how many years a phd take

How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?

Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show.

How Long It Takes to Get a Ph.D. Degree

Caiaimage | Tom Merton | Getty Images

A Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a "lifelong learner."

Students who have excelled within a specific academic discipline and who have a strong interest in that field may choose to pursue a Ph.D. degree. However, Ph.D. degree-holders urge prospective students to think carefully about whether they truly want or need a doctoral degree, since Ph.D. programs last for multiple years.

According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates, a census of recent research doctorate recipients who earned their degree from U.S. institutions, the median amount of time it took individuals who received their doctorates in 2017 to complete their program was 5.8 years. However, there are many types of programs that typically take longer than six years to complete, such as humanities and arts doctorates, where the median time for individuals to earn their degree was 7.1 years, according to the survey.

Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master's degrees, which means the time spent in grad school is a combination of the time spent pursuing a master's and the years invested in a doctorate. In order to receive a Ph.D. degree, a student must produce and successfully defend an original academic dissertation, which must be approved by a dissertation committtee. Writing and defending a dissertation is so difficult that many Ph.D. students drop out of their Ph.D. programs having done most of the work necessary for degree without completing the dissertation component. These Ph.D. program dropouts often use the phrase " all but dissertation " or the abbreviation "ABD" on their resumes.

According to a comprehensive study of Ph.D. completion rates published by The Council of Graduate Schools in 2008, only 56.6% of people who begin Ph.D. programs earn Ph.D. degrees.

Ian Curtis, a founding partner with H&C Education, an educational and admissions consulting firm, who is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in French at Yale University , says there are several steps involved in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. Students typically need to fulfill course requirements and pass comprehensive exams, Curtis warns. "Once these obligations have been completed, how long it takes you to write your dissertation depends on who you are, how you work, what field you're in and what other responsibilities you have in life," he wrote in an email. Though some Ph.D. students can write a dissertation in a single year, that is rare, and the dissertation writing process may last for several years, Curtis says.

Curtis adds that the level of support a Ph.D. student receives from an academic advisor or faculty mentor can be a key factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. program. "Before you decide to enroll at a specific program, you’ll want to meet your future advisor," Curtis advises. "Also, reach out to his or her current and former students to get a sense of what he or she is like to work with."

Curtis also notes that if there is a gap between the amount of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. and the amount of time a student's funding lasts, this can slow down the Ph.D. completion process. "Keep in mind that if you run out of funding at some point during your doctorate, you will need to find paid work, and this will leave you even less time to focus on writing your dissertation," he says. "If one of the programs you’re looking at has a record of significantly longer – or shorter – times to competition, this is good information to take into consideration."

He adds that prospective Ph.D. students who already have master's degrees in the field they intend to focus their Ph.D. on should investigate whether the courses they took in their master's program would count toward the requirements of a Ph.D. program. "You’ll want to discuss your particular situation with your program to see whether this will be possible, and how many credits you are likely to receive as the result of your master’s work," he says.

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Emmanuel C. Nwaodua, who has a Ph.D. degree in geology, says some Ph.D. programs require candidates to publish a paper in a first-rate, peer-reviewed academic journal. "This could extend your stay by a couple of years," he warns.

Pierre Huguet, the CEO and co-founder of H&C Education, says prospective Ph.D. students should be aware that a Ph.D. is designed to prepare a person for a career as a scholar. "Most of the jobs available to Ph.D. students upon graduation are academic in nature and directly related to their fields of study: professor, researcher, etc.," Huguet wrote in an email. "The truth is that more specialization can mean fewer job opportunities. Before starting a Ph.D., students should be sure that they want to pursue a career in academia, or in research. If not, they should make time during the Ph.D. to show recruiters that they’ve traveled beyond their labs and libraries to gain some professional hands-on experience."

Jack Appleman, a business writing instructor, published author and Ph.D. candidate focusing on organizational communication with the University at Albany—SUNY , says Ph.D. programs require a level of commitment and focus that goes beyond what is necessary for a typical corporate job. A program with flexible course requirements that allow a student to customize his or her curriculum based on academic interests and personal obligations is ideal, he says.

Joan Kee, a professor at the University of Michigan with the university's history of art department, says that the length of time required for a Ph.D. varies widely depending on what subject the Ph.D. focuses on. "Ph.D. program length is very discipline and even field-specific; for example, you can and are expected to finish a Ph.D, in economics in under five years, but that would be impossible in art history (or most of the humanities)," she wrote in an email.

Kee adds that humanities Ph.D. programs often require someone to learn a foreign language, and "fields like anthropology and art history require extensive field research." Kee says funding for a humanities Ph.D. program typically only lasts five years, even though it is uncommon for someone to obtain a Ph.D. degree in a humanities field within that time frame. "Because of this, many if not most Ph.D. students must work to make ends meet, thus further prolonging the time of completion," she says.

Jean Marie Carey, who earned her Ph.D. degree in art history and German from the University of Otago in New Zealand, encourages prospective Ph.D. students to check whether their potential Ph.D. program has published a timeline of how long it takes a Ph.D. student to complete their program. She says it is also prudent to speak with Ph.D. graduates of the school and ask about their experience.

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Kristin Redington Bennett, the founder of the Illumii educational consulting firm in North Carolina, encourages Ph.D. hopefuls to think carefully about whether they want to become a scholar. Bennett, who has a Ph.D. in curriculum and assessment and who previously worked as an assistant professor at Wake Forest University , says a Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a "lifelong learner." She says someone contemplating a Ph.D. should ask themselves the following questions "Are you a very curious person... and are you persistent?"

Bennett urges prospective Ph.D. students to visit the campuses of their target graduate programs since a Ph.D. program takes so much time that it is important to find a school that feels comfortable. She adds that aspiring Ph.D. students who prefer a collaborative learning environment should be wary of graduate programs that have a cut-throat and competitive atmosphere, since such students may not thrive in that type of setting.

Alumni of Ph.D. programs note that the process of obtaining a Ph.D. is arduous, regardless of the type of Ph.D. program. "A Ph.D. is a long commitment of your time, energy and financial resources, so it'll be easier on you if you are passionate about research," says Grace Lee, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and is the founder and CEO of Mastery Insights, an education and career coaching company, and the host of the Career Revisionist podcast.

"A Ph.D. isn't about rehashing years of knowledge that is already out there, but rather it is about your ability to generate new knowledge. Your intellectual masterpiece (which is your dissertation) takes a lot of time, intellectual creativity and innovation to put together, so you have to be truly passionate about that," Lee says.

Curtis says a prospective Ph.D. student's enthusiasm for academic work, teaching and research are the key criteria they should use to decide whether to obtain a Ph.D. degree. "While the time it takes to complete a doctorate is an understandable concern for many, my personal belief is that time is not the most important factor to consider," he says. "Good Ph.D. programs provide their students with generous stipends, health care and sometimes even subsidized housing."

Erin Skelly, a graduate admissions counselor at the IvyWise admissions consulting firm, says when a Ph.D. students struggles to complete his or her Ph.D. degree, it may have more to do with the student's academic interests or personal circumstances than his or her program.

"The time to complete a Ph.D. can depend on a number of variables, but the specific discipline or school would only account for a year or two's difference," she wrote in an email. "When a student takes significantly longer to complete a Ph.D. (degree), it's usually related to the student's coursework and research – they need to take additional coursework to complete their comprehensive exams; they change the focus of their program or dissertation, requiring extra coursework or research; or their research doesn't yield the results they hoped for, and they need to generate a new theory and conduct more research."

Skelly warns that the average completion time of a Ph.D. program may be misleading in some cases, if the average is skewed based on one or two outliers. She suggests that instead of focusing on the duration of a particular Ph.D. program, prospective students should investigate the program's attritition and graduation rates.

"It is worthwhile to look at the program requirements and the school's proposed timeline for completion, and meet current students to get their input on how realistic these expectations for completion are," Skelly says. "That can give you an honest idea of how long it will really take to complete the program."

Searching for a grad school? Access our complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?

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Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show.

(CAIAIMAGE/TOM MERTON/GETTY IMAGES)

A Ph.D. is most appropriate for someone who is a “lifelong learner.”

Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master’s degrees, which means the time spent in grad school is a combination of the time spent pursuing a master’s and the years invested in a doctorate. In order to receive a Ph.D. degree, a student must produce and successfully defend an original academic dissertation, which must be approved by a dissertation committtee. Writing and defending a dissertation is so difficult that many Ph.D. students drop out of their Ph.D. programs having done most of the work necessary for degree without completing the dissertation component. These Ph.D. program dropouts often use the phrase “ all but dissertation ” or the abbreviation “ABD” on their resumes.

According to a comprehensive study of Ph.D. completion rates published by The Council of Graduate Schools in 2008, only 56.6% of people who begin Ph.D. programs earn Ph.D. degrees.

Ian Curtis, a founding partner with H&C Education, an educational and admissions consulting firm, who is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in French at Yale University , says there are several steps involved in the process of obtaining a Ph.D. Students typically need to fulfill course requirements and pass comprehensive exams, Curtis warns. “Once these obligations have been completed, how long it takes you to write your dissertation depends on who you are, how you work, what field you’re in and what other responsibilities you have in life,” he wrote in an email. Though some Ph.D. students can write a dissertation in a single year, that is rare, and the dissertation writing process may last for several years, Curtis says.

[ READ: What Is a Doctorate or a Doctoral Degree? ]

Curtis adds that the level of support a Ph.D. student receives from an academic advisor or faculty mentor can be a key factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. program. “Before you decide to enroll at a specific program, you’ll want to meet your future advisor,” Curtis advises. “Also, reach out to his or her current and former students to get a sense of what he or she is like to work with.”

Curtis also notes that if there is a gap between the amount of time it takes to complete a Ph.D. and the amount of time a student’s funding lasts, this can slow down the Ph.D. completion process. “Keep in mind that if you run out of funding at some point during your doctorate, you will need to find paid work, and this will leave you even less time to focus on writing your dissertation,” he says. “If one of the programs you’re looking at has a record of significantly longer – or shorter – times to competition, this is good information to take into consideration.”

Pierre Huguet, the CEO and co-founder of H&C Education, says prospective Ph.D. students should be aware that a Ph.D. is designed to prepare a person for a career as a scholar. “Most of the jobs available to Ph.D. students upon graduation are academic in nature and directly related to their fields of study: professor, researcher, etc.,” Huguet wrote in an email. “The truth is that more specialization can mean fewer job opportunities. Before starting a Ph.D., students should be sure that they want to pursue a career in academia, or in research. If not, they should make time during the Ph.D. to show recruiters that they’ve traveled beyond their labs and libraries to gain some professional hands-on experience.”

[ READ: Ph.D. Programs Get a Lot More Practical. ]

Joan Kee, a professor at the University of Michigan with the university’s history of art department, says that the length of time required for a Ph.D. varies widely depending on what subject the Ph.D. focuses on. “Ph.D. program length is very discipline and even field-specific; for example, you can and are expected to finish a Ph.D, in economics in under five years, but that would be impossible in art history (or most of the humanities),” she wrote in an email.

[ READ: 4 Fields Where Doctorates Lead to Jobs. ]

Alumni of Ph.D. programs note that the process of obtaining a Ph.D. is arduous, regardless of the type of Ph.D. program. “A Ph.D. is a long commitment of your time, energy and financial resources, so it’ll be easier on you if you are passionate about research,” says Grace Lee, who has a Ph.D. in neuroscience and is the founder and CEO of Mastery Insights, an education and career coaching company, and the host of the Career Revisionist podcast.

“A Ph.D. isn’t about rehashing years of knowledge that is already out there, but rather it is about your ability to generate new knowledge. Your intellectual masterpiece (which is your dissertation) takes a lot of time, intellectual creativity and innovation to put together, so you have to be truly passionate about that,” Lee says.

Erin Skelly, a graduate admissions counselor at the IvyWise admissions consulting firm, says when a Ph.D. students struggles to complete his or her Ph.D. degree, it may have more to do with the student’s academic interests or personal circumstances than his or her program.

“The time to complete a Ph.D. can depend on a number of variables, but the specific discipline or school would only account for a year or two’s difference,” she wrote in an email. “When a student takes significantly longer to complete a Ph.D. (degree), it’s usually related to the student’s coursework and research – they need to take additional coursework to complete their comprehensive exams; they change the focus of their program or dissertation, requiring extra coursework or research; or their research doesn’t yield the results they hoped for, and they need to generate a new theory and conduct more research.”

“It is worthwhile to look at the program requirements and the school’s proposed timeline for completion, and meet current students to get their input on how realistic these expectations for completion are,” Skelly says. “That can give you an honest idea of how long it will really take to complete the program.”

Searching for a grad school? Access our complete rankings of Best Graduate Schools.

Graduate School

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD?: A Go-Getter’s Guide to Graduation

Featured Expert: Dr. Charlene Hoi, PhD

How long does it take to get a PhD? On average, PhD programs are 4 or 5 years long. The time it takes to get a PhD is slightly longer in the US, between 4-6 years, because these programs tend to be more structured. If you want to know how to get a PhD in Canada or Europe, you can expect it to take 3-5 years. However, there are PhD programs that take longer, such as part-time programs, or are extremely short, like online accelerated PhD programs. Ultimately, how long it takes to get a PhD is up to you. In this article, we’ll look at the average PhD program lengths, the typical PhD timeline, and tips on how to get your PhD finished faster.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

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Article Contents 13 min read

How long does it take to get a phd.

On average, it takes 4-5 years to complete a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. In the US, most PhD programs are between 4-6 years, while in Canada they are typically shorter, around 3-4 years.

Some students take longer than 6 years to complete their PhD, but in general the longest time it takes to get a PhD is capped at 8 years. If you’re enrolling in a part-time PhD program, for instance, your timeline will probably be extended to 6-8 years.

The shortest PhD programs out there are accelerated or sometimes online PhD programs. Some of these are only 1-2 years long, but there are comparatively fewer programs available, and they are only suitable for certain fields and careers which require less intensive research which defines most PhD programs.

One of the main reasons why it takes many years to get a PhD is because these programs are comprehensive and the requirements to graduate are extensive. Most have a set number of credit hours you need to complete, examinations to write, plus you’ll need to write your PhD thesis or dissertation, unless you pursue a PhD without dissertation .

There are certainly ways to shorten the PhD application timeline and time to graduate, which includes enrolling in a shorter program if possible, increasing your course load or the number of research hours you can dedicate per week, but generally a PhD will still take some time.

Even if you want to do a PhD without a master’s degree first, such as by applying to a direct entry PhD program, the program is still usually 4-5 years long.

We’ll take a look at the typical PhD timeline and how long it takes to get a PhD normally. After, we’ll cover some tips on how to get your PhD done faster or how you can avoid dragging things out.

In North America, the typical PhD program is divided into two stages. The first stage is where you complete all the required coursework, comprehensive exams and other academic requirements, depending on the program. The second stage is when you submit a proposal for original, independent research, get it approved and start working on your thesis or dissertation. Your PhD culminates with your thesis defense. Once your thesis has been approved, you’ll be eligible to graduate.

This timeline is somewhat flexible, as you might complete the first stage in 1 or 2 years but take longer to complete your dissertation. For the purpose of this general PhD schedule, we’ll assume your PhD program is a typical length of 4-6 years.

Application Stage

We’ve included the application stage of getting your PhD here first because the grad school application timeline can take several months to put together your application package and hear back about acceptance to a program. Secondly, because the application stage involves some critical steps you’ll need to complete in order to get your PhD.

1. Research proposal

To apply to a PhD program, you’ll most likely be required to submit a research proposal and be prepared to answer any research proposal questions your advisor will have. This is your “proposal” of what research question you will explore during your studies at a program, or an outline of what research topic you want to pursue. If you’re not sure how to write a research proposal, check out these Oxford PhD proposal samples or a Cambridge PhD proposal sample.

2. Application materials

The admission requirements for a PhD can vary from program to program, but here are the general components of a PhD application:

Required prerequisite coursework
Official transcripts (and minimum GPA)
Graduate school statement of purpose
CV for graduate school or research resume
PhD motivation letter

Some programs may also ask you to submit additional essays, such as a letter of intent, research interest statement or grad school career goals statement .

Many PhD programs also invite you to a grad school interview to get to know you better. Be ready for common graduate school interview questions such as “ tell me about yourself ” and “ why do you want to do a PhD ?”

Writing a grad school statement of purpose? Check out these examples:

PhD Years 1-3: Coursework Stage

1. orientation.

Your PhD program will usually begin with your orientation, where you’ll learn about the program’s individual structure, requirements and expectations. You’ll also either choose or be assigned an academic advisor and schedule an initial meeting with them. Your advisor will be a member of the university faculty who will act as your support while you complete your research and write your thesis.

