Last Updated on January 19, 2023
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PhD in USA
A doctorate usually means that an individual is qualified to teach at a college level or to work in a specific field of work. There are two major types of doctoral degrees; a research-oriented degree, and a professional doctoral degree. Doctoral degrees are sometimes referred to as terminal degrees, which means that a final degree is available in a graduate school for students who wish it.
Considered the highest awarded degree in several US Universities for most fields of studies, it’s a dream course of many students. Ph.D. in USA is a series of three phases, wherein, 1st phase course work that requires 1-3 years for completion followed by a preliminary, a comprehensive examination, or a series of cumulative examinations. In the first phase, examination focus is upon the breadth of knowledge instead of depth. For the composition of a substantial and original contribution to human knowledge in the form of a written dissertation, another two to eight years are usually required.
Depending on the field of study, it takes four to eight years of study after the Bachelor’s Degree to complete Ph.D. Program; and it takes a year or two less to complete Ph.D. who already have a master’s degree.
Choosing the right university
There are 282 universities in the United States that award the Ph. D degree. The criteria of admission and the rigor of the academic programs vary in different universities. Based on the past research experience, interest in Ph. D and undergraduate coursework, candidates can get hold of the list of universities that offer those programs. NRC rankings will help candidates in making a better selection.
Requirements for Ph.D. in USA:
- Statement of Purpose: Candidate would need to send a SOP (Statement of Purpose) to the respective universities that he wants to apply in. In the SOP, candidate has to indicate a fit between you and the program and the professors
- High GRE score: Take GRE General Test, an English Language Proficiency Test , and the GRE Subject Test as needed by the programs that you want to apply for. The higher the score, the better would be the chances of selection.
- Recommendation letter: Candidates have to send recommendation letters (including purpose of PhD and an essay based on that) to the institute they want to apply in.
- Language Competency: For language competency, students need to have high IELTS/TOEFL/Cambridge score.
- Financial aids: Ph.D. students at U.S. universities get tuition waiver as well as annual stipend. In case the university does not offer direct funding or a scholarship to a candidate, then he has an option of earning through research assistantships while there in the US. So, before turning down the offer from universities due to non-awarding of scholarships, candidates should consider this option too.
How IDP can help you?
The well trained team of counselors at IDP assists prospective PhD students regarding each and every concern about the PhD enrollment process. We, at IDP, help you with:
- Course selection
- Application submission
- Visa counseling
- Offer acceptance
- Fund or payments
- Pre-departure Orientation
How to apply for PhD in USA –The USA is inarguably one of the most preferred study destinations for international students, especially for its PhD programmes. One of the main factors that attracts so many PhD applicants to the US universities is that there are a wide range of courses available for PhD candidates. Besides, the has also created a flexible platform for intensive research. Another positive aspect of pursuing PhD in the USA is that it invests a lot in Research and Development. The USA spends the maximum in Research and Development. According to an OECD report, the USA spent an average of 2.79% of its GDP in R&D between 2010-2014.It is because of these initiatives that the US walks away with most of the international awards in any field and also records one of the highest registrations for patents in the world.
Therefore, there is little room left for any doubt why the US attracts so many international students to its universities every year. However, candidates applying for PhD programmes in the US face some of the questions like how to apply, when does the application process start and what are the requirements of the universities.
Here we have explained the entire process of how can one apply for PhD courses in the USA right from the time needed to research for universities to submission of application forms.
Read the steps below to know how to apply for PhD in USA:
Choose your Major subject: The first step before applying for a PhD in the USA is to choose the subject in which one wants to do Major. Most aspirants opt for the course in which they already have a bachelor’s degree, though there is no such hard and fast rule that requires one to choose the same subject. However, students who wish to pursue their PhD in another field have to present strong reasons and experience in the concerned field.
Research for universities: Once the aspirant has chosen his Major subject, the next step is to find universities that offer PhD in that particular subject. It is advisable to shortlist at least 8 to 10 universities. Some of the major factors to consider while choosing a university are:
- Does the department’s research match with the subject? Study carefully the current research initiatives of the university.
- Does the candidate want a Master’s degree with PhD?
- There are many universities in the US which offer a combined Master’s and PhD degree. Generally, it takes between 3 and 6 years to complete PhD in the USA. In that case, students are given the Master’s certificate within 2- 3 years and then they can continue with their research in the next couple of years. Such courses are more common in Arts and Humanities related subjects.
Here are the top PhD universities in the USA
| University |
| California Institute of Technology (Cal Tech) |
| Stanford University |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
| Yale University |
| Harvard University |
| Johns Hopkins University |
| Carnegie Mellon University |
| Princeton University |
| University of California, Berkeley |
| University of California, Los Angeles |
Deadlines: Once the list of universities where one wants to apply has been decided, the next big step is to look for deadlines for the same. There are several PhD programmes, which offer rolling admissions in the USA, though the admission depends on availability of seats. Usually, there are fewer seats in PhD compared to any other level. Also, the deadlines for application vary from department to department.
