online medical phd programs

THE ENGERHARDT SCHOOL OF GLOBAL HEALTH AND BIOETHICS AT EUCLID AN INTERGOVERNMENTAL UNIVERSITY UNDER UNITED NATIONS TS 49006/7

Online PhD in Academic and Research Medicine

Program Type

School / institute.

Online (Asynchonous)

USD 145 per credit hour

Scholarships

Full (officials of PS); 15% off (ECOWAS and IGOs)

EUCLID, an intergovernmental  treaty-based institution with a university mandate, offers to select students from the general public an online PhD in academic medicine with a focus on clinical research and academic (faculty) careers. Its vision is to bring to a wider and Global South audience the world-class best practices taught and experienced at our two institutions of reference: Stanford and Cedars-Sinai .

It is, to date, the only PhD program in this field offered by an international intergovernmental organization.

Its purpose is to prepare highly qualified academic and research medicine professionals able to serve in civil service, international organizations , health care institutions, universities, as well as non-governmental organizations globally.

Prof Dr Ernst von Schwarz, one of the world’s most published cardiologists, is also also a member of our distinguished faculty group.

Academic Presentation of the Program

Important note: this is not a medical practice program and does not result in students obtaining an MD, DO, MBBS or other credentials associated with the practice of medicine. Either incoming students already have such credentials, or come from nursing, pharmacy or public health and seek to advance to academic teaching and research without the intention to practice clinical and licensed medicine. MD/PhD programs do exist (notably in the United States), but this program is not an MD/PhD program.

Academic, theoretical and research medicine are unique areas of expertise that should not be confused with the traditional-clinical practice of medicine.

Few programs are truly international in scope so as to fully prepare graduates for global civil service or corporate careers that will engage a wide variety of academic and research medicine challenges with a number of elective courses, including vaccine research, drug development, and academic leadership, etc.

To answer this challenge, EUCLID has designed a world-class doctoral curriculum, which is presented here with full documentation of syllabus and faculty resources, as well as total tuition. This documentation will enable potential students to determine if this program is suitable and aligned with their career objectives.

AUDIENCE | INTEREST GROUPS

This unique PhD program focuses on the  practical and policy aspects of academic and research rather than the advancement of purely theoretical knowledge.

This doctoral program was primarily designed to serve civil servants of EUCLID’s Participating States, but it is also open to the general public as an excellent route to pursue a career within inter-governmental bodies, NGOs and the public sector.

Thanks to its low tuition and institutional relationships, it is expected to be of special interest to Global South/African students.

MORE INFORMATION:

• Admissions Checklist
• Scholarship Programs
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• Why choose EUCLID?
• Faculty Profiles
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Requirements

Featured video, program outline.

ELECTIVE COURSES

Note: All courses available in the EUCLID database can be considered elective, after review and approval by your EUCLID counselor. Graduate level degrees may include a certain number of undergraduate electives. Likewise, undergraduate roadmaps may be built using graduate level courses. Again, prospective students are reminded that the final degree roadmap must be reviewed and approved by the Admissions Officer to ensure logical progression of subjects covered and conformity with international standards.

Note: to consult the current and official curriculum/list of courses from the EUCLID CMS database, please visit: EUCLID Available Degree Programs and follow the program link.

Employment Outlook

Why Study @ EUCLID?

EUCLID is the only intergovernmental, treaty-based university with a UN registered charter and recognized expertise in diplomacy. Join the alma mater of ambassadors and senior officials globally.

Note: if the PDF brochure is unavailable (or outdated by 2 years), please contact [email protected]

EUCLID AT WORK: RECENT NEWS AND ARTICLES

EUCLID completes NAQAA institutional accreditation

EUCLID is pleased to announce the completion of its post-HQ...

EUCLID announces MOUs

EUCLID has signed an international cooperation Memorandum of Understanding with...

FACULTY AND ALUMNI NEWS Q1 2022

EUCLID is pleased to report on several faculty updates. Secretary-General...

EUCLID congratulates Collen Kelapile

EUCLID congratulates long-time faculty member and friend Collen Kelapile who...

The appropriate office and officials will reply within 2 business days. If calling a EUCLID office, make sure to call the correct location based on your profile.

The application review process takes 4-6 business days after receipt of documents.

EUCLID (Pôle Universitaire Euclide |Euclid University) A treaty-based organization with international liaison and representative offices in: New York, Washington DC, Montpellier (France)

Headquarters: Bangui, Central African Republic Commonwealth / ECOWAS Headquarters: Banjul, The Gambia

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There has never been a more meaningful time to study public health.

And with the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School Hybrid Campus , accessing our state-of-the-art curriculum and being part of our community has never been easier! 

Become a public health leader from any device, anywhere in the world. Our hybrid campus promises to offer an exciting, engaging experience that will fully prepare you for the public health challenges we are facing now and in the future.

While your lessons will be online, you will learn as if you are on campus: taking classes, attending a noon-time seminar, joining a study group to prepare for a final exam, meeting with your advisor, reaching out to a teaching assistant for extra help, participating in a research project or practice activity, connecting with alumni, accessing our career services, and—perhaps most importantly—getting to know our faculty and your fellow students who will become lifelong colleagues and friends.

Our classroom instruction draws on well-established teaching practices and Bloomberg School technology that maximizes faculty and student engagement while providing the flexibility to meet the demands we are all facing in these unprecedented times.

Together we can make a difference in creating a healthier future—from anywhere in the world!

Learn more about our online student experience

Study online at the #1 school of public health and become one of the health leaders of tomorrow.

Accepting applications until december 1.

Designed for mid-career public health workers who intend to pursue leadership positions.

Requires an MPH or similar degree as well as a minimum of three years of professional, full-time public health experience in the applicant's area of interest.

Learn more about the DrPH 

Our MAS Office programs focus on emergent industry sectors that have a resounding need for highly skilled professionals.

Learn more about the MAS Office programs

Accepting Applications until June 1

A fully online, part-time degree offered by the No. 1 school of public health in the country.

Learn more about the MA in Public Health Biology

Accepting Applications until January 15

This program focuses on economic evaluation and outcomes research methods for healthcare, and can be completed online on a full-time or part-time basis.

Learn more about the Master of Health Science in Health Economics and Outcomes Research

Accepting Applications until June 1

This program provides a foundation in the research methods and content-area knowledge essential to public mental health, and can be completed online on a full-time basis.

Learn more about the Master of Health Science in Mental Health

Designed for working professionals and prepares students for further graduate work or research careers in maternal and child health.

Learn more about the Master of Health Science in PRFH Online

Accepting Applications Year-round

Turn your passion into action. We set the standard for public health on a global scale.

All MPH students have the option to transition from online to in-person (when available) courses. They may also transition between part-time and full-time student status.

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Accepting Applications until October 15 for a January start and June 1 for an August start

This program offers the knowledge and skills in the evolving field of human health and environmental risk assessment, and can be completed online on a part-time basis.

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Online certificate programs offer focused academic training in specific areas of public health, with topics ranging from clinical trials to health finances, spatial analysis to tobacco control.

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The Bloomberg School gives students the flexibility to participate in online training programs—from anywhere in the world. There are a number of centers and institutes that offer online trainings, capacity building programs and workshops for professionals.

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In addition, the Bloomberg School believes that part of our mission as a premier public health institution is to share knowledge freely and openly.

Best Accredited Online Ph.D. Programs 2024

Erin Treder

Contributing Writer

Learn about our editorial process .

Rachel Miller

Updated January 2, 2024

Danika Miller

Contributing Editor

Reviewed by

Lonnie Woods III

Contributing Reviewer

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A Ph.D., or doctor of philosophy, is the highest level of academic degree that you can attain. Consisting primarily of research, a Ph.D. prepares you for a career in academia or research in the field you study.

Students who choose to pursue a Ph.D. online will find it can be completed in less time. Online students also get the added benefit of being able to complete their work from the comfort of home. The overall cost may also be less compared to an in-person program.

We've compiled a list of the best accredited online Ph.D. programs to help you start your search.

Are Online Ph.D. Programs Worth It?

An online Ph.D. program is an ideal choice if you want to balance your career and family responsibilities along with your education.

While there are some preconceived notions that online programs aren't legitimate, as long as the program you choose is accredited, the degree is the same as one earned in person.

While the annual tuition cost to earn a Ph.D. online averages $12,394 for a public institution and $26,621 for a private university, doctoral graduates enjoy a lower unemployment rate and higher weekly salary than those with less education, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)

Did You Know...

• According to the BLS , workers with a doctoral degree earned a median of $651 more per week than workers with a bachelor's degree in 2022.
• Doctorate-holders boast some of the lowest unemployment rates at 1%.
• In 2019, research found that 39.8% of graduate students were enrolled in online learning.
• The number of doctorates awarded between 2020 and 2021 dropped by 5.4%.
• Not all Ph.D.-holders end up working in academia.

