it phd degree

Informatics PhD

The INFORMATICS PhD program is a unique research degree defined by innovative application and invention of computational methods to advance existing or newly created fields of inquiry. Research and education in informatics has a strong interdisciplinary focus bringing together information and computation foundations with application areas. The Informatics PhD program at the University of Illinois supports the interdisciplinary education needed to promote the creation of new fields of research enabled by the development and application of new technologies.

PhD Focus Areas

Individually tailored student-centric study, art & cultural informatics, bioinformatics, cognitive science & language processing, data analytics & information visualization, design, technology, & society, health & medical informatics, spatial informatics, is a phd in informatics right for you, admission to the program, starting in january 2020, all applicants (including current or former uiuc masters students) for the informatics phd program must apply through the graduate college online application. applications are accepted for fall admission only . applications will open in early august, and the deadline is december 1st for the following fall admission. it is highly recommended you do not wait until the deadline to submit your application or letters of recommendation. plan to have all your application materials in one month prior to the deadline. note: the informatics phd program is completely separate and distinct from the phd in information sciences in the school of information sciences (ischool) , with its own admission policies, curriculum and expectations. if you are interested in applying to both programs, you will need to submit separate applications..

• Application submitted online.
• Application fee paid online with credit card.
• Area of Interest specified online.
• Submit three new letters of recommendation online.
• Three faculty members you might be interested in working with suggested, listed online on the Application Information page.
• Scores from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL or IELTS) online. Note: Copies are acceptable pending official scores.
• When entering in your previous degree history, the name of the institution must be entered as it appears on the official transcript.
• Please do not send additional materials (e.g. publications, photographs, videos, CDs, or portfolios). These items are not reviewed during the admissions process.
• Please note that all admissions decisions will be communicated via email to the email address provided in your application. If your email address changes between the time you submit your application and March 15, email your updated email address to [email protected]. Include your old email address, your new email address, your first and last name, and your Application identification number in the email message.

Requirements for the PhD

Committees, courses, and general information.

The signature for interdisciplinary informatics is to require courses in both Applications (the subject matter courses for a particular Area) and Foundations (the particular information technology methods, such as programming, databases, etc., that are appropriate for a particular Area.)

Courses below the 500 level cannot be used to fulfill these basic requirements, although they can be counted as part of the total course load required.

Each student can choose the standard Applications and Foundations of an established Area, or with approval of their Advisory Committee, choose custom Applications and Foundations courses across Areas.

Because students may establish new areas of research, courses outside those listed are also permitted, with approval of the student’s Advisory Committee. These four courses will form the heart of their studies and are intended to provide the basic discipline knowledge. Typically, these would be taken as soon as possible but at least by the end of Year 2 (for a student entering in Stage II of the PhD), with any prerequisite 400-level courses taken in Year 1. The timing depends on prior preparation. As soon as they have sufficient preparation, students must also take two Research Practicums.

The required courses will usually be taken by the end of Year 2 but may be taken later if the student needs further preparatory work before being prepared for 500-level courses. After completing the required courses, a student must take an Area Qualification Exam to demonstrate breadth of knowledge in their chosen area, whether standard or custom. After passing the Area Qualifier, students must form a Dissertation Committee.

All students are expected to meet professional informatics levels of knowledge in programming/databases and in mathematics/statistics, or other technical field, as relevant to their area. The level is judged by their Advisory Committee and will vary depending on the Area chosen. Some students may already be at an adequate level, while others may require remediation. Their committee will develop a plan for achieving an adequate level, including research experiences and additional coursework, and will monitor students’ progress within the remediation plan.

In the first semester of study, students must take the Orientation Seminar (first for 0 credits, and then in a later semester for 1 credit).

During the first two years students must take four courses, determined in consultation with their Advisory Committee: two in Applications and two in Foundations . When ready, they must pass the Area Qualifying Examination .

• INFO 500 Orientation Seminar (both for 0 and 1 credit)
• Two 500-level Foundations courses
• Two 500-level Applications courses
• Two semesters of INFO 510 Research Practicum

The Informatics PhD Program

The Illinois Informatics PhD program is a unique research degree defined by innovative application and invention of computational methods to advance existing or newly created fields of inquiry. Research and education in informatics has a strong interdisciplinary flavor as it involves experts in the information and computation foundations together with experts in the application areas.

The Informatics PhD program at the University of Illinois supports such interdisciplinary research, and promotes the creation of new fields of research enabled by the development and application of new technologies.

The Informatics PhD program at Illinois brings together faculty working in various application areas, faculty working in information and computation foundations, and interdisciplinary faculty conjoining the two.

• Individually tailored, student-centric study — with the help of an advisory committee, each student will craft his or her own program of study.
• Renowned faculty from the entire campus and wide disciplinary spectrum, representing more than seven Schools and Colleges across the Urbana-Champaign campus
• World-class computing resources
• Fellowships and assistantships for the most qualified applicants

PhD Research Areas

The lead-in [ ... ]

Bioinformatics

The field of bioinformatics encompasses a wide range of research efforts that aim at gaining insights into biological processes through the development and implementation of repositories and tools, and the computational and statistical analysis of biological information. Computational, informatics, statistical, and mathematical resources and technologies are integrated to organize, analyze, and visualize biological data at multiple levels of organization, from molecules and phenotypes to populations and ecosystems.

Health and Medical Informatics

Medical informatics covers all aspects of understanding and promoting the effective organization, analysis, management, and use of information in health care. The emphasis in the informatics program is on health information technology, including information management for chronic care in homes, particularly development and deployment of personal health records, healthcare infrastructure, particularly population management of everyday chronic conditions, national healthcare infrastructure, such as development of portable health records.

Spatial Informatics

Spatial Informatics represents an overarching umbrella for studying theories, methods, and applications of spatial analysis/modeling; and spatial data handling, management, and visualization, including data-intensive, large-scale, and/or multi-scale problems that involve the use and development of GIS (Geographic Information Systems). Examples include development of new theories, methods and software in GIScience (Geographic Information Science), policy and user issues of GIS, geospatial data accessibility, spatial decision support systems, geospatial problem solving environments, and novel applications of GIS such as in Business, Earth sciences, Environmental Science and Engineering, Epidemiology, Geography and Regional Science, Natural Resource Management, and Urban and Regional Planning.

Art and Cultural Informatics

Art and Cultural Informatics embraces information as medium and content for art production, experience, and dissemination. Cultural Informatics encompasses all areas in which the application of new information technologies will and might impact human expressive culture, changing the practice, experience, and dissemination of the arts, and their role in culture and society.

Design, Technology and Society

Students in the Design, Technology, and Society Area investigate the interrelationship between information technology and social, political, and cultural processes and values. This includes both the analysis of the larger consequences of informatics systems and the criticism, design, and re-design of systems to address public needs and problems. This Area of will support students interested in pursuing informatics research from the intellectual traditions and methods of either the social sciences or the humanities, as well as the domains of community informatics and social informatics.

Data Analytics and Information Visualization

Analytics and Visualization encompass data management, information retrieval, knowledge analysis, and conceptual understanding in the context of large-scale organizational systems. This Area will support technology-driven applications-oriented students in data mining, information retrieval, machine learning, information visualization, human-computer interaction, intelligent discovery environments, intelligent analysis systems, computational statistics, business analytics, and social and behavioral analytics.

Cognitive Science and Language Processing

Cognitive Science and Language Processing is a multidisciplinary program for students with an interest in computational approaches to mind and intelligence, embracing philosophy, psychology, artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and linguistics. The central hypothesis of cognitive science assumes that the mind has mental representations analogous to computer data structures, and computational procedures similar to computer algorithms. Our program also includes the inverse direction, using human cognition to improve computer processing within speech and language understanding systems.

Applicants to the PhD program must have been awarded (or are about to be awarded) a 4-year bachelors degree equivalent to that granted by the University of Illinois.

How it all works — committees, courses, and requirements

Advisory and Dissertation Committees

The Chair of the Governing Committee will appoint a Supervising Committee to approve each student’s program of study, which will be called the Advisory Committee (first half of studies) and then the Dissertation Committee (second half of studies).

This Committee must contain faculty with expertise in both the Applications area and the Foundations area chosen by the student, including at least four faculty members of the Informatics Program.

The Advisory Committee supervises the student during the first half of studies and approves their program of study. They will also preside over the Qualifying Exam.

As per Graduate College Rules the Dissertation Committee must include a minimum of four voting members, at least three of whom are members of the Graduate faculty, and at least 2 of whom are tenured (at the Univ. of Illinois, Urbana campus). All members of the committee must either be Informatics faculty affiliates, or, in the case of an off-campus committee member, must have an Informatics research focus. The four must cover all aspects of the dissertation, including both the Applications and Foundations areas. Due to the applied nature of informatics, a fifth member external to the University is highly encouraged, such as an industrial researcher. The membership may overlap with the Advisory Committee.

The membership of these committees should remain constant for each half of the student’s studies, except in unusual circumstances, but may change when it is constituted for the dissertation. Changes to the supervising committees must be approved by the Governing Committee.

The student is apprised of progress after each year.

Applications and Foundations

The first half of the program (years 1 and 2)

Area Qualifying Examination

The purpose of the Informatics Area Qualifying Exam is to test the student on the foundation and application coursework that they have taken, to make sure that they are adequately prepared to move on to the dissertation stage. If the student’s principal advisor thinks he or she is ready for a Qualifying Exam and their advisory committee is satisfied with their course work, then they may take the Qualifying Exam, provided they have completed the following:

The Qualifying Exam has two portions: a open-book/computer written exam, and an oral exam with the full Advisory Committee, approximately one week later. The questions for the written exam will be devised by the student’s Advisory Committee, including the Principal Advisor/Chair. The questions will likely be drawn from a set of readings or other material that is assigned by the committee and advisor in advance of the exam. These questions will test knowledge and understanding of the student’s Applications and Foundations areas. Committee members will provide their questions to the advisor, who will assemble them into one document, and then provide them to the student at the pre-arranged time. The time length for the written exam is flexible and should be negotiated between the student and their committee, but must be agreed to prior to the start of the exam. For example the student might be given a 4 hour block of time, or a 24 hour block of time, or a weekend (i.e. Friday 5 pm to Monday 8 am) to complete the written portion of the exam. At the end of the allotted time the student sends the written answers back to the entire committee.

This is followed approximately one week later by an oral exam lasting up to two hours. During this oral exam, the full Advisory Committee, including the chair, ask followup questions and questions from related areas. At the end of this session the committee needs to decide whether the results are Pass, Pass with Conditions, Fail, or Deferred. A result of deferred means student will be given additional readings/courses and is required to retake the exam within six months. Student may receive a deferred exam only once; thereafter options are either pass or fail.

Responsibilities of Student

It is the student’s responsibility to schedule both the written and oral portion of the qualifying exams, based on when the advisor and committee members are available. The committee must consist of 4 Informatics faculty affiliates that adequately cover the application and foundation areas of interest. The student must also notify the Informatics Education Coordinator at least three weeks in advance of the qualifying exam, and provide the dates/times/locations of the exam.

Responsibilities of Advisor

It is the advisor’s responsibility to collect the questions from the committee members, and to get those to the student at the appropriate time. They also will chair the oral followup meeting and send the final signed Qualifying Exam Results Form back to the Informatics Education Coordinator.

The second half of the program (years 3 and 4)

The second half of the program is devoted to the dissertation research, which students typically carry out during Years 3 and 4. When ready, they must pass the Preliminary Examination (essentially a proposal defense). When finished, students must present an acceptable Dissertation and then pass the Final Examination to graduate from the Informatics PhD program. A well-prepared student should pass the Preliminary Examination in Year 3 and the Final Examination in Year 4 to earn a PhD within four years of entering the program.

Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination is an oral defense of the student’s dissertation proposal. Writing a good proposal is an important part of being a successful researcher, and the preliminary exam is an important milestone that helps students develop the skill of writing a good proposal. Students write a proposal that is submitted to their committee at least 2 weeks (14 days) ahead of the exam. During the exam the student presents the proposed research and the committee evaluates the research goals and progress of the student. Thus, the two main purposes of the preliminary exam are to develop proposal writing skills and to obtain feedback on the research plan from the committee. The proposal must be approved by the student’s Dissertation Committee PRIOR to the bulk of the dissertation research being performed, and therefore most students will probably schedule their Preliminary Exams one or two semesters after passing the qualifying exam.

The format of the dissertation proposal is flexible due to the breadth of research areas encompassed in the Informatics PhD program. At a minimum it should include a definition or statement of the problem to be addressed, a comprehensive review of the literature, an outline of the methodology to be used, and a discussion of any preliminary results to date. Though there are no explicit page limits, the proposal should be between 15 and 25 pages in length, excluding the bibliographic references. The dissertation proposal should NOT be a preliminary draft (or select chapters) of the dissertation, an existing publication or a survey of the student’s research field.

Since the Dissertation Committee must be convened and approved by the Graduate College in advance of the Preliminary Examination, it is imperative that the student contact the Informatics Education Coordinator 3-6 weeks ahead of the proposed exam date (6 weeks if there is an external voting member on the committee). The student needs to email the Education Coordinator and confirm the committee members, provide their netID’s, along with the date/time and location of the exam. Once the Dissertation Committee is approved by the Graduate College, the exam must be taken within 180 days. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the Preliminary exam (including finding a suitable location) based on the availability of the committee members. The dissertation proposal must be distributed to the Dissertation Committee members (copying the Informatics Education Coordinator) at least 2 weeks (14 days) in advance of the exam date.

The Advisor will chair the Exam, and is responsible for obtaining the committee’s signatures on the form at the end of the exam. As with the Qualifying Exam, the results are either Pass, Fail, or Deferred (in which a student must retake the exam within 180 days, with the same committee members).

As per the Graduate College rules, students must be registered during the semester that they take the Preliminary exam. Please note that the Preliminary exam and final Dissertation Defense may not be taken during the same semester.

Final Defense

Students must also be registered during the semester that they have their Final Defense (though they do not need to be registered during the semester they deposit their dissertation). Similar to the Preliminary Exam, the Dissertation Committee must be convened in advance of the Final Defense, so students should contact the Informatics Education Coordinator 3-6 weeks ahead of the proposed date (6 weeks if there is an external voting member on the committee). Once the Dissertation Committee is approved by the Graduate College, the Final Defense must occur within 180 days. It is the student’s responsibility to schedule the Final Defense (including finding a suitable location) based on the availability of the committee members. The dissertation must be distributed to the Dissertation Committee members (copying the Informatics Education Coordinator) at least 2 weeks (14 days) in advance of the defense date.

The Advisor will chair the Exam, and is responsible for obtaining the committee’s signatures on the forms at the end of the exam.

Students are required to present a public seminar on their disseration research prior to the defense. Most students typically reserve a room for 2.5 -3 hours, and the seminar occurs during the first hour (approximately 45 minutes long, with 10-15 minutes for questions from the public). After the question and answer period is over, members of the public leave the room, and the committee asks further questions prior to rendering their final decision.

Course load and GPA

The minimum course load for full-time graduate students is 12 hours. If you have a 50% assistantship (not fellowship), then the minimum is 8 hours. See http://www.grad.illinois.edu/policies/fulltime for more information.

A minimum GPA is required by the Graduate College and is explained at http://www.grad.illinois.edu/gradhandbook/2/chapter3/academic-standing#MinGPA .

Required courses and hours

The total number of hours required for a PhD is 96 (or 64 with an approved MS):

• 32 hours for MS courses (400 or 500-level)
• 32 for PhD courses (400 or 500-level, as noted below)
• 32 for dissertation credits

Students entering with a suitable MS can skip the first part and graduate in 4 years, with the first half being courses and the second half being dissertation. Students entering without a suitable MS will take 5 – 6 years.

