top phd schools

50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024

Featured Programs

Harvard university.

Most Popular Degree Programs: Philosophy, Law, Biology

University of California, Berkeley

Most Popular Degree Programs: Chemistry, Biology, Physics

Columbia University

Most Popular Degree Programs: Social Work, Nursing, Literature

University of Chicago

Most Popular Degree Programs: Anthropology, Sociology, Economics

Stanford University

Most Popular Degree Programs: Computer Science, Psychology, Biology

Yale University

Most Popular Degree Programs: Law, Religious Studies, Nursing

Princeton University

Most Popular Degree Programs: Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Most Popular Degree Programs: Computer Science, Engineering, Economics

University of Michigan

Most Popular Degree Programs: Sociology, Psychology, Engineering

Cornell University

Most Popular Degree Programs: Biology, Engineering, Literature

Key Takeaways

A degree from one of the best graduate schools will help to set grads apart from the competition in the job market today.
Graduate students will develop a deep knowledge of their major through advanced research.
Graduates of one of our ranked graduate degree programs will continue to develop their expertise beyond the knowledge they gained in their undergraduate studies.

50 Best Grad Schools in the US

#1 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
#1 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025
#1 Best Universities in the World 2024
#1 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#2 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
#1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
#1 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2024
#1 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#2 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
#1 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
#1 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#7 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Tuition + fees

Student body

Median SAT/ACT

Career Outlook for degree at Harvard University

Harvard University features 12 graduate and professional schools recognized for their impactful scholarship and cutting-edge research.

What we love about Harvard University:

Harvard University has a rigorous admission process for its highly sought-after graduate programs.

Harvard University is ideal for students who:

Look for a challenging and rigorous graduate experience.

Harvard University might not be ideal for students who:

Are uncertain about meeting the challenges of Harvard’s academic curriculum.

#2 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#2 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#2 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
#2 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#5 Best Universities in the World 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools California 2025
#1 Best Colleges in California 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges California 2024
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
#2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
#2 Best Research Universities in California 2024
#2 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#1 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
#1 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#1 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#2 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
#2 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#2 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
#2 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#3 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#4 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
#2 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#3 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Berkeley

The University of California, Berkeley , aims to advance graduate students’ careers through high-quality, innovative education.

What we love about the University of California, Berkeley:

The university helps students every step of the way when it comes to exploring their career paths and pursuing their professional goals.

The University of California, Berkeley is ideal for students who:

Have the ability or desire to take on rigorous academic challenges.

The University of California, Berkeley might not be ideal for students who:

Prefer more conservative education environments.

#3 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
#3 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#6 Best Universities in the World 2024
#8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
#1 Best Colleges in New York 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in New York 2024
#1 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
#1 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#1 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
#1 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#1 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
#1 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
#1 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
#5 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
#9 Top 10 Most Affordable English PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#1 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#3 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#4 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
#13 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Columbia University

Columbia University is recognized as one of the world’s most important research centers.

What we love about Columbia University:

Columbia University offers a distinctive learning environment for graduate students across a wide range of professional fields.

Columbia University is ideal for students who:

Care about and want to contribute to human flourishing.

Columbia University might not be ideal for students who:

Do not share the commitment to thoughtful, rigorous debate.

#6 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
#10 Best Universities in the World 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Illinois 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2025
#1 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024
#2 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#4 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#6 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
#16 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago highlights the importance of transformative education through its comprehensive list of graduate programs.

What we love about the University of Chicago:

The university equips graduate students with the intellectual skills to confront complex challenges.

The University of Chicago is ideal for students who:

Are open to rigorous inquiry and diverse, original ideas.

The University of Chicago might not be ideal for students who:

Do not believe ideas can transform the world.

#5 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#5 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#5 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#1 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in California 2024
#2 Best Grad Schools California 2025
#2 Best Colleges in California 2024
#1 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
#5 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#7 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
#22 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Stanford University

Stanford University offers more than 200 graduate programs across seven schools.

What we love about Stanford University:

Stanford University provides learning opportunities that empower one’s dreams.

Stanford University is ideal for students who:

Are willing to create and apply knowledge by thinking and doing.

Stanford University might not be ideal for students who:

Do not have the leadership mindset.

#7 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
#7 Best Universities in the World 2024
#11 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen
#1 Best Colleges in Connecticut 2024
#1 Best Private Colleges in Connecticut 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Connecticut 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in Connecticut 2024
#2 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#2 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#8 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
#12 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Yale University

Yale University remains committed to expanding and sharing knowledge through its transformative academic graduate programs.

What we love about Yale University:

Yale University offers advanced degrees to help graduate students realize their full potential and boost their credentials.

Yale University is ideal for students who:

Are willing to discover new passions and knowledge that will change their lives.

Yale University might not be ideal for students who:

Are afraid to venture into unfamiliar fields of knowledge.

#7 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#7 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#8 Best Universities in the World 2024
#12 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen
#1 Best Private Colleges in New Jersey 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in New Jersey 2025
#1 Best Colleges in New Jersey 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in New Jersey 2024
#2 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#8 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Princeton University

Princeton University offers an enriching learning experience for students while cultivating a sense of service to humanity in them.

What we love about Princeton University:

Princeton University features graduate programs with an emphasis on learning, creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Princeton University is ideal for students who:

Want to take on the challenge of pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through research and scholarship.

Princeton University might not be ideal for students who:

Are not interested in completing independent and original research.

#8 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#8 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#8 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#2 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024
#2 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
#2 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
#2 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2024
#1 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#3 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#6 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#9 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
#11 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Massachusetts Institute of Technology underlines teaching and research enterprise in its graduate programs.

What we love about the Massachusetts Institute of Technology:

MIT is known for its global standard of excellence.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:

Seek a graduate education that can bring career advancement and personal growth.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology might not be ideal for students who:

Are not interested in figuring out solutions to complex problems.

#4 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
#9 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#11 Best Universities in the World 2024
#22 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in Michigan 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Michigan 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Michigan 2024
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024
#2 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2024
#1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
#1 Best Online Master’s in Health Science
#1 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#1 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
#2 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
#2 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#2 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#2 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#3 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#3 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#4 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#6 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
#1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
#7 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Michigan

The University of Michigan is focused on creating brighter futures through its comprehensive and innovative academic programs.

What we love about the University of Michigan:

The university has created a dynamic climate that allows graduate students to thrive.

The University of Michigan is ideal for students who:

Look for holistic graduate training.

The University of Michigan might not be ideal for students who:

Are hesitant to take part in solving complex, real-world problems.

#11 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#15 Top 15 Best Online Colleges for Transfer Students in 2024
#16 Best Universities in the World 2024
#17 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
#3 Best Colleges in New York 2024
#3 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
#3 Best Grad Schools in New York 2024
#3 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
#5 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's in Management
#1 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
#1 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
#2 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
#4 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
#4 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#8 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#17 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Cornell University

Cornell University is committed to prioritizing public engagement by contributing in all fields of knowledge through its rigorous academic programs.

What we love about Cornell University:

Cornell University has a rich tradition of research and innovation.

Cornell University is ideal for students who:

Seek a rigorous education to prepare them for rewarding careers in advanced fields.

Cornell University might not be ideal for students who:

Are not willing to be collaborators in learning and research.

University of Pennsylvania

#10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#13 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
#14 Best Universities in the World 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
#1 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
#1 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
#1 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
#1 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#2 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#1 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#1 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
#2 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#3 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
#3 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
#3 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
#7 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
#6 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#9 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#10 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
#10 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania boasts an innovative culture in its academic programs.

What we love about the University of Pennsylvania:

The university offers students a transformative education informed by intellectual rigor.

The University of Pennsylvania is ideal for students who:

Share a passion for engaging with communities around the world.

The University of Pennsylvania might not be ideal for students who:

Only focus on enriching their careers.

New York University

#23 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#2 Best Colleges in New York 2024
#2 Best Research Universities in New York 2024
#2 Best Grad Schools in New York 2024
#2 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
#3 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
#3 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
#3 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#1 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
#1 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#1 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#1 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#2 Best Online Master's in Management
#2 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#2 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#3 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#3 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
#3 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#3 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
#1 Fastest Accelerated Online PhDs in Education Degree Programs 2024
#5 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#10 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at New York University

New York University is known as one of the world’s prominent research universities, with its top-ranked graduate programs.

What we love about New York University:

The university features a community characterized by collaboration and innovation.

New York University is ideal for students who:

Want a quality graduate education to strengthen their skills and expertise and emerge as a thought leader and innovator.

New York University might not be ideal for students who:

Do not care to sharpen their academic and professional pursuits.

Johns Hopkins University

#13 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024
#1 Best Private Colleges in Maryland 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
#3 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#1 Best Online MBA in Economics Degree Programs Ranked in 2024
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
#1 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Maryland 2024
#1 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
#1 Best Online Master's in Organizational Leadership
#1 Best Online Master's in Economics
#2 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
#2 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#2 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
#2 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
#3 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#3 Best Online Master's in Management
#3 Best Online Master’s in Finance
#4 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
#6 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#18 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
#1 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
#11 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Johns Hopkins University

Johns Hopkins University is dedicated to advancing individual scholars through quality education.

What we love about Johns Hopkins University:

The university combines the power of teaching and research to produce brilliant graduates who can change the world.

Johns Hopkins University is ideal for students who:

Seek the solutions to difficult problems.

Johns Hopkins University might not be ideal for students who:

Are afraid to challenge the way things are done.

University of California, Los Angeles

#7 America's 15 Most Technologically Advanced Colleges
#13 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#14 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#17 Best Universities in the World 2024
#2 Best Public Colleges California 2024
#2 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
#3 Best Grad Schools California 2025
#3 Best Colleges in California 2024
#3 Best Research Universities in California 2024
#6 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#4 Best Online History Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
#4 Top 3 Best Online Economics PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#4 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#4 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#12 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California, Los Angeles, is a public research university committed to the spread of knowledge.

What we love about the University of California, Los Angeles:

The University of California, Los Angeles, provides endless opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.

The University of California, Los Angeles is ideal for students who:

Want to make the world a better place through the advancement of education.

The University of California, Los Angeles might not be ideal for students who:

Are hesitant to reach their full potential.

California Institute of Technology

#12 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#14 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#15 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#23 Best Universities in the World 2024
#25 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship
#1 Best Small Colleges in California 2024
#3 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
#4 Best Grad Schools California 2025
#4 Best Colleges in California 2024
#4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
#5 Best Research Universities in California 2024
#5 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees

Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology

The California Institute of Technology addresses fundamental scientific questions and pressing societal challenges through its diverse academic programs.

What we love about the California Institute of Technology:

This educational institution seeks to expand human knowledge through education heavily integrated with research.

California Institute of Technology is ideal for students who:

Look for a university that emphasizes excellence and ambition.

California Institute of Technology might not be ideal for students who:

Wish to avoid rigorous curriculum in their graduate education.

University of Washington

#6 Top Schools that Offer Free Master's Degrees Online
#7 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
#16 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in Washington 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges in Washington 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Washington 2024
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Washington 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Washington 2024
#2 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#1 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
#1 5 Inexpensive Online Master's Programs in Library Science
#1 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
#1 Best Online Colleges in Washington 2024
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Washington 2024
#4 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
#5 Best Online MBA Programs in Washington
#6 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
#8 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
#10 Most Affordable Early Childhood Education Bachelor's (Online, On-Campus)
#10 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#13 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Washington

The University of Washington serves as a hub for learning, education, and community building.

What we love about the University of Washington:

The university is committed to serving the greater good.

The University of Washington is ideal for students who:

Aim to learn and build solutions for tomorrow’s challenges.

The University of Washington might not be ideal for students who:

Prefer more traditional education environments.

Duke University

#13 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#14 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2024
#15 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#20 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#24 Best Universities in the World 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024
#1 Best Christian Colleges in North Carolina 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
#1 Best Private Colleges in North Carolina 2024
#1 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
#4 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#4 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#5 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
#1 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
#1 Best Online Christian Colleges and Universities for Master's Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
#1 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#3 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#4 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#4 Best Online Master's in Management
#6 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
#2 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
#9 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#14 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
#16 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Duke University

Duke University provides a superior liberal education to those who want to attain intellectual growth.

What we love about Duke University:

The university offers a wide range of educational opportunities beyond its campuses.

Duke University is ideal for students who:

Want to take their careers to the next level.

Duke University might not be ideal for students who:

Lack the drive to advance and grow professionally.

University of Southern California

#2 Best Private Colleges in California 2024
#4 Best Research Universities in California 2024
#5 Best Grad Schools California 2025
#5 Best Colleges in California 2024
#5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
#5 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#1 Top 7 Best Online Social Work PhDs (DSW Programs) 2024
#1 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
#1 Best Online Master’s in Communications
#1 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
#1 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
#1 Best Online Master's in Hospitality and Tourism Degree Programs
#1 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
#1 Best Online Doctorate in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
#1 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
#1 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
#1 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
#1 Best Online Master's in Project Management
#1 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
#1 Best Online Master’s in Human Resources
#1 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
#1 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
#1 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
#1 Best Online Master’s in Finance
#2 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
#2 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
#2 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
#2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
#2 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
#2 Best Online MBA Programs in California
#2 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
#2 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
#2 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#2 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
#3 Best Online Master's in Nursing MSN
#4 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#4 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#5 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
#5 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#5 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates)
#5 Best Online Master's in Management
#5 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
#6 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#2 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
#17 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Southern California

The University of Southern California leads the way to the future of education through its rigorous academic programs and collaborative learning environment.

What we love about the University of Southern California:

The university commits more than $30 million of financial aid annually to help combat the rising costs of education.

The University of Southern California is ideal for students who:

Want to prepare for leadership roles in research, education, and professional practice.

The University of Southern California might not be ideal for students who:

Are looking for less expensive education options.

Northwestern University

#21 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#2 Best Colleges in Illinois 2024
#2 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024
#2 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2025
#2 Best Private Colleges in Illinois 2024
#4 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#6 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#7 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#1 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
#1 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
#2 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
#1 Best College Majors that Offer Accelerated Degree Programs
#3 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Counseling Degree Programs 2024
#12 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
#19 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#21 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Northwestern University

Northwestern University offers excellent teaching and innovative research to promote personal and intellectual growth.

What we love about Northwestern University:

The university provides a rigorous yet empathetic academic environment that blends theory and practice.

Northwestern University is ideal for students who:

Want to gain knowledge with practical applications.

Northwestern University might not be ideal for students who:

Are not open to belonging in an innovative and collaborative learning community.

University of California, San Diego

#3 Best Public Colleges California 2024
#3 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
#6 Best Grad Schools California 2025
#6 Best Colleges in California 2024
#6 Best Research Universities in California 2024
#21 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#16 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, San Diego

The University of California, San Diego , is recognized as one of the top research universities in the world.