Here are the deadlines for some of the universities:
| University | Application deadline period | Rolling admission |
| Cal Tech | Fall: December- January | No |
| Stanford University | Fall: December | No |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Fall: December- January | No |
| Yale University | Fall: December- January | No |
| Harvard University | Fall: December- January | No |
| Johns Hopkins University | Fall: December- January | No |
| Carnegie Mellon University | December | No |
| Princeton University | December | No |
| University of California, Berkeley | December | No |
| University of California, Los Angeles | November- December | No |
Eligibility:
Many universities in the US accept students with Bachelor’s degree for their PhD programmes. Unlike in other countries, here a Master’s degree is not mandatory for admission to PhD programmes.
16 years education: The first thing to keep in mind before opting for a PhD programme in any US university is that a majority of the universities in the USA require the student to have a minimum of 16 years of education before applying for PhD. Therefore, the candidate must have completed at least 4 years of education (graduation or diploma) after 10+2.
Master’s : Students who have completed their Master’s degree are also qualified to apply for PhD programmes in the US. In fact, it is the standard norm in many universities. It is, therefore, ideal for a student to choose a specialised program in which he has graduated in.
Tests: Admission procedure for PhD in the USA is more or less the same as in the case for MS in the US. The candidate needs to sit for the same standardized tests. Listed below are the exams needed before applying for PhD.
GMAT:GMAT is taken for admission to management studies. Business schools use this test as a criterion for admission into a wide range of management programs.
GRE: GRE is mandatory for almost all graduate level programmes in the USA, including management studies. While all universities require GRE general test score, some universities also ask the student to take GRE subject tests.
TOEFL: TOEFL is an English proficiency test for students from non-native English speaking countries. TOEFL is conducted more than 50 times a year at 4,500 test centres in 165 countries.
IELTS: IELTS is also an English proficiency test for students from non-native English speaking countries. IELTS test measures a candidate’s English language command on 4 different parameters- Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking.
However, not all universities require GRE or GMAT scores for PhD. Most of them, in fact, require a summary of the previous work the candidate has done.
Application package:
Statement of Purpose (SOP): The Statement of Purpose is one of the most important elements of the application package for admission into PhD programmes in the USA. It reflects the candidate’s commitment for joining the PhD programme and goals in life. The important thing to remember while writing an SOP is that it should be brief and reflect clarity regarding what the candidate wants from the programme.
Letter of Recommendation (LOR): The Letter of Recommendation is an independent assessment of the candidate’s potential. Most universities require at least two to three recommendation letters. It is advisable to have recommendation letters written by the candidate’s professors or employers.
Resume: At the PhD level, many universities would require the candidate to submit a resume along with the application. It should contain basic information like date of birth, academic qualifications and achievements and details of any previous work in his area of interest.
Academic transcripts: Academic transcripts include all the qualifications that the candidate will list in his application form. It is advisable for a candidate to start arranging for his transcripts from October itself.
Following elements are also important in the application package:
- Work experience certificates, if applicable
- Photocopies of passport
- Certificates for extra-curricular activities mentioned in the application form.
- WES Evaluation documents, if required by the university.
Interview:
Many universities in the USA, have a separate interview round for PhD candidates. These interviews are conducted by invitation only, i.e., the candidate is called for interview only after his application is approved by the universities.
Apply For PhD In USA
Now we shall tell you about how to Apply For PhD In USA, phd in usa for international students, phd requirements in usa for international students, cost of phd in usa for international students, best universities to do phd in usa.
The USA isn’t just the biggest and most popular destination for PhD study abroad. It’s also one of the most unique. The US approach to postgraduate (or ‘graduate’) study is fundamentally different to the UK and Europe, involving structured degree programmes that feature comprehensive training alongside independent research.
These unique qualities enhance the appeal of a US PhD (after all, tens of thousands of international graduate students can’t be wrong). But they can also lead to some misunderstandings – particularly when it comes to fees and funding.
This page is here to help you make sense of PhD study in the USA. We’ve introduced the different types of universities and graduate schools, explained how doctoral degrees are awarded within US graduate programmes, demystified the cost of study and covered international visa requirements. Elsewhere on FindAPhD, you can read our detailed guide to PhD funding in the USA.
PhD opportunities in the USA – what’s on offer for 2022?
The popularity of the USA as a study abroad destination shows no real sign of waning, with almost 1 million international students at its universities and colleges. To put the sheer size of that figure into perspective, there are more British students studying overseas in the USA than there are total students at some universities in the UK.
It’s at PhD-level that the USA really shines though. America’s rigorous approach to graduate study delivers a standard of training and professional development that often surpasses the minimum requirement for a more ‘traditional’ research-focused doctorates in other countries.