The Informatics Program requires the following courses:

• The INFO 500 Orientation seminar
• Two Research Practicums (lab rotations). This course is INFO 510 and requires an approval form .
• Two Applications courses (500-level)
• Two Foundations courses (500-level), all for some coherent plan of X-informatics.

This will supply 25 of the required 32 PhD course hours. The student will also take at least two specialty courses (at either the 400 or 500-level) for the remaining required course hours.

Summary of requirements

Required Courses and ExamsWith MS degreeWith BS degree

* Students entering without a Masters degree approved by their Advisory Committee, will be required to take 32 additional credit hours in 400- and 500-level courses approved by their Committee.

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PhD Program Overview

This doctoral program is for students who wish to advance knowledge and increase our understanding of the world through research, scholarship, and teaching. Doctoral students join the iSchool as apprentice researchers and graduate as independent scholars with great research careers, typically as tenure-stream faculty members at major research universities.

The program provides students with research experience, familiarity with appropriate information studies theories and methods, and participation in an active research community. Students attain this level of research competence through close partnership with our expert faculty who mentor and challenge them. Our curriculum offers flexibility to tailor coursework for individual need, with the intention of preparing all students to produce high-quality, original, and relevant research aligned to our mission as a school: Our Vision & Values  

Completion Timeline

iSchool faculty very strongly recommend full-time study in the doctoral program. Our doctoral program is designed to be completed within five years of full-time study, but for some students it may take four or six years. While every doctoral student’s program is unique, students will complete the program at approximately this pace in full-time study: 

• Coursework: 1.5 - 2.5 years
• Qualifying Procedure: 0.5 year
• Dissertation Proposal: 0.5 year
• Dissertation Completion: 0.5 - 1.5 years

​Program Requirements

Students must successfully complete multiple elements of the iSchool doctoral program. The requirements listed below are minima; the student's committees may require more work, especially with regard to classes, research methods, experiences, and participation in the iSchool’s research life (e.g., Research Colloquium presentations and doctoral research presentations) as well as the field’s research life (e.g., presentations at national conferences). 

• Formation of an initial committee, qualifying committee, and dissertation committee
• Thirty-nine hours of coursework (usually completed in two years)
• Preparation of a plan of study
• Annual review of each student’s progress prior to candidacy
• Authoring of a qualifying research paper
• Completion of a qualifying written examination
• Completion of the qualifying oral examination based on the written examination
• At least two submissions of research to peer-reviewed journals or proceedings
• Admission to candidacy
• Completion and defense of a dissertation proposal
• Completion and defense of a dissertation

For more detailed information about the doctoral program requirements and guidelines, please view the PhD Program Handbook:

• PhD Program Handbook

Please email us at  [email protected] if you have questions about our application requirements and admissions. For information about degree components, funding, and research, please contact the Director of Doctoral Studies at  [email protected] . 

Doctoral Program Overview

• PhD Degree Requirements
• Committees & Annual Review
• Coursework & Plan of Study
• Qualifying Procedure
• Candidacy & Dissertation

PhD Degree Resources

Student handbook.

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15 Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs – 2024

April 24, 2024

If you’re looking to attain a terminal degree but want to skip the commute to campus, an online doctoral program might be a great option for you. As our world becomes increasingly digital, many top universities have branched out into online learning, offering online PhD and doctoral programs that are just as rigorous as their in-person counterparts. Online graduate education can offer aspiring doctoral students flexibility, a high-quality education, and the option to continue working while pursuing a degree.

Many of the universities below in our round-up of the best online doctoral programs offer degrees in education—a common track for teachers looking to advance their careers. But universities across the country offer a wide range of degrees in everything from engineering management to library science. Read on for everything you need to know as you consider applying.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – How Long Does It Take to Get a Doctoral Degree Online?

Online doctoral programs are often designed with full-time professionals in mind, prioritizing flexibility so that you can complete your degree at your own pace. Program lengths will vary, but most will take four to seven years. For students who need to take things slower, many programs offer options to spread degree requirements out over time. When applying, here are a few good questions to ask your admissions officer:

• How long do most graduate students take to complete their degrees?
• Are there flexible options for how many courses you’ll take per term?
• Will you pay tuition per semester or per credit hour? If paying by credit hour, will you able to choose how many classes you take each semester?
• Will you be required to write a dissertation? If so, how long do students usually take to write them?

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Is an Online PhD Program a Good Fit for Me?

There’s no denying it: online doctoral programs are different than traditional ones. Many traditional PhD programs are designed for future academics, aka for graduate students who intend to apply for jobs as university professors after graduation. Traditional PhD programs are full-time, research-focused, in-person, and often offer graduate students funding in exchange for teaching or research assistant responsibilities. Online doctoral programs do also involve research, but most online graduate students are not full-time students. Rather, many students enrolled in online doctoral programs are working professionals who attend classes in the evenings or asynchronously. With that in mind, an online program can be a fantastic opportunity to further your current career.

An online doctorate program could be a great fit for you if:

• You want to advance your career. A doctorate can lead to further opportunities for promotion and certain fields offer automatic pay increases for people with advanced degrees.
• You love research and want to develop expertise in a topic that fascinates you.
• You learn well in online settings, including asynchronous classes.
• You plan to continue working while you study.

Online doctoral programs typically do not offer their students funding, though there may be scholarships and grants available to you.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – What to Consider When Choosing an Online Doctorate Program

Since a doctorate can take 4-7 years or more to complete, choosing the right school for you is a huge decision. Our list below dives into many details you’ll need to know like acceptance rate, retention rate, and cost of tuition. It’s important to consider big-picture factors such as:

• Time to complete degree
• Professors and mentors—you’ll want to make sure you can study with faculty who have expertise in your academic interests
• Flexibility—does the program fit with your schedule? Do they require any in-person meetings?
• Graduation rate—ask your admissions officer for the most recent figures

You’ll also want to consider whether you want to pursue a PhD or a doctorate degree. If you’re pursuing a PhD, you can expect to focus more significantly on academic research and you’ll need to complete a dissertation. A doctorate is an equivalent degree that is less focused on academic research and may not require a dissertation. Doctorates can often involve more career development or hands-on practicum experience.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Are Online PhDs Respected?

Yes, online doctoral programs are just as rigorous and respected as their in-person counterparts. If you hope to earn a tenure-track faculty position at a university, it’s likely a traditional PhD program will be a better route. However, if you’re seeking a doctorate for career advancement and further learning, an online doctoral program can be a great fit. Many of the most prestigious universities offer online programs, and your diploma will likely not specify whether you completed an online or traditional degree.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – What Do I Need to Apply?

Application requirements will vary depending on the program you’re applying to. All programs will require your academic transcripts, many require letters of recommendation, and some require GRE scores. On top of that, some programs will require a personal statement or writing portfolio. Contrary to what you might think, Master’s degrees are not always required for admission to online doctoral programs.

The Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs

1) university of florida.

Located in Gainesville, the University of Florida offers 10 different online doctoral programs . Well known for its graduate programs in education, educators can pursue PhDs in educational leadership, special education, computer science education, among other options. UF also offers online programs in nursing, Latin and Roman studies, microbiology, and a few other fields. Established in 1853, UF is a flagship state university with a strong reputation.

• Graduation Rate: 89%
• Acceptance Rate: 31%
• In State Tuition: $6,380
• Out of State Tuition: $28,658
• Application Requirements: Application portfolio (sample essays or projects), GRE scores, minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.4 or graduate GPA of 3.5, letters of recommendation

2) George Washington University

George Washington University ’s Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering leads the way with the university’s most comprehensive online PhD offerings . Through them, students can pursue doctoral degrees in cybersecurity analytics, engineering in artificial intelligence, systems engineering, or engineering management. Educators can also pursue well-respected degrees in education leadership and human and organizational learning.

• Graduation Rate: 85%
• Acceptance Rate: 43%
• Tuition: $31,770
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, personal statement, letters of recommendation, academic records

3) Johns Hopkins University

• A ten-year-old program , Johns Hopkins ’ online PhD in education allows students to specialize in digital age learning, entrepreneurial leadership, urban leadership, and other topics. Note their high graduation rate: Johns Hopkins is a competitive program , but admitted students are well-supported on their path to graduation.
• Graduation Rate: 94%
• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Tuition: $57,010
• Application Requirements: Master’s degree, minimum GPA of 3.0

Best Online Doctoral Programs/PhD Programs (Continued)

4) texas tech university.

Texas Tech University offers a wide range of online and hybrid PhD programs that provide their students flexibility as they work toward completing their terminal degree. An affordable university in Lubbock, Texas Tech is a great place for future doctors of education, consumer science, technical communication, engineering management, and financial planning.

• Graduation Rate: 63%
• Acceptance Rate: 70%
• In State Tuition: $6,788
• Out of State Tuition: $14,968
• Application Requirements: Academic transcripts, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

5) Iowa State University

Although Iowa State University ’s online doctorate programs require some in-person meetings, ISU may still be a good fit for online students. With more uncommon online doctoral programs in hospitality management and apparel, merchandising, and design, ISU offers flexible routes to completing your dissertation.

• Graduation Rate: 75%
• Acceptance Rate: 88%
• In State Tuition: $9,758
• Out of State Tuition: $24,720
• Application Requirements: Academic records, minimum 3.0 GPA

6) University of Alabama

Online University of Alabama students may miss out on a lively campus culture and football games, but they can still take advantage of UA’s top-notch academics. Well-known for its online education graduate programs, UA also offers programs in social work, communication and information sciences, and engineering.

• Graduation Rate: 72%
• Acceptance Rate: 80%
• In State Tuition: $11,940
• Out of State Tuition: $32,300
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic records

7) University of Missouri

One of the most robust in terms of online offerings, the University of Missouri ’s online PhD classes are taught by the same professors who teach Mizzou’s in-person classes. Mizzou offers programs in education and nursing. They also allow students to pursue doctorates in harder-to-find subjects like health sciences, agriculture, architecture, and library science.

• Graduation Rate: 73%
• Acceptance Rate: 82%
• In State Tuition: $9,478
• Out of State Tuition: $25,946
• Application Requirements: Academic record, minimum GPA of 3.0, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

8) University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

One of the oldest public universities in the U.S., University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill is known as a leader in education. UNC Chapel Hill offers just three online PhDs: public health, nursing, and education. Although some online classes require in-person or proctored final exams, doctoral requirements can mostly be completed online.

• Graduation Rate: 91%
• Acceptance Rate: 25%
• In State Tuition: $9,208
• Out of State Tuition:  $36,891
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic records, letters of recommendation, personal statement

9) Georgia Southern University

Located in Savannah, Georgia Southern University works hard to create an environment of support and collaboration, even online. One of the more robust programs out there, GSU offers respected online programs in public health, nursing, education, and engineering.

• Graduation Rate: 54%
• Acceptance Rate: 91%
• In State Tuition: $4,986
• Out of State Tuition: $19,890
• Application Requirements: Minimum GPA of 3.0

10) Indiana University

Indiana University allows students to study at their own pace through flexible online doctoral programs. One of the only schools to offer online programs in music therapy and philanthropy leadership, IU also allows students to pursue tracks in health sciences, education, and computing and technology. Most classes are asynchronous and students can take courses through any IU campus.

• Graduation Rate: 41%
• Acceptance Rate: 92%
• In State Tuition: $9732
• Out of State Tuition: $21,160
• Application Requirements: GRE scores, academic record

11) Mississippi State University

A solid option for future doctors of philosophy, Mississippi State University is a research-focused and inclusive university. An especially strong option for those looking to study engineering or computer science, MSU offers 9 different majors within those fields.  MSU also offers tracks in plant science and education leadership.

• Graduation Rate: 64%
• In State Tuition: $9,398
• Out of State Tuition: $25,444
• Application Requirements: Academic record, letters of recommendation, personal statement

12) Appalachian State University

Although Appalachian State University is known for its beautiful setting in Boone, North Carolina, App State still has much to offer online students. This school offers only one part-time PhD program in education leadership , but its affordability compared to other programs makes this school stand out.

• In State Tuition: $4,839
• Out of State Tuition: $18,271
• Application Requirements: Academic record, GRE scores or 3.0 minimum GPA, Master’s degree

13) Purdue University

An online doctoral program that maintains a high standard of excellence, Purdue is a great place for future doctors of technology, educational leadership and policy, and higher education. Purdue graduate students can expect to co-author papers with faculty and gain hands-on experience in research.

• Graduation Rate: 38%
• Acceptance Rate: 30%
• Tuition: $420 per credit

14) Concordia University Chicago

Concordia University ’s online doctoral programs allow students to complete their degree in three to five years. Through their shortened term system, students take 8-week classes and then write their dissertation in their final three semesters. A leader in online doctoral programs, Concordia offers paths in strategic innovation, healthcare management, education leadership, and organizational leadership.

• Tuition: $9,090
• Application Requirements: Academic record, Master’s degree with minimum 3.0 GPA, letters of recommendation, portfolio and personal statement varies by program

15) Clemson University

A public school in South Carolina, Clemson aims to prepare online doctoral students for diverse career paths. Proudly offering programs that are difficult to find elsewhere, Clemson graduate students can study healthcare genetics and parks, recreation, and tourism management. Education professionals can complete degrees in education systems, learning science, and teaching, literacy, language, and culture.

• Graduation Rate: 84%
• Acceptance Rate: 49%
• In State Tuition: $10,600
• Out of State Tuition: $22,050
• Application Requirements: Academic record, letters of recommendation, portfolio and personal statement vary by program

The Best Online Doctoral Programs – Additional Resources

Looking to learn more about graduate school admissions? We’ve got you covered.

Admissions Tips

• What is a Good GRE Score?
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• How to Get into Grad School with a Low GPA
• Do You Need a Master’s to get a PhD?

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• Graduate School Admissions

Christina Wood

Christina Wood holds a BA in Literature & Writing from UC San Diego, an MFA in Creative Writing from Washington University in St. Louis, and is currently a Doctoral Candidate in English at the University of Georgia, where she teaches creative writing and first-year composition courses. Christina has published fiction and nonfiction in numerous publications, including The Paris Review , McSweeney’s , Granta , Virginia Quarterly Review , The Sewanee Review , Mississippi Review , and Puerto del Sol , among others. Her story “The Astronaut” won the 2018 Shirley Jackson Award for short fiction and received a “Distinguished Stories” mention in the 2019 Best American Short Stories anthology.

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What Is a Doctorate Degree?

A doctorate is usually the most advanced degree someone can get in an academic discipline, higher education experts say.

What Is a Doctorate?

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It's unwise to apply to a doctoral program if you don't have a clear idea of how you might use a doctorate in your career.

In many academic disciplines, the most advanced degree one can earn is a doctorate. Doctorate degree-holders are typically regarded as authorities in their fields, and many note that a major reason for pursuing a doctorate is to increase professional credibility.

"If someone wants to be respected as an expert in their chosen field, and also wants to have a wider array of options in research, writing, publishing, teaching, administration, management, and/or private practice, a doctorate is most definitely worth considering," Don Martin, who has a Ph.D. in higher education administration , wrote in an email.

A doctoral degree is a graduate-level credential typically granted after multiple years of graduate school, with the time-to-degree varying depending on the type of doctoral program, experts say.

Earning a doctorate usually requires at least four years of effort and may entail eight years, depending on the complexity of a program's graduation requirements. It also typically requires a dissertation, a lengthy academic paper based on original research that must be vetted and approved by a panel of professors and later successfully defended before them for the doctorate to be granted.

Some jobs require a doctorate, such as certain college professor positions, says Eric Endlich, founder of Top College Consultants, an admissions consulting firm that helps neurodivergent students navigate undergraduate and graduate school admissions.