What we love about the University of California, San Diego:

University of California, San Diego, is committed to helping students become change-makers.

The University of California, San Diego is ideal for students who:

Seek to gain multidisciplinary tools to address the world’s most pressing issues.

The University of California, San Diego might not be ideal for students who:

Lack the enthusiasm to make a difference in the world.

University of Minnesota

#1 Best Research Universities in Minnesota 2024
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Minnesota 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in Minnesota 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges in Minnesota 2024
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Minnesota 2024
#1 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in Minnesota
#1 Best Online Colleges in Minnesota 2024
#1 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
#1 Best Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity Degree Programs in Minnesota
#3 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#4 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#4 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
#5 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#8 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#11 Best Online Bachelor's in Construction Management Degree Programs
#7 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#14 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Minnesota

University of Minnesota’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Engineering
Anthropology
Social Work
Mathematics

Most Influential Alumni

Arthur Compton
Deke Slayton
Ernest Lawrence
Norman Borlaug
Thomas Friedman
Melvin Calvin
John L. Holland
Christiaan Barnard
Edward B. Lewis
Roy Wilkins
Alexander Wendt
Lars Peter Hansen

University of Wisconsin–Madison

#19 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in Wisconsin 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
#15 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Wisconsin 2024
#1 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
#1 Best Online Colleges in Wisconsin 2024
#2 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
#2 20 Best Online Master's of Speech Pathology Degree Programs
#5 Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#6 Best Online MBA Programs in Wisconsin
#15 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison

University of Wisconsin–Madison’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Earth Sciences
Computer Science
Frank Lloyd Wright
Carl Rogers
Edward Witten
John Bardeen
Charles Lindbergh
Abraham Maslow
Joshua Lederberg
Warren Weaver
C. Wright Mills
Jayaprakash Narayan

University of Texas at Austin

#22 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools In Texas 2025
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Texas 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges in Texas 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
#4 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
#2 Top 8 Best Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhDs (Doctorates)
#2 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
#3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
#3 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
#4 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#5 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#5 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#6 Best Online Master's in Management
#11 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#18 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas at Austin

University of Texas at Austin’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Communications
Walter Cronkite
Bill Moyers
Edsger W. Dijkstra
Robert Rauschenberg
Bruce Sterling
Neil deGrasse Tyson
Steven Best
J. M. Coetzee
Robert Taylor
Abhay Ashtekar

Carnegie Mellon University

#18 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#23 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#25 Best Universities in the World 2024
#2 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
#2 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2024
#2 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
#2 Best Private Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
#5 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#12 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#20 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Political Science
Allen Newell
Ivan Sutherland
Oliver E. Williamson
James Gosling
Edward Feigenbaum
John Forbes Nash Jr.
Henry Giroux
Edward C. Prescott
Shafi Goldwasser
Kurt Vonnegut
Robert H. Dennard

Brown University

#19 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#24 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Rhode Island 2024
#1 Best Private Colleges in Rhode Island 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in Rhode Island 2024
#6 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Rhode Island 2024
#19 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Brown University

Brown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Janet Yellen
Peter Norvig
Richard Holbrooke
Andy Hertzfeld
Jacob M. Appel
S. T. Joshi
Lester Frank Ward
Randy Pausch
Jeffrey Eugenides
David Lodge

University of Virginia

#9 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
#20 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#25 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in Virginia 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Virginia 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges in Virginia 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Virginia 2024
#12 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Virginia 2024
#1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
#1 Best Online Master's in Special Education
#6 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Virginia
#8 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
#10 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
#12 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#21 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Virginia

University of Virginia’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Edgar Allan Poe
Ronald Coase
Robert Mueller
John Backus
William Faulkner
Georgia O'Keeffe
Katie Couric
Francis Collins
Anselm Strauss
Ferid Murad

Boston University

#3 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2024
#3 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
#13 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#1 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2024
#1 Top 10 Best Online Counseling PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#1 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
#1 Best Online Master's in Art Education and Art Administration
#1 Best Online Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
#1 Best Online Degree Completion Programs for Returning Students
#2 10 Best Online Master's of Music Education Degree Programs
#2 Best Online Master's in Project Management
#2 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
#2 Best Online Master’s in Finance
#3 Best Online Master’s in Communications
#3 Top 10 Best Online Communications PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#3 Best Online Master's in Social Work MSW
#3 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
#3 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#4 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
#4 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
#5 Best Online PhD of Computer Science Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#6 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
#7 Best Online Master's in Management
#7 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#7 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
#13 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree
#15 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#22 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Boston University

Boston University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Religious Studies
Martin Luther King Jr.
Sheldon Glashow
Neal Stephenson
Norman Vincent Peale
Tipper Gore
Albert-László Barabási
Steven M. Wise
Kim Stanley Robinson
Bernard Berenson
Daniel C. Tsui
Bill Simmons

Georgetown University

#21 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2024
#1 Best Christian Colleges in DC 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in DC 2024
#1 Best Private Colleges in DC 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024
#1 Best Colleges in DC 2024
#7 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#8 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#10 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
#1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
#13 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#23 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#23 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Georgetown University

Georgetown University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Criminal Justice
J. Edgar Hoover
Antonin Scalia
George Tenet
Abdullah II of Jordan
Steven Novella
Jerome Powell
Susan Hockfield
Solomon H. Snyder
John R. Allen

University of Pittsburgh

#3 Best Grad Schools in Pennsylvania 2025
#3 Best Research Universities in Pennsylvania 2024
#3 Best Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
#17 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students
#25 The Best Traditional MBA Programs Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Pittsburgh

University of Pittsburgh’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Stuart Hameroff
Paul Lauterbur
Paul Churchland
Patricia Churchland
John Taylor Gatto
Richard Lazarus
Ernest Sosa
Michael Chabon
August Wilson
Bennet Omalu
Bas van Fraassen
Jaak Panksepp

Dartmouth College

#1 Best Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in New Hampshire 2024
#1 Best Private Colleges in New Hampshire 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in New Hampshire 2024
#19 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in New Hampshire 2024
#18 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
#19 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students

Career Outlook for degree at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Joseph Campbell
Robert Frost
Daniel Webster
Vincent Canby
Robert Reich
C. Everett Koop
Stuart Kauffman
Jaegwon Kim
Robert Christgau
Michael Gazzaniga
Edward Norton Lorenz

Purdue University

#24 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges in Indiana 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Indiana 2024
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Indiana 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Indiana 2024
#3 Best Grad Schools in Indiana 2024
#1 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
#1 Best Online Colleges in Indiana 2024
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Indiana 2024
#1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Indiana 2024
#2 Best Online MBA Programs in Indiana
#5 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
#8 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
#10 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
#15 Top 20 Most Affordable Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Programs

Career Outlook for degree at Purdue University

Purdue University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Neil Armstrong
Ward Cunningham
James Samuel Coleman
Gus Grissom
Edward Mills Purcell
C. N. R. Rao
Mohamed M. Atalla
John C. Reynolds
Douglas Comer
Booth Tarkington
Yitang Zhang
Ben Roy Mottelson

University of Iowa

#1 Best Public Colleges in Iowa 2024
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Iowa 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Iowa 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Iowa 2024
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
#1 Best Online Bachelor's in Social Work Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
#1 Best Online Bachelor's in Sports Management Degree Programs for 2025
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in Iowa
#1 Best Online Colleges in Iowa 2024
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
#2 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
#4 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
#5 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
#5 Top 5 Best Online English PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#9 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#10 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
#11 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#4 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
#8 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Iowa

University of Iowa’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Albert Bandura
Tennessee Williams
Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak
Oswald Veblen
Leon Festinger
Henry Jenkins
Everett Rogers
Julian Rotter
John Robert Anderson
Wallace Stegner

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

#20 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 Cheapest Colleges in Illinois Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges in Illinois 2024
#3 Best Colleges in Illinois 2024
#3 Best Research Universities in Illinois 2024
#3 Best Grad Schools Illinois 2025
#24 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in Illinois
#2 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
#2 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
#2 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
#3 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Doctorate of Education (PhDs)
#3 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
#4 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
#6 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Paul Halmos
Eugenio Calabi
Richard Hamming
James Tobin
Roger Ebert
Jerome Lettvin
Irving Azoff
Temple Grandin
Hamilton O. Smith
Brendan Eich

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

#17 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges in North Carolina 2024
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in North Carolina 2024
#2 Best Grad Schools in North Carolina 2024
#2 Best Research Universities in North Carolina 2024
#2 Best Colleges in North Carolina 2024
#10 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#11 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#14 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for History Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration
#1 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
#1 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
#1 Fastest Accelerated Online Healthcare Administration Masters
#2 Best Online Master's Programs in North Carolina 2024
#2 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
#2 Best Online MBA Programs in North Carolina
#2 Best Online Doctorate of Physical Therapy Programs (PhDs)
#2 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
#3 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
#3 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
#3 Best Online Master's in Public Administration Degree Programs
#4 Best Online Master’s in Communications
#4 Fastest Online Doctoral Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#7 Guide to Free Online Courses for MBA Students in 2024
#7 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
#7 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#8 Best Online Master's in Management
#8 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
#8 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#10 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
#5 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
#13 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
#14 Best Schools in the World for Earning an MBA Degree Ranked for 2024
#20 Top 20 Best Business Schools for MBAs Ranked for Students

Career Outlook for degree at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Lawrence Ferlinghetti
James E. Webb
Howard T. Odum
Jeffrey Beall
Charles Tart
Robert F. Furchgott
Sidney Powell
Christine Blasey Ford
David Brinkley
James Rachels

University of Maryland, College Park

#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Maryland 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges in Maryland 2024
#2 Best Grad Schools in Maryland 2024
#2 Best Research Universities in Maryland 2024
#2 Best Colleges in Maryland 2024
#8 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#2 Best Online MBA Programs in Maryland
#3 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
#8 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
#9 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for degree at University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

George Dantzig
James Clapper
Robin Hahnel
Michael D. Griffin
Frank J. Tipler
Charles Fefferman
Jean E. Sammet
Connie Chung
Philip J. Davis
James A. Yorke
David Bentley Hart

University of California, Santa Barbara

#4 Most Affordable Colleges in California 2024
#7 Best Grad Schools California 2025
#7 Best Colleges in California 2024
#7 Best Research Universities in California 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Santa Barbara

University of California, Santa Barbara’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Garrett Hardin
Grady Booch
Richard Serra
Carol W. Greider
Robert Ballard
Edward Feser
Richard E. Mayer
Tibor Machan
Joseph Tainter
Mark Juergensmeyer
Viral B. Shah

Brandeis University

#5 Best Grad Schools in Massachusetts 2024
#5 Best Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
#5 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
#5 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2024
#2 Best Online Master's Programs in Massachusetts 2024
#3 Best Online Master's in Project Management
#4 Best Online Master’s in Health Informatics
#7 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
#12 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
#12 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#16 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
#2 How to Earn Your Master's Degree Without Your Bachelor's Degree

Career Outlook for degree at Brandeis University

Brandeis University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Angela Davis
Michael Walzer
Leslie Lamport
Patricia Hill Collins
Abbie Hoffman
Avital Ronell
Michael Sandel
Elaine Showalter
Deborah Lipstadt
Christina Hoff Sommers

University of Arizona

#1 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2024
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
#1 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2024
#23 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s of History Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
#1 Best Online Bachelor's in Accounting 2025
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
#1 Best Online Master's in Behavior Analysis Degree Programs
#1 Best Online Master's in Agriculture and Agribusiness Degree Programs
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Early Childhood Education Degree Programs for 2025
#1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
#1 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 Best Online Bachelor's in Organizational Leadership Degree Programs
#1 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024
#1 Best Online Bachelor's in Law and Legal Studies Degree Programs for 2024
#1 Best Online Bachelor's of Economics Degree Programs for 2024
#1 Best Online Bachelor's in Philosophy Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Arizona 2024
#1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Arizona
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s of Electrical and Computer Engineering Degree Programs for 2024
#1 Best Online Bachelor’s in Child Development Degree Programs for 2024
#1 Best Online Bachelor's in Psychology Degree Programs for Students
#1 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2025
#2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
#2 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
#2 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
#2 Top 20 Best Online Accredited Doctorate Degree Programs (PhDs) 2024
#2 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
#2 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Master's of Nursing Programs
#2 Best Online Bachelor's in Biology
#2 Best Online MBAs in Finance
#2 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#2 Best Online MBA Programs in Arizona
#3 Best Online Doctorate in Education Degree Programs Ranked for Students
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Digital Media for 2024
#3 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
#4 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
#4 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
#4 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
#4 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
#4 Best Online Master's in Special Education
#4 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Economics PhD Programs (Doctorates) 2024
#4 Best Online Master's in Economics
#4 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
#5 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
#5 Best Online Bachelor’s of Human Services Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
#5 Best Online Bachelor's in Public Health Degree Programs for Students
#6 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice
#7 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
#7 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
#8 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#8 Most Affordable Online Criminology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
#9 Best Online Master's in Management
#10 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#11 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
#13 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
#20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's Degree Programs Ranked for 2024
#3 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
#6 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Arizona

University of Arizona’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Geraldo Rivera
Clifford Stoll
Garry Shandling
Brian Schmidt
Henry Eyring
Michael McClure
Barbara Kingsolver
George H. Smith
Allen Buchanan
Frank Press

Syracuse University

#5 Best Grad Schools in New York 2024
#5 Best Private Colleges in New York 2024
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in New York
#1 Best Online Colleges in New York 2024
#1 Best Online Associate Degrees in New York 2024
#1 Best Online MBA in Entrepreneurship Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Information Technology
#1 Best Online MBA in Business Analytics Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 Best Online MBA in Operations Management Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 Best Accredited Online Juris Doctorate (JD) Law Programs
#1 Best Online MBAs in Finance
#1 Best Online MBA in Marketing Degree Programs Ranked for Students in 2024
#1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity Degree Programs in New York
#1 Best Online Associate in Liberal Arts
#1 Best Online MBA in Accounting Degree Programs
#2 Best Online Master’s in Communications
#2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity
#2 Best Online Master's in Marketing and Advertising
#2 Best Online Master's Degrees in Accounting
#2 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Accounting Programs
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
#3 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
#3 Best Online Master's Programs in New York 2024
#3 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
#4 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
#4 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
#5 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
#5 Best Online Master’s in Engineering Management
#5 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
#5 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
#6 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
#6 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
#8 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
#9 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
#10 Best Online Master's in Management
#11 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#11 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
#20 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Syracuse University

Syracuse University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Clement Greenberg
Joyce Carol Oates
Megyn Kelly
Ernest Becker
George Saunders
Marv Albert
William Safire
Story Musgrave
Dorothy Thompson

