part time phd schedule

25 Best Part Time PhD Programs [2024 Guide]

Explore part time PhD programs. Compare schools and see why you should consider earning your doctorate part time.

If work or other responsibilities have been holding you back from diving headfirst into doctoral studies, consider part time PhD programs instead.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

You may enroll in an on-campus or online PhD program to earn your doctoral credentials on a schedule that fits your busy lifestyle.

Universities Offering PhD and Other Doctorate Programs Online

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

1. Andrews University

Andrews University is a private university in Berrien Springs, Michigan, that is affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Founded in 1874, Andrews has a current annual enrollment of 3,366.

Students can pursue 130 undergraduate and 70 graduate majors across eight schools and colleges. Degrees at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels are available.

• PhD in Curriculum and Instruction
• PhD in Educational Leadership
• PhD in Higher Education Administration
• PhD in Leadership

Andrews University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

2. Clemson University

Clemson University is a public research university located in Clemson, South Carolina. Founded in 1889, Clemson boasts an annual student enrollment nearing 30,000. U.S. News & World Report ranks Clemson University in 24th place among all public universities.

Students can pursue bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across Clemson’s seven schools and colleges.

• PhD in Healthcare Genetics
• PhD in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management
• PhD in Rhetorics, Communication and Information Design

Clemson University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

3. George Washington University

Chartered in 1821 by an act of the United States Congress, George Washington University stands today as a private research university with an annual enrollment of more than 27,000. GWU is divided into 14 colleges and schools offering bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs.

The Princeton Review consistently ranks George Washington University as a top college in a number of categories. In addition, GWU has been ranked as one of the Top Universities for Producing Billionaires by the Times Higher Education’s World University Rankings.

• PhD in Nursing
• PhD in Systems Engineering

GW  is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

4. Hampton University

Hampton University is a private, historically black university located in Hampton, Virginia, that was founded in 1868. The university is comprised of 10 accredited schools and colleges offering 50 bachelor’s programs, 26 master’s programs, and seven doctoral programs. The Alumni Factor has named Hampton one of the best colleges in Virginia.

• PhD in Business Administration
• PhD in Educational Management

Hampton University  is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

5. Indiana State University

Indiana State University is a public university located in Terre Haute, Indiana, with a history dating back to 1865. ISU offers more than 100 undergraduate majors and 75 graduate. Students can pursue 20 bachelor’s degrees, 22 master’s degrees, and seven doctoral degrees on campus and online through ISU’s six academic colleges.

• PhD in Educational Administration – Higher Education Leadership
• PhD in Educational Administration – School Administration
• PhD in Technology Management

Indiana State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

6. Keiser University

Keiser University is a private university based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Founded in 1977, Keiser offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs available both on campus and online. Money magazine has rated Keiser University one of the top colleges for the money in Florida. Nearly 20,000 students study at Keiser.

• PhD in Criminal Justice and Criminology
• PhD in Industrial and Organizational Psychology
• PhD in Instructional Design and Technology

Keiser University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

7. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private evangelical Christian university founded in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1971. The school consists of 17 distinct colleges offering a wide variety of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs. Programs are divided between 366 on-campus options and 280 online options.

• PhD in Bible Exposition
• PhD in Communication
• PhD in Criminal Justice
• PhD in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security
• PhD in Criminal Justice – Leadership
• PhD in Education – Curriculum and Instruction
• PhD in Education – Instructional Design and Technology
• PhD in Education – Organizational Leadership
• PhD in Education – Special Education
• PhD in Higher Education Administration – Educational Leadership
• PhD in History
• PhD in Nursing – Nursing Education
• PhD in Psychology – Developmental Psychology
• PhD in Psychology – Industrial/Organizational Psychology
• PhD in Psychology – Social Psychology
• PhD in Public Policy
• PhD in Public Policy – Economic Policy
• PhD in Public Policy – Education Policy
• PhD in Public Policy – Foreign Policy
• PhD in Public Policy – National Security
• PhD in Public Policy – Social Policy
• PhD in Strategic Media
• PhD in Theology and Apologetics

Liberty University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

8. Mississippi State University

Mississippi State University is a public research university located near Starkville, Mississippi, that is classified among RI Doctoral Universities for very high research activity. MSU’s more than 22,000 enrolled students can pursue more than 180 areas of study for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. The school was founded in 1878.

• PhD in Community College Leadership
• PhD in Computational Engineering
• PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• PhD in Engineering – Aerospace Engineering
• PhD in Engineering – Civil Engineering
• PhD in Engineering – Mechanical Engineering
• PhD in Industrial & Systems Engineering

Mississippi State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

9. North Carolina A&T State University

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University is a public, historically black university located in Greensboro, North Carolina. The school was founded in 1891 by the North Carolina General Assembly. It is ranked among the top historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) by U.S. News & World Report.

A total of 54 bachelor’s, 29 master’s, and nine doctoral degrees are offered through the school’s eight colleges.

• PhD in Leadership Studies

North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

10. Texas Tech University

Established in 1923, Texas Tech University is a public research university in Lubbock, Texas, featuring 13 colleges and 60 research centers. The Princeton Review has ranked Texas Tech among the 125 best colleges in the Western United States.

Texas Tech offers 150 options for bachelor’s degrees, 110 options for master’s degrees, and 59 doctoral degree programs.

• PhD in Curriculum and Instructions – Curriculum Studies and Teacher Education
• PhD in Curriculum and Instructions – Language, Diversity & Literacy Studies
• PhD in Curriculum and Instructions – STEM
• PhD in Educational Leadership Policy
• PhD in Family and Consumer Science Education
• PhD in Special Education

Texas Tech University  is accredited with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

11. University at Buffalo

Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo a public research university with campuses in Buffalo and Amherst, New York. Nearly 32,000 students are enrolled in what is considered to be the largest public university in New York. UB offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across 13 academic schools and colleges.

• PhD in Information Science

The  University at Buffalo  is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

12. University of Alabama – Huntsville

The University of Alabama in Huntsville was founded in 1950. It is one of three members of the University of Alabama System. UAH school awards 44 bachelor’s, 30 master’s and 15 doctoral degrees across nine colleges to a study body of nearly 10,000.

UAH is a space-grant university with a large focus on engineering and science programs.

• PhD in Civil Engineering
• PhD in Engineering Management
• PhD in Industrial Engineering
• PhD in Joint Nursing Science

UAH  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

13. University of Colorado – Denver

A member of the University of Colorado system, the University of Colorado Denver is a public research facility offering hundreds of degree programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies across dozens schools and colleges.

Total annual enrollment stands at 24,910. Forbes places the University of Colorado Denver 34th on the its list of best public colleges.

University of Colorado – Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

14. University of Florida

The University of Florida is a public land-grant, sea-grant, and space-grant research university with a main campus in Gainesville, Florida. This senior member of the State University System of Florida offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs to the more than 56,000 students that enroll annually.

The list of notable UF alumni includes Erin Andrews, Emmitt Smith, Faye Dunaway, and Marc Rubio.

• PhD in Classical Civilization
• PhD in Latin and Roman Studies

The  University of Florida  is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

15. University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is a public research university based in Lawrence, Kansas. Founded in 1865, KU offers more than 345 degree programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral studies. KU has an annual enrollment of more than 28,400 students.

The school’s faculty and alumni list includes four NASA astronauts, seven Pulitzer Prize winners, 27 Rhodes Scholars, and 325 Fulbright Scholars.

The  University of Kansas  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

16. University of Missouri

The University of Missouri was founded in 1839 as the flagship of the University of Missouri System. Mizzou currently offers more than 300 bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs across 13 major academic divisions for its more than 30,000 enrolled students.

• PhD in Architectural Studies

The University of Missouri is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

17. University of North Carolina – Greensboro

The University of North Carolina at Greensboro is a public research university located in Greensboro, North Carolina, that dates back to 1891. This school with an annual enrollment topping 20,000 is part of the University of North Carolina system.

More than 100 bachelor’s, 61 master’s, and 26 doctoral programs are offered at UNCG.

The  University of North Carolina at Greensboro  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

18. University of North Dakota

Located in Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota offers 90 bachelor’s majors, 54 master’s programs, and 27 doctoral programs. UND was founded in 1883. Currently, UND has an annual enrollment of 13,581 students spread across its 10 academic divisions. The school’s athletic teams compete in the NCAA’s Division I.

• PhD in Aerospace Sciences
• PhD in Biomedical Engineering
• PhD in Chemical Engineering
• PhD in Electrical Engineering
• PhD in Energy Engineering
• PhD in Environmental Engineering
• PhD in Indigenous Health
• PhD in Petroleum Engineering

The University of North Dakota is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

19. University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. The more than 35,000 students enrolled at USC today can study toward bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. The school’s history dates back to 1801.

• PhD in Computer Engineering
• PhD in Computer Science
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering
• PhD in Nuclear Engineering

University of South Carolina is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

20. University of South Dakota

The University of South Dakota is a public research university in Vermillion, South Dakota, with an enrollment of nearly 10,000 students. The university is divided between seven colleges offering hundreds of bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. USD’s campus is home to the National Music Museum. The school was founded in 1862.

• PhD in Health Sciences

USD  is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools.

21. University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Southern Mississippi is a public research university with a main campus located in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Southern Miss awards bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across more than 189 programs. Founded in 1910, the school boasts an annual enrollment of more than 14,00 students.

Southern Mississippi’s academic offerings are divided across four colleges and schools.

• PhD in Nursing Leadership

The  University of Southern Mississippi  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

22. University of Tennessee – Knoxville

Founded in 1794, the University of Tennessee is a public research university located in Knoxville, Tennessee. UT offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across 10 undergraduate colleges and eleven graduate colleges. Annual enrollment stands at close to 29,000 students.

Established two years before Tennessee officially became a state, the University of Tennessee is one of the oldest public universities in the country.

• PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering – Engineering Management

The  University of Tennessee – Knoxville  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

23. University of the Cumberlands

The University of the Cumberlands is a private university located in Williamsburg, Kentucky, dating back to 1888. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs in a variety of specialties in the arts and sciences are offered across four colleges. Total annual enrollment is 13,476.

University of the Cumberlands  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

24. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University is a public research university located in Richmond, Virginia, with a history dating back to 1838. VCU offers more than 217 programs for bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees across 11 schools and three colleges.

U.S. News & World Report has classified VCU as a Tier 1 University that ranks in 84th place among all public colleges and universities in the United States.

• PhD in Health Related Sciences

VCU  is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

25. West Virginia University

Founded in 1875, West Virginia University is a public research university with a main campus in Morgantown, West Virginia. More than 350 academic programs for bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees are offered through 14 schools and colleges for the nearly 30,000 students who enroll at WVU annually.

Designated among the R1 Research Universities for very high research activity, WVU boasts research partnerships with the Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

West Virginia University  is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Do Part Time PhD Programs Exist?

Yes, part time PhD programs do exist. Universities know that many people have packed schedules. To accommodate busy students, some schools give the option of part-time enrollment in PhD programs online or on-campus.

The idea is that you may work your way through one of these programs while still living at home and holding a regular job — no uprooting your life required.

Many part-time PhD programs are offered online, which can be particularly convenient. Online college allows you to attend the university of your choice without having to move away from your hometown.

You may take classes online, chat digitally with your academic advisors, and work on your dissertation from the comfort of your own home. Even still, there may be some in-person residencies or practicums required.

Finances are one of the best reasons to enroll in a part-time online program. The paycheck that you bring in each week can help you afford your grad school tuition without living on ramen noodles for five years straight.

Of course, being able to hold a full-time job while going through your doctoral program is more than just a way to make money. Particularly if your field of study is relevant to your job, you may find many opportunities to connect your classroom studies to real-world experiences.

It’s even possible that a situation at work may provide inspiration for the topic of your doctoral dissertation. If you feel that a dissertation may prevent you from finishing your PhD, then a professional doctorate may be a better choice.

For example, doctor of education programs don’t require dissertations in many cases. Instead, students may complete a final capstone project to demonstrate subject mastery.

Part-time students don’t make up the majority of doctoral candidates; even still, you certainly won’t be the only one if you choose to go this route. In the past year, approximately 44% of doctoral students were enrolled in part-time programs .

What Are the Most Popular PhD Programs?

Doctorates are available in practically any field, but some are more common than others. The following table shows some of the top PhDs that you may be able to earn online.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, some related careers and their average salaries include:

Getting your doctorate may certainly increase your earning potential. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for PhDs is $110,200. That’s a large jump from $78,210, the average annual earnings for those with a master’s degree.

How Do Part Time PhD Degree Programs Work?

To graduate from a part-time doctoral program, you’ll need to do the same work that you would for a full-time course of study. You’ll simply spread the work out over a longer stretch of time.

The first portion of your program will likely be devoted to classes. If you’re enrolled on a part-time basis, you’ll probably keep your course load light instead of taking multiple classes at once.

You may be able to take the classes online, but your school may require a few in-person residencies as well.

Some classes will focus on the research methods that are essential for all doctoral candidates to know, such as analyzing data and writing scholarly reports. At this point, you may also start thinking about a topic for your upcoming research project.

Other courses will be related to your field of study. While some classes may be required of every student in your PhD department, others may be electives. That way, you may build a course of study that is tailored to your career goals and research interests.

After completing your classes, your school may require oral or written testing as a way of assessing your knowledge.

Next, you’ll turn your attention toward your dissertation or another final project. This usually requires completing original research and reporting your findings in a detailed paper.

Even for full-time students, it may take several years to complete a dissertation. On a part-time basis, you may be working on this project even longer.

Once you finish your dissertation, the school’s faculty will need to approve it. Then, you’ll answer questions during a defense of your research. If the faculty determines that you have successfully defended your dissertation, you’ll then be awarded your PhD.

How Long Does It Take to Do a PhD Part Time?

How long it takes to complete your PhD through a part-time schedule is largely up to you and how much you can commit to your studies at any point in time.

You may find that there are some seasons in which you’re able to invest a good portion of your time and other seasons when you’re only able to do the bare minimum to keep going.

As a general rule, though, you should expect your part-time studies to last for several years. Being a part-time student won’t exempt you from any of the program’s requirements.

You’ll still need to earn just as many credit hours, complete any residency or internship experiences, and do the same final projects. The work will just be spread out over a longer period of time.

You should probably plan to work on your doctoral program for six to eight years. Some students take even longer. There may be a maximum duration allowed by your program, so be sure to discuss that with your faculty advisor.

Although part-time schooling is convenient, being enrolled in the same program for years on end may start to feel tedious. It’s important to choose an area of study that you really care about.

Your passion for your studies can keep you motivated even when graduation still seems a long way off.

Admission Requirements for a PhD

No matter what type of doctoral program it is, whether it is a part time or an online accelerated doctoral program, they can be competitive and you’ll want to make sure that your application stands out to the admissions committee. The first step is making sure that you meet the requirements and include all necessary documentation.

• Application and fee: Filling out this form gives the committee basic information about you, so be sure to complete it thoroughly. The fee will be non-refundable, even if you aren’t admitted.
• College transcripts: These demonstrate whether you have the appropriate academic background. You will need to hold a bachelor’s degree, and you may need a master’s degree as well. There may be minimum GPA scores required.
• Test scores: Many schools use GRE or GMAT scores to determine whether you have what it takes to succeed in a PhD program. If you’re an international applicant, you may also need TOEFL scores to demonstrate your proficiency with the English language.
• Letters of reference: These should come from academic or professional colleagues who can attest to your commitment and character. Two or three letters may be required.
• Personal statement or research proposal: This is your chance to communicate your study goals. That way, the school can determine whether your interests align with the expertise of the faculty.

Pay close attention to application deadlines. It’s smart to submit your materials a few weeks before the cutoff since schools don’t usually take late applications.

Accreditation for PhD Programs

Accreditation is a process in which an independent organization evaluates a college’s programs and results to determine whether the school is doing a good job of educating students. If the college is up to par, then it receives approval from an accrediting body.

The primary type of accreditation to consider is regional accreditation . There are seven U.S. organizations that have the right to grant regional accreditation.

There are fairly high standards for regional accreditation. As a result, this type of accreditation is well-respected, and employers are often more inclined to select candidates whose degrees come from regionally accredited schools.

Financial Aid for PhD Students

Paying for a doctorate out of pocket can be an overwhelming prospect, but there are a number of options for funding your PhD.

• Fellowships: Based on your personal merits, your school or a private organization may give you fellowship money intended to further your research goals.
• Government grants: If your income qualifies, you may get free tuition help from the state or federal government.
• Government loans: You may have the option to take out low-interest loans from the federal government or your state.
• Private loans: To supplement your financial package, you may also need private loans. Just be aware that these can come with high interest rates.
• Scholarships: You can apply for gift money from a scholarship-granting organization, such as a professional association in your field.
• Stipends: Some schools grant PhD candidates a small stipend. There are usually stipulations to this, and the rules may differ for part-time students.

To find out more, talk to your school’s financial aid department. Be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) .

Also, if getting a doctorate could benefit your performance at work, you may be able to request tuition assistance from your employer.

Can You Do PhD Part Time?

Yes, you can do a PhD part time. Studying for a PhD doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Just as there are part time masters programs, you can likewise enroll in a doctoral program on a part-time basis.

With that approach, you may be able to go to work during the day and take classes or write papers in the evening. It may even be possible to complete the coursework online.

Is PhD Full Time or Part Time?

Both full-time and part-time PhD programs are available. Some people choose to earn their doctorates as quickly as possible by going to school full-time. Others opt to enroll part-time so that they may keep up with work or family responsibilities.

Keep in mind that not all schools give you the choice between full-time and part-time study; their traditional or online doctoral programs may be specifically designed for one or the other.

Is a PhD Worth It?

Yes, a PhD is worth it for many students. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projected a 5.9% job growth for doctoral or professional degree holders over the next 1o years, faster than the average for all occupations.

Getting a PhD may open new doors. Earning this top degree may grant you entrance into academia as a researcher or a professor.

It may also prepare you to assume high leadership roles and earn more money in your field. Plus, there’s often a sense of personal satisfaction that comes from accomplishing a huge goal like earning a PhD.

If you’re ready to put those three letters after your name, then it’s time to think about enrolling in a doctoral program. Apply to part-time PhD programs so you may pursue your degree without putting your life on hold.

Top Universities Offering Part-Time PhD Programs in the USA

• by Canice Silas

The USA is one of the best countries if not the best for postgraduate studies abroad and many international students are relocating to the USA for their doctoral studies. For this reason, to accommodate as many students as possible, there exist many universities offering part-time PhD programs in the USA.

Part-time PhD programs offer flexibility for working professionals seeking to advance their education. This flexibility is especially beneficial for those who want to enhance their skills and knowledge. Part-time PhD programs allow individuals to balance their academic pursuits with their career responsibilities, providing a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth.

Well, it is no news, completing a doctorate degree be it full-time or part-time is indeed a long and intensive process. To make it more achievable, several institutions globally have designed part-time PhD programs to cater to those individuals who, despite holding a full-time family or professional commitment, are looking to pursue a doctorate-level qualification.

In this article, we look at the top 10 universities that offer part-time PhD programs in the United States. Be sure to note that each university has different admission procedures, deadlines, and tuition fees – so ensure you do your research at the earliest convenience if you’re interested in such programs.

Related: Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Part-Time PhD Program

Benefits of Pursuing a Part-Time PhD

PhD candidates who opt for part-time study programs can work towards their goals at a comfortable pace. A key benefit of being a part-time student is the ability to continue working while pursuing a higher education degree.

This approach provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on work experience and directly apply knowledge acquired in the program to their professional roles. Part-time study also eliminates the need to reside on campus, leading to potential cost savings. Below are the top benefits of pursuing a part-time PhD program in the United States of America.

Flexibility

One of the most important advantages of part-time PhD programs is the schedule. Part-time PhD programs offer flexibility in terms of time commitment and allow students to balance their studies with other responsibilities such as work or family obligations.

It Costs Less

The top reason for choosing a part-time PhD program is most likely because it costs less than a full-time program. This is a significant factor for many students who are working or have other financial obligations. Part-time PhD programs tend to be more affordable than full-time options, making them a popular choice for those seeking advanced degrees while managing other responsibilities.

Work-Life Balance

Another benefit of a part-time PhD program is the flexibility it offers for students to balance their academic studies with their professional careers and personal responsibilities. Many top universities understand the importance of work-life balance and offer part-time PhD programs to accommodate students’ diverse needs.

This flexibility allows students to continue working full-time while pursuing their academic goals, ultimately leading to a more well-rounded education and career.

More Room for Personal Discovery

Part-time PhD programs offer candidates more room for personal discovery. These programs provide flexibility and opportunities for self-exploration and growth in a less structured environment. This flexibility, in turn, provides students with the opportunity to delve deeper into their research and explore new areas of study.

See: Why Pursue a PhD in the USA?

Limitations of Part-time PhD Studies

One potential limitation of part-time PhD studies is the extended time frame required to complete the program. Some potential challenges that part-time students may face include balancing work and academic commitments, managing time effectively, and maintaining motivation throughout the lengthy program. Let us discuss some of the limitations that students contemplating such studies may be faced with.