Endlich earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree, commonly known as a Ph.D., from Boston University in Massachusetts. He focused on psychology and notes that a doctoral degree is generally required to be a licensed psychologist.

"Since a Ph.D. is a research-focused degree, it can be advantageous to those seeking high-level research positions in scientific fields such as astrophysics or biotechnology," he says.

How Long it Takes to Get a Doctorate Degree

Martin, founder and CEO of Grad School Road Map, an organization that helps grad school applicants navigate the admissions process, says obtaining a doctorate is often a lengthy endeavor.

"Typically it can take between four and six years to complete any doctoral program," he says. "If comprehensive examinations and a dissertation are part of the graduation requirements, it may take a year or two longer. There is no standard amount of time – some students take seven to 10 years to finish."

Endlich says doctoral degree hopefuls should be aware that completing a dissertation may take a long time, especially if unexpected hurdles arise.

"My dissertation, for example, involved recruiting college students to complete questionnaires, and it took much longer than I anticipated to recruit enough subjects for my study," he says.

The standards for a dissertation, which include the proposal and research, are rigorous and usually involve a review and approval by a faculty committee, says Hala Madanat, vice president for research and innovation at San Diego State University in California.

"As part of dissertation requirements, some programs will require publication of the research in high-impact peer-reviewed journals," Madanat wrote in an email.

Types of Doctoral Degree Programs

According to professors and administrators of doctoral programs, there are two types of doctorates.

Doctor of Philosophy

A doctor of philosophy degree is designed to prepare people for research careers at a university or in industry, and teach students how to discover new knowledge within their academic discipline. Ph.D. degrees are offered in a wide range of academic subjects, including highly technical fields like biology , physics, math and engineering; social sciences like sociology and economics; and humanities disciplines like philosophy.

A Ph.D. is the most common degree type among tenure-track college and university faculty, who are typically expected to have a doctorate. But academia is not the only path for someone who pursues a Ph.D. It's common for individuals with biology doctorates to work as researchers in the pharmaceutical industry, and many government expert positions also require a Ph.D.

Professional or clinical doctorates

These are designed to give people the practical skills necessary to be influential leaders within a specific industry or employment setting, such as business, psychology , education or nursing . Examples of professional doctoral degrees include a Doctor of Business Administration degree, typically known as a DBA; a Doctor of Education degree, or Ed.D.; and a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree, or DNP.

A law degree, known as a juris doctor or J.D., as well as a Doctor of Medicine degree, or M.D., are also considered professional doctorates.

How to Get a Doctorate

Getting a doctorate is challenging. It ordinarily requires a series of rigorous classes in a field of study and then passage of a qualification exam in order to begin work on a dissertation, which is the final project.

Dissertations are difficult to write, says David Harpool, vice president of graduate and online programs at Newberry College in South Carolina. Some research indicates that only about half of doctoral students go on to finish their degree, and a main reason is that many never finish and successfully defend their dissertation

"Many of them are in programs that permit them to earn a master’s on the way to a doctorate," Harpool, who earned a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University in Missouri and a J.D. from the University of Missouri , wrote in an email. "The transition from mastering a discipline to creating new knowledge (or at least applying new knowledge in a different way), is difficult, even for outstanding students."

Learn about how M.D.-Ph.D. programs

There is a often a "huge shift in culture" at doctoral programs compared to undergraduate or master's level programs, says Angela Warfield, who earned a Ph.D. in English from the University of Iowa.

Doctoral professors and students have more of a collaborative relationship where they function as colleagues, she says. And there's pressure on each student to produce "significant and original research."

Many full-time doctoral students work for the school as researchers or teaching assistants throughout their program, so time management is crucial to avoid burnout. However, the dissertation "is by far the biggest battle," she says. The goal is to avoid an "ABD," she says, meaning "all but dissertation."

"In my writing group, we had two motivational slogans: 'ABD is not a degree,' and 'a good dissertation is a done dissertation,'" Warfield, now the principal consultant and founder of admissions consulting firm Compass Academics, wrote in an email.

How Are Doctorate Admissions Decisions Made?

Admissions standards for doctoral programs vary depending on the type of doctorate, experts say.

The quality of a candidate's research is a distinguishing factor in admissions decisions, Madanat says. Meanwhile, leaders of clinical and professional doctorate programs say that the quality of a prospective student's work experience matters most.

Doctoral programs typically expect students to have a strong undergraduate transcript , excellent letters of recommendation and, in some cases, high scores on the Graduate Record Examination , or GRE, Endlich says.

"The size of the programs may be relatively small, and universities need to be sure that applicants will be able to handle the demands of their programs," he says.

Because professional doctorates often require students to come up with effective solutions to systemic problems, eligibility for these doctorates is often restricted to applicants with extensive first-hand work experience with these problems, according to recipients of professional doctorates.

In contrast, it's common for Ph.D. students to begin their programs immediately after receiving an undergraduate degree. The admissions criteria at Ph.D. programs emphasize undergraduate grades, standardized test scores and research projects , and these programs don't necessarily require work experience.

Admissions decisions may also depend on available funding, says Madanat, who works with doctoral students to provide funding, workshops and faculty support to help their research.

Who Is a Good Fit for a Doctoral Program?

Doctoral degree hopefuls "should be interested in making a deep impact on their field, open-minded, eager to learn, curious, adaptable and self-motivated," Madanat says. "Doctoral programs are best suited for those whose goals are to transform and change the fields they are studying and want to make a difference in the way the world is."

Someone who loves to study a subject in great depth, can work alone or in teams, is highly motivated and wants to develop research skills may be a good candidate for a doctoral program, Endlich says.

Because of the tremendous effort and time investment involved in earning a doctorate, experts say it's foolish to apply to a doctoral program if it's unclear how you might use a doctorate in your career.

"The students are being trained with depth of knowledge in the discipline to prepare them for critical thinking beyond the current state of the field," Madanat says. "Students should consider the reasons that they are pursuing a doctoral degree and whether or not it aligns with their future professional goals, their family circumstances and finances."

Rachel D. Miller, a licensed marriage and family therapist who completed a Ph.D. degree in couples and family therapy at Adler University in Illinois in 2023, says pursuing a doctorate required her to make significant personal sacrifices because she had to take on large student loans and she needed to devote a lot of time and energy to her program. Miller says balancing work, home life and health issues with the demands of a Ph.D. program was difficult.

For some students, the financial component may be hard to overlook, Warfield notes.

"Student debt is no joke, and students pursuing graduate work are likely only compounding undergraduate debt," she says. "They need to really consider the payoff potential of the time and money sacrifice."

To offset costs, some programs are fully funded, waiving tuition and fees and providing an annual stipend. Some offer health insurance and other benefits. Students can also earn money by teaching at the university or through fellowships, but those adding more to their plate should possess strong time management skills, experts say.

"Graduate school, and higher education in general, can be brutal on your physical and mental health," Miller wrote in an email.

But Miller says the time and effort invested in her doctoral program paid off by allowing her to conduct meaningful research into the best way to provide therapy to children affected by high-conflict divorce and domestic violence. She now owns a therapy practice in Chicago.

Miller urges prospective doctoral students to reflect on whether getting a doctorate is necessary for them to achieve their dream job. "Really know yourself. Know your purpose for pursuing it, because that's what's going to help carry you through."

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• Online Doctoral Programs

Online Doctoral Programs Discover what online doctoral programs Liberty has to offer!

Become a Leader in Your Field with an Online Doctoral Degree from Liberty University

If you’re considering an online doctoral degree, then your career goals probably include a role in leadership, research, or education. Doctoral, postgraduate, and specialist programs are all excellent ways for you to advance in your career and become a subject matter expert, a professor, or a professional researcher. With 75+ doctoral, postgraduate, and specialist degrees to choose from, Liberty can help make your aspirations a reality.

We offer each of our online PhD programs, professional doctorates, and postgraduate degrees in an online format, and most can be completed 100% online. This allows you to stay active in your career, with your family, and in your community while reaching the pinnacle of academic achievement. We also primarily offer courses in an 8-week format with 8 different start dates each year and no set login times, so you have the opportunity to complete your classes at your own pace and on your schedule.

Additionally, some programs may require on-campus intensives, so you can explore our campus while connecting in-person with your classmates and professors. Some degree programs also have required practicums or internships that allow you to gain hands-on experience in your own community.

At Liberty, our mission is to  Train Champions for Christ . We want to help prepare you to influence the world as a leader, educator, and expert. As you partner with us to reach your career goals, we’ll seek to provide you with the knowledge, tools, and resources you need to meet those goals.

Ranked in the Top 10% of Niche.com’s Best Online Schools in America

• What Sets Us Apart?
• Private Nonprofit University
• 600+ Online Degrees
• No Standardized Testing for Admission
• Transfer in up to 75% of an Undergrad Degree
• Transfer in up to 50% of a Grad/Doctoral Degree

Available Doctoral Degrees Online

Aeronautics.

• Aviation (PhD)

Arts and Sciences

• History (PhD)

Behavioral Sciences

• Marriage and Family Counseling
• Pastoral Care and Counseling
• Traumatology
• Counselor Education and Supervision (PhD)
• Behavioral Health Leadership
• Developmental Psychology
• General Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Entrepreneurship
• Executive Coaching
• Supply Chain and Logistics
• Healthcare Management
• Human Resources
• Information Systems
• International Business
• Nonprofit Leadership and Management
• Project Management
• Real Estate Development
• Strategic Management
• Strategic Media and Digital Content
• Supply Chain Management and Logistics
• Tourism Management
• Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL)

Communication and the Arts

• Communication (PhD)
• Strategic Media (PhD)
• Applied Apologetics (PhD)
• Bible Exposition (PhD)
• Church Revitalization
• Digital Discipleship
• Faith-Based Consulting
• Ministry Leadership
• Next Generation Ministry
• Spiritual Formation
• Strategic Christian Ministry
• Biblical Studies
• Discipleship
• Evangelism and Church Planting
• Expository Preaching and Teaching
• Pastoral Counseling
• Theology and Apologetics
• Urban Ministry
• Christian Apologetics
• Church History
• Global Studies
• Practical Theology (PhD)
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership
• Instructional Design and Technology
• Special Education
• Administration and Supervision – Educational Leadership
• Curriculum and Instruction – Educational Psychology
• Curriculum and Instruction – Elementary Education
• Curriculum and Instruction – General
• Curriculum and Instruction – Instructional Design and Technology
• Curriculum and Instruction – Middle Grades Education
• Curriculum and Instruction – Online Teaching and Learning
• Curriculum and Instruction – Secondary Education
• Curriculum and Instruction – Special Education
• Higher Education Administration – Assessment and Evaluation
• Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership
• Higher Education Administration – Organizational Leadership
• Higher Education Administration – Student Affairs
• Educational Law
• Organizational Leadership
• Higher Education Administration
• Educational Research (PhD)
• Assessment and Evaluation
• Student Affairs
• Homeland Security
• Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP)
• Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
• Public Administration (PhD)
• Chinese Affairs
• Economic Policy
• Education Policy
• Foreign Policy
• National Security Policy
• Social Policy

Health Sciences

• Doctor of Health Sciences (DHSc) – General
• Exercise and Sport Science
• Trauma-Informed Care
• Christian Worship (PhD)
• Doctor of Music Education (DME)
• Ethnomusicology
• Music Education (PhD)
• Family Nurse Practitioner (Post-BSN)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-BSN)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Post-MSN)
• Nursing – Nursing Education (PhD)

Benefits of Liberty’s Online Doctoral Programs

Here are just some of the benefits of choosing Liberty for your online degree:

• Affordability  | Your success is our success, which is why we’re committed to providing quality academics at an affordable tuition rate. While other colleges are increasing their tuition, we have frozen tuition rates for the majority of our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs for the past 9 years — and counting.
• Credibility  | Liberty University is regionally accredited through the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ) and holds some of the highest programmatic accreditation for the  School of Nursing  (CCNE),  School of Business  (ACBSP),  School of Music  (NASM),  Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools  (ATS), and  School of Behavioral Sciences  (CACREP).
• Flexibility  | Liberty’s online courses are mainly offered in a flexible, 8-week course format with 8 different start dates throughout the year.
• Expert Instructors  | Our faculty have years of experience in their fields, and they are committed to helping you thrive spiritually, academically, and professionally. With their guidance, you’ll receive real-world knowledge and experience in your virtual classroom.
• Student Support  | Academic advisors and a technical support team are here to assist you from day one. We’ll be available to you from the admission process through graduation.

Not sure what to choose?

Speak to one of our admissions specialists to help you choose the program that best fits your needs.

Value of Degree

Earning a terminal degree is both an invaluable experience and a rewarding investment. Throughout your program, you can learn advanced techniques and knowledge within your field to help you excel professionally while leading others. Additionally, hands-on experience is available in most of our programs, and you’ll have the opportunity to complete independent research, making you a subject matter expert. Take a look below to find out why you should pursue your doctorate.

Return on Investment

What are the rewards? With a doctoral degree, you could receive a median  salary that’s higher  than your professional counterparts with only a master’s degree, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – learn more . What may initially feel like a sacrifice is actually a wise investment that could increase your potential for earning an advanced position, a leadership role, and/or a higher salary. PhD degrees online and other doctoral degrees are an investment of both time and money — but obtaining one can help enrich your life. While you spend time studying, researching, and writing throughout your degree, you can find great personal and professional satisfaction along the way.

Employment Opportunities

If the purpose of pursuing your doctoral degree is to gain new employment, you’re on the right track. The Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates an increase in entry-level positions  that require applicants to have a doctoral degree – learn more .** Plus, your doctoral degree can help make you a more qualified candidate than someone with a master’s. If you haven’t started yet, don’t worry. Liberty University offers 75+ online doctoral degrees in a variety of areas and career fields. Our doctoral programs are designed to help give you a professional edge — whatever your calling may be.

Convenience

Chances are you’re a working professional with a home, a family, and an active social life. What if you could pursue your degree while still working full time? Or take classes without moving your family across the country or the globe? By earning your doctorate online, you’ll have the opportunity to reap all the benefits of higher education, advanced training, and scholarly research without pausing your life. You can  complete classes on your own time and at your own pace  while maintaining your professional and social relationships.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at  Earnings and unemployment rates by educational attainment, 2020  (viewed online Sept. 10, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, at  Employment, wages, and projected change in employment by typical entry-level education  (viewed online Sept. 10, 2021). Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Why Choose One of Liberty University’s Online PhD Programs, Professional Doctorates Online, or Postgraduate Degrees?

You believe in leadership excellence. So do we. That’s why at Liberty University, we can help you become an essential contributor to your field and the kind of leader who inspires others. By pursuing one of Liberty’s online doctoral programs, you can prepare to impact your profession as an innovative thinker, industry leader, and respected expert.

If you’ve already earned an accredited master’s degree and want to flourish at the top of your career field, then one of Liberty University’s online doctoral programs or postgraduate degrees may be right for you. You’ll find that an online PhD, EdD, DNP, DBA, or other advanced degree may not only increase your salary potential — it could also help boost your job performance. Whether you’re in academia or the private sector, Liberty offers numerous accredited online doctoral programs that can help you become a leader in your field.

As a university committed to both excellence and integrity, Liberty University is one of the premier colleges offering online degrees. We understand that life doesn’t stop when you go back to school, so our online doctoral programs vary in format, depending on your degree. Most of our doctoral and postgraduate degrees are 100% online, and only a few require on-campus visits.

Most of the on-campus requirements are completed through one or more intensives — week-long classes held on our beautiful Lynchburg, Va., campus — that supplement your online classes. Intensives are rich opportunities for you to network, connect with your professors and classmates, and enjoy all the benefits of being a Liberty University student on campus. Intensives are typically offered multiple times per year for your convenience.