Explore Our Featured Online Doctoral Programs

Top schools for online accredited ph.d. programs.

We use trusted sources like Peterson's Data and the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools. AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site. from our partners appear among these rankings and are indicated as such.

Capitol Technology University

• Online + Campus

Cost per Credit: In-State | $950 Out-of-State | $950

Credits to Graduate: 60

Founded in 1927, Capitol Technology University features 40 doctoral programs, which you can complete online. Majors include aeronautical science, artificial intelligence, computer science, cybersecurity, military leadership, occupation risk management, and supply chain management. 

Programs require about 60 credits, but you can choose from a doctoral degree without any research requirements. Coursework focuses on doctoral research, proposal writing, and oral defense. Capitol also offers a dual master's and Ph.D. in technology combination program. 

Admission requirements vary, but generally you need a master's degree in a related major and five years of work experience.

Clemson University

• Clemson, SC

Cost per Credit: In-State | $515-$1,319 Out-of-State | $515-$1,319

Clemson's graduate catalog features 52 doctoral programs with the flexibility to study on campus, online, or in a hybrid format. Fields like digital history, entomology, genetics, or business administration offer on-campus programs for traditional doctoral students. You have the opportunity to study virtually in nine doctoral programs, including nursing, educational leadership, and parks, recreation and tourism management.

To obtain a doctoral degree, candidates must complete approximately 60 credits over a span of 3-5 years and successfully defend their dissertation.

Keiser University

• Fort Lauderdale, FL

Total Cost: In-State | $31,712 Out-of-State | $31,712

Keiser University, which was established in 1977, offers 19 flexible doctoral degrees. You can attend classes on the 100-acre main campus or study at one of 23 satellite campuses. Programs offer evening, online, and daytime courses. Keiser's “student first” policy lets you take 1-2 classes at a time, depending on your availability. It takes about 2-5 years to earn your doctoral degree.

To apply for a doctoral program, you need to submit your master's or doctoral transcripts, a resume, personal statement, and an application with a fee.

Mississippi State University

• Mississippi State, MS

Cost per Credit: In-State | $537 Out-of-State | $1,074-$1,468

Credits to Graduate: 60-65

The public research university MSU, which began admitting students in 1880 as an Agricultural and Mechanical College, now boasts 71 doctoral degrees, including 15 virtual programs. Ph.D. programs include engineering, computer science, agricultural sciences, mathematical sciences, and educational leadership. In addition to coursework, you'll need to complete a dissertation and defense on an independent research topic.

As a doctoral candidate, you can access ample research opportunities. The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station runs 16 stations throughout the state. Applicants need a recommended 3.4 GPA for their master's-level coursework.

Nova Southeastern University

Cost per Credit: In-State | $969-$1,386 Out-of-State | $969-$1,386

Credits to Graduate: 51-64

Nova Southeastern University, the largest private research university in Florida, boasts 14 colleges and 11 campuses. NSU offers 37 doctoral programs, with 19 of them available online. Earn a doctoral degree online in subjects such as criminal justice, computer science, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech-language pathology. 

Departments such as the NSU Fischler College of Education and the School of Criminal Justice offer dissertation resources, including templates and mentor support. Each program sets distinct admission requirements, but you generally need a master's degree and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Old Dominion University

• Norfolk, VA

Cost per Credit: In-State | $599 Out-of-State | $1,439

Credits to Graduate: 31-60 

Old Dominion University offers 10 online doctoral programs through its seven colleges and three schools. The program covers a range of subjects such as nursing, community college leadership, educational leadership, engineering management, English, instruction design and technology, and workforce and organizational development. 

Admission requirements vary across programs. For instance, the Ph.D. in business administration requires GMAT or GRE scores, while the Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction asks applicants to submit master's transcripts, an essay, and three references.

Saybrook University

• Pasadena, CA

Cost per Credit: In-State | $1,416-$1,590 Out-of-State | $1,416-$1,590

Credits to Graduate: 54-76

Offering hybrid online degrees since 1970, Saybrook University now delivers 11 online doctoral degrees. You can earn a doctoral degree completely online or in a hybrid format with a low-residency option.

Doctoral students can pursue studies in counseling, integrative social work, organizational systems, mind-body medicine, integrative and functional nutrition, psychology, and wellness. To get admitted, you need at least a master's degree. And you complete up to 76 credits over about 4-5 years.

Texas Tech University

• Lubbock, TX

Cost per Semester: In-State | $2,107-$6,877 Out-of-State | $2,107-$6,877

Credits to Graduate: 60-96

Created in 1923, Texas Tech's 13 colleges and schools offer 98 doctoral degrees. Texas Tech offers doctoral degrees in agricultural and applied economics, animal science, computer science, curriculum and instruction, and special education. 

Many of the doctoral programs, such as the Ph.D. in psychology and Ph.D. in wind science and engineering, offer STEM OPT Extension eligibility to extend your F-1 visa for up to two years. Programs require about 60 credits on average and a dissertation. Depending on the program, you may need to submit GRE scores to apply.

How We Rank Schools

Accredited Schools Online uses a custom ranking system to evaluate schools on their quality, affordability, and reputation.

We rank schools using factors like graduation rate, admission rate, tuition costs, financial aid, and program offerings. All our ranked schools hold institutional accreditation .

For this page, we created a directory of online accredited Ph.D. programs that meet our criteria. The list is organized alphabetically rather than ranked.

Learn more about how we create school rankings on our methodology page .

Does Accreditation Matter for Online Ph.D. Programs?

A college is accredited after being recognized by an independent institution that verifies the school's courses and programs meet set quality standards.

The school you choose must be accredited in order for your Ph.D. to be recognized by employers , earn professional licensures, and qualify you for federal financial aid.

Legitimate accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

How Much Does an Online Ph.D. Cost?

In general, you can expect to pay around $13,000-$30,000 per year in tuition and fees for your online Ph.D.

Several factors affect how much your Ph.D. program will cost, including:

• Whether the program is fully funded
• Whether your school is public or private
• Whether you're an in-state or out-of-state student
• How long your program lasts (most Ph.D. programs take 5-7 years to complete)
• How much financial aid you get

While many in-person and online doctoral programs in the U.S. are fully funded, these tend to be highly competitive.

One way to save money on your online Ph.D. is to attend a program that offers in-state tuition to residents. Make sure you submit the FAFSA each year so you can secure federal financial aid .

You may also need to budget for occasional travel to and from campus and research sites, especially as you work on your dissertation.

What's the Difference Between a Ph.D. and a Doctorate?

While a Ph.D. and a doctoral degree, or doctorate, both signify the same level of education completed, their uses are different.

Doctorate is the broader term — a Ph.D. is a type of doctorate. Specifically, a Ph.D. is an academic degree that prepares you for a career in research or teaching in your field of study (such as science, English, or economics).

Besides a Ph.D., other types of doctorates include a doctor of medicine (MD), a doctor of education (Ed.D.), and a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). These degrees are typically used in either an academic or professional setting.

Online Ph.D. Programs That Don't Require a Dissertation

A dissertation is a final written project culminating in a student's original research at the end of their Ph.D. program. A dissertation is typically presented and defended by its author. It's typically required for degrees with an academic or research focus.

Not all Ph.D. programs require a dissertation. For example, some Ph.D. programs in humanities, education, business administration, and criminal justice require simple or no dissertations for a quicker completion time .

What Jobs Can You Get After Earning an Online Ph.D.?

Once you finish your online doctoral program, you can explore a variety of career paths both within and outside academia.

Many Ph.D. graduates, especially those who studied the humanities, go on to become professors. Other popular roles include administrator, scientist, and psychologist.

Graduates of online Ph.D. programs earn a relatively high average base salary of $105,000 a year, according to Payscale .

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs

• Collapse All

What is the quickest Ph.D. to get?

The quickest Ph.D. to earn are those that award professional degrees and don't require extensive research projects or dissertations at completion. These Ph.D. programs can include accounting, business, education, and media.

To finish your degree faster, you can also look for accelerated programs that quicken the pace of a program and shorten the time it takes to complete.

Are online doctoral programs legit?

If the online doctoral program is accredited, it is legitimate. Accreditation ensures that the program meets the rigorous educational standards of other comparative doctoral programs.

With accreditation, employers and other institutions of higher learning will recognize your degree. As more universities turn toward online programs to serve a more diverse student population, there are a growing number of legitimate, accredited online Ph.D. programs.

How long are online Ph.D. programs?

Online Ph.D. programs, like any other doctoral program, can vary in length but typically take 5-7 years to complete. A doctoral degree balances coursework with research. Usually, students must meet a certain number of course requirements before they can start original research.