Part-time PhD Takes Longer to Complete

Completing a part-time PhD program in the USA typically takes longer due to the flexibility and reduced course load for working professionals. Students are often able to work full-time while pursuing their PhD, which can impact the overall completion time . The average length of a part-time PhD program in the USA is around 6-7 years, compared to 4-5 years for full-time programs.

Difficulty in Completion

Completing a part-time PhD program can be particularly challenging for students who are also juggling work and family responsibilities as they often struggle to find enough time to dedicate to their studies and research. This can lead to extended graduation timelines and potential burnout.

Lack of Motivation

The lack of motivation is a major challenge faced by part-time PhD students and can have a significant impact on their academic progress. Lack of motivation can lead to procrastination and ultimately hinder their research and writing process. It is important for universities offering part-time PhD programs to provide support and resources to help students stay motivated and on track toward completing their degree.

Top 10 Universities Offering Part-Time PhD Programs in the USA

In the United States, part-time PhD programs have turned out to be the most viable option for working professionals. This has led to many top universities offering part-time PhD programs in the USA. Some of the most prestigious institutions in the country that provide part-time doctoral opportunities include:

Let us look at the qualities that make these universities offering part-time PhD programs in the USA top of our list.

#1. Johns Hopkins: Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

• Tuition Fee: $1,374 per credit
• Location: Baltimore, USA
• Delivery Format: Online and Onsite | Part-Time
• Duration: 4–9 Years
• Application Deadlines: Varies by Department

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program at Johns Hopkins University is designed specifically for working professionals who are interested in pursuing a part-time PhD in public health. This Schoolwide program offers flexibility, with online courses and the opportunity to attend onsite classes if desired. Professionals can enhance their skills and make a difference in healthcare, all while studying from anywhere in the world.

See Also: Best 10 Online PhD Programs in Public Health for Working Professionals

Enrolled in the DrPH Program, students must complete at least 29 credits of core coursework that aligns with the CEPH foundational DrPH competencies. This includes a mandatory 6 credits in data analysis. Students will need to take 28 credits of coursework specific to their chosen concentration or track, along with a minimum of 7 credits dedicated to proposal and thesis work. In total, a minimum of 64 credits is necessary for graduation from the DrPH Program.

• Program Link

#2. Florida Institute of Technology: PhD in Applied Mathematics

• Tuition Fee: $1,241 per credit
• Location: Melbourne, USA
• Delivery Format: Full-time, Part-time
• Duration : 2 Years

Florida Institute of Technology’s PhD program in Applied Mathematics provides a challenging and specialized curriculum aimed at equipping students for successful careers in both academia and industry. Recognized as one of the limited 30 applied mathematics programs in the country, Florida Tech’s doctoral program offers a variety of specializations in the field, such as nonlinear analysis, stochastic analysis, optimization, numerical analysis, scientific computing, and statistics.

With a focus on advanced mathematical theory and practical applications, students in this program gain a solid foundation for conducting cutting-edge research in various fields. The faculty at Florida Institute of Technology are experts in their respective fields, providing students with valuable mentorship and guidance throughout their academic journey.

#3. Oklahoma State University: Doctorate in Chemical Engineering

• Tuition Fee: $28,430 per year
• Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma City, USA
• Duration: 4 Years

Oklahoma State University offers a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering program tailored for professionals seeking to progress in the industry. This specialized program delves into the development of processes for material production, transformation, and transportation, starting from laboratory testing to technology implementation.

The curriculum at OSU blends theoretical education with practical training in the chemical engineering field. Prospective PhD students have the option to enroll with a Bachelor’s degree and pursue a direct path to a PhD without obtaining a Master’s degree , or enter with a Master’s degree already completed. The choice of entry route influences the specific course requirements for each individual student.

See Also: Top 10 Countries for Online PhD in Europe

With a strong emphasis on research and hands-on experience, students in this program are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the chemical engineering industry. This program offers a flexible schedule for working professionals, allowing them to pursue their PhD in Chemical Engineering while balancing their career responsibilities.

#4. University of Texas: Doctorate In English

• Tuition Fee: $11,044 per year
• Location: Arlington, Texas, USA
• Duration: 3 Years

The Doctorate in English program at the University of Texas offers a flexible part-time option for students looking to further their education in the field. Students have the opportunity to work closely with renowned faculty members and conduct in-depth research in their area of interest. The program also offers flexible scheduling for students balancing work and academic commitments. The Doctor of Philosophy degree in English equips students with advanced skills in analyzing and writing texts. The program focuses on in-depth critical examination in areas such as rhetoric, composition, critical theory, cultural studies, literary studies, pedagogy, and technical writing.

There are several compelling reasons to think about enrolling in the PhD in English program at the University of Texas, Arlington. It has been designated as the number 1 Research Doctoral University, a prestigious classification from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. It has also been recognized as the third fastest-growing doctoral public institution in the entire country according to the Chronicle of Higher Education Almanac.

The faculty members are highly esteemed for their exceptional teaching and research skills, and students can benefit from a low faculty-to-student ratio and small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention.

#5. University of San Francisco: EdD In Organization and Leadership

• Tuition Fee: $17,160 per year or $1,270 / per credit
• Location: San Francisco, USA
• Delivery Format: Full time, Part time
• Duration: 5 Years

The Ed.D. Program in Organization and Leadership at the University of San Francisco offers a flexible schedule for students who wish to pursue their PhD part-time. The program offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning opportunities for working professionals seeking to further their education in organization and leadership. Students also have the opportunity to participate in field experiences and research projects.

The Organization and Leadership (O&L) Doctoral program consists of 60 credits beyond the master’s degree and includes completing a dissertation. To accommodate working professionals, classes are held on alternate weekends, totaling nine times per semester in a Teaching Weekend format.

Read Also: Top 7 Doctoral Programs That Accept Transfer Credits

#6. Concordia University: Doctorate in Teacher Leadership

• Tuition Fee: NA
• Location: River Forest, IL, USA
• Delivery Format: Part-time

The Doctorate in Teacher Leadership program at Concordia University is highly recommended for educators who want to advance their careers while maintaining a full-time job. This program provides flexible scheduling to accommodate the busy lives of working professionals. Students enrolled in the program have the chance to work closely with experienced educators in the industry.

With Concordia University’s strong reputation in the field of education, it has become a sought-after choice for teachers aspiring to become leaders. Upon completion of the program, graduates are prepared to assume leadership positions within educational institutions. This program focuses on guiding students to utilize their existing knowledge and professional background to enhance their skills.

Students are required to hone their research abilities and gain an understanding of data analysis, school improvement, adult development, and evidence-based decision-making. While centered on teacher leadership, this specialization also allows students to delve into instructional leadership across different educational environments such as pre-K-12 schools, non-profit organizations, businesses, and government entities.

#7. Georgia Central University: Doctorate in Intercultural Studies

• Location: Atlanta, USA

Georgia Central University’s Doctorate in Intercultural Studies program offers a unique and innovative approach to studying cultural interactions and diversity. Students in this program have the opportunity to participate in research projects and internships around the world, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the field. Students in this program can collaborate with professors who are experts in intercultural studies, further enhancing their academic knowledge and skills.

The purpose of the PhD program is to train students to become interdisciplinary scholars with expertise in all three key areas of focus within the field of intercultural studies. Upon completion of the program, students are expected to demonstrate advanced knowledge of intercultural studies as well as research methodologies suitable for conducting interdisciplinary research in its focal areas.

#8. George Mason University: PhD in Neuroscience

• Tuition Fee: $30,000 per year
• Location: Fairfax, Virginia, USA

One of the key advantages of George Mason University’s PhD program in Neuroscience is its flexible part-time scheduling options. Students can balance work and studies more effectively. This allows individuals to continue working while pursuing their academic goals. This flexibility enables students to balance their professional and educational commitments effectively. George Mason University offers a range of elective courses in neuroscience to tailor the program to individual interests and career goals.

The PhD in Neuroscience program is dedicated to exploring the intricacies of the brain and tackling the complex task of achieving a comprehensive understanding of cognition and advanced brain functions. The program aims to equip students to engage in the forefront of this dynamic field in various sectors like academia, industry, and government. By offering a stimulating interdisciplinary setting, the program supports the growth of essential skills needed for a successful research career.

Related: Top Neurobiology PhD Programs

#9. Boston University: Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

• Location: Boston, MA, USA

Boston University’s Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program stands out as a top choice for those seeking a part-time PhD program in the field. Students have the flexibility to balance their studies with work and other commitments while still receiving a high-quality education. Boston University’s Doctor of Public Health program is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the field of public health. The program offers flexible schedules and opportunities for hands-on experience.

The Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) focuses on practical training to help professionals create, implement, and assess public health programs and policies on both national and international levels. Full-time students who already hold a master’s degree can complete the program within 5 years from enrollment, while part-time students are given up to 7 years to finish the program.

#10. University of Illinois: PhD of Public Administration

• Tuition Fee: $7,830 / per year
• Location: Chicago, USA

The University of Illinois is recognized as one of the leading universities in the United States that offers part-time PhD programs. Among its prestigious programs is the PhD in Public Administration, which is highly respected in academic circles. This specialized program entails a comprehensive study of policy analysis, development, leadership, and management skills. The program facilitates networking opportunities within the public administration sector, providing students with valuable connections and insights.

The doctoral program offered by the Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics offers students a comprehensive education that includes practical research experience and specialized coursework tailored to their individual interests. Professionals pursuing a doctorate in this program must understand the importance of developing strong research abilities and maintaining regular communication with the research faculty as they work on their dissertation projects.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Part-Time PhD Program

Obtaining a doctorate in any field is an investment in one’s future. When choosing a part-time PhD program , one might consider some important factors before applying. These factors can include the actual requirements for the degree, famous and well-respected universities offering the courses, the length of the program, potential career opportunities, and schedules that are accommodating. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a part-time PhD program

Alignment with Your Research Interests

One key factor to consider when choosing a part-time PhD program is the alignment with your research interests. It is crucial to choose a university that aligns closely with your research interests to ensure that your work is supported and guided appropriately. This alignment can significantly impact the success of your research and overall satisfaction with the program.

Accreditation

Accreditation is crucial when considering part-time PhD programs in the USA. It ensures that the program meets certain quality standards and is recognized by other institutions. This accreditation is important as it helps you determine the credibility of the degree you are pursuing. Some top universities offering part-time PhD programs in the USA may have accreditation from reputable bodies such as the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Faculty Expertise

Faculty expertise plays a crucial role in guiding students through their part-time PhD programs at top universities in the USA. The faculty members bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, providing invaluable mentorship and support throughout the research process. Their expertise in various fields ensures that students receive top-notch guidance and supervision as they work towards completing their doctoral degrees.

Financial Aid Options

Financial aid options for part-time PhD programs can make pursuing advanced degrees more affordable for students. One option is to apply for scholarships and grants . Another option is to seek out student loans specifically for part-time PhD students. Some universities offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing a PhD part-time. This financial support can help offset the costs of continuing education while working.

Time Commitment

One important aspect to consider when pursuing a part-time PhD program in the USA is the flexibility it offers in terms of time commitment. Some universities may require a minimum number of 20 hours per week for part-time PhD students, while others may allow more flexibility in scheduling. It is important that you carefully consider your time commitments before enrolling in a part-time PhD program.

Pursuing a part-time PhD program at a top university in the USA offers flexibility and the opportunity to further your education while balancing other commitments. Part-time PhD programs offer flexibility for working professionals who are looking to further their education while still maintaining their careers. This flexibility allows students to balance work and academic pursuits, making part-time PhD programs a popular option for those seeking advanced degrees.

Share this:

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window)

Discover more from Doctorate Guru

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Type your email…

Canice Silas

Canice U. Silas is a dedicated scholar who has channeled the last 20 years of his life to various forms of scholastic pursuits. He holds a BSC in Industrial Chemistry and a master's degree in Inorganic Chemistry from the prestigious Imo State University, Owerri. Mr Silas is set to complete his PhD in Inorganic Chemistry within the next six months. Passionate about the classroom from his elementary school days, Mr Silas grabbed the first opportunity that came his way at the Imo State University where he worked as A. A and currently K. O. Mbadiwe University, as a lecturer and as well has been into educational consulting for thousands of students across various tertiary institutions in the world.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Ultimate guide to choosing a part-time phd program, strategies to balance work and a part-time phd program, you may also like.

• 9 minute read

10 Best 1 Year PhD Programs Online In Europe

• by Emmanuel Happiness
• 19 February 2024
• 10 minute read

Top 10 Executive Doctorate Degree Programs of 2024

• 7 March 2024
• 4 minute read

Top 5 Benefits of Completing a 1-Year PhD Online

• 29 July 2024
• 7 minute read

Top 10 Universities Offering Free Honorary Doctorate Degrees Online

• 28 July 2024
• 8 minute read

10 PhD Programs That Do Not Require a Master’s Degree

• 3 July 2024

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

• Part Time PhDs – Everything You Need To Know
• Types of Doctorates

Introduction

Whilst the core activities of a part time PhD are identical of that to a full time PhD, its arrangement is different. This difference is not only in programme duration but also in fees and funding opportunities. In addition to this, part time study also has different benefits and challenges. Therefore, whilst your personal situation may not be ideal for a full time PhD, it could be perfect for a part time one. We’ve outlined these differences as well as the pros and cons of part time study to help you decide whether it’s right for you.

Why Do a Part Time PhD?

Undertaking a part time PhD can be a great option for you if you fall into one of the four categories:

• Financial – a part time PhD provides the opportunity to earn whilst you study. Although you could secure a full time studentship, the stipend it offers may not be enough in all cases, for example, if you’re financially responsible for multiple family members.
• Career – working individuals, especially those who have already advanced several stages in their career, may opt for a Professional Doctorate. A Professional Doctorate is equivalent to a part time PhD, but focuses on a specific professional practice relevant to the individual. It’s usually undertaken when you wish to apply research skills in a professional environment or become more specialised in your industry.
• Caring obligations – part time study offers a greater deal of flexibility compared to its full time equivalent. This can be desirable in situations where the individual has considerable caring obligations, such as a young family.
• Intensity – many students feel that a pursuing a research degree over a longer period of time drastically lowers the intensity of postgraduate study. Part time PhD hours per week are typically around half that of its full time equivalent. This can come with a wide range of physical and mental health benefits.

Part Time PhD Fees

The average tuition fee for part time PhD study in the UK is approximately £2,356 per academic year for home students, and between £8,000 to £12,500 for international students.

This is typically 50% of the fee charged for an equivalent full time doctorate. However, a handful of universities use a prorated fee of up to 60% so it’s important to check the individual fees for each university you are applying to. These additional costs usually cover the admin/overhead fees associated with your time at the university.

Besides the tuition fee, there are several other costs which you need to account for. You can learn about these costs in our full cost breakdown of UK PhDs .

Part Time PhD Funding and Scholarships

As a part time student, most universities will expect you to fund your own studies. This is because nearly all part-time students will work a paying job alongside their studies which can be used to support their education.

However, you may still apply to department or university funding opportunities such as subject-specific bursaries. Besides this, external bodies such as Research Councils , research charities and industrial institutions also offer grants and PhD studentships for research projects related to their field. It’s worth remembering these opportunities are usually very limited and are awarded based on a candidates strength and not their personal situation.

One benefit of selecting a research project related to your employer is that it opens an additional opportunity for funding. It’s not uncommon for an employer to contribute to an employee’s tuition fee if there is a mutual benefit to be had.

How Long Is a Part Time PhD?

The average duration of part time PhDs in the UK is between 6 to 7 years. This is double a full time doctorate.

Universities also set registration periods which limit the minimum and maximum amount of time you can be enrolled in a course. For doctorates, the minimum duration is usually 4 years and the maximum 8 years.

How Many Working Hours per Week?

You will be expected to work half the number of hours of a full time student. Although full time students are expected to work 35 hours a week, in reality, most will work closer to 40 – 45 hours. Therefore, you’ll be expected to dedicate approximately 20 hours each week towards your degree.

However, you won’t always be able to achieve this many hours due to your other commitments. Therefore, working to a frequent and consistent schedule will be more important. Working on your research in irregular intervals or whenever time permits will be an inefficient approach – it’s far better, plus psychologically easier, to commit to a consistent schedule. Though your PhD supervisor may be able to offer guidance in this regard, ultimately the PhD is yours to shape.

Most part time programmes will also have some doctoral training courses with fixed dates, especially those which are organised by industry experts or visiting lecturers. There may also be time restrictions to be aware of if you are a postgraduate researcher involved in laboratory work, particularly where special equipment is needed as this may be rented by the university research centre and only available during certain times in the year.

Part Time PhDs for International Students

If you are an international student wishing to undertake a part time PhD programme in a foreign country, you will need to meet additional requirements.

For example, to study in the UK, you will need to secure both a work visa and a stable job. This is to prove that you can support yourself throughout the full length of your course. Unfortunately, even if you’re able to secure departmental or external funding, you won’t be able to use this to prove an income. Additionally, an international PhD student in the UK will need to demonstrate English proficiency as part of the application process. These entry requirements apply whether the overseas student is pursuing a PhD part-time or for full-time studies.

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

Challenges of a Part Time PhD

It’s generally accepted that undertaking a PhD part time is more challenging than undertaking it full time.

Age – although this shouldn’t be a factor, we know it can cause concern for some. If you have already been working for several years, you may find that some of your research colleagues or academic staff members are the same age or younger than yourself. This could cause apprehension or cultural issues if you fail to keep an open mind.

Detachment – as a research student, you’ll often doubt whether you’re working on the right thing or making sufficient progress. You can expect this feeling to be compounded if you’re studying on a part time basis. This is because you’ll have less interaction with your department, peers and supervisor given you won’t always be on campus.

Time management – juggling a career or significant family obligations with the demanding requirements of a doctoral degree can take its toll. Over the 6 to 7 years, you’ll no doubt encounter periods when your external commitments require more of your time, whether its intensive projects or the need for frequent travel associated with part time courses. During these times there is potential for your research to slip, or worse, become an unwanted burden.

Motivation – having to balance your time and focus with your other commitments can make it difficult to immerse yourself in your research. This often results in a lack of ‘momentum’, which coupled with a journey that’s twice as long, increases the risk of your passion fading out. Unfortunately, because of this, many supervisors observe the drop-out rate of part time students to be greater than that of their full time peers. This isn’t due to a lack of dedication or commitment, but due to the individual no longer being able to balance several demanding obligations without jeopardising their mental or physical well-being.

Funding opportunity availability – as mentioned earlier, since part-time applicants are able to work alongside their studies, there are fewer funding opportunities available to them.

Relevancy – as your doctoral study will take 6 to 7 years to complete, there is a risk that your research will no longer be relevant. This could be for several reasons. For example:

• An individual may be working on a research project very similar to yours. Assuming they are working full time and complete their project before you, it could render your project ‘unoriginal’ depending on the amount of overlap between your findings. It is important to discuss this with potential supervisors who may be aware of similar PhD projects being undertaken.
• New technology or knowledge may be developed which renders your original research question obsolete if the premise it was built on becomes ’outdated’.
• New observations could be made which have the potential to jeopardise your work. For example, a new study may be published which identifies significant limitations behind a method outlined in your research proposal. This would cast serious doubt into the validity of your research findings, and in some cases, may require you to start over with an alternative method.

Browse PhDs Now

Join thousands of students.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Pursuing A Part-Time Phd In Computer Science: What You Need To Know

Earning a PhD is the pinnacle of academic achievement in computer science, opening doors to research, teaching, and leadership roles. But taking 4+ years off work for a full-time program isn’t feasible for everyone.

Part-time PhD options allow professionals to attain this goal while continuing their careers.

If you’re short on time, here’s the key takeaway: Part-time CS PhD programs typically take 5-7 years to complete . They provide flexibility for working students but require diligence to balance school, research, and professional demands.

The Benefits of a Part-Time CS PhD

Progress academically without leaving your job.

A part-time PhD in Computer Science offers the unique opportunity to advance your academic career while still maintaining your professional commitments. This flexibility allows you to continue working in your current job, providing financial stability and practical application of your studies.

Balancing work and study can be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. By pursuing a part-time PhD, you can deepen your knowledge in your chosen field and make significant contributions to the advancement of computer science.

Network with faculty and peers in your field

One of the key advantages of pursuing a part-time PhD in Computer Science is the opportunity to network with esteemed faculty members and like-minded peers who share your passion for the subject. Interacting with experts in the field can provide valuable insights, guidance, and collaboration opportunities.

Attending conferences, workshops, and seminars can further expand your network and expose you to the latest developments in computer science. Building these connections can open doors to new opportunities and enhance your career prospects.

Strengthen research skills and resume

A part-time PhD program allows you to develop and refine your research skills, which are highly valued in the field of computer science. Through conducting in-depth research, analyzing data, and writing scholarly papers, you can enhance your ability to critically think, problem solve, and contribute to the body of knowledge in your area of expertise.

Moreover, having a PhD in Computer Science on your resume demonstrates your dedication, perseverance, and expertise, making you a highly sought-after candidate for both academic and industry positions.

Program Structure and Requirements

Reduced course load each semester.

Pursuing a part-time PhD in Computer Science offers flexibility in terms of course load. Unlike full-time students, part-time students typically take a reduced number of courses each semester. This allows them to balance their academic commitments with other personal and professional responsibilities.

