirit of the degree still applies, however.

“Philosophy” means “lover of wisdom,” while a doctorate is the highest degree in a university. Therefore, a doctorate of philosophy is the highest degree awarded to a “lover of wisdom” within the university system.

Typically this means that Ph.D. graduates have endeavored upon unique and substantial research in their field of choice and have attempted to advance their field of study.

While there is a range of common doctorate degrees, many are not Ph.D.s.

This usage of the term Ph.D.– though technically correct — is contrary to the common usage of the term. In ordinary conversation, Ph.D. and “Doctorate” are often used interchangeably. The main exception to this rule is that many people do distinguish between common professional degrees (including medicine and law) and more research-centered Ph.D.s.

In our investigation, we’re looking specifically at Ph.D.s, and not professional doctoral degrees. Though in many of the most lucrative Ph.D.s listed below, we do discuss the differences and similarities between Ph.D.s and professional degrees in the same subject.

Does job location matter when considering the highest-paying doctorate degrees?

In employment, location matters. In fact, along with your line of work, the location may be the single most significant determinant of compensation.

After all, the minimum wage in some cities approaches the average wage of earners in some states. The average hourly wage in America as a whole more than triples in a handful of the most populous cities.

In short, no conversation about payment of Ph.D. is complete without reference to where the said Ph.D. is working. While looking at the earnings of the entire population in locations is a good indicator of whether or not Ph.D.s may make more in an area, Ph.D.s tend to occupy a disproportionately high degree of jobs in the most lucrative fields in a region.

In a region rich with natural resource extraction, many Ph.D.’s are likely employed in geology or natural resources. In an area rich with information technology organizations, more Ph.D.s in computer science are probably employed.

This is partially accounted for by the trend of universities with large research presences in a field helping to foster entrepreneurship in a given field throughout the region. High concentrations of researchers and university funding help to create more business opportunities. In turn, this draws more talent to the universities in the region.

This is to say that average earnings within a region are at times not directly tied to Ph.D. earnings. Rather, an average salary in a region may be quite low, while opportunities for Ph.D. holders may be centered around the most well-supported industries specific to the region. With that said, many of the highest-earning cities and states in the nation are also the centers of highest compensation for Ph.D. graduates with doctoral degrees.

Does the industry matter when considering the highest-paying doctorate degrees?

The industry employing a Ph.D. holder is equally important (and often tied) to the location in which doctoral workers work when talking of compensation. While many top universities have highly regarded programs in many disciplines, many universities are known for just a handful of programs are the graduate level. This leads to geographic clusters of Ph.D.s in very different industries.

An example of the above may be seen in the following. The University of Iowa and the University of Mississippi are both well-known for their graduate programs in creative writing. A disproportionately high number of graduate degree holders in the vicinity of both universities are writers or writing instructors.

Even Ph.D.-level graduates in English literature don’t lead to as high of an income as say, chemical engineering. This industry discrepancy (among others) leads to great clusters of highest-paying doctoral degrees in California’s Bay Area, or Minnesota’s Twin Cities region (both of which are home to top-ranked chemical engineering schools).

Along with location, the industry in which a Ph.D. works is integrally tied to earning power. Below is a sampling of average earnings for the highest-paying doctoral degree by industry.

See also: Top Free (or Cheap!) Online Ph.D. Level Courses

Check this out for more information: Jobs That Require a Ph.D. or Doctorate Degree

Highly educated as they are, doctorate degree holders exude an air of confidence and dominance. They may be inherently elitist too, considering the many years of isolation they spend perfecting their dissertation.

Often too focused and determined for their own good, Ph.D. holders are reputed to be snobs who can’t stand small talk. But they know that even with all its challenges, earning a Ph.D. raises their chances of making it big in their chosen field, and apparently, even beyond.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg may have been exceptionally lucky to have joined the billionaires club without a college degree. We know that this is no longer the case today.

Making a mark in the congested and competitive tech business landscape requires more than just luck. Running your business from a garage doesn’t cut it anymore either, unless you were Steve Jobs.

To gain a competitive advantage, a graduate degree could very well be the ace in your deck. In fact, those who belong in the .001 percent of us who earn more than most do in their lifetime share one thing in common: they are well-educated. The biggest names in the tech, pharmaceutical, and other industries are taking the steps to obtain advanced degrees.

If you are a little apprehensive about this advice, here is a list of the world’s richest doctors ranging from Ph.D., JD and M.D. degree holders. They come from various fields of industry. This is a well-curated and expansive list because we want to make sure that we provide the best information out there.

World’s Richest Doctors (Ph.D.)

Research is key to a successful Ph.D. and these people have proven their worth in the academic world. Juggling academic excellence with entrepreneurial skill is what they are good at. Meet the academically gifted with fat bank accounts.

Jim H. Simons

“Seeker, Doer, Giver, Ponderer”

A holder of Ph.D. in Mathematics, Dr. John Simons is a very curious man. He is relentless in his efforts to give public schools around the United States access to advanced resources and development opportunities in the field of Mathematics.

This objective drove him to create his foundation Math for America. In the year 1976, Dr. Simons was awarded the Oswald Veblen Prize of the American Mathematical Society. It is the most prestigious award in the field of Geometry.

He earned his doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley at the age of 23. At 44 years old, he founded Renaissance Technologies (RenTEc) which remains one of the world’s most prolific hedge funds.

RenTec is a New York-based hedge fund that has an estimated $50 billion worth of assets. Although Dr. Simons retired in 2010, he is currently active in the company which led him to his $20 billion net worth.

Dr. Jim Simons is a “billionaire star of mathematics and private investment” who has made a significant impact in both. Most importantly, his contribution to the NSA during the Vietnam War as a codebreaker is remarkable.

Alma Mater: University of California, Berkeley; Ph.D. in Mathematics

Industry: New York-based hedge fund, Renaissance Technologies

Net Worth: $20 Billion

Miuccia Prada

“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today when human contacts go so fast. Fashion is instant language.”

Miuccia Prada is the Chief Executive Officer of the luxury brand Prada. Along with her siblings and husband, they own 80% of the Prada Group shares. She received her bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Milan University. This is before she started designing accessories for the family business. It was her grandfather who founded Prada in 1913.

In 1988, Miuccia Prada began designing her debut line of womenswear collection. Eventually, she launched Miu Miu which represented her own style and wardrobe in 1922. On top of her success in the fashion industry, Miuccia was determined to earn a doctorate.

The epitome of a true power woman, she was determined to make education her priority. She earned her Ph.D. in Political Science in 1973.

Miuccia Prada is an intellectual with a great dress sense and a $3.7 billion net worth. She was named the McKim Medal Laureate in 2010. The award was in honor of her exceptional achievement in the fashion and business industries as well as her charitable efforts in Fondazione Prada.

Alma Mater: University of Milan; Doctorate in Pedagogical Sciences

Industry: Fashion designer – Prada

Net Worth: $5.5 Billion

Condoleezza Rice, Ph.D.

“We are at war, and our security as a nation depends on winning that war.”

The woman of many firsts. Condoleezza Rice is the first African American woman to have served as the United States’ national security adviser under President George W. Bush’s presidency. On top of that, she served as the 66th U.S. Secretary of State from 2005 to 2009.

During her service, she dedicated her department to “Transformational Diplomacy.” The mission was an effort to build and sustain democracy and good governance in all states and the world.

Today, she serves as a Denning Professor in Global Business and the Economy at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Dr. Rice is a Thomas and Barbara Stephenson Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institution.

Lastly, she is a professor of Political Science at Stanford University. In 1981, she earned her doctorate in International Studies. Having an exceptional political career, Condoleezza Rice gathered a net worth of $4 million.

Alma Mater: University of Denver’s Graduate School of International Studies

Industry: Politics

Net Worth: $12 Million

Angela Merkel

“Whoever decides to dedicate their life to politics knows that earning money isn’t the top priority.”

The #1 Power Woman of 2017, Angela Merkel has been the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany since 2005. She serves as the de facto leader of Europe. Merkel is often referred to as Mutti, which means “Mommy”, by her avid supporters. This is a reflection of her strong but compassionate leadership.

Evidently, Angela Merkel is well-loved in her country as she serves her fourth term of office. She continues to strengthen Germany’s economy as it experienced a collapse in 2015. Merkel, a former scientist is “the decider” among the members of the Cabinet.

Her logical and systematic approach might be from her years in Leipzig University where she earned her doctorate in Physical Chemistry in 1986.

In her years as a researcher and as a powerful politician, she amassed $11.5 million in assets. Truly, she is a force to be reckoned with – both in the laboratory and in politics!

Alma Mater:  Leipzig University; Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry

Industry: Politics

Net Worth: $11.5 Million

Michael Bloomberg

“No place epitomizes the American experience and the American spirit more than New York City.”

