phd course work classes

Doctoral Program - Coursework

PhD students register for 10 units in each of the Autumn, Winter and Spring quarters. Most courses offered by the department for PhD students are three units, including the core courses of the first-year program. In addition to regular lecture courses on advanced topics, reading courses in the literature of probability and the literature of statistics are available each quarter. Students working on their dissertation may register for up to 10 units of directed research in each quarter. Students should also register for selected courses outside the Statistics Department to fulfill the breadth requirement .

Prerequisites

Equivalents of Math 113, Math 115; Stats 116, Stats 200; CS 106A. (Descriptions of these courses may be viewed on Stanford's ExploreCourses course listings pages.

Previous experience has shown that before starting the core courses students need to have mastered the material in the prerequisite courses (or their equivalents at other universities), as demonstrated by very strong and relatively recent grades. Where this background is missing or not recent, admission to the PhD program will involve working with the Director of Graduate Studies to design an individual program to make up the necessary courses.

Core Courses

Statistics 300A, 300B and 300C systematically survey the ideas of estimation and of hypothesis testing for parametric and nonparametric models involving small and large samples.

Statistics 305A is concerned with linear regression and the analysis of variance. Statistics 305B and 305C survey a large number of modeling techniques, related to but going significantly beyond the linear models of 305A.

Statistics 310A, 310B and 310C are measure-theoretic courses in probability theory, beginning with basic concepts of the law of large numbers, and martingale theory.

Although the content of the first-year core courses is specified by the department, the order in which topics are studied and details of the presentation are left to the instructor and will vary from year to year. Unusually well-prepared students may place out of Statistics 305A. Students who do not have a sufficient mathematics background can, with approval from the Graduate Director, take the 310 series after the first year. All core courses must be taken for a letter grade.

Literature Course

Stats 319 is a literature course in statistics and probability that is offered each quarter. The course is generally taken by students in the second and third years and may be taken repeatedly. It serves two connected purposes:

• to expose students to a variety of topics of current research interest, for example, to help identify dissertation topics. Students are expected to read several articles and to write a short paper related to the reading that is presented to the class. The paper can be a synthesis of the reading material, or it may mark the beginning of research in the area. Reading assignments are made in consultation with any faculty member, especially the course instructor.
• to allow students the opportunity to practice giving and receiving feedback on talk techniques. The talk can be on dissertation work in progress, on an ancillary project (consulting, RA work), or on a selection of papers that the student has recently read. The instructor of the literature course, along with the student's course peers, provides feedback on the talk, and can also provide guidance in topic choice where needed.

All students who have passed the qualifying exams but have not yet passed the Dissertation Proposal Meeting must take Stats 319 Literature of Statistics at least once per year.

Advanced Courses (Depth Requirement)

Students are required to complete a depth requirement consisting of a minimum of three courses (nine units) of advanced topics courses offered by the department. Courses for the depth and breadth (see below) requirements must equal a combined minimum of 24 units. Recommended advanced topics courses include the following:

• Introduction to Time Series Analysis (Stats 307)
• Information Theory and Statistics (Stats 311)
• Advanced Statistical Methods (Stats 314A)
• Modern Applied Statistics: Learning (Stats 315A)
• Modern Applied Statistics: Learning II (Stats 315B)
• Stochastic Processes (Stats 317)
• Modern Markov Chains (Stats 318)
• Machine Learning Methods for Neural Data Analysis (Stats 320)
• Function Estimation in White Noise (Stats 322)
• Multivariate Analysis (Stats 325)
• Causal Inference (Stats 361)
• Monte Carlo (Stats 362)
• Design of Experiments (Stats 363)
• Bayesian Statistics (Stats 370)
• Convex Optimization I (EE 364A)
• Convex Optimization II (EE 364B)

In any given year only some of these courses will be offered. These courses are normally taken after the first year and may help students to find dissertation topics.

Consulting Workshop

Students taking the Consulting Workshop, STATS 390, provide a free consulting service to the Stanford community. Researchers from all areas of the university community are free to request appointments to discuss their research or analysis problems. This course allows students to assimilate material from their first-year courses, especially STATS 305A/B/C.