2. Coursework

The first year or two of your PhD will involve completing required advanced coursework in your field. You’ll attend lectures and seminars and you may participate in research projects with department faculty or fellow graduate students or even lab work, depending on your field.

3. Electives

Along with required coursework, you’ll have the chance to take elective courses that interest you or relate to your field. It’s important to choose electives that will enrich your program. Choose ones that really interest you, that might help inform your PhD research or that will help you fulfill your credit requirements.

4. Extracurriculars

PhD programs sometimes have extracurricular activities or additional requirements outside the classroom. This can include internships or a practicum you need to complete for credit, or you might be interested in attending academic conferences or relevant events to socialize and network you’re your colleagues in the field.

5. Comprehensive exams

The coursework stage of your PhD program will end with comprehensive exams , sometimes called qualifying or preliminary exams. These are your “final exams” to make sure that you completed the necessary PhD coursework and that you’re ready and qualified to take on your own independent research in the next phase.

1. Thesis proposal

You may recall that you submitted a research proposal as part of your PhD application, and this step of the process is similar. Your thesis proposal is just like your research proposal, but it’s a more refined and developed version. Throughout your coursework, your research question might have changed or you might have changed course a little bit. If you’re still thinking about your PhD topic , take the time to solidify it before you reach the thesis proposal stage.

Your research proposal might have been a first draft, while your thesis proposal is your official announcement of: this is what I propose to research in this PhD program.

Depending on your field and the program, you thesis research might involve a great deal of lab work, or data collection or fieldwork. Whatever the case, your thesis proposal is a complete outline of what you intend to do for this independent research project and the steps you’ll take.

2. Thesis approval

Once your proposal is written, you’ll submit it for approval. Your academic advisor, PhD supervisor or the PhD committee overseeing your program will review it and either approve it or make suggestions for changes. Once it’s been polished and finalized, you’ll be given the go ahead to start conducting your research.

3. PhD research

Your research alone will probably take you several semesters to complete. On top of the fieldwork, lab work or data collection and analysis you’ll be completing, you’ll be using this time to write and review. Writing your thesis or dissertation takes a fair number of hours to outline, draft, edit and complete. It also means hitting the books to complete a literature review of your research topic so you have a complete background understanding of your chosen topic and how it will inform your research.

Your research and the preparation of your thesis is really the biggest part of this second stage, and is probably the longest part of your PhD altogether.

4. Extra requirements

When you’re not deep in your research, you’ll be completing other requirements of your PhD program or additional duties that enrich your education. Some programs require you to dedicate some hours to teaching, whether it be leading seminars for undergraduate students or acting as a teaching assistant for university faculty.

You’ll also be strongly encouraged to publish as a graduate student , so you may be involved in the research projects of faculty members or other grad students when you’re not working on your dissertation.

5. Thesis submission and preparation for thesis defense

When you’re finished writing your thesis and you’re ready to submit it, it’s critical to know how to prepare for thesis defense . Because not only do you have to complete this original, new body of research work, you have to get the approval of your PhD committee to put it out into the world.

Your thesis defense is essentially the final presentation of your PhD.

6. Thesis defense

Your thesis defense is an oral presentation of your research project, but it also involves submitting your written document to be reviewed. Essentially, you’ll present the entirety of your thesis to the PhD supervising committee, including your findings and conclusions. From there, the committee will ask thesis defense questions . Your answers will defend your methodology and results to the committee, basically proving the value and validity of your work. While this is an evaluation of sorts, it is also your opportunity to share your original ideas and invite further research into your topic.

After your defense, the PhD committee will either approve your thesis or send it back to you with edits or changes to be made before it can be formally approved.

Graduation and Postdoc

Once your thesis has been approved, congratulations! You’ll be eligible for graduation and be awarded your degree. Now that you’ve finished this marathon, you can choose to pursue further studies or start looking for a job after grad school .

With a PhD, you have many different options for positions in your field. You might want to know how to find a job in academia or how to get a tenure track position at a university if you’re interested in teaching others. PhD graduates who decide to transition from academia to industry or who would rather work outside the realm of academia can find industry jobs after PhD that suit their skills and experiences.

Either way, you’ll need to prepare for how to find a postdoc position, explore what the career options are for you, decide what your career goals are and start sending out applications. Remember to prep your postdoc resume and get read for postdoc interview questions , since the job hunt will begin soon after you finish your PhD!

Is it possible to get your PhD done faster? What are some ways you can speed up the process and avoid taking 8 years to complete your graduate studies? Luckily, there are many key ways you can make your journey through grad school easier and speed things up a little, from the type of PhD program you choose to the habits and skills you cultivate during your program.

#1 Enroll in an accelerated program

The first way to guarantee it will take less time to get your PhD is to, of course, enroll in a shorter PhD program. Direct entry PhD programs allow you to enroll once you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree in exceptional circumstances. Note that these are not the easiest PhD programs to get into , as your academic record needs to be excellent, and you’ll likely need prior research experience and you may even need to have publications already. However, a direct entry PhD program is around 4-5 years, but it allows you to skip the 1-2 years it would take to earn a master’s degree.

You can also choose to enroll in an online or accelerated PhD program that is designed to be much shorter than the traditional PhD. Once again, though, these programs are not available to students in every field, so you may need to research whether there are any options for you.

#2 Choose the right mentor

One of the first things you can do to ensure your PhD is smooth sailing is to choose the right mentor or academic advisor. Many programs allow you to choose your advisor, while some assign one to you. Whatever the case, it’s important to establish a strong working relationship and clear expectations early on.

One of the first things you’ll do as a PhD student is meet with your advisor. Take the time to discuss with them what your expectations for the program are, ask questions and ask them what their expectations are of you. Your advisor is there to help you and advise you, and they have resources and connections you can use to your advantage. But they are also working with a busy schedule and might be advising more than one PhD student, too. A mutually respectful relationship with open communication will ensure fewer interpersonal hurdles down the road.

#3 Earn credit hours faster

One way you can shave some time off your PhD is by earning your credit hours faster and getting to the research and thesis-writing stage faster. This might mean you take on a full-time course load or ask your advisor for ways to earn extra credit, such as participating in research projects. Some PhD programs will give you course credit for previous graduate level coursework you might have completed during your master’s degree, or for certifications and professional education you completed outside of school.

#4 Keep your thesis focused

When you get started on your research, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the amount of work you need to complete, with the writing of your thesis on top of it all. One way to keep your research hyper-focused and on point is to keep your thesis topic narrow. If your subject is too broad, you’ll be spending way too much time in your research. Give yourself clear objectives and scope, and don’t deviate from your PhD proposal if you don’t have to.

There may be a million questions you want to explore within your PhD topic, but there will be other opportunities to explore them. Keep your focus narrow so you don’t spend years and years asking and answering research questions!

One of the best things you can do to get your PhD done faster and adjust to the experience of graduate school is to change your thinking. Adopt a growth mindset so that you’re open to new learning, willing to listen to constructive feedback on your proposal or thesis and willing to grow your skills. A PhD is an advanced program, and you’ll already be very skilled, but it is also an opportunity to learn and grow. There will be challenges for you, so be ready to meet and overcome them instead of letting them draw you back or slow you down.

#5 Develop your professional skills fast

A PhD is an opportunity to grow your professional skillset as much as it is an opportunity for you to contribute meaningfully to your field. If you haven’t already been working on skills such as communication, presenting or lecturing and writing, now is the time to start.

Strong writing skills will help you get your thesis finished and edited faster, as you’ll be more familiar with the process and understand what makes a strong document. It’s also a useful skill to learn how to write effective funding proposals or grant proposals. You may need to do so to secure funding for your research, but it’s a highly valuable skill in the workforce, too.

Good presentation skills will help you during your thesis defense or if you’re asked to present during a conference. They will also help you build confidence in your voice and ideas and make you a better communicator when you’re networking or job searching.

#6 Keep to your schedule

This is maybe the most important skill if you want to finish your PhD faster: make a detailed schedule and hold yourself accountable to it. If you like, you can plan out your entire PhD week by week from Day 1. Write down what your course schedule is, when you’ll do research and how many hours, when you’ll write and how many hours, what extracurriculars or personal activities will take up your time and so on.

A detailed schedule gives you an overview of your PhD and a timeline of when you’ll finish. It will keep you organized and accountable, so you can avoid procrastinating or avoidable speed bumps that might slow you down. It also helps you compartmentalize the many items on your to-do list so you don’t stress out about how much you need to accomplish.

When creating your schedule, especially during the research stage when there is no formal class schedule for you to adhere to, focus on deliverables. Set a date when you will submit a section of your thesis to your advisor, or when you will complete your literature review. Setting goals and clear outcomes will keep you on track and focused.

#7 Take initiative and be independent

The last tip to help you get your PhD done faster is to take initiative. Remember that a PhD is a largely independent endeavor. You’ll have the support of a committee or advisor, but you can’t rely on them to do the work for you or put everything on hold if they aren’t available when you need them. Be flexible and adaptable so you can keep working and moving forward, even if your schedule gets interrupted or needs to change to suit your situation.

It's also important to take the initiative in your learning. Take advantage of opportunities for growth, networking, and gaining experience where you can. Get the most out of your PhD program and use your experiences to fuel your end goal of completing your thesis.

On average, it takes 4-5 years to get a PhD. There are a few factors that can influence the time it takes to complete your PhD, from program length and structure to what country you are earning your PhD in, to your own personal work ethic and schedule.

PhD programs in the US are on average 4-6 years. In Canada and the UK, they are usually 3-5 years long. Part-time PhD programs may take up to 7-8 years to complete. Direct-entry PhD programs and dual master’s and PhD programs are typically 5 years long. If you’re enrolling in an online, hybrid or accelerated PhD program, the timeline is usually 2-3 years, but there are some extremely short 1-year PhD programs offered online for specific disciplines.

Yes, you can finish your PhD before the “normal” timeline. For example, if you complete your coursework early, if you finish writing your thesis faster than average and get it approved, or if you otherwise complete all your PhD program requirements before the anticipated finish date.

Yes, there are online PhDs available for certain fields and disciplines. These typically range from 2-3 years, although there are some traditional 4-year PhD programs offered online. There are also some “accelerated” online PhDs which last 12-18 months.

A PhD program is not necessarily shorter if you first complete a master’s degree, but having gone through a master’s program can better prepare you to finish your PhD faster. Some PhD programs accept credit hours from your master’s degree towards the coursework requirements for a PhD, and if you’ve previously written a master’s thesis or completed some research during your graduate studies, this will be an advantage. Since you’ll already be familiar with the process of writing a thesis and conducting your own research, you can avoid some stumbling blocks in your PhD program that might otherwise slow down your progress.

Yes, it is possible to get a PhD without first completing a master’s degree. There are direct entry PhD programs that allow students with a bachelor’s degree to enroll, so long as they meet the admission requirements and have exceptional academic records. Some online PhDs also waive the master’s degree requirement.

Yes, it is possible to complete a traditional PhD program in a shorter amount of time than anticipate. This usually means dedicating yourself to full-time study or taking on a larger course load and increased research hours. It takes significant work, but it can be done with the right schedule and commitment.

The fastest PhD programs are the short, 1-year accelerated programs. These programs have fewer credit hours to complete, and some have no dissertation requirement, only qualifying exams to finish. However, there are not many programs out there, and they are not available for every field of interest.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?

If you aspire to rise to the top of your field, then you may have your sights set on a PhD.

Earning a doctoral degree can be a years-long process, but choosing an accelerated doctoral online program may help you complete your program more quickly.

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Whether you’re wanting to earn one of the highest paying doctoral degrees or you have a specific one in mind, this guide can help walk you through how long it takes to complete your PhD program.

For a traditional, campus-based PhD program, the average time to finish a PhD is 8 years. Fulfilling the program’s requirements will often demand a serious investment of your time.

Even still, some people are able to finish their programs in just 3 to 6 years. Multiple factors may influence the overall length of your program.

Required Credit Hours

Many PhD programs require you to earn 120 credit hours before entering the exam and dissertation phases.

Fortunately, there are PhD programs without such high credit-hour demands. For example, at some universities, you may earn a PhD with only 60 credit hours.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Schedule

Enrolling in a doctoral program part-time may allow you to keep up with your regular job. You’ll have to decide whether you prefer the flexibility of part-time schooling or the faster schedule of full-time studies.

Final Project Requirements

Many PhD programs end with the completion of a dissertation. This assignment may take years to complete, so PhD students often end up in the all-but-dissertation (ABD) phase for quite some time.

University Scheduling

Some schools promote their ability to help you through the PhD process faster than normal. Accelerated class schedules with eight-week online courses may speed your studies along. Focused attention from dissertation advisors may help as well.

PhD Program Components

Before you enroll in a PhD program, it’s important to know some of the basic requirements:

Prerequisites

Most schools require you to already hold a master’s degree, but some offer bachelor’s-to-PhD programs.

Length to Completion

On average, it takes eight years to earn a PhD. Even still, completing doctoral coursework and a dissertation in three to four years is not unheard of.

Topic of Interest

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be getting a philosophy degree. Your field of study will depend on your interests and the programs that your university offers. You may tailor your doctoral focus though your choice of a dissertation topic.

Steps to Completion

You’ll take advanced classes before sitting for comprehensive exams. After passing your exams, you’ll likely begin working on a dissertation. You must defend your dissertation before finishing your program.

Doctoral studies begin with a series of classes through which you may increase your knowledge of your field of study and learn about conducting research. These are advanced classes, so they should be more in-depth than the ones you took during your undergraduate and master’s programs.

The number of courses that you need to take can vary significantly. It’s not uncommon for PhD programs to require 120 credit hours of coursework. That amounts to about 40 classes.

At other schools, the requirements are lower. Your university’s program may involve just 60 credit hours or, possibly, even fewer. A less intense course load may significantly slash your time to completion.

Your university may require you to maintain a GPA above a minimum threshold. An unsatisfactory GPA may keep you from moving on to the next step of the PhD process.

Comprehensive Examinations

Universities often require students to demonstrate their readiness for a doctoral project before advancing to the next stage of their studies. Readiness is proven through comprehensive exams , which may also be known as:

Preliminary examinations
Major field examinations
General examinations

Often, comprehensive exams take the form of written or oral tests. In other situations, faculty may assess students’ readiness on the basis of a portfolio evaluation or a written paper.

Dissertation and Defense

A dissertation, also known as a graduate thesis, is a body of work that presents original research in your field. This manuscript focuses on a unique idea and includes evidence to support your thesis. During your doctoral studies, there are classes designed to help prepare you for your dissertation work.

The dissertation process may take several years. Once your manuscript is complete, you must defend it to the doctoral program faculty. After your defense, you may need to do further work on your manuscript, or the committee may decide that your dissertation is complete.

Not all programs require a dissertation. Instead, there may be an alternative doctoral project. Although both dissertations and capstone projects are rigorous, projects can sometimes be completed within a shorter time frame.

Average Time to Complete PhD by Field of Study

Students in some disciplines usually take a lot more time to finish their doctoral work than students in other fields.

If you’re studying in the following scientific fields, you may be more likely to earn your on-campus degree in seven years or less:

Physics — average of five years
Psychology — average of five to seven years

On the other hand, if your field of study relates more to the humanities, your on-campus degree program may take longer:

History — average of eight years
English — average of eight years
Education — average of 13 years

These are the traditional figures. There are ways to finish faster.

Why Does It Take So Long to Finish a Traditional PhD?

Some schools require doctoral students to take around 40 classes, which, in a traditional on-campus setting, may take years. After completing the coursework, you must write your dissertation and defend it. The dissertation process alone might take multiple years.

Doctoral programs online may help shorten the PhD process to three or four years. Fewer credit hours may be required, and the classes may be delivered in an accelerated format.

Schools with an emphasis on quick doctoral programs may also offer dissertation advisors to efficiently guide students through that phase. Alternatively, some universities allow students to complete capstone projects that don’t take as long as dissertations.

Getting a PhD Online vs. Campus

Online education has changed students’ options for earning a PhD. These days, aspiring students may choose whether to attend classes on a college campus or online.

Traditional programs may require you to relocate to the university’s campus and attend school full-time. On average, it takes just over eight years to complete those programs. The benefits of choosing an online school instead may include:

Faster Progress

Accelerated eight-week courses may allow you to finish your course load sooner. You may complete your entire program in just three or four years.

Multiple Start Dates

Online programs often let you join throughout the year, so you don’t have to put your studies on hold until the fall semester.

Flexibility

Not being required to move to campus or come to class at set times may allow you to work your studies around your schedule.