Michael Bloomberg is a three-term and the 108th Mayor of New York. Mike, as people fondly call him, has made extraordinary progress during his term as mayor. He was elected just weeks after the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Efforts for public safety, especially for counterterrorism was heightened making New York as the safest city in the US in 2013.

Mike is a philanthropist. He has dedicated a fortune for climate change and various other causes. Because of his philanthropic efforts, the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology celebrated his achievements by awarding him with an Honorary Doctorate. To this day, Bloomberg LP remains at the top since its establishment in 1981 and a constant source of Michael’s wealth.

Alma Mater: Technion-Israel Institute of Technology; Honorary Doctorate

Industry: Multinational Mass Media

Net Worth: $94.5 Billion

James Franco

Beyond his charming good looks, James Franco is a man of many accomplishments. He is a man who created his own brand in the bustling world of Hollywood. James Franco has defied many stereotypes including having survived five MFA programs at the same time.

Avoiding the conventional pigeonholed images of Hollywood actors, James pursued a Ph.D. in English at Yale University. In addition to his Golden Globe win, he authored a book and some poetry focusing on the subject of youth.

He is relentless and is set to pursue yet another doctorate in Creative Writing and Literature at the University of Houston.

Alma Mater: Yale University; Ph.D. in English

Industry: Film and acting

Net Worth: $30 Million

Daniel “Dan” Grimaldi

Dan Grimaldi, a quintessentially American actor, is best known for his angsty roles as twins Philly and Patsy Parisi on the hit HBO show The Sopranos. However. his students at Kingsborough Community College know him best as their professor.

Dr. Girmaldi holds a Ph.D. in Data Processing from the City University of New York. Unlike other celebrities who got their first break in acting, Grimaldi was a professor prior to joining the big screen.

He teaches Mathematics and Computer Science and worked at the lab prior to entering Hollywood. A good choice, nonetheless, as it landed him a $17 million net worth.

Alma Mater: City University of New York; Ph.D. in Data Processing

Industry: Actor, Professor

Net Worth: Approximately $5 million

Dexter Holland

The Offspring‘s punk rock icon Dexter Holland is more than just his spiky hair and screaming groupies. He has an impressive academic record. Before he began his music career as the singer and lead guitarist of his band, he was studying Molecular Biology at the university.

He already earned his Master’s Degree and was working towards his Ph.D. However, he chose to leave and focused on his singing and his band.

Eventually, he went back to school and finally earned his Ph.D. in Molecular Biology in 2017. His dissertation is a mouthful:  Discovery of Mature MicroRNA Sequences within the Protein-Coding Regions of Global HIV-1 Genomes: Predictions of Novel Mechanisms for Viral Infection and Pathogenicity. Copies are free via the USC website.

As a bonus, Dexter Holland is also a licensed flight instructor!

Alma Mater: University of Southern California; Ph.D. in Molecular Biology

Industry: Music

Net Worth: $80 Million

John N. Kapoor

John Kapoor is a visionary leader and a pharmaceutical giant. He is the founder and CEO of Insys Therapeutics. His other company, Akorn, is into medical drug manufacturing. In 1964, he moved from India and pursued Pharmaceutical Science. In fact, he was the first person in his family to finish college. In 1972, he earned his Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry.

Kapoor had a hard time adjusting as an immigrant, but his hard work and sly intellect paid off as his net worth climbed to over a billion dollars. Kapoor also does charitable work and donated an entire building to his alma mater, University at Buffalo.

https://youtu.be/ewHiR06jqGE

News in the alleged racketeering in the pharmaceutical industry led by Kapoor broke out in the last few years. It has completely changed the way he does business. He stepped down from his positions in both companies and answered the allegations.

Eventually, he was indicted and arrested for bribing doctors to prescribe opioids. This is because opioids cancer drugs are the main product of the billion-dollar drug company.

Alma Mater: SUNY Buffalo; Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry

Industry: Pharmaceutical

Net Worth: $1.63 Billion

Eric Schmidt

“The Internet is the first thing that humanity has built that humanity doesn’t understand, the largest experiment in anarchy that we have ever had.”

Eric Schmidt is a decorated Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He has worked in Google and Apple, two the world’s leading innovators in tech and information technology. During the formative years of Google, it was Eric Schmidt who sat as the company’s CEO. He served as CEO for ten years and moved as an Executive Chairman for seven more. He was Board member at Apple for three years.

In January of this year, he put an end to his 17-year career at Alphabet, Google’s parent company. After stepping down, he now serves as its technical advisor.

A holder of a doctorate degree, he teaches at Stanford University’s computer science department. Massachusetts Institute of Technology was quick to announce that Schmidt would be joining the institution as a visiting innovation fellow.

Alma Mater: University of California, Berkeley; Ph.D. in Computer Science

Industry: Information Technology

Net Worth: $17.5 Billion

World’s Richest with Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Law is a dreaded path to take, but these people managed to stand out in their chosen career. They are not only exceptional in what they do, but they were also able to accumulate a fortune while establishing a name in the legal field. And the world is assured that every penny they earned is within the bounds of the law.

Sumner Redstone

“Success is not built on success. It’s built on failure. It’s built on frustration. Sometimes it’s built on catastrophe.”

Beyond his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Sumner Redstone has made a name for himself. He is a Harvard Law graduate, a coveted accolade that only a few people successfully accomplish. He remains to have controlling shares in both multimedia conglomerates, CBS and the seized Viacom.

Redstone started his legal career in the Department of Justice Tax Division. He eventually opened his private practice. He was a Harvard alum through and through, having earned both his bachelor’s degree and J.D. from the Ivy League school.

Unlike most people who are born into a wealthy family, Redstone opted to continue his legal practice for several years. He became a clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco after earning his J.D. In addition, he was a law professor at the University of San Francisco and at Boston University.

Most notably, Sumner Redstone served as the special assistant to the U.S. Attorney General in which he was able to litigate more or less 50 cases. A billionaire who is devoted to the legal profession, he donated $18 Million to BU Law to help fund the new building on campus.

Alma Mater: Harvard University; Doctor of Jurisprudence

Industry: Law and Media

Net Worth: $2.6 Billion (At the time of his death)

Samuel Robson Walton

The name Samuel Robson Walton is synonymous with Walmart, Inc., the multi-billion American multinational retail company. He is the eldest son of Rob Walton, founder of Walmart. He succeeded his father as the chairman after his death in 1992. Walton has chaired the board of the retail company for 23 years.

He had a Doctor in Jurisprudence degree from Columbia University which he earned in 1969. In June 2015, he stepped down as chairman and was replaced by his son-in-law.

Samuel Robson Walton made use of his law degree as he was a practicing lawyer at Conner & Winters Law Firm in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Alma Mater: Columbia University; Doctor of Jurisprudence

Industry: Retailing Corporation, Walmart

Net Worth: $59.7 Billion

Stephen Ross

A giant in private real estate, Stephen Ross is the chairman of Related Companies. His company is highly regarded for its New York real estate development works, including the construction of the Manhattan’s Hudson Yards. This $25 billion mega-project partially opened in 2016 and will be completed in 2024.

He owns a chain of gyms Equinox and SoulCycle wherein Michelle Obama is a regular.

Stephen Ross is a self-made billionaire who holds a Doctor in Jurisprudence degree. An odd but workable combination as evidenced by his net worth. He has donated a total of $378 million to his college Alma mater the University of Michigan.

Alma Mater: Wayne State University; Doctor of Jurisprudence

Industry: Real Estate

Net Worth: $11.6 Billion

Todd Wagner

Todd Wagner is the co-founder of Broadcast.com. Together with his business partner and fellow Indiana University (bachelor’s degree) Mark Cuban, they created an internet empire out of the online video broadcasting site.

When they sold the internet outfit to Yahoo in 1999, they became $5.7 billion richer. It is worth noting that the sale also benefited all their 300 employees who became millionaires.

Todd ventures out as an investor in start-up companies and other profitable interests. He has also devoted a portion of his wealth to charitable causes through his online fundraising platform Charity Network.

Alma Mater: University of Virginia; Doctor of Jurisprudence

Industry: Technology

Net Worth: $1.5 Billion

George Roberts

He is the co-founder and co-CEO of the private financial equity giant KKR & Co. George Roberts along with his Henry Kravis and mentor Jerome Kohlberg led the KKR firm. They come into buyout debt-stricken companies.

They have pioneered leveraged buyout business since the 1970s. KKR is known for their buyout of RJR Nabisco. In 2010, the firm went public and registered in the New York Stock Exchange.

