stanford education phd programs

Graduate School of Education

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The  Graduate School of Education (GSE)  enrolls about 400 graduate students and is preparing the next generation of education scholars, policymakers, entrepreneurs, executives and school leaders. The GSE’s 56 faculty draw from a variety of disciplines to produce scholarship that shapes teaching and learning worldwide; they translate research into practice through partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and governments. The GSE offers the Doctor of Philosophy, Master of Arts and Master of Arts with teaching credential, Master of Science, as well as three joint degrees in public policy, law and business. It also offers an undergraduate program.

The Graduate School of Education offers seven Masters and 21 doctoral programs. Applications for MA degrees are due in early January. PhD applications are typically due in early December.

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Erika Bullock

Marlee Burns

Khalil Fuller

Akshatha Kamath

Rizwaan Malik

Geraldine Mukumbi

Briana Mullen

Tom Nachtigal

Liam Rahman

Mansoor Rathore

Gabriel Reyes

Takondwa Priscilla Semphere

Shyheim Snead

Aditya Vishwanath

Darion Wallace

Education Policy

The educational experiences of young people are shaped by education and social policy decisions made at the national, state, local, and school-building levels. Moreover, these policy choices impact not only the educational opportunities available to young people, but also the distribution of cognitive and other skills in the labor force. A thorough understanding of current education policy debates and their consequences requires knowledge of the structure and history of the education system, the politics of education policy-making, the relationships among educational systems and other social policies, the distribution of resources—including teachers—within an educational system, and methods of policy analysis and evaluation. The concentration in education policy prepares students to participate both in the analysis of education policy and in broader political debates about the aims and structure of the educational systems. Students completing this concentration have employment opportunities with local, state, federal, and international education agencies and organizations. 

Requirements

Core courses and electives will be selected from the list below as appropriate for the goals of individual students.    All MPP students in the concentration will take two gateway courses in Education Policy; two courses in Foundations of Education; and one course in Organizational Studies and Education; and at least two additional elective courses.    Coterm students will take one gateway course and enough foundation or organizational elective courses to satisfy the unit requirements.  Note that this is not an exhaustive list; students may select other courses for their concentration with the approval of their faculty advisor and Program Director. 

Affiliated Faculty

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Martin Carnoy

Eric Hanushek

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Walter W. Powell

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Gateway courses, foundations of education electives, organizational studies and education electives.

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Interdisciplinary Training Programs

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Our doctoral education policy training program has been recognized repeatedly as the top program in the country. Our graduates consistently secure influential education policy positions.

IES Interdisciplinary Doctoral Training Program in Quantitative Education Policy Analysis

We house Stanford’s interdisciplinary training program for PhD students interested in quantitative education policy analysis. The program is designed to provide doctoral students in social science disciplines and in the Graduate School of Education with advanced training in state-of-the-art quantitative methods of discipline-based education policy analysis. En güvenilir canlı casino sitelerine ulaşabileceğiniz en iyi adres abusidiqu.com olmaktadır.

Certificate Program in Quantitative Research in Education (QRE)

We offer a Certificate Program for students interested in Quantitative Research in Education (QRE). The Certificate Program, unlike a Master’s Program, is not a degree program, but rather provides students with a certificate indicating that they have completed a set of training requirements in methods of conducting rigorous quantitative research in education. For students in degree programs outside the Graduate School of Education interested in developing expertise in education research (e.g., Sociology students interested in the Sociology of Education, or Psychology students interested in school-based interventions), the Certificate Program provides a curriculum to facilitate training and a credential signaling their expertise in quantitative education-related research. Click here to learn more about requirements

Workshops and Professional Development Activities

We offer workshops and mini-courses that provide brief, intensive introduction and training in topics not available in existing coursework on campus. These opportunities are designed to strengthen students’ knowledge of topics in educational policy and to expose them to a range of empirical research methods.

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PhD Program

Professor Wender discusses chemistry with his graduate students.

Doctoral study in chemistry at Stanford University prepares students for research and teaching careers with diverse emphases in basic, life, medical, physical, energy, materials, and environmental sciences.

The Department of Chemistry offers opportunities for graduate study spanning contemporary subfields, including theoretical, organic, inorganic, physical, biophysical and biomedical chemistry and more. Much of the research defies easy classification along traditional divisions; cross-disciplinary collaborations with Stanford's many vibrant research departments and institutes is among factors distinguishing this world-class graduate program.