Equal Status

Online programs are just as rigorous as on-campus ones. As long as your university is accredited, your degree will be just as valuable as one from a traditional university setting.

Cost-Savings

Finishing your doctoral studies faster may mean that you pay less tuition.

How to Finish Your PhD in Less Time

Although you can’t earn a doctoral degree overnight, you shouldn’t have to spend the majority of your working years striving toward PhD-completion. The following tips for accelerating the PhD process may help you finish your studies more quickly than the average doctoral student.

1. Use What You Already Know

Every school requires a minimum number of credit hours that you must earn in the pursuit of your degree. To help you meet this threshold, some schools will allow you to transfer in credits from other doctoral programs. Universities may also give you credit for your professional experience. Reducing your class load may save you both time and money.

2. Look for Short Classes

Accelerated course schedules are one of the best ways to speed through the degree process. Every eight weeks, you’ll begin a new set of classes. Over the course of a year, there may be five different sessions during which you can take classes.

3. Work on Your Dissertation Throughout the Program

Traditionally, dissertation work begins once the classroom portion of your studies is over. Quick doctoral programs may allow you to begin the dissertation process while you’re still taking other classes. This approach, known as an embedded dissertation, may reduce the likelihood that you’ll drop out before finishing your final project. It might also speed up your doctoral timeline.

4. Ask for Help

A lack of support can lead some doctoral students to drop out. On the other hand, having a good support system can help you push through and finish your program more quickly. Build a team of family, friends, and academic mentors who can encourage you, guide you, and lend practical help when you’re feeling overwhelmed by school.

Why Get a PhD?

You may need to earn a doctoral degree to achieve your career goals . For example, if you want to become a clinical psychologist, this level of study is essential. Many scientific and research positions require doctoral studies. University faculty typically need to hold terminal degrees as well.

Even if a doctorate is not a requirement for your desired line of work, it may help you achieve greater success. You might be granted higher levels of responsibility, and you may earn more money. In some fields, those who hold PhDs make around 20% more than those with master’s degrees, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics .

Do You Have to Have a Master’s Degree to Get a PhD?

Many schools consider a master’s degree an essential prerequisite for PhD admission. If you don’t already have a master’s degree, a bachelor’s-to-doctorate program may allow you to earn a master’s and a PhD for less time and money than it would take to pursue them separately.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD After a Master’s?

You may be able to complete your doctoral program in three to four years if you opt for an accelerated online program. On average, traditional on-campus PhD programs take around eight years to complete.

How Hard Is It to Finish a PhD?

Doctoral studies are challenging. That shouldn’t come as a surprise; if doctorates were easy to acquire, nearly every college graduate would end up with a PhD behind his or her name.

Approximately 50% of students who begin a PhD program don’t end up finishing. Many quit within two years of starting. Another large portion gives up upon reaching the dissertation phase.

Although all PhD programs are challenging, the flexible nature of online programs may help you find success. Choosing a doctoral track that doesn’t require a dissertation may help as well.

What Is the Easiest PhD to Get?

All PhD programs are demanding, but you might have an easier time if you select a program that aligns with your interests and your career goals. The flexibility of online study may help your doctoral program seem less burdensome. In addition, capstone projects are sometimes easier than writing dissertations.

If earning a doctoral degree in a short time frame is important to you, then consider the many potential benefits that online programs have to offer. Within just a few years, you may be able to place the letters “PhD” at the end of your name.

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How Long Does It Take to Earn a PhD?

Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.

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Cari Schultz is an Educational Review Board Advisor at Scholarships360, where she reviews content featured on the site. For over 20 years, Cari has worked in college admissions (Baldwin Wallace University, The Ohio State University, University of Kentucky) and as a college counselor (Columbus School for Girls).

Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.

How long is a PhD program? That might be one of the first questions you ask yourself If you are thinking of earning a PhD. You have probably heard a range of years, and that is because how long it takes to earn a PhD depends on a number of factors. Keep reading to learn more!!

What is a PhD?

PhD stands for a “Doctorate of Philosophy.” This is an academic degree that qualifies the degree holder to teach their chosen subject at university level or to work in a specialized position in their chosen field. In general, the PhD is the highest level of degree a student can achieve.

Also see: Top fully funded PhD programs

Why get a PhD?

A PhD is a serious commitment with a serious return on investment. Here is a list of professional and personal benefits for earning a PhD.

How long does it take to earn a PhD?

Earning a PhD usually takes between four and seven years to complete, depending on the type of PhD as well as the schools requirements, the students educational background, and personal progress. Students who take full-time classes can typically finish in four years. A typical PhD program requires anywhere from 60 to 120 semester credit hours .

Why earning a PhD takes years to earn

Assistantship obligations.

Teaching and research assistantships can be very beneficial for the experience they provide and the potential funding, but they can also be time consuming obligations for PhD students. Therefore, assistantships may affect the amount of time it takes to complete a PhD program.

Comprehensive examinations

Universities often require students to demonstrate their readiness in a PhD program through comprehensive exams. These comprehensive exams may be known as:

Preliminary examinations
Major field examinations
Comprehensive exams or “Comps”
General examinations

Dissertation

A dissertation is an in-depth research document that serves as the culmination of a doctoral program. It is an important document that demonstrates a student’s original research and contribution to their field of study.

The dissertation involves conducting extensive research, reviewing previous literature, analyzing data, and presenting your findings in a structured manner. Once the dissertation is completed, it is typically defended orally in front of a committee of faculty members who assess the quality and validity of the research.

Average PhD timeline

The specific of a PhD timeline carried by college and university. However, the following is a good overview of the average PhD program.

Year 1: Take advanced courses
Year 2: Take advanced courses and begin preparing for exams
Year 3: Study, take and defend your comprehensive exams and begin researching your dissertation proposal
Year 4: Begin working on your dissertation
Year 5: Finish and defend your dissertation

Average PhD completion by focus

According to data from the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics the average time in years from graduate school entry to doctorate it took students to receive their degree in 2020 in certain fields is listed below.

Life sciences = 6.9 years
Physical sciences and earth sciences = 6.3 years
Mathematics and computer sciences = 7.0 years
Psychology and social sciences = 7.9 years
Engineering = 6.8 years
Education = 12.0 years
Humanities and arts = 9.6 years
Other non-S&E fields = 9.3 years

Related : Top 10 PhD in Education programs

How to finish your PhD is less time

Look for accelerated classes.

Accelerated courses are an easy way to reduce the amount of time it takes to finish a PhD. Therefore, look into if your program offers any shorter courses.

Work on your dissertation throughout the program

Working on your dissertation little by little throughout the program will allow you to speed up your doctoral timeline. In addition, it may reduce the likelihood that you’ll drop out before finishing your final project.

Maintain regular communication with your advisor

Establish regular communication with your advisor or supervisor. Regular meetings can help you receive guidance, address any issues, and ensure you are heading in the right direction.

Seek feedback early and often

Share your work and progress with your advisor, peers, or other trusted individuals often. Then, you should incorporate suggestions and revisions as you go along. This will help you refine your work and avoid major revisions later.

Maintain a healthy school-life balance

While it is important to be dedicated to your PhD, it’s just as important to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Therefore, be sure to prioritize yourself! While finishing your PhD in less time is a great feat, it is important that you are not sacrificing your well-being while doing so.

Key Takeaways

PhD stands for “doctorate of philosophy” and is generally the highest level of degree a student can earn
There are many professional and personal benefits to earning a PhD which can lead to a serious return on investment
A PhD program typically takes 4-7 years to complete. However, it can take longer or shorter depending on personal circumstances and field of study
With planning and guidance from advisors, students can sometimes complete PhDs in less time

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Frequently asked questions about how long it takes to earn a PhD

Do i need to have a master’s degree to get a phd, what is the easiest phd to earn, can i finish my phd earlier than the estimated time frame, what happens if i don’t complete my phd within the expected timeframe, can i work while pursuing a phd, can i accelerate the process of earning a phd, scholarships360 recommended.

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How Long Does A PhD Take?
Doing a PhD

Sometimes, just knowing how long a PhD takes can be enough to sway your decision on whether a research degree is for you. So with that in mind, exactly how long does a PhD take?

In the UK, a full-time PhD takes 3 to 4 years to finish whilst a part-time PhD takes twice as long at 6 to 7 years. Alongside these average durations, there are time limits on how long you can be enrolled on to a PhD programme. To discover these limits, the factors which most influence doctoral degree durations and how the UK durations compare to international PhDs, continue reading on.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Full-time PhD?

In the UK, a full-time PhD will typically take you 3 to 4 years. You will usually spend the first three years on the technical aspects of your doctorate. This includes undertaking independent research, designing your research methodology and collecting and analysing data. You will then spend an additional academic year on writing up your PhD thesis and sitting your viva.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Part-time PhD?

In the UK, a part-time PhD will typically take you 6 to 7 years; twice as long as doing a full-time PhD. The reason for this is that as a part-time PhD student, you would dedicate around 20 hours per week to your PhD as opposed to the typical 40 hours full-time students would put into their subject.

How Long Does a Distance Learning PhD Take?

Similarly, distance learning PhD’s take an average of 6 to 7 years to complete. This is because the vast majority of students who undertake a distance learning PhD do so because they can’t relocate closer to the university. Although these commitments will differ, they often mean the student isn’t able to dedicate 40 hours per week to their studies.

Students in STEM disciplines will often take longer to finish a distance learning doctorate degree than those in non-STEM disciplines. This because the progress of a STEM PhD student will be limited by how often they can access a laboratory for experiment work.

How Does Funding Impact a PhD’s Duration?

In reality, the actual time it will take you to complete your PhD degree will depend on your funding situation.

If you’re receiving funding , it will usually only cover you for 3.5 years if you’re studying full-time or for 7 years at half the stipend if you’re studying part-time. Although this could vary slightly, most PhD funding providers, e.g. Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), follow this timescale as indicated on their ‘ length of PhD studentships’ page. Because of this, most students who obtain scholarships try to complete their PhD within the timeframe of their funding so they don’t incur additional fees which they need to cover themselves.

It’s also worth noting that some funded PhD positions have additional conditions attached to them as part of their eligibility requirements. For example, they may require teaching undergraduate students, hosting laboratory sessions or attend presentations and conferences. This will be especially true if you’re on a Graduate Teaching Assistantship (GTA). Although these shouldn’t add considerable time to the length of a PhD programme, they have the potential to do so if they aren’t managed properly.

As self-funded students cover their own annual tuition fees and other associated costs, how long they’ll spend to complete their PhD project will largely depend on their own personal financial situation. Because of this, most self-funded PhD students find it best to complete their PhD study in the shortest time-frame they can manage.

Are There Deadlines?

Yes – unfortunately, all good things must come to an end! Within the UK, the deadline for your PhD is defined as the last date which you must submit your final thesis by. This date is set by your university’s overall regulations and varies depending on the arrangements of your PhD, e.g. whether it’s full or part time. In the vast majority of cases, the adopted deadlines are four years for full-time PhDs and seven years for part-time PhDs from the date you were officially registered onto your programme, as shown below from the University of Leicester’s registration guidance page .

Registration for Length of a PhD_ How long does it take to get a PhD

This time-frame may vary from university to university. For example, the University of Sheffield adopts an additional year for part-time PhDs as shown below.

Programme time for PhDs - How long is a PhD

Can I Complete It Faster?

Although it’s possible to complete a full-time PhD in under 3 years, it’s a significant feat that’s rarely heard of. When these feats occur, they’re usually where the doctoral student already has extensive knowledge and experience in their field before undertaking their PhD.

Whilst it’s possible to complete a part-time PhD in under 6 years, it largely depends on your commitments outside your studies. For example, if you have a part-time career alongside your PhD, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to commit the additional hours required to complete your doctorate a year faster.

However, if instead of a steady part-time job you take on occasional work as a freelancer, you’ll be able to set aside many more hours towards your doctoral degree.

Will Having only A Bachelor’s Degree or Being an International Student Limit My Rate of Progression?

Not at all. While there are benefits to having a Master’s degree such as an additional year of learning and greater research experience due to your fourth-year dissertation project, this doesn’t mean not having one would limit you. A PhD is very different to both Bachelor and Master degrees due to being heavily research-based, therefore, both types of students will have just as much to learn on their way to completing their doctorate.

Similarly, whether you’re an international student will bear no influence on the duration of your PhD.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

How Does This Compare to the Duration of EU and US PhDs?

PhD hosted by universities within the EU, such as those in France, Norway and Spain, have the same programme structure as those within the UK. As a result, there are no noticeable differences in the time to complete a doctorate between UK and EU institutions.

However, this is not the case in the US. Compared to PhDs conducted within the UK or EU, PhDs conducted within the US take considerably longer to obtain. According to a 2017 study conducted by the National Science Foundation, a US government agency which supports research and higher education, the average time to get a PhD within the US is 5.8 years. Besides this, the average completion time can further increase depending on the disciplines. For example, they found doctorates within the humanities and arts to take an average of 7.1 years to achieve.

The primary reason for this difference is the way PhD degrees are structured within the United States. As mentioned previously, PhDs conducted within UK and EU universities are essentially broken into two sections – one covering the analytical aspects and the other covering the writing up aspects. However, within the US, doctorate programmes comprise additional sections. PhD students are first required to undertake 2 to 3 years of courses, which cover a broad range of topics related to their schools’ discipline. This is then followed by coursework and several examinations, which only once passed can the PhD candidate then start working on their research project and dissertation.

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How Do You Get a PhD? A Guide to the PhD Timeline

Everyone who considers a doctoral degree knows a Ph.D. is a big commitment.

Not only will it require all your mental energy, focus, and persistence, but it will also require a significant investment of your time. Your particular area of research, your institution’s policies and procedures, and the standard expectations within your field all play a significant role in how long it takes to earn a PhD. The average PhD length is five or six years, while some students may take eight or nine years.

Regardless of how long a PhD program takes, there are some common stages of a PhD that all doctoral students share. These major and essential milestones shape the timeline for earning your doctorate . Read on as we take you through each step and explore the typical steps to a doctorate degree.

Are you just starting to apply to graduate school? Check out our Guide to Graduate Admissions to get all your questions answered!

How Many Credit Hours for a PhD?

The number of hours that you need to complete your doctoral coursework might depend on several factors: do you already have a master’s degree? Will you earn one en route to the doctorate? Or do you even need one?

Different disciplines and research interests have their own PhD process, but even within your field of study, you may find that institutions have diverse pathways for obtaining that terminal degree. For most, coursework will take anywhere from two to three years to complete.

During this time, students can serve as graduate research or teaching assistants or could even lead their own courses as an instructor. In many degree programs, students develop their potential dissertation topics through their coursework and start to define what their research plans might look like in the next few years.

PhD Qualifying Exam and Comprehensive Exam

Many programs set up academic checkpoints to help keep students on track during their PhD journeys. The timing varies by program, but one of the most common – and possibly most stressful – forms of benchmarking is the PhD comprehensive exam or qualifying exam. Often administered around the end of the student’s coursework, these exams are your chance to demonstrate what you learned in your classes.

Testing is overseen by a committee of faculty from your department. Usually comprised of at least three members, your professors ask questions or assign writing prompts based on your experience in the program thus far. The format is generally a combination of written and oral exams designed to test your expertise in your discipline’s methodologies and significant content areas.

To better prepare yourself, research the number and kind of qualifying benchmarks the program will require in the university catalog before you begin your program. This will allow you and your advisor to effectively plan out the first few years of your degree and give you an idea of how you’ll be evaluated throughout your program.

Dissertation Prospectus and Defense

You may be required to complete and defend a dissertation prospectus before officially becoming a PhD candidate. A prospectus is a document outlining your dissertation plan, which includes an explanation of your research topic, a potential outline of your dissertation, the methodologies you intend to employ, the significance of your research question, and a bibliography including sources that form the foundation of your research.

Your prospectus allows your dissertation advisor to understand the scope of your project. It should be thorough enough that they can provide useful feedback to help shape your research plan. After some revisions, an approved prospectus is the green light to move into the next stage of your PhD.

Advancement to Candidacy

If you have heard the term ABD – “All But Dissertation” – then that means you are in the home stretch of your doctoral program!

Well, sort of…only your dissertation remains!

Dissertation Research and Writing

While you’ve made it through the coursework and qualifying exams, the dissertation is the culminating component of the doctoral degree. At this point, your approved research plan is ready to be set into motion. Depending on your discipline, this could be the stage where you travel extensively to conduct fieldwork, explore archives, or visit labs to collaborate on projects that relate to your dissertation work. For many students, the research phase can take a couple of years, but some may be able to complete it in one.