Alma Mater: UC Hasting College of Law; Doctor of Jurisprudence

Industry: Finance, Private Equity

Net Worth: $8.2 Billion

World’s Richest Medical Doctors

Doctors are essential contributors to society. Playing a vital role in the healthcare industry, they are leaders who have pledged to prioritize the health, safety, and life of patients before anything else.

Working closely with a team of medical professionals, they have a sworn duty under the Hippocratic Oath to live by the “First do no harm” principle.

Aside from the social impact doctors make, the job outlook in the field is very promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals that in 2017, doctors and surgeons made $100 an hour or a median annual salary of $208,000. Considering the numbers, it is no surprise that many doctors amass big fortunes during their careers.

Throughout their lifetime and depending on their field, physicians earn enough to become part of the affluent and luxurious circle.

As one of the most responsible, but often overlooked personalities in society, we ought to acknowledge their remarkable success. Here is a list of the world’s richest medical doctors and their corresponding net worth. It is important to note, however, that medicine is not their only source of income. 

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong

Born in South Africa to Chinese immigrant parents, Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong has made a name for himself in the medical field. He is a successful surgeon. He made a fortune in revolutionizing cancer treatment. Patrick is considered the richest doctor in the world sitting with billions in his bank account.

Patrick is now retired surgeon and focuses on entrepreneurial and philanthropic efforts. Today, he is helping fund hospitals for children and finds long-term solutions for healthcare costs. He owns the Los Angeles Lakers.

Alma Mater: University of Witwatersrand; Medical Doctor

Specialty: Surgeon and Medical Researcher

Net Worth: $5.9 Billion

Dr. Thomas Frist, Jr.

Dr. Thomas Frist, Jr. has been inducted to the Healthcare Hall of Fame. In addition, he has received the United Way Lifetime Achievement Award. He was an Air Force flight surgeon who founded Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) along with his father.

Dr. Frist is a very famous businessman and philanthropist, a remarkable achievement for a prominent internal medicine specialist. The staff of HCA refers to him as the “soul of our company”.

His family-led Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) suffered tremendous losses in stock value in the wake of November 2016 US Presidential elections.

Despite this, Frist, Jr. and his family continue their efforts to make quality health care affordable and within reach for the American public. To this day, this billionaire is the wealthiest person in Tennessee.

Alma Mater: Washington University; Medical Doctor

Specialty: Air Force Flight Surgeon

Net Worth: $20.8 Billion

Dr. Phillip Frost

A professor of dermatology, Dr. Philip Frost has a doctorate in medicine placing him in a highly competent stature. He is a long-time investor in healthcare and pharmaceutical and runs a diagnostics-maker company, Opko Health. In 1972, he joined Key Pharmaceutical and revolutionized asthma drugs which turned became bestsellers.

With no children, Phil and his wife focus on their philanthropic efforts. They signed the Giving Pledge initiative for charity and causes.

Alma Mater: Yeshiva U Albert Einstein College of Medicine; Medical Doctor

Specialty: Pharmaceutical

Net Worth: $1.6 Billion

Dr. Wu Yiling

Wu Yiling comes from a long line of family doctors. He practiced Chinese medicine for 10 years before making a huge fortune for himself. Wu’s Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical was founded in 1992. The pharmaceutical company specializes in selling organic and herbal medicines to cure various illness and ailments.

He is a self-made doctor and billionaire. The successful debut of his pharmaceutical company on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange has contributed greatly to his net worth. Through the company, Chinese medications for cardio-cerebrovascular illnesses and the common flu has reached a wide market.

Alma Mater: Hebei Medical University, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Medical Doctor

Specialty: Pharmaceutical

Net Worth: $1.6 Billion

Dr. Gary Michelson

A retired orthopedic and spinal surgeon, Gary Michelson was awarded 340 U.S. patents for the surgical instruments used in orthopedic and spinal surgery. He completed his spinal surgery fellowship at St. Luke’s Medical Center. After which, he moved to California to start his own practice focusing on spinal surgery.

He earned $1.35 billion in a settlement with Medtronic, a giant in manufacturing medical device. This was after years of litigation over his registered patents. The settlement was finalized in 2005. To give back, in June 2016, Dr. Michelson signed the Giving Pledge. He also founded several nonprofit efforts to fund medical research, among other causes.

Alma Mater: Hahnemann Medical College

Specialty: Orthopedic and spinal surgery

Net Worth: $1.8 Billion

Undeniably, the wealth of these people is overwhelming. By demonstrating hard work and genuine quest to advance academically and pursue their doctorate degrees, they prove themselves worthy of every hard-earned penny.

Some of them are self-made, which means it is possible for any doctorate candidate to get their net worth closer to the billion-dollar mark!

Clinical practice is an essential component of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology, which explains why direct training contact is necessary. Well-established universities may offer only the face-to-face didactic format of learning but most CScD programs today are conducted on hybrid learning platforms.

These hybrid arrangements allow you to obtain a Doctor of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology (CScD) through a combination of online and classroom formats.

______________________________

Best Doctor of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology

UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH

DOCTOR OF CLINICAL SCIENCE IN MEDICAL SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

School Highlights: The University of Pittsburgh maintains an outstanding Department of Communication Science and Disorders that includes numerous degree options for undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate students.

The Doctor of Clinical Science in Medical Speech-Language Pathology is an advanced, practice-based program designed for SLPs currently working with medically fragile patients and their families.

Coursework enhances skills necessary for working with patients of all ages and in a wide range of healthcare settings, such as specialized pediatric clinics, adult institutes, acute hospitals, and community-based practices.

Graduates from Pittsburgh are well-seasoned experts prepared to enter positions of leadership and management.

Coursework Sample:

• Complex Decisions and Ethics
• Head and Neck Anatomy
• Medical Speech-Language Pathology

Campus Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Accreditation:

• Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  3624 Market Street, Suit 2 West
  Philadelphia, PA 19104
  www.msche.org, (297) 284-5000
• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Acceptance Rate: 49% Retention Rate: 93% Graduation Rate: 83%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH’S DOCTOR OF CLINICAL SCIENCE IN MEDICAL SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

ROCKY MOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS

DOCTOR OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

School Highlights: The Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions provides a two-year, limited-residency, online Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology. It is one of the few institutions of higher education to maintain accreditation from the CAA.

This program allows working SLPs to earn a respected doctoral degree while continuing their personal and professional lives uninterrupted. The coursework is completed entirely online, except for three required residency experiences, each lasting 3-6 days on campus. The curriculum includes a strong focus on evidence-based research and enhancing clinical skills, knowledge, and marketability.

Graduates from Rocky Mountain University describe only the most life-changing educational experiences attending this school and go on to create positive change as leaders in the speech-pathology industry.

Coursework Sample:

• Evidence-Based Practice in Speech-Language Pathology
• Biostatistics Interpretation
• Healthcare Leadership

Campus Location: Provo, UT

Accreditation:

• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  8060 165th Avenue NE, Suite 200
  Redmond, Washington 98052
  www.nwccu.org, (425) 558-4224
• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Acceptance Rate: 100% Retention Rate: 91% Graduation Rate: 66%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS DOCTOR OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY

DOCTOR OF SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY (SLPD)

School Highlights: This fifty-three-credit doctoral curriculum from Nova Southeastern University enhances the skills and education of post-graduate speech-language pathologists. The coursework includes both research and practice-based approaches and incorporates pivotal theories in clinical decision-making and problem-solving.

Students are highly encouraged to apply the knowledge gained in the program to their current positions of employment in the development of applied dissertations. Nova Southeastern supplies an incredibly flexible schedule that can be aligned with all individual and professional engagements without disrupting students’ lives.

Coursework Sample:

• Technology and Instrumentation in Communication Sciences
• Business Management and Leadership
• Neuroscience/Neuropsychology and Communication Disorders

Campus Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7440
• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Acceptance Rate: 76% Retention Rate: 80% Graduation Rate: 72%

LEARN MORE ABOUT NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY’S DOCTORAL DEGREE IN SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY

NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

DOCTORAL SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY PROGRAM

School Highlights: Northwestern University is one of the most highly respected higher education institutions in America, where doctoral students complete an impressive Speech-Language Pathology Program for practicing clinicians.

The curriculum includes topics that are often excluded from other degrees of this nature, such as policy, operations, leadership, organizational behavior, and education.

Everything learned in the virtual classroom at Northwestern is put to use in exciting clinical experiences that are both research and practice-focused.

The program is fully customizable and allows students to pursue individual interests alongside the required coursework. Graduates have exceedingly well-developed skills as practicing doctors and business leaders.