While coursework may take only a year or two, writing a dissertation that meets the program requirements varies from candidate to candidate.

Can I earn my Ph.D. entirely online?

Yes, many accredited colleges and universities offer 100% online Ph.D. programs. That said, some programs may require on-campus experiences, such as library research and a dissertation defense.

What do employers think of online doctoral programs?

It takes a high level of discipline and persistence to obtain a graduate degree, no matter the context. Most employers will recognize and value the hard work it takes to get a Ph.D., whether you completed your doctorate online or in person.

Make sure you research potential programs. If you're attending an accredited, well-regarded school, employers will value your online Ph.D. just as much as a traditional one.

Note: The insights on this page — excluding school descriptions — were reviewed by an independent third party compensated for their time by Accredited Schools Online. Page last reviewed November 20, 2023.

Popular Resources

Whether you’re looking to earn your online degree or you’re a parent looking for answers, you can find all of your questions covered here. Explore these resources to help you make informed decisions and prepare for whatever is thrown your way.

Shape your future with an online degree

Connect with a community of peers, and find a program that will allow you to continue your education in a fast and flexible way.

Academic Degrees , Health Science News

10 Online PhDs in Health Sciences

Updated: December 8, 2023

Published: July 16, 2019

It’s fair to say that the field of Health Science has been around for as long as humans have needed to cope with disease. The discipline deals with the improvement of human and animal health, and those working in the field can do so with an undergraduate degree or a PhD in Health Sciences.

Professionals in the field can be divided into two broad categories: those who perform research and those who work as clinicians applying their knowledge to advance healthcare, cure illnesses, and gain better insight into how humans and animals function.

What is a PhD in Health Sciences?

A PhD in Health Sciences is a post-professional degree that typically takes 4-6 years to complete. A Doctorate (PhD) in Health Sciences can help you reach your ultimate goals whether that is in the classroom as an educator or the boardroom as a manager, as a practitioner or a researcher. A PhD in Health Sciences allows professionals in the field of healthcare to specialize in a relevant line of work.

Source: Unsplash

Why study online.

To earn your PhD in Health Sciences, you can choose the traditional route of attending an on-campus college, or instead, attend an online university. The benefits of attending an online university are vast. They include:

1. Savings:

It’s no secret that university is expensive, costs add up quickly and there’s a reason that many students take out loans. Studying online proves to be more affordable than traditional universities. After tuition and associated fees, online programs almost always cost less than on-campus institutions, and course materials like textbooks are generally offered online at no extra cost. Additionally, most students will save on housing and/or transportation costs incurred by attending a traditional college. There are many quality programs available, and if you’re looking to save money, online university is a perfect solution.

2. Flexibility:

When taking classes at a traditional college, students must show up at designated times and sit through rather lengthy lectures before running to their next class. And yet, if they somehow manage to space out those classes and have time for a short break, they likely still have to remain on campus. It can make for really long, tiring days. By studying online, students can balance their outside commitments with their education and be more flexible about getting work done in case of a family matter or a meeting at work. You get to choose your own learning time and environment.

3. Accessibility:

If you live in a cold weather city, you know the frustration of dealing with a storm and the danger of navigating on snowy roads to get to class. Even if you don’t live where it snows, there are many factors that can make it difficult to commute for every class. Online courses make attending class as easy as turning on your computer or tablet from the comfort of your home or a café down the block. Usually, your options for university are naturally limited by your location. If you live in California, or abroad for that matter, it can be difficult and costly to attend school in Boston. But location is irrelevant with online courses. If you live in Puerto Rico and want to take classes in Michigan, you can! All you need is your computer. Accessibility is a major, and often undervalued, benefit of online classes.

Best Online Options

For those interested in pursuing their PhD in Health Sciences online, many quality programs exist. Here’s a look at some of the best ones.

1. MCPHS University

• Online Doctor of Health Sciences (DHS): Healthcare Administration

Rather than annual residencies, MCPHS only asks students to visit campus three times during their complete length of study: orientation and two more times to work on your dissertations. MCPHS’s accredited online PhD in healthcare administration is geared towards an Academic Health Sciences concentration, so the core curriculum focuses primarily on theory and research.

Tuition: $20,550/yr

2. Liberty University

• Lynchburg, VA
• Online Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) – Healthcare Management

This program’s core curriculum places a strong emphasis in business. If you’re interested in this facet of healthcare, Liberty University teaches students forecasting and modeling, supply chain management, executive coaching, and human resource management.

Tuition: $8,000/yr

3. University of South Florida

• Online Doctor of Public Health: Health Policy and Administration

The University of South Florida’s Doctor of Public Health program offers courses emphasizing practice-based schooling over theory and research, making it ideal for professionals who want to work full-time while pursuing a leadership role at a non-profit healthcare organization.

Tuition: $15,776/yr

4. A.T. Still University

• Kirksville, MO
• Online Doctor of Health Administration

A.T. Still University is the only institution ranked on this list that specializes in osteopathic medicine. Although osteopathic medicine is a notably specialized field, A.T. still offers a range of related health programs, including a PhD in Healthcare Administration.

Tuition: $31,493/yr

5. Medical University of South Carolina

• Charleston, SC
• Online DHA Executive Program

MUSC’s Doctor of Healthcare Administration is one of the most complete programs, allowing students to choose from three tracks: Executive, Interprofessional Studies and Leadership, and Information Systems and Leadership.

Tuition: $21,183/yr

6. Central Michigan University

• Mount Pleasant, MI

CMU is the only university ranked that uses a collaborative-based system, encouraging students from a wide range of backgrounds to network and develop their skills.

Tuition: $14,685/yr

7. Colorado Technical University

• Colorado Springs, CO
• Online Doctor of Management – Healthcare Management and Leadership

The Colorado Technical University’s core curriculum balances both business and theoretical research material. CTU provides a unique opportunity for students who have yet to complete a master’s degree by completing an MBA or MSM while simultaneously working on their PhD.

Tuition: $13,356/yr

8. Franklin University

• Columbus, OH
• Online Doctor of Healthcare Administration

Franklin University has earned a spot on the podium for implementing their “no fear” program to help guide students through the intense dissertation process. Students will leverage strong peer and faculty mentoring and need not worry about the stress of undertaking this degree.

Tuition: $15,240/yr

9. University of Mississippi Medical Center

• University, MS

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s online PhD program is one the most comprehensive curricula, offering the widest range of courses tailored to health and management. UMMC’s degree is ideal for professionals designed for part-time students and consequently has few in-person obligations.

Tuition: $14,059/yr

10. Arizona State University

• Online Doctor of Behavioral Health with a Concentration in Management

ASU’s program is really a specialized Doctor of Behavioral Health degree with a concentration in management. However, the degree is extensive enough to be applicable in a wide range of healthcare fields. ASU encourages students to also consider courses from two of its other programs: Science of Healthcare Delivery and Healthcare Innovation.

Tuition: $17,289/yr

What You Will Study

Health Sciences is a general term that includes all the applied fields involved in the delivery and development of healthcare. This means that there are various tracks available to students. For instance, the Doctor in Health Administration, or DHA, degree is ideal for those who want to advance their careers in research or policy. On the other hand, the PhD in healthcare administration is more attractive for professionals interested in capitalizing on opportunities for leadership in corporate roles.

Skills You Will Acquire

When earning a PhD, you will glean knowledge that will be useful both within the profession as well as in life generally.

Here are 10 of the most valuable transferable skills acquired by those with a PhD degree: managing your own project; performing competitive analysis; collaborating with your peers; dealing with conflict; leading a team; training, teaching & mentoring; writing and verbal communication; problem solving; understanding the big picture, and ultimately, learning how to improve health.

How Long Will It Take?

Nobody arrives at the decision to pursue a PhD easily. Ultimately, embarking on a PhD program can take many years to earn, but it will help advance one’s career in a specific field.

However, if you know where to look, accelerated PhD tracks do exist from accredited universities. Even if the right degree for you is not listed above, this list is a great starting point for professionals looking to take their careers to the next level in less time, on a budget and with a more flexible schedule.

Two-thirds of the programs ranked and available to students will cost less than $20,000 annually.

Career Options & Salary

A Doctorate in Health Sciences opens doors for teaching and leadership positions in the healthcare field. With such an advanced degree, one can build a career in several high-level health-related professions.

Graduates will enter one of three categories: Health Specialties Educator (~$91k median salary); Clinical Researcher (~$83k median salary); Medical and Health Service Manager (~$95k median salary)

How to Get Started in Health Science

If you know that Health Sciences is the right path for you, then you can get started by earning your Associate’s and Bachelor’s degree in the Health Science – Community and Public Health Track at the University of the People . The tuition-free and fully online program is designed to prepare students for the complex and evolving healthcare landscape.

