phd admission after graduation

• PhD/Master's Application Process

Who is Eligible to Apply? 

If you have completed your undergraduate degree (bachelor's or equivalent) or will have completed it prior to your intended matriculation date at Yale, you may apply to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (GSAS).

A Master's degree is not required to apply for a PhD at Yale, although some programs give preference to applicants with post-baccalaureate training. Consult your program of interest directly for information on how it evaluates applications.

We value diversity of all kinds at the Graduate School, and we encourage students from all backgrounds to apply if Yale is a good fit for your intellectual and professional goals. All are welcome to apply, without regard to citizenship or immigration status, socioeconomic level, race, religion, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, etc.

Requirements for All PhD and Master's Degree Applicants

You will need to provide the following with your application for admission:

• A statement of academic purpose. You will find the prompt for the statement of purpose in our Application Question FAQs . 
• A list of all the prior colleges or universities you have attended, accompanied by unofficial transcripts from each school. Unofficial transcripts should be uploaded with your application. Official or paper transcripts are not needed at this time. 
• Three letters of recommendation. Enter the names of your recommenders directly in the application and they will receive a link to upload a letter on your behalf. 
• $105 application fee or fee waiver. 
• Standardized tests . GRE requirements vary by program. TOEFL or IELTS are necessary for most non-native English speakers. 
• Resume/CV . 
• Some programs have additional requirements, such as a writing sample . You can find information about any specific requirements on the program's website. 

Where Do I Begin?

Decide whether you will apply for a PhD or a terminal Master’s (MA, MS) in one of the programs available at the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences . (Note that you will earn one or more Master's degrees en route to a PhD.) Learn about the program: its faculty, course offerings, and resources. Read the faculty's research publications. If you can identify and articulate why the program is a good fit for you and show how your preparation and interests align well with it, you will have a strong application.

A note to students applying to one of Yale’s professional schools or programs:

• If you are applying for a PhD in Architecture, Environment, Investigative Medicine, Law, Management, Music, Nursing, or Public Health; for an MS in Public Health; or for an MA in Music, be sure to use the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences PhD/Master's application.
• If you are applying for any other degree at one of the University’s professional schools (Art, Architecture, Divinity, Drama, Environment, Global Affairs, Law, Management, Medicine, Music, Nursing, and Public Health), visit that school’s website for further instructions. Those programs have separate admissions policies and processes that are administered by the professional schools, not GSAS.

Application deadlines vary by program, so please see Dates & Deadlines for information about your program of interest. 

All new students matriculate in the fall. The admissions process begins nearly a year in advance of matriculation.

Some PhD and Master’s degree programs require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores. Check your program's standardized testing requirement before you apply. 

In addition, applicants whose native language is not English may need to take an English Language test (TOEFL or IELTS).

The application for Fall 2024 entry is closed. The application for Fall 2025 entry will be available starting in mid-August 2024. 

Be sure to complete and submit the application before your program's application deadline. 

Your application fee or an approved fee waiver is due upon submission of your application. 

Your letters of recommendation do not need to be received before you will be able to submit your application. However, since programs begin reviewing applications shortly after the respective application deadline, please be sure that your letters of recommendation are submitted promptly.

What Happens After I Submit My Application?

The faculty admissions committee in each department and program begins reviewing applications shortly after their application deadline. Led by the director of graduate studies (DGS) or director of graduate admissions (DGA), the committee will recommend students for admission to the Graduate School. Once confirmed by the deans of the Graduate School, the admissions office will release final decisions to applicants.

Unlike undergraduate admissions, the admissions office and staff of the Graduate School maintain the application, the application process, and other administrative transactions, but the admissions staff does not review applications or make admissions decisions. That responsibility is handled by the faculty of each department or program.

Most admissions decisions are provided between February and early March. You will receive an email notification when your admissions decision is available.

If you are accepted for admission, you will need to decide if you wish to accept our offer by April 15. We abide by Council of Graduate School's April 15 Resolution , regarding graduate financial support. 

Ready to apply? Begin your application today.

PhD/Master's Applicants

• Why Choose Yale Graduate School?
• Dates and Deadlines
• Standardized Testing Requirements

Non-Degree Program Applicants

Looking for non-degree programs? In some cases, it is possible to enroll at the Graduate School as a non-degree student. Non-degree students receive a transcript and many of the benefits of being a Yale student, but do not earn a degree upon completion of their enrollment. We offer three types of non-degree programs.

• Non-Degree Programs

Graduate School

Ph.d. requirements.

• Academics & Research
• Programs & Requirements

Brown University awards more than 200 doctor of philosophy degrees annually.

The Brown Ph.D. is primarily a research degree. Teaching is an important part of many doctoral programs, and many departments require candidates for the Ph.D. to have teaching experience.

Brown University offers substantial financial support to doctoral students. All incoming doctoral students are guaranteed five years of support, which includes a stipend, full tuition remission, health-services fee, and a health-insurance subsidy. Doctoral students in the Humanities and Social Sciences are guaranteed six years of support. All promises of student support are subject to students making satisfactory academic progress, as determined by their programs of study. Please see related links for additional details regarding the University's commitment to doctoral education.

Ph.D. Funding

Funding guarantee, four general requirements for the doctor of philosophy.

The candidate must be formally admitted to his or her degree program.

The normal residency requirement is the equivalent of three Academic Years of full-time study beyond the bachelor's degree. Students who enter a PhD program at Brown already holding a master’s degree in a related field have a residency requirement equivalent to two Academic Years of full-time study upon entering the PhD program at Brown. Use of a previously earned master’s degree to reduce PhD residency requirements is contingent upon approval of the program Director of Graduate Study. Graduate work done at other institutions and not used in fulfillment of the requirements for any doctoral degree elsewhere may, on the approval of the program Director of Graduate Study, be counted in fulfillment of up to, but not exceeding, one year of the residency requirement. A student who desires credit for work done elsewhere should file a timely application with the program Director of Graduate Study; transfer credit forms are available through the  Office of the Registrar .

A student is advanced to candidacy for the Ph.D. when he or she has completed satisfactorily all the requirements, departmental and general, requisite to beginning work on the dissertation. Candidacy is determined by the department or program of study and certified by the Registrar. Most departments require a preliminary examination before advancing any student to candidacy. Most departments also require a final examination or defense. The examination is conducted by professors in the department and by such other members of the faculty as may be appointed.

The candidate must present a dissertation on a topic related to his or her area of specialization that presents the results of original research and gives evidence of excellent scholarship. The dissertation must be approved by the professor or committee under whose direction it is written and by the Graduate Council. All requirements for the Ph.D. must be completed within five years after advancement to candidacy.

Faculty Member Leaves Brown

If a faculty member working with a doctoral student leaves Brown for any reason before that student has completed his or her degree requirements, it may not always be possible for that faculty member to continue working with the student as an advisor. In such cases, departments will work with students to help them locate a new advisor.

Additional Requirements

Individual departments and programs may have additional requirements regarding the number of courses to be taken, proficiency in foreign languages, special examinations, and theses. The department should be consulted for specific information.

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Whether you’ve just finished your undergraduate degree or you want to pivot your career, grad school may be the next logical step in your educational and professional development.

But how do you apply to graduate school so you have the best chance at receiving that coveted acceptance letter? Read on to learn how to submit the perfect graduate school application to impress admissions officers. For information on due dates and a printable timeline, check out our  grad school application checklist .

How Grad Schools Evaluate Your Application

The exact criteria for  graduate school admissions  vary depending on the school and program. Still, there are certain qualifications, including GPA and grades from specific undergraduate courses, that all admissions officers consider. Most graduate programs look for a minimum 3.0 GPA.

A Graduate Record Examination (GRE) score of at least 318 is considered strong and can help your application. A professional resume with work experience related to your program is often helpful or required. Programs typically ask for letters of recommendation and a  graduate school admissions essay  as well.

Are You a Good Fit for the Program?

Whichever program you apply for, you must first make sure it’s a good match. Consider the following questions before submitting your application:

• Do you love the field of study the program you’re applying to focuses on?
• Do you have an undergraduate degree or work experience in an area related to your graduate school program of choice?
• Will earning this degree help you advance your career or earning potential?
• Do you have the resources to pay for graduate school, either through your own funds or through loans, grants and scholarships? For more information about this, see our guide on  how to pay for graduate school .

Taking time to reflect on these questions can help you decide whether graduate school is right for you. You can also reach out to professors, students and alumni to get a better feel for your prospective program. You might even schedule a tour of the campus before applying.

Do You Have Relevant Internship or Research Experience?

Internships and relevant work experience may not make or break your graduate school application, but they can help set your application apart from the rest. Once you’re in a graduate program, you may be required to complete an internship or research work to graduate.

What Does Your Statement of Purpose Demonstrate?

A statement of purpose or personal statement tells admissions committees more about you. This essay should touch on your interests, especially as they relate to the graduate school program. The statement of purpose should also describe what you can bring to the program and why you want to be a part of it.

What Do Your Letters of Recommendation Demonstrate?

Letters of recommendation are important for graduate school because they show that credible academics and professionals think highly of you and believe you would be a good asset to the program you’re applying to.

An effective letter of recommendation is written by someone who knows you well academically or professionally, such as a professor, mentor or work supervisor. It should include titles of relevant research articles you’ve written, academic awards and honors and relevant academic activities like projects, presentations or research studies.

What Do Your Undergraduate Transcripts Show?

Simply put, official undergraduate transcripts verify that you attended the school you said you did and maintained a GPA that’s consistent with the program’s requirements. Undergraduate transcripts also allow admissions officers to see whether you took courses relevant to your prospective course of study.

