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A Johns Hopkins postdoc, Herbert Baxter Adams, brought the seminar method of teaching from Germany, where he earned a PhD in 1876. The idea: That students would learn more by doing than by listening to lectures and taking exams.

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Applications to degree programs for the 2025-2026 academic year are now open.

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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, ancestry, political beliefs, veteran status, disability or any other protected classification, and we actively seek applicants from historically underrepresented communities. We hope you’ll consider applying. 

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You have several options for study at Harvard Griffin GSAS. 

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

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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  Research Scholar Initiative , a post-baccalaureate program that enables college graduates to take part in a long-term research experience. 

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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 . 

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• Master’s vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Master's vs PhD | A Complete Guide to the Differences

Published on November 27, 2020 by Lauren Thomas . Revised on May 10, 2024.

The two most common types of graduate degrees are master’s and doctoral degrees:

• A master’s is a 1–2 year degree that can prepare you for a multitude of careers.
• A PhD, or doctoral degree, takes 3–7 years to complete (depending on the country) and prepares you for a career in academic research.

A master’s is also the necessary first step to a PhD. In the US, the master’s is built into PhD programs, while in most other countries, a separate master’s degree is required before applying for PhDs.

Master’s are far more common than PhDs. In the US, 24 million people have master’s or professional degrees, whereas only 4.5 million have doctorates.

Table of contents

Master’s vs phd at a glance, which is right for you, length of time required, career prospects, costs and salaries, application process, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about master's and phd degrees.

The table below shows the key differences between the two.

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A PhD is right for you if:

• Your goal is to become a professor at a university or some other type of professional researcher.
• You love research and are passionate about discovering the answer to a particular question.
• You are willing to spend years pursuing your research even if you have to put up with a lot of dead ends and roadblocks.

A master’s degree is the better choice if any of the following apply:

• You want to continue studies in your field, but you’re not committed to a career as a professional researcher.
• You want to develop professional skills for a specific career.
• You are willing to pay a higher upfront cost if it means finishing with your degree (and thus being able to work) much faster.
• You want the option to study part-time while working.

The length of time required to complete a PhD or master’s degree varies. Unsurprisingly, PhDs take much longer, usually between 3–7 years. Master’s degrees are usually only 1–2 years.

Length of a master’s

Master’s degrees are usually 2 years, although 1-year master’s degrees also exist, mainly in the UK.

Most of the degree consists of classes and coursework, although many master’s programs include an intensive, semester-long master’s thesis or capstone project in which students bring together all they’ve learned to produce an original piece of work.

Length of a PhD

In the US, a PhD usually takes between 5 and 7 years to complete. The first 2 years are spent on coursework. Students, even those who choose to leave without finishing the program, usually receive a master’s degree at this point.

The next 3–5 years are spent preparing a dissertation —a lengthy piece of writing based on independent research, which aims to make a significant original contribution to one’s field.

Master’s degrees tend to prepare you for a career outside of academia, while PhDs are designed to lead to a career in research.

Careers for master’s graduates

There are two types of master’s degrees: terminal and research-intensive. The career prospects are different for each.

Terminal master’s degrees are intended to prepare students for careers outside of academia. Some degrees, known as professional degrees, specifically prepare students for particular professions; these include the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT), Master of Fine Arts (MFA), and Master of Public Health (MPH) degrees.

Other master’s degrees, usually Master of Arts (MA) or Master of Sciences (MS or MSc) degrees, do not necessarily lead to a specific career, but are intended to be a final degree. Examples include an MS in Communications or MS in Data Analytics.

In research-intensive master’s programs, students take coursework intended to prepare them for writing an original piece of research known as the master’s thesis . Such programs are usually intended to prepare for further study in a doctoral program.

Careers for PhD graduates

As research degrees, PhDs are usually intended to lead to an academic career. A PhD can be thought of like an apprenticeship, where students learn from professional researchers (academics) how to produce their own research.

Most students aspire to become a university professor upon the completion of their degree. However, careers in academia are highly competitive, and the skills learned in a doctoral program often lend themselves well to other types of careers.

Some graduates who find they prefer teaching to producing research go on to be teachers at liberal arts colleges or even secondary schools. Others work in research-intensive careers in the government, private sector, or at think tanks.

Below are a few examples of specific fields and non-academic careers that are common destinations of graduates of those fields.

• Computer Science
• Lab Sciences

Many government jobs, including economists at a country’s central bank, are research-intensive and require a PhD. Think tanks also hire economists to carry out independent research.

In the private sector, economic consulting and technology firms frequently hire PhDs to solve real-world problems that require complex mathematical modeling.

