736 Best PhD Programs in the United States

736 PhD courses are taught at 204 universities in the United States — most run 4–6 years. Courses from Princeton University, University of California, Berkeley and Georgia Institute of Technology come first, because those universities rank highest.

Subject

Level

University type

Location

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Universities 204 Programs 736 Scholarships 0

601PhD / Doctorate

#897 in United States United States

PhD in Aquaculture Fisheries

Arkansas at Pine Bluff, University of — The PhD in Aquaculture Fisheries at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices related to aquatic env...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Agriculture & Environment

View program → About the university

602PhD / Doctorate

#906 in United States United States

Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner

Winona State University — The Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (AGACNP) program prepares nursing professionals to provide comprehensive care to adults across the lifespan, especiall...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

BlendedMode

Fall Semester, Spring SemesterIntake

Medicine & Health Sciences

View program → About the university

603PhD / Doctorate

#913 in United States United States

Earth Science and Engineering

Montana Tech — The PhD in Earth Science and Engineering at Montana Tech is designed for those who aspire to conduct advanced research in the fields of geology, geophysics, and environme...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Engineering

View program → About the university

604PhD / Doctorate

#913 in United States United States

Energy Engineering and Science

Montana Tech — Overview of Energy Engineering and ScienceThe PhD program in Energy Engineering and Science at Montana Tech focuses on advanced research and studies in the fields of ener...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Engineering

View program → About the university

605PhD / Doctorate

#913 in United States United States

Energy Engineering and Science, Ph.D.

Montana Tech

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Engineering

View program → About the university

606PhD / Doctorate

#913 in United States United States

Interdisciplinary Studies

Montana Tech — The PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies at Montana Tech offers a unique opportunity for students to explore multiple fields of study, fostering a collaborative approach to r...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Education

View program → About the university

607PhD / Doctorate

#913 in United States United States

Materials Science

Montana Tech — The PhD program in Materials Science at Montana Tech focuses on the development and application of innovative materials to solve real-world challenges. This interdiscipli...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Science

View program → About the university

608PhD / Doctorate

#927 in United States United States

Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

Azusa Pacific University — The Clinical Psychology PsyD program at Azusa Pacific University offers a comprehensive approach to understanding human behavior and mental processes. This rigorous progr...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Medicine & Health Sciences

View program → About the university

609PhD / Doctorate

#950 in United States United States

Business Administration, D.B.A.

University of the Incarnate Word — The Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.) program at the University of the Incarnate Word is designed for experienced professionals seeking to advance their academic...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Business & Management

View program → About the university

610PhD / Doctorate

#950 in United States United States

Education- Organizational Leadership, Ph.D.

University of the Incarnate Word — The Doctor of Philosophy in Education with a focus on Organizational Leadership at the University of the Incarnate Word is designed for those looking to advance their car...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Education

View program → About the university

611PhD / Doctorate

#959 in United States United States

Doctor of Acupuncture Completion Track

Bastyr University — The Doctor of Acupuncture Completion Track at Bastyr University is designed for individuals who have completed a Master's degree in acupuncture or a closely related field...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

1 year (2 quarters)Duration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Medicine & Health Sciences

View program → About the university

612PhD / Doctorate

#959 in United States United States

Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine

Bastyr University — Overview of the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine ProgramThe Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine (ND) program at Bastyr University is designed to prepare students for a career...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

3 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Medicine & Health Sciences

View program → About the university

613PhD / Doctorate

#979 in United States United States

Educational Leadership PhD

Shenandoah University — The PhD in Educational Leadership at Shenandoah University prepares scholars for advanced roles in education through a comprehensive curriculum that focuses on leadership...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Education

View program → About the university

614PhD / Doctorate

#986 in United States United States

Doctor of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing

Lawrence Technological University — The Doctor of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing at Lawrence Technological University is designed for professionals looking to deepen their expertise in manufacturing...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Engineering

View program → About the university

615PhD / Doctorate

#1,014 in United States United States

Educational Leadership - Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

Frostburg State University

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Education

View program → About the university

616PhD / Doctorate

#1,057 in United States United States

Counselor Education and Supervision, Ph.D

Governors State University

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Education

View program → About the university

617PhD / Doctorate

#1,057 in United States United States

Nursing Practice, D.N.P.

Governors State University

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Medicine & Health Sciences

View program → About the university

618PhD / Doctorate

#1,063 in United States United States

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology

Biola University — The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology at Biola University offers a rigorous and comprehensive exploration of psychological principles within a clinical context. This program i...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Psychology

View program → About the university

619PhD / Doctorate

#1,063 in United States United States

Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies

Biola University — Overview of the Ph.D. in Intercultural StudiesThe Ph.D. in Intercultural Studies at Biola University is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and research sk...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Social Sciences & Psychology

View program → About the university

620PhD / Doctorate

#1,077 in United States United States

Doctor of Business Administration

Northwood University — The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) program at Northwood University is designed to equip students with advanced knowledge and practical skills necessary for leade...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Business & Management

View program → About the university

621PhD / Doctorate

#1,094 in United States United States

Doctor of Education

South Carolina State University — The Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program at South Carolina State University is designed for educational professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in educational lead...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Education

View program → About the university

622PhD / Doctorate

#1,106 in United States United States

Doctor of Philosophy in Management

Sullivan University

PhD / DoctorateLevel

—Duration

Full TimeMode

—Intake

Business & Management

View program → About the university

623PhD / Doctorate

#1,112 in United States United States

Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomical Education

Lincoln Memorial University — Course OverviewThe Doctor of Philosophy in Anatomical Education at Lincoln Memorial University provides an exceptional opportunity for students to explore the interplay o...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Education

View program → About the university

624PhD / Doctorate

#1,112 in United States United States

Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration

Lincoln Memorial University — The Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration at Lincoln Memorial University is designed for individuals who aspire to advance their academic and professional caree...

PhD / DoctorateLevel

4–6 yearsDuration

Full TimeMode

FallIntake

Business & Management

View program → About the university

Programs at other levels

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How these courses are ranked

18 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #15 (Princeton University) to #575 (University of South Carolina); they are listed first, in that order. The rest are ordered by research impact. University of California, Berkeley has the largest research record in this group, with 58,388,527 citations and an h-index of 1,903. 10 universities have neither a QS position nor a research record yet and appear at the end, marked "Not yet ranked".

Inside the course list

The most common subjects are Medicine & Health Sciences (151), Education (93), Engineering (85) and Social Sciences & Psychology (80). The usual length is 4–6 years and null. 94% are full-time and 32 can be studied online. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (0% of courses with a stated intake). New Mexico State University offers the widest choice, with 29 of these courses.

Frequently asked questions

Which is the best university in the United States for PhD?

Princeton University (QS World #15), University of California, Berkeley (QS World #28) and Georgia Institute of Technology (QS World #123) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for PhD in the United States?

Of those with published fees, Universidad del Sagrado Corazon is the least expensive at about USD 6,410 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How long does a PhD course take in the United States?

Most listed courses run 4–6 years, with null the next most common.

When do PhD courses start in the United States?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

Can I study PhD online with a university in the United States?

32 of these courses are listed as online.

Which university has the most PhD courses in the United States?

New Mexico State University, with 29, ahead of National University (29).

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