Here are a few reasons to consider the USA for your PhD right now:
- Accessibility – A US graduate programme takes longer than a UK PhD, but this can also help you find your feet as a PhD student. Instead of being required to focus immediately on your dissertation proposal you’ll have the time to first develop a more detailed understanding of your subject as the basis for your own research.
- World-leading universities and research – Rankings aren’t everything, but the upper reaches of global league tables continue to be dominated by US institutions. Amongst other things, this reflects the country’s substantial investment in research output and expertise.
- International community – US universities are used to hosting huge numbers of overseas students from countries across the world. Whatever and wherever you study you’ll be welcomed as part of a diverse academic community.
- Innovation – The USA is more of a (post)graduate trendsetter than it’s sometimes given credit for being. America was the second country (after Germany) to adopt the modern PhD degree and its own structured approach to doctoral training is now influencing PhD study in the UK and Europe.
- Breadth of opportunity – With 50 states, six time zones and thousands of higher education providers, it’s fair to say that student life in the USA has something to offer you, whatever you’re seeking from PhD study.
With so much to offer, it isn’t really surprising that the appeal of US universities is so consistent: easily trumping any obstacles that international students might find placed in their way.
| Universities | 4,500+ |
| Nobel Prizes | 383 |
| Oldest University | Harvard University (1636) |
| International Students | 976,853 |
| PhD Length | 4-6 years |
| Representative Fees | USD $28,000-40,000 |
| Academic Year | August to May |
American universities
Only around 1,500 of the USA’s 4,500 or so universities award doctoral degrees, but that’s still quite a lot of options to make sense of!
Thankfully, the differences between institution types and naming conventions aren’t that important at PhD level. It doesn’t generally matter whether somewhere refers to itself as a ‘college’, ‘school’ or ‘university’ (these terms often mean roughly the same thing in American higher education). Instead you should focus on whether or not an institution offers a graduate programme in your subject. These are where PhD study takes place in American universities.
Public and private universities
US universities can be divided into two broad groups, depending on how they receive their funding and other income. This affects the fees they typically charge to students:
- Public universities are administered as part of state university systems. Because they receive public funding from their state they charge less to local ‘in-state’ students. ‘Out-of-state’ students pay more, regardless of whether they are a citizen of a different US state or a country outside the USA (there isn’t a higher fee specifically for international students).
- Private universities don’t receive any direct funding from their state (though they may benefit from federal research funds). This means that more of their income is derived from student fees, which are normally higher than those at public universities. However, private universities don’t usually charge extra to international or out-of-state students.
Other than fees, there is no hard and fast distinction between the kinds of graduate programmes offered by public and private universities – or their quality.
Public universities tend to be larger, with more students, but private universities are equally focussed on academic quality and are often run as non-profit institutions. In fact, many of the most famous and highly regarded universities in the USA are private.
phd in usa for international students
Next, we consider phd in usa for international students, phd requirements in usa for international students, cost of phd in usa for international students, best universities to do phd in usa.
A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree from USA is considered the highest awarded degree in many US universities and institutes for most fields of studies, it’s a dream course for many international students.
PhD degree is often required when you apply for high-level management jobs, government expert positions, and careers like a university professor, researcher, or scientist in many fields.
Top PhD programs in USA
PhD degrees in USA are offered in a wide range of studies, including technical fields, social sciences and humanities.
How many years does it take for a PhD degree in USA?
Studying PhD in USA is a series of three phases, wherein, the 1st phase is a course work that requires 1-3 years for completion followed by a preliminary, a comprehensive examination, or a series of cumulative examinations.
In the first phase, examination focus is upon the breadth of knowledge instead of depth. For the composition of a substantial and original contribution to human knowledge in the form of a written dissertation, another 2 to 8 years are usually required.
Depending on the field of study, it takes 4 to 8 years of study after the bachelor’s degree to complete PhD program; and it takes a year or two less to complete PhD for students who already have a master’s degree.
How much does it cost to do PhD in USA?
There are many scholarships dedicated for PhD programs at the universities of USA. But generally speaking, the cost of PhDs in USA varies between $28,000 to $55,000 annually depending on the program, specialisation and the university.
How to choose the right university in USA?
There are 282 universities in the United States that award the PhD degree. To choose the perfect place for your study, you need to consider some important factors, such as:
- Program availability
- University ranking
- Faculty and staff reputation
- Research facilities
- Scholarships and funding options offered by the university
- Graduate employability rate
- Tuition fees
- Location
PhD requirements in USA
PhD admission requirements in US vary based on the university and the field of study. But in general, most universities in the US require the below from international students applying for PhD degree there:
- Completed application form
- Resume
- Transcripts for your university degree or courses
- Statement of Purpose
- GMAT or GRE scores
- Recommendation letters
- English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL
- Application fee
Can I work while doing PhD in USA?