Writing your dissertation can be one of the most challenging parts of the whole PhD. process. Not only are you condensing years of research into a single cohesive document, but you are also formulating graphs, charts, and other textual references to help clarify your argument. Often, formatting can be a major challenge for many students.

In this stage, it’s most helpful to seek out resources to help you with the writing process. Many universities have dissertation writing workshops where you can learn best practices, as well as support groups where students meet regularly and help keep each other accountable. Most universities also offer competitive dissertation completion grants, supporting students with additional funding so they focus more of their time and effort on completing this undertaking.

Dissertation Defense

Everyone gets nervous about this major rite of passage. It can be difficult to take criticism over something you have poured your heart and soul into for years. Remember, though, that a good advisor will not let you defend if you’re not ready, and you literally wrote the book on your topic!

The dissertation defense is not intended to tear your work apart but rather is your opportunity to prove your expertise to your dissertation committee. Many defenses are open to observers, so you should attend a few in advance of your own, especially within your department, to get a sense of what it’s like.

First, you’ll present the main points of your thesis. Then the committee will ask questions so they can clearly understand your arguments. Finally, they’ll send you out of the room while they deliberate and decide if you pass or not. If all goes well, you’ll be addressed as “Doctor” the next time you walk into the room!

Get Started on Your PhD Journey Today

No matter what your particular timeline looks like as you work toward your doctorate, know that the faculty and other students within your program are frequently a huge source of support — which means you won't do this alone! Additionally, every school has resources to assist Ph.D. students, from libraries to writing centers to dedicated student support services.

If you are excited about beginning your Ph.D. journey, we invite you to request more information or reach out to one of our admissions professionals today. Best of luck as you begin this transformational experience!

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How Many Years Is a Doctorate Degree?

Think earning a doctoral degree takes too long? You might be surprised to learn that many doctorates can be earned online or on campus in less time than you think.

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Two female healthcare professionals in white lab coats are conversing; one holds a clipboard while the other listens attentively in a clinical setting.

Obtaining a doctorate degree is the pinnacle of academic achievement and positions you as a leading expert in your field, thereby paving the way for diverse career opportunities. It is worth noting, however, that not all doctorate programs are created equal, and the duration of the program may vary depending on the subject area. Some programs may require a few years of study, while others may take considerably longer. Nevertheless, you may have some degree of control over the program’s duration in many cases.

Although certain factors affecting the duration of a doctoral program may be beyond your control, there are steps you can take to tailor the length of your program to your specific needs. This guide will explore the reasons why prospective students may opt for shorter or longer doctorate timelines based on their objectives and educational background. Additionally, we will delve into the various components involved in earning a doctorate, examine the subject-specific variations, and provide an overview of the typical timeline for doctoral study.

Components of the Doctorate Degree

While doctorate programs can differ a little or a lot depending on the school and other factors, there are some common elements including main requirements and general timelines. Most schools typically require some combination of the following components, and each will impact your length of study in different ways.

Dissertation For most PhD programs, this is the final requirement. Dissertations can be conceptual in nature or more practice-based depending on the field and topic of study. In either case, the project pursues an approved research question outlined by the student. It synthesizes gained insight, presents research findings, and offers contributions that further the discipline and drive broader scholarly conversations.

Capstone Professional doctorate programs, such as those in business, education, and nursing, may require candidates to complete a doctoral capstone project rather than a traditional dissertation. Although the format may differ, the aim remains the same: to equip candidates with the skills and knowledge necessary for expert-level work in their field. Capstone projects typically engage with existing research and aim to develop a practical and effective solution to real-world challenges.

Specializations Some schools may require students to declare a chosen specialization up front. Others offer opportunities for exploration to help you select where you want to stake out your expertise. These specializations often draw upon related disciplines for additional insight. For example, students pursuing a doctorate in anthropology may choose a specialization in archaeology, medical anthropology, or cultural anthropology.

Core classes Core coursework occurs at the beginning of a doctoral program and establishes a foundational baseline. These classes also serve to survey the primary methods of inquiry and research specific to the discipline you’re studying. The expectation is that students will become conversant in these conventions so they can apply them in their dissertation or capstone project.

Residencies Residency requirements usually happen concurrently alongside coursework and normally last at least 1–2 years. In most cases, students are required to complete a certain number of credits in residency at their institution, making additional progress toward degree completion in the meantime. Specifics vary quite a bit, even for online doctorates — some forgo it altogether; others may require residency visits. It is also an opportunity for students to network with peers, meet alumni, and establish connections with faculty and other industry professionals.

Dissertation defense or capstone presentation Often the final step in doctoral study, this element gives candidates the opportunity to present their findings before a committee of faculty experts as a newly minted peer. For capstone presentations, students field questions that deal with how their work effectively solves a pressing problem. In dissertation defenses, students are asked to defend their analytical choices and demonstrate how their research impacts the discipline.

Qualifying examinations Upon completion of all coursework requirements, students are typically required to take qualifying or comprehensive examinations. The format of these exams may vary depending on the program, with some being oral, written, or a combination of both. The primary objective of these examinations is to assess students’ core competencies and ensure that they are prepared to move on to the final stages of their program.

Research proposal Before conducting independent research and creating a dissertation or capstone project, doctoral students must develop a proposal. This proposal is subject to approval by their department and faculty advisor who may request revisions or adjustments. The expectation is that the proposal will clearly outline the research question or real-world problem the doctoral candidate plans to address in their work.

Typical PhD & Doctorate Timeline

Timelines for completion vary for any program, but this is especially true at the doctoral level. Some candidates can fast-track and finish in as few as two or three years, but many take up to six years or more. Factors to keep in mind include field of study, residency components, and whether a dissertation is required. Here’s what a typical timeline might look like.

Students start by getting acquainted with their program, their cohort, and their faculty advisors. Most begin core coursework requirements that address program-specific learning outcomes. They also identify electives and other potential opportunities that will help facilitate their research interests including conferences and professional development events. Some programs may also require filing an individual plan of study with an explanation of academic intentions.

Candidates finish core coursework and begin completing electives that sharpen their interests and deepen their specialization. This may mean selecting an appropriate subfield or establishing connections with cognate disciplines. Some schools may also ask that students begin conducting preliminary research that anticipates their dissertation or capstone project.

At this stage, students begin to complete integrative practicum requirements. In many cases, this will likely entail teaching in some capacity, and it could also involve additional research requirements or a lab component. Some programs may place students with senior faculty members as teaching assistants, others could ask that students design their own course as a sole instructor.

Once coursework is complete and degree-seekers acquire additional experience, they move to qualifying or comprehensive examinations. This requirement evaluates gained skills and technical knowledge. It also assesses the student’s readiness for independent scholarly research and may involve an oral component depending on the program.

Candidates begin to plan their dissertation or capstone project. Most schools will require a written proposal that must be reviewed by a panel of faculty experts. That proposal should clearly articulate the question or problem the project will address along with tentative hypotheses.

Year 6 – 7

In some fields, this time is spent conducting research, writing and revising the final project in light of findings, defending the project, and preparing for life after graduation. Other fields could require further service for the university, additional lab work, or a field placement. If a dissertation is required, once it is complete the candidate must complete an oral defense before a committee of faculty members that can assess its merits.

What Can Make the Time to Earn a Doctorate Faster?

There are a number of reasons why you might want to select a program that takes less time. Earning a doctorate can be extremely demanding, but finishing your program quickly can put you in a good position to reap the benefits and advance your career. The list below looks at some elements that might expedite your path to completion.

Embedded dissertations or no dissertations

The dissertation is easily the most time-consuming part of a doctorate program for most students. If you’re looking to shorten your program, you might consider pursuing a field that does not require one. Shortening your program is also possible through embedded dissertation models. These models have grown in popularity in education doctorates, where students can work on the project throughout the duration of the program.

Accelerated programs

As with other degrees, accelerated doctorate options let students complete program requirements ahead of the normal schedule. Students who can study full time with little to no outside commitments will find this an ideal path. It usually involves enrolling in extra classes up front or taking advantage of winter terms to satisfy core coursework requirements.

Online learning

Many online doctorate programs eliminate extended residency requirements in an effort to expedite your graduation timeline, though some programs may still require in-person components depending on the school. If you are open to taking online classes or moving through a doctoral program using virtual tools, an online program could be the key to finishing your program faster.

Certain doctoral programs may follow a cohort model, where students progress through their studies alongside a group of peers. Alternatively, self-paced options enable students to pursue their degree at a pace that aligns with their individual circumstances. This can be particularly beneficial towards the end of the program when students engage in dissertation and capstone projects, which may vary in terms of length and level of demand.

Transfer credits

If you carry relevant, transferable credits earned at an accredited institution, you can bring those with you as you begin working on your doctorate. This could save a lot of time, depending on the classes and the school’s transfer policy. If you plan ahead, you could even satisfy some core coursework requirements before you begin the program.

Fewer language requirements

Some doctorates require students to come to the program with significant prowess in additional languages or research methods (this is usually the case in the humanities). This could make a program take longer depending on your background and experience, so progressing through a program with fewer requirements can definitely help reduce your time in school.

3 Fast Doctorates

Under the right circumstances, these doctorate programs tend to move faster than others. If you’re pursuing one of these doctorate degrees, you may already have a master’s degree in the subject, which can make the program go even faster.

Doctorate in Education

Unlike a PhD in education, a doctorate in education (EdD) is a professional degree that prepares practitioners for high-level leadership roles in the field. This doctorate is less research-focused and instead builds on previous life and work experience to deepen skills necessary for administrative or instructional design positions. Most full-time students can complete study in approximately three years.

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

Similar to other programs mentioned in this list, the Doctor of Public Health is a professional program designed to prepare candidates for senior-level roles in fields such as safety engineering, epidemiology, and health services management. Typically, students can complete the program within three to four years, and many can leverage their existing professional experience to accelerate their studies and reduce their time in school.

Psychology Doctorate (PsyD)

This course of study prepares candidates for work as psychologists, counselors, and expert clinicians. Like other professional doctorates, it is a practice-oriented degree and because of that designation it takes less time than other options. In fact, if you already work in the discipline or have significant hands-on experience in a relevant setting you may be able to bypass supervised fieldwork or clinical placement hours.

What Can Make Earning a Doctorate Slower?

Depending on your circumstances, a slower pace may be unavoidable and could ultimately be more advantageous. For example, in more research-based fields, it may take longer to conceptualize your dissertation project and analyze all the data. This puts you in a good position to hone your expertise. Here are a few additional factors to consider.

Part-time study.

Doctoral students sometimes enroll on part-time basis due to a number of reasons. Some need to balance work and personal commitments with their studies. Others may need to take their research at a slower pace due to the nature of their proposed project. Regardless of the reason, part-time study almost always extends your timeframe, especially in the late stages of programs that require original scholarship or data reports.

Regular dissertations

Research-focused doctorates that require a standard dissertation are among the longest terminal programs out there. Producing a well-researched dissertation doesn’t always mean extra time, but there are a lot of variables and factors that could extend your timetable such as program-specific objectives, research detours, and revision requirements.

Prerequisite courses

Some doctorates may require certain prerequisites before you can begin completing core program requirements. Specifics on this can vary quite a bit, but if your previous academic credentials are in a different subject then it is likely that your school may ask for additional coursework. That will put you in a better position to be successful further down the line, but it will also add time to your studies.

Not having a master’s degree

This will also extend your program length. Not having a master’s degree in your field isn’t a dealbreaker but it does mean you will need to fulfill some extra requirements. For example, some PhD programs admit candidates that only have relevant undergraduate credentials, but this almost always means they will need to earn a master’s degree along the way. Those programs have clear pathways to accomplish that, but it takes extra time.

Clinical/residency component, etc.

Many doctoral programs stipulate up front residency requirements that last several years. This means you will need to reside in the area for a set amount of time and in most cases those requirements cannot be waived. Some professional doctorates may also require a clinical rotation or fieldwork placement. If you do not hold any previous professional experience in your field this could also extend your time frame.

3 Doctorates That Take More Time

Due to a variety of factors, these programs can take more time. Not only do they have more requirements, but they can be slowed down for students who want to take more time to get their degree.

PhD in Education

Unlike the EdD discussed above, this program is more research intensive and thus takes longer. It prepares candidates for roles as professional researchers and data analysts, consultants, and college professors teaching future educators. It almost always involves a theory-based dissertation project, which often takes extra time to complete.

PhD in Psychology

Similarly, this doctorate correlates with the PsyD, but unlike that program this one offers a more academic focus with more time-consuming requirements. It qualifies candidates for work as scientists rather than clinicians and usually entails additional training to meet those demands. Prospective students should expect to add an extra year or two to their plan of study.

PhD in Anthropology

One of the longer programs out there, the PhD in anthropology can take up to seven years to complete, according to recent data from the Survey of Earned Doctorates. Like other programs in the humanities and social sciences, it requires coursework up front, an original dissertation project and independent research near the end, and additional rigor throughout.

Quiz: How Fast Should You Get Your Doctorate Degree?

Use our short quiz to see if your past education, experience, or circumstances will make it faster to earn your desired PhD or professional doctorate.

T or F: I have some postgraduate work completed.

You will be in a good position to finish faster, especially if you have a graduate degree. You may still need to satisfy residency requirements but should still be able to complete your program more quickly.

Doctoral programs don’t always expect new students to have a lot of postgraduate work under their belt. But your study may take longer because you will need to develop additional skills and knowledge.

T or F: I will need to work full time.

Doctoral students often need to work full-time for a number of reasons (career advancement, financial stability, etc.). This extends your timeline because it means balancing professional responsibilities with rigorous study.

You are in a better position to complete your doctorate quickly because you can focus on program requirements. It will also be easier for you to take advantage of available accelerated options.

T or F: I have personal obligations that take more than five hours a week.

This may not make as big of an impact as full-time work, but could still extend your timeline, especially if the obligations lack regular structure and frequency.

You’re good to go. It’s always a good idea to plan ahead, but you should be able to progress through your studies without deferral or delay.

T or F: I plan to pursue a professional doctorate, not a PhD.

Professional doctorates tend to take less time. You will still need to complete a capstone project but should be able to graduate faster than you would otherwise.

Timelines vary quite a bit, but you should plan for things to take a little longer. This is because you will be asked to produce original scholarship and conduct independent research.

T or F: I want to complete my studies online.

You may be able to earn your doctorate much faster, depending on your program, academic background, and professional goals.

Studying in-person doesn’t automatically extend your time to completion, but you may need to satisfy additional requirements that take more time, like a residency.

Council of Graduate Schools A national consortium, this organization promotes graduate research and education. It maintains a best practices portal designed for doctoral students and recent graduates.
Education Resources Information Center This site helps support doctorate candidates by making new resources available and disseminating education-related reports and white papers.
Inside Higher Ed This site is a leading source for the latest news and developments in higher education. It publishes data reports and extends a career board for educators and graduates.
Institute of Education Sciences This independent, nonpartisan institute gathers scientific data and evidence used to promote education and public policy. It often publishes evaluative findings from the U.S. Department of Education.
National Association of Graduate-Professional Students The only national organization of its kind, this student-run organization offers support to doctoral candidates across the disciplines.
Postgrad Forum Graduate students across the globe rely on this resource as an outlet for discussion and support. Popular topics include funding, general help and advice, and professional development.
School-based Resources Most schools provide research and education resources specifically designed for their doctoral students. UCLA and East Carolina University offer especially good examples.
Survey of Earned Doctorates Each year, graduating doctoral candidates complete this survey (a census, essentially). It is a great place to learn more about doctorates in your field, including how long it might take to earn one.
The Chronicle of Higher Education A premier news source, this publication covers higher education in the U.S., offering analysis and trend insights. It also publicizes available career opportunities.
The PhD Project This organization strives to increase diversity in education and workplace settings. It focuses its efforts on support for under-served populations in business and leadership.

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How Long Does It Take To Earn a Doctoral Degree?

Written By: Usmaan Farooqui

Published: 1/31/2022

Key Insights:

Doctorates take multiple years of graduate study to achieve, with most programs lasting an average of 7.5 years
Students must meet several requirements to earn this degree, including completing advanced coursework, passing multiple exams, and successfully completing a practicum or dissertation project
Times to completion vary based on many factors, including the chosen discipline, type of doctorate, specific program rules, and individual circumstances

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As the highest possible level of formal education, a doctorate trains students to become experts in their chosen field of study. Those interested in pursuing this terminal degree should note that it is a significant undertaking, with students having to meet multiple academic milestones as well as navigate many practical considerations along the way.