Tufts University

#4 Best Private Colleges in Massachusetts 2024
#4 Best Research Universities in Massachusetts 2024
#12 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Economics Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for English Degrees
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in Massachusetts
#1 Top 6 Best Online Clinical Nutrition PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#4 Top 8 Best Online Public Health PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)

Career Outlook for degree at Tufts University

Tufts University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Norbert Wiener
Vannevar Bush
Eugene Fama
Jamie Dimon
Gordon S. Wood
Roderick MacKinnon
Peter Navarro
Mariana Mazzucato
John Ciardi
Richard N. Goodwin

Pennsylvania State University

#3 15 Most Affordable Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
#5 Best Online Bachelor's in Strategic Communications Degree Programs
#6 Best Online MBA Programs in Pennsylvania
#6 Best Online Master's Programs in Pennsylvania 2024
#7 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#7 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
#7 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
#11 Best Online MBAs in Sustainability
#12 Best Online Colleges in Pennsylvania 2024
#20 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
#21 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
#2 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024

Pennsylvania State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Steven Levy
Graham Harman
Benjamin Bloom
Harry J. Anslinger
Iris Marion Young
T. Colin Campbell
John Mashey
Thomas R. Dye

University of California, Irvine

#8 Best Colleges in California 2024
#8 Best Research Universities in California 2024
#2 Best Online Six Sigma Certification
#3 Best Online Master's Programs in California 2024
#11 Best Online Master's in Criminal Justice

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Irvine

University of California, Irvine’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

David Benioff
Pedro Domingos
Robin Hanson
Jane Gallop
Paul Mockapetris
Chris Burden
William K. Black
Roy Fielding
Yusef Komunyakaa
Richard Ford

Michigan State University

#2 Most Affordable Colleges in Michigan 2024
#2 Best Public Colleges in Michigan 2024
#2 Best Online MBA Programs in Michigan
#2 Best Online Master's Programs in Michigan 2024
#3 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
#9 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#11 Best Online Master's in Management

Career Outlook for degree at Michigan State University

Michigan State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Alfred Hershey
Russell Kirk
David Sloan Wilson
Charles Bachman
Vernor Vinge
Theda Skocpol
Daniel Wegner
Eugene Parker
Robert Ressler
Liberty Hyde Bailey

George Washington University

#2 Best Grad Schools in DC 2024
#2 Best Colleges in DC 2024
#6 Best Research Universities for Criminal Justice Degrees
#9 Best Research Universities for Social Work Degrees
#16 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Nursing Degrees
#21 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in DC
#2 Best Online Master's Programs in DC 2024
#3 Best Research Universities with Online Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
#3 Top 10 Best Online Master's of Public Relations Ranked 2024
#5 Top 18 Most Affordable No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs
#6 Most Unusual Doctoral Degrees You Can Earn Online (PhDs)
#6 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required
#7 Top 8 Fastest Accelerated Online Psychology Doctorates (PhDs)
#10 Top 50 Best No GRE Online PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates)
#7 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at George Washington University

George Washington University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

L. Ron Hubbard
Glenn Greenwald
Bob Woodward
Allen Dulles
George Armitage Miller
Juan Guaidó
Roger Stone
Brian Williams

University of Utah

#1 Best Public Colleges in Utah 2024
#1 Best Grad Schools in Utah 2024
#1 Best Colleges in Utah 2024
#1 Most Affordable Colleges in Utah 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Utah 2024
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Utah 2024
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in Utah
#1 Best Online Colleges in Utah 2024
#8 Fastest Accelerated Online Computer Science Doctorates (PhDs)
#9 Most Affordable Online Computer Science PhDs (Doctorates) 2024
#9 Most Affordable Master's in Counseling Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of Utah

University of Utah’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Orson Scott Card
Stanley Smith Stevens
Edwin Catmull
Gordon B. Hinckley
Ralph Hartley
David C. Evans
Bui Tuong Phong

Vanderbilt University

#1 Best Colleges in Tennessee 2024
#1 Best Research Universities in Tennessee 2024
#9 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#22 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Philosophy Degrees
#1 Best Online Master's Programs in Tennessee 2024
#7 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
#12 Best Online Master's in Management
#18 Fastest Online Master's Degrees Ranked for Students in 2024
#4 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Nursing Degree Programs 2024
#8 Best Online PhD of Nursing (DNP) Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Herman Daly
James Patterson
Cleanth Brooks
John Crowe Ransom
Robert Penn Warren
John Seigenthaler
John Ridley Stroop
Michelle Alexander
Norman Shumway
Steven E. Jones

University of California, Davis

#10 Best Grad Schools California 2025
#10 Best Colleges in California 2024

Career Outlook for degree at University of California, Davis

University of California, Davis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Bruce Nauman
Dian Fossey
Jonathan M. Marks
Chris Crawford
Mike Pondsmith
Michael R. Gottfredson
Stephen Robinson
H. Allen Orr
Alan Templeton
Charles M. Rice
Gregory J. Feist

Washington University in St. Louis

#1 Best Private Colleges in Missouri 2024
#13 Best Research Universities for Education Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Business Degrees
#15 Best Research Universities for Biology Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Psychology Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Communications Degrees
#18 Best Research Universities for Anthropology Degrees
#25 Best Research Universities for Political Science Degrees
#1 Best Online Associate Degrees in Missouri 2024
#1 Best Online Colleges in Missouri 2024
#2 Fastest Online Bachelor's Degrees Ranked for 2025
#2 Fastest Online Associate Degrees Ranked for 2024
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Liberal Arts and Humanities Degree Programs for 2024
#8 Best Online MBA Degree Programs for 2024 with No GMAT Required

Career Outlook for degree at Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

J. C. R. Licklider
Phyllis Schlafly
Daniel Nathans
Edwin G. Krebs
Charles Eames
Marilyn vos Savant
Samuel Moyn
Michael Isikoff
İhsan Doğramacı
Clyde Cowan
William E. Moerner

Rice University

#3 Best Research Universities in Texas 2024
#3 Best Colleges in Texas 2024
#15 Best Research Universities for Physics Degrees
#17 Best Research Universities for Chemistry Degrees
#19 Best Research Universities for Engineering Degrees
#20 Best Research Universities for Math Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for Religious Studies Degrees
#23 Best Research Universities for Computer Science Degrees
#24 Best Research Universities for Earth Sciences Degrees
#3 Best Online Master's Programs in Texas 2024
#3 Best Online MBA Programs in Texas
#3 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
#5 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
#24 The Fastest Traditional MBA Degree Programs Ranked for 2024

Career Outlook for degree at Rice University

Rice University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Robert Woodrow Wilson
Dennis Sullivan
Robert Curl
Matthew Sands
George Mackey
William Sims Bainbridge
Thomas W. Malone
David Eagleman
John Morgan
Henry M. Morris

Arizona State University

#2 Best Colleges in Arizona 2024
#2 Best Grad Schools in Arizona 2024
#2 Most Affordable Colleges in Arizona 2024
#2 Best Public Colleges in Arizona 2024
#2 Best Research Universities in Arizona 2024
#1 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of English
#1 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Forensic Psychology Programs
#1 Top 5 Best Online Criminal Justice Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
#1 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's of Healthcare Administration
#1 15 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of Psychology Programs
#1 Best Online MBA Programs in Arizona
#1 Most Affordable Online Applied Behavioral Analysis PhD Programs
#2 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
#2 Best Online Bachelor's in Human Development Degree Programs for 2024
#2 10 Fastest Accelerated Online Master's of English Programs
#2 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024
#2 Best Online Master's Programs in Arizona 2024
#2 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Arizona
#2 Best Online Master's in English
#2 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Web Design Degree Programs 2025
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Administration Degree Programs
#3 The Best Online Colleges Ranked for Students in 2024
#3 Fastest Accelerated Online Public Health Doctorates (PhDs)
#3 Best Online Bachelor’s of Education Degree Programs for 2024
#3 Best Online Bachelor's in Network Administration Degree Programs for 2024
#3 Best Online Master's in Special Education
#3 Online Colleges That Start Anytime and the Benefits of a Self-Paced Education
#4 Top 20 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's of Cybersecurity 2025
#4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Communications Degree Programs for 2025
#4 20 Fastest Accelerated Online English Doctorates (PhDs) 2024
#4 11 Fastest Accelerated Online Master’s of Computer Science
#4 Best Online Master's in Cybersecurity
#5 Best Online MBA Programs in Nevada
#5 Most Affordable Online Sociology Doctorate Programs (PhDs)
#6 Best Data Science Online Master’s Programs
#6 Best Online Master's in Computer Science Degree Programs
#6 Best Online Master’s in Engineering
#7 Best Online Degrees for a Career in Teaching Ranked 2024
#7 Best Online MBA Degree Programs No GRE Required Ranked for 2024
#8 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
#9 The Best Online MBA Degree Programs in 2024 Ranked for Students
#9 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates)
#9 Best Online Colleges in Arizona 2024
#10 Top 20 Easiest Online Degrees from Accredited Schools in 2024
#11 Top 20 Best Online MBA Programs that Can Be Completed in One Year 2024
#15 Best Online Bachelor’s of Graphic Arts Degree Programs for 2024
#15 Best Online Master's Programs 2024
#17 Best Online Master's in Management
#23 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies
#1 Top 20 Fastest Accelerated Online Bachelor's in Counseling

Career Outlook for degree at Arizona State University

Arizona State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

Jimmy Kimmel
Michael I. Jordan
Bernie Grundman
David Spade
Robert O. Pihl
Barry Bonds
Larry Schweikart
Linda Ronstadt
Matthew Desmond
Reggie Jackson
Kim Komando

How can you choose the best grad school for you?

A good answer to this question looks to your personal and professional goals. Certain professions will require you to earn an advanced degree. In other cases, an advanced degree can make you eligible for leadership roles and higher pay. For instance, the best graduate schools for education can improve your earnings as a teacher, make you eligible for tenure, or help you meet the basic threshold for continued employment. On the other hand, the best graduate schools for business can simply make you a more competitive candidate for job openings and management roles.

The best grad school for you should have a stellar reputation and employ highly influential professors across the board and especially in your area of study. Indeed, much exciting academic work these days is cross-disciplinary, and for such work to flourish it helps to be at a school that is strong across discipines. The following list is composed of graduate schools, both private and public. We’ve identified 1,682 graduate schools in the US . In order to be included in this list of best graduate schools must be fully accredited non-profit institutions that offer advanced degrees and put a premium on research.

Student Submitted Questions on the Best Graduate Schools

Nate asks , “What are the average class sizes and student-to-faculty ratios in the top-ranked graduate programs?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Average class sizes in the top graduate programs tend to range between 10 and 20 students in size. In seminar-style courses and advanced research classes, there is a potential for the classes to be even smaller. In regards to student-to-faculty ratios, in highly ranked programs ratios like 10:1 or even lower are common.

Minnie asks , “How diverse and inclusive are top graduate programs?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: The diversity and inclusivity of programs will vary, but many of the top graduate schools are known for being diverse and attracting large international student populations. These institutions also typically feature support programs that are aimed to represent and back underrepresented groups.

Create Your Own Custom College Ranking

Earn a Master’s Degree Close to Home

You know now that a master’s degree from one of the best graduate degree schools can give you a leg up in this competitive job market.

But, did you know that you can get a top-notch master’s degree at a school that is also close to home? If that interests you, check out our list of the best colleges and universities in each state .

Resources for Prospective Grad Students

Whether you’re just getting started on your college search, you’re looking for survival tips on your way to a bachelor’s degree, or you’re preparing for the transition into grad school, we’ve got guides, how to’s and tons of other valuable resources to keep you moving forward in your educational journey.

Photo Credit: Harvard University’s Harvard Yard, By Mancala English Wikipedia, Public Domain .

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Best Online Doctoral Programs

Best Online Doctoral Programs Of 2024

Updated: Apr 23, 2024, 1:42pm

The best online doctoral programs offer flexibility and convenience that can make it easier for you to pursue an advanced degree, often while working full time.

Earning a doctorate can help you advance to the highest roles in your field and increase your salary potential. It’s also a chance for you to gain an advanced understanding of impactful issues and develop the skills to generate new ideas, solve problems and create meaningful change.

Below, learn about the best online doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including social work, psychology, education and nursing.

Why You Can Trust Forbes Advisor Education

Forbes Advisor’s education editors are committed to producing unbiased rankings and informative articles covering online colleges, tech bootcamps and career paths. Our ranking methodologies use data from the National Center for Education Statistics , education providers, and reputable educational and professional organizations. An advisory board of educators and other subject matter experts reviews and verifies our content to bring you trustworthy, up-to-date information. Advertisers do not influence our rankings or editorial content.

Over 3,868 accredited, nonprofit colleges and universities analyzed nationwide
52 reputable tech bootcamp providers evaluated for our rankings
All content is fact-checked and updated on an annual basis
Rankings undergo five rounds of fact-checking
Only 7.12% of all colleges, universities and bootcamp providers we consider are awarded

Our Methodology

We ranked accredited, nonprofit colleges offering online doctoral degree programs in the U.S. using metrics in the categories of student experience, credibility, student outcomes and affordability. We pulled data for these categories from reliable resources such as the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System ; private, third-party data sources; and individual school and program websites.

We scored schools based on the following data points:

Student Experience:

Student-to-faculty ratio
Socioeconomic diversity
Availability of online coursework
Total number of graduate assistants
Portion of graduate students enrolled in at least some distance education

Credibility:

Fully accredited
Programmatic accreditation status
Nonprofit status

Student Outcomes:

Overall graduation rate
Median earnings 10 years after graduation

Affordability:

In-state graduate student tuition and fees
Alternative tuition plans offered
Median federal student loan debt
Student loan default rate

We chose the best schools to display in 10 categories of doctoral degrees.

Find our full list of methodologies here .

Best Online Colleges With A 100% Acceptance Rate
Best HBCUs With Online Degrees
Best Online Colleges
Best Online Master's Programs
What Are The Best Online Public Universities

Best Online Doctoral Program Options

Should you enroll in an online ph.d. program or doctorate, accreditation for online doctoral degrees, how to find the right online doctorate for you, frequently asked questions (faqs) about online ph.d. programs and doctorates.

Best online Psy.D.: Rivier University
Best online Doctor of Nursing Practice: University of Central Florida
Best online Doctor of Business Administration: Walsh College
Best online doctorate in physical therapy: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Best online doctorate in education: Johns Hopkins University
Best online Ph.D. in organizational leadership: Indiana Wesleyan University
Best online Ph.D. in counseling: Concordia University-Irvine
Best online Doctor of Social Work: University of Southern California
Best online Ph.D. in public administration: West Chester University of Pennsylvania
Best online doctorate in educational leadership: Fairfield University

Best Online Psy.D.

Rivier university.