How Are Your GRE Scores?

Most graduate school programs require students to take the GRE as part of the application process. An overall score of 318 or higher is considered a good score, so you’ll want to give yourself plenty of time to study and retake the test if needed before your grad school application is due.

Is Your Prior Academic Experience Relevant?

While you don’t always need an undergraduate degree in the same field as the graduate program you’re applying to, admissions officers typically consider relevant undergraduate coursework, research projects and work experience when reviewing applications.

Statement of Purpose Tips

Your statement of purpose gives you the chance to show some individuality and let your personality shine through. You should aim to leave a memorable impression and craft a well-written, concise statement of purpose to boost your application. See our tips below for writing a statement of purpose.

Follow the Prompt Carefully

Be sure to answer all of the questions in the prompt to give admissions officers all the information they need. Additionally, make sure to follow any guidelines for things like style, font and file format. While these factors may seem small, incorrect formatting can lead to your application being disqualified.

Get Personal

This is your chance to tell your story. Write a statement of purpose that only you could write. Does your passion for medicine date back to an injury or illness you had as a child? Did you grow up watching Law & Order and feel inspired? These details remind graduate admission committees that you are a well rounded person with much to offer.

Discuss Your Goals

Aside from how your own personal and career goals relate to the program, you should also touch on how you can contribute to your school or program of choice. Do you plan on collaborating with colleagues or contributing to your institution’s research goals? Make this known in your statement of purpose.

Know Your Audience

What is the culture of the school or program you’re applying to? What does the institution value? Spend some time on its website and social media accounts to find out. You can even reach out to current students and alumni to get a better idea so you can tailor your statement of purpose accordingly.

Proofread and Revise as Needed

Don’t just write your first draft and send it off. After writing it, take some time to sleep on it, then come back and read and revise with fresh eyes. You should also have someone like a professor or tutor read your statement of purpose and provide feedback.

Interview Tips

The interview is a big part of the graduate school application process if your program requires one. Make sure to come ready and prepared.

Do Your Research

Read up on the university and program you’re applying to so you can sound knowledgeable and interested during the interview. Answer questions such as, how big is the program or school? What have its graduates gone on to do? What are the program requirements?

You can also read up on any academic articles or research professors in your program have created.

Prepare Questions for Your Interviewer

Remember, this isn’t just about the school interviewing you. You’re also interviewing the program to determine if it’s a good fit for you. What career and network opportunities are available to students and alumni? What about grants and scholarships? Will you be paired with a mentor or an advisor?

Practice With Mock Interviews

Practice makes perfect. Look into common graduate school interview questions, and practice with a professor, classmate or friend. You can even practice solo using these  20 Graduate School Interview Questions .

Bring a Professional Portfolio

Depending on the nature of your work, it may be helpful to bring in a professional portfolio, such as if your speciality is print graphic design. Other subject areas like writing or research lend themselves to online portfolios, which you can send to your interviewers ahead of the scheduled interview.

What Does a Grad School Application Look Like?

In addition to your transcripts, test scores, statement of purpose and portfolio, your graduate school application will require some basic background information about you.

Biographical Information

• Full legal name
• Any previous legal names used
• Age and date of birth
• Social Security number

Ethnicity Information

Ethnicity information about applicants and current students is used by the university to see if it is meeting diversity quotas and to share with stakeholders. You may select one particular ethnicity, or choose options like “other,” “multiracial” or “decline to state.”

Military Status

Scholarships, grants and special services can be available to active-duty and reserve military service members and veterans.

Contact Information

• Current mailing address
• Current phone number
• Current email

Program Selection

• The program you’re applying to
• Any speciality or concentrations available as part of your program

Academic Interests

• Specialities in your program that you want to focus on
• Research topics or projects you want to pursue

History of Education

• Undergraduate degree and major
• Academic achievements and awards

Standardized Test Information

• *GRE scores (Check with your program as some may no longer require or accept GRE scores )
• Scores from any other required tests

Financial Aid

Deadlines for financial aid often coincide with deadlines for admissions. Make sure to submit the FAFSA to ensure you qualify for as many financial aid resources as possible. Visit the  Federal Student Aid  website for more information, and check out our guide on  how the FAFSA differs for graduate school .

Previous Employment

• Relevant work history related to your program
• Internship or research experience related to your program

Do you speak the primary language spoken in the area where your campus is located? Do you speak more than one language? These are things admissions officers will want to know.

Supplemental Information

• Certifications or special licenses or training
• Special Awards

Reference Information

• Contact information, like phone numbers and emails, for professors, mentors and work supervisors who are willing to provide a reference

Upload Documents

When submitting your online application, make sure to upload all required documents so your application will not be disqualified.

Application Fee

• Graduate school application fees can range from around $60 to more than $100. You must pay this fee before you can submit your application.

Confirm and Submit Form

• Finally, make sure to confirm that all your information is correct and all necessary documents are uploaded before you submit your application.

This article was originally published on Forbes.com on Feb. 3. 2023. Author is Ryah Cooley Cole, and Editor is Brenna Swanston.

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Graduate School Application Timeline

If you're planning to apply to graduate school, it's best to start early—it will increase your odds of being admitted. Many graduate programs have rolling admissions, which means applications are evaluated as they arrive (rather than all at once after the final deadline).

Here's a sample schedule for a student hoping to enter grad school in the fall. This is a best-case scenario which leaves time to craft a great application, resolve unforeseen problems (a lost transcript, a delinquent recommender) and submit with time to spare.

Your GRE Application Timeline

Begin researching grad schools . Take a GRE practice test . Your GRE score will help you determine how much preparation you'll need for the real deal.

Sign up for a GRE test prep course (we recommend the in-person or online options). Register for the GRE general test if necessary.

Request information from schools that interest you. Consider paying a visit to your alma mater to meet up with a few former professors. They can recommend good programs and may even help you make some connections.

Register to take a GRE Subject test (if necessary) during one of their Fall windows. In the 2023-24 application cycle, ETS offered three date ranges to take a subject test: late September/early October, late October/early November, or mid to late April. Take the GRE general test. If you're not happy with your scores, sign up to take it again. Begin drafting your statement of purpose .

Finalize your list of prospective schools , and familiarize yourself with the professors who share your research interests at each school. Contact your recommenders. Keep polishing your statement of purpose.

Request official transcripts from your undergraduate institution. Send your recommenders supplemental materials (like your resume, personal statement, etc.) that they can use as a reference. Make contact with students and professors at your prospective schools. Arrange a campus visit if you can.

Have someone in the field and a few smart (and honest) friends read over your personal statement. Take the GRE subject test; make sure that your scores will be sent directly to schools.

Complete and submit all grad applications , keeping copies of every section for your records. Verify that your recommendations have been sent.

Read More: What's a Good GRE Score?

How will you score?

Take a GRE practice test with us under the same conditions as the real thing. You'll get a personalized score report highlighting your strengths and areas of improvement.

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How to Apply

Main navigation, the online application for 2024 entry is open..

Visit the Apply Now page to start your application for graduate study.

Select One Program

Out of the graduate degree programs listed on the Explore Graduate Programs page , you may apply to only one program per academic year.

The only exception is within the Biosciences PhD programs , where you may apply for two programs within a single application.

Central & Departmental Processes

We work in partnership with your graduate program of interest to ensure a smooth admission experience from the time you start your application until you enroll at Stanford.

Graduate Admissions

• Oversees the online application system
• Determines university-wide admission requirements
• Reviews the official documents of incoming graduate students to verify that they meet university-wide admission requirements

Graduate Program

• Oversees the review of applications
• May supplement university-wide requirements with program-specific admission requirements
• Communicates admission decisions and offers of financial support

Admission Process Overview

Application.

The first step is to prepare and submit your application materials through the online application system, by the deadline set by your intended graduate program. 

After you submit your application, it is routed to your graduate program for review by its admission committee. Some programs conduct interviews as part of the evaluation process.

Your graduate program communicates the admission decision to you once it is finalized by the admission committee.

If you are admitted, you must respond to the offer of admission by the deadline set by your program. Some programs host "visit days" to help you make an informed decision.

Verification

If you accept the offer of admission, you must arrange for your official transcripts and degree documents to be sent to Graduate Admissions for verification.

Matriculation

After Graduate Admissions reviews your official documents, you are matriculated into your degree program. At this point, you are eligible to enroll in courses if you have no enrollment holds on your record. Note: If you are an international student, you have an enrollment hold until you arrive on campus.

Applying for Graduate Admission

Applying to uc berkeley.

Thank you for considering UC Berkeley for graduate study! We value and welcome students from a diverse set of backgrounds, nations, cultures, and experiences. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible to apply if you have an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) at an accredited institution or will have completed it prior to matriculating at Berkeley.

We recommend that applicants have a satisfactory average, usually a minimum grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0 (B) on a 4.0 scale. Undergraduate research, training and/or work experience can be helpful.

Application Process

The 2024-2025 Graduate Admissions Application is now open. Please check your program of interest’s application deadline , and submit by 8:59 p.m. PST.

Reminder: Applicants may apply to only one degree program or one concurrent degree program per application term. UC Berkeley does not offer ad hoc joint degree programs or cotutelle agreements with other universities.

Schools with Separate Applications: Haas Business , Berkeley Law , Optometry OD , Public Health On-Campus MPH , Information Data Science MIDS, and Cyber Security MICS applicants should apply through their respective schools.

Read About the Steps to Apply

Getting started? Read "Steps to Apply" for requirements, a suggested timeline, and application deadlines.