The Department of Chemistry is committed to providing academic advising in support of graduate student scholarly and professional development.  This advising relationship entails collaborative and sustained engagement with mutual respect by both the adviser and advisee.

• The adviser is expected to meet at least monthly with the graduate student to discuss on-going research.
• There should be a yearly independent development plan (IDP) meeting between the graduate student and adviser. Topics include research progress, expectations for completion of PhD, areas for both the student and adviser to improve in their joint research effort.
• A research adviser should provide timely feedback on manuscripts and thesis chapters.
• Graduate students are active contributors to the advising relationship, proactively seeking academic and professional guidance and taking responsibility for informing themselves of policies and degree requirements for their graduate program.
• If there is a significant issue concerning the graduate student’s progress in research, the adviser must communicate this to the student and to the Graduate Studies Committee in writing.  This feedback should include the issues, what needs to be done to overcome these issues and by when.

Academic advising by Stanford faculty is a critical component of all graduate students' education and additional resources can be found in the  Policies and Best Practices for Advising Relationships at Stanford  and the  Guidelines for Faculty-Student Advising at Stanford .

Learn more about the program through the links below, and by exploring the research interests of the  Chemistry Faculty  and  Courtesy Faculty .

Programs & Funding

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Stanford’s commitment to diversity includes support for programs that help us achieve a diverse and successful graduate student body. The VPGE office funds student-led projects that promote diversity and offers competitive fellowships for students from diverse backgrounds, such as DARE and EDGE.

Individual schools may also provide financial support for individual students and for diversity initiatives. Contact the Diversity Officer in your school to discuss possibilities.

U.S. News Releases 2024 Best Graduate Programs Rankings

Find the top-ranked graduate schools in business, education, law, nursing and other fields.

U.S. News Ranks Best Graduate Schools

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To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released the 2024 rankings for multiple graduate fields.

Depending on the job or field, earning a graduate degree may lead to higher earnings, career advancement and specialized skill development.

But with several types of degrees and hundreds of graduate schools, it can be difficult to narrow down the options. To help prospective graduate students find a school that fits their needs, U.S. News released its 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings today. They evaluate business, education, fine arts, health, law, library studies, nursing, public affairs, science, and social sciences and humanities graduate programs. Medical school and engineering rankings are not being released at this time.

A notable methodology change includes a new salary indicator based on profession in the business rankings.

Additionally, for the first time in four years, there are new rankings for a blend of doctoral and master's programs in audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, pharmacy, nurse midwifery and speech-language pathology. Graduate programs in nurse anesthesia and social work are also ranked for the first time since 2016 and 2022, respectively. Those and other specialty rankings are based on reputation ratings from scholars at other surveyed schools.

Read each program's specific methodology for the most detailed explanations of all the changes. The rankings are one source of information among many that prospective college students can use to inform their college decision. Below is a summary of the top-ranked schools in four major graduate program areas:

Best Law Schools

Best business schools, best nursing schools, best education schools.

Among the top 10 law schools . Yale Law School in Connecticut and California-based  Stanford Law School shared the top spot again. The  University of Chicago Law School in Illinois maintained its No. 3 rank, followed by a four-way tie at No. 4: Duke University School of Law in North Carolina, Harvard Law School in Massachusetts, the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School and the University of Virginia School of Law .

Columbia Law School in New York ranked No. 8 again, while there was a three-way tie for No. 9: New York University School of Law , Northwestern University's Pritzker School of Law in Illinois and the University of Michigan—Ann Arbor Law School .

Looking beyond the top 10, multiple law schools moved up in the rankings. William & Mary Law School in Virginia, for instance, jumped nine spots from a tie at No. 45 to a five-way tie at No. 36.

U.S. News also ranked 13 law specialties: business/corporate, clinical training, constitutional, contracts/commercial, criminal, dispute resolution, environmental, health care, intellectual property, international, legal writing, tax and trial advocacy. (You can filter by specialty on the  main ranking page .)

Meanwhile, in the  part-time law school rankings – which consists of law schools with at least 20 part-time students enrolled in fall 2022 and fall 2023 – the top three stayed the same. The  Georgetown University Law Center in Washington, D.C., is once again at the top while D.C.-based  George Washington University Law School , now No. 3, switched places with the  Fordham University School of Law in New York City, which claimed second place.