Given the rigorous, often challenging nature of higher education at the doctoral level, it is no surprise that it takes an average of 7.5 years to achieve this credential after starting graduate school. However, completion times vary on a case-by-case basis. Many factors can affect the length of a doctorate, including the nature of the discipline, individual program rules, and the type of doctoral degree a student is pursuing. The time it takes to earn a doctorate may also depend on a student's specific research topic, access to financial aid, and personal commitments. This article provides an overview of the steps to earning a doctorate as well as information on how different considerations, such as the program type and individual circumstances , may affect completion periods for individual students.

Given the rigorous, often challenging nature of higher education at the doctoral level, it is no surprise that it takes an average of 7.5 years to achieve this credential after starting graduate school.

Check out our ranked list of the best online doctorates .

Steps to Earning a Doctoral Degree

In general, a doctoral program consists of coursework, exams, and a final research project . Each of these requirements can take several semesters — or even years — to finish, which is why a doctorate can sometimes take twice as long as a bachelor's degree to achieve.

Students typically spend the first 2-3 years of graduate school taking advanced classes and training in multiple research methods. The precise number of credits varies, but most doctoral degree programs are 60-120 credit hours long. Once they gain a solid foundation in the theories and methods of their discipline, students take comprehensive exams in specific subfields to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of semesters, depending on the student's chosen degree specialization and subject area. For instance, while qualifying exams in the physical and life sciences usually culminate in a written test after students meet coursework requirements, other disciplines — particularly in the humanities and social sciences — take longer because the exams often include researching and writing an academic paper.

After meeting these prerequisites, graduate students advance to degree candidacy, also known as the all-but-dissertation (ABD) phase. This is typically the most research-intensive part of a doctoral program, with candidates having to convene a committee of faculty and propose a suitable topic before researching, writing, and publicly defending an original, book-length capstone project that advances original knowledge in their field. Given that it involves multiple overlapping steps, a dissertation may take several more years to finish after achieving candidacy.

Applied Doctorates vs Research Doctorates

Not all doctoral degrees emphasize research, and those that don't may be achieved comparatively quicker than those that do. Applied doctorates — also known as professional doctorates — usually don't include a dissertation element . Instead, they require students to finish advanced classes and pass exams. Examples of such degrees include medical doctorates, juris doctorates, and business doctorates. Unlike a Doctor of Philosophy, these credentials are designed to be completed in 3-4 years of full-time study.

Completion Times Vary by Discipline

The length of time a student spends in graduate school can change depending on their field of study. According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates — a yearly report compiled by the National Science Foundation — the time frame of a doctoral degree in the U.S. varies considerably by discipline . For example, it takes an average of 7.9 years to earn a doctorate in psychology and the social sciences compared to 6.3 years in physical and earth sciences. By contrast, humanities and arts doctorates can take significantly longer, with students finishing their degree in approximately 9.6 years. Meanwhile, students pursuing a doctoral degree in education may take over a decade to complete their program.

On average, students can earn doctorates in science and engineering quicker due to a greater emphasis on research earlier in these programs. For example, students pursuing a Ph.D. in biology or physics may finish coursework relatively fast, spending the majority of their graduate career taking part in research assistantships with faculty and peers. As these factors likely lead to more research and networking opportunities sooner in a doctoral student's career, they can also result in more rapid degree attainment.

By contrast, those in disciplines such as history or English may spend more time taking courses, honing their research skills, and settling on a research topic. According to the Survey of Earned Doctorates mentioned above, humanities students pursuing their doctorate also rely more heavily on part-time work, such as teaching assistantships, for funding. In some cases, this may limit the time a student can spend on individual research and slow their progress.

Completion Times Vary Due to Program Requirements

Completion times may change depending on specific program rules at a given university. Ph.D. programs tend to reflect an academic department's methodological and theoretical focus. As a result, programs within the same discipline are likely to have additional requirements based on faculty members' strengths and research interests. For instance, Ph.D. programs in political science that emphasize research in other countries may require students to learn a foreign language and take oral exams in order to demonstrate their verbal proficiency, thus increasing the time it takes to earn a doctorate after enrollment.

Online doctorates, which are designed to be completed in 3-5 years, offer accelerated classes to help students achieve the necessary 60-120 credit hours in fewer semesters than traditional Ph.D. programs.

Several other program-specific factors can also extend the length of a doctoral degree. One such factor is on-campus residency. Defined as a set number of semesters during which Ph.D. students must conduct research on campus, the residency requirement varies between 1-3 years and can significantly affect a student's timeline to completion. Additionally, many departments expect enrollees to complete a certain amount of teaching hours while also meeting coursework and research goals, which can take extra semesters.

Though extra prerequisites can affect a doctoral degree's length, some programs are specifically designed to be completed on a shorter than average timeline. For example, competitive programs may impose strict deadlines for students to complete coursework, thus shortening the number of semesters it takes to reach ABD status. Similarly, online doctorates, which are designed to be completed in 3-5 years, offer accelerated classes to help students achieve the necessary 60-120 credit hours in fewer semesters than traditional Ph.D. programs. These programs typically eliminate residency requirements and employ an embedded dissertation model. So, rather than waiting for ABD status, students begin making progress toward their dissertation while still taking classes.

Situational Factors That Affect Program Length

In addition to discipline and program requirements, an individual's previous education, research goals, and personal situations may also greatly affect the number of years it takes to graduate from a doctoral program. Below are some examples of individual circumstances to consider that may extend the length of a doctorate program.

Students who have a master's degree from an accredited institution may transfer credits to shorten the length of their doctoral studies as long as they meet coursework requirements for their particular program.

Depending on their research topic, some doctoral candidates may have to conduct extended fieldwork trips — usually in a foreign country — to collect the necessary data. These trips can last several months, resulting in a dissertation that can take significantly longer to write and defend. In comparison, students who complete the majority of their research on-campus, either in labs or by using readily available data sources, are likely to finish in less time.

While most programs guarantee a set number of funded years in the form of teaching or research assistantships, departmental support can dry up completely after five or six years. In these circumstances, students may need to spend additional time identifying and applying for external sources of funding. Furthermore, external financial assistance is particularly crucial for Ph.D. candidates who need to conduct research abroad or pay for equipment and software that isn't available on campus. Failure to secure a grant or scholarship for an academic year can substantially increase the time it takes to complete a dissertation and graduate.

Students who pursue a part-time doctorate due to personal or professional commitments are likely to take much longer to obtain their degree. While accelerated and online programs can reduce the length of a program, a research doctorate typically requires a full-time commitment.

Conclusion: Earning a Doctorate is a Substantial Time Commitment

Achieving a doctoral degree can be a rewarding experience, as it may not only expand an individual's career opportunities but perhaps also increase their earning potential . While the time it takes to earn a doctorate can vary based on many factors, prospective students should expect to spend several years researching, writing, taking classes, and working toward their degree. Individuals interested in a doctoral degree should therefore carefully consider whether they are willing to spend an extended period of time in graduate school.

Unsure about pursuing a doctoral degree but still interested in attending graduate school? Check out our ranked list of the best online master's programs.

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How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Psychology?

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Emily is a board-certified science editor who has worked with top digital publishing brands like Voices for Biodiversity, Study.com, GoodTherapy, Vox, and Verywell.

Ariel Skelley/Getty Images

How Long Will It Take?

Before You Earn PhD in Psychology

Which type of degree should you get, can you finish your degree early.

Just how long does it take to get a PhD in psychology? The answer can vary depending on your program, educational background, and academic schedule. In general, most PhD psychology programs take anywhere from five to seven years to complete.

Learning more about what it takes to get a doctorate in psychology can help you better plan your educational and career journey.

At a Glance

Getting a PhD in psychology can take several years of graduate study. If you are thinking about becoming a psychologist, research your degree options to figure out what type of degree you need and how long it will take to enter your chosen profession. No matter what you decide, plan to spend anywhere from three to seven years in graduate school to earn a doctorate.

How Long Will It Take to Get a Doctorate Degree?

How long it takes to get a doctorate in psychology depends on various factors, including the type of degree you have selected, your educational background, and the individual doctorate program in which you have enrolled.

Most doctorate programs in psychology take between four to seven years to complete.

PhD in Psychology

Most PhD programs require at least five to seven years to complete. These programs often follow a scientist-practitioner model that trains professionals both in research and clinical practice.

In addition to regular coursework, you may also be expected to complete an internship or supervised residency. The program usually culminates in completing an original research project or dissertation.

PsyD Degree

Most PsyD programs require between four to six years to complete. A PsyD is a degree designed to train professionals to apply psychological knowledge to treating and helping people in real-world settings.

According to the American Psychological Association, PsyD programs focus more on applying psychological science, usually in the form of service.

Most EdD programs require between three to five years to complete. EdD programs are often focused on psychology, counseling, or counselor education. They explore topics that involve both education and psychology.

It is important to note that many applicants to EdD programs already hold a master's degree in a related field. This differs from applicants to PhD and PsyD programs, who often begin their program of study with a bachelor's degree.

Before you begin your academic journey, it is a good idea to look at just how long it will take you to complete your degree. The amount of time it will take can depend upon various factors, including:

Your chosen specialty area
The program you select
The course load you can take each semester

A doctorate-level degree in psychology is required to work in many job areas, including as a licensed clinical psychologist or counseling psychologist. According to the American Psychological Association, a doctorate degree is also often required in fields such as school psychology or health psychology .

So how long does it take to get a PhD in Psychology ? First, it is essential to realize that the degree requirements can vary depending on the field that you decide to pursue. A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy degree is not necessarily your only option. In some cases, you might want also to consider the PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) or the EdD (Doctor of Education) degree options.

The PhD, PsyD, and EdD are all great options, but don't let how long it takes to complete be the primary deciding factor. Before you decide to get a doctorate degree, start by deciding which type of degree is most suited to your professional goals.

If you want to conduct research:

A PhD in Psychology tends to focus on a research-based model of education. People with a PhD in Psychology are qualified for a wide range of teaching, research, and clinical positions in colleges, universities, hospitals, government offices, and private mental health practices.

If you want to treat mental health issues:

The PsyD degree option generally focuses on a practitioner-based model of education. Individuals with a PsyD degree can also teach or conduct psychology research, but they frequently work in applied settings to provide direct mental health services.

If you want to apply psychology to help students:

Finally, there is also a third doctorate option that you might also want to consider depending on your career goals. If you are interested in working as a school psychologist or in a related educational field, the EdD, or Doctor of Education, is a possible option.

Despite the years of work, earning your PhD, PsyD, or EdD can be well worth the effort. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that workers with a doctoral or education specialist degree in clinical, counseling, and school psychology will find the strongest job opportunities.

Generally, if you have a strong background in psychology and have completed all of the necessary prerequisites, you can finish your doctorate sooner than students who have not taken the prerequisite courses.

Carefully planning your degree can also help ensure you complete the program requirements quickly.

Be sure you have a clear idea of what you want to do with your psychology degree once you've completed it. Do you want to teach, or is research more appealing to you? Are you interested in seeing clients, or are you planning to combine your training in psychology with another field, such as law or medicine?

If you need help deciding, make an important with an academic advisor at your school. They can help you explore your options and answer any questions you may have.

What This Means For You

No matter the degree you decide to pursue, earning a doctorate in psychology requires a significant investment of time, money, and effort. Because of this, it is essential to carefully consider your goals before deciding on a graduate program. You should also think about whether you need a doctorate or if a master's might be more appropriate.

Gee DG, DeYoung KA, McLaughlin KA, et al. Training the next generation of clinical psychological scientists: A data-driven call to action . Annu Rev Clin Psychol . 2022;18:43-70. doi:10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081219-092500

Loyola University. Can I get my Psy.D. without a Master's in Psychology?

American Psychological Association. Doctoral degrees in psychology: How are they different, or not so different ?

Franklin University. Is getting a Doctorate in Education worth it?

American Psychological Association. Frequently asked questions about graduate school .

Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychologists . Occupational Outlook Handbook .

Carr, A. Clinical Psychology: An Introduction . London: Routledge; 2012.

Kuther, TL. The Psychology Major's Handbook . Boston, MA: Cengage Learning; 2016.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

How Long Does it Take To Get A PhD? Doctorate Degree Timeline

Starting a PhD means you’re ready for a big academic adventure, full of tough challenges and exciting discoveries.

If you’re thinking about going for it, you’re probably wondering just how much time you’ll need to commit to this big goal.

For full-time PhD students, the journey typically take 3-6 years. However, if you’re juggling other commitments and opt for a part-time PhD, the timeline can extend to 7 years to complete, sometimes more.

This article breaks down what the PhD journey looks like, what can make it longer or shorter, and some tips on how to make it through.

If you’re curious about how long it’ll take to add ‘Dr.’ before your name, you’re in the right place. Let’s dive into the world of PhD timelines!

How Long Does It Take To Get A PhD?

The answer here isn’t straightforward, as it hinges on various factors, including:

the discipline,
the institution, and
whether you’re a full-time or part-time student.

Distance learning PhD programs offer flexibility but similarly require a substantial time commitment, often mirroring the length of part-time studies.

The heart of a doctoral program is the dissertation, a rigorous research project that demands an in-depth exploration of your chosen field. This phase alone can take several months to years, significantly influencing the overall length of your PhD journey.

Beyond the dissertation, coursework, exams, and sometimes teaching responsibilities add layers to the doctoral experience.

The requirements for a PhD vary widely across disciplines and institutions. For instance, a doctorate in the sciences might involve extensive lab work, potentially extending the time to completion.

In contrast, a doctorate in the arts could hinge more on coursework and creative output, leading to variations in the timeline.

Does A Doctorate Degree Take Longer Than Masters?

A doctorate degree typically takes longer to complete than a master’s degree.

While a master’s program can often be completed in 1-2 years of full-time study, a doctoral program usually requires 4-6 years, depending on the:

research complexity, and
whether the student is enrolled full-time or part-time.

The doctoral journey is more than just additional coursework; it involves conducting original research, writing a comprehensive dissertation, and often teaching or engaging in professional development activities.

The dissertation phase, which requires students to contribute new knowledge to their field, is particularly time-consuming and can extend the duration of a PhD program significantly.

The time it takes to complete a doctorate can be influenced by your

research topic,
funding availability, and
the level of support from advisors and faculty.

Master’s programs are typically more structured, with a clearer set of coursework requirements and a shorter thesis or capstone project, leading to a quicker path to graduation.

Why Does It Take So Long To Finish Doctoral Program?

Starting a doctoral program is a significant commitment, often taking longer than anticipated. If you wonder why it takes so long, here are a couple of reasons you can think about:

Extensive Coursework

Initially, you might think coursework in your PhD study is just a continuation of your previous studies.

Doctoral level courses are a different beast. They demand not just understanding but the ability to critically analyze and apply complex concepts.

Each course can feel like a mini research project, requiring more than just classroom attendance. This phase lays the foundation but is time-consuming.

The Dissertation

The heart of your doctoral journey is your dissertation. This isn’t just a long essay or an extended research paper. It’s an original contribution to your field, requiring:

exhaustive research,
experimentation, and

Some students find their research path straightforward, while others may hit unexpected roadblocks or need to pivot their focus, extending the time required.

Part-Time Study

Many PhD candidates choose a part-time path due to work, family, or other commitments. While this flexibility is crucial for many, it stretches the duration of the program.

What a full-time student might complete in 4-6 years, part-time students might take 7 years or more to finish.

Funding and Resources

Access to funding and resources can significantly impact the timeline. Some projects require extensive fieldwork, specialised equipment, or access to rare materials. Delays in funding or accessing necessary resources can stall progress.

If funding is an issue, consider applying for work outside of the university. You can also try your luck with the university, as a research or teaching assistant , or more.

Academic Publishing

As part of the doctoral process, many students are encouraged or required to publish their findings.

However, the process of submitting to academic journals, undergoing peer review, and possibly revising and resubmitting, is lengthy.

This step is crucial for the academic community but adds time to the doctoral timeline. If may help to start writing and publishing work earlier to ensure you have enough time to finish.

Faculty Supervision and Mentorship

The relationship with your advisor or supervisory committee is pivotal. These mentors gatekeep your studies, as they:

guide your research,
provide feedback, and
approve your progress.

Scheduling conflicts, feedback loops, and the iterative nature of research can add semesters or even years to your timeline.

Personal Growth and Professional Development

Beyond the academic requirements, doctoral students often engage in teaching, attend conferences, and network within their academic community. These activities contribute to your professional development but also extend your time in the program.

Factors That Influence The Time To Get A PhD

The time it takes to complete PhD is influenced by a multitude of factors, each significant in its own right. Let’s delve deeper into these elements to understand the intricacies of the PhD voyage.