Compare Liberty to the Competition

Liberty University’s award-winning, flexible, low-cost programs offer you great value for your time and money. Find out how Liberty compares to the competition today!

Information about Liberty’s Doctoral Degree Programs

Liberty University offers a diverse array of doctoral degree programs designed to help advance your expertise and career in various fields. These programs are crafted to help equip students with profound knowledge and practical skills through rigorous coursework, comprehensive research, and real-world application.

• The majority of tuition for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs has not increased in 9 years.* While many other online colleges have raised tuition, Liberty has been able to keep costs low as a nonprofit university.
• Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ).
• Our online PhD programs and other doctorates are primarily offered in 8-week courses with 8 different start dates each year and no set login times.
• Most of our doctoral programs are 100% online. Some programs also have required residential intensives, which provide opportunities for you to visit our beautiful campus, study in our state-of-the-art facilities, and build your professional network.

*Please note: Beginning Spring 2022, tuition rates for Liberty’s PMHNP programs will increase. Current students who have already matriculated may be eligible for grandfathered rates. For questions, please contact Academic Advising.

What Will You Study in Our Online Doctoral Programs?

By pursuing one of Liberty’s online PhD programs or doctoral degrees, you can learn how to solve problems and recognize potential growth opportunities in your field. Every postgraduate and doctoral program — from counseling and education to nursing and divinity — can help strengthen your skills in research, data analysis, writing, and the application of theory to real-world scenarios.

At Liberty, we strive to be one of the most affordable online colleges in the world, and our reputation for upholding rigorous academic standards is widely recognized. You’ll work hard for your doctorate degree — and be glad that you did.

What can an Online Doctoral Degree Program do for Your Career?

A doctoral degree is a terminal degree — the highest level of education for a particular area of study. Completing a PhD program or one of our other doctoral degrees can give you a level of discipline and specialized knowledge that can not only help equip you for a leadership position in fields like education, counseling, business, and ministry, but can also help make you an attractive hire to many employers.

In highly competitive fields, certain positions go exclusively to applicants with doctoral degrees. As more and more employers seek candidates with terminal degrees to fill top positions, the demand for quality, flexible education is growing. You no longer have to choose between becoming one of those candidates and maintaining your current work-life balance — you can start one of our doctoral programs without leaving home. Liberty’s online doctoral programs allow you to further your career without putting your life on hold.

Liberty University is dedicated to providing world-class educational experiences to military students across the globe.

Who May Qualify?

• Active Duty
• Reserve/National Guard
• Veterans/Retirees
• Spouses of Service Members and Veterans/Retirees

Military Tuition Discount

We want to help you find the doctoral degree you want – at a price you’ve earned. As a thank-you for your military service, Liberty University offers eligible current and former service members like you or your spouse multiple pathways to earn a doctoral degree for only $300/credit hour . Find out how you can take advantage of this unique opportunity as you work toward your goal of reaching the pinnacle of your profession – for less.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i get a doctoral degree online.

Yes! At Liberty University, we offer 75+ postgraduate degrees, professional doctorates, and PhD programs online. Most of these programs are available 100% online with no set login times. That means you can stay invested in your family, job, and community while working toward your degree. As long as your assignments are completed by their respective due dates, you can complete your coursework on your schedule — whenever it’s most convenient for you.

Liberty has been a pioneer in distance learning since 1985, so we know what it takes to create online degrees that blend flexibility, accessibility, and high-quality academics. Throughout your online doctoral program, you’ll have easy access to textbooks, syllabi, videos, and more as you complete your assignments. Our professors are also available to answer any questions you may have, and they are excited to partner with you as you take this next step in your academic journey.

While the majority of our doctorates are offered 100% online, some programs — such as our post-BSN DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner — also have required  on-campus intensives . That means most of your courses will be completed online, and you’ll travel to our campus in Lynchburg, Va., for the remaining few courses.

Additionally, our PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is an intensive-based program, which means many of the courses are on-campus intensives. Residential intensives give you the exciting opportunity to visit our campus and connect in-person with other professionals in your program.

At Liberty, we’re committed to providing degrees that meet your unique learning style. Whether you’re seeking a 100% online program or want to take some in-person courses, we have what you need!

Can I pursue a doctorate without a master’s?

Most of our doctoral degrees online require a master’s degree for admission to help ensure that you are ready for doctoral-level coursework. However, both our post-BSN DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner and our post-BSN DNP in Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner allow you to apply with only a bachelor’s degree! These 2 programs cover the foundational and advanced topics needed to help you seamlessly transition from an undergraduate program to a doctoral degree.

Are online doctoral programs credible?

If you’re like many students, you’re probably wondering whether an online doctoral degree program offers the same rigor and credibility as a residential degree. As long as you select a university and/or program that is accredited, you can be confident that your online doctorate will hold weight as a respected, advanced educational credential.

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC ) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Our faculty members are well-respected leaders in their fields who use their expertise to help further your proficiency in research, examination, and application of your knowledge. Whether you pursue an online PhD, EdD, DBA, DMin, or any of our other doctoral programs, you can gain valuable knowledge as you develop into a leader of distinction.

Additionally, many of our schools have achieved programmatic accreditation, including the following:

• Liberty University’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs ( CACREP ).
• Liberty University’s School of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs ( ACBSP ).
• Liberty University’s John W. Rawlings School of Divinity is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of  ATS , the Association of Theological Schools.
• All of our School of Education initial and advanced licensure programs are accredited by the  Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation ( CAEP ) .
• Liberty University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music ( NASM ).
• The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and the postgraduate APRN certificate program at Liberty University School of Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).

How many years is a doctoral degree?

One question you likely have as you research doctoral programs is “How long does it take to get a doctoral degree?” That depends on the exact program you choose. Our shortest doctoral program is the Doctor of Ministry (DMin), which only has 30 credit hours, and our longest doctorate is the DNP in Family Nurse Practitioner at 78 credit hours. Additionally, our postgraduate programs (the EdS and ThM) are 30 credit hours long.

In general, our online doctoral programs can be completed in 2-3 years while our postgraduate degrees can take as little as 1 year. You can also potentially transfer in up to 50% of your postgraduate or doctoral credits — so you can finish your degree even faster! Our carefully planned, suggested course sequences can help you maximize your time and keep your total tuition costs down while ensuring that you get the most out of your classes.

What types of doctoral degrees are available?

We offer 3 main types of degrees at the doctoral level. Each is designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills that are most applicable to your career goals. Below you’ll find a list of these degrees and what they can offer you!

Postgraduate degrees  – Our Education Specialist (EdS) and Master of Theology (ThM) degrees are postgraduate programs, which means they are a step above a master’s and a step below a doctorate. These programs require a completed master’s degree for admission and are a great option if you’re not ready to pursue a full doctoral program.

In some cases, you may find that a postgraduate program provides the training and skills you need to pursue your career goals without requiring you to complete a full doctorate. Our postgraduate degrees can also set you on the fast track to acquiring new expertise while equipping you to pursue a doctoral degree later on down the road.

Professional doctorates  – We offer a wide variety of professional doctorates in many different subject areas — including business, government, divinity, nursing, and music. A professional doctorate is designed for working professionals who want to solve real-world problems in their field and gain new knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to their industry.

Professional doctoral programs still provide training in advanced research methods, but the focus is on how this research can be used to address practical challenges in a variety of settings. Some of the degrees that fall under this category include the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL), Doctor of Law and Policy (DLP), Doctor of Public Administration (DPA), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and Doctor of Worship Studies (DWS).

Research/academic doctorates  – If you’re interested in a career as a researcher or university professor, an academic doctorate may be the best path forward for you. PhDs typically fall under this category. These research-focused, theory-based degrees are ideal for those seeking roles in the world of academia. By completing an academic doctorate, you’ll have the chance to contribute to high-level scholarship, address gaps in the current literature, and add to the existing body of research in your field. Liberty offers PhDs in a wide range of subjects, including education, criminal justice, heath sciences, Bible exposition, communication, history, psychology, and more!

What if I’m not ready to pursue a full doctoral degree?

Maybe you want to take doctoral-level courses but don’t yet have time to complete a full degree. If so, we have just what you need! We offer a variety of Executive Certificates that are only 21 credit hours long. Each certificate can stand on its own as a professional development credential while also helping you build credit toward a doctoral degree. You can roll your certificate credits into the corresponding doctorate, allowing you to start a full doctoral degree whenever you’re ready.

If you’re a military student, our Executive Certificates are an especially great option for you. When you pursue an Executive Certificate, you can receive our discounted  $300/credit hour  military rate both during the certificate and later during a doctoral degree.*

Check out a list of our  available Executive Certificates  to find the best program for you!

*In order to retain the $300/credit hour rate, the doctoral degree must be started within 2 years of completing the Executive Certificate.

Do online diplomas say “online”?

No — our diplomas do not indicate whether a degree was completed online or on campus. When you complete an online doctoral program, your diploma will simply state that you earned your degree from Liberty University. This helps emphasize the fact that our online programs hold the same credibility and value as our residential programs. By earning an online degree, you’ll have the flexibility to complete your coursework on your schedule while experiencing the same rigor as you would in a traditional, on-campus doctorate.

Additionally, when you graduate from a doctoral program online at Liberty, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in our  Commencement  ceremony and degree presentation ceremonies. That way, you can visit our campus and walk with the rest of your class as you receive your diploma!

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*Some restrictions may occur for this promotion to apply. This promotion also excludes active faculty and staff, military, non-degree-seeking, DGIA, Continuing Education, WSB, and certificate students.

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Electrical and Computer Engineering Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Degree

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Ph.D.s in electrical and computer engineering are explorers of the information age who transform the world by leading trailblazing research that expands and create knowledge.

STEM-OPT Visa Eligible

Overview for Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D.

• Knowledge and Skills to Form Successful Researchers: A plan of study that consists of course work and research. Do research under the guidance of the world-class researchers that comprise our faculty.
• Forming Independent Researchers to Transform the World: World-class research in: (1) architectures and devices for computing; (2) communications, networking, and security; (3) machine learning and artificial intelligence; and (4) cyber-physical and embedded systems.

This is an exciting time in electrical and computer engineering. Harnessing electricity not only provides humanity with a transformative form of energy, but it also leads to the development of digital technologies, which have forged our Information Age as a time of revolutionary advances developed at an unprecedented pace.

The 21st century has witnessed such advances as the Smart Grid, ubiquitous fast internet access through wireless networks, artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies that rival humans in performance, the Internet-of-Things, cloud computing, fiber-optic networks capable of transmitting trillions of bits per second, new computing paradigms such as quantum or neuromorphic computing, and many more. None of these advances would have happened without the dedication of researchers in electrical and computer engineering.

Offered jointly by the department of electrical and microelectronic engineering and the department of computer engineering , students in RIT’s Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering learn to become independent researchers by conducting research under the guidance of the world-class researchers that comprise our faculty. This research is often associated with some of the many centers and laboratories across RIT, including the Center for Human-aware AI (CHAI) and the Global Cybersecurity Institute .

The curriculum for the Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering provides the knowledge and skills to form successful independent researchers by providing disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses, research mentorship, and seminars.

Students are also interested in: Electrical Engineering MS , Computer Engineering MS

Join us for Fall 2024

Many programs accept applications on a rolling, space-available basis.

Learn what you need to apply

Advancement of world-class impactful research is the ethos of the Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering. The program forms a dynamic and collaborative environment where our students and faculty are developing the next wave of transformational technologies for our society by conducting research in the following areas:

• Architectures and Devices for Computing
• Communications, Networking and Security
• Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
• Cyber-physical and Embedded Systems

Are you a doctoral student interested in participating in our research? Learn more about research assistantship opportunities across the Kate Gleason College of Engineering and how you can apply.

Sergey Lyshevski

Alexander Loui

Featured Work

Forging the Future of AI and Security through Memory-centric Computing

Ph.D. Student: Purab Sutradhar

Pursuing his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Purab Sutradhar is at the forefront of developing cutting-edge computing solutions for data-centric and AI applications through his research...

Methods for Quantifying Power Characteristics and Chronic Patterns of Use Behavior of Electronic Vaping Products

Ph.D. Student: Qutaiba M. Saleh; Advisor: Dr. Edward Hensel

The complexity and variety of inhaled tobacco products have increased significantly with the introduction of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS). Product characteristics and human behavior are...

Generative AI enabled Cybersecurity Operations

Shanchieh Jay Yang

The potential use of generative AI, including Large Language Models (LLMs), for cybersecurity operations may be hindered by misconceptions of its capabilities and missed opportunities to properly...

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Faculty Spotlight: Dongfang Liu

Dongfang Liu

Meet Dr. Dongfang Liu, assistant professor in the department of computer engineering.

Faculty Spotlight: Dorin Patru

Dorin Patru

Associate professor at RIT since 2002, Dorin Patru teaches digital and computer, circuits and systems courses. He joined the department in fall 2002. He received a B.S. and M.S. in Electrical...

Advancing research for next generation wireless networks

Omar Abdul Latif is a student in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. program who joined while he was working as a lecturer at RIT Dubai. He found that pursuing a Ph.D. is an...

Latest News

April 18, 2024

Engineering professor becomes part of SMART Hub to improve wireless spectrum accessibility

The wireless spectrum has become very crowded real estate, and work is underway through a new technology research center to improve spectrum access, co-existence, and security. 

April 5, 2024

Electrical engineering professor connects history with the future for today’s students

Patru’s authenticity and humor are as much a part of his classes as the informal conversations he has with students about mutual interests in space, music, art, and history. These qualities are only a few of the reasons he’s being honored with the Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching.

February 29, 2024

Engineering Professor Co-Authors New Book on Resilience Engineering

Engineering professor, Andres Kwasinski co-authors new book, “Resilience Engineering for Power and Communications Systems: Networked Infrastructure in Extreme Events” published by Cambridge University Press.

Curriculum for 2023-2024 for Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D.

Current Students: See Curriculum Requirements

Electrical and Computer Engineering, Ph.D. degree, typical course sequence

*Engineering Foundation Electives:

† Discipline Concentration: Any graduate level course offered by the departments of Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering of Computer Engineering, exclusive of capstones.

‡ Focus Area Elective: Any graduate level course offered by the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, exclusive of capstones.

The curriculum for the Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering provides the knowledge and skills to form successful independent researchers by providing disciplinary and interdisciplinary courses, research mentorship, and seminars. Courses are organized into three categories: core, discipline concentration elective, and focus area elective courses. In addition, the plan of study includes three major research-based milestones: the doctoral qualifying exam, the doctoral candidacy exam, and the doctoral dissertation defense.

Core Courses Core courses are usually completed during the first two semesters of the program since they serve as foundational preparation for other elective courses. Core courses develop core competency skills for research, introducing the research landscape in electrical and computer engineering, and helping to prepare students for the qualifying exam.

Discipline Concentration Elective Courses The discipline concentration elective courses provide rigorous education in a student’s specific field of research in electrical and computer engineering. Students choose courses in consultation with the dissertation and research advisor. Graduate courses offered by the department of electrical and microelectronic engineering (courses code EEEE-6/7/8xx) or the department of computer engineering (courses code CMPE-6/7/8xx).

Focus Area Elective Courses Focus area elective courses provide the curriculum flexibility for students to engage in trans-disciplinary learning. In consultation with the dissertation and research advisor, students choose graduate courses offered by any department in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering. In addition, and subject to the approval of the Ph.D. program director, students may choose graduate courses offered by any of RIT’s colleges.

Qualifying Exam Students complete a qualifying exam at the end of their first year of study. The exam evaluates the student's aptitude, potential, and competency in conducting Ph.D.-level research.

Dissertation Proposal and Candidacy Exam Students must present a dissertation proposal to their dissertation committee no sooner than six months after the qualifying exam and at least twelve months prior to the dissertation defense exam. The proposal provides the opportunity for students to elaborate on their research plans and to obtain feedback on the direction and approach to their research from their dissertation committee.