Coursework Sample:

• Operations and Process Improvement for SLPs
• Professional Integration and Reflective Practice
• Business Principles

Campus Location: Evanston, IL

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7440
• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Acceptance Rate: 7% Retention Rate: 98% Graduation Rate: 94%

LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY’S DOCTORAL SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY PROGRAM

UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS

SLPD PROGRAM

School Highlights: The University of Kansas Medical Center provides an excellent Speech-Language Pathology Doctorate Program that includes a huge amount of resources. The KU Medical Center is replete with tools, SLP machinery, and research equipment that is available to all students.

The doctorate is a 33-credit, on-campus degree that can be personalized to reflect any individual goals. Many electives are available online, making it a perfect program for students living in and around the city of Lawrence. Most of the coursework, however, is completed on the University of Kansas campus.

The curriculum is intended for practicing speech-language pathologists who hold certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. It drastically enhances both skills and knowledge in this area and positions students to take on leadership and management.

Coursework Sample:

• Adult Neurodegenerative Disease
• Mental Health/Psychology of Aging
• Clinical Supervision & Leadership

Campus Location: Lawrence, KS

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois 60604
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7440
• Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology

Acceptance Rate: 93% Retention Rate: 85% Graduation Rate: 66%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS’ SLPD PROGRAM

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a speech pathologist do?

Speech pathologists are medical practitioners who specialize in providing healthcare to differently-abled individuals particularly those having difficulties in communicating. They study, diagnose, and treat people facing challenges in social skills, namely talking, listening, reading, and writing. They conduct therapy sessions with patients who stutter or stammer. They also treat persons with difficulties swallowing foods and drinks.

Aside from dealing with the patient, a speech pathologist also guides and counsels families on how to care for their loved ones and create a comfortable and supportive environment for them. They also offer guidance on the social dynamics of having a relative with a speech disorder.

The job of speech pathologists is not only limited to people who are born with language difficulties. In most cases, speech pathologists attend to patients who have acquired speech problems from medical conditions like stroke, dementia, developmental delays, mental health issues, and physical injury.

What sort of accreditation should I look for in a Doctor of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology school?

The American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) supervises the accreditation of Speech-Language educational programs of institutions in the US. The doctorate programs under this accreditation body include:

• Doctor of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology (CScD),
• Doctor of Audiology (Au.D.),
• Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD),
• and Doctor of Philosophy in Speech-Language Pathology (Ph.D.).

Some medical schools offering Speech-Language courses advertise their institutions as having regional accreditations, but ASHA is currently the sole authority at the national level.

How do I earn my CScD degree?

You can enroll in a CScD program if you have a bachelor’s in Biology, Chemistry, or Assistive Medicine or a master’s degree related to Speech-Language Pathology. You also need to submit necessary documentation like the GRE scores and letters of recommendation.

The length of the CScD program varies according to your current credentials as an applicant. Bachelor’s degree holders typically finish the program in five years. Those with a Master’s diploma, on the other hand, complete it in about two and a half years if they have a Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language Pathologists (CCC-SLP) from ASHA. Students without a CCC-SLP earn a CScD degree in three years.

The same steps also apply to applicants having a Ph.D. degree in Speech-Language Pathology. Ph.D. degree holders without a CCC-SLP can finish the CSCD program within 2.5 to 3 years. PhD-level applicants with a CCC-SLP complete it in about two years.

Some institutions offer a special-joint program wherein aspirants finish a Master’s degree, a CScD degree, and a Ph.D. in Speech-Language Pathology all at once in the span of 6 to 6.5 years.

The CScD coursework focuses on the clinical aspect of Speech Pathology, unlike the research-oriented Ph.D. program. In a CScD program, students are expected to complete 87 to 90 credit units of on-campus attendance and clinical practice.

Can I pursue research or teaching as a Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology graduate?

If you are interested in teaching Speech-Language Pathology, graduate schools require either a CScD, SPLD, or a Ph.D. on your resume. If you are more interested in the research part of the field, we recommend you earn a Ph.D. instead.

Although research is not heavily required in the CScD program, students attend research-intensive academic conferences and publish scholarly papers. Usually, a Ph.D. degree holder takes the leadership role in collaborative research endeavors.

What kind of career and salary can I expect with my CScD degree?

CScD graduates mostly work in hospital settings. They work with medical doctors and professionals specializing in the People with Disability (PWD) cohort. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), speech pathologists working in the clinical environment earn an average of $84,140 per year.

A speech pathologist with CScD degree can also teach and pursue their career and practice at the same time. Doctorate-level school faculty members earn a starting wage of $56,3700, which increases to up to $126,680 based on tenure. Those who are participating in clinical research earn more.

Do I need a license to be a speech pathologist?

Yes. The American Speech and Hearing Association awards the Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language Pathologists (CCC-SLP). Master’s degree holders with at least 400 hours of clinical practice can take the ASHA exam. In due time, you might need a CScD degree to get this certification.

Which schools offer Doctor of Clinical Science in Speech-Language Pathology degrees?

The University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania provides a “state-of-the-science” training for CScD in a brick-and-mortar format. It is a program designed for professionals who wish to advance their education. The university also connects to employers and presents them with employment opportunities in Pittsburgh.

The Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions in Provo, Utah awards a CScD and Doctor of Speech-Language Pathology (SLPD) degree through a limited residency program. This means that graduate students have access to online materials for their coursework. However, students are required to attend on-campus classes for up to 6 days.

Most ASHA-accredited schools now offer the SLPD degree as a similar alternative to CScD. They include:

• Nova Southeastern University – SLP Program in Fort Lauderdale, Florida;
• Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois;
• and The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas.

Communication is a two-way process. If you are passionate about bridging the language gap and helping people with speech disorders, become a certified expert by enrolling in a CScD program.

Ask any little girl or boy what they want to be when they grow up. In many cases, they are likely to reply, “a veterinarian!”

Children create special bonds with animals early in their lives and usually maintain their love for them throughout their adult lives as well.

Pets often bring families together and become beloved family members themselves. Not everyone goes on to fulfill their childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian, but if you feel that it could be your career path, you may be one of those who actually pursue a veterinary medical profession.

However, before making a decision to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine, veterinary students should expand their knowledge of what the veterinary specialist’s work actually is.

The love for animals is significant in this field, but it is certainly not enough to make it through veterinary college – current students also need to have essential skills and knowledge, and they can be gained in no other way than just studying for at least a few years and doing a lot of practical exercises.

Check this out: The Best Doctor of Immunology Degree Programs: Salary and Information

Depending on your ambitions, you can be an excellent local vet who helps numerous pets from the whole neighborhood or, after a lot of hard work, even become a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. And both of those jobs are vital for animal health!

In order to expand your knowledge of veterinary medical studies, at least to a certain extent, we have prepared a list of some frequently asked questions along with answers. We hope that they will turn out to be helpful for you and make it a bit easier for you to make a decision to become a veterinary doctor or not!

Please note: Getting a DVM in Veterinary Medicine is not available exclusively online through distance learning, but you can do a large portion of the work remotely. Due to the excessive amount of practical work and clinical training skills required in this field, 100% online programs are not possible in veterinary medical training. Hands-on learning is a must-have!

However, there are several reputable veterinary medical colleges that offer exceptional Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs on-campus in combination with off-campus distance learning online work and are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) in your area or hopefully close by.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Veterinarian do?

As a veterinary doctor, you will be responsible for providing preventative medicine for dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, and all the common pets found at home. In serious cases, you will also perform surgeries so as to save a pet’s life.

Small animal vets typically spay and neuter animals, treat wounds, take X-rays, set broken bones and care for geriatric pets. Veterinarians are also permitted to dispense medications, give vaccines, and perform euthanasia if necessary.

However, pets are not the only specialization you can have as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. Some veterinarians also examine and treat horses, cows, pigs, goats, sheep, and other farm animals outside of an animal clinic. Often, entire herds must be treated for diseases because they get infected by each other easily.

Veterinary doctors advise farm owners on the proper care and nutrition for their herds to ensure healthy animal production. In this way, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine can use preventative medicine to prevent problems that could appear in the future due to the lack of knowledge and implementation of bad practices on the farm.

Depending on your interest, you may also choose to conduct meaningful research with your veterinary education or teach at the postsecondary level. Thanks to experts working in such institutions, like the American Veterinary Medical Association, this field is constantly developing, and continuing education is vital.

Veterinary medicine researchers look for more effective ways to diagnose, prevent, and heal animal health problems. Usually, they study serious illnesses like cardiovascular disease or animal cancer care because they want to discover better methods, tools, and medicines to let animals be with us as long as possible and make their lives less painful.

They often have animal models for a particular research project, and during the whole process, they provide them with proper care and attention. Thanks to their work, not only animal health can be improved, but also human health because it sometimes happens that a virus mutates and transfers to people’s organisms as well.

Veterinary medicine researchers helped to conquer, for instance, yellow fever or malaria.

How do I earn my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree?