The Scope of Research :

The ambition of your research can significantly dictate the duration of your PhD. Some projects will need more time and commitment, especially if they:

Demand extensive fieldwork,
elaborate experiments, or
groundbreaking theoretical developments.

Imagine embarking on a quest that not only seeks answers but also questions the very foundations of your field. Such endeavours are thrilling but inherently time-consuming, often extending the PhD journey beyond the typical timeframe.

Program Structure and Requirements

The architecture of a PhD program—its coursework, qualifying exams, and other prerequisites—lays the groundwork for your academic expedition.

Programs with a heavy load of initial coursework aim to equip you with a broad foundation, yet this can elongate the path to your actual dissertation work.

Mode of Study

The decision between full-time and part-time study is pivotal. A full-time commitment allows you to immerse yourself in research, ideally hastening progress.

Yet, life’s obligations may necessitate a part-time route, extending the journey but offering flexibility.

Distance learning, with its inherent flexibility, caters to those balancing diverse commitments, yet this mode, too, can stretch the timeline, particularly if it lacks the immediacy and intensity of on-campus engagement.

Quality of Supervision

The symbiotic relationship with your advisor is the compass guiding your research voyage. An advisor who is both a mentor and a critic, offering timely and constructive feedback, can expedite your journey.

Less engaged supervision may leave you adrift, prolonging the process as you navigate the academic waters largely on your own.

Worse still, if you are unlucky enough, you may end up with supervisors that not only does not help you, but actively attempt to make your study life difficult. These nightmare scenarios do exist, and you should be aware of them.

Financial Stability

The financial underpinnings of your PhD endeavor are more critical than often acknowledged. Consistent funding allows you to dedicate yourself fully to your research, free from financial distractions.

Conversely, the absence of stable support might necessitate part-time employment, diluting focus and extending the timeline.

Resource Availability

Access to specialized resources—be it state-of-the-art laboratories, rare archival collections, or cutting-edge software—can be the wind in your PhD sails.

Limited or delayed access to these essential tools, however, can stall progress, turning what could be a swift journey into a prolonged odyssey.

If you found yourself in a position without the right resources to complete your PhD, consider to propose your university to allow you to work with other universities with what you need. If this is not possible, you can always transfer university, although this would mean more work.

Publishing Requirements

The adage “publish or perish” holds particularly true in the realm of PhD studies. The process of getting your research published, from initial submission to eventual acceptance, is fraught with delays and revisions. Each publication cycle can add months to your timeline,

Yet these publications are crucial stepping stones towards establishing your academic credibility. In fact, some universities want you to publish papers to graduate.

Personal Life and Circumstances

The journey towards a PhD is not undertaken in academic isolation. Life, with its unforeseen challenges and responsibilities, continues.

Personal circumstances can impact your ability to devote time and energy to your studies, necessitating pauses or a reduction in research intensity.

These issues can range from situation such as:

such as health issues,
family commitments, or
significant life events

Tips To Earn Your Doctoral Degree Fast

Earning a doctoral degree is a significant academic endeavor, often perceived as a marathon rather than a sprint. However, with strategic planning and focused effort, you can navigate this journey more swiftly than you might expect.

Here are some tips to help you earn your doctoral degree faster, drawing from the experiences and strategies of successful PhD candidates.

Choose Your Program Wisely

The structure of the PhD program you choose can greatly influence how long it takes to complete your degree. Programs that allow you to start your dissertation research early, even while completing your coursework, can save you a considerable amount of time.

Some program are designed to integrate dissertation work with coursework, enabling a more seamless transition into the research phase.

Opt for Full-Time Study If Possible

While part-time PhD programs offer flexibility for working professionals, full-time study allows for a more immersive research experience.

Dedicating all your working hours to your doctoral research can expedite the process, reducing the time it takes to get your PhD significantly.

Secure Adequate Funding

Financial stability is key to focusing fully on your research without the distraction of part-time work. Look for:

scholarships,
grants, and
funding opportunities from your institution.

You can also try to secure funding from external sources like the National Science Foundation.

Secure funding not only supports your financial needs but also often comes with academic resources that can accelerate your research progress.

Develop a Strong Relationship with Your Advisor

Your advisor is your guide through the PhD process. A supportive advisor can provide invaluable feedback, help you navigate academic challenges, and keep you on track.

Regular meetings and clear communication with your advisor can help you refine your research direction and avoid time-consuming pitfalls.

Focus Your Research

A well-defined research question can provide a clear path forward. The more focused your research, the less likely you are to get bogged down in unmanageable amounts of data or tangential studies.

It’s about depth rather than breadth; delving deeply into a specific area can lead to significant contributions to your field and a quicker path to completion.

Take Advantage of Existing Research and Resources

Don’t reinvent the wheel. Building on existing research and utilizing available resources can save you time. This includes:

leveraging datasets,
using established methodologies, and c
ollaborating with other researchers.

Access to resources like specialized labs or archives, as provided by your institution, can also streamline the research process.

Stay Organized and Manage Your Time Effectively

Good time management is crucial. Set realistic goals, create a timeline for your research and writing, and stick to it.

Tools like Gantt charts can help you visualize your PhD timeline, including key milestones like coursework completion, comprehensive exams, and dissertation chapters.

Get Your PhD Without Taking Too Much Time – Possible

The journey to obtaining a PhD is a unique blend of personal commitment, academic rigor, and research innovation.

While the timeline can vary widely, most candidates find themselves immersed in their studies and research for anywhere from 4 to 6 years. Exceptions can happen, and you may finish earlier or later.

Key factors like your field of study, the nature of your research, and your personal life circumstances play significant roles in shaping your individual journey.

Remember, earning a PhD is more than just a race to the finish line; it’s a profound journey of learning, discovery, and personal growth. Embrace the journey, stay focused, and the day you earn the title of ‘Doctor’ will be a milestone to remember.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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Studying a PhD in The USA - The Complete Guide

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The USA is a favourable postgraduate study destination for international students due to the high standard of academic study and the wide variety of subjects. By undertaking a PhD in the USA, you will find yourself becoming an internationally recognised expert in your chosen field.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the USA is considered the highest awarded degree in many US universities and institutes for most fields of study. For many international students, it's a dream course that offers an exciting new life chapter.

Attending Grad School for a PhD in the USA is not the same as undertaking a PhD in Europe or the UK , it can often be a different experience. However, studying abroad will improve your global cultural understanding in addition to your network of contacts for your future career. A PhD degree is often required when you apply for high-level management jobs, government expert positions, and careers like a university professor, researcher, or scientist in many fields.

There are a multitude of reasons why the United States is a fantastic choice for your PhD studies. Here’s everything you need to know about studying a PhD in the USA.

1. PhD course length

The total length of a PhD in the USA is between 4-8 years for full-time students and 8-10 years for part-time students, depending on your field of study. PhDs can be completed in 4-5 years for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject. Students typically dedicate 1-4 years on coursework, followed by 2-4 years of dissertation work. In the USA, the academic year is divided into two teaching semesters: August to December and January to May.

Having a longer duration for your PhD allows for greater opportunities to adjust to your course and find your footing. This enables you to concentrate on developing a more comprehensive understanding of your chosen subject at a more relaxed pace.

2. World-class universities

The US repeatedly tops the charts of worldwide ranking universities , so what better place to do your PhD studies? Although rankings shouldn’t be the main deciding factor when making your PhD choice, they're a great indicator of educational expertise.

There are many factors to consider when choosing the location for your PhD. Does the university have a high employability rate after graduation? Are you wanting to go public or private university? What kind of research facilities do they have?

Be sure to do some research before making a decision on your perfect place of study.

3. International community

The United States is a popular choice for international students from all over the world – making it an inspirational and cosmopolitan choice for your PhD studies. No matter what your choice of academic study is, you are guaranteed to find a diverse community that welcomes students from all backgrounds.

4. Affordable tuition fees

There are various tuition fee options available for PhD students regardless of your budget. The American higher education system is often associated with high fees and substantial student debt, but in fact, studying at an American university isn't always expensive, and many institutions offer affordable courses. For instance, PhD costs range from $28,000 to $55,000 annually, which shows that finding a PhD course that’s more affordable is possible.

5. Student experience

American universities typically have vibrant campus communities with a wide range of extracurricular activities, clubs and organisations. As a student, you will have the opportunity to engage in various social, cultural and recreational activities alongside your academic studies.

6. Student support

American universities typically provide comprehensive support services to assist you on your PhD journey. These services may include academic advising, counselling, career services, libraries, writing centres and various student organisations aimed at fostering your personal and professional development.

7. Land of opportunity

It's fair to say that student life in the USA offers something for everyone, regardless of what you're looking for from a PhD. With 50 states, six time zones, and thousands of higher-education providers, there's an opportunity waiting for every individual across the globe.

So let’s take a look at some of the key factors to consider when studying for a PhD in the USA.

Studying a PhD in the USA: top tips

Who is eligible for a phd in the usa.

To be eligible for PhD in the USA, generally students should have completed a graduate degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0, provide proof of English language proficiency, GRE scores and other supporting documents. The eligibility criteria for a PhD in the USA can vary depending on the specific university and program.

Can I get a PhD without a masters degree?

Yes, you can pursue a PhD without having a masters. Universities in the USA do not require a masters for you to apply. Because of the graduate programs in the US, you will receive your masters degree once you have completed your coursework stage. This practice combines the masters and PhD into one.

The eligibility criteria and requirements for direct entry PhD programs vary among institutions and fields of study, so it is advisable to check the entry requirements of the specific university or course you are interested in.

How to apply for a PhD in the USA

When applying for your chosen subject in the USA, you should expect to provide relevant information and statements to the university. This will include:

Completed application form – provided by your preferred university.

A personal statement – on why you want to study the subject, your research interests and career goals. Be sure to include any extracurricular activities and achievements within the body of your statement.

References – universities will expect that your referees will recommend you for the chosen course.

Test scores and grades – you will generally need to submit scores from standardised tests like the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT).

English language proficiency – international applicants whose native language is not English usually need to provide proof of English language proficiency through tests like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). It varies from institution to institution, but international students in the USA are required to have a TOEFL score of about 90.

Samples of work – it is recommended that you provide some work you have done that is relevant to your chosen subject. You may even be asked to complete a small task during the application process.

The application fee.

Method of study

Compared to the UK and Europe , studying a PhD in the USA involves several key differences. Students in the USA are usually in direct contact with their professor, compared with those in the UK where students might find that their PhD program is headed by a professor who gives them a little less flexibility to change their research and study areas. There can be several cultural differences between UK, Europe, and USA university lifestyles. US students are expected to undertake a great deal of teaching and marking, as opposed to PhD students in Europe.

As a result, you may have less free time outside of the university when pursuing a PhD in the USA.

Application for PhD In USA

When applying for your chosen subject, you should expect to provide relevant information and statements to the university. This might include:

A personal statement on why you want to study the subject. Be sure to include any extra-curricular activities and achievements within the body of your statement.

References. Universities will expect that your referees will recommend you for the chosen course.

Test scores and grades. It is important that you provide a list of your awarded grades from previous courses you have studied.

Samples of work. It is recommended that you provide some work you have done that is relevant to your chosen subject. You may even be asked to complete a small task during the application process.

UK and Europe students decide on their PhD thesis subject area before they apply . While taking classes at a graduate level, prospective PhD students in the USA spend up to a year or two deciding on their specific research subject. It is normal to apply for up to six institutions for a PhD in the USA, and students apply to each institution separately as there is no central organisation.

Students in the UK and Europe are expected to apply with an understanding of the subject already, usually in the form of a masters degree, and be ready to start studying at the PhD level straight away. In the USA it is expected that students do not have an in-depth understanding of their subject as they usually only have an undergraduate degree when they apply.

When should I start applying for a PhD in the USA?

Deadlines for applications to PhD programs in the USA tend to be between December and February, and institutions should let you know about your application by April. Most US institutions recommend that you apply as far in advance as you possibly can to give them, and you, plenty of time to make arrangements.

Universities in the USA do not require a masters for you to apply as well. Because of the graduate programs in the US, you will receive your masters degree once you have completed your coursework stage. This practice combines the masters and PhD into one.

It varies from institution to institution, but international students in the USA are required to have a TOEFL score of about 90.

Funding your PhD in USA

PhD students are very likely to receive financial support in the form of PhD scholarships ; some USA PhD students also receive PhD studentships .

Making your PhD application in plenty of time allows you more time to apply for and arrange your PhD funding. Many students find that funding can cover much, or all, of the cost of their PhD studies in the USA, which ranges between $28,000 and $40,000. Deadlines for funding applications can be as early as December before starting your studies in the Autumn/Fall.

There are two types of PhD funding: fully funded, which pays for the student's graduate school tuition fees, accommodation, and living expenses, or partially funded, which pays for the student's tuition only partially or fully.

Can a PhD be fully funded?

Yes, many top universities in the USA offer fully funded PhD programs for eligible students. This funding pays for the student's graduate school tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses. Partially funded PhDs only cover the student's tuition in part or in full.

Some PhD students will receive a stipend from their institution with an assistantship position, but this varies between institutions and between departments within institutions. Other students can find funding from both their own and the American government, and there are plenty of American government schemes like The Fulbright Program that offer funds.

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How long does it take to study a PhD in the USA?

For part-time students in the USA, a PhD can take eight to ten years, but it usually takes five to six years for full-time students. PhDs can be completed in four to five years rather than five or six for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject.

Top 10 ranked American universities

Based on 2024 Times Higher Education's World University Rankings data, the following table shows which US universities rank the highest.

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Straight Up

Want to start your PhD? Here's what you should know

FIVE points you absolutely MUST KNOW before starting your PhD journey

Keep your checklists ready! Here are some of the things that one should not miss before applying for PhD

1. Background check of supervisor and research group. How to do it?

To ensure that your interest aligns with the potential supervisors you have shortlisted, look into their previous works and other contributions to the field. Look into the lab/group they are heading and their current projects. Ensure that you are working in a productive and supportive environment.

2. Gained admission into a reputed institution but forgot to look into your supervisor? This might not be a wise move

Well, relying solely on your institution's reputation would lead you nowhere. Examine your supervisor's Google Scholar profile, research articles and their publications. Understand the relevance of their project with yours and their ability to provide fruitful guidance.

3. Do not forget to ask for help. But how does one go about seeking help from former and current PhD students?

To make a more informed decision, do not hesitate to pose questions to alumni and current students about the lab facilities, the work culture, and the collective approach towards the research projects. Gain a deeper insight into their journey so far and make notes to give your journey a headstart.

4. You think finances don't matter while pursuing PhD? You are wrong.

Ensuring financial stability throughout your time is crucial as you will be dedicating a duration of your time solely to research. Look for fellowships available before starting your PhD, and other TA (training assistant) programmes offered by your institution. If your PhD programme exceeds five years, inquire about the additional support available.

5. Why hesitate while choosing the best for yourself?

Landed at a good university? Great. Helpful supervisor? Even better. What about other facilities aiding your research such as advanced equipment, the best library facilities and other adequate resources? Look out for them. Check if your institute has collaborations with other universities, and if there are opportunities for you to present at international conferences, and publish in prestigious journals.

For more information look into a recent post by The All-India Research Scholars Association ( AIRSA ) here

Before joining any institute for a PhD program, it's crucial to remember several points many students overlook. @AIRSAIndia advises prospective @PMOIndia @dpradhanbjp @DrJitendraSingh @AjaySoodIISc @PrinSciAdvGoI @TimesNow @timesofindia @the_hindu @TheLallantop @ThePrintIndia … pic.twitter.com/L3n9YjCEtg — All India Research Scholars Association (@AIRSAIndia) May 30, 2024

When the PhD path leads to career struggles

A bird flew past a rainbow on the horizon, as viewed from Morrissey Boulevard in Dorchester.

A doctoral degree is a major commitment. Think carefully.

I appreciated reading Kara Miller’s The Big Idea column “PhD: Pretty heavily disappointed” (Business, May 22), about people with doctoral degrees struggling to build careers in academia. It made me think back to a conversation I had when I was about to graduate from high school.

I happened to run into a former track coach of mine, and as we were reminiscing he asked me what I planned as a major in college. “History,” I responded. He said, “Why don’t you take some computer classes also? It never hurts to be able to do something useful.”

I did not reflect on his motivation at the time, but my track coach was a young guy, and he was probably giving me advice straight from his own life, as a parent trying to raise his own young children. I did take computer classes in college and ultimately received a PhD in chemical engineering. I always remember that conversation as being a kind of turning point.

Earning a doctoral degree is a life commitment of great proportion. It can take, as Miller notes, between four and seven years. If we think of working life as roughly between the ages of 22 and 65, then a PhD requires more than 10 percent of a person’s working life. People need to think carefully about that investment.