By taking fewer courses at a time, part-time students can focus on their coursework more effectively and ensure a better understanding of the material.

Original dissertation research

The cornerstone of a part-time PhD program in Computer Science is the dissertation research. Students are required to embark on an original research project under the guidance of a faculty advisor. This research should contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field and demonstrate a deep understanding of a specific area of computer science.

The research can involve developing new algorithms, designing innovative software systems, or exploring cutting-edge technologies.

Qualifying exams and proposal defense

Part-time PhD students in Computer Science are typically required to pass qualifying exams to demonstrate their readiness for conducting research. These exams assess the student’s knowledge and understanding of the core concepts in the field.

Once the exams are passed, students need to prepare a research proposal outlining the objectives, methodology, and expected contributions of their dissertation. The proposal is then defended in front of a committee of faculty members who evaluate its feasibility and significance.

It’s important to note that the specific structure and requirements of a part-time PhD program in Computer Science may vary depending on the institution. It is advisable to consult the program’s official website or contact the program coordinator for more detailed information.

Finding the Right Program

When pursuing a part-time PhD in Computer Science, finding the right program is crucial for success. Here are some key factors to consider:

On-campus and online options

One of the first decisions to make is whether to pursue your PhD on-campus or online. On-campus programs offer the benefit of face-to-face interactions with professors and fellow students, while online programs provide flexibility for those who are working or have other commitments.

It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option and choose the one that aligns best with your lifestyle and goals.

Focus on faculty research expertise

Another important factor to consider when choosing a program is the faculty’s research expertise. Look for programs where the faculty members have research interests and expertise that align with your own.

This will ensure that you receive guidance and mentorship from experts in your field of interest. Additionally, professors with strong research backgrounds can provide valuable networking opportunities and connections in the industry.

Funding availability

Funding is a significant consideration for many part-time PhD students. Look for programs that offer funding options such as scholarships, grants, or assistantships. These can help alleviate the financial burden and allow you to focus on your studies.

It’s also worth exploring external funding opportunities from organizations or government agencies that support research in your field.

Managing Your Time Effectively

Stay organized with schedules and goals.

When pursuing a part-time PhD in computer science, time management becomes crucial. It is important to create a schedule that includes dedicated study hours, research time, and coursework completion. By setting goals for each week or month, you can track your progress and ensure that you are staying on track.

One effective strategy is to use a planner or a digital calendar to keep track of deadlines, meetings, and other important events. By having a visual representation of your commitments, you can prioritize your tasks and allocate time accordingly.

Additionally, breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks can help you stay organized and prevent overwhelm. By setting realistic goals for each study session, you can make progress towards your PhD while still managing other responsibilities.

Communicate needs clearly at work

When pursuing a part-time PhD, it is essential to communicate your needs with your employer or colleagues. Letting them know about your academic commitments and the time required for your studies can help them understand your availability and make necessary adjustments.

Consider having a conversation with your supervisor or manager to discuss your situation and explore potential flexible working arrangements. This could include adjusting your work schedule, reducing your workload, or even exploring opportunities for research collaboration between your job and your PhD.

Open and honest communication can go a long way in ensuring that both your work and academic responsibilities are managed effectively.

Leverage support systems

Pursuing a part-time PhD can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. It is crucial to leverage the support systems available to you.

Reach out to your academic advisor or supervisor for guidance and support. They can provide valuable insights on managing your time, selecting courses, and balancing your academic and work commitments.

Additionally, consider joining or forming study groups with fellow part-time PhD students. Collaborating with others who are facing similar challenges can provide a sense of camaraderie and support. You can share study materials, discuss research ideas, and offer each other encouragement along the way.

Lastly, don’t forget about the support of your family and friends. Let them know about your academic journey and the challenges you may face. Their understanding and encouragement can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

Remember, pursuing a part-time PhD in computer science requires dedication, discipline, and effective time management. By staying organized, communicating your needs, and leveraging support systems, you can successfully navigate this exciting academic journey while maintaining a balance with your work and personal life.

Completion, Careers and Next Steps

Job prospects post-phd.

Completing a part-time PhD in computer science opens up a world of exciting job prospects. With a doctoral degree in this field, you are well-equipped to pursue highly specialized positions in both industry and academia.

The demand for computer science professionals continues to grow, and obtaining a PhD can give you a competitive edge in the job market. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of computer and information research scientists is projected to grow 15 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations.

This means that there will be ample opportunities for individuals with advanced degrees in computer science.

Potential teaching and research roles

One of the key benefits of earning a PhD in computer science is the opportunity to pursue teaching and research roles. Many universities and research institutions are constantly seeking experts in the field to join their faculty and contribute to cutting-edge research.

As a PhD holder, you can become a professor, teaching and mentoring the next generation of computer scientists. Additionally, you can engage in research projects, pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field and making significant contributions to the advancement of technology.

The opportunity to share your expertise and make a lasting impact in the academic community is truly rewarding.

Higher salaries and senior positions

Earning a PhD in computer science can also lead to higher salaries and senior positions. With the advanced knowledge and skills gained during your doctoral studies, you become a valuable asset to companies and organizations.

Employers often recognize the expertise and dedication required to complete a PhD, and are willing to offer higher salaries to attract and retain top talent. In addition, holding a doctoral degree can open doors to senior management and leadership positions, where you can have a greater influence on strategic decisions and shape the direction of the company.

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, computer science PhD graduates earned an average starting salary of $123,000 in 2020, significantly higher than those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

While requiring diligence and time management skills, part-time computer science PhD programs make this high-level credential attainable for busy professionals. From strengthening your research abilities to opening new career doors, the long-term benefits of earning a PhD on a flexible schedule are immense.

If you’re willing to balance work, research, and coursework, a part-time CS PhD can help you achieve your pinnacle academic and career aspirations.

Similar Posts

Top Entry Level Jobs For Political Science Majors

For political science majors, identifying promising career paths after graduation can be challenging. While a political science degree builds valuable skills, the route to jobs directly within government and politics often requires years of experience. Fortunately, political science grads are highly employable in a wide range of entry level roles across various fields. This article…

When Did Computer Science Become A Major?

In today’s digital world, computer science skills are highly in demand across industries. If you’re interested in studying computer science, you may be wondering when it became an established field of study and major at universities. While computers had existed for decades prior, computer science emerged as a distinct academic discipline starting in the 1950s…

Management Information Systems Vs. Computer Science: How To Choose

Both management information systems and computer science degrees provide valuable technology skills for in-demand careers. But they take different approaches, with MIS focused on business applications and CS centered on computation, programming, and software development. In short: MIS emphasizes using technology to solve business problems, while CS focuses on computing fundamentals, coding, algorithms, and math….

Masters Of Professional Studies Vs. Masters Of Science: Key Differences

When researching graduate programs, you may come across both Masters of Professional Studies (MPS) and Masters of Science (MS or MSc) options. But what’s the difference between these two advanced degree paths? If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: MPS programs focus on practical skills and experience for careers, while MS degrees concentrate…

Public Policy Vs. Political Science: Understanding The Key Differences

Public policy and political science are two fields that are often conflated, but there are distinct differences between them. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the nuances and help you understand what each field entails. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: While public policy and political science intersect,…

What Is The Average Gpa For Computer Science Majors?

Getting into the computer science field is highly competitive. Students wonder what GPA they need to be a competitive applicant for CS programs and jobs. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: the average GPA for computer science majors falls between 3.0-3.5 on a 4.0 scale. In this comprehensive guide, we will look…

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Biostatistics
• Environmental Health and Engineering
• Epidemiology
• Health Policy and Management
• Health, Behavior and Society
• International Health
• Mental Health
• Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Program Finder
• Admissions Services
• Course Directory
• Academic Calendar
• Hybrid Campus
• Lecture Series
• Convocation
• Strategy and Development
• Implementation and Impact
• Integrity and Oversight
• In the School
• In the Field
• In Baltimore
• Resources for Practitioners
• Articles & News Releases
• In The News
• Statements & Announcements
• At a Glance
• Student Life
• Strategic Priorities
• Inclusion, Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Equity (IDARE)
• What is Public Health?

Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)

Online and Onsite | Part-Time | 4 – 9 Years

• MSPH Field Placements
• Master's Essays
• MAS Application Fee Waiver Requirements
• Master of Arts and Master of Science in Public Health (MA/MSPH)
• Master of Arts in Public Health Biology (MAPHB)
• Master of Bioethics (MBE)
• Mission, Vision, and Values
• Student Experience
• Program Outcomes
• For Hopkins Undergraduate Students
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Epidemiology
• Alumni Update
• MHS Combined with a Certificate Program
• Master of Health Science (MHS) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Bachelor's/MHS in Health Economics and Outcomes Research
• MHS HEOR Careers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Master of Health Science (MHS)
• Concurrent School-Wide Master of Health Science Program in Biostatistics
• Master of Health Science - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Master of Health Science Online (MHS) - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Careers in Health Economics
• Core Competencies
• Meet the Director
• What is Health Economics
• MPH Capstone Schedule
• Concentrations
• Online/Part-Time Format
• Requirements

Tuition and Funding

• Executive Board Faculty
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Biostatistics
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Epidemiology
• Master of Science (ScM) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Bachelor's/MSPH in Health Policy
• FAQ for MSPH in Health Policy
• Field Placement Experience
• MSPH Capstone
• MSPH Practicum
• Required and Elective Courses
• Student Timeline
• Career Opportunities
• 38-Week Dietetics Practicum
• Completion Requirements
• MSPH/RD Program FAQ
• Program Goals
• Biophysics and Structural Biology
• Cancer Biology
• Cell Biology
• Cellular Stress and Cell Signaling
• Chemical Biology and Proteomics
• Genetics, Genomics, and Gene Regulation
• Immunology and Infectious Diseases
• Translational Research
• Program Scope
• Application Fee Waiver Requirements
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Biostatistics
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Epidemiology
• Program Goals and Expectations
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Clinical Investigation
• Recent Graduates and Dissertation Titles
• PhD Funding
• PhD TA Requirement
• Recent Dissertation Titles
• JHU-Tsinghua Doctor of Public Health
• Prerequisites
• Concentration in Women’s and Reproductive Health

Custom Track

• Concentration in Environmental Health
• Concentration in Global Health: Policy and Evaluation
• Concentration in Health Equity and Social Justice
• Concentration in Health Policy and Management
• Concentration in Implementation Science
• Combined Bachelor's / Master's Programs
• Concurrent MHS Option for BSPH Doctoral Students
• Concurrent MSPH Option for JHSPH Doctoral students
• Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Philosophy (MD/PhD)
• Adolescent Health Certificate Program
• Bioethics Certificate Program
• Clinical Trials Certificate Program
• Community- Based Public Health Certificate Program
• Demographic Methods Certificate Program
• Epidemiology for Public Health Professionals Certificate Program
• Evaluation: International Health Programs Certificate Program
• Frequently Asked Questions for Certificate Programs
• Gender and Health Certificate Program
• Gerontology Certificate Program
• Global Digital Health Certificate Program
• Global Health Certificate Program
• Global Health Practice Certificate Program
• Health Communication Certificate Program
• Health Disparities and Health Inequality Certificate Program
• Health Education Certificate Program
• Health Finance and Management Certificate Program
• Health and Human Rights Certificate Program
• Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Prevention and Control Certificate Program
• Humanitarian Health Certificate Program
• Implementation Science and Research Practice Certificate Program
• Injury and Violence Prevention Certificate Program
• International Healthcare Management and Leadership Certificate Program
• Leadership for Public Health and Healthcare Certificate Program
• Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Public Health Certificate Program
• Maternal and Child Health Certificate Program
• Mental Health Policy, Economics and Services Certificate Program
• Non-Degree Students General Admissions Info
• Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety Certificate Program
• Population Health Management Certificate Program
• Population and Health Certificate Program
• Public Health Advocacy Certificate Program
• Public Health Economics Certificate Program
• Public Health Informatics Certificate Program
• Public Health Practice Certificate Program
• Public Health Training Certificate for American Indian Health Professionals
• Public Mental Health Research Certificate Program
• Quality, Patient Safety and Outcomes Research Certificate Program
• Quantitative Methods in Public Health Certificate Program
• Requirements for Successful Completion of a Certificate Program
• Rigor, Reproducibility, and Responsibility in Scientific Practice Certificate Program
• Risk Sciences and Public Policy Certificate Program
• Spatial Analysis for Public Health Certificate Program
• Training Certificate in Public Health
• Tropical Medicine Certificate Program
• Tuition for Certificate Programs
• Vaccine Science and Policy Certificate Program
• Online Student Experience
• MAS and Affiliated Certificate Programs
• Barcelona Information
• Registration, Tuition, and Fees
• Agency Scholarship Application
• General Scholarship Application
• UPF Scholarship Application
• Course Evaluations
• Online Courses
• Registration
• General Institute Tuition Information
• International Students
• Directions to the Bloomberg School
• All Courses
• Important Guidance for ONSITE Students
• D.C. Courses
• Registration and Fees
• Cancellation and Closure Policies
• Application Procedures
• Career Search
• Current Activities
• Current Trainees
• Related Links
• Process for Appointing Postdoctoral Fellows
• Message from the Director
• Program Details
• Admissions FAQ
• Current Residents
• Elective Opportunities for Visiting Trainees
• What is Occupational and Environmental Medicine?
• Admissions Info
• Graduates by Year
• Compensation and Benefits
• How to Apply
• Academic Committee
• Course Details and Registration
• Tuition and Fees
• ONLINE SOCI PROGRAM
• Principal Faculty
• General Application
• JHHS Application
• Our Faculty
• Descripción los Cursos
• Programa en Epidemiología para Gestores de Salud, Basado en Internet
• Consultants
• Britt Dahlberg, PhD
• Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC
• Mark R. Luborsky, PhD
• Marsha Wittink, PhD
• Rebekka Lee, ScD
• Su Yeon Lee-Tauler, PhD
• Theresa Hoeft, PhD
• Vicki L. Plano Clark, PhD
• Program Retreat
• Mixed Methods Applications: Illustrations
• Announcements
• 2023 Call for Applications
• Jennifer I Manuel, PhD, MSW
• Joke Bradt, PhD
• Josiemer Mattei, PhD, MPH
• Justin Sanders, MD, MSc
• Linda Charmaran, PhD
• Nao Hagiwara, PhD
• Nynikka R. A. Palmer, DrPH, MPH
• Olayinka O. Shiyanbola, BPharm, PhD
• Sarah Ronis, MD, MPH
• Susan D. Brown, PhD
• Tara Lagu, MD, MPH
• Theresa Hoft, PhD
• Wynne E. Norton, PhD
• Yvonne Mensa-Wilmot, PhD, MPH
• A. Susana Ramírez, PhD, MPH
• Animesh Sabnis, MD, MSHS
• Autumn Kieber-Emmons, MD, MPH
• Benjamin Han, MD, MPH
• Brooke A. Levandowski, PhD, MPA
• Camille R. Quinn, PhD, AM, LCSW
• Justine Wu, MD, MPH
• Kelly Aschbrenner, PhD
• Kim N. Danforth, ScD, MPH
• Loreto Leiva, PhD
• Marie Brault, PhD
• Mary E. Cooley, PhD, RN, FAAN
• Meganne K. Masko, PhD, MT-BC/L
• PhuongThao D. Le, PhD, MPH
• Rebecca Lobb, ScD, MPH
• Allegra R. Gordon, ScD MPH
• Anita Misra-Hebert, MD MPH FACP
• Arden M. Morris, MD, MPH
• Caroline Silva, PhD
• Danielle Davidov, PhD
• Hans Oh, PhD
• J. Nicholas Dionne-Odom, PhD RN ACHPN
• Jacqueline Mogle, PhD
• Jammie Hopkins, DrPH, MS
• Joe Glass, PhD MSW
• Karen Whiteman, PhD MSW
• Katie Schultz, PhD MSW
• Rose Molina, MD
• Uriyoán Colón-Ramos, ScD MPA
• Andrew Riley, PhD
• Byron J. Powell, PhD, LCSW
• Carrie Nieman MD, MPH
• Charles R. Rogers, PhD, MPH, MS, CHES®
• Emily E. Haroz, PhD
• Jennifer Tsui, Ph.D., M.P.H.
• Jessica Magidson, PhD
• Katherine Sanchez, PhD, LCSW
• Kelly Doran, MD, MHS
• Kiara Alvarez, PhD
• LaPrincess C. Brewer, MD, MPH
• Melissa Radey, PhD, MA, MSSW
• Sophia L. Johnson, PharmD, MPH, PhD
• Supriya Gupta Mohile, MD, MS
• Virginia McKay, PhD
• Andrew Cohen, MD, PhD
• Angela Chen, PhD, PMHNP-BC, RN
• Christopher Salas-Wright, PhD, MSW
• Eliza Park MD, MS
• Jaime M. Hughes, PhD, MPH, MSW
• Johanne Eliacin, PhD, HSPP
• Lingrui Liu ScD MS
• Meaghan Kennedy, MD
• Nicole Stadnick, PhD, MPH
• Paula Aristizabal, MD
• Radhika Sundararajan, MD
• Sara Mamo, AuD, PhD
• Tullika Garg, MD MPH FACS
• Allison Magnuson, DO
• Ariel Williamson PhD, DBSM
• Benita Bamgbade, PharmD, PhD
• Christopher Woodrell MD
• Hung-Jui (Ray) Tan, MD, MSHPM
• Jasmine Abrams, PhD
• Jose Alejandro Rauh-Hain, MD
• Karen Flórez, DrPH, MPH
• Lavanya Vasudevan, PhD, MPH, CPH
• Maria Garcia, MD, MPH
• Robert Brady, PhD
• Saria Hassan, MD
• Scherezade Mama, DrPH
• Yuan Lu, ScD
• 2021 Scholars
• Sign Up for Our Email List
• Workforce Training
• Cells-to-Society Courses
• Course/Section Numbers Explained
• Pathway Program with Goucher College
• The George G. Graham Lecture

About the Doctor of Public Health Program

As the most advanced, professional qualification in public health, the DrPH prepares early- to mid-career domestic and international public health professionals to assume leadership roles in public health policy and practice positions as well as in health services delivery settings.

The Schoolwide DrPH program is a flexible, part-time program delivered online with the option of taking onsite courses.

• The Online Only option is for students who wish to take all of their courses online and not travel to Baltimore for onsite courses.
• The Online Plus option * (minimum onsite requirement of 4 credits) is for students who wish to take some face-to-face onsite courses.

Students are expected to remain in relevant public health employment throughout their studies.

The DrPH program is built around foundational competencies that focus on leadership, analytical skills, communication, policy, management, and program design and evaluation. Instruction is delivered through an integrated sequence of problem-based learning classes that address current public health challenges and provide students with opportunities to apply skills in a close to real-life setting.

*For international students (pending SEVP approval) :

• F-1 I-20 applications are possible for taking four or more credits of instruction during the summer or winter institute in Baltimore;
• F-1 I-20 applications require four or more credits of instruction in two consecutive weeks for each visit;
• F-1 I-20s cannot be issued for instruction during an 8-week term.

The DrPH allows professionals to continue improving health and saving lives while pursuing their studies wherever they are in the world.

Doctor of Public Health Program Highlights

countries represented in the program

faculty advising students

departments offering courses in the program

students in a cohort

What Can You Do With a DrPH?

Visit the  Graduate Employment Outcomes Dashboard to learn about Bloomberg School graduates' employment status, sector, and salaries.

Sample Careers

• Tenure Track Faculty
• Environmental Health Engineer
• Public Health Flight Commander
• Emergency Preparedness Specialist
• Senior Bio-surveillance Specialist
• Senior Policy Advisor & Staff Director
• President & CEO, Medical System
• Federal Data Strategy Analyst
• Chief Data Scientist
• VP Organizational Excellence & Quality
• Nurse Manager
• Chief Impact & Equity Officer
• City Police Chief
• Senior Counsel for Elder Justice
• COO & Deputy Health Commissioner
• Lead, Population Health Informatics
• Director of Patient Safety
• Assistant VP Care Transformation, Medical System
• Director, Epidemiology Intelligence Unit, Ministry of Health
• Humanitarian Director
• Deputy Country Director

Where Can You Work With a DrPH?

Sample organizations.