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Have questions? Read our Admissions FAQ page or contact the Graduate Admissions Office.

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Overview & new student checklist for fall 2024.

Welcome to Rice! We're so glad you're here. The information and resources in this section will help you prepare for the coming academic year and ease your transition into graduate school. We encourage you to use this page as a checklist for your entry in to Rice.

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Updated April 2024

Get started with your application to the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS)

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Welcome! 

Applications to degree programs for the 2024-2025 academic year are now closed. 

Click here to Access the Applicant Portal

We’re delighted that you are interested in pursuing academic studies at the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS). Whether you intend to study toward a master’s or PhD degree, join a visiting students program, or participate in one of our outreach programs, we are looking forward to reviewing your application. For information about tuition and fees, see the Cost of Attendance section.

Harvard does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability unrelated to job or course of study requirements, and we actively seek applicants from historically underrepresented communities. We hope you’ll consider applying. 

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Step 1: choose a program. .

You have several options for study at Harvard Griffin GSAS. 

Degree Programs 

The school offers master’s and PhD degrees in programs based in the arts and humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering and applied sciences. Many programs also allow a student to conduct more focused research by choosing an area of study. Review the programs on offer to decide which program best meets your academic goals. 

Are you a Harvard student looking for information on the AB/AM and AB/SM programs? Visit the Harvard AB/AM and AB/SM programs page.

Non-Degree Programs 

The Visiting Students Program offers you the opportunity to take classes and conduct research with faculty. 

Outreach Programs 

If you are looking for a short-term research experience, consider a paid summer internship  organized by Harvard Griffin GSAS, Harvard departments, and Harvard-affiliated teaching hospitals. The School also offers the  Research Scholar Initiative , a post-baccalaureate program that enables college graduates to take part in a long-term research experience. 

Step 2: Make a note of the application deadline and review admissions policies.

Application deadlines vary by program and are noted on the relevant program page . You should also review our admissions policies .

Step 3: Determine whether you need to take standardized tests and register early. 

Degree programs may require Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test or subject test scores. Applicants who are non-native English speakers may be required to demonstrate English proficiency by submitting scores from an English Language test (TOEFL or IELTS). Review the admissions policy on English proficiency for more information.  

Step 4: Complete your application by the deadline. 

The degree program application becomes available in September. You should review Completing Your Application before starting your application. All components of the application to a degree program are due by 5:00 p.m., Eastern Time, on the deadline date.

Applications for the Visiting Students Program are accepted twice a year.

For application information about our Outreach Programs , visit your program page of interest.  

Who should I contact if I have a question about a specific program? 

If you still have questions after carefully reviewing your degree program of interest, reach out to the contact noted on the program’s page. 

Can I enroll in courses instead of applying to a degree program? 

If you are interested in taking courses for academic credit outside of a formal degree program, you may apply for Visiting Student status by the appropriate deadline. Please visit the website or contact [email protected] to learn more. 

Harvard Integrated Life Sciences (HILS) Applicants 

While prospective degree program applicants are encouraged to carefully choose the HILS program that best fits their academic goals, interested applicants may apply to up to three programs and pay only one application fee. If you elect to apply to three programs, only two may be programs in the Department of Medical Sciences (these programs are biomedical informatics, biological and biomedical sciences, immunology, neuroscience, speech and hearing bioscience and technology, and virology). The fee waiver for additional applications is ONLY available for those applying to multiple programs in the HILS federation. For more information, please consult the HILS page . See Completing Your Application for information about fee waivers related to financial hardship. 

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• PhD in USA – A Guide for 2020/21
• Finding a PhD

A PhD in USA takes approximately 5 – 6 years of full-time study and can cost between $12,000 – $45,000 per academic year. PhD programs in USA differ from that in the UK and Europe in that students must first take taught classes, coursework and exams before starting their research project.

Why Do a PhD in USA?

The United States has long had some of the most distinguished universities and advanced PhD programmes in the world. Combined with curriculum flexibility, rigorous teaching methods, vast funding opportunities, breathtaking campuses and significant career prospects, it’s no wonder that it is one of the most sought-after study destinations for research students.

In addition to comprehensive training standards, here are a few other reasons why a student may choose to undertake their PhD in the United States:

• Longer learning timeframes – A PhD in the US lasts longer than a PhD in the UK or Europe. This allows students to more confidently transition from undergraduate to postgraduate studies; more commonly referred to as ‘graduate studies’ in the US. This gives you the opportunity to learn more about your subject, research methods and academic writing in general before starting your research project.
• World-class universities – It’s no secret that some of the most well-known higher education institutions that continue to dominate global rankings are based in the United States. Although many factors go into determining whether a position is right for you, a PhD at a high-ranking American university will undeniably have many benefits, from excellent learning standards to access to innovative equipment and deep expertise.
• International network – The US has long been a popular choice among PhD students around the world. As such, the US hosts a diverse and multicultural learning environment in which many research students will quickly feel at home.
• Opportunities – With over 4,000 universities in the US, we can safely say you will have plenty of opportunities to find the ideal combination of project, supervisor and university that works for you.

Universities in USA

Universities in the United States can be divided into two types: public universities and private universities.

Public universities are financed by the state in which they are based. Because of this, public universities charge less for students from within the state and more for students from outside the state, including international students.

Private universities are not financed by their state, but by private donors, research funds and tuition fees. For this reason, private universities generally charge higher tuition fees than public universities and require all students to pay the same amount, regardless of whether they come from out-of-state or abroad.

According to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 , eight of the top ten universities in the world are located in the United States. These are:

Method of Study

The main difference between a PhD in the US and a PhD in Europe lies in the program structure. Whereas a European PhD essentially consists of a single phase lasting three to four years , an American PhD consists of three different phases, each with its own time frame.

• Phase One – The first phase lasts approximately two years and focuses on building a basic foundation for the doctoral student. This phase consists largely of taught components such as lectures, tutorials and laboratory sessions, in which the student learns more about theoretical concepts and research methods within their discipline.
• Phase Two – The second phase can be considered an assessment phase, which runs both periodically alongside and at the end of the first phase. Here, students complete coursework and take exams on the basis of the material they have covered of which they must pass in order to proceed to the third phase.
• Phase Three – The third phase lasts approximately three years and resembles the European PhD structure. During this period, the student undertakes an independent research project, including forming a research design, conducting experiments, writing a thesis (more commonly referred to in the USA as a dissertation) and sitting a viva exam.

Teaching Requirements

Besides structure, a key difference between a PhD program in the US and in Europe is the focus on teaching requirements. In the US, doctoral students are expected to lecture, lead tutorials, host laboratory sessions, mark coursework and provide office hours for undergraduate students. Although students studying in European will likely contribute to these at some point during their study, this would normally be on a voluntary basis and involve less time commitment.

Research Flexibility

Another difference is project flexibility. In Europe, students typically apply to a PhD project predetermined by a supervisor, and although there may be some scope to adapt the project, depending on the funding provider , it will usually be limited to how the project is carried out rather than what it is about. In the US, however, a student applies to become a doctoral candidate within a department rather than applying for a particular research project. This is because students are expected to decide on their thesis topic (also commonly referred to as a dissertation research topic) near the end of their first phase after they have developed a better understanding of their subject and know where their interests lie. Therefore, research students in the US generally have more flexibility and influence in the direction of their research than students in the United Kingdom or Europe.

PhD Admission Requirements in USA

PhD admission into US universities can be highly competitive, both because of the limited number of positions and the large number of annual applicants.

The eligibility requirements for a doctoral program in the USA can generally be divided into four sections:

• Grade Point Average (GPA) – in the US, a scoring system known as Grade Point Average is used to measure academic ability. A student’s GPA is calculated as a weighted score of the subjects they study during their undergraduate degree; an equivalent score is calculated by universities for international applicants. Although universities rarely set minimum GPA requirements for doctoral study, it’s worth being aware that a GPA of 3.0 is equivalent to a UK second class honours (2:1); the typical entry requirement for UK universities.
• Graduate Records Exam (GRE) – most universities will require you to take a series of examinations known as Graduate Records Exams, which are used to determine your suitability for graduate study. GREs will assess your analytical, reasoning and critical thinking skills as well as your depth of your subject.
• Student aptitude – in addition to academic ability, US universities also look for characteristics of a strong researcher. These include traits such as engaging in the subject in your own time, e.g. by attending talks and conferences, demonstrating a high degree of independence and enthusiasm, and a general passion for your subject.
• English Language Proficiency – international students whose first language is not English must sit language exams such as IELTS or TOELF to demonstrate their English language proficiency.

International students will also require a F1 student visa in order to study in the US, however, you would typically apply for this after you have secured a place into a doctorate program.

How to Apply for PhD in USA

When applying for a PhD position at a graduate school, the application process will differ between universities, however, they will all typically ask for the following:

• Academic CV – a short document summarising your educational background and current level of experience .
• Personal statement – a document which outlines why you believe you are suitable for PhD study and your passion for the subject.
• Academic transcripts – a complete breakdown of the modules and their respective marks you have taken as part of your previous/current degree.
• GRE scores – a transcript of your Graduate Records Exam results.
• Research statement – a condensed version of a research proposal outlining your general research interests, if required.
• Recommendation letters – references from several academic referees who endorse your qualities as a person, your abilities as a student and your potential as a doctoral researcher.

Application Deadlines and Fees

Since PhD programs in the United States have taught components, they commence at the same time as all other taught degrees, and therefore share the same application deadlines and start dates. This corresponds to an application period that typically begins in August and ends in February. Admission decisions are typically made in April, with successful students starting in August/September.