Graduate students from the humanities are sometimes hired by museums, who can make use of their research and writing skills to curate exhibits and run public outreach.

Humanities PhDs are often well-suited to research and grant-writing roles at nonprofits. Since so much of research is funded by grants, PhD students often gain a lot of experience applying for them, which is a useful skill in the nonprofit sector.

There are a wide range of non-academic research jobs for lab scientists with doctorates in subjects like chemistry, biology, ecology and physics.

Many PhD graduates are hired by pharmaceutical companies that need to perform research to create and test their products. Government agencies, such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), also hire lab scientists to work on research projects.

Job prospects after graduation vary widely based on the field. In fields like management, computer science, statistics, and economics, there’s little underemployment—even graduates from less well-known programs can easily find jobs that pay well and use the skills they’ve gained from the PhD.

However, in other fields, particularly in the humanities, many PhD graduates have difficulty in the job market. Unfortunately, there are far more PhD graduates than assistant professor roles, so many instead take on part-time and low-paid roles as adjunct instructors. Even non-academic careers can sometimes be difficult for PhDs to move into, as they may be seen as “overqualified”  or as lacking in relevant professional experience.

Because career options post-PhD vary so much, you should take the time to figure out what the career prospects are in your field. Doctoral programs often have detailed “placement” records online in which they list the career outcomes of their graduates immediately upon leaving the program. If you can’t find these records, contact the program and ask for them—placement information should play an important role in your choice of PhD program.

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Although PhDs take far longer to complete, students often receive a living stipend in exchange for being a teaching or research assistant. Master’s degrees are shorter but less likely to be funded.

Both master’s degrees and PhDs lead to increased salaries upon graduation. While PhDs usually earn a bit more than those with a master’s degree, in some fields, the wages are identical, meaning that no financial benefit is gained from going on to a PhD.

Cost of a master’s

The upfront cost of a master’s degree is usually higher than a doctoral degree due to the lower amount of financial aid available. However, increased salaries also arrive faster than with a doctoral degree, because people graduate much earlier from a master’s program.

Some master’s students do receive stipends for their degrees, usually as compensation for being a teaching or research assistant. In addition, many people complete master’s degrees part time while working full-time, which allows them to fund their living costs as well as tuition.

The cost varies significantly by school and program. Public schools are usually cheaper than private ones. Some master’s degrees, such as MBAs, are notoriously expensive, but also result in much higher wages afterwards that make up for the high cost.

The master’s wage premium , or the extra amount that someone with a master’s degree makes than someone with just a high school diploma, is 23% on average. Many universities provide detailed statistics on the career and salary outcomes of their students. If they do not have this online, you should feel free to contact an administrator of the program and ask.

Cost of a PhD

PhDs, particularly outside the humanities, are usually (though not always) funded, meaning that tuition fees are fully waived and students receive a small living stipend. During the last 3–5 years of a PhD, after finishing their coursework (and sometimes before), students are usually expected to work as graduate instructors or research assistants in exchange for the stipend.

Sometimes students can apply for a fellowship (such as the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Program in the United States) that relieves them of any obligations to be a teaching or research assistant. Doctoral programs in the US tend to be better funded than in the rest of the world.

Sometimes, PhD degrees can be completed part-time, but this is rare. Students are usually expected to devote at least 40 hours a week to their research and work as teaching or research assistants.

The main cost of doctoral programs comes in the form of opportunity cost—all the years that students could be working a regular, full-time job, which usually pays much better than a graduate school stipend.

The average wage premium for PhDs is 26%, which is not much higher than the master’s degree premium.

In the US, the application process is similar for master’s and PhD programs. Both will generally ask for:

• At least one application essay, often called a personal statement or statement of purpose .
• Letters of recommendation .
• A resume or CV .
• Transcripts.
• Writing samples.

Applications for both types of programs also often require a standardized test. PhDs usually require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), which tries to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative, critical thinking , and analytical writing skills. Many master’s programs require this test as well.

Applying for a master’s

Master’s degrees programs will often ask you to respond to specific essay prompts that may ask you to reflect upon not just your academic background, but also your personal character and future career ambitions.

Northwestern University’s Kellogg Business School requires Master’s of Business Administration (MBA) applicants write two essays, one about a recent time they demonstrated leadership and the second about their personal values.

Who you should ask for your letters of recommendation varies by program. If you are applying to a research-intensive master’s program, then you should choose former professors or research supervisors. For other programs, particularly business school, current work supervisors may be a better choice.

Some professional master’s programs require a specific test. For example, to apply to law school, you must take the Law School Admissions Test, or LSAT. For business school, you must take either the GRE or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT).