The consulting is executed by teams of students, in which inexperienced students are matched with those more proficient. The course is offered each quarter and may be taken repeatedly. Students are encouraged to participate in the formulation of the consulting problems and in any data analysis which may be involved.

Experience the Santa Clara Difference

Our vision imagines a region and world in which everyone has access to an inspiring education and the psychological tools and support to propel them toward flourishing lives of meaning, purpose and connection.  our education is characterized by strong values, social justice, transformative, diverse community..

OUR PROGRAM

Rooted in the Jesuit tradition at Santa Clara University, the mission of the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Social Justice Leadership program is to educate and prepare leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion. Our EdD graduates will be leaders who work across a broad spectrum of fields, from schools to universities and nonprofit entities whose focus is to promote the common good as they transform lives, schools, organizations, and communities.

We prepare leaders by cultivating the knowledge, skills and dispositions needed to lead complex organizations. Our Jesuit tradition leads us to a set of core values, including “cura personalis” – or care for the whole person, developing men and women for others, centering our actions in social justice and equity, and engaging in a cycle of learning and collaboration, action, and reflection in our work.

The EdD in Social Justice Leadership equips graduates with the 21st-century knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to lead complex organizations with the goal of  building a more humane, just, and sustainable world .

AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION OFFERED:

Higher Education Leadership   Focus is on issues and complexities related to higher education, with particular attention to building and sustaining effective colleges and universities.

PreK-12 Leadership Focus is on the specific issues and complexities related to PreK-12 schools.

Social Impact Leadership   Focus is on the specific issues and complexities related to the communities served by social impact or community-based organizations. 

Doctor of Education Highlights

• Classes held at SCU and online
• 3-year program
• 77 Quarter units
• Applicants should already possess a M.A.

Course Sequence

Admissions information.

• Click here to view upcoming application deadlines.
• Students must possess an MA  in a related field - Students without an MA will be considered on a case by case basis, but will be generally required to complete an additional year of course work unless they have extensive prior graduate work (e.g., a teaching credential based on graduate coursework). 
• 3 to 5 years of work experience
• Interview with program faculty 
• The Ed.D. program is not open to international applicants requiring an F-1 student visa. 
• A minimum 3.5 GPA in their graduate coursework.
• Transfer Units. As a “post-MA” degree program, students will not be able to transfer in “units” from prior coursework, but can petition to waive specific course requirements if they have taken very similar classes before, allowing them to enroll in more advanced coursework.

Pedro Nava, PhD, Associate Professor of Education, Director of Educational Leadership

Dr. Pedro Nava has a bachelor's degree from CSU Fresno (1996) and received a Masters degree in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy from Harvard University (2003). In 2012, Dr. Nava completed his doctoral studies at the University of California Los Angeles Graduate School of Education in Urban Schooling.  The focus of his research and teaching are in urban and rural schooling inequality, critical pedagogy and critical race theory, immigration and education, family-school-community engagement, and participatory action research.

Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates

Key Takeaways

• A doctoral degree is the highest level of academic degree you can achieve.
• Online doctorate degrees typically take 4-7 years to complete depending on your program and course load.
• Graduates with a doctorate often pursue careers in academia, research, or leadership.

Online Ph.D. programs and doctorates can be challenging — but they’re often worth the cost and effort , especially if you have a clear passion and career path in mind. With a doctorate, you can become an expert in your field and qualify for leadership roles in academia, research, professional settings, and the government sector.

Whether you’re considering a doctorate in nursing , computer science, education, or business, an online program can help you maintain flexibility while achieving your goals.

Keep reading to learn about the different types of doctorates and Ph.D. programs available online. We’ll cover popular subjects you can study and what jobs you can get after earning your degree.

Doctorate vs. Ph.D.: How Do They Differ?

Many people use the terms “Ph.D.” and “doctorate” interchangeably, but they don’t necessarily mean the same thing.