When you apply to a graduate school, you will be expected to pay a fee for each doctorate application to cover the school’s administrative costs for processing your application. The fee varies from university to university, but typically ranges from $50 to $100 .

Funding your PhD in USA

It’s very common for a PhD student to receive financial aid in the form of a PhD scholarship; in fact, this will be the case for the vast majority of students in the US.

PhD funding can be ‘fully funded’ covering the student’s graduate program tuition fees, accommodation and living costs, or ‘partially funded’ covering the student’s tuition fee only in part or full.

Besides funding, a graduate student can take on an assistantship, such as a graduate teaching assistant or research assistant, in which they take on a part-time salaried position at the university alongside their studies.

Due to the international and collaborate nature of American universities, there are also a number of international scholarships available, such as the Fulbright Scholarship and the AAUW International Fellowship .

PhD Duration in USA

In the US, a PhD takes approximately 5 – 6 years to complete if studying full-time, and 8 – 10 years if studying part-time.

If you already have a Master’s degree, your first phase can be shortened by one year at the discretion of the university.

Cost of a PhD in USA

The cost of a PhD program in the US can vary considerably depending on the type of university, i.e. whether it’s a public or private university, the doctoral course, i.e. whether it’s in a STEM subject such as computer science, engineering or a non-STEM subject, and whether you are a home or international student.

In general, however, the typical annual tuition fee for a PhD in the US is between $12,000 and $45,000 per academic year.

As with any doctoral degree, additional costs may include travel for collaborations, bench fees, accommodation and living expenses.

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Doctoral Degrees

A doctoral degree requires the satisfactory completion of an approved program of advanced study and original research of high quality..

Please note that the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Doctor of Science (ScD) degrees are awarded interchangeably by all departments in the School of Engineering and the School of Science, except in the fields of biology, cognitive science, neuroscience, medical engineering, and medical physics. This means that, excepting the departments outlined above, the coursework and expectations to earn a Doctor of Philosophy and for a Doctor of Science degree from these schools are generally the same. Doctoral students may choose which degree they wish to complete.

Applicants interested in graduate education should apply to the department or graduate program conducting research in the area of interest. Some departments require a doctoral candidate to take a “minor” program outside of the student’s principal field of study; if you wish to apply to one of these departments, please consider additional fields you may like to pursue.

Below is a list of programs and departments that offer doctoral-level degrees.

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Why choose MIT? Our own graduate students have asked this very same question, and have shared their insights through insightful blog posts . Diverse students explore topics from choosing an advisor to balancing mental health and wellness.

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How to Apply

Penn students and alumni are shaping the future of engineering and transforming the world. are you ready to join them.

The application process is straightforward, and we’re here to help. We evaluate your application holistically based on the following components:

The Application

When you’re ready, start your online application here . 

Your Professional Resume

We look at your resume to learn about your job skills, the depth of your professional experience, your leadership experience and more. 

A Personal Statement

In two pages or less, write an essay that answers the questions below. (But if you’re applying to the Integrated Product Design program, see the IPD-specific questions here .) Use specific examples where possible.

• Why are you interested in this program?
• What have you done that makes you a great candidate?
• How will you benefit from the program?
• How do you plan to contribute to the student community in Penn Engineering while you’re here?
• Why will you succeed in the program?
• What will you do/accomplish once you have completed the program?

Letters of Recommendation

Please provide two letters of recommendation (three for the CIS Ph.D. and BE Ph.D. “Medical Physics” concentration only), including one from a faculty member who is familiar with your scholarly abilities.

• Your letter writers will receive an email when you enter their contact information in the application for admission. 
• The email provides a link to fill out a form and upload their letter. 
• We don’t have any formal requirements or guidelines for how the letters should be written.

Transcripts

When you apply, please submit an unofficial transcript from each university or college where you earned course credit. Your transcripts must be in English.

If your original transcript is not in English, we encourage you to use a transcript evaluation and translation service such as Educational Perspectives . If you are from a Chinese institution, we encourage you to use the Center for Student Services and Development .

For applicants using WES transcript evaluation, please arrange to have your report sent to:

University of Pennsylvania Dept: SEAS Graduate Admissions (Engineering)

Official transcripts are only required if you have been admitted and choose to enroll.

The Application Fee

Please pay the $90 nonrefundable application fee along with your online application. You may qualify for a fee waiver if you are in one of the following categories: 

• US citizens or permanent residents with proven low-income background
• Applicants with Penn or military affiliation
• Eligible students from a US partner institution applying to an Accelerated Master’s program

If you meet one of these criteria, your fee will be automatically waived.

GRE (Optional)

The GRE is optional during the 2024-2025 application cycle, and it won’t hurt your application if you choose not to take it. But if you have taken the exam and received valid scores, we encourage you to submit them. Here’s what you need to know if you decide to submit your scores: 

• The institution code to use for the GRE exam is 2888.
• Test results must be valid at the time you submit your application.
• You must take the exam by the application deadline.

English Language Proficiency (for international students)

If you are an international applicant or a non-US citizen or permanent resident and English is not your native language, you must submit official scores for (1) the Test Of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), (2) the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), or (3) Duolingo English Test (DET).

• The institution code for the TOEFL exam is 2888.
• Test results must be valid when you submit your application.
• Test scores from at-home administration of the GRE and TOEFL exams are accepted. 
• Please send your IELTS score report electronically to “University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science.”
• Please send your DET score report electronically to “ University of Pennsylvania – School of Engineering and Applied Science – Graduate.”

Test Waivers

To have the English-language requirement waived, you must meet one of the following criteria by the time of matriculation:

• Graduate from a program in the United States;
• Attend school in a country in which English is recognized as the official language; or,
• Graduate from an institution where the medium of instruction is English, and this is indicated on the unofficial transcript

If you meet one of these criteria, this requirement will be automatically waived.

Recommended Scores

You don’t have to achieve a particular score to be admitted, but we recommend that you aim for at least the following scores:

Ph.D. Admissions Timeline

15 Sep Application opens for 2024

15 Dec 2024 Application deadline

15 Apr Admissions decisions released **Release Update: Decisions are released on a rolling basis. Applicants can expect a decision by April 15.

Master’s Degree Admissions Timeline

1 Nov Early admissions deadline (for CIS, Data Science, and MCIT on-campus programs with two deadlines)

14 Jan Early admissions decisions released

1 Feb Regular admissions deadline

1 Apr Regular admissions decisions released for 2024

Funding Your Education

A degree from Penn Engineering is an excellent investment in your future. Find out more about costs, scholarships and other funding opportunities.

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• Guide to Applying for Graduate School

The process of preparing for and applying to a PhD program can be overwhelming. The University of Pennsylvania has created this webpage to help prospective PhD students think through the process so you can put together a strong application.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree one may obtain within a particular field of study. This ranges from studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields; Social Science fields such as Education, Economics, Political Science, and Sociology; as well as Humanities fields such as English, History, Music, Philosophy, and more. The PhD degree aims to prepare people to think critically, develop research, and produce scholarship that may be used for further research or implementation . The PhD historically prepared students to take on faculty roles in colleges and universities, and that is still the goal for many students pursuing the PhD. However, today the PhD is a sought-after degree in many other industries including pharmaceutical research, arts organizations and other nonprofits, publishing, government policy, big tech, finance, and more.

• Who can apply to a PhD program?   PhD education is available to people from various educational, occupational, socioeconomic, and demographic backgrounds.
• Who should get a PhD?  People interested in uncovering new ideas, solutions, or processes within a specific area of study through conducting independent research.
• Why is it important for diverse candidates to become PhD holders?   Our world thrives on heterogeneous ideas and experiences, which is why it is indispensable to include students with diverse perspectives in our PhD programs. These students will generate important and original research.

Most PhD programs are fully funded, meaning that for a specific number of years, the program will pay for your tuition and fees and health insurance, as well as provide you with a stipend for living expenses . The structure of this funding varies by field. Below is an outline of general funding information as well as trends according to field of study.

• Teaching Assistantships or Research Assistantships: Part-time service that provides teaching and research training opportunities within your area of study.
• Funding packages provided through faculty research grants: Many STEM fields fund students through research grants awarded to faculty. In these cases, students perform research alongside the faculty. 
• Fellowships: Internal or external merit-based funding. Some fellowships require an application while others are given via nomination. Educational institutions typically have a resource listing fellowship opportunities. Winning a competitive fellowship looks good on your resume.
• Grants: Requires an application with supporting materials of either your grades, scholarly work, and/or anticipated research. These are available through internal and external means. Grants greatly vary so be sure to always understand the requirements. Educational institutions typically have a resource listing grant opportunities. Winning a competitive grant looks good on your resume.
• Employment: For example, serving as a residential advisor, on-campus jobs, etc. Some PhD programs restrict additional employment, so be sure to check before applying for jobs.
• The funding opportunities described here often can be combined.

Choosing a school or program that provides the most potential funding may be a challenging decision. The value of the same amount of funding will differ depending on the cost of living in different geographic locations. Admitted applicants should investigate cost-of-living tools (available on the web) and be sure to understand how their funding will be structured. Ask questions when you are admitted, such as: 

• Could you share more about your program’s funding mechanism?
• For how long is funding guaranteed? How does that compare to the average time-to-completion? Historically, what percentage of students have received funding beyond the guaranteed funding package?
• Does funding cover tuition, fees, books, health insurance?
• Does the funding rely on teaching, research, or other service? How much and for how long? 

Choosing a program for your studies is a personal decision that should reflect not only your research interests, but your work style, and interests outside of the classroom. Here we have identified five key tips to consider when selecting schools. 