For example, our Bachelor of Science in Health Science is an online, 39-course degree program, providing a comprehensive understanding of industry health principles and standards. Full time students can complete the program in four years.

Wrapping Up

The road to earning your PhD in Health Science may be paved with challenges, but once you have the degree in your hands, you will broaden your horizons to be able to lead teams, teach others and hold high-level positions in a field that does so much to better support humanity and overall health and wellbeing.

Related Articles

Online PhD in Academic Medicine

@ EUCLID | An Intergovernmental University An affordable, fully online PhD in academic medicine (in full: (Academic and Research Medicine) offered by EUCLID, an intergovernmental mandate and proven track-record of training world-class civil servants, diplomats, professors, and experts. Breadcrumbs: Home (Direct Links) | DARM Landing Page Mobile-friendly equivalent: available at  https://m.euclid.int/programs/online-phd-academic-research-medicine/  (this page is mobile-friendly)  EUCLID Programs page with program code: https://www.euclid.int/degreecourses.asp?DegreeIndex=102

EUCLID, an intergovernmental treaty-based institution with a university mandate, offers to select students from the general public an online PhD in academic medicine with a focus on clinical research and academic (faculty) careers. Its vision is to bring to a wider and Global South audience the world-class best practices taught and experienced at our two institutions of reference: Stanford and Cedars-Sinai . It is, to date, the only PhD program in this field offered by an international intergovernmental organization. Its purpose is to prepare highly qualified academic and research medicine professionals able to serve in civil service, international organizations, health care institutions, universities, as well as non-governmental organizations globally.

A rare PhD in Academic Medicine Speciality

Academic medicine PhD holders are post-graduate graduates with a proven ability to lead teaching and research in academic and research institutions. This affordable and fully online PhD program aims to prepare medical and pharmaceutical graduates (MD, DO, MBBS, MPharm, MSN, some MPH, Mbiochemistry) for cutting edge research and teaching careers at the world's leading institutions.

Become a Recognized  Expert

EUCLID provides comprehensive training cover both the academic as well as professional aspects of a doctoral-level program, including: academic writing (including journal publications), grant-writing, personal and professional communications technologies, resume building (LinkedIn, portfolios), etc.

Academic Presentation

EUCLID's online Ph.D. in Academic Medicine (Academic and Research Medicine)  represents 90 US credits (120 ECTS) of coursework beyond the Bachelor's. In practice, students may enter the program with a relevant MD, DO, MSN, MBBS or other aligned Master's degree, complete 30 to 35 US credits of core doctoral courses, followed by the actual writing of the dissertation in 5 phases. The resulting thesis should be a publishable book offering a clear contribution to the field and establishing the author as a subject-matter expert.

Focus & Specializations

Among the suggested areas of focus are: - Academic publishing - Academic careers and leadership - Teaching in academic settings - Medical research - Grant writing - IGOs and non-governmental organizations - Pharmaceutical careers.

Admissions + Program Brochure

For more information on a specific point, please contact the admissions office. applicants should have a relevant master’s degree or its international equivalent (see above), awarded by a recognized institution (usually listed in the unesco-iau whed system or handbook). fluency in english (spoken and written) is required and will be tested.  students are expected to be in position to dedicate 10 to 15 effective hours of study on a weekly basis..

• Credits: About 55
• Duration: 3 years

Entire Program

With scholarship.

• IGO staff; ECOWAS residents

@ EUCLID: An Extraordinary Network of Memberships and Participations

United Nations

EUCLID's founding treaty is registered and sealed in the United Nations Treaty Series (multilateral 49006/7)

The EUCLID Secretary General is a full member of the International Association of University Presidents

Member (SG)

EUCLID is a formal party to the IACA Agreement (treaty) along with more than 80 UN Member States

EUCLID is an associate member of the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education

EUCLID is a member of the Academic Council on the United Nations System

EUCLID is a member of the United Nations Academic Impact initiative

EUCLID is a member of the Association of African Universities

EUCLID is a member of the Association of Universities of Asia and the Pacific

Program Curriculum (select / core modules):

More information.

Faculty Profiles | Link

Meet EUCLID's dedicated faculty members including active diplomats and active or retired senior government officials.

Alumni Profiles | Link

EUCLID alumni constitute a high-level global network active at the United Nations and many national governments. 

Institutional Brochure | Link

Access both EUCLID's institution brochure and annual reports as well as this program's dedicated programmatic presentation in PDF format.

Institutional Recognition | Link

As an intergovernmental, treaty-backed public institution, EUCLID stands out in a crowded field of for-profit or purely national institutions of higher learning.

EARN OFFICIAL, VERIFIABLE CERTIFICATES

“Having certificates that accurately document how you have evolved over time, I feel, will be invaluable over the course of a career” — Prof. R. A. Lue, Harvard University  Get recognized for your knowledge when you earn course (module) completion certificates from EUCLID (Euclid University), and use it to demonstrate your determination and competency to become a specialized expert in the field of energy studies. All complete courses are elegible for certificate issuance, with additional fees for Accredible issuance. Disclaimer: The visual representation of the certificate here serves as an exemplar, and may be subject to change at the discretion of the University.

'EUCLID: Providing university-level training for staff of the world's foremost institutions'

Current and past students/alumni are employed by the world's foremost institutions, including:.

The world's foremost intergovernmental organization: www.un.org

US Government

Students working for US Federal Agencies including the State Dpt: www.state.gov

European Investment Bank

A major multilateral financial institutions: www.eib.org

Swiss Armed Forces

Swiss excellence, at its pinnacle international peace-keeping: www.ch.ch

The UN specialized agency serving children's needs globally: www.unicef.org

The UN specialized agency based in Geneva, serving and monitoring global health: www.who.int

Catholic Church

One of the world's oldest and most influence institutions: www.vatican.va

A major regional block for economic and political integration: www.ecowas.int

EUCLID Climat and Energy Studies Center | Liaison Office 450 Rue Baden Powell 34000 Montpellier FRANCE

Email: [email protected]     Phone: +33 (0) 4 67 69 74 13   Offices: Montpellier FR, Bangui CF, Banjul GM, Washington US

EUCLID (.int) Informations Légales Nous contacter

© 2008-2022: EUCLID (Pôle Universitaire Euclide / Euclid University) and IOSD (International Organization for Sustainable Development) - Tous droits réservés - All Rights Reserved

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Ph.D. in Microbiology

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The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is the highest degree offered by the Microbiology Graduate Program (MGP). The goal of our doctoral program is to provide students with the foundation necessary to pursue a career in a university, industry or research institute setting.

Students in our doctoral program are trained to recognize significant biological problems, design experimental approaches for solving these problems and communicate their results to the scientific community and the public.

Join the Pack

Review Our Admission Requirements and Apply Now! 

The requirements listed below are the minimum requirements to be met by all students in our Ph.D. program. A student’s advisory committee may recommend additional requirements as deemed appropriate, based on a student’s background and research plans.

Curriculum and Courses

The Microbiology Graduate Programs at NC State are interdisciplinary. Our Ph.D. students take many courses taught by MGP faculty, as well as elective courses offered in numerous disciplines and departments across campus, including Biochemistry , Biotechnology , Animal Science , Food Science and Genetics . Our Ph.D. curriculum allows for flexibility Doctoral students will have completed at least 72 credits by the end of their fourth year in the program.

All microbiology graduate students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. The Graduate Student Support Plan (GSSP; tuition and health benefits) also requires continuous enrollment, meaning all graduate students must enroll for a minimum of nine credits in each Fall and Spring semester to qualify. After the first year, most of these are Research credits.

Required Course Credits for a Ph.D. in Microbiology

Required courses.

As listed above, students are required to register for the following:

MB 500s-700s – Microbiology Courses

Students are required to take 12 graduate-level, letter-graded microbiology (MB) credits. Courses are 3 credits each.

MGP students are able to take courses that focus on the various specialized disciplines of microbiology, including bacterial physiology, environmental microbiology, immunology, molecular genetics and virology. Prior experience can impact which courses a student can enroll in.

Prerequisites in biochemistry are required for many of these courses, so we recommend that all microbiology graduate students have the equivalent of introductory biochemistry ( BCH 553 ) at NC State early in the curriculum.

An example of courses that fit into two of many different microbiology “tracks” or concentrations:

Mb 870 – laboratory research rotations.

Doctoral students supported by a teaching or research assistantship are required to participate in a minimum of two research rotations , allowing them to experience the types of research performed in MGP faculty member’s laboratories and choose a research area of high interest to them. An additional rotation is possible, with approval from the Director of Graduate Programs (DGP) and the respective faculty.