• Seattle & King County Public Health
• Southern Nevada Health District
• Nebraska Dept. of HHS
• Texas Department of State Health Health Services
• Philadelphia Department of Public Health
• NYC Department of Mental Health & Mental Hygiene
• National Academy of Sciences
• American Academy of Pediatrics
• Children's National Hospital
• St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital
• Brigham & Women's Hospital
• Johns Hopkins Hospital
• MedStar Health
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Universities: Johns Hopkins, Columbia, Case Western  Reserve, Georgia State, Wisconsin, New Mexico
• Kaiser Permanente
• EPA, CDC, NIH, FDA, HHS
• Indian Health Service
• Cheyenne Regional Health System
• Pew Charitable Trusts
• United Way of Rhode Island
• Durham VA Health Care Center
• Army Research Laboratory
• Dover Air Force Base
• USAID, WHO, World Bank, UN
• Medicins Sans Frontiers
• Ministry of Health: Kuwait, Thailand
• International Planned Parenthood Federation

Curriculum for the Doctor of Public Health

Students in the DrPH Program complete a minimum of 30 credits of foundational course work taken by all DrPH students to meet the CEPH foundational DrPH competencies, which include a minimum of 6 credits of data analysis course work. Students also take an additional 27 credits of course work related to their concentration or track, and a minimum of 7 proposal and thesis credits. Overall, the DrPH requires a minimum total of 64 credits for graduation.

concentrations & tracks

min. credits of course work

min. credits for proposal & thesis

practicum & dissertation

Concentrations & Tracks

Environmental Health Concentration (2 tracks available)

• Environmental Health Track
• Health Security Track

Global Health: Policy & Evaluation Concentration

Health Equity & Social Justice Concentration

Health Policy & Management Concentration (4 tracks available)

• Healthcare Management & Leadership
• Health Policy
• Public Health Informatics
• Quality & Patient Safety

Implementation Science Concentration

Women's & Reproductive Health Concentration

Admissions Requirements

For the general admissions requirements see our How to Apply page. The specific program also requires:

Prior Graduate Degree

MPH or other health-related master's degree; students who have not completed coursework in Biostatistics and Epidemiology may need to take additional coursework concurrent with the 57 didactic credits required for the DrPH.

Prior Work Experience

Minimum 3 years of professional, full-time public health experience in the applicant's area of interest by the Dec. 1st application deadline.

Standardized Test Scores

Standardized test scores are  not required and not reviewed  for this program. If you have taken a standardized test such as the GRE, GMAT, or MCAT and want to submit your scores, please note that they will not be used as a metric during the application review.  Applications will be reviewed holistically based on all required application components.

Student Sponsorship

This program currently  does not  qualify for F-1 or J-1 student sponsorship. Legal Permanent Residents and non-immigrants who are otherwise physically present in the U.S.  and  in a status that allows for full or part-time study, may pursue this program.

Mark J. Bittle, DrPH, MBA

Mark Bittle is the Chair of the schoolwide Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program and a senior scientist in the Department of Health Policy and Management. He currently serves as director for the School's Master of Health Administration and the Master of Applied Science in Population Health Management. His work focuses on the organizational and management factors that influence physician alignment and managing change in complex organizations.

Renee M. Johnson, PhD, MPH

Renee M. Johnson is Deputy Chair of the schoolwide Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) program. She is also Associate Professor & Vice Chair for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in Mental Health. She co-directs NIH-funded Drug Dependence Epidemiology Training Program and previously served on the MPH Executive Board. Her work addresses substance use, injury and violence, overdose prevention, and adolescent health.

Part-time DrPH students pay by the credit and finance their graduate studies through a variety of funding options ranging from paying out of pocket, to utilizing employer tuition remission benefits, financial aid , external scholarships, and military funding.

Bloomberg American Health Initiative DrPH Fellowships

The Bloomberg American Health Initiative offers 8-10 highly competitive fellowships for incoming DrPH students currently working with U.S. organizations on the front lines of one of the Bloomberg American Health Initiative’s five focus areas: addiction and overdose, environmental challenges, obesity and the food system, risks to adolescent health, and violence. A separate application process is required for consideration. Please note that only about 12% of fellowship applicants receive an award. It is important that applicants consider additional funding means prior to applying for the DrPH Program.

For further details regarding eligibility and the application process, please visit the Bloomberg American Health Initiative website.

Questions about the program? We're happy to help.

Katie Cruit, MS DrPH Program Manager

Madison Nuzzo, BS DrPH Administrative Coordinator 

Sheryl Flythe, BS Program Adviser

Janet Carn, M.Ed. Program Adviser

Ashley Conroy-Tabrizi, MAT Program Adviser

[email protected]

Support Our Program

A gift to our program will amplify student scholarships, support thesis research, and cultivate innovation.

Planning your PhD research: A 3-year PhD timeline example

Planning out a PhD trajectory can be overwhelming. Example PhD timelines can make the task easier and inspire. The following PhD timeline example describes the process and milestones of completing a PhD within 3 years.

Elements to include in a 3-year PhD timeline

What to include in a 3-year PhD timeline depends on the unique characteristics of a PhD project, specific university requirements, agreements with the supervisor/s and the PhD student’s career ambitions.

For instance, some PhD students write a monograph while others complete a PhD based on several journal publications. Both monographs and cumulative dissertations have advantages and disadvantages , and not all universities allow both formats. The thesis type influences the PhD timeline.

The most common elements included in a 3-year PhD timeline are the following:

The example scenario: Completing a PhD in 3 years

Many (starting) PhD students look for examples of how to plan a PhD in 3 years. Therefore, let’s look at an example scenario of a fictional PhD student. Let’s call her Maria.

In order to complete her PhD programme, Maria also needs to complete coursework and earn 15 credits, or ECTS in her case.

Example: planning year 1 of a 3-year PhD

Most PhD students start their first year with a rough idea, but not a well-worked out plan and timeline. Therefore, they usually begin with working on a more elaborate research proposal in the first months of their PhD. This is also the case for our example PhD student Maria.

Example: Planning year 2 of a 3-year PhD

Example: planning year 3 of a 3-year phd, example of a 3 year phd gantt chart timeline.

Combining the 3-year planning for our example PhD student Maria, it results in the following PhD timeline:

Final reflection

In fact, in real life, many PhD students spend four years full-time to complete a PhD based on four papers, instead of three. Some extend their studies even longer.

Master Academia

Get new content delivered directly to your inbox, 10 amazing benefits of getting a phd later in life, how to prepare your viva opening speech, related articles, 25 short graduation quotes: inspiration in four words or less, 3 sample recommendation letters for brilliant students, writing a successful academic cv (and a free template), are doctoral summer schools for phd students worth it.

This website uses functional cookies, including analytical cookies. The obtained statistical data cannot be traced back to individual users. Additionally, you can choose to accept or refuse consent to use marketing cookies. If you decline these additional cookies or refrain from making a choice, only functional cookies will be set. See our cookie policy for more information.

• Click to set high contrast
• Leadership team
• Advisory board
• Our history
• RSM Faculty Council
• Honorary doctorates
• Accreditations
• Positive Change
• Institutional partners
• Corporate partners
• Meet our employees
• Open positions
• Admission requirements
• Tuition fees
• Scholarships
• Bachelor Bedrijfskunde (Dutch)
• Bachelor International Business Administration
• MSc programmes
• Premaster programmes
• Executive Masters
• International Full-time MBA
• Executive MBA
• Global Executive MBA
• Programmes for individuals
• Programmes for organisations

Part-time PhD programme

• Full-time PhD programme
• Career Centre
• Exchange Office
• Study Advice
• Examination board
• Faculty directory RSM Discovery
• Business-Society Management

Marketing Management

• Organisation and Personnel Management
• Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship
• Technology and Operations Management
• Corporate Communication Centre
• Erasmus Centre for Leadership
• Erasmus Centre for Data Analytics
• Erasmus Centre for Entrepreneurship
• Erasmus Initiative: Dynamics of Inclusive Prosperity
• Case Development Centre
• Erasmus Centre for Women and Organisations
• Institutions for Collective Action
• Erasmus Platform for Sustainable Value Creation
• Erasmus Centre for Study and Career Success
• Future students Current students Exchange students in & out
• Alumni Professionals Recruiters and organisations
• Researchers Journalists & media Companies
• Future employees Employees
• Faculty & Research
• Part-time PhD programme | study & research as you work

September 2024

New knowledge for your business

New knowledge from research is always needed in business. Sometimes, the best person to carry out that research is you. 

Business professionals interested in further developing their academic skills while researching their own business activity or industry can now take part in academic study and research at the same time as working. This new six year programme leads to a PhD degree from Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM).

RSM’s Part-time PhD Programme in Management (PT PhD) started in September 2015. It has the academic rigour of a full-time PhD degree, and produces new and practical knowledge that can be absolutely relevant to your particular area of business.

A programme of theoretical foundations as well as a strong methodological basis organised into manageable modules

Supervision and coaching by RSM’s top research faculty

Access to RSM’s excellent research facilities, electronic journals and databases, as well as its world-class conference events and research seminars

Programme details

Why this programme, joining the part-time phd programme at rsm gives you.

• access to cutting-edge research in a vibrant academic community
• the opportunity to publish parts of your PhD thesis in top international managerial or academic journals, and present your work at scientific conferences
• an internationally recognised PhD degree from one of Europe’s leading business schools resulting in prestige in both the corporate and scientific worlds
• a range of specialisations that reflect important and widely-applicable topics in business and industry such as logistics and information systems, strategy and entrepreneurship, marketing, finance and accounting, and organisation and leadership
• a large and highly active international network of alumni and corporate relations

Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) is a leading European business school, ranked consistently among the top three business schools in Europe for research and 17th worldwide. RSM provides ground-breaking research and education furthering excellence in all aspects of management and is based in the international port city of Rotterdam – a vital nexus of business, logistics and trade. RSM’s primary focus is on developing business leaders with international careers who carry their innovative mindset into a sustainable future thanks to a first-class range of bachelor, master, MBA, PhD and executive programmes. RSM also has an office in Chengdu, China.  Highlights of RSM’s cutting-edge research in business and management can be found at  www.rsm.nl/discovery .

The five- to six-year programme has eight modules, each of three or four consecutive days based in Rotterdam. They cover a broad range of theoretical foundations and practical skills. All modules are taught in English. Your PhD thesis will also be written in English, according to international academic standards.

Programme schedule

• Year one: four residential modules cover research methods, skills and foundations, and writing your research proposal
• Year two: a residential module covering field-specific specialisations, master classes, and a ‘back to campus’ module for PhD candidates to present their work.
• Years three and four: a ‘back to campus’ module
• Year five and six:  ongoing writing of the dissertation  

Schedule year 1, 2023/2024

Module 1.1        25 - 29 September 2023

Module 1.2        27 November - 1 December 2023

Module 1.3        12 - 16 February 2024

Module 1.4        20 – 24 May 2024

Schedule year 2, 2023/2024

Module 2.1        13 – 17 November 2023

Module 2.2        23 – 26 April 2024

Schedule year 3, 2023/2024

Module 3.1        23 – 26 April 2024

Schedule year 4, 2023/2024

Module 4.1        23 – 26 April 2024

For admission to the Part-time PhD programme at RSM, you must

• be in a relevant discipline with a strong interest in research, willing to combine the Part-time PhD Programme with your full-time or part-time job.
• have a strong interest in research and proven track record that includes excellent study results, or writing and publishing white papers, articles or other work.
• hold an MSc degree in a relevant discipline. If you hold an MBA and have written an MBA thesis to complete it, you may be eligible for the programme as well. 
• have proof of proficiency in English (see below)

In addition to these formal requirements, candidates will be selected according to excellence. Your CV, motivation, research ideas, and if applicable, your reference from your future supervisor or supervisors will be taken into consideration.

The Admissions Committee may also ask you to take a GMAT test as part of the evaluation process.

RSM requires that candidates whose native language is not English have to submit scores of the TOEFL/IETLS test. RSM requires a TOEFL score of at least 100 on the internet-based test and 600 on the paper-based test. For the IELTS, the minimum overall band score required by RSM and ESE is 7.5; furthermore, the language test results should not be older than 2 years. If you are a native English speaker, or if the language of instruction of your entire university education (bachelor and master programme) was English, you may apply for a TOEFL/IELTS waiver.

The programme fee is € 10,000 per year for the first two years, € 7,000 for year 3 and 4, and  € 6,000 for each subsequent year, up to a maximum of €46,000.

These costs cover your admission to courses, tuition, coaching and supervision, your access to RSM’s research facilities, the cost of design, layout and printing for your PhD thesis, and the support of our communications team, for example to publicise your research findings to the corporate world and appropriate media.

A small number of tuition fee waivers will be considered in exceptional situations, where academically excellent candidates are not able to financially sustain program participation from their own resources. Waivers are granted for the duration of one year only. Decisions on the continuation of grants are taken on an annual basis and are contingent on study progress, need for financial support, and available budget.

Candidates who wish to apply for a tuition fee waiver need to indicate this during their application or, for enrolled candidates, at least two months prior to start of the academic year. Waiver requests need to accompanied by a credible demonstration of financial necessity. This includes evidence of own income and the impossibility to obtain external financial support, such as a contribution from the employer or a research scholarship.

The application deadline for the 2024 round of our programme has passed. We will not accept any more applications. We would like to invite you to apply for next year’s cohort in January 2025.

How to apply?

Please have a look at our PhD project descriptions structured by research areas which you can find  here . Applications can be submitted in our application portal which will open on January 15 th  2025 and closes on the 15th of March 2025. An application should consist of the following documents:

• A motivation letter that refers to a research area specified in  our open projects . Please sketch your background, research idea and intended research approach, and clearly relate it to one or several of the topics described in the research area of your choice. The additional submission of a research proposal is optional (see point “proof of writing” below).
• A brief research statement (one page suffices) in which you outline the type of research questions that you intend to study and the type of methodologies that you intend to employ. You may broadly sketch your interests or be specific about concrete research questions that you envision answering. You may also explain whether (or not) you intend to utilize data from your current employer and/or work on research questions related to your current profession.
• A proof of writing in English language. The purpose of this document is to demonstrate that you are capable of writing academic texts in English. This can be, for example, a chapter of your Msc or MBA thesis, a paper, or a research proposal for your intended research.
• Proof of English, i.e. the results of a TOEFL or IELTS test not older than two years
• BSc  and  MSc or MBA diploma + grade lists (for both)
• Curriculum Vitae
• Optional: if you have already been in contact with RSM faculty who would be willing to supervise you if you are accepted to the program, please add a letter of recommendation from your intended promotor at RSM
• The statement that you cannot pay the tuition fees from own resources
• A summary of other funding opportunities (e.g., employer contribution, scholarships outside of RSM etc) that you have explored so far

The Admissions Committee may also ask you to take a GMAT test and/or to submit additional documents as part of the evaluation process.

What is a research proposal?

A research proposal is a written ‘plan’ for the research that you want to conduct as a PhD student.

Most research proposals start by briefly sketching the  broader context  in which your research is embedded and by highlighting its relevance.

A good research proposal, however, then manages to narrow down the focus to one or several approachable  research questions : these are the questions that you plan to answer in your research.

Thirdly, your research proposal should give insight into the  methodology  that you plan to use, that is, you explain how you plan to answer your research question. This includes data collection and access. If you have access to data or information, due to your day job or network, that will help you in answering your research questions, you can mention this in your methodology.

Fourthly, in your research proposal you demonstrate that you are aware of the state of the academic literature regarding your research topic, and, if it is practice-related, of the state of the art in practice. You do that by including  a literature review  and  a review of practice .

In summary, a good research proposal shows that:

• you have relevant and innovative ideas about your research topic;
• you know and understand what is already known and have identified a ‘gap’;
• you aim to address with your research;
• you have an executable plan;
• you are the right person to execute it.

Towards the end of the first year of the part-time PhD programme, we expect all PhD candidates to have a good research proposal.

During your application to the programme, you can attach a research proposal as ‘proof of English writing’ but it is not required. If your research ideas are not yet concrete enough to write a good research proposal, it is sufficient to sketch them in your cover letter and attach a different document as proof of English writing (for example a Master or MBA thesis, a report, or a paper).

Please be aware that acceptance to the programme does not imply ‘acceptance of the research proposal’. Most likely your supervisory team will challenge you to improve and change it during the first year in the programme.

In general, a research proposal is never ‘set in stone’. Research plans may and will change while the research progresses (also after the submission of the proposal at the end of programme year 1). 

PhD candidates

Rotterdam School of Management, RSM University hosts approximately 100 Part-Time PhD candidates from a great variety of professional and academic backgrounds. If you are curious about their motivations and experiences, read their testimonials in the “Testimonials” section. 

Would you like to become one of the new candidates, starting in September 2025? See our admission criteria in the “Admission” section and find out how to apply in the “How to apply?” section.

Find all current Part-Time PhD candidates in each of the following departments below.

A&C: Accounting and Control

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About R.C.E. (Renske) Evers

Dial +31 10 4088168

+31 10 4088168

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About J. (Jing) Zhao MSc, FRM

Bsm: business society management.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About L.M. (Liselotte) Dijkstra

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About V (Valerie) Sydry

About l.j. (laurie) jansen.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A.S. (Ahmed) Gaara

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A.F. (Filipa) Pires de Almeida

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About F. (Francesco) Lovecchio

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About P.J. (Puck) Hendriks MSc

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About E. (Eduardo) Notario Garcia

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About M. (Mariapia) Pazienza

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About M.C.N.C.G. (Michael) Putra

The investment gap in the energy transition: Nudging the most relevant energy players amidst the trade-offs within Sustainable Development Goals nexus

Energy transition to meet the Paris climate goal requires a doubling of current rate of investment in global energy sector throughout its chain, which means there is an estimated of ±$2 trillion of investment gap per year. Shifting existing investment, e.g. from fossil to renewables, is far from suffice.  These investments need to take place at the right place (high-energy demand and high population growth centers), at the right time (now), and at the right scale (exponentially more than current rate). This research project will assess the energy investment regimes in the top ten most populous countries in 2030. These countries account for almost 60% of global population in 2030, and nine of them are developing countries who will still grow their energy consumption for the coming decades. Investment decisions in the energy sector in these countries today will dictate the course, path and pace of the global energy transition.

This research intends to better understand the clarity of the destination and the credibility of the energy transition pathways as a wicked problem. It aims to provide a “reality check” of the energy transition journey as part of the SDG’s decade of action, and examine among others:

• To what extent the business models and investment regimes in the most populous countries support or hamper energy transition investment decisions?, and
• What framework can investors who are motivated to contribute to energy transition use in navigating this highly ambiguous and wicked landscape?

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About R. (Ronny) Reshef

The effect of civil society - government relations on welfare: longitudinal study.

I am researching the dynamics of Jewish Philanthropy in the 18th-19th centuries in the Netherlands. This is done by looking into the relationship between civil society and government. The main theories for studying this relationship are those of Salamon [1995] and Young [2000]. A historical case study of over 200 years will be analysed focussing on legitimacy [Suchman] and proper governance. The research incorporates digital humanities platforms and tools to work more efficiently with the archival data.

This research is intended to enable an improved, more detailed understanding of long term variations in mutual influence patterns and power relations between civil society and government. The conceptual insights could also be relevant for similar modern case studies. 

Nonprofit-government relations, welfare, longitudinal research, qualitative research, regulations, Jewish history, digital humanities, legitimacy, proper governance, pekidim and amarkalim

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About ing. J.P. (Jop) (Jop) Versteegt CPC MBA

Jop Versteegt is a part-time PhD student in Management at RSM’s Department of Business-Society Management.

The main research question in his PhD is: Can moral and ethical decision making in organizations be improved by using a normative ethical decision framework? And can AI also contribute to this?  

In more detail; is using a normative ethical decision framework useful to answer moral and ethical questions more in-depth? Or is a answering without a framework even successful? And is the design of the framework depending on availability of time, experience, and purpose? 

The research themes are divided in four parts: 

Part 1: A review of normative ethical decision making frameworks A literature research study on existing ethical decision making  frameworks or even ones still under development. What is the academic fundament for these models? What differentiates them from each other? The result is an insight into the various publications on normative ethical decision making frameworks and if applicable the empirical research on the models.

Part 2: The effectiveness of normative ethical decision making frameworks Theory vs practice (application of models vs intuitive decision-making). Empirical research will be done on the use of different decision frameworks in live situations. This is most likely one of the most challenging and interesting parts of the research. What actually happens in practice?

Part 3: Toward a new type of normative ethical decision making framework Testing the applicability of the updated framework. Based on the first two parts of the research we can continue to test new possibilities. A new developed or updated decision framework or frameworks will be tested. 

Part 4: The added value of AI to a normative ethical decision making framework The final part is extending to the research in the field of AI. Can AI-Robots add value by their analysing skills in improving our moral and ethical decision making? In case the earlier sub-studies show that there is added value to use a normative ethical decision making framework, we could continue to see where AI can provide support on the framework. Which aspects can AI add on increasing data analysis and thus further improvement / optimization of our the results of our decision framework? Or can AI even take over parts of the decision framework so focus is only necessary on that specific part which cannot be done by AI-Robots.

See for more info: www.jopversteegt.com  

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About J.P.M.R. (Juri) Hoedemakers

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About D. (Divya) Sethi

About m.a.j.l. (martijn) labohm, about t.h. (tristan) hahn.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About P. (Prasenjeet) Bhattacharya

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About J. (John) Fell

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About X. (Xiaowei) Kang

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About D. (Daniel) Liebau

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About L. (Leon) Luepertz

Dial +31 (0) 10 408 8038

+31 (0) 10 408 8038

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About Dr. F. (Florian) Madertoner

Florian Madertoner is a Lecturer at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. He holds a degree in Banking- and Finance. Florian’s research interests include Capital Structure Theory, Behavioral Finance and the Economic History. He is responsible for the course “Economics” in the bachelor study programs International Business Administration and Business Administration. In addition, Florian teaches “Corporate Finance” and supervises bachelor theses in both programs. In the master program Finance & Investment Florian supervises Master theses. Florian teaches the elective “Finance for Communication Professionals” in the executive master program Corporate Communication as well as the executive training “Finance for Non-Financials”. 