Dissertation Presentation and Defense Each doctoral candidate prepares an original, technically rigorous, and well-written dissertation that describes the candidate’s research body of work and novel contributions to the discipline of electrical and computer engineering that have resulted from the doctoral studies. In this culminating milestone, each doctoral candidate presents and defends their dissertation and its accompanying research to their dissertation committee.

Admissions and Financial Aid

This program is available on-campus only.

Full-time study is 9+ semester credit hours. International students requiring a visa to study at the RIT Rochester campus must study full‑time.

Application Details

To be considered for admission to the Electrical and Computer Engineering Ph.D. program, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• Complete an online graduate application .
• Submit copies of official transcript(s) (in English) of all previously completed undergraduate and graduate course work, including any transfer credit earned.
• Hold a baccalaureate degree (or US equivalent) from an accredited university or college.
• A recommended minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (or equivalent).
• Submit a current resume or curriculum vitae.
• Submit a statement of purpose for research which will allow the Admissions Committee to learn the most about you as a prospective researcher.
• Submit two letters of recommendation .
• Entrance exam requirements: GRE optional but recommended. No minimum score requirement.
• Writing samples are optional.
• Submit English language test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, PTE Academic), if required. Details are below.

English Language Test Scores

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit one of the following official English language test scores. Some international applicants may be considered for an English test requirement waiver .

International students below the minimum requirement may be considered for conditional admission. Each program requires balanced sub-scores when determining an applicant’s need for additional English language courses.

How to Apply   Start or Manage Your Application

Cost and Financial Aid

An RIT graduate degree is an investment with lifelong returns. Ph.D. students typically receive full tuition and an RIT Graduate Assistantship that will consist of a research assistantship (stipend) or a teaching assistantship (salary).

Access resources for students including student manual and research resources.

• ECE-PhD student manual
• KGCOE graduate student manual
• ECE-PHD Request for Qualifying Exam
• ECE-PHD Advisory Committee Formation form
• ECE-PhD Request for Candidacy Exam
• ECE-PHD Request for Research Review Meeting form
• ECE-PHD Request for Dissertation Defense
• ECE-PHD Request for Independent Study form

Research Resources

• RIT Libraries
• RIT Libraries InfoGuides
• Our librarian
• IEEE Xplore
• ACM Digital Library
• Springer Link
• SPIE Digital Library
• Elsevier Science Direct

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Ph.D. in Technology Management

The Ph.D. in Technology Management program is delivered in cooperation with five other nationally-accredited universities. Indiana State University is the degree granting institution. University of Central Missouri, East Carolina University, and North Carolina A&T are the other three members of the consortium. The Ph.D. in Technology Management is a web-based program designed to meet the needs of today's technical professionals by offering academically rigorous coursework and experience through distance education.

• REQUIREMENTS
• STEPS TO APPLY

Not only is the program unique, so are the students. Students enter the program to seek higher level positions within a technology-based organization or they desire a career change to higher education. Some common characteristics of the students in the Technology Management program are: full-time employment; significant industry experience; high level of motivation and desire to learn; fundamental appreciation and desire to understand technological issues; and location bound. The program offers five specializations:

Construction Management

Coursework within the construction management specialization is directed toward applied research, the advancement of the construction organization, and professional management leading to the effective and efficient control of the construction process.

Digital Communications

The need for faster and more efficient transmission, reception, storage, and retrieval of information in our high-change society has caused digital communications to be one of the fastest growing fields in technology. The purpose of advanced studies in this area is to increase the knowledge about the design and implementation of systems to communicate in a cost-effective manner.

Human Resource Development and Training

Human Resource Development & Industrial Training (HRD&IT) means the integrated use of training and development, organizational development, and career development to improve individuals, group, and organizational effectiveness. HRD&IT relies on more than one subject discipline and draws on theories and insights from education, management, industrial and individual psychology, communication, counseling, economics, sociology, and related areas of research.

Manufacturing Systems

A Manufacturing System can be defined as the means to operate and control processes that add value to a product. Another key characteristic of a manufacturing system is its ability to replicate the product profitably. While traditional manufacturing programs have focused on manufacturing technologies, manufacturing systems concentrates on the all activities and practices used to integrate an enterprise's production.

Quality Systems

The QSS program is dedicated to providing people with corporate leadership abilities and faculty for the profession. Graduates shall have a global vision encompassing quality systems. The primary QSS focus is to provide people with the ability to manage complex organizations to meet the requirements of customer satisfaction in public and private sectors.

The PhD in Technology Management program is presented as a model with four areas of required study. Courses are not identified, but topical areas of study are given, to assist the Graduate Consortium Coordinating Council in defining the parameters of an area of study. Examples of major areas of specialization were developed in greater detail as part of the proposal development process. These, and additional major areas of specialization, will be developed by the consortium universities that will offer the specialization. In all cases, the Graduate Consortium Coordinating Council is the governing body responsible for approval of curriculum. Here are some example courses for each area.

General Technology Core (12 hours)

The general technology core of studies is designed to provide a conceptual framework for studies in technology. This core emphasizes the relationship of technology to the societal context from which it operates. The core will be taught using internet technologies, or other approaches capitalizing on the unique expertise of professors at consortium member institutions. These courses will be required of all students.

ITE 679 - Strategic Planning of Technological Processes 3 hours - Indiana State University Strategic planning is the process used by organizations to establish direction in response to perceived opportunities and threats. Procedures involve visioning, assessment, logistics, quantitative forecasting, and structural design. Alternative scenarios are created to forecast results of the plan.

DTEC 6800 - Internet Research Methods 3 hours - East Carolina University The study and application of Internet tools used by individuals and groups to develop and expand ideas. Participants will develop expertise through interactive problem solving activities applied to their work environment. Activities will emphasize synchronous and asynchronous methods used by information intensive organizations to build profits through ingenuity and invention.

195/733 - Impacts of Technology 3 hours - North Carolina A & T Technology continues to advance at a very rapid rate unparalleled in history. These changes have caused the world to become more interdependent and concurrently competitive. This course will address human adaptive systems, characteristics of technology, historical developments, and assess new developments. Speculation about future developments and impacts will be conjectured.

MFC 5015 - Legal Aspects of Industry 3 hours - University of Central Missouri Legal aspects common to the industry, business, and government are part of the technological society. The structure of the legal system both nationally and internationally, laws which affect industry and technology, concepts of constitutional, civil, criminal, and administrative law will be studied. Ethical and moral implications will be discussed. The focus will be on legal concerns and corporate/societal responsibilities created by emerging technologies and global competition.

TECH 682 - Technological Systems, Assessment, and Innovation 3 hours - Bowling Green State University The course offers a reflective and reactive study of technological systems, assessment, and innovation in local and global environments. Students will link their environments to a broader international context.

Research Core (27 hours)

The research component of the program is composed of course work in research design, research methodology, and statistical analysis. A dissertation of eighteen credits shall be completed after advancing to candidacy for the degree. The following areas of study are typical:

• Advanced Research Methods
• Statistical Analysis in Technology Research
• Field Research Projects
• Research Seminar
• Seminar in Technology Processes
• Dissertation Credit (registered with 1/2 credit at home university and 1/2 at Indiana State University. In addition, continuous registration is required once admitted to candidacy)

Technical Specialization (18 hours)

Specialization in a technical concentration is achieved by completing 18 credits of course work. Examples of program specializations have been identified for manufacturing, construction, digital communications, and others. It is anticipated that additional specializations will be developed with the changing nature of technology studies.

TECH 682 (710) - Advanced Practices in Construction Management 3 hours - Bowling Green State University Sustainable Design/Construction green building practices, environmental assessment, alternative construction materials, recycling of materials, EPA regulations are analyzed in different situations.

MF&C 7320 - Ethics and Professional Issues of the Construction Process 3 hours - University of Central Missouri The course presupposes no formal training in ethical theory. Emphasis will be on critical thinking skills applied to issues experienced by practicing professional in Construction Management.

MCT 701 - Construction Data 3 hours - Indiana State University Collection, Transmission, and Communication including bar coding, digital assistance, real time video conferencing, and use of data in the development, estimating, and contracting process are researched with application to the construction industry.

CMGT 6664 - Advanced Practices in Construction Management 3 hours - East Carolina University Estimating and cost control bidding strategies, cost analysis, productivity statistical analysis based on data are applied to project development and contracting

AEC 702 - Risk Management of the Construction Process Site 3 hours - North Carolina A & T Specific safety analysis techniques, decision theory required in construction management will be developed with emphasis on statistical decision processes and information control management. Models and analysis techniques will be applied to current projects.

MF&C 6315 - Legal Aspects of the Construction Process 3 hours - University of Central Missouri Contractual issues, litigation, relationship of contractor/sub-contractor, relationships of contractor/owner from the perspective of a contractor on issues affecting design, procurement, and construction is examined.

MCT 702 - Construction Management Techniques 3 hours - Indiana State University The impact on productivity by federal, state, and local laws and codes addressing labor practices, personnel, site logistics, marketing strategies are examined with attention to the political process.

TECH 711 - Construction Economics 3 hours - Bowling Green State University Life cycle costs, value engineering, management strategies, and the effect on the economy by construction projects with both national and international perspectives, and operations research are examined in the course.

CMGT 7600 - Construction Inspection and Quality Control Processes 3 hours - East Carolina University Current codes and procedures in sampling, engineering standards, testing procedures and guidelines, data analysis using computer modeling and statistical analysis.

AEC 701 - Emerging Trends in Construction Managment of International Projects 3 hours - North Carolina A & T Project delivery systems, remote sensing, 3-dimensional documentation, site logistics, construction materials and methods development, international law, cultural and demographic differences are applied to the construction process. Study will emphasize the international aspect of the construction industry.

ECT 631- Local Area Networks 3 hours - Indiana State University Introduction to the Local Area Networks (LAN's) focusing on current and emerging technologies with emphasis on the OSI reference model, IEEE 802 standards, and the TCP/IP protocol. Need analysis, design, and implementation of new and procedures for upgrading LAN projects. Prerequisite: DCS 630.

TCS 910 - Wide Area Networks 3 hours - North Carolina A & T Wide Area Networks (WAN) and associated media devices and protocols will be examined. Design, simulation, and implementation of extranet and Internet WAN systems will be developed and tested. Prerequisite: ECT 631.

TCS 730 Network Services for the Enterprise 3 Hours - North Carolina A & T Principles of current wired and wireless services in the telecommunication industry are analyzed for systems and effectiveness. Projected trends and patterns of systems applicable to the industrial communication network will be researched.

ECT 735 - Network Services Administration 3 hours - Indiana State University This course will cover system administration and management of network resources and services. Resource sharing, file/print/application servers, user policy, asset management, security, and data integrity issues for enterprises will be discussed.

DCS 750 - E-Commerce 3 hours - East Carolina University An analysis of the technology used to support E-commerce for organizations. Specifications, technical requirements needed to implement an E-Commerce site will be examined. Data security, virus protection, streaming multimedia, and VR technology will be examined. Research on current developments and applied research situations will be introduced.

DCS 630 - Communication Technology 3 hours - East Carolina University A survey of the issues and problems related to communication.

TECH 760 - Process Control in Networking Environments 3 hours - Bowling Green State University Principles and practices of system design will be examined. Process control, hardware and instrumentation required in systems will be analyzed. Data acquisition, distributed process control, PLC Networking are studied.

TECH 830 - Data Compression, Coding and Security 3 hours - Bowling Green State University Data manipulation to meet specific needs of various network clients is examined. Included are data compression techniques, video/audio compression, error correction and detection coding, data security and encryption for Intranet and Internet security.

TCS 831 - Regulatory and Policy Issues for Communication 3 hours - North Carolina A & T An analysis of current government regulations applied to the communication industry nationally and internationally. The Communication Act, State Regulatory Commission, Pricing and Business practices, Peering and Interconnecting Agreements are examined.

ECT 850 - Topics and Issues in Digital Communication Systems 3 hours - Indiana State University Students will use content and concepts studied in this Digital Communications to identify, investigate, and propose solutions to contemporary networking and telecommunication problems and issues. This course should be taken towards the end of the specialization.

TECH 76X - Theory and Research in Human Resource Development 3 hours - Bowling Green State University The theoretical dimensions of Human Resource Development include research on Adult Learning, Social/Economic Factors, Standards for Practitioners, and trends in the profession.

ITE 656 - International and Cross-Cultural Training 3 hours - Indiana State University The analysis, selection, design, implementation, and evaluation of training programs to increase functional capabilities in international and multi-cultural environments. Emphasis will be on communication strategies, human response to cultural settings, and procedures for increasing performance.

UW/S 170XXX, or BGSU TECH XXX, or ISU ITE XXX - Contemporary Problems and Issues in Human Resource Development 3 hours - Bowling Green State University, and Indiana State University Current theories, problems, and procedures evolving in Human Resource Development and Industrial Training can serve as research topics. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 semester hours.

170-5XX - Systematic Design of Human Resource Development Programs 3 hours - Indiana State University Several models of strategic planning will be analyzed including establishing benchmarks, cost estimating, instructional design, implementation, and operation. A focus of the course will be on the development of models for designing HRD&T programs will be developed with options for large and small size companies.

ITE 76X - Evaluation of Human Resource Development Programs 3 hours - Indiana State University Several models for both quantitative and qualitative evaluation will be analyzed with the potential for new model development. Instrumentation, validity, reliability, and criterion measurement for competency will be studied. Return-on-investment and transfer in the work environment will be a focus.

TECH 78X - Evaluation of Learner Performance Improvement 3 hours - Bowling Green State University Theories and practices of improving individual performance are examined. Emphasis of the course will be placed on the development and evaluation of models to transfer of training in the workplace.

ITE 75X - Legal and Ethical Dimensions of HRD Practitioners 3 hours - Indiana State University Federal and state legislation will be studied with application to the training profession. Review of safety, environmental, and human factor legislation will be reviewed with implications for effective design of training programs. Ethical implications for training curriculum design, evaluation of humans, and employment advising will be studied.

170/6XX - Management and Coordination of Training and Development 3 hours - North Carolina A & T The role of internal and external consultants in the design, implementation, and evaluation of Human Resource Development activities will be the major focus of this course. Special emphasis will be on the evaluation of organizational change and development that occur during the process of developing and using human resources within the organization.

ITE 79X - Improving Human Performance in Organizations 3 hours - Indiana State University Organizational development and the role of groups and individuals will be analyzed with implications for training and organizational systems. Focus will be on research studies to validate competencies and effectiveness of training initiatives. Intervention procedures including incentives, performance feedback, career management, counseling, coaching, and other feedback strategies will be researched.

TECH 69X - Career Development Theories and Techniques in HRD 3 hours - Bowling Green State University The role of professionals as advisors, program designers, materials developer, administrator, and instructor/facilitator will be analyzed with implications for effective training. Focus will be on career development theories and practices.

Tech 60X - Computer Based Tools in Manufacturing 3 hours - Bowling Green State University Examination of contemporary analytical computer software used in manufacturing with critical analysis of the features of each system. Examples include CAD/CAM, FEA, simulation, and off-line programming.

ECT 634 - Computer-Based Automated Systems Integration 3 hours - Indiana State University A study of the theory, design, and application of computer interfacing techniques for use in integrated automated manufacturing systems. Methods and procedures employed in the integration and control of automated industrial systems will be examined and evaluated.

MCT 671 - Systems in Manufacturing 3 hours - Indiana State University The methods and techniques used to plan and predict allocation of the manufacturing organization's resources from procurement of raw materials to the distribution of the final product. Systems strategies and procedures will be analyzed.