Applying for a PhD

When applying for a PhD, your resume should focus more on your research background—you should especially emphasize any publications you’ve authored or presentations that you’ve given.

Similarly, your statement of purpose should discuss research that you’ve participated in, whether as an assistant or the lead author. You should detail what exactly you did in projects you’ve contributed to, whether that’s conducting a literature review, coding regressions, or writing an entire article.

Your letters of recommendations should be from former professors or supervisors who can speak to your abilities and potential as a researcher. A good rule of thumb is to avoid asking for recommendations from anyone who does not themselves have a PhD.

If you want to know more about college essays , academic writing , and AI tools , make sure to check out some of our other language articles with explanations, examples, and quizzes.

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A master’s is a 1- or 2-year graduate degree that can prepare you for a variety of careers.

All master’s involve graduate-level coursework. Some are research-intensive and intend to prepare students for further study in a PhD; these usually require their students to write a master’s thesis . Others focus on professional training for a specific career.

A PhD, which is short for philosophiae doctor (doctor of philosophy in Latin), is the highest university degree that can be obtained. In a PhD, students spend 3–5 years writing a dissertation , which aims to make a significant, original contribution to current knowledge.

A PhD is intended to prepare students for a career as a researcher, whether that be in academia, the public sector, or the private sector.

This depends on the country. In the United States, you can generally go directly to a PhD  with only a bachelor’s degree, as a master’s program is included as part of the doctoral program.

Elsewhere, you generally need to graduate from a research-intensive master’s degree before continuing to the PhD.

This varies by country. In the United States, PhDs usually take between 5–7 years: 2 years of coursework followed by 3–5 years of independent research work to produce a dissertation.

In the rest of the world, students normally have a master’s degree before beginning the PhD, so they proceed directly to the research stage and complete a PhD in 3–5 years.

A master’s degree usually has a higher upfront cost, but it also allows you to start earning a higher salary more quickly. The exact cost depends on the country and the school: private universities usually cost more than public ones, and European degrees usually cost less than North American ones. There are limited possibilities for financial aid.

PhDs often waive tuition fees and offer a living stipend in exchange for a teaching or research assistantship. However, they take many years to complete, during which time you earn very little.

In the US, the graduate school application process is similar whether you’re applying for a master’s or a PhD . Both require letters of recommendation , a statement of purpose or personal statement , a resume or CV , and transcripts. Programs in the US and Canada usually also require a certain type of standardized test—often the GRE.

Outside the US, PhD programs usually also require applicants to write a research proposal , because students are expected to begin dissertation research in the first year of their PhD.

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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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The Princeton Graduate School welcomes applicants who are seeking to reimagine what’s possible in their fields. Global in scope, yet intimate enough to foster new, cross-disciplinary connections, we believe that the power to shape what’s next begins with you.

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Princeton welcomed nearly 800 new graduate students to the University during Graduate School orientation Aug. 28 and 29 in events and activities across campus, from Procter Hall to Frist Campus Center and Alexander Beach. Among this year’s incoming group are students in two new doctoral programs: bioengineering, and quantum science…

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Explore 160+ graduate programs on our West Lafayette campus and Indianapolis location of study, including top ranked master's, doctoral, and professional degrees — both residential and online options. Certificate, non-degree, and licensure* options are also available at the West Lafayette campus , along with nearly 40 programs on our two Regional Campuses .

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UChicago offers more than 100 graduate programs, many interdisciplinary.

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Nidia Banuelos, PhD'16, Sociology

“When I came to graduate school, I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to study: only that I wanted to be a sociologist. The sociology department here encourages interdisciplinary, exploration, and experimentation. Because none of the faculty impose their own research interests on students, we are given the freedom to develop our own interests and also, to seek advice from different fields when useful. This style of advising is great for people who are self–motivated and interested in situating their work at the intersection of multiple fields.”

Fay Zhao, MS'14, Financial Mathematics

“My undergraduate program focused on the basic courses in mathematics. In order to get into finance with a quantitative focus, I needed graduate–level math and exposure to the financial industry and market. UChicago's FinMath Program gave me that extra leg up.”

Francisco Najera, PhD Candidate, History

“I wanted to study history because I believe in the power that understanding our past represents for navigating our present. I am interested in immigration and social movements, issues that are deeply embedded in the history of our country and which hold both promise and challenges for the foreseeable future. The city of Chicago has been an incredible laboratory in which to study this history, and the University of Chicago has been a leader in doing just that.”