He has been awarded multiple awards for his teaching activities: the "Professor of the Year Award" eight years consecutively from 2016 to 2023 for his undergrad course “Corporate Finance” in the programs IBA and BA. In 2020 Florian has also been awarded the “Professor of the Year Award” for his course “Economics” in the IBA program as well an award for “Best Adaptation to the Coronavirus Situation”.  In 2023 a new category was introduced ‘Best Course Award’ in which he won the awards for his undergrad course “Corporate Finance” in the programs IBA and BA. 

About DP (Daniel) Pimentel

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About D.K. (Dan ) Raghoonundon

About f.p. (federico) pippo.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A.E. (Annebeth) Roor

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About X. (Xiaonan) Wang

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About F. (Felix) Zwart

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About R.R. (Ramiro) Caso Besada

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About R-B (Ragna-Britt) Taube

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About C.A.M. (Linda) van Rijn

Opm: organisation and personnel management.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About D. (Dijana) Aleksic

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About B.T. (Björn) Atterstam

Björn is an educator, facilitator and leadership expert. For more than 20 years he has worked with large organizations across the world to create novel and impactful approaches for developing strategy, organizations and individuals.

His research interests reside in the intersection of psychological functioning and organizational performance.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A.E.M. (Marten) Bernstad

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About P.R. (Ronald) Boers

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About R.R. (Raj Reddy) Konduru

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A (Anna) Matthewes

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A. (Afonso) Pegado Medonça dos Reis

About p.b. (pedro) brito.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About E.S. (Elliot) Reed

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About C. (Clovis) Rondineli Silva

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About D. (David) Schmidt

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About J.B. (Jochen) Schuler

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About T. (Thilanka) Silva

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About K. (Katrina) Simon-Agolory

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A. (Anna) Tillmann

About m.p. (marian) plasschaert.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A. (Aleksandra) Wrobel

About j.f. (jeppe) frandsen, s&e: strategic management and entrepreneurship.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About D. (Denver) Berman-Jacob

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A. (Ajlin) Dizdarevic

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About S. (Sarah) Dodson

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About R. (Roland) Kemper

E-mail [email protected]

About O.Y. (Oh Young) Koo

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About (Pragathi) Mavinakere Swamygowda

About k.m. (kelvin) memeh.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About J.A. (James) Profestas

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A. (Alexander) Schmidt

Alexander is a part-time PhD candidate at the Department of Strategic Management & Entrepreneurship and is working in technology management in the energy industry. The focus of his research is around technology adoptions as well as to what extent goal conflicts and managerial power influence innovation in large organizations.

Publications:

Schmidt, A., Mom, T.J.M. & Volberda, H.W. (2023). Factors Influencing Technology Adoption in a Traditional Multinational Energy Company. Research-Technology Management , Vol. 66:5, p.36-43. doi.org/10.1080/08956308.2023.2235535

Schmidt, A., Ahmadi, S. & Mom, T.J.M. (2022). Can Multiple Goal Conflicts Affect the Innovative Behavior of Employees?. Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings, Vol. 2022 No. 1, doi.org/10.5465/AMBPP.2022.17466abstract

Conferences:

Schmidt, A., Mom, T.J.M., & Volberda, H.W. (2024). An Interactional Perspective of Power and Absorptive Capacity – The Formation of Virtuous and Vicious Power Cycles between Leaders and Employees. AMJ Paper Development Workshop, IMD Business School, Lausanne, Switzerland.

Ahmadi, S., & Schmidt, A. (2024). Multiple goal conflicts and exploratory innovative behavior: Does alignment between team and organization help or hurt? Paper Development Workshop at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (AoM), Chicago, US.

Schmidt, A., Mom, T.J.M., & Volberda, H.W. (2024). An Interactional Perspective of Power and Absorptive Capacity – The Formation of Virtuous and Vicious Power Cycles between Leaders and Employees. European Academy of Management (EURAM), Bath, UK.

Ahmadi, S., & Schmidt, A. (2023). Multiple goal conflicts and exploratory innovative behavior: Does alignment between team and organization help or hurt? Paper Development Workshop at the Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (AoM), Boston, US.

Ahmadi, S., Schmidt, A., Mom, T.J.M., & Volberda, H.W. (2023). Multiple goal conflicts and exploratory innovative behavior: Does alignment between team and organization help or hurt?     European Group for Organizational Studies (EGOS), Cagliari, Italy.

Schmidt, A., Ahmadi, S., & Mom, T.J.M. (2022). Can multiple goal conflicts affect the innovative behaviour of employees? The Moderating Impact of Paradox Mindset and Top-Management-Team Alignment in a Multilevel Study. Annual Meeting of the Academy of Management (AoM), Seattle, US.

Schmidt, A., Ahmadi, S., Volberda, H.W. & Mom, T.J.M. (2022). Can paradox mindset help reducing tensions once employees encounter conflicts between multiple operational goals? The moderating effects of paradox mindset and top-management-team alignment. European Group for Organizational Studies (EGOS), Vienna, Austria.

Schmidt, A., Ahmadi, S., Volberda, H.W. & Mom, T.J.M. (2022). Can multiple goal conflicts affect the innovative behaviour? The Moderating Impact of Paradox Mindset and Top-Management-Team Alignment in a Multilevel Study.  European Academy of Management (EURAM), Winterthur, Switzerland.

Schmidt, A., Mom, T.J.M. & Volberda (2021).  A Process Model of Technology Adoption Speed for Mature Organizations: How Organizational Speed influences Technology Adoption. RSM Research Days, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Schmidt, A., Mom, T.J.M. & Volberda (2021). A Process Model of Technology Adoption Speed for Mature Organizations: How Organizational Speed influences Technology Adoption. International Society for Professional Innovation Management (ISPIM), Berlin, Germany.

Alex graduated with an MPhil in Engineering from Cambridge University (2013) and an MSc in Energy Economics from RWTH Aachen University (2011).

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About (Martin) Schwarz

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About L.Y. (Leon Yehuda) Anidjar

Tom: technology and operation management.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About C.J.J. (Niels) Eldering

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About S. (Sebastian) Freyhofer

About b. c. (brieuc) corlay.

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About O. (Olga) Gonzalez Salmeron

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About (Liwen) He

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About S.M.H. (Siraj) Kabir

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About M.A. (Mohamed) Kotb Mobarak

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About J.C. (Juan Carlos) Martinez Delgado

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A.J.D. (Arabella) Pollack

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About L. (Luis) Prato

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About R. (Renske) Prins

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About S. (Saritha) Saraswathy

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About A. (Ana Maria) Sierra-Maya

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About B.J. (Bart) Scheffer

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

About E.A. (Elisah) van Kempen

About y.l. (yue) liu, about ib (ivan) burov, testimonials.

Find out why our current participants are enthusiastic about the Part-time PhD programme in the "PhD candidates." 

Would you like to become one of the new candidates, starting in September 2021? See our admission criteria in the "Admission & Tuition" section and find out how to apply in the "How to apply?" section. 

Ana Maria Sierra Maya

Why did you choose the RSM part-time PhD program?

I chose the RSM part-time PhD program because I want to be part of the RSM mission to be a force for positive change in the world having an impact in society through business research.

The RSM part-time PhD program is a great opportunity to combine my executive activity with top notch research abilities, the program is designed to suit the agenda of active executives. The quality and support of all the professors, of the supervisory team and the program coordinators inspires and effectively guides the PhD process.

What do you like about the program?

I like how the RSM part-time PhD program has challenged my skills and views. This program gives me a structured approach to top quality research and reignites my understanding of management. I specially enjoy the lectures and conversations with the RSM faculty, a community of highly rated academics that open the black box of scientific research philosophy and tools in an inspiring and enthusiastic way.  I am proud to be part of this program and willing to create knowledge combining my decades of real business experience with the wisdom of the global research community that is now available for executives through this unique program.

Curtis Goldsby – Alumnus 2024

I applied to RSM’s part-time PhD program because of its winning combination of academic rigor and professional emphasis. As one of the top European institutions for progressive management research, RSM has poured its longstanding experience with academics into a part-time PhD program that gives professionals the knowledge and tools needed for rigorous academic research. For instance, the program systematically guides students to produce and publish high-quality academic articles. Because part-time PhD students typically work at the heart of pressing managerial challenges, RSM’s program is also designed to provide enough flexibility to accommodate the part-time schedule of professionals. Taken together, this makes for a rigorous and flexible program that leads to a sustained and effective learning experience for professionals!

I commend that RSM’s part-time PhD program accounts for the individual needs of students (e.g., schedules, topics, supervisors), and that the program provides a structure in form of “modules” intended to support the student in producing high quality academic work.

Daniel Liebau

I researched and compared a fair bit across the different programs available for working professionals globally before submitting my application. What I liked a lot about RSM/Erasmus University was a clear focus on high-quality research. There are probably easier paths to a doctorate. But if one wants to learn how to conduct best-in-class academic research, this is the right place. I have not seen any other University that offers a part-time PhD program with the same rigor, especially in my area (Finance).

Three things really: First, I very much liked the many courses and seminars on research methods during the first 18 months of the program that were taught by senior faculty members. They helped me to gain a good understanding of the techniques required to do academic research. Second, and most importantly, I am most thankful to work with my two supervisors, Peter and Thomas. They have excellent research experience and expertise. Their work is being published in the very top academic journals in Finance and Management. For me, as a novel researcher, this is an excellent opportunity to learn from the best. Lastly, I am very thankful for having met my fellow PhD candidate friends in the cohort. They are a diverse, smart and global group of people I can learn from.

Dijana Aleksic

I was aware of the RSM reputation for the quality of faculty and the high standard of research. I wanted to be exposed to, and stretched to the higher level of academic curiosity, while keeping in sight practical application of my research. Additionally, I liked a very organized and structured approach to lectures, as well as opportunity to be part of the cohort with other students.

My advisors are experts in their fields, who have given me an invaluable guidance, support and questioning that is keeping me even more motivated to continue with my research. I enjoy the camaraderie of the participant in the part-time PhD program, not just from our cohort, but also other cohorts, to mix fun with a forum to talk about research.

Izaak Dekker - Alumnus 2022

The RSM program introduces professionals and business leaders to the world of academic rigor and guides them through the exhilarating processes that accompany a PhD. During this journey, the diverse group of ambitious and experienced fellow part-time PhD-candidates offer moral support and camaraderie.

Linda van Rijn

Having finished my MSc many years ago, I like the solid foundation of the first one and a half years. During the first one and a half years, the courses were a good refresher. The workload also prepared me for the hard work that comes after that.

I enjoy the contact with my fellow cohort members. They understand what it is like to be in a Ph.D. trajectory, and they are great sparring partners. I also like that it is possible to take additional courses that contribute to my projects, apart from the mandatory program. More plusses are my advisors, the facilities, and the campus.

Malika Ouacha - Alumna 2024

Why did you choose the Part-Time PhD?

I once read this quote, saying: "If you want to become the best in what you know, then you must work with those who strive to always be the best". This always came up on crucial moments in my life, when I had to make a long-term decision. After completing both my Master of Arts at the Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech and my Master of Science at the University of Amsterdam, both degrees in social and cultural anthropology, I discovered how much I enjoyed doing research and sharing my findings with the world around me. The next logical step would be pursuing my PhD. Yet, I didn’t see myself working on one specific topic, full-time, for four to five years. Even though I love doing research, and I already had an idea of what I wanted to write my dissertation about, I stuck to the aim to not write to end up on a bookshelf, but to write my PhD dissertation to conversate, develop better understanding and therefor serve humanity. I believe that the development of knowledge brings along a certain amount of social responsibility. I always knew that the combination of academic research and the gain of experience in the field would be the best training for me, to become that future version of me. Both personally and professionally. To serve humanity, indeed. I shared this aim with my supervisor and promotor prof. dr. Lucas Meijs, during our first meeting. Further research made me realize that it is also what RSM is best in doing, which explains its top ranking in the world and confirms my earlier mentioned quote. The Part-Time PhD programme is perfectly designed to spend just enough time on my PhD while also leaving room for other responsibilities life brings along. It is hybrid in a way that it doesn’t matter in which field one works or aims to do research in. By how the programme is designed and the joining scholars and professors, every PhD, no matter the subject of their research, is challenged and trained to connect several worlds in the best of both ways: Academic knowledge and expertise, and real-life practices.

What do you like about the programme?

Besides the intriguing combination of the development of academic knowledge and best-practices, the programme can also be described as cosmopolitan. It is fit for everyone – no matter your cultural background, field of expertise or personal interests. Growing up between several cultures myself, and seeing this as a norm within RSM instead of an exception, made me feel very welcome. I am part of a super diverse cohort with people from all parts of the globe, and meeting earlier cohorts, confirmed the amount of inclusiveness and diversity that is shared by both PhDs and staff. It is therefore assumable that being part of this, inherently effects my research and future aims, in a very positive way. This reminds me of another quote, that says: "Be around radiators". Joining the part-time PhD programme made me feel like I am surrounded by radiators.

Open projects

Open projects in the area of "accounting and control".

Financial scandals around the world have harshly shown the importance of transparency and reliability in performance reporting systems. Companies that fail to clearly communicate externally with investors on their investments, financial position, and financial performance likely face increased difficulty accessing external financing or an increased cost of financing. Companies that do not report, evaluate and compensate performance transparently and equitably internally, can create detrimental organizational cultures and can stimulate managers to behave opportunistically by managing earnings, by gaming the performance measurement system and by acting myopically.

Accounting is the research discipline that examines the role of accounting information in companies´ communications, both externally and internally. Top and middle managers, as well as outside providers of financing such as banks and equity investors, use accounting information for decision making and control purposes.

The objective of this Ph.D. project is to identify and analyze innovative research questions in the area of accounting. The project can apply to the subfields of managerial and/or financial accounting (incl. auditing), or on the intersection thereof, depending on research interests and goals, and skills and preference of the candidate. This research project has a strong potential to influence companies’ external and/or internal communication policies and/or accounting and incentive systems, as well as influence regulatory policies and/or accounting institutions.

Open projects in the area of "Business Information Management"

We live in a highly connected world that is filled with digital technologies, social media, mobile devices, Internet-of-Things, smart cities, and connected cars. Growth of the information technologies has created new opportunities across different industries as companies innovate to meet changes in consumer demand, and has given rise to new challenges. In our Ph.D. program in Information Systems, you will be trained to conduct innovative research to address increasingly complex challenges facing digital society.

We are seeking highly motivated working individuals with demonstrated academic ability, that are committed to interdisciplinary research on significant information technology and management issues, and who desire to pursue a PhD research in this field. As a Ph.D. student, you will gain the training and experience necessary to conduct independent research. You will work closely with the advisors to define, develop, and execute your own research.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate with our faculty members. They are working on a wide-range of interdisciplinary research topics, broadly categorized in three sub-domains: Digital Strategy, Business Analytics, and Energy Informatics. More specifically, the faculty members are interested in supervising the following topics including:

• Digital transformation
• Digital platforms
• Digital marketing and recommendation
• Crowd sourcing and crowd funding
• User generated content
• Mobile advertising
• Digital markets and auctions
• Digital privacy
• Social networks
• Ethics of AI
• AI and decision making
• Energy markets and smart grid
• Smart cities

Open projects in the area of "Business-Society Management"

Acting on unprecedented change

Traditionally, management research takes the perspective of business and focuses on how conditions for business can be improved. Research conducted by the members of the Department of Business-Society Management starts with the challenges that society and our natural environment face and focuses on how business, in partnership with other actors and organizations, can address these challenges. In other words, we help business to take responsibility for the context in which it operates. This is important because our social and natural environments are changing in unprecedented ways. Business contributes to some of these developments, such as climate change, growing inequality, global displacement and also alienation from the general public by losing track of the interests of broader society. Yet, society also changes in ways that are difficult to foresee for companies and other organizational actors alike.

The research conducted by the members of the value based organizing program focuses on a variety of topics—all directly relevant to business acting upon unprecedented change. A common theme underlying all of this research is that it seriously considers the possibility that the way companies do business—including how they relate to the context in which they operate—needs to be changed fundamentally and that small gestures are unlikely to be sufficient to help.

Topics include alternative definitions of and approaches to business, including issues around climate change, corporate communication, sense-making processes in the context of sustainability, business ethics, philanthropy, new business-society strategies, alternative organization forms such as social enterprises and partnerships, alternative governance regimes such as commons, and aligning corporate value propositions with societal issues and social innovation in times of grand challenges and wicked problems. Due to the diversity in research topics, the research methods we use vary widely, from qualitative techniques to survey and laboratory research.

Open projects in the area of "Finance"

The mission of finance research is to enhance our understanding of financial decision-making by firms and managers, the actions of participants in financial markets, as well as the functioning of financial markets and intermediaries. 

We are a vibrant and diverse group consisting of leading international researchers. Our faculty undertakes world-class research that is both of high societal relevance and meets high methodological standards. A list of recent publications by our finance faculty can be found  here .

Research in our group takes place along three broad lines: The first theme is corporate finance, including interests such as entrepreneurship and private equity. Second, we investigate financial markets and asset pricing. Our third theme is banking and financial intermediation, including asset management. 

We are looking for highly motivated candidates that have an interest in undertaking research that is both challenging and rigorous, but also has societal relevance. Candidates may have a background in finance, but we also welcome applicants with an education in Economics or Econometrics.

Currently we especially welcome candidates with interests in the following areas:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning  • Asset management • Banking and financial intermediation • Behavioral finance • Blockchain and tokens  • Climate finance • Investments

Open projects in the area of "Innovation Management"

Innovation Management (IM) involves all the actions needed to generate innovative ideas and turn them into attractive new products, services, and business models. Today’s business credo mandates more innovations, and those innovations become substantially more complex, multi-dimensional and risky. At RSM we study the latest developments in innovation and we investigate how to manage them successfully in practice by linking the latest management theories to business practice.

We are particularly interested in working with PhD students on the following topics:

Idea management: How to cultivate and select the best ideas? Over and over again:  Companies increasingly use idea management programs or crowdsourcing platforms to collect as many ideas as possible from their employees or from people outside of the organization. But having many ideas does mean that one has—or is able to recognize—high-quality ideas. Another challenge is that the motivation of people to participate in idea management programs often declines over time. As a result, a firm’s innovation pipeline might dry up and with that the opportunities to successfully compete. Therefore, the question is how the quality of idea submissions can be enhanced, how idea evaluation and selection decisions can be improved, and how sustained levels of creativity can be encouraged.

Personality change and innovation : We live in an age in which people plan, pursue, and experience individual changes that affect career and life trajectories. People improve their educational credentials, change residences, move jobs, switch nationalities, and undergo gender reassignment. All of this is familiar to management researchers. But personality change is only recently emerging in the organizational behavior and management research landscape despite extensive research evidence, practitioner attention and mass-media interest. Management research generally emphasizes the stability of personality structures tends to underestimate the possibility that personality can change. I want to build consensus on the relevance of personality change for research in organizational behavior and manager, with a specific focus on innovation. Research questions of interest include: do people change their personality after a major change in work activities is introduced? How does the use of innovation shape or change psychological variables related to the innovation domain (e.g. openness to experience?) Specifically, I am interested in designing an experimental design in order to assess whether and how personality can change and what are its organizational consequences.

Innovation Strategy:  Organizations are in a constant hunt for the next blockbuster design, product, or service to gain or sustain their competitive edge. However, innovation management is not about an endless chase for any creative idea. It requires developing an innovation strategy to direct and achieve innovation-related goals since organizational resources are limited. Innovation strategy helps organizations sense the needs and changes in the business landscape, and transform their organizations by fostering creative ideas and further into product/service and process development implementing these ideas. This Ph.D. project focuses on how and why organizations develop and execute strategies to innovate. It also highlights sustainability as a special topic of attention. This is because organizations can no longer turn a blind eye to the societal and environmental challenges the world faces: waves of pandemics, global warming, pollution, inequality, and ongoing discrimination. We know much less about how organizations can envision, implement, change and govern an innovation strategy—be it via deliberate or emergent—to address societal and environmental challenges. Hence, I welcome candidates motivated to investigate the dual goal of achieving sustainability and competitive advantage as a critical and urgent research direction within the innovation strategy field.

Open projects in the area of "Marketing Management"

The marketing group at Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) ranks among the best in the world. Our members publish their research in top journals in marketing as well as related fields. They deeply care about open science practices (e.g., data sharing and open-source software), and frequently host seminars to encourage knowledge exchange. The group is diverse (in terms of research interests and cultural background), collaborative, and collegial.

Our faculty members can supervise PhD students on a broad range of topics, typically divided in three sub-domains: Quantitative Marketing, Consumer Behaviour, or Consumer Neuroscience. Several faculty members work as the intersection of two of these sub-disciplines (e.g., consumer behavior and quantitative marketing), which enables us to cater to students interested in more interdisciplinary research.