ITEC 6200 - Project Management for Manufacturing 3 hours - East Carolina University A procedural analysis of the management strategies used to control projects in order to achieve technical, managerial, and economic objectives. An emphasis is on the management controls, computer applications, human factors, and productivity is made.

ITEC 6112 - Analytical Studies and Planned Experimentation in Industry 3 hours - East Carolina University Statistical techniques used to monitor and assess the performance of organizational processes will be applied with computer modeling. The emphasis is on planned experimentation to discover, explain, and provide opportunities for process improvement.

MF&C 6500 - Manufacturing Specialization 3 hours - University of Central Missouri The application of systematic problem solving techniques and presentation skills required of professionals in the manufacturing industry will be examined using current research and research methodology. The course is designed to allow the student to experience an in-depth study of an area of interest in manufacturing.

MCT 700 - Human Relations and Leadership in Manufacturing 3 hours - Indiana State University Models of organizational design, motivation, leadership, management, and management decision-making pertaining to the manufacturing enterprise. Prerequisite: An advanced or masters level course in supervision, organizational design, management or leadership.

MF&C 6525 - Manufacturing Economy 3 hours - University of Central Missouri Economic factors related to a manufacturing enterprise and the influence of these factors on manufacturing in a global society are examined. Interrelationships and corporate interdependence in the international market are studied.

TECH 78X - Computer Integrated Manufacturing Management 3 hours - Bowling Green State University Advanced study of computer integrated manufacturing management through such topics as concurrent engineering, CAPP, MRP, database management, and GT.

MF&C 7550 - Current Issues in Manufacturing Emerging Technologies 3 hours - University of Central Missouri Study is on current topics and trends in manufacturing technology. Each topic will examine issues, options, and implications having current and long-range impact.

IMT 812 - Reliability, Maintainability and Serviceability 3 hours - Indiana State University This course introduces concepts, principles and techniques used in evaluation and assessment of reliability, maintainability and serviceability in industrial systems. Emphasis is given to theory and techniques to determine time-to-failure, failure rate, reliability and availability of components/systems, including strength-stress analysis, construction of reliability bath-tube curves (RBTC), failure mode and strength-stress analysis (FMEA), fault tree analysis (FTA). Prerequisite: SOT 703 Advanced statistical methods in technology, or IMT607 Statistics for experimental research in technology, or an equivalent.

IMT 813 - Quality Standards Leadership 3 hours - Indiana State University Management and leadership activities related to evaluating, creating and promoting quality standards.

QS 727 - Documentation-based Process Improvement 3 hours - Bowling Green State University Generation of model system for process improvement and technical problem solving for variation reduction based on documentation in teams at one or more organizational sites.

IMT 811 - Experimental Design and Process Analysis 3 hours - Indiana State University A focused course on the design and analysis of experiments for industrial applications and applied research. Topics include single factor models, blocking, factorial design, parameter design, process analysis, and response surface methodology. Emphasis is given to problem modeling, implementation and output analysis in applied research. Prerequisite: SOT 703 Advanced statistical methods in technology, or IMT607 Statistics for experimental research in technology, or an equivalent.

QS 726 - Quality Systems 3 hours - Bowling Green State University Application of data-based tools in variation reduction for process improvement within broader quality systems. Assessing and designing a model system for data-based improvement within a technical project environment and quality system.

QS 702 - Quality Change Culture 3 hours - Bowling Green State University Analysis and generation of model quality change culture based on actual quality and change-focused projects in organizations, primarily in service industries, through teams. Prerequisite: TECH 602 or equivalent.

INMGT 796-700C - Strategic Concepts In Quality 3 hours - North Carolina A & T A course designed to integrate internationally quality requirements, national quality schemes, and industry and commercial quality system requirements into defined quality system and process models. These models are designed to enable the student to identify appropriate quality system element and best-practice recommendations relative to specific industry and use applications. A strategic quality system vision is developed to plan, coordinate and implement business, product, and service processes.

IMT 814 - Quality Systems Seminar 3 hours - Indiana State University In-depth critical analysis of important issues in the management of quality and the research of those issues.

Professional Studies (9 hours)

Professional Studies can be elective courses, independent study courses or scholarly work to assist with projects, industry internship, teaching internship, and/or other Specialization courses. Themes must relate to the field of technology management, the student’s career field or the student’s Specialization area. If credits in the Professional Studies section are not from formal courses, the student and supervising instructor will generate a contract specifying the tasks and outcomes.

Internship can be designed to provide doctoral students with the opportunity to test and experiment in industry, research organizations, government agencies, and other appropriate experiential ventures associated with technology utilization, transfer, and innovation for the express purpose of developing knowledge in the specialization. A personal assessment portfolio will be developed as a part of the internship experience. Previous experience cannot be used to meet the internship requirement.

Detailed application requirements can be found at http://technology.indstate.edu/consortphd/application/ . Here is an overview of the minimum requirements:

• Hold a master's degree in a relevant field from an accredited university
• Have earned a minimum graduate grade point average of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) within 5 years of submission of application
• Provide results of the GRE or GMAT (scores should be competitive with no minimum score specified)
• Provide five letters of recommendation from individuals who can attest to applicant's capabilities of completing graduate-level coursework
• Provide a written career goal statement
• Provide a current curriculum vita
• Complete 6000 hours or three years of validated occupational experience relevant to the field of technology management and/or technical specialization
• Submit verification of occupational experience by providing letters of verification from employer on company letterhead that includes job title, description of duties performed, dates of employment, and evaluation of work performance

Application Website

Students will not be applying through BGSU. Instead, start your application on Indiana State's website and click the application that applies to your situation (example: Degree-seeking U.S. citizen). Select Ph.D. in Technology Management, a technical specialization, and the name of the Home University.

START APPLICATION NOW

Program Advisor

Director of Graduate Studies Email:  [email protected] Phone: 419-372-2438

Time to Completion: 66 credit hours

View Consortium Website

Updated: 09/18/2023 08:30AM

DiscoverDataScience.org

Is a PhD in Data Science Worth It?

Created by aasif.faizal

The most advanced option you can find is a Data Science PhD, which is an intensive and long-term commitment from which you will graduate at the very top of your field.

The truth is, many who establish thriving careers in data science don’t hold PhDs, and no one would argue that they are necessary to have on the table as one considers their educational options. Estimates for the number of data science PhDs is around one third of all who attend graduate school for data science. For a certain type of person – one who is highly studious, with an aptitude for and interest in research – PhD programs can be excellent experience that will situate you for a highly specialized career.

If you’re asking yourself, “Do I need a PhD in Data Science?,” the answer is no. (For a more expansive answer to this question, you can take a look at our article here: “Do I need a PhD in Data Science?”)

But is a PhD in Data Science worth it for those who do decide to take it on? The answer, in short, is yes – at least, it can be. This article will explain the greatest rewards of taking on a doctorate program, with information about job options, Data Science PhD salary ranges, and job growth projections. To learn about all of those as well as survey the other degree options for data scientists, read on.

Advantages of a Data Science PhD

So if a PhD in Data Science isn’t necessary to building a high-earning career in big data, what are the advantages of taking on so many years of schooling? To put it simply, the answer is peerless expertise.

It’s true: one can hold just a master’s degree and still find excellent job opportunities in the data sciences, which is why master’s programs are the most popular path for those in the profession. However, it is unquestionable that a doctorate asserts a higher level of mastery and capability than even master’s degree holders have. If you apply for a job with a PhD on your resume, you’ll be instantly asserting that you are as knowledgeable as they come, which in the case of top-ranking (and top-earning) data science positions is exactly what companies are looking for.

Data Science PhD Programs: How They Work

If you think a doctoral degree in Data Science sounds like the right path for you, it’s worth learning about the specifics of a PhD program. Below is an overview of coursework, anticipated duration, and more.

Coursework and Duration

One of the primary differences between a data science PhD and a master’s program is that a doctorate program culminates in testing and a dissertation, while a master’s program does not. Courses in both programs typically include the following:

• Artificial intelligence
• Data management
• Data mining
• Data visualization
• Machine learning
• Software design

Data science PhDs are known for having an especially intensive orientation toward research, especially in the dissertation component of the work. This can extend the duration of a PhD program by several years. While master’s programs typically take two years if students attend them full-time, a PhD program typically adds two or three years of studying to that timeline.

While many who pursue data science PhDs argue that the insight gained from their extensive dissertation work has paid off in the long run, it’s important to ask yourself if you are going to enjoy making such a deep dive into your studies. If the answer is yes, that’s an excellent reason to proceed with your PhD degree. If not, a master’s program may be the more optimal path for you.

The testing process for data science PhDs is also rigorous, with multiple exams along the way to prove competencies in a variety of subjects. These include oral, written, and practical exams. Earning a PhD asserts by default that you have achieved the mastery needed to pass these tests, which is a powerful assertion of your skill and ability from the get-go.

Finding Your Area of Focus

Like with master’s programs, those pursuing data science degrees typically choose a particular area of focus while in school that will lead directly to their professional specialization. This means it’s crucial to get the lay of the land early so that you’re sure you’re picking a path you’re willing to commit to for a long time. (It’s always possible to acquire deeper insight or even pursue new specialties through certification programs, but it’s recommended to start with one focus that tracks with a degree concentration offered by your school.)

Data Science Salaries

The vast field of data science is proving to be an exceptionally fertile ground to grow a career, no matter what focus area you choose. Indeed, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , the median annual pay for data scientists overall is an impressive $100,910 per year, well ahead of most other industries. This is an excellent reason to join this burgeoning field, and it’s been enough to motivate droves of people to pursue data science careers of their own.

If you’re impressed by these numbers, consider this: those statistics describe the overall field of data science, not just the jobs of those who hold PhDs. For these highly advanced professionals, the numbers get much higher. Take a look at the job titles in the next section to see the specific wages of high-ranking data science positions.

While the sudden rush of new candidates seeking data science positions may sound daunting, the job growth statistics for data scientists all but guarantee that high-quality jobs will be available in your area of focus. This is because of the exceptional projected growth rate of data science jobs, which the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates to be an incredible 36% by 2031.

There are few other industries that offer as significant salaries across the board with so many new positions available.

So why are data scientists so in-demand, and why is the field growing so rapidly? The answer has everything to do with the rise of technology in all aspects of our lives, in particular the way it has transformed how we do business. The rate at which new data technology is evolving means constant adaptations within the world of big data to keep up with it. For example, recent leaps in the field of machine learning (ML) has greatly increased data capturing capacities, leading to a greater need for specialized data analysts who can help process the information quickly.

Careers for Data Science PhDs

One of the biggest questions for prospective data science PhD candidates is this: what will it lead to? Indeed, given the rigor of a data science PhD program, it’s important to think through the investment you’re making.

Below are some of the most common positions data scientist PhDs pursue, along with data scientist PhD salary ranges and more.

High Level Data Scientist

Data scientists often pursue more focused concentrations in the field, but their overall functions include collecting and categorizing data so that it can best be leveraged by organizations. Those who hold doctorate degrees in data science are often available for the highest levels of these jobs, which are roles responsible for important decision making functions, oftentimes communicating with executives and other heads of staff on the key insights they’ve acquired in their field.

As you might expect, these high-ranking data science roles earn significant amounts of money. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, data scientists earning in the 90th percentile of the field make an annual mean wage of $167,040.

Business Analyst

Business analysts, also often known as management analysts or management consultants, use advanced algorithms to analyze and interpret data that will later be used to guide business strategy. These can be in-house roles at large organizations or consultant positions who are contracted independently on a project basis. Those who excel at business are especially good candidates to pursue this career path.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, management analysts working at the top of their field (in the 90th percentile) earn an annual mean wage of $163,760.

Database Architects

Database architects play a huge role in a business’ data practices, serving as exactly what their name implies – architects who create the virtual structure in which data is stored and organized. It’s imperative that those who hold these roles be highly advanced in their field, as the strength of a business’ database is a crucial factor in the success of its overall operations.

Database architects are highly valued employees and are compensated accordingly. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the top earning database architects in the US make a mean annual wage of $169,500.

Information Security Analysts

The field of cybersecurity is rapidly expanding as new technologies also introduce new types of cyberattacks to databases. Those with rigorous specialization in information security – such as what is conferred by a data science PhD – are ideal candidates to fill these roles. Indeed, companies are unlikely to hire anyone who is not seriously qualified to do this role, as this person will take responsibility for protecting the business’ most vital documents.

The highest earning (90th percentile) information security analysts are reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics to make a mean annual salary of $165,920.

Other Data Science Degree Options

Now that you understand the benefits of a data science PhD program, it’s worth taking stock of the other data science degree and certification options that are available. Good news: all of these degree types have online options, many of which are part-time. This means you can attend school from anywhere, with any schedule.

Data Science Bachelor’s Degree

If you would like to pursue a data science PhD but don’t yet hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject, you will first need to complete a bachelor’s program. If you are in this position, it’s recommended to concentrate on data science during undergraduate school so that you can get a rich introduction to the field, even perhaps finding the area of focus where you’d like to plan your career.

It is possible to start a career in data science with just a bachelor’s degree, though most elect to pursue some level of graduate program, as you will enter the field at a higher level of responsibility, with pay to match. To learn more about bachelor’s in data science degree programs, take a look at our guide here .

Data Science Master’s Degree

A master’s in data science is the most popular path for those entering the field of big data. This degree will give you the expertise needed to find competitive jobs with significant responsibilities and the excellent salaries that draw so many to the data science profession. The coursework for a master’s degree is quite similar to a PhD, minus the intensive testing and the dissertation.

There are numerous fantastic Master’s in Data Science programs that can give you the experience and education needed to find a great position in the field. When choosing a master’s program, be sure it offers a concentration in your intended area of specialty. To take a look at the top online master’s programs available near you, visit our guide here .

Data Science Associates Degree

If you do not have a bachelor’s degree and would like to get your professional life started quickly, an associates degree program can give you the training you need to pursue some entry-level jobs in the world of data science. It’s important to note that these programs on their own are unlikely to give you the expertise needed for a high-earning data science career, but they can offer excellent exposure to the field and provide you with your first work experience.

To learn more about associates in data science degree programs, enjoy our guide here, which will give you all the information you need.

Data Science Certificate

An alternative to a long-term degree program, data science certificates can build a particular area of skill or expertise that can help situate you on a particular career path in data science. Some data science professionals who hold advanced degrees also decide to take on certificate programs to expand on their areas of knowledge or add to their list of specializations.

To learn more about data science certificate programs, visit our comprehensive guide here .

Data Science Bootcamps

Data science bootcamps are likely the fastest possible way to enter the data science profession. These courses – which usually have remote and in-person options – give you a literal crash course in a particular arena of data science, typically over a period of about twelve weeks. You will leave with a developed skill set that usually tracks with a particular type of entry-level job.

Like with most data science opportunities outside of graduate programs, these bootcamps are unlikely to set you up with a high-ranking data science careers, but they can be an excellent way to build your fluency in programming languages or other data science skills.

Data science bootcamps are booming, with plenty of options all over the country. Take a look at our guide here to find the program that is right for you.

Finding the Path That’s Right for You

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the different opportunities available in the data sciences, don’t worry. While there are indeed many options that are suited to candidates with different skill sets, interests, and backgrounds, the good news is that most of these options are good, and are likely to significantly help you start your career.

For a more elaborate overview of the different program options in data science, take a look at our program guide here for a complete comparison.

• Related Programs

PhD Courses at the Department of Information Technology

Mandatory course by the teknat faculty, teacher training, faculty-wide courses by the teknat faculty, courses by the it department.