Previously ranked at No. 3 and No. 6 respectively, the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Stanford Graduate School of Business took the top spot in this year's full-time MBA program rankings . Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management and the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business moved down from their previous places in the top two to tie at No. 3.

While the top 10 mostly consists of the same schools as last year, both the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business joined those ranks this year. UC Berkeley rose from a three-way tie at No. 11 to a three-way tie at No. 7, while UVA moved up four spots from No. 14 to a tie at No. 10.

Farther down the full-time MBA rankings, there were some big changes. For example, Pitt's Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business soared 39 spots from a tie at No. 86 to a tie at No. 47.

Meanwhile, the very top of the part-time MBA rankings looks similar to last year, with the same schools in the top 5: UChicago, UC Berkeley, Northwestern, NYU's Leonard N. Stern School of Business and the Anderson School of Management at the University of California—Los Angeles. But UChicago took the No. 1 spot from UC Berkeley this year.

Moving up from No. 2, Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Maryland tied with Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing in Georgia to claim the top spot in this year's nursing master's program rankings. Duke University School of Nursing in North Carolina climbed up by one to claim the third spot.

Johns Hopkins ranked No. 1, as it did last year, in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program rankings. George Mason University School of Nursing in Virginia – which reported more graduates and resources per faculty – soared from a four-way tie at No. 39 to take the No. 2 spot. Duke tied with the University of Washington School of Nursing to round out the top three.

Duke also ranked No. 1 in all of the ranked nursing master's nursing practice specialties, including administration, family, both acute and primary care adult gerontology, and mental health.

Once again, Teachers College, Columbia University in New York was No. 1 in the graduate education schools rankings. This year, however, it tied with the University of Wisconsin—Madison School of Education , which climbed two spots.

The University of Michigan—Ann Arbor's School of Education dropped from the top position to tie with the UCLA School of Education and Information Studies at No. 3. UCLA was previously tied at No. 7.

U.S. News also ranks nine education specialties, with the College of Education at Michigan State University claiming the top spot in the following categories: curriculum and instruction, educational administration, elementary teacher education, higher education administration and secondary teacher education.

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

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Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship Program

The Pediatric Endocrinology Fellowship Program at Stanford School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford (LPCH) is an ACGME accredited 3-year training program designed to prepare physicians who are board eligible in pediatrics to become leaders in the field of pediatric endocrinology and diabetes in academic or clinical medicine.  

Each fellow completes one year of clinical training and two years of either basic science, clinical or translational research and participates in grant writing and a quality improvement project. Clinical training is performed both on Stanford campus at the Mary L. Johnson Pediatric Ambulatory Care clinic and at Stanford Children’s Health endocrinology clinics located in neighboring communities, Los Gatos and Sunnyvale.

• Program Overview
• Meet the Fellows
• Fellow Education
• Scholarly Activity
• Clinical Training

Advanced Gender Fellowship Program

The Division of Pediatric Endocrinology announces an Advanced Gender (non-ACGME; 12 month) fellowship opportunity for those who have completed either a fellowship in Pediatric Endocrinology or Adolescent Medicine. (Junior faculty are welcomed to apply as well)

The advanced fellow’s main clinical experience will be in the Gender Clinic where they will learn how to evaluate young people of all ages and stages of their gender journey in seeking medical and surgical gender affirming care.  

• In addition, the fellow will rotate through various clinics including: Teen, Eating Disorder, Adolescent Gynecology, Urology, Mood Disorder, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and Plastics Surgery clinics to be able to provide comprehensive care.
• The fellow will also observe psychotherapy and the most common procedures in Gender Medicine.
• Modules in advocacy, DEI, health disparities, community engagement and medical education will also be part of the curricula.

Starting date TBA

University of South Florida

College of Education

Tampa | St. Petersburg | Sarasota-Manatee

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USF College of Education continues to rise in rankings for top graduate programs by U.S. News & World Report

• April 9, 2024
• College of Education News

The University of South Florida (USF) College of Education is once again recognized for its graduate education programs and has climbed five spots to no. 38 for public universities in the 2024 rankings released today by U.S. News and World Report. Several factors are evaluated in ranking the 255 education institutions including faculty credentials, admissions and graduation rates and research activity.