Program Tuition Rate

$1,275/credit

Percentage of Grad Students Enrolled in Distance Education

Overall Graduation Rate

Located in Nashua, New Hampshire, Rivier University offers a hybrid Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) with a limited number of online classes. The American Psychology Association-accredited program focuses on school psychology and counseling and prepares you to work as a psychologist in various environments. You’ll learn clinical diagnosis, assessment, prevention and intervention skills.

Students must attend full time and can work no more than 20 hours per week. It takes a minimum of five years to graduate.

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on a set schedule
School Type: Private
Application Fee: $100
Degree Credit Requirements: 60-130 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Full-time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Fundamentals of research, group counseling
Concentrations Available: N/A
In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes a 2,000-hour internship and at least six practicum experiences

Best Doctor of Nursing Practice

University of central florida.

$372/credit (in-state)

At University of Central Florida (UCF), practicing nurses can earn a Doctor of Nursing Practice. The advanced track program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education and prepares nurses for clinical leadership roles in the field.

Coursework explores clinical management, communication skills and epidemiology principles. You’ll develop research and practice skills, learn to improve healthcare systems, develop health policy and analyze data to improve individual and population health.

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn around your 9-to-5
School Type: Public
Application Fee: $30
Degree Credit Requirements: 42 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Part-time, full-time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Healthcare systems and policy, nursing environment management
In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes clinical hours (but all coursework is available online)

Best Doctor of Business Administration

Walsh college.

$1,038/credit

You can earn an online Doctor of Business Administration from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. The part-time, online program includes asynchronous coursework and real-time Zoom classes, as well as optional opportunities to interact on campus. You can develop advanced business knowledge and skills to become a business leader or consultant.

In addition to coursework, you must pass a preliminary exam and complete a 15-credit dissertation process. The program requires students to graduate within seven years.

Application Fee: $50
Degree Credit Requirements: 60 credits
Program Enrollment Options: Part-time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Foundations for business success, qualitative and exploratory research methods
In-Person Requirements: No

Best Doctorate in Physical Therapy

Texas tech university health sciences center.

$265/credit (in-state)

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center designed its hybrid Doctor of Science in physical therapy to help practicing physical therapists advance their careers. The post-professional 36-credit program takes four to five years to complete part time.

The flexible format makes it possible for students to keep working while attending school. Learners attend weekend lectures and labs at the Lubbock, Texas, campus. During the week, they supplement their in-person instruction with online assignments.

Application Fee: $75
Degree Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Example Major-Specific Courses: Medical screening for rehabilitation sciences, motor control in orthopedics
Concentrations Available: Research track, teaching track
In-Person Requirements: Yes

Best Online Doctorate in Education

Johns hopkins university.

$2,100/credit

Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland offers an online Ed.D. The part-time degree takes four years to complete and explores topics like the social determinants of education, entrepreneurship and technology.

You can customize the degree by choosing electives that align with your professional interests and by selecting one or more “areas of interest,” such as urban leadership or digital age learning and educational technology. Applicants need a master’s degree with at least 36 graduate credits to qualify for the program.

Application Fee: $80
Degree Credit Requirements: 54 credits
Example Major-Specific Courses: Approaches to urban education, partnerships and community organizing
Concentrations Available: Creativity, advanced learning, and twice exceptionality; digital age learning and educational technology; entrepreneurial leadership in education; mind, brain, and teaching; urban leadership

Best Online Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership

Indiana wesleyan university.

$890/credit

Located in Marion, Indiana Wesleyan University offers an online Ph.D. in organizational leadership that can prepare you to become an effective leader in as few as four years. The program focuses on inclusion, multiculturalism and international perspectives and develops research, presentation and executive skills.

You must attend an in-person residency during the July session, but the rest of the program takes place online and offers flexibility for working professionals. The school’s tuition guarantee locks in your tuition rate when you start the program.

Application Fee: Free
Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced leadership theory, statistical research design
In-Person Requirements: Yes, includes an in-person residency

Best Online Ph.D. in Counseling

Concordia university – irvine.

$795/credit

Concordia University – Irvine in Irvine, California, is a Christian institution that offers a “biblically informed” online Ph.D. in counselor education and supervision from its Townsend Institute. Designed for licensed mental health professionals, the degree develops advanced skills and prepares you for leadership roles in counseling, teaching and advocacy.

The accelerated program takes three to four years to complete. It requires two in-person residencies and a total of 700 hours of internship and practicum field experiences. In addition to coursework, you must complete a culminating 12-credit dissertation that includes original counseling research and a successful oral defense.

Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated
Example Major-Specific Courses: Advanced counseling and career theories, advanced multicultural issues in counselor education and supervision
In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two in-person residencies, a practicum and an internship

Best Online Doctor of Social Work

University of southern california.

$2,137/credit

University of Southern California ‘s online Doctor of Social Work from the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work emphasizes the importance of scholarship and practice in the field. Created for experienced social work professionals, the program can help you become a leader working toward social change and innovation.

The program offers a seven-semester accelerated track and a standard nine-semester option. In a capstone experience, learners research and create a prototype that addresses a current problem in social work.

Application Fee: $90
Program Enrollment Options: Accelerated, full-time
Example Major-Specific Courses: Leading public discourse, financial management for social change

Best Online Ph.D. in Public Administration

West chester university of pennsylvania.

$645/credit (in-state)

West Chester University of Pennsylvania ’s online Doctor of Public Administration can prepare you for high-level roles in public affairs and administration. The program is offered by the College of Business and Public Management, accredited by Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, and the Department of Public Policy and Administration, accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

The curriculum explores strategic management, policy advocacy and decision-making in the public sector. The dissertation allows you to complete an applied research project. You can take electives and choose a concentration from multiple departments, including psychology, graduate social work and criminal justice.

Degree Credit Requirements: 45 credits
Example Major-Specific Courses: Strategic public sector management and governance, research design for program and policy evaluation
Concentrations Available: Options from multiple departments

Best Online Doctorate in Educational Leadership

Fairfield university.

$1,120/credit

At Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut, you can earn an online, low-residency Doctor of Education in educational leadership. The program offers two tracks: teacher leader for certified working educators or higher education administration for higher education professionals.

Students enroll in the cohort-style program in the fall and graduate in three years by taking six credits per semester. Learners can build community during two one-week summer residencies. Applicants need a master’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum 3.0 GPA.

Our Flexibility Rating: Learn on your schedule
Application Fee: $65
Degree Credit Requirements: 57
Example Major-Specific Courses: Action research for educational change, framing and critical analysis of problems of practice
Concentrations Available: Teacher leader, higher education administration
In-Person Requirements: Yes, requires two one-week residencies

An online Ph.D. program or doctorate can offer many compelling features for students, but it might not be the right choice for everyone. Consider the questions below when deciding whether to pursue your doctorate online or in person.

What type of schedule do you need? Online programs typically offer more flexibility that appeals to students who work full time or have personal responsibilities to fit around their school schedule. Online degrees allow learners to pursue higher education without putting their career on hold. This is especially true for programs that offer asynchronous coursework that students complete on their own time.
What learning style works best for you? Do you work well independently and with a lot of freedom? If so, an online doctorate might be a good fit for you. If you think you’d prefer the camaraderie of an in-person cohort graduate program and structured opportunities to interact with instructors, an on-campus or hybrid program might suit you better.
How does the program format affect your budget? Online programs can help you save on tuition, housing and transportation costs. For example, many public schools allow you to pay the same tuition, regardless of where you live. However, you might miss funding opportunities typically reserved for on-campus students, such as graduate teaching assistantships, research assistantships and fellowships.

The U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approve accrediting agencies that give schools institutional accreditation in the U.S.

Institutional accreditation means that a university has met minimum quality requirements related to its academics, financial management, faculty and staff, and student resources and services. To qualify for federal financial aid, you must attend an accredited college.

Programmatic accreditation is a separate process that gives special recognition to individual degrees, programs or departments within a university. Depending on your field, you might need a programmatically accredited degree to get a job or qualify for professional licenses or certifications.

You can search for a prospective school’s accreditation status on CHEA’s website .

Consider Your Future Goals

An online doctorate has the potential to help you achieve your career aspirations. However, not every program in your field will necessarily align with your goals. Before you choose an online doctorate program, think about your post-graduation plans.

For example, some online doctorate programs require professional experience through an internship or a practicum. This type of hands-on learning can help you develop your expertise and professional network. But these experiences usually take place in person and can be hard to fit into your schedule if you’re working full time.

You should also consider if you need a specific license or certification to get the job you want. If so, research the credential’s requirements to learn if your degree needs to meet certain criteria. For example, you may need to complete an accredited program or complete supervised clinical hours.

Understand Your Expenses and Financing Options

Tuition rates for online doctoral programs in our guide vary significantly, from $265 to $2,137 per credit. Most programs required 42 to 60 credits, with some exceptions. In total, the degrees ranked on our list cost between $9,540 and $113,400.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics , grad students at private, nonprofit schools paid an average tuition of $20,408 in 2022–23, while public school tuition cost $11,554 per year. Doctorate programs typically take at least three years to complete, putting total costs between $34,662 and $61,224.

Find funding for your online Ph.D. by filling out the FAFSA®, which can connect you with scholarships, grants and student loans. Many schools also provide funding to graduate students through scholarships, grants and fellowships.

Can you do a Ph.D. fully online?

Yes, many schools offer fully online Ph.D. programs. However, depending on the program and the field of study, you may need to complete on-campus residencies or field experiences like internships or practicums that take place in person.

What is the fastest Ph.D. to get online?

Program length for online Ph.D. programs varies depending on your field of study. You might be able to find some accelerated online Ph.D. programs that you can finish in less than two years. However, the best online doctoral programs on our list take at least three years to complete.

Are online doctoral degrees respected?

An online doctoral degree from an accredited university can provide the same rigorous education and training as a comparable on-campus program. If you’re concerned about whether or not your degree will be respected, consider doing some research about the way that your field or profession tends to view online doctoral degrees.

What is the best online school for a Ph.D.?

The best online school for a Ph.D. depends on your field of study, personal interests and career goals. Make sure that any prospective online school is institutionally accredited. Depending on the degree you want to pursue, it might also be important to find a program with separate programmatic accreditation.

Liz Simmons has been writing for various online publications about career development, higher education and college affordability for nearly a decade. Her articles demystify the college application process and help prospective students figure out how to choose a major or career path.

UC graduate programs and schools among nation’s best in the 2023-24 U.S. News Best Graduate Schools rankings

Two female students, one with pink hair, hold up a petri dish in a lab

Looking to continue your education? Across nearly any field imaginable, the University of California offers some of the best graduate schools and programs in the country, according to the 2023-24 U.S. News Best Graduate Schools rankings released this spring (April 25).

Each year, U.S. News produces the Best Graduate Schools rankings by evaluating professional school programs in business, education, engineering, law, medicine and nursing, including specialties in each area. UC’s 10 campuses earned stellar rankings across those six disciplines this year, featuring some of the country’s best programs and most highly-regarded schools. UC Davis’ veterinary school was also ranked first in a refresh of Health school rankings, continuing a 12-year tradition of being at the top.

There are over 600 graduate programs offered across the university; a new, easy-to-use degree search tool lets users find programs across the system by specialty and campus, making it simple and convenient to browse the many offerings.

Here are a few highlights from the six schools U.S. News evaluates annually in this year’s Best Graduate School rankings:

Business Schools

UC Berkeley tied for No.11 with Columbia and Duke as the best business school in the country. UC Berkeley was also top-ranked for its part-time MBA, and top 10 for MBA programs in entrepreneurship (No. 5), finance (No. 8) and marketing (No. 9).

UCLA ranked No. 19 among all business schools in the country, with particularly highly ranked MBA programs in part-time MBA (No. 5) and finance (No. 9).

Education Schools

UC also offers some of the country’s best education schools. UCLA is tied for No. 7 among schools of education with Stanford; UC Irvine is No. 11 and UC Berkeley is No. 14.

Engineering schools

UC Berkeley ranked third among engineering schools in the country, with top-ranked programs in civil engineering and environmental/environmental health engineering. Every evaluated specialty, from chemical engineering to nuclear engineering, was in the nation’s top 5.

UC San Diego ranked No. 12 for its Jacobs School of Engineering, with a rank of No. 5 in the specialty of biomedical engineering and No. 10 for computer engineering.

UCLA ranked No. 16 among engineering schools and UC Santa Barbara was at No. 27, coming in at No. 6 for materials engineering and No. 11 for chemical engineering. UC Davis and UC Irvine were tied at No. 34 among engineering schools.

Law Schools

UC Berkeley ranked as No. 10, with a wide array of top 5 rankings in concentrations including an intellectual property law program tied for first, the third-ranked environmental law program, and excellent programs in constitutional law (No. 5) and criminal law (No. 7).

UCLA’s law school is ranked No. 14 and offers the No. 9 program in business/corporate law.

UC Irvine’s law school was tied for No. 35. UC Davis and University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) tied for No. 60.

Medical Schools

UC’s medical schools excelled across the state. UC San Francisco ranked No. 5, UC Davis ranked No. 6 and UCLA ranked No. 10 among medical schools for primary care, while UC San Diego ranked No. 30, above Stanford.

UC San Francisco also ranked No. 5 among medical schools for research, with UCLA at No. 18, UC San Diego at No. 21, UC Irvine at No. 44 and UC Davis at No. 50.

UC also has some of the most diverse medical schools in the country, with UC Davis ranked as No. 3 and UC Riverside ranked as No. 5.

Nursing Schools

UC also has a number of the best schools in the country to pursue a master’s in nursing, with UC San Francisco ranked No. 10, UCLA ranked No. 14, UC Davis ranked No. 23 and UC Irvine ranked No. 41.

For the annual rankings of these six schools, U.S. News used data from statistical surveys of 2,214 programs and from reputation surveys sent to approximately 6,300 academics and 12,690 professionals, conducted in fall 2022 and early 2023.

Periodically, U.S. News also updates rankings across the arts, humanities, social sciences and other sciences, including health. Highlights of UC’s current rankings in those programs are below.

Biological sciences

UC Berkeley ranked No. 3; UC San Francisco No. 9; UC Davis, UCLA and UC San Diego No. 17; and UC Irvine No. 32.

UC Berkeley tied for first; UCLA No. 16; UC San Diego No. 20; UC Irvine and UC Santa Barbara tied for No. 24; UC San Francisco No. 27; and UC Davis No. 38.

Computer science

UC Berkeley tied for first; UC San Diego No. 12; UCLA No. 14; UC Santa Barbara No. 24; UC Irvine No. 31; and UC Davis No. 41.

UCLA ranked first; UC San Diego tied for No. 10; UC Berkeley and UC Davis tied for No. 15; and UC Irvine and UC Santa Barbara tied for No. 42.