The IT Department (co-)teaches the following ad hoc courses in the near future:

The IT Department offers a core curriculum of PhD courses regularly. In addition, PhD courses in the form of seminars and guest lectures are often organised, in order to cover special issues and timely research topics. Every PhD student is free to attend every course of every subject, so all course lists should be browsed, especially since there are broad introductory courses in each list. Here are the course lists of the :

• courses in Computer Science
• courses in Computerised Image Processing
• courses in Scientific Computing
• courses in Machine Learning at Systems and Control

Other Sites with Relevant Courses

Archive of phd level courses at the it department.

See also archives of the four PhD education subjects linked to above:

• Courses offered in 2021/2022
• Courses offered in 2017/2018
• Courses offered in 2016/2017
• Courses offered in 2015/2016
• Courses offered in 2014/2015
• Courses offered in 2013/2014
• Courses offered in 2012/2013
• Courses offered in 2011/2012
• Courses offered in 2010/2011
• Courses offered in 2009/2010
• Courses offered in 2008/2009
• Courses offered in 2007/2008

Doctoral Degrees

Doctor of public health (drph) program.

A doctoral degree for those who want to translate knowledge into powerful results as the leader of a public health organization:

Doctor of Public Health

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs

All PhD programs at Harvard University are administered by the Harvard Kenneth C. Griffin Graduate School of Arts and Sciences (Harvard Griffin GSAS), and applications are processed through the Harvard Griffin GSAS online application system .

The following three PhD programs are based at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, designed for students seeking specialized scientific and technical expertise to propel an academic or research career:

PhD in Biological Sciences in Public Health PhD in Biostatistics PhD in Population Health Sciences

Harvard PhD program in Health Policy The PhD in Health Policy is a collaborative program among six Harvard University schools, including the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

Duke Readies to Graduate 6,900 students

Ceremony in Wallace Wade Stadium set for 9 a.m., Sunday, May 12

Duke University will award nearly 6,900 undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees during its annual commencement ceremony Sunday, May 12.

Duke President Vincent E. Price will preside over the 9 a.m. ceremony at Wallace Wade Stadium, and comedian Jerry Seinfeld will deliver the commencement address.

Duke will stream the event live on the university’s  YouTube channel . Follow Duke’s social media platforms to keep up with commencement and contribute to the conversation.

Commencement tickets are free but mandatory, and available here. Graduates are required to present a student ID and must be dressed in academic apparel to enter the stadium.

An expected 1,934 undergraduates will receive their degrees Sunday, including more than 320 from North Carolina. These students had a truly atypical college journey.

Their Duke careers began in 2020 at the height of the pandemic. They lived on campus but without roommates. They masked in public and sat far apart in socially distanced classrooms. Most attended the traditional start-of-the-semester convocation not huddled together in Duke Chapel – as is the custom – but virtually, on their laptops.

“The undergraduate members of the Class of 2024 have had an entirely unique experience at Duke,” Price said. “Throughout their time here, they -- as well as our graduate and professional students -- have proven to be strong, resilient and impressive in myriad ways. I am so proud of them.”

Two students will give remarks Sunday as well. Senior Zahra Hassan, a Trinity College senior, will represent undergraduates, while Kayla Thompson, who is earning a joint MD/MBA, will represent graduate students.

In addition to delivering the address, Seinfeld will also receive an honorary Doctor of Arts degree. Now in his fifth decade as a stand-up comedian, Seinfeld is best known for playing a fictionalized version of himself in the eponymous sitcom he cocreated with Larry David for NBC. He graduated from Queens College, City University of New York, with a degree in communications and theater in 1976. His career has included numerous stand-up specials and documentaries. His interview series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, which featured Seinfeld interviewing fellow comedians and other public figures while driving to get coffee, ended in 2019 after 11 seasons.

Duke will also award four other honorary degrees Sunday. The recipients are:

• Claudius “C.B.” Claiborne, Duke’s first African American student athlete. The Danville, Virginia, native played three seasons of varsity basketball and graduated in 1969 with a degree in engineering and later earned advanced degrees from Dartmouth College, Washington University and Virginia Polytechnic University. He is a professor of business and marketing in the Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University.
• Rhiannon Giddens, musician. The Greensboro native, MacArthur Fellow and winner of two Grammy Awards, can be heard playing the banjo on Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ’Em,” which made history as the first song by a Black woman to top Billboard’s Country Music Song chart. An alumna of the N.C. School of Science and Mathematics in Durham, and a 2000 graduate of Oberlin Conservatory at Oberlin College, where she studied opera, Giddens also co-wrote the recent opera “Omar,” which won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in music . It is based on the autobiography of Omar ibn Said, a 19th century West African Muslim scholar enslaved and brought to North Carolina.
• Rose Marcario , CEO and board member of Patagonia , Inc. Marcario joined the company in 2008 as chief financial officer and chief operating office after a career in finance and operations. In the next 12 years, Patagonia’s profits quadrupled and its sales surpassed a billion. At the same time, the company became a corporate leader in responsible business and environmental and workplace innovation. She was promoted to CEO in 2013.
• Desmond Meade , attorney . Meade was homeless and squatting in a home in 2001 when police arrested him for possession of a firearm in the house that didn’t belong to him. In prison, he studied the law, appealed his conviction and was released after three years. While living in a shelter, he took classes, graduating summa cum laude from Miami Dade Community College and earning his law degree from Florida International University College of Law. While working toward his degrees, he joined the grassroots organization Florida Rights Restoration Coalition. In 2009 he became the coalition’s executive director.

On Sunday, there will be ample general parking available in close proximity to  Wallace Wade Stadium , the majority of which will be in the Science Drive Parking Garage. Graduates should park and drop-off in the Blue Zone. Additional guest parking will be available in the Blue Zone, PGIV & Chemistry lots. A parking map is available on the Commencement website .

Guests with mobility impairments can park in  the Grounds Lot . Duke will provide overflow parking on Level 2 in the  Science Drive Garage.  Both lots are accessible via NC-751. ADA vans will be available to transport guests with mobility issues from these areas to the respective entrances to  Wallace Wade Stadium .

In addition, park-and-ride shuttles will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. People using a taxi or any other hired car service should be dropped off at the Whitford Drive Circle .  You may find this by entering “Whitford Drive, Durham, NC 27708” into your GPS. 

Individual professional schools and programs will hold their own graduation ceremonies all weekend as well. More information on those celebrations is available on Duke’s commencement website.

DEGREES TO BE CONFERRED

Duke will award degrees to about 1,934 undergraduates and 4,964 graduate and professional students who finished their course work in September or December 2023 or this spring.

The estimated degree breakdowns for the graduates are as follows:

UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES:

• Trinity College of Arts & Sciences -- B.A. 676; B.S. 984.
• Pratt School of Engineering -- B.S.E. 274.

GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL DEGREES:

• School of Nursing -- M.S.N. 212; D.N.P. 112; B.S.N: 135.
• Duke Divinity School -- M.Div. 97; Th.M. 11; M.T.S. 25; M.A.C.P. 14; Th.D. 5; D.Min. 34.
• Fuqua School of Business -- MBA 629; MSQM 389; M.M.S. – 256.
• Graduate School -- M.A. 216; M.S. 407; M.F.A. 11; M.A.T. 17; Ph.D. 414.
• School of Law -- J.D. 281; LL.M. 116; S.J.D. 1.
• Nicholas School of the Environment -- M.E.M. 153; M.F. 13.
• Pratt School of Engineering -- M.Eng.M. 298; M.Eng. 242.
• Sanford School of Public Policy -- M.I.D.P. 36; M.P.P. 93; M.N.S.P. 21.
• School of Medicine -- M.D. 133; M.H.S. 185; M.H.S.-R 15; D.P.T. 94; M.B.S. 54; M.M.C.I. 5; M.S.B.S. 54.

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The woman who plunged to her death from the stands of the Ohio State University commencement ceremony over the weekend was identified as a graduate’s parent — and her death was likely a suicide, officials announced Tuesday.

The Franklin County Coroner’s Office said Larissa Brady, 53, of Georgia was pronounced dead after falling 136 feet from the Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sunday. She was identified by her fingerprints.

Police are still investigating the tragedy, but believe it was “not accidental.” Foul play, however, is not suspected, university spokesperson Ben Johnson confirmed to The Post.

“Ohio State is grieving the death of Larissa Brady, a family member of one of our graduates. Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this exceptionally difficult time,” Johnson said.

Brady’s daughter was among those graduating, the Columbus Dispatch reported, citing the commencement program.

The horror unfolded near the stadium’s Bell Tower around 12:30 p.m. as the final graduates filed into the stadium.

Some students witnessed the suspected suicide and were visibly shaken, but the ceremony continued without interruption.

The commencement speakers did not mention the incident, and it is not clear whether Brady’s daughter knew about her mother’s death until after she crossed the stage.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the newest alum reportedly walked past the scene of the tragedy, which was still cordoned off with yellow police tape.

OSU is offering counseling to those in the community in need of support, Johnson emphasized, adding that those experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to crisis hotlines.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to  SuicidePreventionLifeline.org .

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Online PhD in Education

School of public service and education.

Drive learning outcomes that make a difference with high-level skills and knowledge to meet today’s challenges in the field of education.

• PhD in Education

Build advanced skills to pursue your career goals with a PhD in Education

Funnel your passion for education into expanding your expertise with our online PhD in Education program. Specializations help prepare you to meet high-level challenges as an educator, featuring in-depth coursework, expert guidance and research.

Doctor of Philosophy in Education

PhD in Education program overview

The PhD in Education program is for experienced educators who want to develop specialized leadership and problem-solving skills used in K–12 or higher education learning environments.

Courses that develop advanced skills for educators

As a PhD in Education student, you’ll begin with core courses to lay the foundation for your program and develop skills in key areas of educational leadership. From there, you’ll move into specialized coursework to grow your expertise and work toward your dissertation.

PhD in Education admission requirements

Capella University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Accreditation and recognitions provide assurance that we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services and fiscal stability. See all our accreditations and recognitions .

Applicants to the PhD in Education program must provide the following information for admission:

• A master’s degree from an institution accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or from an internationally recognized institution
• Your official master’s transcripts, with a minimum grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
• A valid, government-issued form of photo identification

GRE and GMAT are not required for admission.

International applicants will be subject to additional admission requirements.

View full admission requirements for PhD in Education specializations:   Leadership for Higher Education , Leadership in Educational Administration

International student requirements

If you completed your most recent academic coursework, degree, or credential at an institution outside the United States, regardless of your citizenship or where you currently live, you are considered an international applicant.

In addition to the above admission requirements, you will need to submit these materials:

• Minimum score on acceptable test for proof of English proficiency
• Transcript evaluation

Learn more about international student admissions .

PhD in Education program costs

The total cost of your PhD program will depend on your specialization, scholarships and finances, transfer credits, academic performance and other factors.

View detailed tuition information and cost scenarios for PhD in Education specializations:  Leadership for Higher Education ,  Leadership in Educational Administration

Choosing a PhD in Education specialization

Every doctoral journey is different. Your chosen specialization can help you leverage your unique passions and interests to build advanced expertise for the next phases of your career as an educational leader.*

• Learning outcomes
• Career exploration

Leadership for Higher Education

• Learn to lead and manage change in higher education organizations
• Develop and manage resources of higher education organizations

Learn more »

Leadership in Educational Administration

• Learn to lead the development of a culture of learning
• Learn to manage effective learning environments
• Advanced skills and knowledge in this field can help you prepare for roles in a range of educational settings
• Research roles such as president, provost and full-time faculty of education courses 
• Employment settings to explore include K–12 schools, state education departments, school district offices and universities
• Research roles such as superintendent and director for student services

*Capella cannot guarantee any specific job, promotion, salary increase or other career outcomes. You will need to conduct your own research to understand what opportunities may be available to you. Note that some career paths may prefer or even require previous experience, licensure, certifications or other designations along with a degree.

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• International

Israel-Hamas war

Trump's hush money trial

April 30, 2024 - US university protests

By Rachel Ramirez, Chandelis Duster, Samantha Delouya, Tori B. Powell, Aditi Sangal, Amir Vera, Deva Lee, Kathleen Magramo, Dalia Faheid and Elizabeth Wolfe, CNN

Our live coverage of the protests rocking US campuses has moved here

Over 100 protesters arrested across 2 New York college campuses, law enforcement official says

From CNN’s Mark Morales

Over 100 protesters were arrested Tuesday at Columbia University and City College of New York, according to a law enforcement official.

Most of the arrests were made at Columbia, including about two dozen protesters who police say tried to prevent officers from entering the campus, the official said.

Tactical teams at Columbia first set up a perimeter around the campus to hold back protesters and prevent further arrests, according to the official. Offers then entered the campus through multiple entry points.

"It's still a student-fueled movement," Columbia student magazine editor says

From CNN's Kathleen Magramo

Jonas Du, editor-in-chief of a Columbia student magazine, told CNN that the protests on campus are student-fueled regardless of any outsider involvement.

It’s “hard to say” whether those arrested from Columbia's Hamilton Hall were students or from outside the institution, the Columbia Sundial editor said.

“Even though campus has been locked down to Columbia ID holders, now there has been ways of getting in, getting non-affiliated into campus. But for the most part you need Columbia IDs, you need students to provide you with IDs that can get you into campus," said Du, who is a junior student at the university.

Du said he believes there is “evidence” of outside organizations behind the occupation's planning, but he also says numerous Columbia students were inside Hamilton Hall. 

He said he recognized “many, many Columbia students in the crowd” that formed human chains around the entrances to Hamilton Hall while reporting on the protests. 

“At the end of the day, it's still a student-fueled movement. It wouldn’t have gotten to (this) extent without the of the student organizations here.” 

Du said students received a text message and email alert from the school stating that a shelter-in-place order had been issued, asking them to remain in their dorms and not to go on campus.

"But all of us knew that that was sort of a signal that the NYPD was going to raid campus," he added.

Video shows Arizona State University police officer removing protester’s hijab during arrest

From CNN’s Cindy Von Quednow

Video taken over the weekend at Arizona State University shows a campus police officer removing a hijab from a protester’s head during her arrest.

The blurred video, obtained by Mass Liberation AZ and provided to CNN by attorney Zayed Al-Sayyed, who represents the women, shows several ASU Police Department officers surrounding a woman whose hands are held behind her back as one of the officers removes her hijab.

People nearby can be heard yelling, “You’re violating her privacy,” and “Give it back.”

The officers then pull the woman’s sweatshirt hood over her head and a bystander yells, “So she can wear a hood but not her hijab?” At one point one of the officers blocks the woman from the view of those taking the video, as a person yells, “let her go!”

A lawyer representing her and three other women who said it also happened to them is demanding accountability.

Al-Sayyed, who said the arrests took place early Saturday, did not identify the women but indicated that three of them are students at the university and all four are Phoenix-area residents. They are facing criminal trespass charges.

Upon being taken into custody, Al-Sayyed said, the women explained the significance of a hijab and “begged” to keep their hijabs, but he said they were told that their hijabs had to be removed for safety reasons.

“They never expected that an officer … who’s sworn to protect and serve is going to violate their most basic protected right under the United States Constitution, which is the right to practice their religion. So they're hurt,” Al-Sayyed said.

After being detained and bused to jail, the women were not given their hijabs back, Al-Sayyed said.

Around 15 hours later, when he was finally given access to his clients, Al-Sayyed said he was able to bring them new hijabs.

The Arizona chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-AZ),  condemned  the university police for the recorded incident and others like it and called for a full investigation.

“This act represents a blatant infringement upon the religious liberties of peaceful protesters. It is profoundly distressing for the affected women, and ASU Police must conduct a thorough investigation into this matter,” Azza Abuseif, executive director of CAIR-AZ, said in an email to CNN.

In a statement to CNN, the university said, “This matter is under review.” CNN has reached out to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office for comment.

Protests will continue despite police presence at Columbia, student negotiator says

A lead student negotiator for protesters at Columbia University has told CNN that protests will continue on the campus despite the school's request for a police presence.