Dr. R. Anthony Rolle, Dean of the College of Education remarked, “The faculty, staff, and students in the USF College of Education – along with its vibrant and innovative instructional, research, and community partners – are quite excited to learn that when U.S. News & World Report compared us to our outstanding peer public colleges of education across the U.S. that USF is ranked #38! And, among all peer colleges of education nationally, we are ranked #48. As dean of this college, I must say that I am extremely proud of the work efforts conducted by all involved. This college is an example for what can happen when a college is mission-focused on creating academic, economic, and social justice service opportunities for all its professional communities.”

The College of Education offers more than 45 masters and doctoral degree programs across numerous areas of study, such as curriculum and instruction, instructional technology, educational leadership, exercise science and school psychology. USF’s graduate education programs prepare students for careers in various settings, including PK-12 teaching, school administration, higher education, educational policy, research and curriculum development. 

Home to seven research institutions, our master’s and doctoral students turn their research into innovation that benefits students, educators, businesses, and the community – both locally and globally.

For more information about the U.S. News and World Report's Best Graduate Education Programs rankings, visit the U.S. News and World Report website . 

About the USF College of Education: Home to more than 2,600 students and 130 faculty members, the University of South Florida College of Education values high-quality education and excellence in research, teaching and learning. The College of Education is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and its educator preparation programs are fully approved by the Florida Department of Education.

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About the USF College of Education:

As the home for more than 2,200 students and 130 faculty members across three campuses, the University of South Florida College of Education offers state-of-the-art teacher training and collegial graduate studies designed to empower educational leaders. Our college is nationally accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and our educator preparation programs are fully approved by the Florida Department of Education.

Cybersecurity Guide

From scholar to expert: Cybersecurity PhD options

In this guide

• Industry demand
• 2024 rankings
• Preparation
• Considerations
• School listings

The cybersecurity landscape is not just growing—it’s evolving at a breakneck pace. And what better way to stay ahead of the curve than by pursuing a PhD in cybersecurity?

This advanced degree is no longer confined to the realm of computer science. Today, it branches into diverse fields like law, policy, management, and strategy, reflecting the multifaceted nature of modern cyber threats.

If you’re looking to become a thought leader in this dynamic industry, a PhD in cybersecurity offers an unparalleled opportunity to deepen your expertise and broaden your horizons.

This guide is designed to give prospective cybersecurity PhD students a general overview of available cybersecurity PhD programs. It will also outline some of the factors to consider when trying to find the right PhD program fit, such as course requirements and tuition costs. 

Industry demand for PhDs in cybersecurity

Like other cutting edge technology fields, until recently, cybersecurity PhD programs were often training grounds for niche positions specialized research, often for government agencies (like the CIA, NSA, and FBI),  or closely adjacent research organizations or institutions. 

Today, however, as the cybersecurity field grows to become more pervasive and consumer-oriented, there are opportunities for cybersecurity PhDs to work at public-facing companies like startups and name-brand financial, software, infrastructure, and digital service firms.

One trend that is emerging in the cybersecurity field is that cybersecurity experts need to be well-versed in a variety of growing threats. If recent headlines about cybersecurity breaches are any indication, there are a number of new attack vectors and opportunities for cybercrime and related issues. Historically, committing cybercrime took resources and a level of sophistication that required specialized training or skill.

But now, because of the pervasiveness of the internet, committing cybercrime is becoming more commonplace. So training in a cybersecurity PhD program gives students an opportunity to become an expert in one part of a growing and multi-layered field.

In fact, this trend of needing well-trained, but adaptable cybersecurity professionals is reflected by the move by cybersecurity graduate schools to offer specialized master’s degrees and many companies and professional organizations offer certifications in cybersecurity that focus on particular issues related to cybersecurity technology, cybersecurity law , digital forensics , policy, or related topics.

That said, traditional research-oriented cybersecurity positions continue to be in demand in academia and elsewhere — a trend that will likely continue. 

One interesting facet of the cybersecurity field is trying to predict what future cybersecurity threats might look like and then develop tools and systems to protect against those threats.