Alyssa O'Connor, JD'16, Law School

“I chose UChicago because I was looking for a tight–knit campus experience with big–city extracurricular and cultural opportunities. Living in Hyde Park, I feel part of an engaging and unique academic environment. At the same time, being so close to the city has allowed me to expand my professional network, get real world job experience, and enjoy the vibrant metropolis that is Chicago!”

Kate Mariner, PhD'15, Anthropology

“During my first couple years of graduate school, I attended the Faculty of Color Panels, which were instrumental in allowing me to envision myself as a future faculty member. I think this kind of programming is essential to provide support and mentorship to students of color on campus, and to provide invaluable mentoring experience to graduate students who can then mobilize those mentoring skills as they become faculty, in order to support the next generation of scholars of color.”

Lauren Howard, PhD'15, Psychology

“I am constantly amazed at how the University of Chicago continues to focus on graduate student education and lifestyles. They offer so many opportunities to learn about career options, to network with other students or faculty, to get into the community, and to lead a happy life while you are still in graduate school. This holistic model of support allows students the freedom to really excel and explore their research interests.”

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Graduate Program

The Department of Psychology offers a PhD program in four areas: Clinical Science, Social, Developmental, and Cognition, Brain, and Behavior (CBB). Admissions information, program requirements, funding and financial aid details, and other resources for the graduate program are detailed on the   Psychology Graduate Program website  and on the Harvard Griffin GSAS website . 

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Applying for a Doctoral Program

Start Your Application

Manage Your Application

A Doctorate is the highest academic degree awarded by universities in most fields of study. It involves several years of rigorous research, culminating in a dissertation that contributes new knowledge to the field. Doctoral candidates work closely with a faculty advisor to explore and answer complex questions, often pushing the boundaries of what is known.

Applying to a doctoral program is like applying for a job. This process requires more diligence and patience than applying for a Master’s degree. To stand out from a competitive pool of candidates, you must prepare a strong application that includes your academic achievements, any related research experience, and a clear statement of your research interests and goals. Be sure to demonstrate your passion, fit for the program, and your interest in RIT.

Explore our doctoral programs

How to Apply for a Doctoral Program

For details on the exact application requirements for your program, visit the Application Details section on your degree page and thoroughly review the graduate application instructions page .

• Most doctoral programs have an application deadline of January 15 and admit to Fall terms only, but be sure to verify the application deadline for your program and start terms before applying. Many programs will accept applications on a rolling basis after the priority deadline has passed until all spots are filled. For tips on completing your application, view our Ph.D. Application 101 recording . 
• Early applicants may see a “Hold for Program Deadline/Review Date” on the checklist in their portal. This an administrative hold that prevents applications from going for review until after December 15th. You will be notified when your file is sent to the review committee by email.
• Choose the Right Doctoral Program:  Review individual doctoral program pages carefully to learn the curriculum, research focus areas, facility profiles, and facilities to determine if the program is a good fit for you and to ensure that your interests and background align with the degree. The application will allow you to enter up to three choices in order of preference.
• Research Your Faculty Interests: Identify faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. Matching your research area with potential advisors strengthens your application and helps ensure a good fit. It is not necessary to secure a faculty advisor in order to submit your application. Learn more about researching faculty and areas of interest
• Craft Your Statement of Purpose for Research: This requirement should clearly convey your research interests, indicate what faculty member(s) you would like to work with, your experience, and why you want to pursue a doctorate at RIT. Each program may have specific guidelines, so be sure to address them. There is no minimum or maximum length. If you listed more than one program choice in your application it is suggested that you prepare separate statements for each program (doctoral and/or master’s). You may upload all three at the time you submit your application, or wait for a decision on your first choice program.  View program-specific criteria
• Choose Strong References: Make sure you choose the right people to submit letters of recommendation and give them plenty of time so they can prepare their support letter in advance. References should speak to your ability and promise to become a successful independent researcher. Professors, research supervisors, or professional mentors make ideal choices.
• Update Your CV/Resume: Ensure your CV or resume is current and highlights relevant academic achievements, research experience, publications, and professional skills.
• Verify Admission Requirements: Double-check all admission requirements and application details for your chosen program. Ensure you have all necessary materials, including transcripts, test scores, and any additional documents. You do not need to submit financial documents as part of your doctoral application. Focus on preparing a strong academic and research-focused application to showcase your qualifications and readiness for doctoral study.
• Understand Decision Timing: The review process typically starts in late January and may take several weeks to a few months. Be patient as the committee evaluates your application and aligns faculty advisors with candidates in matching research areas where funding is available. You may be invited to interview if faculty would like to know more about you. Interviews are not required. Admission decisions are first communicated in mid-March and continue until the class is full. If you are not admitted to your first choice program, allow additional time for review for second and third choices. RIT does not simultaneously review for multiple programs. 
• Replying to an Offer of Admission: Accepted candidates must respond to their doctoral degree offers by April 15 or the date indicated on your admit letter and in their portal. If you decide to accept your offer, you are expected to honor your commitment to enroll at RIT as a doctoral student. This ensures a smooth transition into your program and reflects your professionalism and reliability. 