The F-1 student visa permits you to work on-campus for up to 20 hours a week during term-time and full-time during the holidays. Moreover, your Curricular Practical Training (CPT) as a PhD student includes work placements and opportunities that are a compulsory part of your PhD program.
However, practically-speaking, studying a minimal PhD can be done while working full time in an unrelated job, if you’re an extreme hard-worker. But that’s a big if, though. The danger of working full time is that you won’t make progress without a continuous hectic effort. Thus, it’s generally unrecommend to hold a full-time job while studying a PhD unless you’ve very modest goals for what you intend to do with your degree.
phd requirements in usa for international students
In general, most universities in the US require the below from international students applying for PhD degree there:
- Completed application form.
- Resume.
- Transcripts for your university degree or courses.
- Statement of Purpose.
- GMAT or GRE scores.
- Recommendation letters.
- English language test, such as IELTS or TOEFL.
cost of phd in usa for international students
The cost of PhDs in the USA can vary between $28,000 to $40,000 per year, but many students find that they can get funding for much, or all, of their studies. Deadlines for application for funding can be as early as December before starting your studies in the Autumn/Fall.
Approximate Annual Tuition Fee*
| Community colleges | $6,000 to $20,000 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree in USA for Indian Students | $20,000 to $40,000 |
| Graduate programs (MS in USA, MBA in USA) | $20,000 to $45,000 |
| PhD in USA | $28,000 to $55,000 |
- Funding Options:
Often, the most prestigious US universities, with the high published rates offer quite generous funding opportunities. One of the highest-ranked universities, MIT, offers a massive 58 percent of undergraduates with financial aid. Similarly, at another high-ranking institute, Caltech, almost 60 percent of the undergraduates receive financial aid, while 98 percent of graduate (or Master’s) students and almost 99% of doctoral candidates receive full financial support.
Similar figures are cited by most top universities in the US, including forms of support such as grants, scholarships, assistantships and work-study schemes. While some funding options are only open to US citizens, there are plenty of financial aid avenues available to international students. The University of Pennsylvania, allocates more than 9 million USD each academic year in funding, specifically for undergraduate applicants from outside of the US, Canada and Mexico.
As per the data collected by US News, in 2017-18, Harvard University allocated financial aid to 594 international undergraduates, with the average grant of $64,459. The same data showed that Columbia University granted an average of $66,350 to a total of 257 international UG applicants.
- Need-blind Funding:
A small number of elite universities also offer need-blind admission policies for all applicants. This means that the students’ financial background is not considered during the admissions process, and the university pledges to provide appropriate aid to ensure that a deserving applicant is able to attend. Lots of US universities have some form of need-blind admission policy, but this does not always extend to international applicants. However, five elite universities in the US offer need-blind admission and full-need financial aid to students, irrespective of their nationality. These universities are Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University and Amherst College.
- Work while Studying:
To avoid getting overwhelmed with the cost of education and expenses, you could work part-time, up to 20 hours a week during academic sessions and full-time during vacations.
PhD opportunities in the USA – what’s on offer for 2022?
| Universities | 4,500+ |
|---|---|
| International Students | 976,853 |
| PhD Length | 4-6 years |
| Representative Fees | USD $28,000-40,000 |
| Academic Year | August to May |
best universities to do phd in usa
Top ranked American universities for PhD study
The following table illustrates the best universities in the USA, according to three of the most prominent league tables.
| University | THE 2022 | QS 2022 | ARWU 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Institute of Technology | =2 | 6 | 9 |
| Harvard University | =2 | 5 | 1 |
| Stanford University | 4 | =3 | 2 |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology | =5 | 1 | 4 |
| Princeton University | 7 | 20 | 6 |
| University of California, Berkley | 8 | 32 | 5 |
| Yale University | 9 | =14 | 11 |
| University of Chicago | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Columbia University | 11 | 19 | 8 |
| Johns Hopkins University | =13 | 25 | 16 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 13 | 16 | 15 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 15 | 40 | 14 |
| Cornell University | 22 | 21 | 12 |
| Duke University | 23 | 52 | 32 |
| University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | =24 | =23 | 26 |
| Northwestern University | =24 | 30 | 34 |
| New York University | 26 | 42 | 27 |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 28 | =53 | 97 |
| University of Washington | 29 | =85 | 19 |
| University of California, San Diego | 34 | 48 | 18 |
| Information in this table is based on the latest Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities. Visit their websites for more information. |
So, how good are universities in the USA for PhD study?
Although the above table doesn’t show any research-specific metrics, the number of American universities among the top 100 in the world shows just how dominant universities in the USA are internationally.
Both private and public universities in the USA do very well in the league tables, showing the strength in depth across the sector, as well as the importance placed by American institutions on funding world-class research – one of the key metrics in the rankings.