Students must complete a four-year program focused on veterinary medicine to receive their DVM degree, which is required to be a veterinarian.

Do you have your bachelor’s degree already? You may or may not need one, depending on your school’s requirements. However, you will need to have extensive prerequisite coursework under your belt to enter a DVM degree program.

Undergraduate study requirements include strong foundations in math and sciences, such as:

• biology,
• chemistry,
• genetics,
• calculus or statistics,
• animal science,
• and physics.

Some schools also offer pre-veterinary coursework that is included in a DVM degree program, which is very helpful.

To enroll, you will need to complete your application and pay your application fee. Also, you are required to submit your official transcripts, your GRE or Veterinary College Admission Test scores, letters of recommendation, essays, and a list of school and community extracurricular activities, along with your previous experience related to the medical field.

Applying for a DVM program can be very competitive due to the limited amount of colleges that offer accredited programs. For this reason, it often happens that only people with the highest scores are admitted, so if you plan to be a veterinary medicine doctor, you should work hard from the very beginning!

But it is a good thing – we all want only fully competent and skillful people to take care of our animals because it reduces the probability that something goes wrong in the treatment.

Healing living creatures, both animals and people, demands outstanding carefulness and precision, as well as extensive knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics.

Being a veterinary medical specialist can sometimes be even more demanding than being a human doctor because you cannot ask your patients about how they feel and what pain they’re experiencing. What is more, veterinarians have to know the diseases and body characteristics that are specific to particular species.

Even if a veterinary medicine doctor specializes in pets only and does not have to know much about farm animals, they have to know everything about at least both cats and dogs and sometimes also rabbits, hamsters, birds, etc.

DVM degree coursework includes foundational classes such as:

• Anatomy,
• Histology,
• Medical Pathology,
• Bacteriology,
• Infectious Diseases,
• Immunology,
• Parasitology,
• Pharmacology,
• Physiology,
• and surgical techniques for the first two years.

Years three and four include necessary clinical work and laboratory sessions, and you may be asked to choose a specialization on that point. The internship experience may last up to a year.

Practical classes are essential in working with living creatures, so it is understandable that every college of veterinary medicine demands quite many of them. After working with animal patients for a long time, you will feel more confident about your skills, and you will know what to focus on and what to avoid.

Remember that being a veterinary medicine doctor does not mean you will work with animals only – you will also have to talk to their owners, discuss the possible solutions with them, try to convince them to choose the best one, explain to them how to take care of their pets or farm animals, and also sometimes, unfortunately, deliver the sad news in the most delicate way possible.

Practice makes perfect, as they say, and in veterinarian schooling that aims to save animal lives, it is particularly crucial.

What are the differences between a DVM degree and a Ph.D. in Veterinary Science?

After receiving your DVM degree, you may want to pursue your Ph.D. degree in veterinary medicine. It is worth knowing that some schools for vets offer a combination of Ph.D. and DVM degree programs.

As you complete your DVM requirements, you can then conduct your own research project in a specialization that interests you, earning your Ph.D. as well. PhDs concentrate on research and may work at laboratories, contributing to the pool of veterinary knowledge.

If you wish to concentrate on research only after earning your bachelor’s degree (and forego the DVM degree), you may opt to enter a doctoral program that will allow you to earn a Ph.D. (it usually takes about five years), focusing entirely on the field of research in veterinary science.

What Kind of Salary Can I Expect as a Veterinarian?

As of May 2022, the BLS reported that the median wage for a veterinarian was $103,260 annually. However, the highest 10 percent earned more than $174,500 per year. Careers in veterinary medicine are projected to increase by 20% between 2022 and 2032. You can expect to work in clinics, small and large farms, animal hospitals or sanctuaries, and zoos, or choose to open your own private practice.

Moreover, research laboratories and universities also hire veterinarians. Apart from that, they can choose to work for pharmaceutical companies that develop, test, and distribute drugs for animal consumption. It is a very significant work because many of the medicines produced for people are either not efficient or even dangerous for animals. Their organisms are different, so they need separate drugs adapted to specific conditions in a particular species.

If you are very good at chemistry, you can choose such a specialization in a college of veterinary medicine and take care of the drugs that help suffering animals feel better!

Do I need a license to be a Veterinarian?

Yes, all states require veterinary medicine doctors to pass the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination to gain licensure. If your state requires it, you may also be asked to pass a jurisprudence examination.

Apart from that, Board Certifications are also available. It is also worth knowing that it is required to continue your education to maintain licensure. Before applying for a school for vet doctors, make sure to check your state’s regulations for testing and licensing requirements carefully.

Are there other options in the field of Veterinary Medicine in which I can utilize 100% online learning opportunities?

Veterinary career options do vary. There’s something for everyone! Most undergraduate work can be completed through a 100% online distance learning format before entering a DVM program. In addition, if you are interested in becoming a veterinary assistant or technician, you can probably find an online program without too much effort.

Technician responsibilities include:

• restraining animals,
• preparing lab samples,m
• maintaining files and finances,
• answering phone calls,
• and scheduling appointments.

In this capacity, an associate degree is all that may be required. It is because you do not have to deal with animal health directly, so you do not require so much practice. Contrary to veterinary medicine doctors, you will not be entirely responsible for healing any living creatures but just help the specialist.

Still, it is significant work because, in this way, you can make a veterinarian’s life easier and let them focus on their tasks while you are taking care of the office work or making some preparations for a medical procedure.

What schools offer a DVM degree program?

Fortunately, there are many veterinary schools for you to choose from. Some of them are specialized in this field only, but you can also apply to a famous general university that has such a course in their offer, among many others.

• One of the most popular ones is the Colorado State University, located in Fort Collins, CO. They provide their students with an opportunity to earn a doctorate on-campus through their Professional Veterinary Medical Program.
• Other on-campus programs include Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI, which offers a program in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, similar to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
• In addition to that, the University of California – Davis, located in Davis, CA, offers students a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine as well.
• If you live near Raleigh, NC, you can attend the North Carolina Veterinary Medical School to earn a DVM degree through their Professional Program.

Additional Info: The Best Doctorate in Medicine (M.D.) Degree Programs: Salary and Information

Best Doctor of Veterinary Medicine

Colorado State University

Program Standouts:

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at Colorado State University is consistently ranked among the best in the country by ‘U.S. News & World Report.’ The program was one of the first to teach clinical communication skills, veterinary ethics, and practitioner wellness.

With a reputation reaching back over 100 years, the veterinary program at CSU now has four academic departments which provide in-depth scientific as well as medical knowledge to future veterinarians.

Campus Location: Fort Collins, CO

Accreditation: Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Admission Requirements:

• Prerequisite Courses
• Experience
• Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation

Course Sample:

• Foundations of Veterinary Medicine
• Immunology
• Neurobiology
• Parasitology

Degree Outcomes: Graduates of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program have multiple career options, including serving as a private practitioner, working to prevent disease in local communities, or pursuing a career at a biotechnology company.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE DEGREE PROGRAM AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Michigan State University

Program Standouts:

With a history of teaching veterinary science courses that reach back to 1855, Michigan State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine became a degree-granting program in 1910. Over a hundred years later, the College stands as one of the top veterinary schools in the country.

Two service units, several research centers, and four biomedical science departments grant graduate students opportunities and resources to reach their potential as future veterinarians.

Campus Location: East Lansing, Michigan

Accreditation: Michigan State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

Admission Requirements:

• Three letters of recommendation
• Personal statement
• Official transcripts
• Standardized Tests
• Casper Test

Course Sample:

• Digestive System
• Respiratory System
• Cardiovascular System

Degree Outcomes: Graduates of Michigan State University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree program will be equipped to enter the following careers, among others:

• Corporate Veterinary Medicine
• Teaching
• Research
• The Federal Government
• Private Practice

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE DEGREE PROGRAM AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Cornell University

Program Standouts:

Cornell University also has one of the oldest and most well-established veterinary programs in the country. Their current curriculum and program are designed to create, disseminate and implement scientific knowledge in order to improve the well-being of people and animals.

Regional and global impact is achieved by Cornell University through a three-point system of Education, Discovery, and Care.

Campus Location: Ithaca, NY

Accreditation: Cornell University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Admission Requirements:

• Application and fee
• College transcripts
• Three letters of reference
• AP scores

Course Sample:

• The Animal Body
• Neuroanatomy
• General Pathology
• Cell Biology and Genetics

Degree Outcomes: Graduates of Cornell University’s Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree have consistently passed licensing examinations at a rate of 95% – 100% from 2016 – 2020.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE DEGREE PROGRAM AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY

University of California – Davis

Program Standouts:

The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California – Davis provides unique educational experiences and is grounded in the best evidence-based practices in veterinary medical education. The program prepares confident and competent graduates who are ready to begin careers in advancing the health of people, animals, and the environment.