The university has asked NYPD to maintain its presence on campus until May 17.

"I’m very confident that students will continue this movement even after all this brutality against them," negotiator Mahmoud Khalil said, adding that students still have the right to protest despite increased security.

Since negotiations between student protesters and the Columbia University administration began two weeks ago, the university has not viewed them as an anti-war movement, he said. 

"Instead, they dealt with it as an internal student discipline matter. They negotiated with us about bringing food and blankets to the encampment. They refused to acknowledge that this actually is more than that, this is a nationwide movement.

"This is a movement that asks Columbia to divest its investments from the companies that are fuelling the war in Gaza right now,” said Khalil, who is a second-year graduate student at Columbia.

Tensions escalated on campus when officers entered Columbia's Hamilton Hall , which had been occupied by protesters since the early hours of Tuesday, and dozens were seen being arrested.

Khalil said that "the autonomous group decided to take that building when they felt the university is not answering their demands" and was "alienating" them.

Police presence at Columbia may dampen graduation celebrations, CNN journalist and student says

From CNN's Elizabeth Wolfe

Julia Vargas Jones, a CNN journalist and Columbia Journalism School graduate student, said the university's request for an on-campus police presence through May 17 will only "dampen the mood even more" as students and their families prepare for graduation.

NYPD swarmed the university Tuesday night after the university authorized them to go into the campus to clear out a building being occupied by protesters. CNN has witnessed dozens of arrests.

"Graduation is May 15. That is my graduation as well. I have family coming from Brazil to come watch me walk across the stage and get my diploma. I hope of course, as everyone does, that this (graduation) can happen," Jones said.

"But at the same time, is there a climate for celebration, for graduation?" Jones said.

Jones said she's unsure the climate on campus will be celebratory as graduation nears.

"I spoke to a lot of students on campus today and students were just feeling caught in between. I don't really see celebration being something we flock to in the coming weeks," she said. "I'm interested to see who will actually attend graduation."

Jones said she has not witnessed any violent altercations as she reported from inside Columbia’s campus Tuesday night. After the campus was cleared by NYPD, Jones described the atmosphere as quiet enough to “hear a pin drop.”

NYPD used flash bangs to breach Columbia building where doors were barricaded

From CNN’s Matthew Friedman and Miguel Marquez

NYPD officers used flash-bang grenades to breach Columbia's Hamilton Hall, which protesters had barricaded themselves inside Tuesday, the police department told CNN.

The building's doors had been barricaded with chairs, tables and vending machines, and windows had been covered with newspaper, the NYPD said.

When a flash-bang grenade is deployed , it emits a bright flash and a very loud bang, often used to shock and disorient. 

Video posted by NYPD Deputy Commissioner Kaz Daughtry shows officers searching a bookshelf-lined office after busting the door's lock with a hammer.

Another video shows officers packing a stairwell and passing chairs to one another.

At least 50 officers had earlier used an elevated ramp to climb into the building through a window. 

Columbia University property has been cleared, NYPD says

From CNN’s Matthew Friedman and Miguel Marquez at Columbia

Columbia University’s property has been cleared, the New York Police Department told CNN, less than two hours after officers entered the school’s campus in Morningside Heights.

Hamilton Hall has also been cleared, the NYPD says, and nobody was wounded during the operation. 

The NYPD is still monitoring different locations for protesters across the city, they said.

Photos show NYPD action at Columbia University

From CNN Digital’s Photo Team

The New York Police Department entered the Columbia University campus late Tuesday evening after receiving a letter from the university authorizing them to go into the campus, a law enforcement source familiar with the situation told CNN. 

Officers entered Hamilton Hall , which had been occupied by protesters since the early morning hours Tuesday.

Dozens of people have been arrested.

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From TD Garden to Fenway Park, graduate student speaker Megan Carter is a hockey and academic star

Carter pursued dual degrees while completing two co-ops at Northeastern. She expects to play in the PWHL before entering medical school.

When Megan Carter takes the Fenway Park stage Sunday as the student speaker at Northeastern University’s graduate commencement ceremony, she’ll be drawing from five years rich with experience.

Carter leaves Northeastern as a hockey star who reached three NCAA Frozen Fours while earning dual degrees and completing two co-ops at Boston hospitals . She expects to play in the Professional Women’s Hockey League as a high draft pick next season, to be followed by a medical career. 

“There’s a couple of messages that I want to get through,” Carter says of her commencement address. “One is about being where you’re meant to be — and even in a situation where it may not be totally clear, just being resilient and doing things that you enjoy doing. Having a mentality where you get to do this, you don’t have to do this. 

“And also,” she says of her second theme, “just being so grateful for the people around us that have helped us overcome adversity, which facilitates a learning journey.”

As she ends this segment of her journey, Carter believes the moment at America’s oldest ballpark won’t be overwhelming.

“To speak in front of that crowd is going to be more exciting than nerve-wracking,” Carter says. “I think playing in front of 11,000 fans at TD Garden maybe was a good stepping stone for that.”

Carter, as team captain, helped lead her Huskies to a historic overtime win in January over Boston University in the first Women’s Beanpot title game held at TD Garden. It was attended by 10,633 fans — a record for women’s hockey in New England.

It’s been an intensive five years for Carter, who:

• Earned a bachelor’s degree (4.0 grade point average) in biology.
• Will graduate with a master’s degree in human movement and rehabilitation science.
• Earned the NCAA’s Elite 90 award as the top student at three straight Frozen Fours.
• Served as president of Northeastern’s Student-Athlete Advisory Council .
• Was honored as the top defender in Hockey East this season.

“I definitely tried to jam a lot in, especially the last couple of years,” Carter says. “But it’s been worth it to build the resume and become well-rounded in trying to focus on hockey, focus on school, but then also focus on the student-athlete community in Northeastern — and also the Boston community and giving back. It’s been a journey and a really fun one.”

Along the way Carter deepened her perspective on the role of sports in her life — a symbiosis of heart and mind.

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‘Megan has set the standard’

Carter, a Canadian, grew up playing hockey in Milton, Ontario, an hour west of Toronto.

“You start comparing schools across the NCAA and obviously hockey’s a factor, but there’s also the academic side of things,” Carter says. “When you can go to a school that has a co-op program in a medical hub in Boston, it aligns with my career goals beyond hockey.”

In her sophomore, junior and senior seasons, Carter contributed to Northeastern teams rated among the top five nationally while advancing to the Frozen Four, a streak triggered by the 2020-21 team that lost the NCAA championship game in overtime to Wisconsin. During that run of success Carter had to learn how to respond constructively to the losses.

“Even though we’d won Hockey East championships and those mean so much to us, it was a huge adversity for this team to get there three times in a row and come up short,” she says of the Huskies’ journeys to the final four of their sport. “That ultimate championship in the NCAA was really what we all had our eyes set on. We would have loved to win it. 

“But at the end of the day it’s the lessons throughout the season and from those games where you have to find the pride in making it there. We did everything we possibly could to be prepared. We overcame so much to get there. That’s something that we can hold near and dear to our hearts.”

The Elite 90 academic awards that Carter received at each Frozen Four were recognition of her excellence in both the academic and athletic worlds.

“To win it three times is something that’s so unimaginable,” she says. “It meant so much to me because I pride myself in being able to balance top academics and top athletics, and I think the award encompasses that. It wouldn’t be possible without the support of my teammates and my coaches and professors and my family, and it’s something I’ll be proud of for a long time.”

While much has been made of her leadership athletically, Carter says she was equally aware of setting the example academically for her teammates. 

“Our younger players see Megan, who is so gifted athletically and carries the demands of her rigorous course load, and their only option really is to follow in her footsteps,” Northeastern women’s hockey assistant coach Lindsay Berman says. “We’ve seen some younger players come in as good students — but then they see someone like Megan and now they’re striving to be excellent students. Megan has set the standard and we’re going to miss that, but hopefully we’ll have some players behind her that will follow in those footsteps.”

For the past year Carter has served as president of the student-athlete committee, which provides leadership opportunities while elevating communication with the athletic administration. Carter focused the organization on a variety of community initiatives that enabled local children to view the athletes as people who care about them.

“We’ve had the goal of giving back to the community since COVID,” says Carter, who particularly enjoyed a recent girls in sports festival covering grades one through eight.

“We just played sports with them all day,” Carter says. “How to throw a frisbee or football, playing basketball and dodgeball, just showing young girls that we were in a position that they could be in one day. It’s about having the people ahead of you so that you can have those dreams.”

A pro hockey career?

Carter is expected to be picked in an early round of the PWHL draft in June. Her plan is to play hockey for as long as she can in the new league as well as for the Canadian national team. Berman finds herself wondering what Carter might accomplish when she’s able to focus all of her efforts on hockey.

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“She’s elite in every way and really detailed,” Berman says. “If you walk into a rink, she might not be the first player you notice. But the more you watch her, the more you notice that she doesn’t get beat. She makes subtle plays. Defensively she’s physical, she’s calm and she’s got a presence about her. The cool thing about Megan is that she’s gifted but she works hard at it. She’s in every week for video, she always wants to do extra skills, she takes practice as seriously as she takes games.”

Carter at one time thought she may aim to be a surgeon. Now she’s also considering a career in sports medicine with the potential goal of becoming a team doctor. 

During her initial four years, Carter studied with teammate Alina Mueller , who graduated in behavioral neuroscience before earning a master’s in human movement and rehabilitation sciences. Mueller departed to the PWHL as Northeastern’s all-time leading scorer.

“We’ve joked that once hockey’s over we’ll start a (sports medicine) practice together and have Katy Knoll come in and be our accountant,” Carter says of Knoll, a departing business administration major who ranks 15th all-time at Northeastern with 131 points. “That’s another thing that’s very special about my time here is that these are friends that I will have for the rest of my life. And they’re all going to be so successful having that Northeastern education and experience.”

‘I made an impact’

Carter began her fifth season (an extra year granted to all NCAA athletes after the COVID-19 pandemic) as team captain based on a vote by her fellow players. It turned out to be a hard year. Not only did she suffer an early-season injury, but the Huskies needed to create a new identity following the departures of current PWHL stars Mueller, Chloé Aurard and Maureen Murphy, who had combined for 669 points.

The Huskies struggled to an 8-8 start amid inconsistent scoring. Their response to those early-season difficulties taught Carter lessons that she’ll apply to her future careers.

“The leadership group, and Megan in particular, had a lot of pressure on them because of the standard that had been set with our success in the last five or six years,” Berman says. “Megan was the one who would say, ‘Let’s stick together.’ She was the glue that kept everybody believing and working for it. And then we got out of [the slump] and I don’t think we do that without her leadership.”

The Huskies would go 17-3-3 after Thanksgiving, rising to No. 2 in Hockey East and reaching the conference title game at Connecticut.

“When we started to turn things around, I think it was when I realized I needed to spread the weight over everyone and make it more of a united front and a collective journey — versus me taking on the weight of the world and trying to steer the ship that way,” Carter says. “It was a great year to be captain because of that resiliency and that adversity that we faced. To have to problem-solve and get people on the same page was a unique experience that I hadn’t had before. So it was an experience that will serve me well.”

The Huskies were moments away from a seventh straight Hockey East title and its accompanying NCAA tournament bid when they lost, 1-0, in overtime of the conference championship. 

“There was a sense in me that I had let the team down,” Carter says. “And that changed pretty quickly.”

It changed when Carter was approached by her fellow players in the locker room.

“All my teammates were coming up to me and saying ‘Thank you for everything that you’ve done,’” says Carter. “Like, ‘You were such a great captain.’ ‘You’ll always be my captain.’ ‘You’ve done so much for this program.’

“I was overwhelmed with emotion,” says Carter, her eyes welling with the memory. “I’m getting emotional right now. They taught me in that moment that they had seen the bigger picture, the work that was put in behind the scenes, the trajectory that we took. So that was very, very special and rewarding to get the feeling that I made an impact while I was here.”

Ian Thomsen is a Northeastern Global News reporter. Email him at [email protected] . Follow him on X/Twitter @IanatNU .

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Updated response to Graduate Life Center protest

Mark Owczarski

29 Apr 2024

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Editor's note: The number of individuals arrested Sunday has been updated.

Process for claiming abandoned and lost items collected from the Graduate Life Center lawn.

A message from President Tim Sands to the Virginia Tech community .

Virginia Tech Police can confirm that 82 individuals, 53 of whom are current Virginia Tech students, were arrested and all were charged with trespassing.

The Graduate Life Center is open and all activities that were scheduled are taking place.

Incident at Graduate Life Center has stabilized. Police presence remains. Urgent, avoid area. No further updates unless situation changes.

April 28, 10:50 p.m.

On Friday morning, protestors began to occupy the lawn of the Graduate Life Center. Virginia Tech officials informed the protestors that the gathering was in violation of University Policy 5000 (University Facilities Usage and Events). Virginia Tech values free speech and the protestors’ right to be heard, but only if the rights of others and public safety can be assured.

Through constant dialogue between university officials, the Virginia Tech Police Department, and protest organizers, we were able to maintain a safe and peaceful environment through much of the weekend.

As Sunday progressed, protestors continued to refuse to comply with policy and took further steps to occupy the lawn of the Graduate Life Center and outdoor spaces next to Squires Student Center. Given these actions by protesters, the university recognized that the situation had the increasing potential to become unsafe.

Those who gathered were advised by university officials to remove their possessions and to disperse voluntarily; those who failed to comply were then approached by Virginia Tech Police and were again asked to leave and advised that anyone who failed to comply would be charged with trespassing, in accordance with Virginia law.

At approximately 10:15 p.m., police approached protesters to ask them to disperse within five minutes. Those who remained were subject to arrest.

In the interest of public safety, the university issued a VT Alerts at approximately 10:15 p.m. asking members of the community to avoid the area.

For the safety and welfare of all students, faculty and staff, Virginia Tech requires that all members of its community comply with all university policies and the Code of Virginia.

Original post, April 26

Earlier today, a small gathering of members of the university community and others not affiliated with Virginia Tech convened at the Graduate Life Center and placed tents on the lawn. This gathering was not a registered event consistent with university policy. University officials and Virginia Tech Police responded on site to explain the university’s facility use and event policy ( University Policy 5000 ) and related public safety policies. The university will continue to act in accordance with its policies.

The university has communicated to the participants:

• The current event is not compliant with University Policy 5000 , and members of the community are expected to follow that policy.
• All organized events must be compliant with University Policy 5000.
• Event participants cannot erect temporary structures without prior approval as a matter of public safety.

The safety and welfare of all members of the Virginia Tech community is the university’s primary responsibility while we remain unequivocally committed to upholding freedom of speech and academic freedom . This is expressed and upheld through our Principles of Community .

Virginia Tech Police would like to remind all community members of the following:

• Call Virginia Tech Police at 540-382-4343, or 911 if an emergency, to report all suspicious people and circumstances.
• For additional safety and security resources, visit emergency.vt.edu for a wide range of resources.

Members of the university community who seek support or assistance are encouraged to contact these resources:

• Cook Counseling Center  at 540-231-6557
• Dean of Students Office  at 540-231-3787. Referral to a campus cleric may be made through this office.
• Anthem at 855-223-9277
• Aetna at 888-238-6232
• Kaiser Permanente at 866-517-7042
• Optima Health Vantage HMO at 866-846-2682
• Hokie Wellness  at 540-231-2233 (students) or 540-231-8878 (employees)
• Housing Services at 540-231-6205
• Residential Well-being at 540-231-1139
• Equity and Accessibility  at  540-231-2010
• Women's Center at Virginia Tech at 540-231-7806
• University Ombuds Office  at 540-231-3125
• Graduate Office of the Ombudsperson  at 540-231-9573

540-231-5396

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• Virginia Tech Police

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