Two powerful arguments in favor of the path of science, technology, engineering, and math are that there tend to be more STEM jobs for PhDs, and many universities’ STEM departments are generous in covering their PhD students’ tuition and cost of studies, including a stipend toward food, rent, and other expenses.

Stuart Gallant

Not much has changed in 30 years

As I prepared to graduate in 1995 with a doctor of education degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education, my mother memorably said to me, “Of my four children, you are the one with the most education and the smallest salary.” Apparently not much has changed in 30 years.

I must congratulate these students, however, on following their passion rather than following the money. I can’t help but think that their lives, though stressful, may contain greater happiness.

Peggy Clark

Lawyers & electricians & philosophers, oh my!

Kara Miller’s column on the career challenges for people with doctoral degrees generated more than 260 comments on Boston.Globe.com. The following is an edited sample of readers’ reactions:

Lots of law school grads are underemployed as well. (PL)

So true, PL. The market in Massachusetts is flooded with talented lawyers seeking work. (Roforma)

Supply and demand, the market at work. (guk)

Investing in education and research in all fields is the hallmark of a society with staying power. Disinvesting from these endeavors signals decline and decay. (Massachusetts citizen)

Electricians, plumbers, mechanics, and other skilled technical professions have no problems getting $100k jobs with great benefits. (ramsen)

Not enough turnover from tenured professors, leaving little space for new faculty. Although the tenured, well-established professors are needed, it’s the junior faculty who are hungry and with new ideas that help build new programs. The whole graduate program model is a bad model. I worked two jobs, had my tuition and some type of minimal student health insurance and could barely cover the rent with my stipend, and the second job paid for everything else. Though I was working on many faculty projects, it was the faculty who said this would be good for me. Never did they say it was also good for them. (TravelerofNJ2)

I just retired from a tenured faculty position in science. I’m in my early 70s. I have colleagues who are still doing what they do well into their 70s, a couple approaching 80. There is no active incentive from the university to move the older faculty on, to make way for a new generation. (Lola-lola)

The next step is for adjuncts to go on strike across the nation and hold colleges and universities accountable. The current system is completely absurd. (Wordsmith2358)

Universities should be required to release disclosure data about the fate of their PhD graduates. (davidman820)

I knew an attorney who managed a Cheesecake Factory. She had worked in food services through school. As an attorney, she really did not make that much money and was not doing the field of law of her choice. How many real estate closings can you do without dying of boredom? She went into management in the food industry and makes the same salary. (Antietem)

It was always a question and puzzling to me why people study philosophy. (Blazer27)

Globe Opinion

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What Is an Associate Degree? Requirements, Costs, and More

Associate degrees open paths to new job opportunities and can be used to transfer into bachelor's degree programs.

[Featured Image] Associate degree students gather to discuss classwork.

An associate degree is a two-year college degree that you can obtain from a community college, junior college, online university, or some four-year institutions in the US. In terms of education, an associate degree falls between a high school diploma and a bachelor's degree.

Students go on to do different things with their associate degree: some transfer into a bachelor’s degree program, while others choose to go directly into the workforce. You can also earn your associate degree after working for several years; it can be the first step to a new career or help you advance in your current one.

Read on to understand key facts about earning your associate degree, and the important factors—like educational and professional goals—you should consider as you decide whether it's the right choice for your future.

Associate degrees: Key facts

Earning your associate degree is typically more affordable and takes less time than earning your bachelor's degree. It can also help you forge new career paths in professional fields such as medicine, engineering, and computer science. Let's review the basics of what it costs—and what it takes—to get an associate degree.

Admissions requirements

Admissions requirements vary from college to college, but you'll generally need to meet the following conditions in order to gain entry to an associate degree program:

Be 18 years of age by the time you begin your first day of class

Have a high school diploma, or have passed a General Education Development test (GED) or an equivalent test

Meet GPA requirements established by some community colleges

While tuition levels vary between colleges and programs, the average tuition for one year in an associate degree program is $3,800 in 2021, according to the College Board [ 1 ]. That’s for public in-district schools—meaning you’re a resident in the district the associate degree program is located.

Compare that with the average tuition for a year in a bachelor’s degree program, which is $10,740 for public in-state schools, $27,560 for public out-of-state schools, and $38,070 for private nonprofit schools.

Financial aid

Students enrolled in an associate degree program might be eligible for federal financial aid, as long as the institution is accredited . You can submit a FAFSA application to see if you qualify to receive federal aid or federal student loans. For the 2021-2022 school year, 56 percent of community college students received aid, while 33 percent received federal grants [ 2 ].

How long it takes

It generally takes full-time students about two years earn an associate degree, though it can take longer for part-time students. If you prefer to work while earning your associate degree, you'll be in good company. More than four million community college students attended part-time in 2021 (compared to 2.2 million full-time attendees) and 72 percent of them worked [ 2 ].

How many credits is an associate degree?

In order to graduate, you’ll typically need to complete the 60 course credits required (or 90 if your college is on the quarter system), and maintain a minimum GPA set by your college or department. Learn more about college credits and how they're measured .

Read more: Should You Go Back to School? 7 Things to Consider

Types of associate degrees

The most common types of associate degrees are:

Associate of Arts (AA): Associate programs focused on business, humanities, arts, or social sciences are often called Associate of Arts degrees. An AA may be a stepping stone to transfer to a bachelor’s degree.

Associate of Science (AS): Associate programs in a field related to science or math are often called Associate of Science degrees. Along with an AA, the AS is typically recommended by schools for students who want to transfer to four-year programs.

Associate of Applied Science (AAS): Associate programs that focus on technical and vocational skills are often called Associate of Applied Science programs. These programs are generally designed to prepare students for a specific occupation or work in a specific field after graduation. Fields can include computer science technology, hospitality management, paralegal studies, law enforcement, welding, among many others. Although it’s less common to use an AAS degree to transfer into a bachelor’s program, some four-year degree programs have begun accepting them for transfers.

What can you do with an associate degree?

Once you earn your associate degree, you have two options to consider. You can extend your education and apply to a bachelor's degree program, or you can pursue jobs in the medical, engineering, computer science, or legal fields, among many others.

Transfer to a bachelor's degree program

If you're interested in continuing your education, you can apply to bachelor's degree programs after you earn your associate degree, and begin completing courses in your declared major .

In fact, a number of students earn their associate degree at a lower-cost community college before transferring to a four-year college or university to finish their bachelor's. Remember that for in-state students, the average annual cost of attending a community college was $3,800 in 2021, compared to $10,740 for a public four-year school, which can amount to a significant savings over two years or more [ 1 ].

Earning your associate degree before deciding to pursue your bachelor's also gives you time to:

Build up study skills: If you’ve been out of school for a while and want to brush up on your study skills, or your high school GPA didn’t quite meet admission requirements for a four-year degree, an associate program can give you a boost. Not all community colleges have a GPA requirement for admissions.

Get more time to explore: If you’re not sure what you want to study, attending a community college for general studies courses can give you time to explore courses that might interest you before you fully commit to getting a bachelor’s degree in a subject.

Enjoy added flexibility: Many community colleges keep working people in mind and offer courses at night or on weekends. If you’re working or have family to take care of, starting off with an associate degree could bring you the flexibility you need.

If you’re hoping to start a degree, and factors like affordability and flexibility are important, online bachelor’s degrees may be another option. Online bachelor’s degrees are available in a wide range of topics, like computer science or psychology.

Pursue a career

You can explore new career opportunities with your associate degree—often with higher salaries than a high school diploma will yield. Associate degree holders in the United States earn a median income of $938 per week compared to $781 for high school graduates [ 3 ].

Here is a brief snapshot of some of the jobs you can typically start with an associate degree. They’re expected to grow at least as fast as average, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics [ 4 ], and the median salaries in the US are at least $40,000.

Keep in mind that employers for some positions—like registered nurses—might prefer bachelor’s degree holders but may also hire associate degree graduates.

Read more: How to Get Your First Job: A Guide

Differences between associate and bachelor’s degrees

There are benefits to pursuing any kind of higher education, be it an associate degree or bachelor's degree. Holding an academic degree can lead to more career opportunities and higher salaries. If you're unsure which degree is right for you, here are important differences to compare:

Data on average annual tuition and weekly earnings comes from the College Board and the Bureau of Labor Statistics respectively [ 1 , 3 ].

Which is better: Associate degree or bachelor's degree?

The best degree will be the one that helps you achieve your goals—either personal, educational, or professional. While there are a number of careers you can pursue with an associate degree, you may find more opportunities with a bachelor's degree. But if time is a major factor, then an associate degree may be the best choice for your immediate needs. Ultimately, it's important to review your situation—your financial resources, your schedule, your objectives—to determine which is the best degree for you.

If you're interested in earning an academic degree to gain entry to a new career path or advance your career in a chosen field, it can help to look at job postings and see the minimum education required. Understanding the standards your industry expects may help determine which degree you eventually earn.

Associate degree alternatives

If your goals don’t require an academic degree, there are other options that may offer some flexibility.

Professional certificates

Professional certificates are qualifications you can earn by completing courses or exams to demonstrate your ability in a field. They often require no previous experience in a subject, and can take anywhere from several months to a few years to finish. You can get a professional certificate in a variety of fields, including IT support, data analysis, computer programming, and marketing.

Certificate programs can be part-time or full-time, and may be offered online and in person. Because they tend to take less time and financial resources than degrees, professional certificates can be a solid option for those who know what specific skills they want to develop, and prioritize flexibility. If you’re ready to explore, browse some online certificate options .

Trade or vocational school

Trade schools, also known as vocational or technical schools, train students to enter professions that require a certain set of skills. They’re characterized by their emphasis on hands-on training.

Graduates go on to work as electricians, dental hygienists, chefs, construction managers, and car mechanics, among many other professions. Trade schools typically take two years or less to complete, though some professions may require additional apprenticeships after the program. They can be a good option if you have a specific job in mind and don’t need or want to pursue an academic degree to secure employment in that profession. Some characteristics to consider when researching trade schools include: whether the program is accredited, has a track record of job placement, and makes sense for you financially.

Bootcamps—intensive programs that are designed to quickly equip you with a new skill set—can be a fast way to enter a new field or advance in your current one. Bootcamps typically take a few months to complete. Though computer coding bootcamps are popular, you can enroll in digital marketing, cybersecurity, or UX/UI design bootcamps , too. Bootcamps can be online or in person, full-time or part-time.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

How many of my associate degree credits will transfer to a bachelor’s degree program ‎.

This depends on the courses you took and the bachelor’s program you’re transferring into. Universities will generally evaluate your courses and decide if they’re transferable or not. Thanks to accreditation , some community colleges may have agreements with universities that will guarantee that some of your credits will transfer (if the requirements are met).

To make sure you maximize your transferable credits, talk to your academic advisor at your community college, and reach out to an admissions officer at the university you want to transfer to. ‎

What are other types of degrees I can get? ‎

Other academic degrees include bachelor’s degrees, master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional degrees. A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years (as little as two if you have an associate degree). You may go on to enroll in a master’s degree program after completing a bachelor’s. A doctoral degree , or PhD, is the generally the highest academic degree you can receive in most fields. Other professional degrees —such as JDs for aspiring lawyers, or MDs for doctors—are usually pursued after finishing a bachelor’s degree. ‎

Can I become a registered nurse (RN) with an associate degree? ‎

Yes. Though hospitals might prefer nurses with at least a bachelor’s degree, the minimum academic requirement to become an RN in the US is generally an associate degree or a diploma in nursing, according to the College Board [ 5 ].

Students must also pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and any state licensure requirements. Many community colleges offer degrees specifically for those who want to enter the nursing field. An associate degree can also be transferred to a bachelor’s nursing program.

Read more: Your Guide to Nursing Degrees and Certifications ‎

What Is a Bachelor’s Degree?

10 High-Paying Jobs You Can Get with an Associate Degree

How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree?

Can You Get a Bachelor's Degree at Community College?

Article sources

1. College Board. " Trends in College Pricing and Student Aid 2021 , https://research.collegeboard.org/pdf/trends-college-pricing-student-aid-2021.pdf." Accessed August 8, 2022.

2. American Association of Community Colleges. " AACC Fast Facts 2022 , https://www.aacc.nche.edu/2022/02/28/42888/." Accessed August 8, 2022.

3. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Education Pays , The median salaries in the US are at least $40,000." Accessed August 8, 2022.

4. US Bureau of Labor Statistics. " Occupation Finder , https://www.bls.gov/ooh/occupation-finder." Accessed August 8, 2022.

5. College Board. " Career: Registered Nurses , https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/careers/health-diagnosis-treatment-registered-nurses." Accessed November August 8, 2022.

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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

What Penalties Could Trump Face if He Is Convicted?

Each of the 34 counts carries the possibility of up to four years in prison, but incarceration is not a given: Justice Juan M. Merchan could instead opt to impose a sentence of probation, with no prison time.

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Former President Donald J. Trump displayed on a monitor.

By Kate Christobek

May 29, 2024

If Donald J. Trump is convicted, it will be up to Justice Juan M. Merchan to decide whether his punishment will include prison time.

Mr. Trump is charged with 34 counts of falsifying business records related to the coverup of a $130,000 hush money payment that was made to the porn star Stormy Daniels in the days leading up to the 2016 election.

All of the charges are class E felonies, or the lowest category of felony in New York State.

Each count carries the possibility of up to four years in prison. But if Mr. Trump is convicted on more than one count, Justice Merchan would likely impose the punishment concurrently, meaning he would have Mr. Trump serve prison time on each of the counts simultaneously.

Incarceration is not a given: Justice Merchan could instead opt to impose a sentence of probation, with no prison time. Mr. Trump would then be required to regularly report to New York City’s Probation Department. He could also be jailed immediately if he committed additional crimes.

Justice Merchan would likely hand down Mr. Trump’s sentence several weeks after the guilty verdict. But it’s possible that any punishment could be delayed.

Mr. Trump, who is again the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, will undoubtedly appeal any conviction, a lengthy process that could take months or longer and would likely not be resolved before Election Day. In that case, he would likely remain free until the appeal is resolved.

There has been no indication yet of what Justice Merchan would decide, though he has made it known that he takes white-collar crime seriously. Mr. Trump has continually attacked and decried him as “biased” and “corrupt.”

Kate Christobek is a reporter covering the civil and criminal cases against former president Donald J. Trump for The Times. More about Kate Christobek

How Many Years Does 2 Extra Mortgage Payments Take Off?

Finances & Taxes
News & Market Trends
Published on May 29th, 2024

Richard Haddad is the managing editor of HomeLight.com. He works with an experienced content team that oversees the company’s blog featuring in-depth articles about the home buying and selling process, homeownership news, home care and design tips, and related real estate trends. Previously, he served as an editor and content producer for World Company, Gannett, and Western News & Info, where he also served as news director and director of internet operations.

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At HomeLight, our vision is a world where every real estate transaction is simple, certain, and satisfying. Therefore, we promote strict editorial integrity in each of our posts.

Paying off your mortgage faster can save you thousands in interest and help you achieve financial freedom sooner. One strategy homeowners often consider is making extra mortgage payments. But how effective is this approach? Specifically, how many years can two extra mortgage payments take off your mortgage?

In this guide, we’ll explore the impact of extra payments on your mortgage balance and term. You’ll also discover useful strategies to pay off your mortgage early and decide if paying off your mortgage ahead of schedule is right for you.

A quick (and free) way to check your home value

Get a preliminary home value estimate in as little as two minutes. Our tool uses information from multiple sources to give you a range of value based on current market trends.

What is the average U.S. mortgage balance?

According to Experian, the average U.S. mortgage debt stands at $244,498 . While other consumer debts, like credit cards and auto loans, have surged post-pandemic, mortgage balances have increased more steadily. This steady growth reflects a different trend in how homeowners manage their mortgage debt compared to other types of consumer debt.

Average mortgage debt, 2018-2023

Is your home size and mortgage balance typical? The median size of a U.S. home is around 2,300 square feet , according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The median home price is just over $400,000 . To view an interactive map of average mortgage debt balances by state, visit this Experian page .

How many U.S. homes are mortgage-free?

According to Census Bureau data analyzed by Axios, 39.3% of homes in the U.S. do not have a mortgage loan. This is the highest percentage of mortgage-free homes since 2005. Over the past decade, the number of mortgage-free homes has increased by 5%, rising from 34.3%.

Bloomberg attributes this rise to baby boomers who took advantage of low-interest rates to refinance their mortgage loans.