The veterinary program at the University of California – Davis is also ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News and World Report.

Campus Location: Davis, California

Accreditation: The University of California – Davis is accredited by the Western Association of Schools

Admission Requirements:

• Application and Fee
• Transcripts and Score Reports
• Supplemental Application
• Prerequisite Courses

Course Sample:

• Professional & Clinical Skills
• Immune/Infectious Disease
• Small Animal Stream

Degree Outcomes: The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program at the University of California – Davis prepares confident and competent graduates who are ready to begin careers in advancing the health of people, animals, and the environment.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA – DAVIS

North Carolina State Veterinary Medical School

Program Standouts:

One of the top-ranked programs in the country, the veterinary medicine program at North Carolina State Veterinary Medical School prides itself on mutual respect and the valuing of relationships. With a 250-acre biomedical campus, the program provides opportunities for government researchers, industry researchers, entrepreneurs, and clinical trial companies to work together with faculty and students at the College of Veterinary Medicine.

The College is one of the only veterinary programs to offer an onsite teaching animal unit that operates as a working farm.

Campus Location: Raleigh, NC

Accreditation: North Carolina State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Admission Requirements:

• GRE score
• Letters of recommendation
• 200 Experience hours

Course Sample:

• Veterinary Anatomy
• Histology and Cytology
• Infection and Immunity
• Health Maintenance and Animal Production

Degree Outcomes: Acquiring a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree equips graduates to acquire a veterinary license and work as a veterinarian in a private clinic or with government corporations and other industries.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF VETERINARY MEDICINE DEGREE PROGRAM AT NORTH CAROLINA STATE VETERINARY MEDICAL SCHOOL

The Bottom Line

If you would like to pursue your childhood dream, start earning your DVM degree today. Don’t think it’s too late to start learning. It is never too late to begin a new career! Nowadays, thanks to many online courses, you do not have to worry that you live too far away from universities offering veterinary medicine studies or are too busy to travel to a facility every day.

You can get all the theoretical knowledge without leaving your home. Obviously, to work directly with animal patients, you will have to take a practical veterinary course because it demands a lot of experience and skills.

Nevertheless, an online course can be a good starting point, or it can even be enough if you just plan to assist veterinary doctors in their animal treatment work. Good luck!

Take a look at this before you go: The Best Doctor of Environmental Science and Engineering (D.Env.) Degree Programs: Salary & Information

They may handle cancer research, analyze statistical data for the improvement of Internet search engines, and determine unemployment rates to aid the government in the allocation of resources.

Statisticians do valuable work because governments and industries rely heavily on statistics in their decision-making process.

Career opportunities also appear to be endless in this particular field. Because statistical modeling applies to various subject areas, statisticians are present in every industry.

An online Ph.D. in Statistics may open doors for career prospects if the interest lies in providing research specifically for the government or corporate decision-making process.

Students become adept at using the most updated, advanced strategies for the analysis of data in businesses, organizations, academics, and the government. They may also be trained for specialized areas in statistics, teach in the academy, or conduct research.

Ph.D. Stat students get sufficient training in applied and theoretical statistics. Students can choose to specialize based on their areas of interest and complete a dissertation.

This online program also has a goal of equipping graduates to either proceed with academic research in various universities and colleges or fill advanced research positions in government agencies and corporations.

Best Doctor of Statistics

University of Pennsylvania Wharton School

Program Standouts:

The Wharton School’s Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics is designed to provide students with a foundation and ability to engage in both applied problems and cutting-edge theory.

A wide variety of fields such as finance, marketing, and public policy as well as biostatistics within the Medical School and computer science within the Engineering School come together at Wharton to give Ph.D. students in statistics diverse opportunities for applying statistical knowledge.

Campus Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Course Sample:

• Bayesian Statistical Theory and Methods
• Probability Theory
• Stochastic Processes
• Statistical Methodology

Degree Outcomes: Graduates of the Statistics PhD at The Wharton School often take positions in academia, government, financial services, and bio-pharmaceutical industries.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WHARTON SCHOOL’S STATISTICS PHD PROGRAM

Harvard University Business School

Program Standouts:

The Ph.D. in Statistics at Harvard University Business School is one of the top statistics degree programs in the country. Unique aspects of the program include integration and balanced training throughout teaching, research, and career development. Research is encouraged throughout the program in both theoretical and applied statistics.

Faculty members have been research leaders in a variety of topics including statistical inference, statistical computing, Monte-Carlo methods, causal inference, stochastic processes, and others.

All faculty members are also involved in personal research that applies to a wide variety of fields giving students rare opportunities for collaboration with some of the top statisticians in the country.

Campus Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Course Sample:

• Law
• Astrostatistics
• Parametric Modeling
• Networks
• Design

Degree Outcomes: Some unique courses offered in the Ph.D. in Statistics degree program at Harvard prepare students in a special way for life after graduate school.

These courses are geared toward teaching the basic skills necessary to teach statistics, as well as statistics communication and generic skills necessary for problem-solving abilities, making Harvard Ph.D. in Statistics graduates some of the best equipped in the country for successfully pursuing careers.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN STATISTICS AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY

University of Rochester

Program Standouts:

The Doctorate in Statistics at the University of Rochester applies “statistics” broadly across specializations in biostatistics, probability, statistical theory and analysis, and interdisciplinary areas. Coursework in the program has three concentrations:

• Probability,
• Inference,
• and Data Analysis.

Students beginning the program can expect to spend time in their first three years taking formal courses. The rest of their time in the program will be spent on reading and research.

Campus Location: Rochester, New York

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Admissions Requirements:

• Online Admissions Application
• Statement of Purpose
• Copy of Transcripts
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Official GRE Scores
• English Language Test Scores for International Students

Course Sample:

• Probability Theory
• Statistical Inference I
• Biostatistical Methods I
• Introduction to Statistical Computing
• Ethics in Research

Degree Outcomes: According to the University of Rochester PhD in Statistics website, “prior to completion of the PhD, most students have some publications underway, including some work related to their dissertation research, possibly other methodological work done in collaboration with other members of the faculty, and often some applied papers with scientific researchers in other fields.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN STATISTICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

Program Standouts:

The Ph.D. Program in Statistics at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill grants students a broad base of information in applied statistics, theoretical statistics and probability, and other advanced topic courses.

The research that doctoral students pursue ranges from applied statistics to theoretical probability. Students are also involved in interdisciplinary research with faculty members and other students.

Campus Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Accreditation: Southern Association of Schools and Colleges Commission on Colleges

Admissions Requirements:

• Application Fee
• Transcripts
• Letters of Recommendation
• Standardized Test Scores
• Statement of Purpose
• Resume/CV
• Community Standards Questions
• Supplemental Program Information

Course Sample:

• Applied Statistics
• Theoretical Statistics
• Probability

Degree Outcomes: According to the University of North Carolina website, “the breadth and depth of the program has served graduates well in their subsequent careers in academia, industry and government.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN STATISTICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA – CHAPEL HILL

Stanford University

Program Standouts:

The Ph.D. program in Statistics at Stanford University is one of the top statistics programs in the nation. The degree program consists of 135 units of study as well as a dissertation and oral examination.

First-year students participate in the core program and show acceptable performance in at least two core areas by the end of the first year. Breadth requirement capability by the end of the second and third year must be satisfied with the thesis proposal meeting successfully completed by the end of the third year.

A dissertation draft and passing grade on the university oral exam by the end of the fourth and fifth year will see the successful completion of the Ph.D. in Statistics.

Campus Location: Stanford, California

Accreditation: Western Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

Admissions Requirements:

• Application Form
• Statement of Purpose
• Biostatistics
• Transcripts/GPA
• GRE Scores
• TOEFL Scores
• Letters of Recommendation
• Resume

Course Sample:

• Theory of Statistics
• Applied Statistics
• Theory of Probability

Degree Outcomes: Stanford’s Career Center is available to all graduates from Stanford University. Graduates of the PhD in Statistics can expect to successfully enter a career in Intelligence, Research and Biostatistics.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORAL DEGREE IN STATISTICS AT HARVARD UNIVERSITY

University of Connecticut

Program Standouts:

The Department of Statistics at the University of Connecticut offers one of the top Doctorate in Statistics degree programs. Founded in 1962, the Department is one of the major statistics departments in New England.

The core faculty of 20 professors teach and research topics that cover nearly all major statistical specializations. The department has also received national and international recognition in graduate research and education.