UC Berkeley ranked No. 3; UC Santa Barbara No. 9; UCLA No. 17; UC San Diego No. 21; UC Irvine No. 35; UC Davis No. 38; UC Santa Cruz No. 47; UC Riverside No. 55; and UC Merced No. 113, climbing 25 spots from 138 last year.

Public health

UC Berkeley and UCLA tied for No. 9; UC Davis ranked No. 22; and UC Irvine No. 43.

Veterinary medicine

UC Davis is once again No. 1, a spot it has held over the last 12 years.

Full UC rankings across the six major disciplines evaluated by the 2023-24 Best Graduate Schools rankings below.

UC Berkeley - 11

UC Irvine - 37

UC Davis - 55

UC San Diego - 107

UC Riverside - 110

UC Irvine - 11

UC Berkeley - 14

UC Davis - 40

UC Riverside - 80

UC Santa Barbara - 80

UC San Diego - 99

UC Santa Cruz - 145

Engineering

UC Berkeley - 3

UC San Diego - 12

UC Santa Barbara - 27

UC Davis - 34

UC Irvine - 34

UC Santa Cruz - 77

UC Riverside - 90

UC Merced - 127

UC Berkeley - 10

UC Irvine - 35

UC Davis - 60

University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings) - 60

Medicine (Research)

UC San Diego - 21

UC Irvine - 44

UC Davis - 50

UC Riverside - 96

Medicine (Primary care)

UC Davis - 6

UC San Diego - 30

UC Irvine - 67

Nursing (Master’s)

UC Davis - 23

UC Irvine - 41

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Harvard Business School →
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PhD Programs

Accounting & Management
Business Economics
Health Policy (Management)
Organizational Behavior
Technology & Operations Management

Students in our PhD programs are encouraged from day one to think of this experience as their first job in business academia—a training ground for a challenging and rewarding career generating rigorous, relevant research that influences practice.

Our doctoral students work with faculty and access resources throughout HBS and Harvard University. The PhD program curriculum requires coursework at HBS and other Harvard discipline departments, and with HBS and Harvard faculty on advisory committees. Faculty throughout Harvard guide the programs through their participation on advisory committees.

How do I know which program is right for me?

There are many paths, but we are one HBS. Our PhD students draw on diverse personal and professional backgrounds to pursue an ever-expanding range of research topics. Explore more here about each program’s requirements & curriculum, read student profiles for each discipline as well as student research , and placement information.

The PhD in Business Administration grounds students in the disciplinary theories and research methods that form the foundation of an academic career. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program has four areas of study: Accounting and Management , Marketing , Strategy , and Technology and Operations Management . All areas of study involve roughly two years of coursework culminating in a field exam. The remaining years of the program are spent conducting independent research, working on co-authored publications, and writing the dissertation. Students join these programs from a wide range of backgrounds, from consulting to engineering. Many applicants possess liberal arts degrees, as there is not a requirement to possess a business degree before joining the program

The PhD in Business Economics provides students the opportunity to study in both Harvard’s world-class Economics Department and Harvard Business School. Throughout the program, coursework includes exploration of microeconomic theory, macroeconomic theory, probability and statistics, and econometrics. While some students join the Business Economics program directly from undergraduate or masters programs, others have worked in economic consulting firms or as research assistants at universities or intergovernmental organizations.

The PhD program in Health Policy (Management) is rooted in data-driven research on the managerial, operational, and strategic issues facing a wide range of organizations. Coursework includes the study of microeconomic theory, management, research methods, and statistics. The backgrounds of students in this program are quite varied, with some coming from public health or the healthcare industry, while others arrive at the program with a background in disciplinary research

The PhD program in Organizational Behavior offers two tracks: either a micro or macro approach. In the micro track, students focus on the study of interpersonal relationships within organizations and the effects that groups have on individuals. Students in the macro track use sociological methods to examine organizations, groups, and markets as a whole, including topics such as the influence of individuals on organizational change, or the relationship between social missions and financial objectives. Jointly administered by HBS and GSAS, the program includes core disciplinary training in sociology or psychology, as well as additional coursework in organizational behavior.

Accounting & Management

Business economics , health policy (management) , marketing , organizational behavior , strategy , technology & operations management .

2024 Best Grad Schools in the United States for Master's Degrees

Choosing the best grad school for you, higher than average earnings, taking out student loans, more ranking factors that are important, one size does not fit all, top master's degree schools in the united states, rest of the top 50 best master's degree schools in the united states, narrow master's degree schools by region, rocky mountains, middle atlantic, great lakes, new england, plains states, far western us, other u.s. territories, rest of the top 15% master's degree schools in the united states.

Rank	College	Location
51		Chapel Hill, NC
52		Villanova, PA
53		Gainesville, FL
54		Bloomington, IN
55		Worcester, MA
56		Philadelphia, PA
57		Hoboken, NJ
58		Boston, MA
59		Boston, MA
60		New York, NY
61		Golden, CO
62		Malibu, CA
63		Blacksburg, VA
64		San Francisco, CA
65		Storrs, CT

Rank	College	Location
66		Bennington, VT
67		Athens, GA
68		Dallas, TX
69		Coral Gables, FL
70		Davis, CA
71		Columbus, OH
72		New Brunswick, NJ
73		San Diego, CA
74		New Orleans, LA
75		Santa Clarita, CA
76		Saint Paul, MN
77		Williamstown, MA
78		Amherst, MA
79		Irvine, CA
80		Iowa City, IA
81		Pittsburgh, PA
82		Bronx, NY
83		Chestnut Hill, MA
84		Los Angeles, CA
85		Denver, CO
86		Chicago, IL
87		Fort Worth, TX
88		Seattle, WA
89		Milwaukee, WI
90		Muncie, IN

Rank	College	Location
91		Ewing, NJ
92		Notre Dame, IN
93		Waco, TX
94		Fairfax, VA
95		East Lansing, MI
96		Saint Louis, MO
97		Ames, IA
98		Orange Beach, AL
99		Syracuse, NY
100		Moraga, CA
101		Raleigh, NC
102		Washington, DC
103		Rolla, MO
104		Winston-Salem, NC
105		Norman, OK
106		Columbia, MO
107		New York, NY
108		Santa Barbara, CA
109		Annapolis, MD
110		San Francisco, CA
111		Omaha, NE
112		New York, NY
113		Scranton, PA
114		Clemson, SC
115		Auburn, AL

Rank	College	Location
116		Philadelphia, PA
117		Baltimore, MD
118		Milwaukee, WI
119		San Diego, CA
120		River Forest, IL
121		Rochester, NY
122		Lincoln, NE
123		Salt Lake City, UT
124		San Diego, CA
125		Houghton, MI
126		Spokane, WA
127		Saint Louis, MO
128		San Jose, CA
129		Lawrence, KS
130		Williamsburg, VA
131		Columbia, SC
132		Newark, NJ
133		Philadelphia, PA
134		San Francisco, CA
135		Redlands, CA
136		Provo, UT
137		Adelphi, MD
138		Bethlehem, PA
139		Sewanee, TN
140		San Francisco, CA

Rank	College	Location
141		Boston, MA
142		Tallahassee, FL
143		Chicago, IL
144		Cincinnati, OH
145		Oxford, OH
146		Salt Lake City, UT
147		Newark, NJ
148		Monterey, CA
149		San Diego, CA
150		Northampton, MA
151		Tempe, AZ
152		Lubbock, TX
153		Forest Grove, OR
154		Philadelphia, PA
155		Providence, RI
156		Minneapolis, MN
157		Flint, MI
158		Tucson, AZ
159		Smithfield, RI
160		Tacoma, WA
161		Tuscaloosa, AL
162		Fairfield, CT
163		Phoenix, AZ
164		Manhattan, KS
165		New York, NY

Rank	College	Location
166		Birmingham, AL
167		Irvine, CA
168		Grand Forks, ND
169		Newark, DE
170		Waltham, MA
171		Knoxville, TN
172		Fort Collins, CO

Honorable Mentions

Rank	College	Location
173		Charles Town, WV
174		Saint Louis, MO
175		Chester, PA
176		Columbia, SC
177		Pullman, WA
178		Indianapolis, IN
179		Richardson, TX
180		Boulder, CO
181		Pittsburgh, PA
182		Fayetteville, AR
183		San Luis Obispo, CA
184		Des Moines, IA
185		Las Vegas, NV
186		Dayton, OH
187		Boston, MA

Rank	College	Location
188		Corvallis, OR
189		Stockton, CA
190		Chicago, IL
191		Elizabethtown, PA
192		Chicago, IL
193		Long Beach, CA
194		Wheaton, IL
195		Aurora, IL
195		Winchester, VA
197		Ellensburg, WA
198		Melbourne, FL
199		Harrisonburg, VA
200		Santa Cruz, CA
201		Chicago, IL
202		Saint Paul, MN
203		Indianapolis, IN
204		Orange City, IA
205		Miami, FL
206		Troy, NY
207		San Dimas, CA

Rank	College	Location
208		Irvine, CA
209		La Mirada, CA
210		Fargo, ND
211		Marion, IN
212		Boston, MA
213		Valley City, ND
214		Athens, OH
215		La Crosse, WI
216		Azusa, CA
217		Bellingham, WA
218		Livingston, AL
219		Lexington, KY
220		New York, NY
221		Claremont, CA
222		Toppenish, WA
223		Fort Lauderdale, FL
224		Peoria, IL
225		Lawrenceville, NJ
226		Orange, CA
227		Daytona Beach, FL

Rank	College	Location
228		West Chester, PA
229		College Place, WA
230		Arlington, TX

More Rankings

Bachelor's degrees, returning adults, doctorate degrees, notes and references, popular reports, compare your school options.

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CollegeRank.net

Best College Rankings

30 Best PhD Programs in English

Quick Highlights:

Our #1 ranked school for a PhD in English is University at Buffalo , followed by University of California, Berkeley .
PhD English programs focus on comprehensive English language and literature knowledge . They require coursework, exams, and a dissertation.
Specializations may be available in areas like rhetoric and digital humanities.
Many programs emphasize practical experience, including teaching opportunities and involvement in academic communities .

With one of the 30 top English PhD programs, career opportunities are numerous, because let’s face it: researching, writing, teaching, learning, communicating, and critical thinking all translate into a highly sought-after knowledge and skill set.

This is not a trick question: What would we do if we could not communicate with each other, whether verbally or in writing (or texting)?

Seriously think about it: Without language, what do we have?

There are those who live and breathe:

sentence structures

They can’t seem to get enough of learning about the dynamic subject we call English. If you love language, writing, research, learning, and continuously searching for that right word, a PhD in English may be the graduate program you’re looking for.

Check out our top English PhD program rankings and start preparing for your future!

Top MFA in Creative Writing
Best PhD in Communications

What Is a PhD in English?

A PhD in English is a terminal degree, meaning it’s the highest you can get in any given subject. While concentrations and programs of study differ, three parts of an English PhD are certain:

qualifying exams
a dissertation

Coursework typically includes various literature classes to provide a strong breadth of English language and literature knowledge. Most top English PhD programs also require foreign language requirements. After the coursework is finished in around 2-3 years, English majors will take a comprehensive qualifying exam to achieve doctoral status. This exam covers all they have studied this far, and passing it will allow them to move on to their dissertation.

A dissertation is the final step to earning a PhD in English. Think of it as an independent research project that takes years to:

compile information

The dissertation defense is the last step, where you present your project to a faculty panel.

Most top English PhD programs take five to seven years to complete, but of course, it depends on full-time or part-time status. It is also worth noting that many graduate schools, including the ones we have reviewed, provide full funding to the student earning a PhD.

What Are the Top English PhD Programs?

At CollegeRank , we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].

University at Buffalo

Buffalo, New York

Average Net Price

While all of our rankings in this article are notable, The University of Buffalo ranks in the top 1% of not just the country but the world by the Center for World University Rankings. Founded in 1846, SUNY Buffalo is the largest campus in the 64-campus SUNY system. It offers one of the best English PhD programs. It just happens to be our #1 choice!

What sets SUNY Buffalo apart from others? As a student, you are a part of a vibrant, supportive community as an active participant in every part of the program. You are not just going to school, but you are a part of the process. This includes attending and voting in department meetings and joining the English Graduate Student Association (EGSA).

This top PhD in English requires 72 credits, which are satisfied through ten graduate seminar courses in fields such as:

American and British literature
poetics and critical theory

You will then take an oral qualifying exam and complete and defend a “book-length work of original scholarship,” otherwise known as a dissertation.

As a graduate program student, you are encouraged to publish during your time at SUNY Buffalo and equipped with a third-year workshop for this goal. This graduate program takes approximately five years and is fully in person. You can apply through the Graduate Enrollment Services.

University of California, Berkeley

Berkeley, California

Globally ranked as the fourth-best university according to U.S. News & World Report rankings, University of California-Berkeley has been described as a “glorious place,” full of “commitment to excellence.” This is a top graduate program in the country. The PhD in comparative literature, is both “historical and theoretical”. It includes a “signature combination of teaching and research on literature, film, and other media.”

In this English PhD program , you will choose one literature from a historical and critical perspective and complete comparative work in three kinds of literature. You will then complete ten courses encompassing:

comparative
major types of literature
minor types of literature

The University of California-Berkeley says this program takes approximately seven years to complete and includes a recommended timetable to stay on track.

The University of California-Berkeley offers a myriad of fellowships and financial aid to help with the cost of this PhD program. In addition, you have the opportunity to seek employment through the department in teaching and research assistantship programs. Alumni have won national awards from the Modern Language Association and the American Comparative Literature Association (ACLA).

University of Maryland

College Park, Maryland

The University of Maryland is devoted to social entrepreneurship. It is recognized as the nation’s first “Do Good” university. Home to over 41,000 students and 388,000 alumni, UMD spans 12 schools and colleges. It offers 297 academic programs, including the nationally ranked PhD in English. This graduate program prepares students who plan to teach at the university level with:

language courses

Along with You will study an in-depth range of topics such as:

literary and cultural history,
aesthetic, critical and cultural theory
digital and media studies
humanistic engagement with the sciences
language, rhetoric and composition

You will complete a minimum of 12 courses, including a foreign language requirement, while maintaining a 3.6 GPA.

UMD’s top English PhD program is highly competitive but well worth the competition if you are accepted because all students receive a five-year funding package. To apply, you need to submit:

a statement of goals and research interests
transcripts
three letters of recommendation
a sample of critical writing
an academic CV

The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, Texas

UT Austin is not only known for its food (especially breakfast tacos!) and music, but it’s also our #4 ranking. It has:

excellent academic programs
extensive research
shared values of “equity, excellence, innovation, and empowerment”

It is ranked #20 in Best Graduate Schools from U.S. News & World Report . UT Austin offers a PhD in English with a concentration in literature or rhetoric and digital literacies.