Experian also reports that mortgage inquiries have declined as mortgage rates increase. While less buyer activity is one obvious reason, some analysts believe this drop is also being fueled by baby boomers paying off their mortgages and using their equity to buy their next homes . Therefore, eliminating the need for another mortgage loan.

Change in mortgage inquiries, 2022-2023

Strategies to pay off a mortgage early.

There are several common strategies to pay off your mortgage early, each with its unique advantages:

Bi-weekly payments, or one extra monthly payment each year

By making bi-weekly payments, you end up making one extra monthly payment each year. This method can reduce the length of your mortgage term and save you money on interest over time.

Add to your monthly payment

Adding extra money to your monthly mortgage payment can directly reduce your principal balance . Even small additional amounts can significantly shorten your loan term and lower your interest costs.

Refinance to a shorter loan term

Refinancing your mortgage to a shorter term, such as 15 years instead of 30, can help you pay off your loan faster. While this option usually comes with higher monthly payments, it reduces the overall interest paid and shortens the mortgage duration.

Lump sum payment

Making a lump sum payment toward your mortgage can significantly reduce your principal balance. This approach is particularly effective if you come into a large sum of money, such as a bonus or inheritance. It can accelerate your mortgage payoff and reduce the total interest paid.

How many years does 2 extra mortgage payments take off?

Making two extra mortgage payments per year can significantly impact your mortgage term and overall interest paid. By spreading these extra payments throughout the year, you can reduce your loan term and save a substantial amount in interest.

To illustrate this, let’s consider a home purchase price of $350,000 with a 20% down payment, resulting in a mortgage loan amount of $280,000 at a 6% interest rate for a 30-year fixed mortgage.

The difference two extra mortgage payments can make

To simplify our example, we’ve taken the equivalent of two extra mortgage payments per year on a $280,000 loan and split it up into an extra $280 per month.

Monthly payment of $1,678.74 x 2 = $3,357.48 (rounded up to $3,360 per year)

$3,360 divided by 12 months = $280.00

Source: Calculator.net Mortgage Payoff Calculator

By making an additional $280 per month, equivalent to two extra payments per year, you can reduce your mortgage term by nine years (30%) and save over $111,000 (34.4%) in total interest. This strategy not only shortens the duration of your mortgage but also significantly reduces the overall cost of your loan.

How your month-to-month payoff progress might look

To see how dramatically this strategy can reduce your principal balance and interest costs over time, below is a monthly amortization schedule for this example loan showing year 1 and years 20 and 21, when the loan balance is paid off early compared to a typical 30-year mortgage.

Should you pay off your mortgage early?

Paying off your mortgage early has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some key pros and cons to consider:

Save on interest: Pay less interest over the life of the loan.
Increase cash flow: Free up cash for other purchases or investments.
Peace of mind: Gain peace of mind knowing your home is paid off.
Financial transformation: Transform your financial outlook and mindset.
Tax benefits: You could lose out on a tax benefit for having a mortgage.
Higher-interest debt: It may be wiser to channel extra income to higher-interest debt.
Investment opportunities: You might benefit more by investing extra income.
Home equity liquidity: It’s tough to withdraw equity from your home if you need it fast.
Other priorities: You may need the extra funds for more pressing priorities.
Prepayment penalties: Your loan servicer might charge a prepayment penalty.

Find the mortgage strategy that works for you

Choosing the right mortgage strategy plays a huge role in your overall financial health. Whether you decide to make extra payments to pay off your mortgage early or explore other options, it’s important to understand how it will impact your financial and family goals. It’s often best to consult with a professional advisor before making this decision.

For homeowners considering selling or refinancing, knowing your home’s current value can provide helpful insights. Use HomeLight’s free online home value estimator tool to get a preliminary estimate of your home’s worth.

Header Image Source: (kzlobastov/DepositPhotos)

"Average US Mortgage Debt Increases to $244,498 in 2023," Experian (March 2024)
"A record share of U.S. homes are mortgage-free," Axios (December 2023)
"The Share of Americans Who Are Mortgage-Free Is at an All-Time High," Bloomberg (November 2023)
"Baby boomers are buying up all the houses," The Washington Post (November 2023)

Richard Haddad

Managing Editor

How much mortgage can I afford?

Mortgage broker vs. lender

How to estimate a mortgage loan

What are points on a mortgage loan?

Reverse mortgage pros and cons

What’s a comparative market analysis (CMA)?

Pricing your home to sell

Expert house-pricing strategies

How to get a home appraisal

Check home value

Can I cancel PMI?

How to pay off a mortgage in 5 years

Paying off debt with a cash-out refinance

Selling your house to pay off debt

What is home equity?

Can I cancel PMI if my home value increases?

Here’s how many public EV charging ports the US has now

The US Joint Office of Energy and Transportation ’s Q2 2024 update reveals a surge in public EV charging ports. Here’s the scoop.

Public EV charging ports are mushrooming

The Joint Office reports that there are now more than 183,000 Level 2 and DC fast charging ports across the US – that’s an increase of more than 13,000 public EV charging ports in the last quarter. (If we only count DC fast chargers, there are 43,152 charging ports and 10,662 locations.)

That puts the US at over a third of the way to reaching the Biden administration’s goal of 500,000 public ports by 2030.

As for the Q2 update on how the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program rollout is going, there are now eight NEVI DC fast charging stations in six states and 33 public charging ports in operation.

Thirty-six states have released at least their first round of NEVI solicitations. Of these states, 23 have issued conditional awards or established agreements for more than 550 charging station locations, each with at least four fast charging ports. And four states – Maine, Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Ohio – are already in Round 2 of releasing conditional awards.

And yesterday, Wisconsin became the first state to award funding to Tribal Nations for NEVI charging stations.

Electrek’s Take

To my delight, DC fast chargers are popping up all around me. There’s a brand-new 250 kW Tesla Supercharger with 12 ports in Salem, New Hampshire, which is a huge help when we drive back from Boston, and a Rivian DC fast charger station just opened up five miles away. In April, Vermont trailblazed with its first NEVI charging station with four ports in Bradford . If you’re seeing similar EV charger rollouts in your area, I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.

There’s been press coverage in the mainstream media about how slow the NEVI rollout is, but as I’ve said before, there’s an enormous amount of groundwork that needs to be completed before these EV stations come online.

The federal and state governments are creating EV Alternative Fuel Corridors – that’s unprecedented. Everyone has started from scratch. Plus, they need to get it right because the chargers must be operational 97% of the time to qualify for NEVI funding. (Fun fact: Tesla has won the highest percentage of NEVI charging awards of any company. So I’m wondering how that’s going to work since the Supercharger team was fired.)

Top comment by Les Inanchy

Everyone should remember, it’s taken over 100 years for us to get to this level of gas station availability around the country. Essentially, electricity is everywhere. I know in California every new house built must now have solar panels, and I believe must also have a 220 V line, either in the garage or near the garage. I may be wrong on that but if I am, that first place I would start. We have had Teslas for seven years now, and 99% of the time we charge at home. And I understand that not everybody has a private single family home that they can install a charger at. That makes it especially important that building departments should require apartments and condos all to have charging capability, if only at a minimum access to a Nema 1450 plug.

It may not look like the NEVI program “duck” is doing much on the surface, but it’s paddling furiously underwater. NEVI chargers will suddenly start popping up everywhere.

Read more: Here’s how the US can make EV road trips seamless

If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage , a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here . –ad*

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Michelle Lewis is a writer and editor on Electrek and an editor on DroneDJ, 9to5Mac, and 9to5Google. She lives in White River Junction, Vermont. She has previously worked for Fast Company, the Guardian, News Deeply, Time, and others. Message Michelle on Twitter or at [email protected]. Check out her personal blog.

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COMMENTS

How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?
Kee says funding for a humanities Ph.D. program typically only lasts five years, even though it is uncommon for someone to obtain a Ph.D. degree in a humanities field within that time frame ...
How Long Does It Take To Get a PhD?
While many PhD programs are designed to be finished in four or five years, the average completion time is much longer when you factor in the time it takes to research and write a dissertation. In 2020, for example, doctoral students took between six and twelve years to complete their PhDs [ 1 ].
How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?
However, there are many types of programs that typically take longer than six years to complete, such as humanities and arts doctorates, where the median time for individuals to earn their degree was 7.1 years, according to the survey. Some Ph.D. candidates begin doctoral programs after they have already obtained master's degrees, which means ...
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3 to 4 years. In the USA, a PhD takes four to six years. There are several reasons for this. While in the UK, you tend to apply for a specific project, in the US, your application is aimed at a certain department and your actual proposal takes shape in the first couple of years of PhD study. The US model involves a two-phase programme, wherein ...
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How long does it take to get a PhD?
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How Long Does A PhD Take?
In the UK, a part-time PhD will typically take you 6 to 7 years; twice as long as doing a full-time PhD. The reason for this is that as a part-time PhD student, you would dedicate around 20 hours per week to your PhD as opposed to the typical 40 hours full-time students would put into their subject.
FAQ: How Many Years Does It Take to Complete a PhD?
A Ph.D. typically takes between five to six years to complete but may take longer based on the program and the student. During the first half of a Ph.D. program, you usually complete coursework and exams. The latter half is for dissertation work, which can take between one to three years. If you conduct fieldwork or other hands-on scientific ...
How Do You Get a PhD? A Guide to the PhD Timeline
The average PhD length is five or six years, while some students may take eight or nine years. Regardless of how long a PhD program takes, there are some common stages of a PhD that all doctoral students share. These major and essential milestones shape the timeline for earning your doctorate.
What a PhD Course in the USA Actually Looks Like
The duration of a PhD degree at an American university usually takes around 4-6 years of full-time study to complete. Students spend 1-4 years on the coursework stage of their programme and 2-4 years working on their dissertation. The academic year in the USA consists of two teaching semesters: August-December and January-May. These will be ...
how-many-years-does-it-take-to-earn-a-phd-degree
Choose the Doctoral Degree That's Right for You. The number of years you spend on your doctorate depends partly on your intended course of study. Many PhD programs are designed to take just three to five years. And PhD programs are not the only road to a doctoral degree. You could also choose to earn a professional doctorate.
Master's vs PhD
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.
How Long a Doctorate Degree Takes: Fast and Slow Doctoral Programs
Some candidates can fast-track and finish in as few as two or three years, but many take up to six years or more. Factors to keep in mind include field of study, residency components, and whether a dissertation is required. Here's what a typical timeline might look like. Year. 1.
What Is a PhD?
A Doctor of Philosophy, often known as a PhD, is a terminal degree—or the highest possible academic degree you can earn in a subject. While PhD programs (or doctorate programs) are often structured to take between four and five years, some graduate students may take longer as they balance the responsibilities of coursework, original research, and other degree requirements with raising ...
How Long Does It Take To Earn a Doctoral Degree?
For example, it takes an average of 7.9 years to earn a doctorate in psychology and the social sciences compared to 6.3 years in physical and earth sciences. By contrast, humanities and arts doctorates can take significantly longer, with students finishing their degree in approximately 9.6 years. Meanwhile, students pursuing a doctoral degree ...
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Psychology?
The answer can vary depending on your program, educational background, and academic schedule. In general, most PhD psychology programs take anywhere from five to seven years to complete. Learning more about what it takes to get a doctorate in psychology can help you better plan your educational and career journey.
How Long Does it Take To Get A PhD? Doctorate Degree Timeline
Many PhD candidates choose a part-time path due to work, family, or other commitments. While this flexibility is crucial for many, it stretches the duration of the program. What a full-time student might complete in 4-6 years, part-time students might take 7 years or more to finish.
Studying a PhD in The USA: The Complete Guide
1. PhD course length. The total length of a PhD in the USA is between 4-8 years for full-time students and 8-10 years for part-time students, depending on your field of study. PhDs can be completed in 4-5 years for students with a masters degree in an appropriate subject. Students typically dedicate 1-4 years on coursework, followed by 2-4 ...
How long does a PhD take in the United States? [duplicate]
1. For US PhD recipients in 2018, the median years between starting graduate school and earning a doctorate was 7.3. Completing a PhD in five years has been done many times, but most PhD students will not do it and five years is not typical. Statistics do not include PhD students who never receive a PhD.
How long is a PhD (usually) at your institution? : r/PhD
In general, Masters take about 2 years, and PhD takes about 3-4 years. So the combined length of grad school is about 5-6 years. The length of grad school is predominantly up to your adviser, if they think that your research is substantial enough and you have finished the necessary coursework, then you can defend. I have seen cases where people ...
Essential Tips for Starting Your PhD Journey: 5 Must-Know Points
Ensuring financial stability throughout your time is crucial as you will be dedicating a duration of your time solely to research. Look for fellowships available before starting your PhD, and other TA (training assistant) programmes offered by your institution. If your PhD programme exceeds five years, inquire about the additional support ...
Why do people spend up to 6-7 years to finish a PhD in the US ...
Hypothetically, the fastest you could complete your PhD was five years, but no one was able to accomplish that (well, maybe one person comes to memory) - think the average was 6-7 years, but we had many people take longer. Oh, and finding during grad school was through our practicum sites, and was usually about $15k/year…
When the PhD path leads to career struggles
It can take, as Miller notes, between four and seven years. If we think of working life as roughly between the ages of 22 and 65, then a PhD requires more than 10 percent of a person's working life.
What Is an Associate Degree? Requirements, Costs, and More
Cost. While tuition levels vary between colleges and programs, the average tuition for one year in an associate degree program is $3,800 in 2021, according to the College Board [ 1 ]. That's for public in-district schools—meaning you're a resident in the district the associate degree program is located. Compare that with the average ...
Tempted to try a no-buy year? Here are tips from people doing it
Updated 4:38 AM PDT, May 28, 2024. NEW YORK (AP) — The rules of a no-buy challenge are self-imposed and simple: Make a list of the non-essential items you won't spend money on for a set period of time and stick to it. Easier said than done. Many people start such challenges at the beginning of the year and commit to keep going until the end ...
If Convicted, Will Trump Go to Jail? Here Are the Penalties He Could
Former President Donald J. Trump is accused of falsifying records to cover up a sex scandal that threatened to derail his 2016 campaign. He faces 34 felony counts. Haiyun Jiang for The New York ...
How Many Years Does 2 Extra Mortgage Payments Take Off?
Payoff in years. 30 years. 21 years. -9 years. Source: Calculator.net Mortgage Payoff Calculator. By making an additional $280 per month, equivalent to two extra payments per year, you can reduce your mortgage term by nine years (30%) and save over $111,000 (34.4%) in total interest. This strategy not only shortens the duration of your mortgage ...
Here's how many public EV charging ports the US has now
The Joint Office reports that there are now more than 183,000 Level 2 and DC fast charging ports across the US - that's an increase of more than 13,000 public EV charging ports in the last ...

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How Long Does It Take to Get a Ph.D. Degree?

Earning a Ph.D. from a U.S. grad school typically requires nearly six years, federal statistics show.

How Long Does it Take to Get a PhD?: A Go-Getter’s Guide to Graduation

Article Contents 13 min read

Application Stage

1. Research proposal

2. Application materials

PhD Years 1-3: Coursework Stage

2. Coursework

3. Electives

4. Extracurriculars

5. Comprehensive exams

1. Thesis proposal

2. Thesis approval

3. PhD research

4. Extra requirements

5. Thesis submission and preparation for thesis defense

6. Thesis defense

Graduation and Postdoc

#1 Enroll in an accelerated program

#2 Choose the right mentor

#3 Earn credit hours faster

#4 Keep your thesis focused

#5 Develop your professional skills fast

#6 Keep to your schedule

#7 Take initiative and be independent

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How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?

Required Credit Hours

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Schedule

Final Project Requirements

University Scheduling

PhD Program Components

Prerequisites

Length to Completion

Topic of Interest

Steps to Completion

Comprehensive Examinations

Dissertation and Defense

Average Time to Complete PhD by Field of Study

Why Does It Take So Long to Finish a Traditional PhD?

Getting a PhD Online vs. Campus

Faster Progress

Multiple Start Dates

Flexibility

Equal Status

Cost-Savings

How to Finish Your PhD in Less Time

1. Use What You Already Know

2. Look for Short Classes

3. Work on Your Dissertation Throughout the Program

4. Ask for Help

Why Get a PhD?

Do You Have to Have a Master’s Degree to Get a PhD?

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD After a Master’s?

How Hard Is It to Finish a PhD?

What Is the Easiest PhD to Get?

Student-centric advice and objective recommendations

How Long Does It Take to Earn a PhD?

What is a PhD?

Why get a PhD?

How long does it take to earn a PhD?

Why earning a PhD takes years to earn

Comprehensive examinations

Dissertation