Campus Location: Mansfield, Connecticut

Accreditation: The University of Connecticut is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, 3 Burlington Woods Drive, Suite 100, Burlington, MA 01803-4514

Admissions Requirements:

• Admissions Application
• Statement of Purpose
• Copy of Transcripts
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Official GRE Scores
• English Language Test Scores for International Students

Course Sample:

• Mathematical Statistics
• Applied Statistics
• Design of Experiments

Degree Outcomes: Graduates with a Doctoral degree in Statistics from the University of Connecticut have found “excellent positions in academics, government, and industry.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTOR OF STATISTICS DEGREE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CONNECTICUT

University of Washington

Program Standouts:

The University of Washington’s Department of Statistics has a high reputation for excellence. Established in 1979, the Department includes a broad area of study specialties and dozens of topics including both the theory and methodology of statistics.

The University of Washington Statistics Department also has close contact and joint research interaction with many local departments and companies.

Campus Location: Tacoma, WA

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Admissions Requirements:

• Admissions Application
• Resume/Vitae
• Statement of Purpose
• Copy of Transcripts
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement
• Optional Official GRE Scores
• English Language Test Scores for International Students

Course Sample:

• Statistical Methods for Survival Data
• Data Analysis and Reporting
• Advanced Theory of Statistical Inference

Degree Outcomes: Graduates with a Doctoral Degree in Statistics from the University of Washington show a high level of satisfaction not only with their experience at UW but with the ease of entering the Statistics Job Market.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DOCTORAL DEGREE IN STATISTICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON

Cornell University

Program Standouts:

Studying in the Ph.D. in Statistics degree program at Cornell University grants students a diverse set of skills. These include the ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, as well as formulate, compute, and implement novel statistical models and methods.

Cornell’s Ph.D. alumni, according to the school’s website, “have gone on to high-profile positions in all of academia, industry, and government.”

Campus Location: Ithaca, NY

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Admissions Requirements:

• College Transcripts
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Statement of Purpose
• Official GRE Scores
• TOEFL Scores
• Strong Performance in Mathematics

Course Sample:

• Linear Models
• Theory of Statistics
• Asymptomatic Statistics

Degree Outcomes: The Ph.D. in Statistics at Cornell University is designed to prepare students for careers in teaching and research in industry or government or at the University level.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN STATISTICS AND DATA SCIENCE AT CORNELL UNIVERSITY

Columbia University

Program Standouts:

With a history of over 250 years of academic excellence and 87 Nobel Prize Winners, graduate students in the Statistics Department can expect to acquire a degree of high academic standing.

The Ph.D. in Statistics at Columbia is designed to train students in theoretical statistics, applied statistics, and probability. The program is also geared toward collaborative interdisciplinary research.

Campus Location: New York, NY

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education

Admissions Requirements:

• Background in linear algebra and real analysis
• Coursework in statistics and probability
• Familiarity with computing and programming is desirable
• Quantitative training
• Background and experience in other scientific disciplines
• Completed Application

Course Sample:

• Statistical Computing
• Applied Statistics
• Probability Theory I-III

Degree Outcomes: According to the Columbia University Graduate Student Handbook, “The Ph.D. program prepares students for research careers in probability and statistics in both academia and industry.”

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN STATISTICS AT COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY

University of Michigan

Program Standouts:

The Ph.D. in Statistics at the University of Michigan is diverse and flexible. The program allows students to pursue a wide range of studies from interdisciplinary research to statistical methodology and probability theory.

Students in the Ph.D. program begin the program by taking foundational courses, transition into research, and culminate their studies with the most important component of the program – the dissertation.

Campus Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Admissions Requirements:

• Application Form
• Recommender Names and Email Addresses
• Transcripts
• Statement of Purpose
• Personal Statement
• Resume or CV

5 Core PHD Study Areas:

• Methods
• Practice
• Statistical Theory
• Probability
• Computing

Degree Outcomes: The flexibility and diversity of the study focus areas in the PhD program at the University of Michigan grant graduates the opportunity to seek specialized career options that correspond to their interests.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PHD IN STATISTICS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN

Iowa State University

Program Standouts: The Ph.D. program in Statistics at Iowa State University includes four courses in one of four concentration areas:

• biostatistics,
• probability/mathematical statistics,
• data science,
• or actuarial science/financial mathematics.

Coursework in seminars or other departments can include specializations such as using electronic digital computing equipment or learning non-English language skills.

Campus Location: Ames, Iowa

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

Admissions Requirements:

• Online Application
• 3 Letters of Recommendation
• Records/Transcripts
• GRE Scores
• TOEFL Scores

Course Sample:

• Statistical Consulting
• Reading in Statistics
• Statistical Inference

Degree Outcomes: As part of a top Statistics Program in the country, Iowa State’s Ph.D. in Statistics will award graduates the opportunity to successfully pursue a degree in their specialized area of statistics, either in research or education.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PH.D. IN STATISTICS AT IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I consider taking an online Ph.D. in Statistics (Ph.D. Stat) program?

There are numerous reasons to earn an online Ph.D. Stat degree. First and foremost, it can aid the student in career advancement. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are excellent opportunities for career advancement for people with master’s or doctoral degrees.

An online Ph.D. may also lead to greater freedom, as statisticians with a post-graduate degree can design their work independently. A doctoral degree in Statistics is considered an exciting scholastic challenge that allows students to take on various research opportunities while connecting with fellow experts. It is also ideal for statisticians seeking to expand their knowledge through research and teaching fellowships continuously.

There may be numerous challenges to take into consideration when earning a Ph.D. Stat degrees, especially with work or family obligations, get in the way of pursuing a post-graduate degree.

The entire program takes about four to five years to complete. While the prospect offers a tremendous opportunity, Ph.D. in Statistics degrees that are earned online are quite uncommon.

What are the requirements for admission to an online Ph.D. Statistics program?

The prerequisites for this particular degree program vary based on the academic institution. Commonly, Ph.D. Stat programs require many semesters of linear algebra, calculus, and mathematical statistics classes. Many of the courses also expose students to computer programming and related subjects.

In general, students pursuing an online Ph.D. Statistics degree first needs to earn a master’s degree in the fields of mathematics or computer science. Students who lack the requirements before entering this online Ph.D. program can take advantage of the remedial prerequisite courses offered every summer.

However, some remedial courses in online Ph.D. Stat programs require a high GRE score. Students must ace comprehensive examinations involving methods and theories relating to the discipline. Other programs require students to have earned ample experience in the use of statistical packages such as SPSS or SAS before being accepted into graduate school.

Application requirements may differ from one program to another beyond the typical undergraduate and graduate transcripts. Usually, doctorate candidates for Statistics need to meet a minimum GPA of at least 3.0 and should have earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, statistics, or any related field.

What courses can be taken in an online Ph.D. Stat program?

An online Ph.D. Stat’s course curriculum does not wander far from that of a traditional, on-campus program. The types of courses to be completed, however, depend on the student’s area of specialization and may differ based on the graduate school and the program structure.

There is typically a core curriculum with additional courses and examinations. A consulting seminar or project may also be required along with a dissertation or, in some cases, a comprehensive exam.

The coursework usually includes the following:

• Statistical Analysis
• Asymptotics
• Bootstrapping
• Decision theory
• Multivariate analysis
• Sequential analysis
• Time series
• Stochastic processes and models
• Bayesian statistics
• Statistical consulting
• Probability theory
• Theoretical statistics
• Mathematical statistics
• Applied statistics
• Mathematics of finance
• Statistical Methods in Bioinformatics
• Applied Algebra
• Statistical Genetics

What are the career pathways, employment, and salary rates for a Ph.D. Stat degree holder?

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that, with a 30% increase between 2022 to 2032, the job growth rate for statisticians is higher than the median rate for all other occupations.

Doctorate holders with experience in fields such as computer science, engineering, or biology are most likely to land advanced work positions. Government agencies, commercial businesses, and pharmaceutical companies all have a high demand for statisticians.

The federal government, meanwhile, employed approximately 15% of statisticians in the United States in 2014 and at least 20% in 2010. Other top hiring sectors include scientific and development services at 16%, colleges, universities, and professional schools at 11%, the state government at 11%, and insurance carriers at 7%. In May 2022, it was recorded that the median annual wage for statisticians was $112,110.

What schools offer a Ph.D. Stat program?

Ph.D. Stat programs are rarely offered as a fully 100% online degree. It is, however, delivered in hybrid format by the country’s top universities, including:

• University of Pennsylvania Wharton, 
• Harvard University Business School,
• University of Rochester,
• University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill,
• Stanford University.

The following, on the other hand, are some of the best schools that offer Ph.D. in Statistics programs in on-campus or brick-and-mortar format only:

• University of Connecticut,
• University of Washington,
• Cornell University,
• Columbia University,
• University of Michigan,
• Iowa State University.