Researching Faculty Advisors and/or Research Interest Areas

Identifying a potential faculty research advisor(s) and research interest areas in your Statement of Purpose for Research is important. It is not necessary to secure a faculty advisor(s) in order to submit your application.

Here are avenues for your research:

Align Research Interests

Ensure your research interests align with those of potential advisors. This alignment is crucial for a productive and supportive mentoring relationship. Review faculty members' recent publications and current projects to understand their focus areas. Visit the program page to learn about the current research for your program.

Use RIT’s “Find an Expert” Tool

Utilize RIT’s Find an Expert tool to identify faculty members with specific expertise. This resource can help you narrow down potential advisors based on your research interests. You may also want to use Google Scholar and search for RIT faculty.

Explore RIT’s Faculty Directory

Start by exploring the RIT Faculty Directory to find faculty members whose research aligns with your interests. This directory provides detailed profiles, including research areas, publications, and contact information.

Explore our Research Centers and Institutes:

RIT is home to a diverse array of research centers and institutes that drive innovation across various fields. These centers provide state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative environments to support groundbreaking research. Explore our extensive list of research centers and institutes

Reach Out to Potential Advisors

Once you’ve identified potential advisors, you may choose to reach out to them with a well-crafted email. This is not required but encouraged. Introduce yourself, briefly explain your research interests, and express why you’re interested in their work. Attach your CV and any relevant documents. Be respectful of their time and follow up if you don’t hear back within a couple of weeks. Do pay attention if it is documented that a faculty advisor is not taking on new students.

Funding Sources for Doctoral Students

Doctoral students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Research Assistantship (GRA) or Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA) that will pay a stipend for the academic year. There is not a separate application process for scholarship and assistantship consideration

Assistantships and Stipends

Research and teaching assistantships provide valuable experience and come with stipends that help cover living expenses during the school year, such as room and board. 

Summer Support Some programs are able to offer stipend support during the summer. Eligibility for summer funding will be determined by the graduate advisor and/or program director. 

Funding Throughout Program Funding throughout your doctoral program will depend on your satisfactory academic and research performance. Students are expected to fulfill their assistantship duties responsibly and make satisfactory progress towards their degree. It is expected that starting your second year, funding will be provided from your college either through a Teaching Assistantship or by your graduate advisor from external funds.

Student Fees Full-time students are responsible for both Student Activity and Student Health Services fees. In addition, RIT expects that all students will have health care insurance. Learn more about student fees

Timing and Distribution of Stipends

Graduate Research Assistants and Graduate Teaching Assistants receive a semi-monthly stipend payment starting a few weeks after the initial enrollment term. For U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents, no taxes are withheld at the time the payment is made. However, students are encouraged to file estimated tax payments quarterly. Detailed information about the timing and distribution of stipends will be provided by your academic department. 

Financial Document Submission

Doctoral applicants are not required to submit financial documents as part of the application process. Focus on showcasing your academic and research potential without the added stress of financial documentation. If you are admitted, you will receive funding notification with your admission offer and international students who require a student visa will be assisted through the I-20 process.

Student Support and Community

Doctoral Student Association

The Doctoral Student Association provides an inviting environment that brings students together to encourage collaborative work. Doctorate students collaborate to produce high-quality journal publications and conference presentations in a friendly and encouraging environment. The group also provides information about professional and social activities to help produce well-rounded graduate students.

Learn more about the Doctoral Student Association

RIT Graduate School

The RIT Graduate School acts as a central hub, enhancing the academic journey for graduate students by cultivating a diverse scholarly community and offering robust professional development programs. This supportive environment, backed by dedicated faculty and staff, empowers students to excel in their research, scholarship, and creative endeavors.

Learn more about the RIT Graduate School

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a doctorate and a master’s degree?

Understanding the differences between a doctorate (Ph.D.) and a master's (M.S.) degree program is crucial in making an informed decision. While a master's program typically focuses on advancing your knowledge and skills in a specific area, a doctorate emphasizes original research and developing new theories or applications.

Can I go from a Bachelor’s degree to a Doctorate? Do I need a Master’s degree first?

Yes, you can go directly from a Bachelor's degree (BS) to a Doctorate program. You are not required to get a master’s degree before pursuing a Doctorate. This pathway can be a strategic choice depending on your career goals and readiness for advanced research. 