Quantitative Marketing:

The faculty in the quantitative group in our department work on a wide range of topics, such as design of multi-armed bandits and reinforcement learning models with applications to recommendation systems and clinical trials (Gui Liberali), virtual / augmented / mixed reality (Yvonne van Everdingen), digital platform markets (David Kusterer), privacy (Gilian Ponte), behavioral economics (Alina Ferecatu), causal inference (Jason Roos), marketing strategy (Gerrit van Bruggen), consumer eye tracking (Ana Martinovici), deep learning (Sebastian Gabel), consumer and firm networks (Xi Chen), customer analytics (Aurélie Lemmens), consumer learning (Maciej Szymanowski) and quantitative modelling approaches to predict the psychological processes involved in consumer judgments and decisions (Antonia Krefeld-Schwalb and Dan Schley).

Consumer Behavior:

Our faculty members in consumer behavior work on a wide range of topics, such as how advertising works psychologically (Steven Sweldens), judgment and decision making (Gabriele Paolacci), self-control and consumption (Mirjam Tuk), how technology augments behavior Shwetha Mariadassou and Anne-Kathrin Klesse), numerical processing (Dan Schley and Christophe Lembregts), biological influences on consumption and goal pursuit (Bram Van den Bergh), how to measure consumer preferences (Antonia Krefeld-Schwalb), pro-social behavior, social credit, and consumer advocacy (Alex Genevsky), marketplace morality (Johannes Boegershausen), and pro-societal consumer interventions (Romain Cadario).

Consumer Neuroscience:

Within the department, researchers at the Center for Neuroeconomics (Maarten van Boksem, Ale Smidts, and Alexander Genevsky) work on a wide range of topics in decision neuroscience such as understanding the neurological basis of emotions, social conformity, dishonesty, charitable giving, consumer judgments and predicting population-level outcomes from neural data.

Leveraging work experience 

Regardless of the specific topic that a PhD student likes to work on, the department sees a lot of value in supervising students who would like to leverage their work experience (e.g., from their current profession) to collect practically relevant data and/or conduct (field) experiments that can provide the empirical basis for their PhD project.

The PhD student’s task will be to:

• identify novel research questions based on real-world phenomena and/or extant theory.
• review existing literature and theories to build a coherent theoretical foundation for his/her own research.
• identify the fundamental variables and relationships that are most important to studying the phenomena at hand and formalize them in a measurement model or set of experimental hypotheses.
• gather experimental or observational data to test hypotheses or measure phenomena.
• identify the critical assumptions needed to draw inferences from empirical results.
• write computer code to analyze experimental or secondary data.
• present research findings at international conferences.
• write up findings for publication in international journals.
• participate in and contribute to departmental research functions (PhD Day, research seminars, weekly research meetings)

Well-connected faculty members

Our faculty members possess excellent networks and have collaborators at top institutions worldwide. Further, several of our faculty members are leading expert practices at the Erasmus Centre for Data Analytics (ECDA). These expert practices fulfil the purpose to bring together academics from various disciplines and practitioners to exchange knowledge and collaborate on research questions surrounding specific topics. More information for each of these expert practices can be found here.   

• Trial Design and Experimentation
• The Psychology of AI lab
• Virtual and Augmented Reality
• Customer Analytics

More information on our faculty members can be found  here .

Open projects in the area of "Organisation and Personnel Management"

Understanding the way people operate is central to the success of any organisation. Managing people requires understanding organisations in their full complexity, thus at several levels of analysis. The department covers topics on four levels: those that apply to the individual such as leadership, leader development, people management, power, incentives, and goals; those applying at the team level such as diversity, team processes, hierarchy, managerial behaviours, and professional identity; those at organisation level such as organisational learning, organisational design, coordination, organisational culture and change, HR practice and system design, and organisation of work; and topics at the level of the environment such as social, technological, economic changes, and politics.

Research within the department of Organisation and Personnel Management has always been a force for positive change, helping people and organisations worldwide to thrive and prosper. Pioneering faculty work at the forefront of human issues such as diversity, organisational change, employee wellbeing, and leadership studies. Working successfully with business cultures that may have very different methods, expectations and models to those in Europe, the UK and North America constitute an important focus.

Areas of research

More information on possible research directions within the area of OPM will follow soon.

Open projects in the area of "Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship"

The field of Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship   focuses on understanding why some firms perform better than others, how firms behave, and what determines success in international competition. Given its broad scope, the field is highly integrative and multi-disciplinary, and feeds on insights from a wide range of disciplines, such as sociology, psychology, law, finance, and economics. The field focuses on actions associated with changing the firm's scope and profile of business lines. It also addresses questions of how decision-makers can best leverage knowledge and innovation to foster competitive advantage for their firms as well as how external forces influence firms and entrepreneurs in a global context and in societies expecting more sustainable strategies. Other topics include entrepreneurial behavior in new ventures, scale-ups, and established organizations. Moreover, the field focuses on how strategic leadership and governance shape firms, firm behavior, and outcomes. 

Current themes that have the focus of our faculty and PhD candidates are:

• Strategy, Organization, and Governance. This line   aims to explain and identify the mechanisms through which modern firms shape and align their organizational structures, governance and ownership with the strategies, resource dependencies, and business models through which they create and capture value.
• Strategic Entrepreneurship. This strand is concerned with understanding how organizations link entrepreneurial behaviour and strategic advantage-seeking actions to create and capture wealth.
• Strategy, Knowledge, and Innovation .  This theme   focuses on how managers and entrepreneurs build and renew the technological, social, and relational capital to shape new technologies and business models.
• Global Strategy.   This branch   aims to enrich our understanding of how internationally operating firms form and implement their strategies, and how firms shape, and are shaped by, their global context and societies expecting sustainable practices.
• Behavioural Strategy and Entrepreneurial Behaviour .  This branch informs us about the psychology behind high-impact and complex strategic and entrepreneurial decisions.

More extensive descriptions of these themes can be found  here .

Open projects in the area of "Supply Chain Management"

Supply Chain Management (SCM) focuses on the effective and efficient management of the lifecycle of products and services. Successful SCM is imperative for any competitive business, but also for the public sector and other non-profit organisations. Through our research, education and engagement, we have an established record in achieving double impact; not just within academia but also in society at large. In research, we focus on four main areas:

• Topics: international supply chains, sustainability, and facility logistics
• Methods: predominantly quantitative modelling, some large-scale empirical studies.
• Topics: planning, design and real-time management of transportation and logistics systems (goods and persons)
• Methods: mostly quantitative methods and tools
• Topics: demand forecasting, inventory management, assortment planning, supply chain coordination
• Methods: analytical modelling, empirical methods and behavioral experiments
• Topics: supplier relations, contracting, health care procurement
• Methods: empirical methods including qualitative research, field and behavioral experiments

Dissertations

Academic thriving stands for a combination of academic outcomes as well as success in other relevant domains, such as well-being and finding the right job. What causes students to thrive academically? The studies in this dissertation contributed to this question with the use of experimental, interdisciplinary and longitudinal studies, and a critical theoretical examination of the arguments against evidence-based education. A large-scale field experiment showed that first year students who reflected on their desired future, prioritized goals, and wrote detailed plans on how to reach these goals, performed significantly better (in study credits and retention) than students who made a control assignment. This low-cost and scalable goal-setting assignment was made at the start of college and only took the students two hours to complete. Personalized follow-up feedback delivered by an AI-enhanced chatbot could further improve benefits to study outcomes as well as well-being. The final study in this dissertation tracked the effects of different types of jobs on the study progress of teacher education students over a four-year span. This longitudinal study showed that student who had a paid job in education gained more study credits than students with other types of work or without a job. Additionally it showed that working 8 hours per week relates with the most study progress in the first and third semester of college.

RSM Part-time PhD Programme

This PhD thesis has sprung from the Part-time PhD Programme at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM). Part-time PhD candidates conduct research against the highest academic standards on topics with real-world application value, thereby contributing to the positive impact of RSM research on business and other societal stakeholders. This programme allows candidates to develop their academic and research skills while they work. During the five-year programme, candidates are trained in research methods, use RSM’s research facilities and databases, participate in international conferences, and are supervised by research active faculty.

Below you can find dissertations of RSM Part-time PhD candidates:

Cabana, G.,C. Unravelling Team Ethical Culture: The Existence, Relevance and Implications for Ethics Management , Supervisor: Prof. dr. S.P. Kaptein, Co-supervisor: Prof. dr. W. Vandekerckhove

Mulder, F., New forms of leadership Leading in the plural and plural leadership , Supervisor: Prof. dr. S.R. Giessner, Co-supervisor: Prof. dr. B. Koene

Goldsby, C. M., _ Demystifying Digital Governance: Exploring the Mechanisms and Trade-offs of Blockchains for Organizations , _ Supervisor: Prof. dr. ir. J.C.M. van den Ende, Co-supervisor: Dr. H.J.D. Klapper 

Isabel de Bruin Cardoso, E.W., _ The Dark Side of the NGO Halo: Exploring moral goodness as a driver for NGO unethical behavior _, Supervisors: Prof. dr. S.P. Kaptein & Prof. dr. L.C.P.M. Meijs 

Ouacha, M., Receiving by Giving The examining of cross-border diasporic and bi-cultural Philanthropy , Supervisor: Prof.dr. L.C.P.M. Meijs, Co-supervisor: Dr. C.H. Biekart 

Jakobs, K., ICT Standardisation Management: A multidimensional perspective on company participation in standardization committees , Supervisors: Prof.dr.ir. H.J. de Vries & Prof. K. Blind 

Carpentier, P.D.J.  A New Frontier for the Study of the Commons Promotors: Prof.dr. L.C.P.M. Meijs, Prof.dr. V.J.A. van de Vrande

Reinders, H.J.  Financial Stability in a Changing Environment Promotors: Prof.dr. D. Schoenmaker, Prof.dr. M.A. van Dijk

Dekker, I.  Academic Thriving; Optimising Student Development with Evidence-Based Higher Education . Promotors: Prof. dr. M.C. Schippers, Dr. E. Klatter & Dr. E.J. Van Schooten https://pure.eur.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/53684049/dissertatiemiddelenizaakdekker_6267af186ff73.pdf

Heeren, J.  Management Innovation in the Military, Practice Adaptation Processes and Innovation Performance Consequences Solving the Paradox Between Institutional Pressure, Rational Motivation and Implementation Misfit Promotors: Prof.dr. H.W. Volberda, Prof.dr.ir. V.J.A. van de Vrande & Dr. E.J. de Waard https://www.eur.nl/en/events/phd-defence-jwj-jasper-heeren-2022-04-22

Caballero Santin, J.A.  Stunted Innovation: How large incumbent companies fail in the era of supply chain digitalization. Promotors: Prof.dr.ir. J.C.M. van den Ende, Dr. M. Stevens https://pure.eur.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/50170730/phd_dissertation_jaimereduced_620135877e60f.pdf

Renault, M.  All for One and One for All: How Teams Adapt to Crises. Promotors: Prof.dr. J.C.M. van den Ende & Dr. M. Tarakci https://pure.eur.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/50866956/max_thesisall_chapters_combined_and_preliminary_pagesfinal_embargo_621f67faca9ce.pdf

Duijm, P.  On the Cyclical Nature of Finance: The role and impact of financial institutions , Promotor(s): Prof. D. Schoenmaker & Prof. W.B. Wagner, 1, https://repub.eur.nl/pub/120767

Maas, S.A.  In the moment of giving: Essays on contemporary forms of private and corporate philanthropy.  Promotors: Prof. L.C.P.M. Meijs & Prof. J.P. Cornelissen. https://repub.eur.nl/pub/124976

 Langenbusch, C. A lot to lose. Organizational identity and emotions in institutional contexts. Promotors: Prof. J.P. Cornelissen, Prof. G. Jacobs. https://repub.eur.nl/pub/125099  

Van Zanten, J. A.  Business in the Age of Sustainable Development  https://repub.eur.nl/pub/135674

Profiles of Part-time Phd programme students

Patty duijm - cohort 2015.

Topic:  On the cyclical nature of finance: The role and impact of financial institutions Supervisors:  D. Schoenmaker (Dirk) ,  W.B. Wagner (Wolf) Author: Patty Duijm started her part-time PhD in 2015, at the Finance Department at RSM. Alongside her PhD she worked as an Economist at the Financial Stability Division and subsequently at the Supervisory Policy Division of De Nederlandsche Bank. She has been involved in regulatory and international policy topics covering recovery and resolution, stress testing financial institutions, and macroprudential policy. Her research interests include the impact of policy reforms on financial institutions, international banking, investment behavior and risk diversification. She completed her PhD in 2019. Patty currently works at the Data Science Hub of De Nederlandsche Bank, aiming at getting most value out of the data by incorporating data science at central bank and supervisory practices. An overview of her publications and current research can be found here.

Project description: Cyclical patterns are characterized by periods of strong economic expansions (‘booms’), followed by periods of detractions (‘busts’). In finance, we have seen these boom-bust cycles occur in, for example, the equity, credit and housing markets. During the global financial crisis of 2007-2009, we have seen that periods of economic downturns intensified financial market disruptions, and vice versa. The existence of these cycles that are closely linked to financial crises and that can intensify each other calls for a better understanding of their underlying mechanisms.

Stephanie Koolen-Maas - Cohort 2019

Topic:  In the Moment of Giving. Essays on contemporary forms of private and corporate philanthropy Supervisors:   L.C.P.M. Meijs (Lucas) ,  J.P. Cornelissen (Joep) Author: Stephanie Koolen-Maas started her PhD in 2015 at the Business-Society Management Department at RSM. She worked as an academic researcher and lecturer for the same department alongside her PhD. Stephanie’s research interests include the societal role of organizations, philanthropy, nonprofit and volunteer management, and business-nonprofit relationships. After completing her PhD in 2020, she started to work as a postdoctoral researcher at the Centre for Philanthropic Studies at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. She also continued to work for the Business-Society Management Department at RSM as a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer. She is currently associated with Impact Centre Erasmus as a senior impact researcher. Her ultimate goal is to better understand and increase the societal impact of philanthropy and philanthropic, hybrid and commercial organizations.

Project description:  No part of the philanthropic landscape appears to be as diverse as the ways in which individuals and for-profit organizations seek to do good. While philanthropy is not a new phenomenon, its diversification of practices and the emergence of (third party) organizations and new vehicles call for a renewed understanding. The studies in this dissertation represent a more in-depth exploration of contemporary forms of private and corporate philanthropy. First, I examine temporary episodic volunteering by examining National Days of Service. National Days of Service are state- or countrywide volunteering programs in which individuals and groups support nonprofit organizations by giving their time to a one-day, time-limited volunteer project. In the first two studies, I show how nonprofit organizations integrate National Days of Service and how they can do so more meaningfully. Second, I examine two vehicles that channel important elements of corporate philanthropy and that stand between corporate donors and nonprofit recipients. These include a corporate foundation serving the interests of multiple corporate donors simultaneously (collective corporate foundation) and third-party intermediary organizations. In the last two studies, I demonstrate how these two channels of corporate philanthropy add value and what the consequences are for corporate donors and nonprofit recipients.

Christina Langenbusch - Cohort 2015

Topic:  A lot to lose Organizational identity and emotions in institutional contexts Supervisors:   J.P. Cornelissen (Joep) ,  G. Belschak-Jacobs (Gabriele) Author: Christina Langenbusch is a senior organizational developer whose dissertation research focused on the qualitative analysis of organizational life at the intersection of global crisis management, organizational identity, sensemaking in the context of the grand challenge of forced displacement, emotions in institutions, and the process of theory development. Christina is currently researching quantitative evaluations of group behavior by translating organizational culture into a data-driven tool for leadership and change processes in the context of technology adoption. In addition to her work as an organizational developer and researcher, she continues to coach master's students. Christina has been awarded the 1st prize of the 2021 EDAMBA thesis competition. Project description:  Organizational life entails complex, informal processes that can defi ne an organization just as much as its basic operational premises. To investigate these phenomena, this dissertation begins with a systematic literature review that critically investigates how the formation and strength of an organization’s identity is associated with value creation, providing a multi-level and multi-theory framework.

Anton van Zanten - Cohort 2016

Topic:  Business in the Age of Sustainable Development Supervisors:   Prof.dr. R. van Tulder ,  Dr. F. Wijen Author: Jan Anton van Zanten works at Robeco, an international asset manager specialized in sustainable investing, as Strategist for the Sustainable Development Goals. He was awarded his PhD with distinction (cum laude) in 2021. He had joined the part-time PhD programme in 2017 at RSM's Business-Society Management department. His research interests center around corporate sustainability, sustainable development, and sustainable investing. Prior to joining Robeco, Jan Anton was a Senior Consultant at Steward Redqueen, and a Consultant at the United Nations Environment Programme. Jan Anton holds a Master’s in Global Business & Stakeholder Management from Erasmus University Rotterdam and a Master’s in Development Studies from the University of Cambridge.

Project description: This dissertation contains five studies that investigate the role of companies in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The first study builds on institutional theory to develop propositions that explain how corporate engagement with SDGs is influenced by traits of SDGs and by traits of companies. The second study conducts a systematic literature review to survey and synthesize the positive and negative impacts of diverse corporate activities on the SDGs and their underlying targets. In study three, corporate impacts on the SDGs are investigated using network analysis. This allows for identifying four types of companies, each having a unique sustainability imperative. The fourth study then asks how companies might improve their impacts on the SDGs, thereby contributing to developing a theory of sustainability management. This conceptual paper that is grounded in the sustainability sciences literature introduces a nexus approach to corporate sustainability. This nexus approach induces companies to manage their positive and negative, and direct and indirect, interactions with the SDGs in order to advance multiple SDGs simultaneously (“co-benefits”) while reducing the risk that contributions to one SDG undermine progress on another (“trade-offs”). Finally, the fifth study reflects on how the SDGs can help transform towards more sustainable societies throughout, and beyond, the COVID-19 pandemic.

More information about the RSM part-time PhD programme

Academic Director of Part-Time PhD Programme

E-mail [email protected]

[email protected]

Filipa Covas

Programme Officer

Vusala Guliyeva

Wardah Tahir Shah

Course Coordinator Part-Time PhD

• The Daily Life of a PhD Student

Written by Hannah Slack

The daily life of a PhD student can be quite a departure from what you’ve experienced as an undergraduate or Masters student. You’ll have much more independence and little to no ‘taught’ elements. Your average week will likely involve a similar amount of PhD study hours to a full-time job. This will include some teaching and administrative responsibilities.

This page will give you an idea of what to expect from your routine as a PhD student. We’ll also explain how your daily life will look as you progress through a doctoral degree.

On this page

What does the daily life of a phd student look like.

It might seem like a cliché, but the reality is that isn’t really a typical day for a PhD student. Your daily routine will depend on several different factors, from your research area and the stage of your PhD to what you’ve agreed with your supervisor and your own learning style. We’ve covered the main aspects that will affect how you spend your PhD below.

Subject area

If you’re doing a PhD in the Arts and Humanities , you probably won’t be surprised to learn that you’ll spend a fair chunk of your time reading texts or in the library. This is where you’ll do the bulk of your research. However, depending on the nature of your topic you may visit special collections and archives to view rare books and papers elsewhere.

In the Social Sciences , you’re also likely to spend plenty of time reading. However, you might also find yourself conducting research via surveys or interviews, as well as handling large amounts of data.

STEM PhDs usually involve lots of time in the laboratory, performing experiments and testing out hypotheses. You’ll probably also help supervise undergraduate and Masters students while they conduct work in the laboratory, making sure they’re using the right techniques.

Learning style

Your learning style will also have an effect on your daily routine as a PhD student. The independence afforded by a PhD means that you’ll have plenty of freedom to choose your own ‘working’ hours – as well as where they take place.

Some people value the regularity of a 9-5 schedule, while others may find that they’re more productive early in the morning or later in the evening (or a mixture of all three!). Similarly, you may have the freedom to choose where you want to study. This could be at home, in the library, a local café or a shared workspace with other PhD students.

The stage of your PhD

How far you are into your PhD is another big factor in your daily routine. Your first year will largely involve you getting to grips with your research area. You’ll familiarise yourself with the literature and beginning to lay the groundwork for what will become your PhD thesis .

Second year will see you taking on extra responsibilities, such as teaching or laboratory supervision, as well as undertaking the bulk of your research.

Your third and fourth years will usually be dedicating to writing up your research and producing your thesis, culminating in your PhD viva . This is typically the busiest – and most important! – period of a PhD.

Supervisor meetings

Meetings with your PhD supervisor will take place on a regular basis and are an excellent opportunity to provide updates, ask for advice and get their opinion on drafts. The frequency of these meeting will largely be up to you and your supervisor to agree on, but you can expect them to form an important part of your routine as and when they happen.

How many hours of study is a PhD?

As a general rule, you should expect a full-time PhD to account for 35 hours of work a week – the equivalent of a full-time, 9-5 job. It’s likely that during especially busy periods – such as when you’re writing up – you may work considerably longer hours.

If you’re studying a part-time PhD , your workload will be halved, at around 17 and a half hours per week. Depending on your schedule, this might be across a full week or a few days.

Universities rarely impose a number or pattern of work hours on PhD students, so it’ll be up to you to manage your time effectively. Most of the time, attendance is to do with regular meetings, set departmental deadlines and timely submission of written work.