As new technologies and services are developed and as more of the global population begins using internet services for everything from healthcare to banking — new ways of protecting those services will be required. Often, it’s up to academic researchers to think ahead and examine various threats and opportunities to insulate against those threats.

Another key trend coming out of academic circles is that cybersecurity students are becoming increasingly multidisciplinary.

As cybersecurity hacks impact more parts of people’s everyday lives, so too do the academic programs that are designed to prepare the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. This emerging trend creates an enormous amount of opportunity for students that have a variety of interests and who are looking to create a non-traditional career path.

The best cybersecurity PhD programs for 2024

Capella university, georgia institute of technology, northeastern university, marymount university, school of technology and innovation, nova southeastern university, college of computing & engineering, purdue university, stevens institute of technology, worcester polytechnic institute, university of illinois at urbana-champaign, mississippi state university, new york institute of technology.

These rankings were compiled from data accessed in November 2023 from Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System (IPEDS) and College Navigator (both services National Center for Education Statistics). Tuition data was pulled from individual university websites and is current as of November 2023.

What is required to get a PhD in cybersecurity?

Good news first: Obtaining a PhD in a field related to cybersecurity will likely create tremendous employment opportunities and lead to interesting and dynamic career options.

Bad news: Getting a PhD requires a lot of investment of time and energy, and comes with a big opportunity cost (meaning you have to invest four to five years, or longer, or pursuing other opportunities to obtain a doctoral degree. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of what is required to get a PhD in cybersecurity. Of course, specific degree requirements will vary by program. One growing trend in the field is that students can now obtain degrees in a variety of formats, including traditional on-campus programs, online degree programs , and hybrid graduate degree programs that combine both on-campus learning with online learning. 

Related resources

• Online PhD in cybersecurity – A guide to finding the right program
• Cybersecurity degree programs
• Podcast episodes and expert interviews

Preparing for a cybersecurity doctorate program

Cybersecurity is a relatively new formalized technology field, nonetheless, there are a number of ways that students or prospective PhD candidates can get involved or explore the field before and during a graduate school program. A few examples of ways to start networking and finding opportunities include: 

Join cybersecurity organizations with professional networks

Specialized professional organizations are a good place to find the latest in career advice and guidance. Often they publish newsletters or other kinds of information that provides insights into the emerging trends and issues facing cybersecurity professionals. A couple of examples include:

The Center for Internet Security  (CIS) is a non-profit dedicated to training cybersecurity professionals and fostering a sense of collaboration. The organization also publishes information and analysis of the latest cybersecurity threats and issues facing the professional community.

The SANS Institute runs a number of different kinds of courses for students (including certification programs) as well as ongoing professional cybersecurity education and training for people working in the field. The organization has several options including webinars, online training, and live in-person seminars. Additionally, SANS also publishes newsletters and maintains forums for cybersecurity professionals to interact and share information.

Leverage your social network

Places like LinkedIn and Twitter are a good place to start to find news and information about what is happening in the field, who the main leaders and influencers are, and what kinds of jobs and opportunities are available.

Starting a professional network early is also a great opportunity. Often professionals and members of the industry are willing to provide guidance and help to students that are genuinely interested in the field and looking for career opportunities. 

Cybersecurity competitions 

Cybersecurity competitions are a great way to get hands-on experience working on real cybersecurity problems and issues. As a PhD student or prospective student, cybersecurity competitions that are sponsored by industry groups are a great way to meet other cybersecurity professionals while getting working on projects that will help flesh out a resume or become talking points in later job interviews.

The US Cyber Challenge , for example, is a series of competitions and hackathon-style events hosted by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate and the Center for Internet Security with the goal of preparing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

Internships

Internships also continue to be a tried and true way to gain professional experience. Internships in technical fields like cybersecurity can also pay well. Like the industry itself, cybersecurity internships are available across a wide range of industries and can range from academic research-oriented to more corporate kinds of work. 

Things to consider when choosing a cybersecurity PhD program

There are a number of considerations to evaluate when considering any kind of graduate degree, but proper planning is essential in order to be able to obtain a doctoral degree. It’s also important to note that these are just guidelines and that each graduate program will have specific requirements, so be sure to double-check.

What you will need before applying to a cybersecurity PhD program:

• All undergraduate and graduate transcripts
• A statement of intent, which is like a cover letter outlining interest
• Letters of reference
• Application fee
• Online application
• A resume or CV outlining professional and academic accomplishments

What does a cybersecurity PhD program cost?