May I have an application fee waiver?

The $65 application fee covers the management and processing of your record and admission materials. If you are unable to pay our application fee due to financial hardship, we encourage you to carefully consider the expenses associated with graduate study before applying.

Is there a set GPA requirement for being considered for a doctoral program at RIT?

Admitted doctoral students typically have a GPA of 3.0 or above. If it is lower, you will not necessarily be eliminated from consideration. You are welcome to apply. The Admissions Committee will consider your complete application when making a decision.

Do I need to provide GRE or GMAT scores ?

Requirements vary by program. Refer to your doctoral program page or the  deadlines and requirements  table for details. For programs that require test scores, we do not state minimum GRE or GMAT scores. Official scores should be sent to RIT directly from the testing agency using Institute code 2760.

What are the English language test score requirements? As an international student do I need to submit scores?

An official score report for the TOEFL, IELTS Academic, PTE Academic exam, or  RIT English Language Proficiency Test  is required of all international applicants who are not eligible for a waiver. We do not accept letters from your college or university indicating "English proficiency" or letters indicating courses were taught in English in place of official English language test scores. We do not accept Duolingo scores. See the “English Language Test Requirements” section in the  Application Materials  section of the  Application Instructions  for full details.

Do I need to have authored research papers to apply for admission to a doctoral degree?

No, you do not need published research papers to apply for a doctoral degree. A majority of admitted students do not have prior experience authoring research papers. However, admission to a doctoral degree is very competitive, and having published research papers helps strengthen your application.

How many students apply for doctoral study, and how many are admitted?

Admission to an RIT doctoral program is highly competitive. The number of applications received and the number of fully funded opportunities are limited and vary from year to year and by program.

Will the stipend fully cover living costs in the US?

The stipend should cover modest living expenses (housing and food), fees (student activity fee and health services fee), and costs for books, supplies, and some personal expenses. However, each student differs in their preferred living styles and their relative expenses. Doctoral students are permitted to take on other part-time employment so long as it does not interfere with their doctoral work (international students are only able to work on campus, for a total of 20 hours per week including their research positions). On-campus opportunities can be found through Career Connect .

Do doctoral students need to have personal finances available upon arriving at RIT?

Though our Ph.D. is fully funded, students do need to have their own funds available for travel and arrival in the US and to get settled in Rochester immediately upon entering the program. Please be sure to keep this in mind as you consider applying and your finances. If admitted, your first payment/stipend would not be until a few weeks into the program, so you will need to have a foundation of funds available for housing and other living expenses before that.

Is funding throughout the program guaranteed?

Your full tuition and assistantship stipend responsibilities will be determined by your graduate advisor and/or program director. It is our expectation that you will fulfill your duties responsibly and make satisfactory progress towards your degree. Funding in future years will depend on your satisfactory academic and research performance. It is expected that starting your second year, funding will be provided from your college either through a Teaching Assistantship or by your graduate advisor from external funds.

Our team is here to help you as you apply to RIT's doctoral programs. Do not hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need assistance.

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You can apply to our graduate programs at https://apply.psychology.unt.edu .

The Department of Psychology holds only one Graduate admissions cycle each year. Applications will open on March 5th, 2024 and close on December 1, 2024 for the Fall 2025 semester. There are no Spring admissions.

We are hosting two virtual open house sessions for prospective applicants to our 3 PhD programs, see more details here !

Tips for Applying

Saving vs. Submitting: The save/submit button is only a save button until the application portal closes on December 1. You can still edit your application until the portal closes on the deadline. The information and documents attached to your application when the portal closes are what will be downloaded and reviewed as your application file.

Submitting Letters of Recommendation : If your recommenders are having trouble submitting their letters directly to the application portal, please have them email their letters to [email protected] .

GRE Scores: The Counseling Psychology PhD program required GRE scores for Fall 2024 admissions and Behavioral Science and Clinical Psychology did not require GRE scores. GRE requirements will be updated before the Fall 2025 admissions cycle.

Transcripts: Official transcripts should be sent to UNT's Toulouse Graduate Admissions office. Unofficial copies should also be uploaded to the department application for program faculty to review. For any questions about transcripts, please contact [email protected] .

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR ADMISSION, ALL APPPLICATIONS AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION MUST BE RECEIVED BEFORE THE ADMISSIONS CYCLE END DATE.

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International Peace Studies: PhD

Graduate Program in Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies

Program Handbook

The interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in International Peace Studies offers the opportunity to bring together, in a flexible and innovative way, approaches and methods from across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities to address a range of contemporary issues of peace.