Whatever your mode of study, it’s important to strike a healthy work-life balance. Peer pressure, demanding supervisors and extreme expectations may make you feel like you have to put in lots of hours. But you should remember that over-exerting yourself won’t necessarily lead to gains in productivity.

This is why some universities prescribe a maximum number of academic-related work, as low as six hours a week (you’ll often see 12-16 hours max) and why off-campus work sometimes require special permission (fairly rare but it happens).

PhD student workloads and holidays

The coursework requirement is likely to be higher at the beginning of your PhD and, while not really measured in hours, this will dictate how often you are on campus. In the UK, you will have some requirements in terms of transferrable skills training (in teaching, professional development and academic skills, for example) and your university may have a minimum number of hours of such courses you must take.

As you progress in your PhD, your workload will become progressively heavier, culminating in the period where you write up your research.

PhD annual leave

Funded PhD students at UK universities are usually entitled to annual leave during their studies, as stipulated in the conditions for their studentship.

The exact amount differs from institution to institution (and according to how you’re funded), but generally speaking you can expect between 25 and 30 days of annual leave if you’re a full-time PhD student, in addition to public holidays.

Part-time funded students will receive half of this allocation. If you’re a self-funded PhD student, you won’t have annual leave per se. But you also won’t be beholden to the same conditions attached to a studentship.

You’ll need to give an appropriate amount of notice to your supervisor and / or colleagues, as well as using the university’s booking system for annual leave.

Do PhD students get summers off?

No, you’ll be expected to continue working on your research throughout the summer – there’s no dedicated summer holiday period in addition to the annual leave you’re entitled to as a PhD student.

PhD responsibilities

The ultimate responsibility for good academic conduct and for successful completion of the PhD lies with you.

However, it’s a slightly different situation if you’re studying a PhD in a country where students are usually treated as a member of research staff (common in the Netherlands , France , Sweden and Norway , to give a few examples).

In these cases, you’ll have an employment contract and will be subject to the same regulations as a member of staff. Similarly, if you are doing an ‘industrial’ PhD, or if your funder has specific rules, you should make sure that you find out whether there is a strict pattern of work you should adhere to.

Think a PhD is for you?

Find the perfect PhD opportunity for you with our regularly updated course listings .

Our postgrad newsletter shares courses, funding news, stories and advice

Hannah slack.

Hannah worked at FindAPhD as a Content Writer from 2020 to 2023. She started with us part-time whilst studying for her PhD, giving her personal experience with balancing work responsibilities with academia. Hannah has a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of East Anglia, and both a Masters in Early Modern History and a PhD on Early Modern English seafarers from the University of Sheffield.

You may also like...

What happens during a typical PhD, and when? We've summarised the main milestones of your PhD journey to show you how to get a PhD.

The PhD thesis is the most important part of a doctoral degree. This page will introduce you to what you need to know about the PhD dissertation.

PhD fees can vary based on subject, university and location. Use our guide to find out the PhD fees in the UK and other destinations, as well as doctoral living costs.

Our guide tells you everything about the application process for studying a PhD in the USA.

Postgraduate students in the UK are not eligible for the same funding as undergraduates or the free-hours entitlement for workers. So, what childcare support are postgraduate students eligible for?

The UK education system is divided into levels. This guide is your one-stop overview into what these levels are and what they mean for postgraduate students.

FindAPhD. Copyright 2005-2024 All rights reserved.

Unknown    ( change )

Have you got time to answer some quick questions about PhD study?

Select your nearest city

You haven’t completed your profile yet. To get the most out of FindAPhD, finish your profile and receive these benefits:

• Monthly chance to win one of ten £10 Amazon vouchers ; winners will be notified every month.*
• The latest PhD projects delivered straight to your inbox
• Access to our £6,000 scholarship competition
• Weekly newsletter with funding opportunities, research proposal tips and much more
• Early access to our physical and virtual postgraduate study fairs

Or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

or begin browsing FindAPhD.com

*Offer only available for the duration of your active subscription, and subject to change. You MUST claim your prize within 72 hours, if not we will redraw.

Create your account

Looking to list your PhD opportunities? Log in here .

The Pros and Cons of a Part-time PhD

Blog Summary

You get more time to find yourself:, the fear of missing out:.

Yes, you can pursue a PhD program part-time while working. A part-time PhD contains all the attributes and components of traditional PhD programs but comes with a flexible schedule . Notably, part-time doctoral programs are by no means easier than full-time ones. Both require effort and passion for completing.

Before you enroll in a PhD program , ask yourself, “what are the benefits of PhD degree?”, “is getting a PhD worth it?”,  Let us consider the positives and negatives of part-time PhD programs.

It is easier on the pocket:

It does not mean that part-time studies cost less than a full-time program. On the contrary, when comparing the programs’ yearly fees, part-time costs just half as much as a full-time program. But a part-time program also takes up to twice as much time as a full-time program to complete.

When you look at the amount you pay, both programs are almost equally costly. However, it is easier to pay for the part-time program as it extends over a more extended period.

You don’t have to pause your life:

When you pursue a full-time PhD, you will have to spend all your time in the program. You will not be able to work. If your life change’s personal or financial circumstances change, you will not be able to continue your PhD program.

But in the case of part-time PhD programs like from Taksha Smartlabz in association with the University of Central Nicaragua (TSL-UCN), you will be able to handle uncertainties. Moreover, you will also be able to work while on a part-time program, making it even easier.

You get the flexibility:

A part-time degree does not mean you have to keep it part-time always. If you can spend more time concentrating on your doctoral program, you are free to do so. In addition, you can vary the tempo of the program to suit your needs and commitments.

Some institutions even allow you to switch to a full-time program if you can secure funding or your priorities change. You could even avail of this as your primary plan if you are initially unable to join a full-time program.

The boundaries keep extending:

As a PhD candidate, you will be working toward extending the knowledge base of your field. When the boundaries keep expanding, opportunities keep popping up. You will get exposure to such opportunities during the course of your PhD program. Being a part of a more extended PhD program will get you higher exposure.

Because of the period of the program and the flexibility it offers, you will get time to reflect on your future. You get more time to discover the world beyond academics. You will also earn far more exposure to what the degree will offer you in the future.

The chance of it not being possible:

PhD programs online are not easy by any means. They require effort no matter what the mode of study is. However, for some, it can be easy to handle why some might find it hard. Additionally, some fields work out better than others in the part-time mode.

If you are a student looking to fly abroad for a part-time PhD, make sure that the country you have chosen offers student visas for the program. Some countries only provide student visas for full-time PhD students.

It is longer:

Yes, this is a con. Although it makes it easier to pay the fees and presents more research opportunities, there are some setbacks. Your research will take longer and will sometimes be at a slower pace.

The longer duration of research could also mean that there will be higher costs involved. You should also make sure that you stay on track during the years so that you do not drift away from the program.

The feeling of being disconnected from your research is also a possibility because of the slow pace. If you plan to complete your PhD through a part-time program, you will have to set your priorities straight and give your research the attention it demands.

Life can be disruptive:

A part-time doctoral program may be easier to handle, along with your commitments in life and work. However, because of its longer duration, life events can be very disruptive to the program. You will have to find a way to handle the degree during setbacks in your life.

Being a part-time PhD student, you will come across full-time students too. Their academic lives will be different from yours. You will have to understand how they are able to move ahead quickly.

The people who started their PhD at the same time as you will be completing their program when you are only halfway through. They spend twice as much time as you in their academics, and they most probably do not have a work-life to handle.

The takeaway:

There are definite pros and cons to pursuing a part-time PhD program . You will have to weigh the facts and see if the lifestyle will suit you. Before you enroll, research the programs you have shortlisted and compare them.

Take into consideration money, time, effort, and other attributes before you register for the program. Even after all your research and consideration, your decision is what matters.

Study PhD without leaving your job

Register now to the PhD program of TSL-UCN to realize your dream of getting a doctorate.

Download Brochure

Select Country Afghanistan (+93) Albania (+355) Algeria (+213) American Samoa (+1-684) Andorra (+376) Angola (+244) Anguilla (+1-264) Antarctica (+672) Argentina (+54) Armenia (+374) Aruba (+297) Australia (+61) Austria (+43) Azerbaijan (+994) Bahamas (+1-242) Bahrain (+973) Bangladesh (+880) Barbados (+1-246) Belarus (+375) Belgium (+32) Belize (+501) Benin (+229) Bermuda (+1-441) Bhutan (+975) Bolivia (+591) Bosnia and Herzegovina (+387) Botswana (+267) Brazil (+55) British Indian Ocean Territory (+246) Bulgaria (+359) Burkina Faso (+226) Burundi (+257) Cambodia (+855) Cameroon (+237) Canada (+1) Cape Verde (+238) Cayman Islands (+1-345) Chad (+235) Chile (+56) China (+86) Christmas Island (+61) Colombia (+57) Comoros (+269) Cook Islands (+682) Costa Rica (+506) Croatia (+385) Cuba (+53) Cyprus (+357) Czech Republic (+420) Denmark (+45) Djibouti (+253) Dominica (+1-767) Dominican Republic (+1-809 East Timor (+670) Ecuador (+593) Egypt (+20) El Salvador (+503) Equatorial Guinea (+240) Eritrea (+291) Estonia (+372) Ethiopia (+251) Faroe Islands (+298) Fiji (+679) Finland (+358) France (+33) French Polynesia (+689) Gabon (+241) Gambia (+220) Georgia (+995) Germany (+49) Ghana (+233) Gibraltar (+350) Greece (+30) Greenland (+299) Grenada (+1-473) Guam (+1-671) Guatemala (+502) Guernsey (+44-1481) Guinea (+224) Guinea-Bissau (+245) Guyana (+592) Haiti (+509) Honduras (+504) Hong Kong (+852) Hungary (+36) Iceland (+354) India (+91) Indonesia (+62) Iraq (+964) Ireland (+353) Isle of Man (+44-1624) Israel (+972) Italy (+39) Ivory Coast (+225) Jamaica (+1-876) Japan (+81) Jersey (+44-1534) Jordan (+962) Kazakhstan (+7) Kenya (+254) Kiribati (+686) Kosovo (+383) Kuwait (+965) Kyrgyzstan (+996) Latvia (+371) Lebanon (+961) Lesotho (+266) Liberia (+231) Libya (+218) Liechtenstein (+423) Lithuania (+370) Luxembourg (+352) Madagascar (+261) Malawi (+265) Malaysia (+60) Maldives (+960) Mali (+223) Malta (+356) Marshall Islands (+692) Mauritania (+222) Mauritius (+230) Mayotte (+262) Mexico (+52) Monaco (+377) Mongolia (+976) Montenegro (+382) Montserrat (+1-664) Morocco (+212) Mozambique (+258) Namibia (+264) Nauru (+674) Nepal (+977) Netherlands (+31) New Caledonia (+687) New Zealand (+64) Nicaragua (+505) Niger (+227) Nigeria (+234) Niue (+683) Northern Mariana Islands (+1-670) Norway (+47) Oman (+968) Pakistan (+92) Palau (+680) Panama (+507) Papua New Guinea (+675) Paraguay (+595) Peru (+51) Philippines (+63) Pitcairn (+64) Poland (+48) Portugal (+351) Puerto Rico (+1-787 Qatar (+974) Romania (+40) Rwanda (+250) Saint Pierre and Miquelon (+508) Samoa (+685) San Marino (+378) Saudi Arabia (+966) Senegal (+221) Serbia (+381) Seychelles (+248) Sierra Leone (+232) Singapore (+65) Slovakia (+421) Slovenia (+386) Solomon Islands (+677) Somalia (+252) South Africa (+27) South Sudan (+211) Spain (+34) Sri Lanka (+94) Sudan (+249) Suriname (+597) Svalbard and Jan Mayen (+47) Swaziland (+268) Sweden (+46) Switzerland (+41) Syria (+963) Taiwan (+886) Tajikistan (+992) Thailand (+66) Togo (+228) Tokelau (+690) Tonga (+676) Tunisia (+216) Turkey (+90) Turkmenistan (+993) Turks and Caicos Islands (+1-649) Tuvalu (+688) Uganda (+256) Ukraine (+380) United Arab Emirates (+971) United States (+1) Uruguay (+598) Uzbekistan (+998) Vanuatu (+678) Venezuela (+58) Wallis and Futuna (+681) Western Sahara (+212) Yemen (+967) Zambia (+260) Zimbabwe (+263)

Select Category School of Public Health and Social Work School of Business Management and Public Administration School of Research School of Nursing

Select Program Ph.D in Public Health Master of Public Health Doctor of Public Health Administration Fellowship in Surgery Fellowship in Paediatrics and Child Health Fellowship in Clinical Cardiology with Critical care -->

Ph.D in Management Doctor of Business Administration

Ph.D in Clinical Research

Ph.D in Nursing

Clinical Research Excellence: Murugananthan’s TAU-UCN PhD Story

Understanding the Importance of Public Health Before Choosing it as a Career!

Transform Lives with Public Health Education: Your Path to a Healthier World

PhD in Public Health vs. DPHA: What’s the Real Difference

From Zambia to the World: Toddy Sinkamba’s Journey to a PhD in Nursing

Related posts.

How Can an Alternative Medicine Degree Transform Your Career?

Mental Health Matters: A Clinical Approach

Career Opportunities for Professionals with an Online PhD in Public Health

Counseling Psychology and Its Role in Managing Stress in Older Adults

Counseling vs Clinical Psychology: Unraveling the Key Differences

How Can a School Principal Perform Effectively with a Doctorate in Education?

• More Networks

• PhD Programs

Executive PhD in Business

Fall 2025 enrollment and information sessions.

The application process for the next enrollment cycle will open in early October. Join us at an upcoming information session to hear directly from program director, Dr. Jill Brown about this valuable credential and how it will enhance your career options.

Upcoming Information Sessions: October 11, November 20 and December 17

A part-time, accelerated PhD program that combines real-world business with world-class research

Today's business executives face unprecedented challenges that require uncommon leadership and the ability to gain deep insight into the issues that define the global economy.

Bentley's part-time Executive PhD in Business delivers an intellectually rigorous and critically relevant academic opportunity for seasoned professionals. The program develops a new breed of high-achieving industry leaders who combine business acumen with a research-driven mindset. Graduates will earn more than a valuable credential. They will gain the rare ability to identify the most consequential of challenges, the analytical toolset to reach data-driven decisions, and the insights to manage change in any business or organization. 

Program Attributes

Earn your PhD on a schedule that allows you to maintain your high-powered career and busy life.

Accelerated

Graduate in three years, far faster than traditional five-year PhD programs.

Virtual classes can be taken from home, the office, or anywhere you want. Face-to-face sessions bring students and faculty together twice each semester.

Cohort-Based

Grow your network by studying with the same dedicated group of peer business leaders over the course of your program.

Learn more and take the next step

Why an executive phd.

Relevancy and Rigor

Bentley's Executive PhD provides an unparalleled opportunity to access the doctoral study of business, separating accomplished professionals and strong performers from their peers. The Executive PhD program offers industry leaders access to an enriching academic experience, provides the  tools and skills to claim greater agency over future opportunities, dedicates meaningful time to reengage in learning and researching, and culminates with the unique opportunity to create new knowledge through a formal dissertation. 

Growth and Opportunity

Graduates will leave Bentley with an enhanced ability to identify and address the most consequential of challenges, the analytical skills that will help executives to quickly reach informed decisions, and the advanced management skills needed to effectively implement critical change in an evolving, dynamic, global organization .

Choose an Area of Focus

The challenges facing business executives today are interdisciplinary in nature and require a broad range of skills and human understanding to manage change. This program emphasizes an understanding of organizational behavior to help you become a transformational leader equipped to handle complex business situations. Whether it's sustainability, climate change, ethics, social auditing or diversity equity and inclusion, you will engage in research to help solve problems around contemporary leadership issues.

Business Analytics

The increased use of advanced analytical tools and the volume of available data require business executives to embrace new ways to improve decision making. In this program, PhD students will explore the human side of big data and learn the technical, analytical and modeling skills required to solve some of them most complex problems facing society today. The program will make strategic use of Bentley's Center for Analytics and Data Science.

Experience Design

This fast-growing discipline explores and researches the ethics, aesthetics and design of products or services from a human perspective. Experience design practitioners with doctoral degrees are in high demand and the credential has become mandatory for certain leadership roles in design and research. Students focusing in this area will benefit from Bentley's national reputation in this field and our state-of-the-art  User Experience Center , Haptics Lab and Virtual and Augmented Reality Lab.

Program Structure

Program Information and Details

The Executive PhD in Business is a part-time, accelerated and flexible three-year program that will allow you to earn a doctorate while continuing to grow your career. 

To learn details of the program, view our curriculum map, and learn about the program's three focus areas (Leadership, Business Analytics, and Experience Design), please visit the curriculum page .

  Learn More about the Curriculum and Focus Areas

Admission Requirements

• Master’s degree required
• Minimum eight years work experience
• Demonstrated leadership experience in business

Application Requirements (Application Opens on October 7, 2024)

• All academic transcripts
• GMAT or GRE scores (optional)
• Personal statement
• Two letters of recommendation
• Application fee ($150)

Following the initial application:

• Finalists will be invited to participate in a research webinar and asked to submit an 8 to 10 page research proposal. This research proposal will serve as an early preview of a dissertation topic.

Application Deadlines

• Early admission deadline of January 6, 2025
• Final deadline of March 17, 2025
• Finalists will be notified of advancing to the next round on a rolling basis.
• The program is designed to be completed in three years over the course of nine semesters. The total cost of the three-year program is $153,000, or $17,000 per semester.
• The program cost includes tuition, books and software.
• Students are responsible for the cost of travel and lodging associated with attending the required immersion weekends. 

Learn more about Tuition and Fees, Refund Policy, Payment and Financing Options

How does this program differ from Bentley’s PhD in Business and PhD in Accounting?   This program allows students to maintain their career while earning their PhD in a flexible, accelerated, part-time format. 

Is this degree the same as a DBA?  No. The DBA generally has fewer degree requirements and is considered a professional doctorate. There is less of a focus on producing publishable work. The Bentley Executive PhD degree is the same degree that full time students receive; it is a PhD in Business. It is rigorous and research oriented. Executives bring their workplace challenges, and cultivate their expertise to solve them. 

What are the on-campus requirements? During the first year of the program there is an orientation plus three on-campus immersions (Friday/Saturday) during both the fall and spring semesters. During the summer semester there are two immersions (Friday/Saturday).  During the second year of the program there are three immersions (Friday/Saturday) during both the fall and spring semesters, and two immersions during summer term.

How do I find a faculty adviser? Students will be matched with a faculty advisor during the admissions process and will begin meeting with their advisors during the first semester.

How do the three focus areas work with the PhD? Students will pick one of these areas (Leadership, Business Analytics, Experience Design) for course work and research leading toward their dissertation. 

What is the deadline to apply?  The application process for this program is extremely  competitive. We encourage all students to complete their application as early as possible. The early admission application deadline is January 6, 2025. All other applications are due by March 17, 2025.

Why an Executive PhD in Business?

Program Director Jill Brown covers some of the ways an Executive PhD could help advance students in their careers and academic pursuits. 

Work With World-Class Experts

Dr. William Gribbons

Teaching interests include: Human Factors; Product Strategy and Innovation; Design Ethics  

Dr. Tatiana Manolova

Teaching interests include: Competitive Strategy; Global Strategy; International Entrepreneurship

Dr. Mingfei Li

Teaching interests include: Applied Statistics; Applied Game Theory; Health and Business Analysis

for more information

Jill A. Brown (PhD, University of Georgia) is the Hieken Professor of Business Ethics and Professor of management at Bentley University. Her scholarly interests include ethics, corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, corporate governance and strategic leadership. Prior to her career in academia, Brown was a commercial banker and consultant.

Please email me to schedule a one-on-one meeting .

Request Information

Learn more about our executive phd program.

• A Bentley Education
• President's Office
• Board of Trustees
• President's Cabinet
• Mission and Values
• Diversity and Inclusion
• Strategic Plan
• Tuition and Financial Aid
• Special Programs
• Connect with a Counselor
• Why Bentley
• Tuition and Aid
• MBA and MS Programs
• Connect with Us
• Undergraduate Programs
• Graduate Programs
• Student Accessibility Services
• Research, Centers and Labs
• Executive Education
• Campus Life
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• Housing and Dining
• Student Health
• Athletics and Recreation
• Career Development
• Leadership Groups
• FAQs and Benefits
• Support Bentley

Helpful Links

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• CAREER COLUMN
• 24 September 2024

Seven work–life balance tips from a part-time PhD student

• Simone Willis 0

Simone Willis is a systematic reviewer at Cardiff University, UK.

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

As a part-time PhD student, blocking out time both work and study helped Simone Willis to keep a good work–life balance. Credit: Paul Goode Photography, Simone Willis

When I enrolled for a part-time PhD in 2016, it was for flexibility and financial reasons. I was working as a music tutor across Cardiff and South Gloucestershire, UK , teaching violin, flute and fife. These experiences, coupled with an undergraduate degree in music, led me to apply for a PhD exploring workplace stress and well-being in classical musicians and people studying at US conservatoires.