Research rotations take place each year from July through the end of the Fall semester. Students earn 1 credit (MB 870) for both laboratory rotations, and their performance is formally evaluated by the principal investigator of the laboratory. Students must also provide a written or oral report about their rotation experience. Following their last research rotation, students may choose a laboratory for their dissertation research.

Although doctoral students supported by a stipend funded from a faculty grant or other source are not required to participate in the research rotations, they may choose to do so with approval from the principal investigators. We encourage all students to review MGP  faculty pages and meet with faculty before deciding upon a specific lab for their rotation.

MB 886 – Teaching Experience

A minimum teaching responsibility is part of the requirements for a Ph.D. degree in Microbiology from NC State. Students must serve as a laboratory teaching assistant for at least one semester in an NCSU on-campus course. Prior teaching experience in an M.S. program will be considered to fulfill this requirement. One credit of MB 886 is provided for each semester the student teaches.

The teaching requirement should be fulfilled at the earliest possible time in the graduate program. Example courses approved for fulfilling the teaching requirement are: MB 352, MB 412, MB 452 and BIO 181. Specific tools for enhancing teaching effectiveness are provided for teaching assistants, including workshops and constructive evaluation by the instructor and the students.

MB 801 – Seminar in Microbiology

The MGP requires all graduate students to attend Microbiology seminars throughout their degree program. All Ph.D. students must register for at least two semesters (two credits) of seminar.

MB 893/895 – Microbiology Research

MB 893 and MB 895 provide credit for research students perform in our Ph.D. program.  Students register for MB 893 prior to passing their Preliminary Exam , after which they may sign-up for a variable number of MB 895 credits each semester. A minimum of six credits is required for the Ph.D. degree. However, this is a research-intensive degree, so many credits will end up being for research (MB 895 Microbiology Research).

Other Professional Development

All our graduate students are required to attend either the Microbiology course in Professional Development and Responsible Conduct of Research, or a similar module offered in related programs (BIT, GN, etc.). One credit hour is required.

Elective Graduate Courses

Doctoral students can choose to take other courses offered by departments and programs throughout NC State (Biochemistry, Genetics, Statistics, etc.). Selection of elective courses is done by the student, in consultation with and approval by the advisory committee. Letter graded or satisfactory/unsatisfactory course formats can be used.

Below are examples of elective courses available. The graduate catalog  should be consulted for the current comprehensive listing.

• BAE 525 – Industrial Microbiology & Bioprocessing
• BCH 553 – Biochemistry of Gene Expression
• BCH 701 – Macromolecular Structure
• BCH 703 – Macromolecular Synthesis and Regulation
• BCH 705 – Molecular Biology of the Cell
• BIT 510 – Core Technologies in Biotechnology
• BIT 595X  – Advanced Modules in Biotechnology
• GN 513 – Advanced Genetics
• GN 701 – Molecular Genetics
• GN 735 – Functional Genomics
• GN 850  – Professionalism and Ethics
• MB(PP) 730  – Fungal Genetics and Physiology
• MB 610  – Special Topics in Microbiology
• MB 620  – Special Problems
• MB 801  – Seminar in Microbiology
• MB 705  – Biological Scanning Electron Microscopy
• MB(IMM) 783 – Advanced Immunology
• MB 790I  – Practical Digital Imaging

Advisory Committees

Doctoral students are required to select a dissertation advisor before the end of their second semester (until then, the Director of Graduate Programs (DGP) serves as a temporary advisor). By the end of their first year, each student must also have selected a graduate advisory committee with the help of their dissertation advisor. Advisory committee’s will consist of a student’s dissertation advisor, at least two additional faculty members from the MGP and one faculty member who holds a graduate faculty appointment in another program.

All required committee members must hold appointments within the Graduate School at NC State. Students may select scientists who are not members of the Graduate School faculty (e.g., adjunct faculty, industry scientists) for their committee, but it is in addition to the required members. Graduate advisory committees must meet no less than once a year.

Graduate Plan of Work (PoW)

A Graduate Plan of Work (PoW) will include all courses, a tentative dissertation title and an anticipated timetable for taking each course. Students and their dissertation advisors will informally outline the PoW as soon as possible. The plan will be submitted for approval to and/or amendment by the student’s advisory committee. Then the PoW will be formally submitted to the graduate school by the end of the student’s third semester at NC State.

Visit the Graduate School website for more information about the graduate PoW .

Annual Research Progress Reports

The MGP will facilitate scheduling an annual meeting of the student’s advisory committee, at which the student will make an oral presentation and submit a written report on their laboratory research. A Graduate Student Progress Evaluation Form will be completed by the advisory committee. A satisfactory evaluation will be necessary for the student to receive assistantship support and/or be able to register for the next semester.

Dissertation and Defense

All Ph.D. students must write a dissertation on their research and this must conform to the regulations laid down in the NCSU “Thesis and Dissertation Guide.” The content and structure of the dissertation must be approved by the advisory committee, and all degree candidates are expected to prepare their research results for publication prior to completing their program. Doctoral candidates who have completed their research and other degree requirements (72 credit hours) may enroll in MB 899 (Dissertation Preparation) while they are writing their dissertation. All Ph.D. candidates must also present a seminar hosted by the MGP prior to defending their dissertation. Subject to the satisfactory defense of the Ph.D. dissertation, the advisory committee will approve it for transmittal to the Graduate School.

Course Catalog

Explore our course offerings and microbiology course descriptions 

Review our admission requirements and apply now! 

Discover some of the helpful resources available to MGP students 

Fill out our interest form and we will be in touch! 

Clinical Psychology

Mission statement.

Our mission is to advance knowledge that promotes psychological well-being and reduces the burden of mental illness and problems in living and to develop leading clinical scientists whose skills and knowledge will have a substantial impact on the field of psychology and the lives of those in need. Our faculty and graduate students promote critical thinking, innovation, and discovery, and strive to be leaders in their field, engaging in and influencing research, practice, policy, and education. Our pursuit of these goals is guided by the values of collaboration, mutual respect, and fairness, our commitment to diversity, and the highest ethical standards.

Information about the Clinical Psychology Graduate Major

UCLA’s Clinical Psychology program is one of the largest, most selective, and most highly regarded in the country and aims to produce future faculty, researchers, and leaders in clinical science, who influence research, policy development, and practice. Clinical science is a field of psychology that strives to generate and disseminate the best possible knowledge, whether basic or applied, to reduce suffering and to advance public health and wellness. Rather than viewing research and intervention as separable, clinical science construes these activities as part of a single, broad domain of expertise and action. Students in the program are immersed in an empirical, research-based approach to clinical training. This, in turn, informs their research endeavors with a strong understanding of associated psychological phenomena. The UCLA Clinical Science Training Programs employs rigorous methods and theories from multiple perspectives, in the context of human diversity. Our goal is to develop the next generation of clinical scientists who will advance and share knowledge related to the origins, development, assessment, treatment, and prevention of mental health problems.

Admissions decisions are based on applicants’ research interests and experiences, formal coursework in psychology and associated fields, academic performance, letters of recommendation, dedication to and suitability for a career as a clinical scientist, program fit, and contributions to an intellectually rich, diverse class. Once admitted, students engage with faculty in research activities addressing critical issues that impact psychological well-being and the burden of mental illness, using a wide range of approaches and at varying levels of analysis. Their integrated training is facilitated by on-campus resources including the departmental Psychology Clinic, the Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, and the David Geffen School of Medicine.

Our program philosophy is embodied in, and our goals are achieved through, a series of training activities that prepare students for increasingly complex, demanding, and independent roles as clinical scientists. These training activities expose students to the reciprocal relationship between scientific research and provision of clinical services, and to various systems and methods of intervention, assessment, and other clinical services with demographically and clinically diverse populations. The curriculum is designed to produce scientifically-minded scholars who are well-trained in research and practice, who use data to develop and refine the knowledge base in their field, and who bring a reasoned empirical perspective to positions of leadership in research and service delivery.

The program’s individualized supervision of each student in integrated research and practice roles provides considerable flexibility. Within the parameters set by faculty interests and practicum resources, there are specializations in child psychopathology and treatment, cognitive-behavior therapy, clinical assessment, adult psychopathology and treatment, family processes, assessment and intervention with distressed couples, community psychology, stress and coping, cognitive and affective neuroscience, minority mental health, and health psychology and behavioral medicine. The faculty and other research resources of the Department make possible an intensive concentration in particular areas of clinical psychology, while at the same time ensuring breadth of training.

Clinical psychology at UCLA is a six-year program including a full-time one-year internship, at least four years of which must be completed in residence at UCLA. The curriculum in clinical psychology is based on a twelve-month academic year. The program includes a mixture of coursework, clinical practicum training, teaching, and continuous involvement in research. Many of the twenty clinical area faculty, along with numerous clinical psychologists from other campus departments, community clinics, and hospitals settings, contribute to clinical supervision.  Clinical training experiences typically include four and a half years of part-time practicum placements in the Psychology Clinic and local agencies. The required one-year full-time internship is undertaken after the student has passed the clinical qualifying examinations and the dissertation preliminary orals. The student receives the Ph.D. degree when both the dissertation and an approved internship are completed.