• Ask about which programs are strong in your area of interest, which have high completion rates, and which have career outcomes that align with your goals. 
• Explore the websites of the professional academic associations in the field(s) that interest you. Many will have a directory of doctoral programs and other resources for graduate students. For example, see the American Economic Association’s list of graduate programs and their preparing for graduate school page .
• Conduct a general internet search with terms related to your research interest.
• Determine your geographic and personal preferences. Does the area meet your community needs? Is it important that the university aligns with your sociopolitical values? Do you prefer a large city or a smaller/college town? Is there a particular region(s) that has better access to resources needed to conduct your research?
• Access your current or former university career center. These services are often still available for former students!
• As you narrow your choices, try to identify at least 3 faculty in the programs of interest with whom you’d like to study. Also note how many of them have tenure. If relevant, research which of those faculty are taking on advisees in your year of matriculation.
• Read articles from faculty with similar research interests.
• Note the number of awards, publications, and service activities of faculty.
• Identify research opportunities funded by both your program and university at large.
• Connect with current and former students in the program for informational interviews.
• Connect with campus Diversity Offices.
• Whenever possible, before submitting your applications, make an appointment to visit the campuses and department(s) that interest you.
• Use  LinkedIn  to see what graduates of your program are doing and how they are involved in their communities.
• Estimate your feasible cost of living by geographic location and compare to the funding package offered.
• Consider availability of health insurance, childcare, housing, transportation, and other fringe benefits.
• Connect with a local bank or your prospective university’s financial services office for budgeting, savings, and other financial wellness advice.
• Research the career outcomes for PhD graduates from the institutions that interest you in your specific field.
• Your First Year in a Ph.D. Program
• What Does Academic Success Mean and How to Achieve it?  (STEM)
• Pathways to Science  (STEM)
• 7 Advantages PhDs Have Over Other Job Candidates  (Industry)
• During your undergraduate/master’s education, you should pursue coursework and/or research that will prepare you for the higher expectations of a PhD program; for example, taking a research methods course, pursuing a summer research experience, or conducting research with a professor at your home institution.
• Identify instructors who could write a letter of recommendation. Share with those instructors your interest in doctoral studies; faculty can be excellent resources for advice as well as recommendations!
• Experiences outside of higher education can also strengthen your PhD application. These may range from project management to volunteer work.
• Develop soft or hard skills. A soft skill that is most useful from the first day of your PhD program is networking. This is necessary not only for meeting other students but also to find collaborators with similar research interests and selecting faculty for your dissertation committee. Learning how to negotiate will also serve you well when approaching collaborative projects. Hard skills related to your field might include learning statistical analysis software, economic theory, a foreign language, or search engine optimization. In short, identify a few soft and hard skills that you can familiarize yourself with prior to your program’s start date.
• Finally, prepare by identifying leading researchers and practitioners in your field , exploring peer-reviewed literature and/or publications, and gain familiarity with research methods.
• Typically, PhD applications are due 10-12 months in advance of the program’s start date (i.e. apply in November to start the following September). A good rule of thumb is to begin your application process 6 months before the deadline. 
• The availability of reduced application fees or fee waivers varies and sometimes depends on financial status and/or experiences (AmeriCorps, National Society of Black Engineers, attending certain conferences, etc.). If you are interested in a reduced fee or waiver, reach out to the program coordinator for details.
• Be sure to address all the specific questions/topics in the statement prompt. 
• Clearly state why you want to pursue a PhD.
• Propose your research interest.
• Identify the faculty you’d like to study under. 
• Discuss the unique qualities/experiences you offer to the program/school.
• Outline what you hope to do with your degree.
• Ask for recommendation letters early in the process, at least 2-4 weeks before the deadline. A good letter takes time to write!
• Provide recommenders with your resume, information about the program, your statement of purpose and/or information about your research interests and research goals.
• Consider your current/former instructors, supervisors, colleagues. These should be people who can speak to your work ethic, academic abilities, and research interests.
• Test scores (i.e. TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.) may or may not be required.
• All transcripts including those for coursework completed abroad and transfer credits. Some programs require official transcripts, which take longer to procure.
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Writing sample (field dependent): Include a graduate-level sample and update any statements, statistics, etc. as needed. It is highly encouraged that you edit your previous work.
• Diversity statement: Many institutions offer an optional short statement where students can expand on their diverse backgrounds and experiences that may contribute to the diversity interests/efforts of the school.
• Dress professionally, even if the interview is virtual. You don’t necessarily need to wear a suit but dress pants/skirt and a blouse/button down shirt would be appropriate.  
• Develop an engaging elevator pitch, a 30-60 second summary of your research interests and what you hope to gain by becoming a student at that particular university. Practice your pitch with a career counselor, faculty advisor, or friends, and ask for honest feedback.
• Prepare 2-3 questions to ask during the interview. These could include questions about program expectations, the experience and success of their PhD students, and (academic/financial/mental health) support for PhD students.
• Some interview programs will include multiple activities including a social event. Be sure to maintain a professional attitude: do not drink too much and keep conversation on academic/professional topics.
• This is also your opportunity to decide whether this campus is a good fit for you.
• Academia Insider  is a good resource. 

Unlike undergraduate and master’s level education, coursework is just one component of the degree. A PhD comes with additional expectations: you must independently conduct scholarly research in your field of study, train in specific activities such as teaching or lab/field research, pass “milestone” requirements along the way, such as comprehensive exams, and complete the process by writing a dissertation. Furthermore, some fields require you to write multiple articles (number varies by field/program) for conference presentation and/or peer-reviewed publication.

There are other important elements as well:

• Student/Advisor relationship. This is one of the most valuable relationships you can have as a PhD student. Your faculty advisor not only assists you with learning how to approach your research topic, but also typically serves as the lead supervisor of your dissertation research and writing, and ideally mentors you throughout the PhD experience. The selection process of choosing your advisor varies so be sure to know what is expected of you as a student and what is expected of the faculty member. Whenever possible, it is important to align your personality and work style with that of your faculty advisor. Many universities publish expectations for the PhD student/faculty advisor relationship;  AMP’ed  is Penn’s guide.
• Other relationships: Your faculty advisor is far from the only important person during your PhD career. Other faculty members will also serve on your dissertation committee and be potential mentors. Students in your program can also provide good advice and guidance along the way.
• Coursework: Most programs have a number of required courses all students must take regardless of research interests. Once you have finished this requirement, the classes you choose should closely align with your research topic. Choose courses that will help you learn more about your dissertation topic and research methods. It is a good idea to discuss elective course selection with your advisor. 
• The dissertation is a large-scale, written document that explores a narrow research topic of your choice. It is the final step before receiving your degree and must be presented and “defended” to your dissertation committee (made up of faculty members) for approval. Defending means that you have to answer in-depth questions about your topic. While this might sound daunting, the dissertation is simply a demonstration of all the knowledge and expertise you have acquired through your PhD education. 
• Networking comes in many forms and includes connections with your fellow classmates, faculty members, and scholarly community. Formal networking events typically take place at academic conferences, where scholars and students present research. Increasing your academic circle will not only allow you to have study buddies, but offer you the opportunity to collaborate on articles or even gain employment. Your school’s career center can provide best practices for effective networking. 

Explore  graduate programs at the University of Pennsylvania  and click on the programs that interest you to learn more about admissions and academic requirements.

Upcoming Penn information sessions and recruitment events include:

• Fontaine Fellows Recruitment Dinner (by invitation only): every March
• Summer Virtual Series for undergraduates thinking about graduate school: June-July, 2024
• DEEPenn STEM  (Diversity Equity Engagement at Penn in STEM): October 11-13, 2024. Application deadline is May 24, 2024.
• DivE In Weekend  (Diversity & Equity Initiative for Mind Research): October 18-20, 2024. Application due May 30, 2024.
• IDDEAS@Wharton  (Introduction to Diversity in Doctoral Education and Scholarship): April 2025. Application opens in November 2024.

National conferences to explore:

• The Leadership Alliance  supports students into research careers
• McNair Scholar Conferences
• SACNAS , the largest multidisciplinary and multicultural STEM diversity event in the U.S.
• ABRCMS , the annual biomedical research conference for minoritized scientists
• The PhD Project  for students interested in business PhD programs

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4-year UG Degree Holders Can Now Get Direct Admission to PhD: UGC

Curated By : Education and Careers Desk

Trending Desk

Last Updated: June 16, 2022, 13:22 IST

The UGC regulations 2022 are likely to be announced by end of June (Representational Image)

According to the UGC regulations, candidates who have completed their 4-year-undergraduate programme (FYUP) with a minimum 7.5 CGPA will be eligible to apply for PhD admissions

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released the new regulations allowing the 4-year-undergraduate programme students to directly pursue PhD after graduation. According to the UGC regulations, candidates who have completed their 4-year-undergraduate programme (FYUP) with a minimum 7.5 CGPA will be eligible to apply for PhD admissions without completing a master’s programme.

According to a leading news daily, the UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar said that this new rule will help improve the research ecosystem in our HEIs. It will also help the UG students to have a research bent of mind. He added that UGC will be permitting four-year UG students who have a CGPA of 7.5/10 or above to be eligible for PhD admission. Those who have a have a CGPA less than 7.5, will have to do a one-year master’s degree to be eligible for PhD admissions.

Also read|  UGC to Develop Framework to Allow Top-ranked Foreign Universities to Open Campus in India

This step has been welcoming for the students who do not have to complete a two years master’s degree after FYUP. The regulations state that the minimum CGPA required for candidates with a four-year or eight-semester bachelor’s degree is 7.5/10 in order to apply for the doctorate programme, however, the commission has given a relaxation of 0.5 CGPA to the reserved categories as well as economically weaker applicants.