Whether you enter the program with a bachelor’s or a master’s degree, you are required to complete 39 graduate seminar hours before the end of your third year. You must pass the third-year examination to achieve doctoral candidacy. The final milestone for the PhD in English is the dissertation defense. Graduate students have access to six years of funding from combined teaching assistantships.

UT Austin’s admission is highly competitive. Each year, this English PhD program accepts 12-14 students into the literature concentration and four in the rhetoric and digital literacies program. You can apply through ApplyTexas if you have a BA or MA plus at least 15 hours of upper-division English credits with a minimum 3.0 GPA.

University of Wisconsin – Madison

Madison, Wisconsin

A top-ranked university with 19 faculty and alumni Nobel Prize winners? Yes, please! Check out UW-Madison, awarded #13 in America’s Best Colleges from U.S. News & Report . UW Madison offers more than 9,000 courses across over 450 academic programs, including a PhD in English with the following specializations:

Composition and rhetoric
English language and linguistics
Literature studies

This graduate program “combines a sharp focus on conceptual approaches to literary and cultural works with a commitment to broad coverage of the field of Anglophone literature.” As a student, you will tailor the program to your career goals through a required minor. You will also study interdisciplinary areas such as:

literary theory and criticism
gender studies
race and ethnic studies

You will complete 51-63 coursework credits depending on which concentration you choose. Each concentration includes:

major courses
minor courses
research/method/tools courses

While some of the best English PhD rankings offer online or hybrid formats, UW-Madison’s coursework is face-to-face. Applicants must have a bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited institution. English degrees are preferred but they are not required.

Texas Tech University

Lubbock, Texas

Texas Tech warded a “Very High Research Activity” category by Carnegie Classification of Institution of Higher Education. It is a comprehensive public research university that spans 13 colleges and schools and 200 degree programs. At Texas Tech, you can earn a PhD in English with a specialization in literature.

One of the best parts of Texas Tech’s PhD in English is vast areas of study. You can choose any of the following concentrations:

Early British literature
Later British literature
English and American literature
Comparative literature, globalization, and translation
Creative writing
Linguistics
Book history and digital humanities
Film and media studies
Literature, social justice, and environment

No matter which concentration you choose, you will take courses such as:

Research Methods
Critical Methods
Writing for Publication
Teaching College Literature

Texas Tech employs a holistic assessment for applicants while looking for:

critical analysis skills
a focused academic purpose
strong letters of recommendation

University of South Florida

Tampa, Florida

Located in the heart of Tampa Bay, the University of South Florida is one of the fastest-rising universities in the nation. U.S. News and World Report ranks it as the 46th best public university in the country. At UCF, you can earn a PhD in English with either a literature or rhetoric and composition concentration.

UCF’s top English PhD program requires at least 30 hours of coursework, including:

Scholarly Research and Writing
Teaching Practicum
Studies in Criticism and Theory

After completing your coursework, you must create and submit a portfolio and fulfill a foreign language requirement before you are admitted to doctoral candidacy. Then, the real fun starts: writing your dissertation.

USF graduate students can also earn graduate certificates in:

comparative literary studies
creative writing
digital humanities
professional and technical communication

UCF’s program is pretty competitive. You need:

a Master of Arts from an accredited university
at least a 3.7 GPA
“competitive” GRE verbal and analytical writing scores
recommendation letters
a scholarly writing sample
a personal statement

University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah

“Step One: Imagine. Step Two: Do.”

The University of Utah is fondly known by students, faculty, and alumni as “The U,”. It features a simple yet profound motto that has inspired many graduates to go on and make their mark on the world. Notable alumni include writer Orson Scott Card and award-winning actor Stephen Covey, among many others.

You, too, can imagine what is possible and then take action by checking out the top PhD in English . It has concentrations in rhetoric and composition or literacy and cultural studies. The program entails:

Ten seminar courses (including four concentration courses)
Four additional English courses
Two courses in writing and rhetoric studies
A qualifying exam
A successful dissertation

The Department of English features ample opportunities for publications, along with the graduate student reading series, Working Dog, where you can showcase your original work to not only other classmates, but the public.

University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona

The University of Arizona is a nationally ranked university in public research and best value. It features a rich Native American history. The first graduating class in 1895 included three students before Arizona was even a state!

Check out the PhD in rhetoric, composition, and teaching of English – perfect if you intend to teach at a four-year college or a writing program. UA’s Department of English states that the graduates of this doctoral program are “distinguished for their public engagement and action-oriented research, published scholarship, and innovative teaching.”

The University of Arizona has an outstanding 97% job placement. English PhD graduates find themselves as nationally recognized scholars teaching, researching, and writing all over the world.

In this top English PhD program, you will complete 66 credit units, which includes 18 dissertation credits. Courses include:

Research Methods in Rhetoric and Composition
Qualifying Portfolio Workshop

To apply, you need to submit:

a CV, a statement of purpose
unofficial transcripts
a writing sample in rhetoric or composition

Louisiana State University

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

LSU is Louisiana’s flagship institution. Louisiana State University is known for its top-notch academics and impressive return on investments. Ninety-two percent of all students receive scholarships or financial aid. Two in three students graduate with absolutely no debt. LSU’s PhD in English arms graduate students with the knowledge and skills to become expert:

researchers

Similar to most English PhD programs, this program is organized into three phases:

dissertation

The coursework consists of 48 credit hours of literature that “range across periods, genres, and traditions,” and critical and theoretical methods. Students will then take their exams and progress into the dissertation phase.

Students typically write one chapter of their dissertation per semester while enrolled in the Dissertation Writing Workshop. A perk of this program is that you can apply if you have either a Bachelor’s or Master’s of Arts. If you already have a master’s degree, you can apply up to 24 credit hours toward this degree and finish the PhD in just four years.

Arizona State University

Tempe, Arizona

Arizona State University boasts several national recognitions. This includes #1 in the country for most innovative school and the best graduate schools from U.S. News & World Report. Among the half a million alumni include notable:

politicians
actors and actresses

ASU features a PhD in English literature that is worth checking out!

The PhD in English literature emphasizes literary texts not only from a cultural and historical perspective but also from the “production, distribution, and reception.” The “texts” are defined as “folklore, oral traditions, popular culture, and film and digital media in addition to traditional literature.” The graduate program includes 42-72 hours in coursework. It also includes 12 hours of dissertation work.

This doctoral program is highly flexible and allows you to take courses in your interest areas. Sample courses include:

Methods and Issues in Teaching Composition
Rhetorical Traditions

To apply you need:

statement of purpose
an academic writing sample of 10-25 pages

The deadline to apply is January 1, and the GRE is not required.

University of California – Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

Have you ever wondered which U.S. city features the most museums and theaters than any other city? Well, it’s Los Angeles! UCLA is proud to be right in the center of the excitement. (And in case you’re wondering, LA is home to 105 museums and 225 theaters!) At UCLA-Los Angeles, you can join the current 15,724 graduate students and earn a comprehensive PhD in English literature.

UCLA structures its PhD in three stages. Stage one entails 14 graduate seminars in English literature, with various requirements to ensure a diverse depth of literature. Stage one also includes a first qualifying exam before you proceed to stage two for a second qualifying exam. Stage three is the research, writing, and completion of a dissertation. It begins in year five and typically takes two years to complete.

Component of UCLA’s PhD program include:

dissertation project
teacher training

Teaching assistantships are available and encouraged for graduate students. To apply you need to submit:

a writing sample of 15-25 pages

Currently, the GRE exam requirement is waived because of Covid-19.

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, Michigan

The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor was voted #1 for Best Small College Town in America and Best U.S. Public University ( QS World University Rankings and Wallethub ). It is globally recognized for its exceptional academic quality. U-M Ann Arbor features a stellar doctoral program in English language and literature for those who aim to:

write in a collective community

This top English PhD program allows you to specialize in British, American, or anglophone literature. Also, to“explore a wide range of critical, theoretical, and cultural perspectives.” The program focuses on learning as a social process. This is one reason why English graduate students are guaranteed six years of program funding! A huge perk.

In your first year you will:

complete two basic languages or one advanced language
Introduction to Graduate Studies
three upper-level seminars

Your second year will be devoted to the preliminary examination. In the third year, a third-year review, which will provide feedback and direction. Finally, you will devote your last few years to your dissertation.

University of Missouri

Columbia, Missouri

If you know what the Tiger Walk and Tiger Prowl are, you certainly are familiar with the University of Missouri. It is fondly known as Mizzou. With a long history of traditions, Mizzou’s pride is seen all over the world. You can earn a PhD in English in just five years, including 30 hours of coursework that provides “deep knowledge and methodological sophistication. with a concentration on creative writing or literature.

Sample courses include:

Literacy Criticism
The Theory and Practice of Teaching in English
English Linguistics
creative writing workshops if you choose the creative writing concentration

By the spring of your third year, you should begin writing your dissertation. This could be scholarly or creative, depending on your concentration. You will have two years to complete your dissertation before you defend it by the end of your fifth year.

Recent dissertation titles include:

“Medieval Romance, Fanfiction, and the Erotics of Shame”
“Science Frictions: Science, Folklore, and ‘The Future ”
“Magical Safe Spaces: The Role of Literature in Medieval and Early Modern Magic”

University of Virginia – Main Campus

Charlottesville, Virginia

The University of Virginia is one of the very best in the nation. Both U.S. News & World Report and Money Magazine rank UVA #2 and #4 as the best public university and the best value. UVA houses a PhD in English language, literature, and research that leads graduates to all types of careers in:

education administration

This best English PhD program entails 72 credits, including courses like:

Introduction to Literary Research
Dissertation Seminar

During the second semester of the fourth year, students will give a 40-min talk about their dissertation. This is a great opportunity for students to share their work with a formal venue before they defend their dissertation later.

In addition to this degree, you can earn graduate certificates in:

Comparative literature
Gender and sexuality studies
African studies
Environmental humanities
Digital humanities

Accepted students receive financial support and health insurance for at least five years of their duration in the program.

University of Tennessee Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee

Founded in 1794, UT Knoxville is one of the oldest in the country. UT Knoxville spreads across 910 acres. The 294 buildings house 11 colleges and 900 programs of study! If you’re a teacher and want to continue your education studies, then UT’s PhD in literacy studies and education may be for you.

This program is not a standard PhD in English. It combines English and education and allows you to choose from a number of concentrations and specializations. You can choose between literacy studies and education. Then you can further choose an emphasis like:

children’s and young adult literature
ESL education
literacy education

This program includes 48 credit hours beyond a master’s degree. This includes six credits in a cognate area and 24 hours of doctoral research and dissertation courses. Comprehensive exams should be completed in five years. The dissertation should be completed within eight years. To apply to this program, you need at least three years of teaching experience.

University of Louisiana

Lafayette, Louisiana

Smart. Spirited. Solution-Driven.

Those are words to describe the University of Louisiana at Lafayette It is the second-largest university in Louisiana, home to over 19,000 students. We also must mention that UL’s sports teams are THE Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns®! With a PhD in English from UL, you will receive a strong background in British and American language and literature. You can further customize your program to match your career goals.

UL now has over 100 students in its PhD program, which is a lot for a PhD in English! You can specialize in four areas (out of 21!) such as:

critical theory
Africana literature
feminist theory and criticism

The degree requires 72 credit hours, which include 48 in coursework and 24 in dissertation research.

UL’s PhD program asks for application materials that “testify to solid academic preparation for advanced work.” These materials include:

Transcripts
Recommendation letters
A Statement of purpose
A CV with relevant academic/professional experience
A critical (or creative) writing sample
Optional GRE scores

To enter in the spring, submit your application by November 15.

New York University

New York City, New York

Imagine studying English in one of the most vibrant cities in the nation: New York City. New York University Steinhardt is a top university. It is ranked #10 among the Best Graduate Schools in Education ( U.S. News & World Report ). NYU Steinhardt offers a range of programs:

doctoral programs

This includes the notable PhD in English education: secondary and college.

This doctoral program at New York University prepares graduates to become:

university researchers
English curriculum specialists
post-secondary English language educators

You will enjoy small classes in one of the most diverse settings in the world: New York City! As a student, you will complete 48-60 credits, depending on the focus area and prior coursework.

Coursework includes:

teaching and learning seminars
two cognate courses
foundation requirements
research methodology classes

Before beginning your dissertation, you will complete a research experience course to prepare you. While many programs require full-time status, you can complete this PhD full-time or part-time. To apply, you need:

A statement of purpose
A writing sample (no more than 20 pages)
Three recommendation letters

University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Benjamin Franklin once said, “well-done is better than well-said.” This statement, by the school’s founder, serves as the cornerstone tradition of the University of Pennsylvania. Since the 1740s, Penn continues to evolve into a place of social activism, touching all of its programs. Penn’s PhD in English combines English and American literature to produce a comprehensive program with a range of specializations.

This “intellectually dynamic and rigorous” PhD program prepares students to be scholars and educators of English. You can specialize in one primary field. Or you can specialize in two additional fields such as:

contemporary poetry

Penn recognizes that true learning comes when students become active participants in their academic and social community. The program’s emphasis is on the relationships between scholars and faculty.

In this top English PhD program , you will take courses such as Teaching of Literature and Composition. This is along with six literature courses spanning throughout various time periods. During your third year, you will choose a specialization as you start working on your dissertation. All PhD students receive the Benjamin Franklin Fellowship, which covers tuition and health insurance for five years.

Harvard University

Cambridge, Massachusetts

Have you ever wondered which academic institution is our nation’s oldest? Well, it’s Harvard University, established in 1636! With over 400,000 alumni all over the world including:

49 Nobel Laureates
32 heads of state
48 Pulitzer Prize winners

It’s no wonder Harvard University made our list of top English PhD rankings. After all, it’s Harvard! Check out Harvard University’s PhD in English that covers topics ranging from medieval literature to criticism and theory.

Harvard’s PhD in English provides a broad knowledge of English and teaches students to:

research and write well
teach effectively
present their research at conferences and seminars

The first two years are devoted to coursework and preparing for the PhD qualifying exam, while the rest of the time is spent working on the dissertation.

Check out the many past doctoral theses and dissertations published on Harvard University’s website. Harvard states that this program typically takes between four and seven years. Most students finishing in five or six years. While GRE scores are not required for admission, past English classes, strong writing samples, and excellent letters of recommendation are.

Columbia University in the City of New York

A private Ivy League University, Columbia University has been a leader in higher education for over 250 years. Columbia University spans three undergraduate schools and 13 graduate schools. This includes the Teacher College, which opened in 1880. Columbia’s Teacher College features a PhD in English education for students who aim to become teachers and researchers in higher education.