A doctorate, or doctoral degree, is the highest educational credential you can achieve. Typically, a doctorate takes 4-7 years to earn, though this length can vary depending on your field and program.

Doctorates come in many forms. Professional doctorates are geared toward specific roles and industries. For example, an aspiring business professional might earn a doctor of business administration (DBA), while a budding physician would need to enroll in a doctor of medicine (MD) program.

A doctor of philosophy, or Ph.D., is a specific type of doctorate focused primarily on academic research. Ph.D. students are expected to conduct original research and add to their field’s discourse. Most Ph.D. programs also require you to write and defend a dissertation .

All Ph.D.s are doctorates, but not all doctorates are Ph.D.s.

Online Doctorate Programs That Might Interest You

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Explore Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates by Subject

Select the jump links below to learn more about the different subjects you can study in an online doctoral program.

Earning an online doctor of business administration (DBA), Ph.D. in business, or Ph.D. in accounting can give you the credibility and expertise needed to expand into managerial roles at companies and organizations.

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Healthcare plays a large role in the economy, and the number of jobs in this sector continues to increase. Earning an online doctorate in healthcare can put you on the path to becoming a medical provider or securing leadership roles at hospitals, clinics, and more.

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Psychology & Counseling

If you have a passion for mental health, an online doctorate in psychology or counseling could be right for you. Earning a Ph.D. in one of these subjects qualifies you to work with clients of various ages, identities, and backgrounds.

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Science, technology, engineering, and math.

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Social Work

A doctorate prepares you for top careers in social work . While you need a master’s degree to become a licensed social worker , a doctorate can advance your policymaking, research, and leadership abilities.

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How Much Do Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates Cost?

The cost of an online doctorate can add up, especially when you’re typically spending at least three years in your doctoral program.

On average, graduate tuition and fees cost around $20,510 in 2021-2022, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

But tuition costs vary widely, with public schools averaging $12,600 per year in tuition and fees and private nonprofit institutions averaging $29,930. When factoring in other expenses, the total cost for a doctorate can increase to over $40,000 per year .

Several factors can affect costs, including the program length and school; however, you’ll likely have many funding options in an accredited doctoral program. In fact, according to numbers shared by the Urban Institute, over 70% of doctoral students receive grant aid .

You might also qualify for scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships to cover costs. And don’t forget: You can take out federal loans as a doctoral student.

What Can You Do With an Online Ph.D. or Doctorate?

Earning an online Ph.D. or doctorate signals to employers your industry expertise and commitment to developing your skills and knowledge. It can also lead to rewarding leadership roles, many of which boast above-average salaries .

Here are some popular roles you can get with an online doctorate.

Is an Online Doctoral Degree Worth It?

For many students, earning an online doctorate is worth it for several reasons.

In addition to opening the door to professional leadership opportunities, these degrees routinely provide a pathway to higher salaries. Online programs can also offer increased flexibility for students with full-time jobs, children, or other commitments.

According to the BLS, people with a bachelor’s degree as their highest credential earned a median salary of around $74,000 in 2022, while those with a master’s degree earned a median salary of around $86,000.

However, people with a doctoral degree earned much more, with a median annual salary of around $108,000. This means doctorate-holders earn about $22,000 more each year than those with master’s degrees — and a whopping $34,000 more than those with bachelor’s degrees.

Frequently Asked Questions About Online Ph.D. Programs and Doctorates

Can you do a ph.d. completely online.

Yes, you can earn a Ph.D. in a fully online format. Many doctoral programs in business, education, healthcare, and STEM use an online learning format. In these programs, you’ll complete coursework in a virtual learning environment while meeting any hands-on or clinical requirements in your local area.

Online doctorates from accredited programs meet the same high academic standards and licensure requirements as in-person doctoral programs.

Are online Ph.D. programs and doctorates respected?

Yes, online doctorates are respected. These degrees feature the same curricula and content as on-campus programs. However, since online degrees can’t always provide the same type of instruction and interaction as on-campus programs, some fields — particularly medical ones — do not provide 100% online options.