Earning a Ph.D. Stat online may save you time and allow greater access to significant resources. Along with the increased growth of data collection, the growing importance of cybersecurity, and the rising need for new software, a significant number of well-experienced statisticians has become more in demand.

Is earning a Doctor of Statistics degree worth my time and expense?

The answer to this question will depend on your circumstances and goals. A Doctor of Statistics degree is a highly specialized degree that can be beneficial for those looking to advance their career in the field of statistics.

It can also provide a valuable foundation for those pursuing a career in data science or research. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if the time and expense associated with earning a Doctor of Statistics degree are worth it for your own circumstances.

Some degree programs allow students to determine the timing of the residency sessions. Others structure the sessions intermittently throughout the program in order to build upon the concepts that the student is learning.

Online Ph.D’s and Residency Requirements

Online PhDs generally require several short residencies. The list of the 10 top online PhDs in Special Education Programs from the site Masters in Special Education Program Guide gives the various residency requirements from the top Special Education PhD programs.

Most of the programs on the list require around 3 – 4 on campus intensives or residency visits in order to fulfill the residency requirements. A few of the schools on the list require no residency at all.

Examples of how online residency requirements differ:

• Liberty University, a school that is ranked very highly for its online degree programs requires three on-campus intensives as well as an on-campus dissertation defense.
• The Universities of National University, Concordia, and West Virginia have online Special Education PhDs that have no residency requirements at all.
• Nova Southeastern University requires students to attend a summer institute on campus.

Traditional PhD programs have similar requirements to online programs. Because students generally live near the campus for traditional studies, residency requirements only require special attention in regard to their academic connotations.

Residency Structure and Content

The structure of a residency will change from school to school. Generally, an in-person component is a part of a PhD residency program. Online universities usually provide weekend or summer residencies.

Traditional universities may have meetings weekly. Other residency programs will have conference-like meetings. Students may have pre-residency requirements, which could involve extensive reading and assignments by a faculty-mentor. There could also be post-residency coursework as well.

Each program will vary in what is covered in residencies, but the following are skills and topics that will generally be covered:

• Learn how to identify a research problem
• Examine and narrow down potential topic areas
• Develop a literature review
• Craft a well-formed research question
• Select the appropriate research methodology and design
• Develop a full research plan

These skills and topics are from Capella University’s “What is a Doctoral Residency?” page.

Residencies and Research

“Research is to see what everybody else has seen, and to think what nobody else has thought.” – Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

Whether your PhD is being completed online or traditionally, the first focus of a residency requirement will be to establish the relevant coursework and literature review to give students a foundation for their research.

These core topics will include research methods and relevant specialization strategies unique to your field of study. All of the groundwork in research will lead, through the residency meetings or classes, to defining your dissertation research topic.

Professors and other faculty who lead residency sessions will be available to guide their students in research topics such as:

• Discovery of research problems
• Topics that they can further develop for their dissertations
• Developing research plans
• Preparing students to make logical arguments in their dissertations

The proficiency gained in research will prepare students for both the comprehensive exams and what has been called by many the heart of the PhD — the dissertation. Specific training in research prepares students for future success when they apply the methods and techniques they have learned into their daily work tasks.

Libraries and Residencies

Residencies provide students with certain resources that they need in order to do legitimate research. In online PhD programs that require no residency, make sure that you have the resources you need in order to feel secure in your research. One of these is a research-caliber library.

PhD students will need regular access to a research-caliber library. A research library is needed as a supplement to the online databases that are provided by distance learning programs. A PhD student could potentially use a distant library and archive for their research. Library resources will be a vital component for research and will affect the quality of your dissertation.

Onlinephdprogram.org provides a list of 101 university library websites that “offer varying levels of access, but many of them have amazing informational assets that savvy researchers should know about, including:”

• Databases of scholarly journals
• Digitized versions of historical documents
• Instructions for properly citing sources in APA, MLA, and other recognized styles.

These online databases will be vital of use to a PhD student. However, certain books will not be available in the online database. Prepare a list of books you will need for your research and, during your residency, use the library to gather the information that you can’t gather elsewhere.

Residencies and Labs

PhD students in STEM (Science, Technology, English, Math) fields can expect to utilize labs during their residencies in order to complete the research necessary for the completion of their studies.

STEM students need access to a lab, supervised by a senior scholar, in order to access equipment that can cost millions of dollars.

Online alternatives have become excellent as innovators have made many lab activities accessible.

Engineering – According to Grad School Hub, “Curricula developers have generated innovative programs that allow aspiring engineers to complete the majority of their programs via the internet and to make limited visits to main campuses.” Cloud-based computing in the field of higher education gives students access to numerous applications that can be used anywhere regardless of the students’ computer hardware and software configurations.

Science – Labster, a “million dollar lab in your browser” allows students to “perform advanced experiments to achieve core science learning outcomes. Theory and practice are connected in a novel way.” The simulations on Labster run even on older laptops and computers. The simulations are able to be played without installing any browser plugins.

In spite of these amazing options and developments, like libraries, certain aspects of your research may require residency time in order to complete in a traditional lab.

Professional Communities and Residencies

An important aspect of residencies is the ability to connect with colleagues and teachers. These connections will help give you the support you need to complete your PhD.

They also will be an important part of networking and finding a job after you finish the degree. While attending your residency, take the time to meet people and get to know their interests. Collaboration is a vital part of success in doctoral programs. An online professor puts it this way:

Residency “is also about political and networking opportunities…students who don’t attend departmental functions – research talks, conferences, workshops, etc. – are often at a disadvantage. An advisor’s time and energy (fair or not) will frequently go to the students whom s/he sees regularly… You can’t underestimate the value of “face time.”

Networking can also be done online and in a job in your field. When attending a residency, keep in mind that the time you spend with colleagues in person is important.

Residencies and Practicum

Often a practicum will be a part of the residency in a PhD program. Practicums are used to provide students with real work experience. Their emphasis is to teach students through hands-on training. During a practicum, a student can transfer their head knowledge to actual work in their field. Practicums also create many networking opportunities for PhD students.

PhDs that often require some kind of practicum are Education and Psychology. Virtual field practicums have also been created and are an innovative way to create an experience for students. However, they may not provide the ideal networking situation.

Practicums are important in order to qualify for a secure job. Employers want to make sure that you can put into practice what you have learned. Some practicum credits are separate from residency requirements; however, residencies will vitally prepare you for a successful practicum.

Virtual Residencies

Many reasons have already been mentioned for the importance of traditional residencies. but with online education expanding, at least one college has instituted a virtual residency.

Virtual residencies may be an experiment that doesn’t fulfill the desired expectations of a residency program, but just in case they stick around, here’s how Walden University’s virtual residency program works.

Eligibility – Certain eligibility requirements must be met in order to participate in Walden’s virtual residency program. Students must be participating in a four-residency model. Students must also have completed at least one face-to-face residency.

Good Options – Virtual residencies are good options for:

• Those who have professional or personal difficulties traveling.
• Students who prefer to work independently or in small groups.
• Those who would like to develop skills with innovative technologies

Technical Requirements – Technical requirements include owning a laptop, speakers, high-speed internet and Zoom web conferencing software.

Overview – Students participating in a virtual residency will be placed with a small group of students and participate in conferences and online classrooms. Online events are scheduled throughout the residency. Seminars are scheduled over the course of nine partial days through a month rather than the on-site four full day requirement.

Residencies are Different from Coursework

Although residencies are usually listed as credits, they should not be considered in the same light as coursework. One of the most important differences is that residencies more directly prepare you for your dissertation. The structure and feedback that students receive during their residencies allow them to develop plans for research and focus the essential elements of their dissertations.

Often, the needed levels of approval for their dissertation work will be acquired through residency programs. Students can often meet with consultants for a school’s research and writing groups. These groups can be linked to particular approvals needed before beginning the dissertation process.

A research plan is vital to the success of a dissertation. Generally, coursework doesn’t prepare students to organize a specialized research plan. Residencies will give students the necessary feedback not only in regard to their topic but a comprehensive and effective research plan.

Low Residency PhD Programs

Any residency program requires careful planning and coordination on the part of the student. Some pre-requisite requirements for residency expect at least one day a week to set aside for preparation. Going into a residency program without having adequately prepared will drastically affect the success of your dissertation and degree.

Since 50% of PhD students don’t finish their degrees, preparing adequately for residency programs could be the key to finishing. Students need to be especially careful about low residency PhD programs. These programs are set up for students who have:

• Good student habits
• Time management skills
• No need for remedial assistance

Low residency PhD programs are often more specifically designed to support students who are pursuing research that is closely related to their current job. They are a good option for people who already have secure employment in their field and who have the full support of their employers.

Because the residency experience is often at the heart of success for any PhD program, the invaluable learning opportunity that they provide should be highly valued.