This English PhD program includes 75 credits, and students may transfer up to 30 credits from previous graduate work. All PhD English education majors will take courses like:

Research Paper: Teaching of English
Professional Seminar: Foundational Texts

As a student, you stay on track through:

milestones of coursework
meeting with your dissertation committee

While most doctoral English PhD programs only admit students once a year, Columbia’s program allows entry in both the summer and fall. To apply you need:

a master’s degree in English
education or a related field
at least 3-5 years of full-time teaching experience
an academic writing sample

Cornell University

Ithaca, New York

Cornell University is a private Ivy League research university in Ithaca, NY. It is home to over 24,000 students. This top-ranked university includes 15 colleges and schools, including The College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University. You can earn a PhD in English and language literature. This English PhD program comes with a generous financial package for students.

Cornell’s PhD in English language and literature allows you to customize your plan of study to suit your interests. You will form a faculty committee that will work with you on selecting your courses and writing and revising your dissertation. You can choose from a myriad of areas such as:

Romance studies
Cultural studies

This graduate program also emphasizes teaching an essential part of this plan of study. As a student, you are required to teach writing-intensive courses for at least one year during your time at Cornell. As mentioned, Cornell University provides five years of funding that includes:

full tuition
health insurance

Syracuse University

Syracuse, New York

Syracuse University, a highly-ranked private research institution, states that “being orange is more than just a color, a place or degree. It embodies a lifelong connection to a global network of innovators, thinkers, and creative solution finders.” Join the “Orange Community” of 22,000 other students when you earn a top PhD in English from Syracuse University.

Syracuse’s Ph.D. in English includes “specialized professional training in criticism, theory, research, and the teaching of literary and filmic texts”. It prepares you to teach at the college and university level. You can apply whether you have a BA or master’s degree, and you will take between 12-18 courses, depending on your past academic records.

This PhD program is pretty straightforward. You will take courses like:

Introduction to Critical Theory
focused graduate seminars
a foreign language

You will also take two exams: the field exam and the qualifying exam. This will qualify you as a doctoral candidate to begin:

researching
defending your dissertation

Syracuse boasts an excellent job placement record for PhD in English graduates.

Washington University in St. Louis

St. Louis, Missouri

Washington University was founded in 1853 in St. Luis. WashUis an independent university with more than 16,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries. It offers many opportunities, including:

customizable programs
study abroad experiences
impressive financial aid options

You won’t want to miss the PhD in English and American literature from the College of Arts and Sciences.

Washington University’s PhD in English and American literature is described as “innovative, collegial, competitive, and generously funded, offering one of the top financial packages in the nation”. The program is rooted in literary history. As a student, you can tailor your plan of study to incorporate areas of English that you want to explore.

During your time at WashU, you will serve as both a graduate assistant and instructor in undergraduate English and literature courses. During year four, you will submit a dissertation prospectus. The next two years you will spend working on your dissertation. By April of year six, you will be ready to defend your dissertation and become a Doctor of English!

Northwestern University

Evanston, Illinois

Ranked #9 in the U.S. News & World Report 2020 Best Colleges, Northwestern University is a comprehensive research university. It has more than 13,000 graduate students and an impressive student-to-faculty ratio of 6:1. Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences at Northwestern University features a PhD in literature that emphasizes:

literary history
criticism, and theory
interdisciplinary studies

This best English graduate program includes:

lectures and workshops from global scholars
student-organized colloquia
reading groups, conferences
many ways to learn from not only the faculty, but from peers

You will complete 20 graduate-level courses in diverse historical periods during your first three years. In addition, you will complete a foreign language requirement by the end of year one.

At Northwestern, you will:

work as a graduate assistant
teach at least one course
work on your dissertation during years four and five

While this PhD program can be completed in five years, most students complete it in six. As a graduate student at Northwestern, you will receive:

full financial aid
travel grants
pedagogical training
job placement

University of Miami

Coral Gables, Florida

Established in 1925, the University of Miami is a private research academic institution with numerous national recognitions in academic and research success. Check out UM’s Pride Points and what it means to be part of the Hurricane family. While you’re at it, check out the PhD in English with concentrations in Caribbean studies or early modern literature. This is a degree full of diversity and opportunity.

UM’s PhD in English is nationally ranked by the National Research Council for student and faculty diversity. As a student at UM, you will enjoy diverse topics such as:

Caribbean literature
early modern literature
cultural theory

The cohorts are only five to seven students, so you will be among a tight-knit community of English scholars.

UM admits incoming students with either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in English, and your previous degree(s) will determine whether you need to take 54 or 36 credits of coursework. You will also receive:

at least five years of tuition remissions

UM reports that over 90% of its PhD graduates have full-time employment within nine months of graduating.

University of Chicago

Chicago, Illinois

The University of Chicago, a highly-ranked private research university, is known for its value of free and open inquiry. This has led to research breakthroughs such as:

finding the cancer-genetics link
discovering revolutionary economics links
improving the graduation rates in urban cities

UChicago’s PhD in English language and literature involves intensive research for solutions, and open expression, staying true to UChicago’s values.

The University of Chicago’s PhD in English language and literature “prepares students for independent work as teachers, scholars, and critics by developing their abilities to pose and investigate problems in the advanced study of literature in English.” The four major elements of this program include:

the dissertation.

Part of the appeal of this program are the dynamic courses like:

The Print Revolution and New Readers: Women, Workers, Children
Early Science Fiction
Readings in Exile
scanned transcripts
3-4 recommendation letters
a 15-20 page writing sample
a 1-3 page statement of purpose

Boston College

Newton, Massachusetts

“Education with a heart and soul – and the power to transform” is Boston College’s motto. Boston College is the first higher education institution in Boston. This private Jesuit research university is among one of the nation’s leaders. Boston College’s PhD in English gives graduate students the choice of a wide range of courses to tailor the program to their interests and career goals.

As a student, you are required to take just four PhD seminars along with courses in composition theory and pedagogy and research colloquium. The rest is up to you, and you will work with your advisor to build your program. Teaching is another component and starting with your second year, you will become a teaching assistant in a British or American literature class.

We’ll be honest: the very thing that we love about this program—the small classes—means that each year Boston College only admits 4-5 students. Applications for the fall semester are due by January 2. To apply you need:

a critical writing statement

The Catholic University of America

Washington, D.C.

Right in the heart of our nation’s capital, you will find the Catholic University of America. It is the only national research academic institution found by the U.S. bishops. CatholicU is a great place to earn a PhD in English language and literature offering:

more than 250 academic programs
5,700 students
90,000+ alumni

And who wouldn’t want to study literature in Washington D.C.?

CatholicU’s English language and literature program includes 54 credit of coursework, a comprehensive exam, and a dissertation. The comprehensive exam consists of three parts:

literary theory
the history of criticism

After you pass the exam, you will begin your dissertation, described by CatholicU as “a substantial piece of original research,” which “gives the doctoral program its capstone.”

CatholicU’s location allows you to become fully immersed in literary history since you are among some of the most reputable museums, research collections, and libraries. Classes are small, so you will get personalized attention, including pedagogical training. CatholicU offers funding for this English language and literature PhD program for up to seven years.

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, Indiana

Notre Dame’s College of Arts and Letters features a “flexible and dynamic” PhD in English that entails 42 credits of literary criticism courses, preparing you for:

individualized reading courses
independent study

Your written and oral exams in the third year will assess your knowledge and skills in your specialization, a secondary field, literary theory, and methodology.

You will then focus on researching for your dissertation, which you will defend in year five or six.

Notre Dame also offers a 5+1 program that gives job incentives for students finishing this program in five years.

Frequently Asked Questions

PhD graduates can find rewarding careers in academia, journalism, media, and other communication fields. You can also become a content strategist or explore writing opportunities. Your expertise in language and literature opens doors to diverse fields of research and publishing.

Historical trends indicate PhDs in English graduates find jobs in academia, research, publishing, and related fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of postsecondary teachers (which includes university professors) is projected to grow 8% through 2032. This should result in about 118,000 new job openings each year, over the next 10 years.

Pay varies for PhD in English graduates, based on factors such as experience, location, and employment sector. In academia, assistant professors with a PhD in English start with salaries ranging from $60,000 to $80,000, while more experienced professors earn higher salaries.

A PhD in English typically takes 5 to 7 years. It involves coursework, comprehensive exams, dissertation research, and writing. Some online PhD programs allow students to finish their degree in less time, but the average is 6 years.

Many PhD programs in English offer financial support to students, which can include tuition waivers, stipends, and teaching or research assistant positions. Students often receive compensation for their teaching or research contributions, helping to offset costs during their doctoral studies. Stipends and compensation for teaching or research assistantships can range from a few thousand dollars to more substantial amounts, depending on the university, location, and program.

Yes, earning a PhD in English grants you the title of “Doctor.” When you successfully complete a doctoral program, including a PhD in English, you’re awarded the academic title of “Doctor of Philosophy.” You can use the prefix “Dr.” before your name in professional and academic contexts.

Yes, it is possible to pursue a PhD in English without a master’s degree. Some doctoral programs accept students with a bachelor’s degree directly into their PhD programs, providing specific academic and admission requirements are met.

Best Online PhD Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis of 2025

Written by Alex Kale

Updated: August 28, 2024

Find your online program in minutes!

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Pursuing an online PhD in applied behavior analysis (ABA) is rewarding for those passionate about understanding and improving human behavior. This degree cultivates critical skills in behavioral assessment, intervention design, and research, preparing graduates for impactful careers, often working with clients on the autism spectrum.

Many graduates become behavioral analysts, a specialized psychology role with a median salary of $92,740 . However, the specialized nature of this field can lead to higher earnings, with the top 10% making over $151,880 . Some graduates choose academia, where health specialties professors earn a median salary of $105,650 .

Most of these programs take five to seven years to complete, with average graduate-level tuition costing $20,513 per year .

How to Choose an Online PhD Program in Applied Behavior Analysis

Choose your area of study.

There are many areas of study to consider when pursuing your PhD in applied behavior analysis — all designed to help you align your research with your career goals. You may come into this process with a good idea of what you want to study, but here are some questions to consider if you’re still thinking it over:

What population or setting am I most interested in working with?
What are the most pressing issues in the field?
How do my strengths and interests align with current research trends?

For example, students aiming to work in clinical or educational settings will be well-suited to specialize in autism spectrum disorder. At the same time, those interested in applying ABA principles in corporate environments will thrive in organizational behavior management. Some programs may offer an additional specialization option in behavioral gerontology, which is best for those focused on aging populations and elder care.

Research schools and programs

With your specialization in mind, researching schools and programs is your next step. Consider the following questions to help guide your research further:

Does the program offer courses in my intended specialization?
What is the program’s graduation rate and average time to completion?
Are there opportunities for hands-on research or internships?
What financial aid options are available?

This information can be found on university websites, by speaking to an admissions counselor, or by attending a virtual open house.

Prepare for tests and applications

Now that you’ve identified the schools you want to apply to, start your application prep early. This often means requesting transcripts and letters of recommendation as soon as possible to avoid last-minute delays — as these can take time to gather. You’ll also want to allow ample time to write your personal statement and revise your resume to highlight your relevant experience.

For programs that require GRE scores, consider enrolling in a test prep program to boost your performance.

Select your program

When acceptance letters arrive, you may have a significant decision to make. Start by revisiting your initial research criteria, focusing on what matters most to you — like specialization options, the faculty you’ll learn from, and support services for online learners. Additionally, reassess the total cost of attendance, factoring in financial aid offers, including scholarships, grants, and assistantships. Balancing these factors will help you choose the program that best aligns with your academic and career goals — helping you feel confident in your final decision.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Paying for your PhD can feel daunting, but fortunately, many financial aid resources help. Start by exploring scholarships and grants, as these don’t require repayment. Next, consider fellowships and assistantships, which offer funding in exchange for research or teaching responsibilities. For those currently employed in a related field, ask if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, which can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

If you need to borrow, prioritize federal loans over private loans due to their generally lower interest rates and more flexible repayment options.

Best 50 Accredited Online PhD Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis

intelligent score 96.90

#1 Online PhD Degrees #2 Academic Influence #3 Online School Center

School Information

Scottsdale, AZ

Graduation Rate: 52%

Admission Rate: 73%

Urbanicity: City

School Size: Large

Delivery Format Online

Required Credits to Graduate 84

Estimated Cost per Credit $1,175

accreditation Higher Learning Commission

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 866-277-6589

intelligent score 95.26

#1 Online School Center #2 Grad School Center #5 Online PhD Degrees #6 Academic Influence

Los Angeles, CA

Graduation Rate: 13.6%

Admission Rate: 24%

School Size: Small

Delivery Format Online, On-Campus

Required Credits to Graduate 107

Estimated Cost per Credit $1,703

accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-721-8072

intelligent score 93.78

#2 Online School Center #3 Grad School Center #3 Online PhD Degrees #7 Academic Influence

Beverly, MA

Graduation Rate: 75%

Admission Rate: 70%

Urbanicity: Suburban

School Size: Medium

Required Credits to Graduate 60

Estimated Cost per Credit $960

accreditation New England Commission of Higher Education

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 978-232-2199

intelligent score 93.33

#4 Academic Influence #4 Grad School Center

Louisville, KY

Graduation Rate: 22%

Admission Rate: 58%

Required Credits to Graduate 48

Estimated Cost per Credit $1,125

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-521-2000

intelligent score 90.39

#1 Grad School Center

Graduation Rate: 51%

Admission Rate: 100%

Delivery Format Hybrid

Estimated Cost per Credit $1,076

more program information Email: [email protected] Phone: 800-877-4723

Discover More Options

How we rank schools.

This list features some of the best online PhD in applied behavior analysis programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.

We evaluated each school’s program on admission, retention, and graduation rates as well as tuition costs, faculty, reputation, and the resources provided for online students. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology .

Next, we compared this comprehensive list of online PhD in applied behavior analysis programs to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like U.S. News & World Report, among others, to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.

What Can You Expect From an Online PhD Program in Applied Behavior Analysis?

By enrolling in an online PhD program in applied behavior analysis, you can expect an in-depth exploration of behavioral theories, research methods, and intervention techniques. Curriculums typically include coursework in behavioral assessment, ethics, and experimental design, followed by comprehensive exams.

After completing approximately two years of coursework, you’ll transition to the dissertation phase, which often takes at least three years. The dissertation requires original research that contributes to the field. While most students complete this degree in five years, some programs offer the flexibility to extend up to seven years to accommodate part-time learners or those needing more time for research.