Accreditation

PCSAS – Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System

The Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at UCLA was accredited in 2012 by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). PCSAS was created to promote science-centered education and training in clinical psychology, to increase the quality and quantity of clinical scientists contributing to the advancement of public health, and to enhance the scientific knowledge base for mental and behavioral health care. The UCLA program is deeply committed to these goals and proud to be a member of the PCSAS Founder’s Circle and one of the group of programs accredited by PCSAS.  (Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, 1800 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036-1218. Telephone: 301-455-8046). Website:  https://www.pcsas.org

APA CoA – American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation

The Graduate Program in Clinical Psychology at UCLA has been accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation since 1949. (Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, American Psychological Association, 750 First Street NE. Washington, DC 20002-4242. Telephone:  202-336-5979 .) Website:  http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation/

Future Accreditation Plans:  

Against the backdrop of distressing evidence that mental health problems are increasingly prevalent and burdensome, the field of psychological clinical science must think innovatively to address the unmet mental health needs of vulnerable populations. UCLA’s clinical psychology program remains committed to training clinical psychological scientists who will become leaders in research, dissemination, and implementation of knowledge, policy development, and evidence-based clinical practice. This commitment is firmly rooted in our overall mission of promoting equity and inclusion, adhering to ethical standards, and developing collaborations in all aspects of clinical psychology.

Increasingly, we believe that significant aspects of the academic and clinical-service requirements of accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) obstruct our training mission. Too often, APA requirements limit our ability to flexibly adapt our program to evolving scientific evidence, student needs, and global trends in mental health. Like many other top clinical science doctoral programs, we see our longstanding accreditation by the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS) as better aligned with our core values, including advancement of scientifically-based training.

Accordingly, we are unlikely to seek renewal of our program’s accreditation by APA, which is set to expire in 2028. The ultimate decision about re-accreditation will be made with the best interests and well-being of current and future students in our program in mind. To that end, we will continue to monitor important criteria that will determine the career prospects of students completing a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from programs accredited only by PCSAS. For example, we are working to understand the potential implications for securing excellent predoctoral internships and eligibility for professional licensure across jurisdictions in North America. Although the UCLA clinical psychology program has no direct influence over these external organizations, we are excited to continue to work to shape this evolving training landscape with the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science (APCS) and leaders from other clinical science programs.

Our ongoing monitoring of trends in clinical psychology training is encouraging for PCSAS-accredited programs. However, evolving circumstances could result in our program changing its opinion with respect to seeking APA re-accreditation in the future. In the spirit of transparency and empowering potential applicants to make informed choices for their own professional development, we are pleased to share our thinking on these important issues.

Notice to Students re: Professional Licensure and Certification

University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.

The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).

NOTE:  Although the UCLA Clinical Psychology Program is not designed to ensure license eligibility, the majority of our graduates do go on to become professionally licensed.  For more information, please see  https://www.ucop.edu/institutional-research-academic-planning/content-analysis/academic-planning/licensure-and-certification-disclosures.html .

Clinical Program Policy on Diversity-Related Training 

In light of our guiding values of collaboration, respect, and fairness, this statement is to inform prospective and current trainees, faculty, and supervisors, as well as the public, that our trainees are required to (a) attain an understanding of cultural and individual diversity as related to both the science and practice of psychology and (b) provide competent and ethical services to diverse individuals.  Our primary consideration is always the welfare of the client.  Should such a conflict arise in which the trainee’s beliefs, values, worldview, or culture limits their ability to meet this requirement, as determined by either the student or the supervisor, it should be reported to the Clinic and Placements Committee, either directly or through a supervisor or clinical area faculty member.  The Committee will take a developmental view, such that if the competency to deliver services cannot be sufficiently developed in time to protect and serve a potentially impacted client, the committee will (a) consider a reassignment of the client so as to protect the client’s immediate interests, and (b) request from the student a plan to reach the above-stated competencies, to be developed and implemented in consultation with both the trainee’s supervisor and the Clinic Director.  There should be no reasonable expectation of a trainee being exempted from having clients with any particular background or characteristics assigned to them for the duration of their training.

Clinical Program Grievance Policies & Procedures

Unfortunately, conflicts between students and faculty or with other students will occur, and the following policies and procedures are provided in an effort to achieve the best solution. The first step in addressing these conflicts is for the student to consult with their academic advisor. If this option is not feasible (e.g. the conflict is with the advisor) or the conflict is not resolved to their satisfaction, then the issue should be brought to the attention of the Director of Clinical Training. If in the unlikely event that an effective solution is not achieved at this level, then the student has the option of consulting with the Department’s Vice Chair for Graduate Studies. Students also have the option of seeking assistance from the campus Office of Ombuds Services and the Office of the Dean of Students. It is expected that all such conflicts are to be addressed first within the program, then within the Department, before seeking a resolution outside of the department.

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Top 20 Best PhD Programs in California [Online and On-Campus] 2024

Is a PhD worth it? There’s no doubt that completing a doctorate involves a huge amount of time, effort, and dedication. Even more so than a demanding master’s like an MBA . However, with competition in the job market only increasing, many ambitious professionals will find this qualification invaluable for advancing their careers. For certain positions in various sectors like research and academia, a PhD is essential.

There are countless options for California students looking to pursue a doctorate , even with PhD distance learning. Here are the best PhD programs in California, both on-campus and online!

Below is a list of the best Ph.D programs in California. The list includes both on-campus and online program options.

Table of Contents

Best On-Campus Doctorate Programs in California

The university of southern california, rossier school of education.

Doctor of Philosophy in Urban Education Policy

Acceptance rate: 16%

The University of Southern California is a private research university in Los Angeles founded in 1880. Its doctorate in urban education policy centers on research that promotes excellence in education. Students are fully funded  for four years of study through teaching and research assistantships.

University of California Los Angeles

Molecular Biology Interdepartmental Doctoral Program (MBIDP)

Acceptance rate: 14.3%

UCLA is a public land-grant research university that was established in 1919 and has an acceptance rate of 14.3%. UCLA’s MBIDP program is designed to transform students into scientific leaders in molecular biology. Tuition is fully supported  for all five years of the program through various financial aid  options.

California State University Long Beach, Kaiser Permanente School of Anesthesia

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) – Nurse Anesthesia

Acceptance rate: 42.1%

CSULB is the second-largest of the California State University (CSU) system of 23 colleges. Its DNP equips students with advanced knowledge that is relevant to clinical settings. The program runs for at least two years, with the post-baccalaureate option taking three years. The tuition  is $7,635 per semester with financial aid  available as grants, scholarships, and loans. This is one of the best doctoral programs in California for nursing students.

San Diego State University

Joint Doctoral Program (JDP) in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)

Acceptance rate: 37%

San Diego State University was established in 1897, making it the third-oldest institution in the California State University system. This joint doctoral program is offered in collaboration with the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Students are awarded a joint degree from both universities and study subjects from the electrical, electronics, and computer engineering fields at both institutions. The tuition  is $2,082 per credit hour and financial support  is available for eligible students.

University of California Irvine

Ph.D. in Public Health

Acceptance rate: 30%

UCI is a public land-grant university located in Irvine, California, and has an overall acceptance rate of 30%. Its PhD in Public Health program aims to prepare students to research and identify vulnerable populations and formulate strategies for disease prevention. Most coursework can be completed in two years and students can progress to doctoral candidacy in the third year. Various financial support  options are available.

University of California Berkeley, College of Environmental Design

Ph.D. – City and Regional Planning

Acceptance rate: 17.5%

The University of California Berkeley, founded in 1868, is a public land-grant research university. This PhD aims to make you an expert in urban planning through rigorous training and advanced research. The tuition  for the five-year program is $5,721 per semester, with financial aid  available in various forms for each year.

University of California Santa Barbara

Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science

University of California Santa Barbara is a part of the University of California system and has been teaching since 1891. This doctorate aims to equip students with computer science expertise that they can apply to research, teaching, and leadership positions in academia, government, and business. The program can be completed in four to six years and you can find tuition details on the university’s cost of attendance page . Scholarships and other financial aid  options are also available.

Stanford University, School of Humanities and Sciences

Ph.D. in Political Science

Acceptance rate: 5%

Founded in 1885, Stanford University is a private research university with one of the largest campuses in the country. The Ivy League university’s doctoral program in political science is known for creating exceptional scholars in the field. The program runs for five years and there are multiple funding options  to cover full tuition throughout.