The UGC regulations 2022 are likely to be announced by end of June. The new regulations were added in the PhD draft in March and were sent for the feedback and comments of the stakeholders. As now the regulations have been approved, they are expected to be in practice from academic session 2022-23.

Read|  Nearly 50 Foreign Universities Interested to Set-Up Campuses, Offer Dual Courses with Indian Colleges: UGC

Furthermore, as per the new regulations, students will be admitted to the PhD programmes through a national-level test. While 60 per cent of seats will be filled through a national-level examination, 40 per cent will be based on a university-level or state-level test.

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PhD after BTech: Documents & Eligibility, Procedure, Top Colleges, Fees

Updated On: April 24, 2024 07:28 pm IST

Is PhD after BTech Possible?

Overview of phd after btech, eligibility for phd after btech in india, documents required for phd for btech, how to apply for phd after btech in india, phd after btech admission process 2024, top colleges for phd after btech in india.

Going for a PhD after BTech in India opens doors to advanced research opportunities and a rewarding academic journey. For those who've completed graduation with a BTech course , a PhD emerges as a viable option for advanced research prospects. Unlike the conventional path, the integrated PhD route offers direct admission after BTech while one can also choose an alternate way through recommendations from the faculty. Colleges like the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Arunachal Pradesh and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar are only two names from the list of colleges offering a direct PhD after BTech in India . Scroll through to learn more about pursuing PhD right after a BTech course. Also Read:

Yes, it is indeed possible to pursue a PhD after BTech. Many universities in India and abroad offer this option for students with a bachelor's degree in STEM fields or others. However, gaining admission isn't straightforward and requires navigating a lengthy process. So, what routes can you take to secure PhD admission after BTech? If you're contemplating this path, you have two options: direct PhD after BTech or seek a recommendation from academic faculty.

The direct application process requires applying directly through the institute's official website. Admission is subject to meeting the specific eligibility criteria of that particular institute. The latter involves reaching out directly to your university department faculty, who may advocate for your PhD admission candidacy.

Exploring PhD opportunities post-BTech involves navigating various paths, from integrated programs to direct admissions. This concise overview highlights key considerations, including program durations, specialization choices, application processes, and essential components for successful applications.

Admission to most PhD course after BTech requires a strong background in the intended field, including proficiency in advanced mathematical concepts, economics, software, and statistics. Consistent high performance in post-secondary education is preferred, though lower scores can be compensated with relevant activities, projects, and language skills.

• Entrance exams such as JEST, GATE, UGC NET, and CSIR NET are frequently required or recommended by institutions for PhD applications after BTech.
• Letters of Recommendation (LORs), along with a well-crafted Statement of Purpose (SOP) and Resume, are critical components of the application process, offering valuable insights into the candidate's motivations, suitability for the program, and aspirations. Additionally, aligning the final year project with the PhD research topic enhances the application's strength and demonstrates the candidate's commitment to their chosen field.
• Some universities may request a research proposal outlining the intended area of research. Candidates aspiring for a PhD program are typically expected to possess thorough knowledge and experience in their chosen field, including the beneficial addition of research papers or publications.
• Test Score Sheets from exams like JEST, GATE, UGC NET, CSIR NET.
• SOP and LORs.
• Detailed outline of intended research topic and methodology, if requested.
• Marksheets and certificates from 10th, 12th, and graduate or postgraduate degrees.
• SC/ST/OBC-NC/GEN-EWS/PD Certificate( If applicable)

The PhD admission after BTech is selective, favouring candidates with relevant degrees in Physics or related fields. While many universities follow these criteria, some may have more flexible requirements. Here's a brief guide to applying for a PhD directly after BTech:

• Research available PhD programs and determine your areas of interest.
• Choose a topic for your PhD dissertation and identify a potential supervisor.
• Submit a well-crafted application to the supervisor, addressing any inquiries or concerns.
• Complete the application form and provide all necessary documents.
• Await the admission decision while continuing to enhance your research and mathematical skills in preparation for your PhD journey after BTech.

Gaining admission to a PhD after Btech at an educational institution involves a series of steps. From exploring program offerings to submitting applications and undergoing selection processes, this introduction provides a concise overview of the essential steps aspirants must follow to secure admission.

• Step 1: Explore the institution's official website to learn about available PhD programs and select your field of interest.
• Step 2: Keep an eye out for admission announcements in publications or on the university's website, typically released four to five months before the course begins.
• Step 3: Complete and submit the PhD application form within the institution's specified timeline, ensuring all required documents and fees are provided.
• Step 4: Some institutions may require a research proposal alongside the application, which is reviewed by the institution's research unit.
• Step 5: Shortlisted candidates are often required to participate in entrance exams and other admission processes conducted by the institution.
• Step 6: Upon successful admission, candidates are assigned supervisors or guides for their PhD research.

Candidates can choose from a range of top colleges to pursue PhD after Btech in India. From prestigious institutions like the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to renowned private universities, it encompasses a range of fields including engineering, computer science, management, and more. The following table presents a comprehensive overview of course fees for PhD specializations across several prominent universities in India.

Pursuing a PhD after BTech offers rich research prospects and academic fulfilment. With integrated programs and direct admissions available, aspiring scholars can dive into advanced research directly after graduation. This guide equips them with insights into admission processes and opportunities for collaborative research. Through dedication and exploration, the journey towards innovation and knowledge awaits. Related Links:

For more information on PhD after Btech, call us at 1800-572-9877 or post your questions in Collegedekho’s QnA section.

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The duration of PhD after BTech in India typically ranges from 3 to 6 years. Initially, you'll need to select your specialization and determine the specific topic you wish to pursue for your doctorate. Alternatively, you can opt to apply for a PhD directly after completing your BTech.

Yes, you can do PhD without GATE. there are opportunities without the need for an entrance examination. If you have a CGPA of 8.0 or above in engineering or B.Tech from a recognized educational institution, you may be eligible for direct admission.

Yes, you can do a PhD without a Masters degree. Even though the traditional pathway for earning a PhD typically involves completing a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's degree, and then proceeding to pursue a PhD.

Yes, you can do a PhD at various IITs like Delhi, Kanpur, Guwahati, Hyderabad, and Kharagpur after completing your BTech. Although eligibility criteria may differ, common requirements include a minimum of 65% marks or 6.5 CPI in the master's degree, first division in the bachelor's degree, and achieving a JRF/95 percentile or higher in GATE or equivalent performance in a relevant national or international examination.

Yes, it is possible to pursue PhD directly after BTech in India provided you meet certain criteria. You have the option to enroll in an integrated Master's and PhD program or obtain direct recommendations from your professors or supervisors.

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Related Questions

Without jee possible admission.

Dear student, 

PICT Pune accepts MHT CET scores in addition to JEE Main scores for admission to B.Tech programmes. There are also some management quota seats available for which no entrance exam scores are required. A percentage of the PICT Pune  B.Tech seats are filled through MHT CET Cell counselling process, and the remaining seats (management quota) are filled through an institute-level counselling process.

My kcet ranking is 17517 can i get govt seat in your xollege for IS branch

Which btech specialisations are available at parul university what is the fees.

Dear Danish, 

The number of BTech specialisations offered at Parul University is quite impressive. The university offers the BTech degree in a total of 30 traditional and new-age specialisations. These specialisations include computer engineering, CSE, chemical engineering, aeronautical engineering, CSE with cloud computing, automation & robotics, TV & sound engineering, and many others. All these BTech courses at Parul University are approved by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). Students who have passed Class 12 with PCM/ PCB with a minimum of 45% marks from a recognised board may apply. Admissions to BTech are based on JEE Main …

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Applying to Graduate School at BU

Take charge of your future..

Now is the time to invest in you. Whether you’re about to graduate from college (or just recently finished), returning to school after some time in the working world, or continuing your graduate study in a new field or level, this is all about you.

Are you ready?

Most likely! But, here are some practical tips to get you started if you’re not sure or you’re just beginning the graduate school search process:

• Assess your readiness for graduate study by reading through our questions, tips, and points to ponder .
• Explore BU’s 400+ graduate and professional programs .  The possibilities are limitless.

Learn more or apply now.

Each of our 17 schools and colleges and the Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences has its own admissions and financial aid process. Our graduate and professional school admission offices actively encourage you to contact them with question and concerns – or just to explore your options further.

Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

With 22 departments, students have multiple pathways to the MD or combined degree programs in their chosen fields and specialties. Students take advantage of cutting-edge clinical facilities and laboratories on BU’s Medical Campus, and with affiliated institutions throughout the city and the nation.

Email:   [email protected] Phone:   617-358-9540

College of Communication

COM’s departments of Mass Communication, Advertising & Public Relations, Journalism and Film & Television offer programs dedicated to training well-rounded professional communicators. COM also offers master’s and PhD programs through its Division of Emerging Media Studies.

Email:   [email protected] Phone: 617-353-3481

College of Engineering

Choose from a wide range of programs in five departments: Biomedical Engineering, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, and Systems Engineering. Whatever the topic, ENG is focused on advancing the frontiers of science and technology through research, discovery, and innovation.

Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-353-9760

College of Fine Arts

CFA’s three schools—Music, Theatre, and Visual Arts—form an intense, dynamic arts community that combines professional, individualized training with interdisciplinary collaborative work. The CFA faculty comprises proven teachers and mentors who draw from their distinguished experiences as artists and performers of national and international reputation.

Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-353-3350

Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences

The Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences (CDS) is an interdisciplinary academic unit comprising scholars and researchers who are solely appointed in that unit as well as faculty with joint appointments in various schools and colleges at BU. CDS’ mission is to be a catalyst for synergy and integration of research and education programs in computing and data sciences across the landscape of academic disciplines at BU. 

Email:   [email protected] Phone:  617-353-2154

Frederick S. Pardee School of Global Studies

Dedicated to advancing human progress and improving the human condition, the Pardee School is committed to interdisciplinary work, offering master’s programs with several functional specializations, dual degree programs, and a number of graduate certificates.

Email:   [email protected] Phone: 617-353-6342

Graduate Medical Sciences

Emphasizing research, clinical, and graduate education in the biomedical sciences, GMS offers 33 fields of study—including interdisciplinary programs in many areas—leading to master’s, PhD, or MD/PhD degrees as well as certificates.

Email:   [email protected] Phone:  617-358-9518

Graduate School of Arts & Sciences

With programs to choose from in nearly 40 areas of humanities, natural and computational sciences, and social sciences, GRS is home to approximately 1,800 graduate degree candidates and faculty from many schools and colleges at BU.

Email: [email protected] Phone:  617-353-2696

Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine

SDM offers a traditional four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine program as well as an advanced-standing two-year DDM; advanced certificates; and MSD, DSc, and DScD degrees in all recognized dental specialties.

Email:  [email protected] (DMD Admissions);  [email protected] (DMD Advanced Standing Admissions);  [email protected] (Postdoctoral Admissions) Phone:  617-358-6827

Metropolitan College

MET offers more than 60 full- and part-time degree and certificate programs in fields as varied as financial management, city planning, computer science, supply chain management, project management, and applied business analytics. On-campus, online, and blended programs are available.

Email: [email protected] Phone:  617-353-6000

Questrom School of Business

Students choose from MBA, MS, PhD, and dual degree programs that prepare ethical and innovative leaders who create value for their organizations, their communities, and the world. Questrom’s curricula emphasize digital technologies, health and life sciences, and energy and the environment.

Email: [email protected] Phone:  617-353-2670

Sargent College of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences

Sargent’s four departments—Health Sciences, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, and Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences—offer graduate programs focused on professional training and cutting-edge research. Students doing fieldwork benefit from a clinical network of more than 1,400 affiliations worldwide—400 of them in Greater Boston.

Email: [email protected] Phone: 617-353-2713

School of Hospitality Administration

Whether you’re kickstarting your career or aiming to enhance your expertise, the School of Hospitality Administration’s graduate programs equip you with the skills and knowledge to excel in this fast-evolving industry. Join us and become a trailblazer in leadership, event management, tourism, real estate, and beyond.

Email:   [email protected] Phone:  617-353-3261

School of Law

The JD and LLM departments offer a range of programs and specializations, including American law, intellectual property law, banking and financial law, and tax law, as well as several dual degree programs with other BU schools and colleges.

JD Admissions Email:   [email protected] Phone: 617-353-3100

LLM Admissions Email:   [email protected] Phone:  617-353-5323

School of Public Health

Students pursue different levels and approaches to their comprehensive public health studies, from professional MPH and DrPH programs to academic MS and PhD programs. Certificate and dual degree programs are also available.

Email: [email protected] Phone:  617-358-4095

School of Social Work

Students get specialized training for social work in urban environments, choosing either clinical (individuals, families, groups) or macro (community organization, management, and planning) practice. MSW, PhD, dual degrees, and certificates are offered.

Email:   [email protected] Phone:  617-353-3750

School of Theology

STH offers an array of graduate professional programs, preparing students for ministries and vocations that foster personal and social transformation. The school emphasize community principles of love, justice, safety, rights, responsibilities, and respect.

Email:   [email protected] Phone:  617-383-9347

Wheelock College of Education & Human Development

Choose from more than 20 areas of study, including early childhood education, higher education, counseling, and policy. With its focus on clinical practice, scholarship, and community engagement, Wheelock’s many collaborative arrangements provide myriad professional training and practica opportunities with local and global partners.

Email:   [email protected] Phone:  617-353-4237

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UC San Diego is committed to admitting a diverse range of top students from all around the world. Data on graduate admissions can be found here.

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Every quarter thousands of graduate students enroll at UC San Diego. To find out more about a particular department's enrollment numbers, click on the link below.

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Contact the NAU Office of Graduate & Professional Studies

NAU Office of Graduate & Professional Studies admission deadlines

• International students must apply on or before March 1st for fall admission, if an earlier deadline is not stipulated below.
• The deadlines listed below are subject to change, but are reviewed and updated regularly. For the most accurate deadline information, please check the NAU Office of Graduate & Professional Studies Admissions Application for the specific program.
• For full consideration of available funding (GA, tuition waivers, or scholarships) it is best to apply to the program early. Contact the program for specific funding deadlines.

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Priority-   If a priority deadline has been specified, it is highly recommended that you submit your application on or before this date. Students that meet this deadline may be given special consideration for things such as assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, etc., if available. Rolling admission- no specific deadline has been identified. Students can apply for admission up until the start of any given term or session. Space available basis- applications will be accepted and considered if space is available in the program. Final- applications will not be accepted past this date. Admission not available- admission applications are not accepted for the specific term.

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Statistics and Actuarial Science

Information for new graduate students in actuarial science, data science and statistics at the university of iowa..

Welcome New Graduate Students!

Information for NEW graduate students in Actuarial Science, Data Science and Statistics at the University of Iowa. 

Last Updated, May 31, 2024.                                   Additional  updates will be sent this summer!

Important Information for International Students

The Office of International Students and Scholars does an incredible job helping you settle into Iowa City and the University of Iowa.  They have webinars to help with:  

1. Getting Started and Making Travel Arrangements

2. Achieving Success: On-campus Involvement and Cultural Adjustment (undergraduate students)

3. Graduate Student Professionalization and Support

4. Understanding Orientation Expectations, Responsibilities, and Placement Tests (graduate students)

5. On-campus Housing Assignments and Move-in Tips (undergraduate students)

6. Student Employment

7. Money Matters - University Billing

Do you need to take the SPEC (Spoken Proficiency of English for the Classroom)?

All students for whom English is not a first language (as self-reported on their admissions application) and who have first-time appointments as graduate teaching assistants (TAs) are required to go through a testing process to assess their effectiveness in speaking English before they are assigned assistantship responsibilities. Beginning in Fall 2024, there will be a new test to assess communication in English in a classroom context called SPEC (Spoken Proficiency of English in the Classroom).  This is replacing ESPA and ELPT.  Details will be coming soon.

Any graduate student who is included in the following categories needs to have their oral English proficiency tested by the TAPE Program:

• Students whose first language is not English (i.e., learned another language first) as self-reported on their admissions application, and
• Have been appointed as a Teaching Assistant

Exemptions (may change):

• Students with an official valid (within the last two years) iBT Listening score of 25 and an iBT Speaking score of 26.
• Undergraduate degrees and/or     
• Continuous attendance of English-language schools since the age of 12 (or younger)
• Students who served as teaching assistants at other institutions of higher learning in which the language of instruction is English, if they were listed as the instructor of record for a course or led a discussion section in English for at least one year, with a year defined as either two academic semesters or three academic quarters.
• Requests for exceptions regarding the SPEC  can be submitted for evaluation to a committee consisting of the Director of ESL Programs, the Associate Dean for Administrative Affairs in the Graduate College, and a representative from University Human Resources.

Requests for exemption and exceptions must come from the department by the deadline, not the student.   Deadlines to register students for the SPEC are:

• March 1  

NOT Exemptions:

• Students who come from a country where English is one of the official languages.
• Students who are U.S. permanent residents or U.S. citizens whose first language is not English.

Testing Procedures & Results

 To be announced soon!

Graduate/Professional International Students Important Dates

July 12, 2024:  Earliest date you may enter the U.S. in F-1 or J-1 status. August 11, 2024:  Latest date by which you should arrive in Iowa City August 12 - 16, 2024: International Student Orientation August 26, 2024:  Classes begin.

Housing Information for All Students

The department has a housing webpage, please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. If you are looking for a roommate, please let us know and we can update this web page!

Looking for housing options ?

All US citizens that are financially supported (TA, RA) need to be here on August 21.

All students will register for classes the week before classes start.  International students must complete the required Orientation Program before  they can register for classes.    

____________________

Fall Classes Advising will be August 19-23

All NEW UI students must meet with their advisor prior to registration.  There is no worry about getting into any of the classes we teach.  

• IF you are an Actuarial Science MS or PhD student you will need to meet with Professor Shyamalkumar.  Email him after August 12 at [email protected] to set a time to meet to discuss what classes to take, it may be on Zoom or in his office (233 Schaeffer Hall).
• IF you are a Data Science MS, Statistics MS, or PhD student you will need to meet with Professor Boxiang Wang.  Email him after August 12 at [email protected]  to set a time to meet to discuss what classes to take, it may be on Zoom or in his office (261 Schaeffer Hall).

New Graduate College Welcome and Orientation, August 21

The Graduate College Fall 2024 Graduate Student Orientation event will take place on Wednesday, August 21, 2024.  A registration form will be sent to your UI email sometime this early summer from the Graduate College. All new doctoral and master’s students are invited to attend.  

New Teaching Assistant Orientation, August 22- required for all new supported students

Sponsored by the Center for Teaching

This event will introduce participants to the role of teaching assistant at the University of Iowa and prepare them for the first week of classes and beyond. 