Potential courses you’ll take in an online PhD program in applied behavior analysis

Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis: Often one of the first courses you’ll take, this class covers the principles and techniques of ABA – including reinforcement, punishment, and behavior modification strategies. Students will learn how to apply these concepts to different settings, from schools to clinical environments, to improve behavior outcomes.
Ethics and Professionalism in ABA: Another core requirement, this course focuses on the ethical considerations and professional standards in the practice of ABA. Participants will explore real-world scenarios, learning to navigate ethical dilemmas while maintaining integrity and adhering to professional guidelines.
Functional Behavioral Assessment: This course teaches students how to conduct functional behavioral assessments (FBA) to identify the causes of challenging behaviors. It emphasizes data collection, analysis, and the development of intervention plans based on behavior functions.
Philosophy of Behaviorism: This upper-level course explores the theoretical foundation of behaviorism, examining critical figures like B.F. Skinner and the evolution of behaviorist thought. Students will gain an understanding of how behaviorism influences contemporary ABA practices.
Advanced Research Methods in ABA: In this course, students will delve into sophisticated research methods specific to ABA. They will learn to design, conduct, and analyze research studies, preparing them to contribute original research to the field through their dissertation work.

Online PhD in Applied Behavior Analysis Frequently Asked Questions

How do i apply to an online phd program in applied behavior analysis.

While specific requirements can vary, many programs share the following standard criteria:

A master’s degree in ABA or a related field
Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
Letters of recommendation
Personal statement
Resume or CV

Before applying, it’s crucial to speak with an admissions counselor. They can provide additional guidance, clarify program specifics, and ensure you meet all the requirements, improving your chances of acceptance.

How much does an online PhD program in applied behavior analysis cost?

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average annual tuition for graduate programs is $20,513 . As an online student, you’ll also want to be prepared for additional expenses like technology fees, textbooks, and any required software. These expenses can add up over time, but it’s important to note that you’ll likely save on commuting, housing, and campus-related expenses — significantly reducing the overall cost of your education.

How long does it take to earn an online PhD program in applied behavior analysis?

Earning this degree takes about five years — two years for coursework and three years for the dissertation. However, some programs offer up to seven years to complete all requirements, providing flexibility for students needing more time for research or balancing their education with other commitments.

It’s important to note that completion timelines can vary depending on the program’s credit requirements, so double-check these details before enrolling.

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Clinical Psychology

*WE ONLY HOLD ADMISSIONS IN THE FALL FOR ENTRY A YEAR LATER*

The UNT Clinical Psychology doctoral (Ph.D.) program is one of only a handful of APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs nationwide that is housed in a top tier (R1) university that also holds the distinction of being a minority serving intitution (MSI). Over the past decade our program has transformed into a majority-minority student body. Additional information is provided in our Student Admissions, Outcomes, and Other Data .

We are committed to a student-centered learning approach with close faculty mentorship. The program offers intensive research training in the science of Clinical Psychology via highly productive faculty research labs . Simultaneously, students obtain in-depth, closely supervised training in the practice of Clinical Psychology. Students begin clinical practicum internally within our psychology training clinic, which is located in a mental health professional shortage area, before advancing to high quality external practicum sites across the DFW Metroplex, gaining experience with underserved areas or populations. In addition to achievements among our graduates , our program is:

ranked 14th nationally (top 6%) on its number of publications in the most influential assessment journals 1
ranked 6th nationally (top 3%) on its impact as measured by its citations in the area of assessment 1
ranked 5th nationally (top 3% on its adjusted passing rate on the national licensing exam (EPPP) 2
home to one of the largest psychology training clinics in the country; offering high quality, low-cost services to a diverse clientele
accredited by the American Psychological Association

Our Commitment to Diversity

Across research areas, our faculty evidence their commitment to diveristy, broadly defined (race/ethnicity, sex, language, age, country of origin, sexual orientation, religious/spiritual beliefs, social class, and physical disability). We are a proud member of the BRIDGE Psychology Network , which aims to connect prospective students to programs that collaborate and improve initiatives that nurture inclusivity and diversity in psychology graduate programs, and encourage students to utilize anti-racist resources as part of their multicultural competency development. Resources that inform our training and pertain to diversity include:

Definitions
Allies Resource List
APA Presidential Task Force on Enhancing Diversity
Guidelines on Multicultural Education
Resource Guide for Graduate Students with Disabilities
Resource Guide for Ethnic Minority Graduate Students
Guide for LGBT Students Navigating Graduate Training
Working with Immigrant-Origin Clients
Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Low Income and Economically Marginalized Individuals
Inclusion of Social Class in Psychology Curricula: Resources for Educators
A Guide for Supporting Trans and Gender Diverse Students
UNT Division of Institutional Equity & Diversity
UNT Multicultural Center
Resources for Elevating Voices to Address Racial Stress and Trauma

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Assessment evaluations
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Statement on Licensure

Our program adheres to APA accreditation standards and prepares students for entry into the profession of Clinical Psychology. Given the varied and changing requirements across jurisdictions, we cannot assure, nor is it our responsibility, that graduates will meet all requirements for licensure in all states, territories, or international locations. Doctoral trainess in this program are encouraged to become familiar with licensing laws applicable to their career plans and discuss their curricular plan with their major professor and/or the Director of Clinical Training (DCT) as needed. A compilation of licensure requirements, organized by jurisdictions, is available and updated annually via these links:

https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.asppb.net/resource/resmgr/docs/7.22.21_consume...

https://asppbcentre.org/additional-resources/survey-questions-and-answers/

Morey, L.C. (2010). Leading North American programs in clinical assessment research: An assessment of productivity and impact. Journal of Personality Assessment, 92, 207-211. doi: 10.1080/00223891003670133
Callahan, J.L., Ruggero, C.J., & Parent, M.C. (2013). Hidden gems among clinical psychology training programs. Training and Education in Professional Psychology, 7, 278-284. doi: 10.1037/a0034233

The Doctoral Program in Clinical Psychology at the University of North Texas is accredited by the American Psychological Association, Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242. 202-336-5979 Email: [email protected] Web: www.apa.org/ed/accreditation

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PhD in Education - Overview
Program Delivery

The Ph.D. in Education equips students to systematically examine the theoretical and practical challenges evident across the P-20 educational pipeline to address the issue of inequity. The degree program will prepare individuals for careers in academia, research, and policy centers, as well as for high-level administration and curricular positions at educational institutions and agencies.

The program offers seven concentrations:

Comparative and International Education
Higher Education Leadership
Mathematics Education
Science Education

The educational objectives for the PhD in Education are the following:

To advance research on inequity issues within the full P-20 educational pipeline.
To prepare students to use original and existing research to transform educational practice.
To equip future educational researchers with innovative teaching experience and cutting-edge transdisciplinary research experience to become attractive job candidates on the academic market.
To prepare candidates to create a collaborative learning community that integrates all the various educational contexts.
To prepare candidates to be critical thinkers who focus on leadership, policy, ethics, and social justice.

Candidates for the PhD in Education degree must complete a minimum of 54 academic credit hours, pass the comprehensive exam, and submit and successfully defend a research-based dissertation. All students in the program will be expected to complete academic core and research courses of 27 credits and concentration courses of 27 credits. The concentration courses are presented on the the relevant pages and in the PhD Program Handbook .

The Core 27 credits consist of the following:

Academic Core (9 Credits):

ASLP 600 Introduction to Doctoral Studies and Academic Writing (3)
ASLP 640 Race and Public Policy in Education (3)
ASLP 642 Equity and Social Justice in Education (3)

Research (15 Credits)

ASLP 620 Introduction to Educational Research (3)
ASLP 700 Methods of Inquiry (3)
ASLP 710 Quantitative Research Methods (3)
ASLP 712 Qualitative Research Methods (3)
*Students will complete an additional 3 credits of advanced research electives related to their chosen methodology.

Dissertation (3 credits)

ASLP 997/998 (3)

The department offers different delivery options for each concentration. For a full listing please click here .

Students in concentration areas that offer both the High and Low Residency option will be required to select their delivery mode upon admission into the program. Students who wish to switch their delivery option will need to make a formal request to the program direction with an acceptable reason.

Prospective students should complete this brief interest form to be connected to a faculty member for more information.

Admissions Deadlines:

Priority deadline for those seeking graduate student funding : January 15
Assessment, Evaluation, and Research: March 1
Community College Leadership: July 1
Comparative and International Education: March 1
Higher Education Leadership: March 1
Mathematics Education: July 1
Science Education: July 1
Urban Educational Leadership: March 1

The School of Graduate Studies coordinates the application process.

Our program offers three types of funding:

Graduate Research Assistantships
Graduate Teaching Assistantships
Tuition Awards

Many of our students also leverage their Tuition Remission benefits from local institutions like the USM schools , JHU , or Morgan State . Tuition Remission is determined and coordinated by your institution. We encourage you to speak with your HR representative about how to use these benefits.

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Chemistry (PhD)

Engage in outstanding research in every area of chemistry.

Why choose this program?

Join an enthusiastic department with an international reputation and world-class research facilities, including newly renovated research laboratories containing a wide range of highly specialized, state-of-the-art instrumentation.

Advanced training in chemistry can lead to a supervisory position in a lab or research facility, or employment in many other fields.

Possible careers include:

Pulp and paper research scientist
Agricultural scientist
University professor
Scientific instrument development and service technician
Metallurgical analyst
Biotechnologist

Admission requirements

You'll need to meet the Faculty of Graduate Studies minimum requirements as well as any program-specific admissions requirements before you can apply.

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At Dalhousie, we want our students to focus on their studies, rather than worry about their personal finances. We offer competitive tuition rates and funding programs to support graduate students in almost all of our degree programs.

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Thesis : Pursue independent and original research guided by a supervisor to develop and defend your thesis.

Standard program duration:

5 years or longer

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All graduate programs at Dalhousie are collaboratively delivered by a home Faculty and the Faculty of Graduate Studies .

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While every effort is made to ensure accuracy on this page, in the event of a discrepancy, Dalhousie's Academic Calendars are the official reference.

College graduate allegedly shot, killed by childhood best friend, police say

GILBERT, AZ. ( KPHO /Gray News) - A missing college graduate was shot and killed. His remains were found in a desert and the alleged suspect in his death is his best friend, according to authorities.

Police said 24-year-old Alijah Bradley, a recent graduate from Northern Arizona University, was first reported as a missing person on August 15.

“You hear about this on podcasts and stuff, and like, you never think it would happen to somebody that you love,” said a close relative of Bradley, who asked to remain anonymous.

She said he missed work, and surprisingly, his mom hadn’t heard from him either.

Bradley’s mom used the Life360 app on her phone and tracked her son’s phone to a place she was familiar with.

“She signed back in and saw that his last location was at Sam’s apartment,” she said. “And then all of a sudden his phones were just off.”

According to Bradley’s family, 23-year-old Samuel Bush was a childhood friend, but when confronted about Bradley’s phone pinging there last, he said he didn’t know where he was, KPHO reported.

That’s when his mother called Toyota to see if they could get the GPS coordinates of his car.

“They gave them the coordinates that the car was in the middle of nowhere,” she said.

The desolate desert was a new lead for police. That’s where they found not only his car but the remains of Bradley on Aug. 19, days after he was reported missing.

Bradley’s family said the conditions were far more heinous than expected.

“I was told his cause of death was getting shot in the back and that they found him without his head,” she said. “And something so cruel and so graphic, like it’s almost crazy to think that somebody is capable of doing that.”

Bush was arrested a day after the discovery. However, he was only arrested for growing and distributing marijuana and mushrooms from his apartment, KPHO reported.

On Monday, he was charged with second-degree murder and concealing body parts.

As for the motive, Bradley’s family is completely confused.

“We honestly don’t know. He was Sam’s best friend. He was Sam’s only friend,” she said.

While they hope to understand more in the coming weeks, they are choosing to celebrate a life well-lived.

“Just how accomplished he was and how successful he was going to be or could have been,” she said.

Bush is now being held on a $1.5 million cash-only bond.

If you’d like to donate to Alijah’s family and funeral expenses, you can do that here .

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Best Online PhD Programs in Applied Behavior Analysis of 2025
How we rank schools. This list features some of the best online PhD in applied behavior analysis programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for postsecondary education.
Clinical Psychology
*WE ONLY HOLD ADMISSIONS IN THE FALL FOR ENTRY A YEAR LATER* The UNT Clinical Psychology doctoral (Ph.D.) program is one of only a handful of APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs nationwide that is housed in a top tier (R1) university that also holds the distinction of being a minority serving intitution (MSI).
PhD in Education
Candidates for the PhD in Education degree must complete a minimum of 54 academic credit hours, pass the comprehensive exam, and submit and successfully defend a research-based dissertation. All students in the program will be expected to complete academic core and research courses of 27 credits and concentration courses of 27 credits.
The 2025 Best Colleges in the U.S.: Princeton, Babson and Stanford Take
Half of the colleges in the top 50 this year are new, with a wide range of schools—large and small, public and private, technical and liberal-arts—serving their students especially well and ...
2023-2024 Top Graduate Programs in Idaho
New Saint Andrews College. Moscow, ID ·. Graduate School. ·. 2 reviews. Master's Student: There are two things which stand out in New Saint Andrews Master of Arts in Theology and Letters program: the community and the academic rigor. First, the community. New Saint Andrews is in downtown Moscow, ID and has a thriving, Christian community.
Best Chemistry Programs in America
Ranked in 2023, part of Best Science Schools. With a graduate degree in chemistry, scientists may find jobs in laboratories, government agencies, research institutions, pharmaceutical companies ...
Chemistry (PhD)
Dalhousie is one of Canada's top 15 research-intensive universities. When applying to Dalhousie there are some key things as a student you must know. Admissions overview ... We offer competitive tuition rates and funding programs to support graduate students in almost all of our degree programs. Learn more about tuition, fees, and scholarships ...
College graduate allegedly shot, killed by childhood best friend ...
GILBERT, AZ. (KPHO/Gray News) - A missing college graduate was shot and killed. His remains were found in a desert and the alleged suspect in his death is his best friend, according to authorities ...
Boy, 14, arrested after four killed in Georgia school shooting
Officers first received reports of a shooting at the school of around 1,900 pupils at around 10:20 local time (14:20 GMT). Local sheriff Jud Smith described the attack as "pure evil".
University of Idaho Graduate Programs
20 reviews. U of I is a public graduate school in Moscow, Idaho. It has a mid-size graduate student body with an enrollment of 2,273 graduate students. Of the 68 graduate programs offered at University of Idaho, 7 are offered online or through graduate distance education programs. 36% of its graduate students are part-time graduate students.
Traveller who left school at 11 conferred with PhD
Having left school at the age of 11, Thomas McCann returned to education a number of years later as part of his activism for improved Traveller rights. In 1985, he became the first Traveller to be ...
2024 Best Graduate Education Schools in America
Here are the 2024 Best Education Schools. Teachers College, Columbia University. University of Wisconsin--Madison. University of California--Los Angeles. University of Michigan--Ann Arbor ...
US News Education
US News Education provides rankings of over 1,400 best colleges and universities and hundreds of best graduate school programs. Learn how to pay for college and get advice on the admissions process.