Examples of areas of inquiry include the relationship between peace and climate change, peace and religion, or peace and development; the significance of new developments in weapons or communications technology; and opportunities offered by innovative approaches in mediation practice or peace education. Students can draw on research expertise across campus in issues relating to climate change and environmental sustainability, poverty and inequality, democratic governance and human rights, technology and ethics, global health, and international law.

Updated 9/4/2024

• GRE General Test optional
• TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo for non-native speakers of English
• Curriculum vitae
• Official transcripts from each post-secondary institution; one must show conferral of a bachelor's degree. (Due upon enrollment)
• Statement of intent
• Three letters of recommendation; at least one must be an academic reference
• Writing sample(s) - refer to program site for details
• A research master's degree in Peace Studies or a closely related field will be required
• Unofficial transcripts from each post-secondary institution required at the time of application. (Official transcript showing conferral of a bachelor's degree due upon enrollment.)

Kathryn Vidrine Assistant Director for Doctoral Studies

https://kroc.nd.edu/ph-d/

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

With one successful application, you could expand your career options, earn $159,000 towards your graduate education and realize your dreams of becoming an accomplished social scientist, psychologist, scientist, STEM educator or engineer.

What is the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program?

The National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported STEM disciplines who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited US institutions. The five-year fellowship includes three years of financial support including an annual stipend of $37,000 and a cost of education allowance of $16,000 to the institution.

NSF GRFP in a nutshell (Infographic)   See this year's winners

What are the benefits of a GRFP Fellowship?

• Five-year fellowship period with three years of financial support
• Annual stipend of $37,000
• Cost-of-education allowance of $16,000 to the institution
• No post-graduate study service requirement
• Access to supplemental funding to sustain research while on medical deferral (e.g. family leave)

Who is eligible?

GRFP welcomes applications from individuals who are pursuing full-time research-based master’s and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM Education and who meet the eligibility requirements. First and second-year graduate students are also welcome to apply, meaning students may apply up to three years in a row for funding.

Determine if you are eligible with Fellowship eligibility questionnaire

We want to help you prepare a competitive application.

The Graduate School and the Graduate Student Association are co-sponsoring a workshop on the NSF GRFP application process.

This in-person workshop will be held Friday, September 6, 2024 from 12 to 1:15 p.m. in MIKC 107. Pizza will be served! 

The deadline for submitting the RSVP is 5 p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2024. 

Soon after submitting an RSVP a confirmation email will be sent.

RSVP for GRFP workshop now

Workshop overview

The workshop will provide an overview of the GRFP application process, as well as a panel discussion by faculty who have served as GRFP panel reviewers and University students who have recently received NSF GRFP awards. A synopsis of the program is provided at the end of this email. To be eligible to receive one of these awards, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident by the application deadline.   

By attending the workshop , you will also receive access to supporting materials, such as examples of successful applications and tips on strengthening both the intellectual merit and broader impacts components of your application. In addition, if you are able to provide a complete draft of your application, the Office of Research and Innovation will provide expert reviews of your application in time for you to make revisions prior to the application deadline.

Please give serious consideration to attending the workshop and submitting a NSF GRFP application. The reputation of the GRFP follows recipients and often helps them become life-long leaders that contribute significantly to both scientific innovation and teaching. Past fellows include numerous Nobel Prize winners, former U.S. Secretary of Energy, Steven Chu, Google founder, Sergey Brin and Freakonomics co-author, Steven Levitt.

More information about the GRFP and application process

The purpose of the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is to help ensure the vitality and diversity of the scientific and engineering workforce of the United States. The program recognizes and supports outstanding graduate students who are pursuing full-time research-based masters and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) or in STEM education. The GRFP provides three years of support for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated their potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education. NSF especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, persons with disabilities, veterans, and undergraduate seniors to apply.  

Application deadlines are listed on the NSF website.

Major fields of study

Note: Applications are reviewed based on the selection of a Major Field of Study. As an example, Chemistry is a Major Field of Study, and Chemical Catalysis is a subfield under Chemistry .