Participants will discuss evidence-based teaching strategies for lesson planning, inclusive teaching, and more with Center for Teaching staff. Participants will also choose two workshops of interest to them out of several options; these will be facilitated synchronously by experienced TAs.  This is a virtual event for 9-noon.

• Sign up before August 21!

New Student Department Orientation, August 23 at 9 a.m., Room to be determined.

• All New Student Orientation —Group Introductions and General Policy Procedures.

New Supported Graduate Assistants Orientation, August 23 at 1 p.m., Room to be determined.

• Our Director of Graduate Studies will have a department review of expectations and your specific roles in our department. Teaching and grading assignments will be explained, as well as preparation, teaching tips, problems and questions, quizzes and exams, weekly meetings, grading, appropriate office use and the Sexual Harassment Prevention Education

Mailbox in 241 Schaeffer Hall 

All graduate students will have a mailbox in our main office.  The faculty do as well.  Please check your mailbox at least once a week!

Office Desk Assignment

Nearly all supported students will have a desk in one of our offices.  The assignment priority (in this order) includes Ph.D. and Fellowship candidates, research assistants, half-time teaching assistants, quarter-time teaching assistants and lastly graders.  Having a desk is a privilege and should be used only for university business.  Office assignments will be given to students on, August 23.  Keys are checked out ONLY after that time.  Please remember to keep the rooms clean and take out all trash to the large bins in the main hallways.

Set-up your University of Iowa Email

All University of Iowa students are required to activate their assigned uiowa.edu email address, as all official communication from university offices are now sent via email, rather than hard copy. This address usually follows the pattern [email protected]   (However, often a number is also attached.) 

To activate the account:

• Log on to  MyUI
• Click on My UIowa / My Email / Request Email Account
• Complete the specified steps.

Students who prefer to maintain only their work or home email addresses can do so by routing the uiowa.edu email to a work or home account. To do so, follow these steps:

• Click on My UIowa / My Email / Update Email Routing Address

Important Notes:

• If your uiowa.edu email address is routed to a different account, you will  not  need to change your address in ICON, as your messages will already forward to your routed address.
• Log on to MYUI.
• Click on My UIowa / My Email / Email Account Filter bulk mail.
• Make sure that none of the categories are checked.

Required Graduate Assistants Teaching Courses:

• ONLINE CLASS Requirement: Sexual Harassment Prevention Edu.  Use your HawkID and password to log into Employee Self Service. Click the Personal tab, next (under Learning and Development) click on Sexual Harassment Prevention Edu., follow instructions.
• ONLINE CLASS Requirement:  Federal Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Use your HawkID and password to log into Employee Self Service. Click the Personal tab, next (under Learning and Development) next click on Available Online Icon Courses, next FERPA Training, then click on View Details twice and the last click will be to Enroll in this ICON Course Session.
• A six-hour orientation program will be required of all students who are certified at level A or B and are teaching for the first time.  This orientation helps new teaching assistants understand the culture of the U.S. classroom and treats topics such as student expectations, teacher-student relationships, and understanding and answering student questions. Discussion focuses on suggestions for maximizing comprehensibility in spoken English. This course meets twice for 3 hours early in the semester. Both meetings are held in the evening.

Administrative Department Staff:

Professor aixin tan (until july 1, 2024).

Director of Graduate Studies, Statistics and Data Science Graduate Advisor: [email protected]   (319) 335-0821.

Professor Boxiang Wang (beginning July 1, 2024)

Director of Graduate Studies, Statistics and Data Science Graduate Advisor: [email protected] (319) 335-2294.

Professor N.D. Shyamalkumar

Actuarial Science Graduate Advisor:  [email protected]    (319) 335-1980

Margie Ebert

Academic Services Coordinator ,  [email protected]  (319) 335-2082

Heather Roth

Administrative Services Coordinator  [email protected]   (319) 335-0712

Tammy Siegel

Department Administrator ,  [email protected] , (319) 335-0706

Do We Need Happiness Teachers?

• Posted May 31, 2024
• By Lory Hough
• Counseling and Mental Health
• K-12 School Leadership
• K-12 System Leadership

In late April, Brendan Chan, a second-year Ed.L.D. student, got the opportunity of a lifetime: He traveled to Dharamsala, India, to meet with the Dalai Lama. Chan was part of a delegation connected to the Leadership & Happiness Laboratory , run by Arthur Brooks at the Harvard Kennedy School. After Chan returned to Cambridge, he sat down and talked about the visit, the lab’s tie-in with his Ed.L.D. work, and his lasting feeling of calm.

What was your initial reaction when you learned you'd be included on this trip? I felt incredibly grateful, as I knew it would be a life-changing experience. It’s not lost on me how rare the opportunity is and how few people are afforded the opportunity. What I didn’t know at the time is just how powerful and rich the experience would be.

What was the trip about?  The schedule was built around two sessions that we had with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, around conversations related to transcendence, love, and spiritual consciousness. We visited a nunnery in the greater Dharamsala area. We meditated with Tibetan Buddhist monks. We held a debate between three Western U.S. scholars and three Tibetan Buddhist monks. And the questions were unbelievable: Is suffering necessary? Where does one look to find the meaning of life? Where does consciousness reside? We also spent time on the temple grounds for his Holiness. We visited the Tibetan Parliament in exile and learned more about the plight and the history of the Tibetan people, and truly just got to immerse ourselves in the overall experience related to what his Holiness has built in India alongside the Tibetan people. It really was an immersion in these concepts and the lessons that his Holiness brings to not just us, but to the world, which was sort of the point of this visit. The trip wasn’t just about the 40 or so of us that got to be in the room. It was about how we take those lessons and bring them to everyone that we interact with, whether that’s through our actions or through our teaching.

Did you personally get to meet the Dalai Lama? What was that moment like? We each got to meet him directly and shake his hand on our way out. … He is very kind, very jovial. I’ve described seeing him as sort of a surreal otherworldly experience, like when you go see the Grand Canyon or the Taj Mahal for the first time, where your brain doesn't quite process what's going on. I felt the energy the entire time that we were able to be in the room with him. And that loving and compassionate energy has stayed with me since I got back. I've had multiple people tell me that my energy feels more peaceful. At first, I thought it was just the jet lag, but this sort of calm orientation around compassion has really stuck.

Are there any lessons that you took away?  One of the first things the Dalai Lama said was that when we hold onto suffering, we don’t leave space for other things like compassion, love, and kindness. That lesson has stuck with me in the form of a question: What am I not leaving space for in my life? Holding this idea in mind has allowed me to get better at letting things go so that I can leave room for what’s most important to me, which is being compassionate and kind to myself and to others. 

Also, one of the biggest lessons that the Dalai Lama imparted was that leaders tend to be focused on narrow interests, the bottom line growing their organization, and running their day-to-day teams, but we can widen our focus as leaders and include that focus to cherishing others' wellbeing as the foundation of all happiness. That invitation to widen our focus as leaders is incredibly, incredibly powerful. My dream is that both the work that I do continues to grow in terms of its impact, in terms of its reach, in terms of its scope, but also the way in which I do it is widened as well.

How does your Ed.L.D. work tie into the Leadership & Happiness Lab? There’s a core course in the Ed.L.D. curriculum called Sector Change. I built my Sector Change project around the Leadership & Happiness Lab’s work, which is really about the science of happiness. I thought it was a good idea to think about happiness, and I was intrigued by the lab’s mission around how we can help more leaders see their roles as happiness teachers, meaning promoting and creating conditions for the people that they work with to be happier. 

The central course in the Ed.L.D. curriculum is Practicing Leadership Inside and Out, or PLIO, led by Candice Crawford-Zakian . The course is built around widening the gap between a stimulus and our response as leaders. With a large focus on self-transformation, PLIO has overlapped with the lab’s focus on the science of happiness in powerful ways. PLIO has helped me make sense of how being a healthier, more compassionate, and happier person will translate into better leadership.

You’ve said that you like to “dream big.” Now that you have this inner calm from your trip to India, what's your big dream after the Ed.L.D. Program is over? My biggest dreams are oriented around dedicating my life to transforming systems and structures to allow kids and communities to thrive. And that means that there’s a specific focus in my life, both around education and public education in particular, but also those that are historically and currently marginalized by our structures in this country. When I think about racial equity work, when I think about eliminating poverty in this country and around the world, my biggest dream is both that my life actually helps make a dent in those things, but also the way in which I move and do that work is more compassionate and loving and always centered more on the relationships and the joy of being in community together to drive that change.

Now, post-trip, do you think more of the lessons you took away from your time in India with the lab should be incorporated into teaching and learning? I really believe in the Leadership & Happiness Lab’s aim to help leaders be “happiness teachers.” Wrestling with some of the biggest concepts — love, compassion, kindness, non-attachment, happiness — is a worthy endeavor for any individual, and I believe people in positions of leadership are uniquely positioned to transform systems if they become more adept at understanding and applying what we know about the science behind happiness, compassion, and well-being. My biggest hope is that we get more leaders to take up the responsibility in creating conditions to improve happiness for those they work with and serve. As Ed.L.D. is a program focused on systems-level leadership and transformation, I believe the lessons from His Holiness and from the work of the Leadership & Happiness Lab should be put to use to help make our schools and classrooms happier. I’ve talked with the team at the lab about what it looks like to bring the science of happiness into education. There’s a lot happening in higher education, but at the K-12 level, we need to start with the people that make up our school systems. Superintendents and their cabinets, school administrators, teachers, and all staff would benefit from the teachings of His Holiness and understanding the science of happiness in how they do their work.

Ed. Magazine

The magazine of the Harvard Graduate School of Education

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