How long do online Ph.D. programs take?

The typical online Ph.D. program takes 4-7 years to complete. Depending on your course load and schedule, the program may extend beyond that timeline. You may take longer to complete your research and dissertation, for example.

What is the easiest Ph.D. to get?

All Ph.D. and doctoral programs require dedication and stamina to make it through advanced academic courses. That said, Ed.D. programs tend to take less time than other doctorates, meaning you can put your degree to work more quickly.

The difficulty of a doctoral degree ultimately depends on your skills, interests, and career goals, as well as on the specific requirements of each program.

Which Ph.D. is most in demand?

According to BLS data, many positions in healthcare, business, and technology are projected to rank among the fastest-growing jobs in the coming decade . Professionals with advanced degrees in these areas will be needed to fill a large number of open roles.

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How are PhD programs structured in the USA?

Do you want to study for a PhD in the USA? We highlight the key differences between European and American PhD to help you decide which program is right for you.

Page Content

Postgraduate studies in the usa.

Graduate studies in the USA differ from postgraduate studies in Europe and other countries. In the USA, graduate students need to enroll in a specific graduate program , typically within a graduate school attached to a university. Their chosen program will steer the courses available to them for their PhD - like a taught Bachelor's or Master's degree.

Most universities in the USA have separate graduate schools and/or programs for different subjects. Specialized or smaller institutions may only offer one or two programs. Students must choose classes relevant to their intended research area.

Larger graduate programs tend to offer a wider range of degree subjects. For example, a Social Sciences graduate program might offer separate pathways for Politics or Anthropology, which would dictate the core classes a student needs to pass.

Looking for your perfect program?

Use our search to find and compare programs from universities all over the world, what is the duration of a phd in the usa.

The PhD program typically takes between 4-7 years to complete, depending on the type of PhD , the school and department requirements, and the student's educational background and progress. Students who take full-time classes can usually finish in 4 years, while part-time students may take up to 7 years to obtain their PhD.

Doctoral students spend 1-4 years in the coursework stage of their program and 2-4 years working on their dissertation research.

The academic year in the USA consists of two teaching semesters: August-December and January-May. Your classes and assessments take place during this period. Most graduate programs admit students in the autumn (or 'fall') semester.

PhD program structure in the USA vs Europe

The PhD program structure in the US differs from PhD programs in Europe, where coursework is minimal, and research is often done within a research group or laboratory setting under the direct supervision of a faculty advisor. In the US, PhD candidates are typically expected to take more classes and develop their independent research .

A PhD program in the USA is rarely a pure research degree . Original research is a key requirement for a doctorate in the US, and students present and defend a thesis, but you will undertake personal and professional development activities such as learning another language or pursuing volunteering opportunities.

Doctoral students in European countries normally start researching right away, and USA PhD programs start with taught classes and assessments . Candidates need to pass these components before they can confirm their final dissertation topic and begin research.

PhD program structure in the USA

In the US, PhD programs are typically structured around coursework, research, and a dissertation. Most PhD programs begin with an introductory phase where you take classes to build your knowledge base and explore potential topics for your dissertation research.

Coursework is typically followed by a period of independent research and writing . During this phase, you'll be expected to develop a research proposal, conduct experiments and/or data collection, analyze your results, and present your findings.

Finally, you'll have to write and defend a dissertation that summarizes your research project. Once all requirements have been completed successfully, you'll earn the title of Doctor of Philosophy.

Coursework is subdivided

Many PhD programs in the USA are structured where the coursework is subdivided. Students can start their studies with compulsory classes and qualifying exams to confirm they are ready to study for their PhD before focusing on their dissertation prep.

Coursework component

Coursework consists of a combination of lectures, seminars, and research projects . Depending on the subject and program, PhD candidates may also be asked to complete an internship or practicum, a language exam, or other specialized tests.

Many doctoral programs in the US require students to take comprehensive exams (also known as 'qualifying exams') at the end of their coursework phase. Passing these comprehensive exams will allow them to progress onto the dissertation stage.