In the second year of my PhD, I accepted a part-time job at Cardiff University as a systematic reviewer, alongside my studies. Given the topic of my thesis, I wanted to to maintain a healthy work–life balance. Since graduation, I’ve stayed in that role, assessing medical devices and conducting evidence-synthesis projects in health and social care. I’ve also co-authored 13 papers examining mental health and well-being across a variety of sectors and settings. Using my experiences as inspiration, here are seven tips that helped me to balance my work, study and well-being during my PhD.

1. Treat your PhD like a job

I set boundaries for splitting my 9-to-5 week between work and study. This meant a 50/50 split of my working hours. Before I started my job as a reviewer, I spent 20 hours a week teaching music and 20 hours on my PhD.

Aside from a few late nights and weekends, I treated my PhD exactly like a part-time job. I blocked out time in my diary for both work and study, which helped me to plan and keep focused. Sticking to these boundaries allowed me to decompress and make time for friends, family and hobbies. I’d leave the office to attend a dance class and then catch up with my husband over dinner. Studying part-time meant that the PhD was not an all-consuming process and provided perspective — life outside the PhD continued.

2. Leave tasks incomplete

When switching between work and study, I often needed to pick up a train of thought from a few days before. A technique that worked well was writing a list of any uncompleted tasks at the end of my day, either scribbled on a sticky note on top of my keyboard, or as a comment on a document. These helped me to pick up ideas again later without needing to mentally retrace my steps. For example, if I was in the middle of writing a paragraph in the discussion section of my thesis, I’d leave a note to say, “Describing x finding, relate to y theory”, before heading off.

At first, leaving paragraphs with half-finished sentences or suggestions on where to take my writing felt counter-intuitive, but making these notes allowed me to write without losing momentum and gave me time for reflection.

3. Be realistic about what you can achieve in the time available

Early on, I was overambitious when planning my studies, which led to frustration. For example, I planned to complete background reading and write my literature review in the first three months. In fact, this took much longer and was something I returned to in the final stages of putting together my thesis.

Over time, I developed a better sense of how long tasks would take, especially writing, and learnt to plan accordingly. I found a system that allowed me to write fluidly. First, I mapped out an overarching structure for my thesis, using headings and bullet points in a document. Second, I identified references and noted where they would go in the structure. Only then did I turn to writing each section in detail. In the final stages of writing my thesis, I was able to accurately map out monthly, weekly and daily writing tasks.

4. Be selective when saying ‘yes’

I also learnt to value my time and consider what opportunities to take on. It is tempting to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity that comes along, but I developed skills in being selective and saying ‘no’ when needed.

I made my decisions by reflecting on the following: have I already done something similar? Is this opportunity something I want to do or something someone else wants me to do? Do I realistically have the time? Is this a one-time-only opportunity or will there be similar chances in the future? What are the potential benefits and harms of saying ‘yes’ or ‘no’?

In my second year, I chaired the doctoral-researcher committee, which organized events and represented PhD students on academic committees. I remember being asked whether I would be on the committee for another year, and my instinct was to say ‘yes’. But after a moment of reflection on those key questions, I realized that it was better to focus on my research. I ensured that the committee was in a good position and had recruited new members before I left.

5. Connect with peers

Sharing the journey with other PhD students was invaluable for receiving advice, celebrating the highs of publication and sharing the challenges and setbacks of data collection gone awry.

I was initially registered on an master’s leading to a PhD, so had to formally transfer onto a PhD programme in my second year. I needed to submit a written report as well as pass an interview. I remember speaking to Helen, one of my peers, about the process and she advised me on how to structure my application and we discussed the questions asked in her interview. This helped me to prepare for the interview and understand the strengths and weaknesses of my work.

I also worked in a shared office alongside 15 other PhD students. This space allowed me to connect with students at different points in their studies and be part of a community of doctoral researchers. More widely, talking to friends in other professions helped to keep the PhD in perspective and understand that there are many ways to be successful.

6. Communicate regularly with supervisors

Early on in my PhD, my director of studies suggested that I send an agenda ahead of meetings with my supervisors. This gave each meeting purpose and clarity in the topics to discuss. This was especially helpful in the write-up phase, when I needed to discuss different chapters and consider the thread throughout my thesis. To keep momentum, before each meeting ended, I scheduled the next meeting.

After each meeting, I sent a brief summary over e-mail, which allowed me to revisit important decisions later in the project. It was important to discuss issues before they escalated into bigger problems — my supervisors were a source of support and encouragement throughout my PhD.

7. Write as you go

When I first started, I had no concept of what 80,000–100,000 words looked like — only that it sounded like a lot. I was advised early on to write throughout the PhD process and not leave everything to the end. This appealed to me because I like having a plan and was concerned that I’d forget why I had made particular decisions if I left the writing until the end. Initially, however, I felt like I was getting nowhere, constantly redrafting and not knowing what direction to take with each individual chapter. Because my music degree was performance-based, I hadn’t had much practice writing in an academic style and it took me a while to develop my academic voice.

One thing that really helped was writing the manuscript for the first study from my thesis . This helped me to improve the structure of my work and to communicate an argument. Writing also helped me to clarify my understanding of the research area.

Although inspired by my experiences and those I interviewed working in music, I hope that these tips are transferrable to graduate students in a variety of disciplines.

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-02693-y

This is an article from the Nature Careers Community, a place for Nature readers to share their professional experiences and advice. Guest posts are encouraged .

Related Articles

My identity was stolen by a predatory conference

Correspondence 17 SEP 24

How can I publish open access when I can’t afford the fees?

Career Feature 02 SEP 24

Tales of a migratory marine biologist

Career Feature 28 AUG 24

We are DANI

Futures 25 SEP 24

Futures 20 SEP 24

Dreams of the East Elevens

Futures 18 SEP 24

How I apply Indigenous wisdom to Western science and nurture Native American students

Career Q&A 25 SEP 24

UK university departments on the brink as higher-education funding crisis deepens

Career Feature 25 SEP 24

Why aren’t there talks with the Taliban about getting women and girls back into education?

Editorial 18 SEP 24

Faculty(Group Leaders or Principal Investigators) and Postdoc positions

Faculty and Postdoc positions are open all year.

Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China

The Stomatology Hospital, School of Stomatology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine(ZJUSS)

Tenure-track Assistant Professor in Modelling Plant Stress Responses

Become a tenure-track Assistant Professor focusing on modelling plant stress responses at Umeå Plant Science Centre and IceLab, Umeå University!

Umeå (Stad), Västerbotten (SE)

Umeå University (KBC)

Faculty Positions in Westlake University

Founded in 2018, Westlake University is a new type of non-profit research-oriented university in Hangzhou, China, supported by public a...

Westlake University

Faculty Position - Open Rank - Assistant/Associate/Professor

Atlanta, Georgia

Emory University

Editor (Quantum Physics and Quantum Technologies)

The Associate/Senior Editor role at Nature Communications is ideal for researchers who love science but feel that a career at the bench isn’t enough.

London or Madrid – hybrid working model

Springer Nature Ltd

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences

• Absence, extension and part-time
• Part-time PhD study

Part-time study

You can apply for studying part-time after enrolment.  If you have been enrolled for a part-time PhD study and wish to change this course of study to full-time, please contact the Graduate School at  [email protected] .

Certain rules apply to part-time study:

• PhD students registered for part-time study pay full tuition fees for the first three years and no tuition fees for the rest of the period.
• Studying part-time will extend your PhD study. The Graduate School will calculate the new date for submission of your thesis.
• PhD students registered for part-time study are required to work on their PhD project 18.5 hours on average per week.
• The Graduate School does not distinguish between full-time and part-time studies during an  extension period. If you are in an extension and wish to study part-time, you do not need to inform the Graduate School.
• Your part-time study must be approved by the superior at your place of employment (Hiring Manager).
• Applications for part-time must be submitted before the period of part-time begins.

Please note that Studying part-time may lead to extra mandatory regular assessments

If you have a residence and work permit  in Denmark certain rules apply for part-time study. Please contact International Staff Mobility  for further information before submitting your application. Please contact Innovation Fund Denmark regarding your options if you are an Industrial PhD student.

You can apply for part-time study by following the link below. The form is in English, but you are welcome to fill in any free text in English or Danish. The processing time of your application is approximately 14 days.

APPLY for Part-time PhD study

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings
• My Bibliography
• Collections
• Citation manager

Save citation to file

Email citation, add to collections.

• Create a new collection
• Add to an existing collection

Add to My Bibliography

Your saved search, create a file for external citation management software, your rss feed.

• Search in PubMed
• Search in NLM Catalog
• Add to Search

Seven work-life balance tips from a part-time PhD student

• PMID: 39317723
• DOI: 10.1038/d41586-024-02693-y

Keywords: Arts; Education; Lab life.

PubMed Disclaimer

Publication types

• Search in MeSH

LinkOut - more resources

Full text sources.

• Nature Publishing Group

Miscellaneous

• NCI CPTAC Assay Portal

• Citation Manager

NCBI Literature Resources

MeSH PMC Bookshelf Disclaimer

The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited.

Virtual Tour

Experience University of Idaho with a virtual tour. Explore now

• Discover a Career
• Find a Major
• Experience U of I Life

More Resources

• Admitted Students
• International Students

Take Action

• Find Financial Aid
• View Deadlines
• Find Your Rep

Helping to ensure U of I is a safe and engaging place for students to learn and be successful. Read about Title IX.

Get Involved

• Clubs & Volunteer Opportunities
• Recreation and Wellbeing
• Student Government
• Student Sustainability Cooperative
• Academic Assistance
• Safety & Security
• Career Services
• Health & Wellness Services
• Register for Classes
• Dates & Deadlines
• Financial Aid
• Sustainable Solutions
• U of I Library

• Upcoming Events

Review the events calendar.

Stay Connected

• Vandal Family Newsletter
• Here We Have Idaho Magazine
• Living on Campus
• Campus Safety
• About Moscow

The largest Vandal Family reunion of the year. Check dates.

Benefits and Services

• Vandal Voyagers Program
• Vandal License Plate
• Submit Class Notes
• Make a Gift
• View Events
• Alumni Chapters
• University Magazine
• Alumni Newsletter

SlateConnect

U of I's web-based retention and advising tool provides an efficient way to guide and support students on their road to graduation. Login to SlateConnect.

Common Tools

• Administrative Procedures Manual (APM)
• Class Schedule
• OIT Tech Support
• Academic Dates & Deadlines
• U of I Retirees Association
• Faculty Senate
• Staff Council

Student Accounts & Cashier's Office

Student Accounts

Bruce M. Pitman Center First Floor, Room 125

875 Perimeter Drive MS 4250 Moscow, ID 83844-4250 Fall & Spring Semester Business Hours Student Accounts Office 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Cashier's Window 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Summer Business Hours Student Accounts Office 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday Cashier's Window 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday

Phone: 208-885-7447

Fax: 208-885-9209

Email: [email protected]

2024-25 Per Semester Tuition and Fee Schedule

Undergraduate

All Undergraduate Students Except Art and Architecture and Bachelor's of Business Administration (BBA):

Idaho Residents and Out-of-State Students Registered for All Online Courses Only * — Per Semester Tuition and Fees

• Full Time (10-20 credits): $4,542
• Part Time (1-9 credits): $454 per credit
• Additional Overload Charge for 21 or more credits: $402 per credit
• Additional Charge for Web-Based Courses: $35 per credit

Non-Idaho Residents — Per Semester Tuition and Fees

• Full Time (10-20 credits): $14,160
• Part Time (1-9 credits): $1,416 per credit

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Recipients — Per Semester Tuition and Fees — Continuing Students (starting prior to Fall 2022)

• Full Time (12-20 credits): $6,813
• Part Time (1-11 credits): N/A

Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Recipients — Per Semester Tuition and Fees — New/Continuing Students (starting in Fall 2022 or after)

• Full Time (12-20 credits): $6,231
•  Additional Charge for Web-Based Courses: $35 per credit

Refer to the Class Schedule for special course fees.

New Student Orientation : $180 (one time fee)

International Student Orientation Fee: $100 (one-time fee)

International Immigration Support Fee: $100 (per semester)

*Distance Education courses offered via Engineering Outreach have an additional production fee of $263 per credit.

Art and Architecture Undergraduate Students (includes Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Virtual Technology and Design, Interior Architecture and Design and Art and Design majors):

• Full Time (10-20 credits): $5,258
• Part Time (1-9 credits): $526 per credit
• Full Time (10-20 credits): $14,876
• Part Time (1-9 credits): $1,488 per credit 

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) — Online Program:

There is no full-time tuition rate for students in the online BBA Degree

Idaho Residents — Per Semester Tuition and Fees

• Full Time (10-20 credits): N/A
• Online BBA Course: $360 per credit
• Non-BBA online course: $454 per credit
• Non-BBA in-person course: $454 per credit
• Non-BBA in-person course: $1,416 per credit

All Graduate Students Except Art and Architecture and Master’s of Business Administration (MBA):

• Full Time (9-20 credits): $5,408
• Part Time (1-8 credits): $601 per credit
• Full Time (9-20 credits): $15,026
• Part Time (1-8 credits): $1,670 per credit

Art and Architecture Graduate Students (includes Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Bioregional Planning and Art and Design majors):

• Full Time (9-20 credits): $6,124
• Part Time (1-8 credits): $681 per credit
• Full Time (9-20 credits): $15,742 
• Part Time (1-8 credits): $1,750 per credit

Master of Business Administration (MBA) — Online Program:

There is no full-time tuition rate for students in the online MBA Degree

• Full Time (9-20 credits): N/A
• Online MBA Course: $850 per credit
• Non-MBA online course: $601 per credit
• Non-MBA in-person course: $601 per credit
• Non-MBA in-person course: $1,670 per credit
• Full Time (9-20 credits): $13,350
• Part Time (1-8 credits): $1,483 per credit
• Full Time (9-20 credits): $22,968
• Part Time (1-8 credits): $2,552 per credit

Refer to the  Class Schedule  for special course fees.

In Service Fees

• $142 per credit
• $185 per credit

Student Health Insurance Requirement

University of Idaho requires all degree seeking undergraduate students enrolled in twelve (12) or more credits, graduate/Law students enrolled in nine (9) or more credits and all international students to provide proof of health insurance. Students who have personal health insurance must complete a Health Insurance Information Form online through MyUI prior to the first day of the semester.

The charge for health insurance is a separate line item on your bill. The charge will be credited to your student account when your health insurance information has been submitted. Read more information regarding the health insurance requirement and processes .

The cost of Student Health Insurance for the 2024-25 academic year $1,100 per semester. The cost for summer 2024 is $540 (new students only). The cost for summer 2024 is $550 (new students only).

Qualified Late Enrollee Provision: Students who lose employer-sponsored health insurance or Medicaid after the Open Enrollment deadline may enroll in SHIP within 30 days of the date of loss of their previous coverage. Documentation of the involuntary loss of coverage must be provided. The effective date of SHIP coverage will be the date following the day you lost coverage. The insurance premium charge will be pro-rated from the effective date through the end of the coverage term. Charges for medical insurance are placed on your student account. Please contact the Student Health Insurance office for additional information and rates.

2024-2025 Catalog

Doctoral degrees.

The University of Idaho awards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in recognition of high achievement in scholarly and research activity. The degree of Doctor of Education is granted for high scholarly attainment and in recognition of the completion of academic preparation for professional practice. See the "Ph.D. and Ed.D. Procedures" tab for more details. The Doctor of Athletic Training is offered through the College of Education and the Department of Movement Sciences (see the "DAT Procedures" tab for more details).

The major professor and program offering a particular doctoral program indicate the general philosophy of the degree program, the objectives of courses and seminars, the research specialties available, and requirements unique to the department. Admission to the doctoral program is granted only to those who have a recognized potential for completing the degree.

Requirements for Doctoral Degrees

Credit requirements.

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D., a minimum of 78 credits beyond the bachelor's degree is required.; At least 52 credits must be at the 500 level or above and at least 33 of the 78 credits must be in courses other than 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation). A maximum of 45 research credits in 600 (Doctoral Research and Dissertation) including 6 credits of 599 (Non-thesis Research) or 500 (Master's Research and Thesis) may be in the 45 research credits used toward the degree. For the D.A.T., a minimum of 66 credits is required and follows a prescribed set of courses set by the program.

Courses numbered below 300 may not be used to fulfill the requirements for a doctoral degree; courses numbered 300-399 may be used only in supporting areas and are not to be used to make up deficiencies. Individual programs may require additional course work. Applicants having a doctoral degree may obtain a second doctoral degree subject to the approval of the Graduate Council. The Graduate Council will establish the requirements for the second degree.

Credit Limitations for Transfer, Correspondence Study, and Non-degree

For the Ph.D. and Ed.D. degrees, a student must complete at least 39 of the 78 required credits at the University of Idaho (U of I) while matriculated in the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred to U of I with the consent of the student's major professor, the committee (if required by the program), the program's administrator, and the dean of the College of Graduate Studies. Credits can be transferred only if the institution from which the credits are being transferred has a graduate program in the course's discipline. All credits used toward graduate degrees must be from regionally accredited American institutions or from non-US institutions recognized by the appropriate authorities in their respective countries. Transfer credits are subject to all other College of Graduate Studies rules and regulations. Correspondence study courses may be applied to the degree only with the prior written approval of the College of Graduate Studies. Courses used toward an undergraduate degree, professional development courses, and courses on a professional development transcript are not available to be used toward a doctoral degree.

Time Limits

Of the credits submitted to satisfy the requirements for a Ph.D. or Ed.D. degree, a maximum of 30 may be more than eight years old when the degree is conferred, provided the student's committee and program administrator determine that the student has kept current in the subjects concerned. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their preliminary or general examination. These time limitations can be extended only on recommendation of the committee and approval by the Graduate Council.

Awarding Doctoral Degrees to Members of the Faculty

Regulations are outlined in Section 4920 of the Faculty-Staff Handbook.

Particular Requirements for the Ed.D. Degree

A period of professional practice is required for the Doctor of Education degree; the period involved is determined by the student's supervisory committee. While the Ed.D. is a College of Education degree, you should consult with the departments in the College of Education to learn of specific emphasis requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education Degrees

Appointment of major professor and committee.

Refer to " Appointment of Major Professor and Committee for All Degree Seeking Graduate Students " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section. In addition, a doctoral supervisory committee consists of at least four people: the major professor as chair and at least one additional UI faculty member from the program, the balance of the committee may be made up of faculty members from a minor or supporting area, and faculty members from a discipline outside the major. If the committee has a co-chair, the minimum number of committee members is five.

Qualifying Examination

The qualifying examination is a program option and serves to assess the background of the student in both the major and supporting fields and to provide partially the basis for preparation of the student's study program. A particular program may or may not require a master's degree as a prerequisite for the qualifying evaluation. As soon as the program's qualifications are met, a supervisory committee is appointed.

Preparation of Study Plan

Refer to " Preparation and Submission of Study Plan " in the preceding General Graduate Regulations section.

Preliminary Examination for Ph.D. Degree

The preliminary examination should be scheduled only after the student has completed the majority of the courses on their study plan. The student is required to be registered during the semester the preliminary examination is taken. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the preliminary examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the preliminary examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the preliminary examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified enrollment status and is no longer in the degree program.

General Examination for Ed.D . Degree

When the student approaches the end of their course work, has completed the professional experience requirement, and has outlined the dissertation subject in detail, the supervisory committee approves the holding of the general examination. The student is required to be registered during the semester the general examination is taken. The examination is both written and oral and is intended to assess progress toward degree objectives. The student's committee certifies to the College of Graduate Studies the results of the general examination and if passed, the student is advanced to candidacy. Graduation must occur no later than five years after the date on which the candidate passed their examination. If the general examination is failed, it may be repeated only once; the repeat examination must be taken within a period of not less than three months or more than one year following the first attempt. If a student fails the general examination a second time, or the program does not allow the student to repeat the examination after the first failure or the student does not retake the examination within one year, the student is automatically moved to unclassified status and is no longer in the degree program.

See the General Graduate Regulations section regarding application for advanced degree, registration requirements, final defense and dissertation requirements.

Procedures for Doctor of Athletic Training

The culminating clinical project.

Students enrolled in the Doctor of Athletic Training (D.A.T.) will engage in research projects during the curricular phase of the program. These project(s) will lead to at least two publication ready manuscripts, and all students must meet professional authorship requirements (regardless of order). See the  Department of Movement Sciences and Doctor of Athletic Training webpages for more information.

The Team (Committee)

All D.A.T. project team committees will have at least four committee members: two members of the athletic training faculty (all with graduate faculty status), the student's attending clinician (who is the student's on-site mentor during the student's residency), and an expert in the student's chosen area of clinical research. The athletic training faculty members will always chair the CCP, provide research guidance, and serve as the experts in the development of advanced practice in Athletic Training. A situation may arise in which one or both of the members of the committee that are outside of the AT program faculty may have a degree less than that of which the student is seeking; however, the intent of the third and fourth D.A.T. committee membership is to provide outside validation of the student's progress toward advanced practice and clinical utility of action research studies.

Culminating Clinical Project Hours

These dissertation hours may be used in instances when the CCP has not been successfully completed and the curricular phase of program has been completed.

Print Options

Send Page to Printer

Print this page.

Download Page (PDF)

The PDF will include all information unique to this page.