San Jose State University, Department of Audiology

Doctor of Audiology

Acceptance rate: 67%

San Jose State University is a public university that the Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education (WSJ/THE) ranking put at number 8  in the country for diversity. Its four-year Doctor of Audiology program makes students experts in the diagnosis and treatment of auditory ailments, like mixed hearing loss and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. The program covers various scientific aspects of audiology through coursework, clinical rotations, and research. You can find tuition and fee information on the Bursar’s Office page  and financial aid through the school’s Financial Aid and Scholarship Office .

Southern California Seminary

Doctor of Ministry (DMin)

Acceptance rate: 100%

Southern California Seminary is located in El Cajon, California, with its main campus in San Diego. It accepts 100% of student applications, though the graduation rate is 33%. The school’s DMin program allows professionals already in the ministry to take their careers to the next level through one of the three streams: Christian Leadership, Biblical Exposition, and Christian Education. It can be completed in three years on-campus, with online options also available. Tuition details are listed on the Student Accounts page  and loans, grants, and work-study options are available through the SCS Financial Aid office .

Best Online PhD Programs in California

Looking to save time and money in transportation? Need a more flexible schedule? Then check out some of these top online PhD programs in California.

University of Southern California

Ed. D. Organizational Change and Leadership

USC is the oldest private research university in California, founded in 1880 and based in Los Angeles, California. The university’s Ed.D. in Organizational Change and Leadership is one of the best online PhD programs in Southern California. The program aims to equip students to transform organizations in the fields of education, industry, and government into competent, effective, and adaptable entities. Tuition details can be found in the USC catalog  and financial aid  is also available.

Trident University International, The College of Health and Human Services

Doctor of Philosophy in Health Sciences (Ph.D. HS)

Acceptance rate: 49%

Trident University International is a fully online university that has been teaching since 1998. It is a relatively small university headquartered in Cypress, California. Its online PhD program in California in Health Sciences helps students to become competent leaders, scholars, researchers, consultants, and teachers in the healthcare sector. Tuition  is $990 per credit, but the university strives to make the program affordable to all through various financing options .

California Southern University         

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

Acceptance rate: 13%

CSU, located in Costa Mesa and founded in 1978, offers online programs in a range of disciplines. CSU’s DBA program is designed to turn students into leaders with high-level decision-making skills and can be completed fully online in four years. While trying to keep the tuition  affordable at $545 per credit, the university doesn’t provide any significant forms of financial aid. However, there are discounts  for alumni, veterans, and their family members.

California State University Fresno, Kremen School of Education and Human Development

Doctor of Education (Ed. D) in Educational Leadership

Acceptance rate: 90%

CSUF is a public university located in Fresno, California that follows the CSU system. CSUF’s online EdD program  is designed to prepare working professionals for leadership positions in P12 schools and district or community colleges and can be completed in three years. Tuition  is $5,919 per term, with fee waivers and scholarships  available for students.

San Jose State University (with Manchester Metropolitan University)

Gateway Ph.D. in Library and Information Management

San Jose State University is the oldest public university on the West Coast, founded in 1857. It offers a Gateway PhD in Library and Information Management in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University . a public university in Manchester, England. This online program prepares students to become leaders, faculty, and researchers in the field of library and information science . It is one of the few PhD programs in California that will give you a UK degree without being a UK resident and allows you up to seven years for completion. Tuition  is set by Manchester Metropolitan University.

The University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work

Online Doctorate of Social Work (DSW)

The University of Southern California is a world-renowned private research university with nearly 50,000 enrolled students. Its online PhD in Social Work allows experienced professionals to develop the necessary skills to come up with solutions to the challenges faced by disadvantaged and marginalized populations. The program is typically completed in nine semesters, or seven semesters on the accelerated track. You can find tuition details in the program catalog  and financial aid  options are available.

Capella University

DHA (Doctor of Health Administration) in Health Care Leadership

Capella University is a predominantly online university headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, but accepts online students nationwide. Its fully online DHA program prepares leaders to face challenges in the complex and constantly changing healthcare field. Tuition  will depend on how long you take to complete the program as well as a few other factors, and students can access federal financial aid .

Grand Canyon University, College of Doctoral Studies

Education Specialist (Ed. S.) in K-12 Leadership

Acceptance rate: 81%

Grand Canyon University was the largest Christian university in the world in 2018 with 70,000 online students as well as on-campus students. It is a private, for-profit university based in Phoenix, Arizona. However, Californian students will find its Education Specialist doctorate accessible, as an online program in a nearby state. This Ed.S. helps working education professionals to advance their careers through leadership courses with a focus on instruction. Tuition  for the 30-credit program is $702 per credit, and there are various scholarship opportunities .

Concordia University Irvine, Townsend Institute

Ph.D. Counselor Education & Supervision

Acceptance rate: 78.2%

Concordia University is a Lutheran private university with both online and on-campus students and offers a range of fully online programs across various disciplines. Its online PhD degree in Counselor Education & Supervision equips professionals with advanced skills in counseling, teaching, serving, and advocating based on biblical principles. You can complete the 60-unit program in three to four years at a cost per unit  of $995. The university offers federal funding  options for students.

Liberty University

Ph.D. in History

Acceptance rate: 50%

Liberty University is a non-profit private Christian university spread over a 7,000-acre campus in Lynchburg, Virginia. However, Californian students have the option to study their PhD in History fully online within an average of four years and the university is accredited in all 50 states. This program equips students to take their careers to the next level in the education, archeology, politics, research, and government sectors. The university strives to keep tuition  affordable and around 80% of students receive financial assistance  or scholarships .

Key Takeaways

A PhD will make you an expert in your field with a specific set of advanced skills that will set you apart from other professionals. This will not only be beneficial to your career but can also be helpful in other parts of your life. A doctorate sharpens your critical thinking skills and gives you deep insight into virtually everything.

If studying a full-time, in-person PhD programs in California aren’t viable for you, you can find an online PhD in California with flexible scheduling.

If you’re still not sure which PhD program is right for you, take a look at our guides to the top 20 online PhD programs , the cheapest online PhD programs , and the top 10 highest paying PhD degrees .

Lisa Marlin

Lisa is a full-time writer specializing in career advice, further education, and personal development. She works from all over the world, and when not writing you'll find her hiking, practicing yoga, or enjoying a glass of Malbec.

• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ 12 Best Laptops for Computer Science Students
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• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ BA vs BS: What You Need to Know [2024 Guide]
• Lisa Marlin https://blog.thegradcafe.com/author/lisa-marlin/ The 19 Best MBA Scholarships to Apply for [2024-2025]

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Should I Get a Master's Before a Doctoral Degree?

Do you need a master's degree to get a Ph.D.? No, but experts suggest considering these key factors before deciding.

Should I Get a Master's Before a Ph.D?

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A master’s eases the transition to graduate work and may make you more competitive when applying to doctoral programs.

Although it's not usually a requirement, earning a master’s degree before applying to a Ph.D. or other doctoral program can be a good way to get accustomed to graduate-level coursework while gaining valuable research experience and connections in your field.

But it can also be an expensive and time-consuming detour on the route to a doctorate, so it’s important to consider whether the benefits of earning a master’s before a Ph.D. outweigh the cost.

Here are some factors experts say you should weigh.

Reasons to Get a Master’s Degree First

Karin Ash, a graduate consultant at Accepted, a college admissions consulting firm, says the research experience students can gain through a master’s tends to give them an edge in doctoral admissions.

Master's studies can also expand opportunities for students who already have significant research work behind them. Ash notes that some students she works with have research experience but choose to explore other research areas through a master's before deciding on a focus for their doctoral studies.

If your undergraduate major was fairly different from what you plan to study at a graduate level, getting a master’s degree first can help bridge the gap, says Julie Posselt, a professor of education and associate dean of the University of Southern California Graduate School. Posselt, who earned her master's before pursuing doctoral studies, says master’s studies can also help you decide whether what you’re studying is right for your academic interests and career goals .

“I learned through my master's program that the field that I had started to pursue was much more narrow than what I wanted for the long term,” Posselt says. “So instead of investing five years in a field, I was able to invest a shorter amount of time – two years – and then make the decision that if someday I wanted a Ph.D., it was going to need to be in a broader field than the one that I had during my master's.”

Ash and Posselt say a master’s can be a good way to network with experts in your field of interest and make connections that will be valuable in a future career.

“A lot of STEM students tell me they don’t have professors who know them as their classes are large,” Ash wrote in an email. “Obtaining a master’s degree will allow them to develop relationships with professors who can then write substantive recommendation letters .”

Reasons to Go Straight to a Doctoral Program

Master's degrees can be expensive , and students often don't receive significant funding to complete their studies.