The first part of a PhD in the USA is like a taught Master's

PhD students will work through a series of classes and/or coursework modules:

• PhD Core classes  are an essential part of your program. These classes cover key concepts and research techniques and provide required subject knowledge.
• Elective classes  are optional. Students need to study a quota to fulfill the credit requirements for their program; it's entirely up to you what you select. This allows you to broaden your studies and pick specific training or select modules to reflect your interests that might help develop your research project later in the degree.

The structure of your PhD program and the amount of technical knowledge needed for your subject will determine how you choose your elective classes.

Many PhD programs in the USA require doctoral candidates to t ake part in professional and personal developmental activities , such as volunteering roles or learning a second language. This is a benefit of the structure of PhD programs in the USA: graduates gain a holistic and adaptable education.

Following the completion of classes and compulsory elements of your program, students will need to tackle a field exam or dissertation qualifying exam. This exam ascertains if you have acquired sufficient subject knowledge to run your original research. Students reaching this point in a graduate program are referred to as ABD (all but dissertation).

Some students can exit a graduate program at this stage with a Master's degree, or they may be awarded a Master's whilst progressing on to a PhD.

Dissertation component

The dissertation component of a PhD in the USA is the final stage after fulfilling all coursework requirements. This is when you conduct and write up new research that contributes to academic knowledge in your field.

The doctoral dissertation is also referred to as a capstone project for a graduate program leading to a PhD.

Dissertations vary depending on the subject : some involve laboratory work, while others focus on data analysis or literature reviews.

Choose a topic for your dissertation

When starting work on their dissertation students need to first choose a research topic. Your research may be linked to ideas in your application or based on ideas you have covered in your core or elective classes. Your research topic must be put forward in a dissertation prospectus like a research proposal submitted as part of a PhD application. This is an essay explaining your intended project, methodology, and outcomes.

The structure of a PhD in the USA during the dissertation stage is like a research doctorate studied in other parts of the world. Students are assigned a panel of supervisors whose interests and skills are relevant to their topic. You'll have a designated principal advisor or dissertation director drawn from the panel to support your research, gather your findings, and write up your results.

Students can continue their developmental activities alongside their research - a key benefit of studying for a PhD in the USA . Some programs require students to undertake teaching work or submit an article based on their research for publication in an academic journal.

Assessment and exams

The structure of PhDs in the USA requires students to pass exams to progress in their PhD and eventually defend their dissertations.

PhD coursework 

Classes are assessed through essays, exams, and presentations. You will need to pass these to earn enough credits to finish the coursework stage of your program.

PhD examinations 

You'll be assessed on your skills before you can move on to the dissertation. These exams involve oral presentation and debate with members of your faculty. Or they could be a traditional closed-book exam paper that assesses your general subject knowledge. Some programs involve multiple tests.

PhD dissertation prospectus 

Your proposed topic and plan will be orally examined by your dissertation committee before you can proceed with your research.

PhD dissertation defense

The final test for your PhD will be a presentation and oral examination of your doctoral dissertation. This is like the viva voce used in the UK and other countries.

Students may have to demonstrate they have fulfilled other requirements for their program. This could include having foreign language skills, completing professional internships, or submitting articles for academic presentations or journals.

Completing both coursework and dissertation stages will make you eligible for an award of a Doctorate (PhD) . On completion, graduates can pursue further study or find employment.

PhD programs in the USA are designed to provide a comprehensive and structured approach to advanced research and academic development. Through a combination of coursework, research, and dissertation work, students can go from foundational knowledge-building to creating original research that contributes to their field.

The program's emphasis on both independent research and professional development ensures that graduates are well-prepared for a variety of career paths in academia, industry, and beyond. With strict assessments and multiple stages of evaluation, the US PhD program equips students with the skills and expertise needed to excel as scholars and professionals in their chosen disciplines.

• The Ultimate Guide to Getting a PhD in the USA
• Scholarships for PhD studies in the United States

Keystone Team Author

The Keystone Team is comprised of experienced educators and advisors dedicated to providing valuable resources and advice to students all over the world.

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