NSF GRFP website

Chemistry category

• Artificial Intelligence
• Chemical Catalysis
• Chemical Measurement and Imaging
• Chemical Structure, Dynamics, and Mechanism
• Chemical Synthesis
• Chemical Theory, Models and Computational Methods
• Chemistry of Life Processes
• Computationally Intensive Research
• Environmental Chemical Systems
• Macromolecular, Supramolecular, and Nanochemistry
• Quantum Information Science
• Sustainable Chemistry
• Other (specify)
• Computer and Information Sciences & Engineering category
• Algorithms and Theoretical Foundations
• Bioinformatics and other Informatics
• Communication and Information Theory
• Computational Science and Engineering
• Computer Architecture
• Computer Networks
• Computer Security and Privacy
• Computer Systems and Embedded Systems
• Data Mining and Information Retrieval
• Data Science
• Formal Methods, Verification, and Programming Languages
• Graphics and Visualization
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Machine Learning
• Natural Language Processing
• Quantum Computing and Communication
• Robotics and Computer Vision
• Software Engineering

Engineering category

• Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering
• Bioengineering
• Biomedical Engineering
• Chemical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering
• Energy Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Industrial Engineering & Operations Research
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Materials Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Nuclear Engineering
• Ocean Engineering
• Optical Engineering
• Quantum Engineering
• Systems Engineering
• Wireless Engineering

Geosciences category

• Atmospheric Chemistry
• Biogeochemistry
• Biological Oceanography
• Chemical Oceanography
• Climate and Large-Scale Atmospheric Dynamics
• Geochemistry
• Geodynamics
• Geomorphology
• Magnetospheric Physics
• Marine Biology
• Marine Geology and Geophysics
• Paleoclimate
• Paleontology and Paleobiology
• Physical and Dynamic Meteorology
• Physical Oceanography
• Sedimentary Geology
• Solar Physics

Life Sciences category

• Biochemistry
• Bioinformatics and Computational Biology
• Cell Biology
• Developmental Biology
• Environmental Biology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Microbial Biology
• Neurosciences
• Organismal Biology
• Structural Biology
• Systematics and Biodiversity
• Systems and Molecular Biology

Materials Research category

• Biomaterials
• Chemistry of Materials
• Electronic Materials
• Materials Theory
• Metallic Materials
• Photonic Materials
• Physics of Materials

Mathematical Sciences category

• Algebra, Number Theory, and Combinatorics
• Applied Mathematics
• Biostatistics
• Computational and Data-Enabled Science
• Computational Mathematics
• Computational Statistics
• Geometric Analysis
• Logic or Foundations of Mathematics
• Mathematical Biology
• Probability

Physics & Astronomy category

• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Atomic, Molecular and Optical Physics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Nuclear Physics
• Particle Physics
• Physics of Living Systems
• Plasma Physics
• Solid State Physics
• Theoretical Physics

Psychology category

• Cognitive Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Comparative Psychology
• Computational Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Perception and Psychophysics
• Personality and Individual Differences
• Physiological Psychology
• Psycholinguistics
• Quantitative Psychology
• Social/Affective Neuroscience
• Social Psychology

Social Sciences category

•  Anthropology, other (specify)
• Archaeology
• Biological Anthropology
• Communications
• Cultural Anthropology
• Decision Making and Risk Analysis
• History and Philosophy of Science
• International Relations
• Law and Social Science
• Linguistic Anthropology
• Linguistics
• Medical Anthropology
• Political Science
• Public Policy
• Science Policy
• Urban and Regional Planning

STEM Education and Learning Research category

• Engineering Education
• Mathematics Education
• Science Education
• Technology Education

See the University's 2022 Fellows

Elijah Boardman

Hydrology doctoral student

Jessica Buelow

Ecology, Evolution and Conservation Biology doctoral student

Ryan Pierce Coulter

Mechanical Engineering doctoral student

Natural Resources & Environmental Science doctoral student

Lily Raymond

Jordan Zabrecky

Natural Resources and Environmental Science doctoral student

Sure, our GRFP fellows are contributing in big ways to their respective fields through their research, but they are also helping to educate and inspire the next generation of scholars. They teach labs and classes, present posters and papers, and mentor up-and-coming undergraduate and master's students.

Learn more about our most recent GRFP Fellows

• Reserve WLH 309

Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Women’s, gender, and sexuality studies (wgss) graduate student research funding application.

The WGSS Program is happy to announce a new funding resource for graduate students in the WGSS Certificate or Combined PhD program.  Up to seven WGSS graduate students per academic year will receive up to $700 each towards travel to an academic conference related to their work in the Certificate or Combined PhD program.  WGSS understands that those who do interdisciplinary scholarship often need to attend multiple conferences a year, and we are grateful to be able to support the professional development of our Certificate and PhD students.  Applications will be accepted twice per academic year, in February and October, with priority given to those who are presenting papers and who lack other sources of funding.  Note that the award does not cover food expenses.

These funds cannot provide reimbursement for expenses already incurred.

The Fall 2024 deadline is Wednesday, October 9, 2024 by 11:59 PM. The Spring 2025 deadline is Wednesday, February 5, 2025 by 11:59 PM.