“My concern is the increasing debt that American students have from their undergraduate education," Posselt says, "and the fact that most master's programs don't fund them, and as a result, students have to take out significant loans" to complete a master’s.

"I always encourage students, if they're going to get a master's degree, to try to find a place where they can get funding along the way,” she says.

On the other hand, Ash says it’s common for Ph.D. programs to be fully funded , so it may be unnecessarily costly to earn a master’s degree first – especially if it means taking out student loans .

In addition to considering the tuition cost, Posselt says it’s important to consider the earnings you could lose by delaying the start of your career by a year or two to pursue a master’s degree.

It's also worth investigating whether the doctoral program you're considering will accept some of the credits you earn in a master's program, as that could shorten your doctoral studies. But Posselt says the transferability of master's-level coursework is relatively weak and varies by institution.

Even if you do apply master's coursework to your Ph.D., it may not be worthwhile.

"Many Ph.D. programs will accept credits from courses taken at the master's level if the coursework is relevant to the program," Ash says. "However, often the applicant is veering to a more specialized education and will need to take the appropriate coursework to become proficient in that subject area. This could mean they end up with many more credits than needed to graduate."

If you’re still unsure whether you should pursue a master’s first, Posselt says it’s important to consider the leverage the degree could have when it comes to doctoral admissions. A master’s is more valuable in some fields than others, she notes, so consulting with advisers and mentors from your undergraduate studies is a good way to determine how useful it will be when pursuing doctoral work.

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Eastern Launches 100% Online PhD in Professional Practice

St. Davids, PA: Eastern University is excited to announce it is now offering a PhD in Professional Practice , designed to provide experienced professionals from diverse career paths an opportunity to carefully examine and thoughtfully assess the outcomes and professional contributions of their careers. 

The degree program is 100% online and can be completed in 3-5 years at the affordable cost of $450 per credit, totaling only $27,360 for the entire program. Students with a theology degree may also qualify for Advanced Standing and a lighter credit requirement. The program offers individualized mentorship from a doctoral supervisor, leading students on an intellectually stimulating path that is personalized towards their own professional goals and personal development.

Housed within Eastern’s Palmer College, this unique program focuses on the scholarly analysis of work within current theoretical and theological frameworks, industry best practices, vocational understanding of professional practice, and theological reflection. The combination and integration of theoretical knowledge and practical expertise allows students to dive deeper into sectors that demand a strong sense of purpose. 

“Beyond the confines of professional disciplines, the Ph.D. in Professional Practice is a celebration of your cultivated wisdom and the legacy you're destined to leave,” says Wynand de Kock, Program Director. “Specifically designed for seasoned professionals at the pinnacle of their careers, it invites individuals who aspire to transcend their current professional boundaries and leave an indelible mark on their respective fields.”

A PhD in Professional Practice opens doors to diverse careers, including senior practitioner roles, consulting positions, academic research opportunities, teaching positions, leadership roles, and more. 

Learn more about Eastern’s PhD in Professional Practice .

About Eastern University

Eastern University is a Christian university enrolling approximately 7,500 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and seminary programs. The university’s main campus is located in St. Davids, PA, with many programs available online. Eastern’s core values of faith, reason, and justice are woven into all of its educational programs. For more information visit  eastern.edu  or contact Ally Rosario, Director of Marketing & Communications:  [email protected] .

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– Medical School Blog

Can You Do Medical School Online?

  One of the lessons many of us inevitably had to learn during the pandemic is how to make the best of a difficult situation. You can apply similar strategies for staying optimistic and motivated during challenging situations to your medical school experience.

During the pandemic, St. George’s University (SGU) School of Medicine quickly pivoted to online learning as the health and safety of the campus community was a clear priority to the University. Yet, offering medical education online was an entirely new experience, one with many new challenges and benefits alike.

With the convenience and comfort of online learning, it is clear why prospective medical students may seek out online learning options. Where one might ask, “Can you attend medical school online?” they should alternatively consider the question “Should you attend medical school online?” when in-person options exist.

The SGU community learned that teaching and learning medicine online, while possible, is not the same experience as in-person, hands-on learning at a campus in the Caribbean or onsite at a hospital.

“Everyone at SGU has the same goal, and that is student success. We transitioned to online education smoothly and quickly during the pandemic, but every school has shown that their students do better if they have in-person learning,” says Dr. Lucy Clunes , SGU’s dean of students.

The benefits of in-person learning in medical school

The benefits of in-person learning are abundant, particularly for those studying medicine. There are many reasons for this, including clinical rotations in hospitals. Clinical rotations , also called clerkships, give medical students firsthand experience in working with patients under the direct supervision of a faculty member, fellow, or resident. Typically completed during the third and fourth years of their Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs, clinicals are crucial for med students to hone their technical skills and bedside manner. At SGU, students are offered clinical rotations through more than 75 hospitals and health systems in the US, UK, and Canada.

When it comes to preparing students for clinical rotations, Dr. Anna Maria Cyrus-Murden , Director of the Simulation Center and Assistant Dean of Simulation, believes that in-person instruction is critical.

According to Dr. Cyrus-Murden, “In-person instruction facilitates mentorship, role modeling, and feedback, allowing students to not only learn about medicine but also embody the values and professional characteristics of compassionate and competent healthcare practitioners. Overall, the immersive nature of in-person instruction is critical in providing medical students with the clinical knowledge, practical skills, and professional demeanor required for success in their future clinical practice.”

In other words, the skills that students must develop for clinicals go beyond technical and basic sciences knowledge.

How can fully online medical school programs compete with the learned muscle memory from taking someone’s vitals? Or the wealth of anatomical knowledge from practicing on a cadaver? Or becoming proficient at reading the non-verbal cues from patients?

Transitioning from online learning

The changes made during the pandemic were essential to keep students’ paths to MD as uninterrupted as possible while also keeping them safe. SGU offered self-paced, independent study as the school’s globally diverse group of students returned home to time zones across the world. Students expressed appreciation for the increased flexibility in their schedules.

SGU’s School of Medicine created online learning programs for basic science students that were robust and interactive with live lectures, labs, virtual training sessions teaching skills for clinicals, and other innovative ways to connect students to valuable information and resources.

“Simulated technology and learning emerged as pivotal components of medical education,” Dr. Cyrus-Murden says. “Virtual simulation enabled students to hone their skills and participate in realistic scenarios from the safety of their homes. Moreover, the challenges posed by the pandemic spurred the development of novel technologies to enhance simulated learning experiences.”

However, even with the provisions put in place to set students up for success, one fact became clear: in-person learning has essential, irreplicable educational benefits.

Medicine is not a one-person sport

“Medicine is not a one-person sport,” says Dr. Clunes. “It requires a team, and part of what you learn during medical school is how to be an effective team member as well as how to utilize other team members skills to ensure patient success.”

Dr. Clunes also believes that in-person instruction is not only beneficial for the learning of students, but for faculty and how they interact socially with students.

“Part of student life is learning professionalism, timekeeping, etc., as well as the academic content. Online learning does not teach this as well as in person. What we can learn from our student’s body language and facial interactions helps us to support our students better and be better educators. It is far easier to individualize our support when we meet students and get to know them,” she says.

During the pandemic, SGU was dedicated to supporting its students during online learning when they could not be at the campus in the Caribbean or the United Kingdom. But the medical field is built on close interactions between physicians and patients, and an in-person education builds a strong foundation for developing compassion and empathy.

Prospective medical students eager to reach their full potential would be wise to seek out such hands-on instruction and modern simulation technologies.

Thinking about a career in medicine?

St. George’s University Medical School can help set up students for success in their medical careers. Do you have questions about the SGU experience? Learn more here .

For more information about how to get started, check out our article “ Understanding the Medical School Application Process .”

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US residencies in 2024 1

US residency placement rate for graduates over the last five years​ 2

USMLE Step 1 pass rate for first-time test-takers over the last three years 3

USMLE Step 2CK pass rate for first-time test-takers over the last three years 4

1 Data as of March 2024.

2 As the medical school graduating the largest number of students per year, SGU places the largest number of graduates into residency programs each year, based on internal SGU graduate/expected graduate and residency placement data as of March 2024.

3 Average of 2019, 2020, 2021 scores. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of students passing USMLE Step 1 on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 1 for the first time. In order to be certified to take USMLE Step 1, students are required to pass all basic sciences courses.

4 Average of academic years 2019, 2020, 2021 scores. First-time pass rate is defined as the number of students passing USMLE Step 2 CK on their first attempt divided by the total number of students taking USMLE Step 2 CK for the first time. USMLE Step 2 CK is typically taken upon completion of third-year core clinical rotations.

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US Residencies in 2024 1

US residency placement rate for graduates over the last five years 2

USMLE Step 2CK pass rate for first-time test takers over the last three years 4

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