Obtaining a PhD is a massive investment, both in terms of time and money. Obviously, cybersecurity PhD students are weighing the cost of becoming an expert in the field with the payoff of having interesting and potentially lucrative career opportunities on the other side.

Degree requirements are usually satisfied in 60-75 hours, so the cost of a doctoral degree can be well into the six-figure range. Here’s a more specific breakdown:

Tuition rates

The Cybersecurity Guide research team looked at 26 programs that offer a cybersecurity-related PhD degree. Here’s a breakdown of tuition rates (all figures are based on out-of-state tuition).

$17,580 is the most affordable PhD program option and it is available at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

$86,833 is the average cost of a cybersecurity PhD and is based on tuition rates from all 26 schools.

$197,820 is the most expensive cybersecurity PhD program and is available at Indiana University Bloomington.

The good news is that by the time students get to the PhD level there are a lot of funding options — including some graduate programs that are completely funded by the university or academic departments themselves. Check out the cybersecurity scholarship guide for more specifics .

Additionally, funding in the form of research grants and other kinds of scholarships are available for students interested in pursuing cybersecurity studies. 

One example is the CyberCorps: Scholarships for Service program. Administered by the National Science Foundation, PhD students studying cybersecurity are eligible for a $34,000 a year scholarship, along with a professional stipend of $6,000 to attend conferences in exchange for agreeing to work for a government agency in the cybersecurity space after the PhD program. 

Frequently asked questions about cybersecurity PhD programs

Most traditional and online cybersecurity graduate programs require a minimum number of credits that need to be completed in order to obtain a degree. On average, it takes 71 credits to graduate with a PhD in cybersecurity — far longer (almost double) than traditional master’s degree programs. In addition to coursework, most PhD students also have research and teaching responsibilities that can be simultaneously demanding and really great career preparation.

At the core of a cybersecurity doctoral program is In a data science doctoral program, you’ll be expected to learn many skills and also how to apply them across domains and disciplines. Core curriculums will vary from program to program, but almost all will have a core foundation of statistics.  

All PhD candidates will have to take a series of exams that act as checkpoints during the lengthy PhD process. The actual exam process and timing can vary depending on the university and the program, but the basic idea is that cybersecurity PhD candidates generally have to sit for a qualifying exam, which comes earlier in the program (usually the winter or spring of the second year of study), a preliminary exam, which a candidate takes to show they are ready to start the dissertation or research portion of the PhD program, and a final exam where PhD students present and defend their research and complete their degree requirements. 

A cybersecurity PhD dissertation the capstone of a doctoral program. The dissertation is the name of a formal paper that presents the findings of original research that the PhD candidate conducted during the program under the guidance of faculty advisors. Some example cybersecurity research topics that could potentially be turned into dissertation ideas include: * Policies and best practices around passwords * Ways to defend against the rise of bots * Policies around encryption and privacy * Corporate responsibility for employee security * Internet advertising targeting and privacy * The new frontier of social engineering attacks * Operation security (OpSec) strategy and policy * Network infrastructure and defense * Cybersecurity law and policy * The vulnerabilities of biometrics * The role of ethical hacking * Cybersecurity forensics and enforcement

A complete listing of cybersecurity PhD programs

The following is a list of cybersecurity PhD programs. The listing is intended to work as a high-level index that provides enough basic information to make quick side-by-side comparisons easy. 

You should find basic data about what each school requires (such as a GRE score or prior academic work) as well as the number of credits required, estimated costs, and a link to the program.

Arizona State University

• Aim: Equip students with in-depth expertise in cybersecurity.
• Study Modules: Delve into advanced computer science subjects and specific cybersecurity courses.
• Research Component: Students undertake groundbreaking research in the cybersecurity domain.

Carnegie Mellon University

• CNBC Collaboration: A joint effort between Carnegie Mellon and the University of Pittsburgh to train students in understanding the brain's role in cognition.
• Training Program: Students take four main neuroscience courses and participate in seminars and ethics training.
• Course Integration: Whether students have a B.S. or M.S. degree, they can combine the CNBC and ECE Ph.D. courses without extra workload.

Colorado School of Mines

• Research Focus: Cybersecurity: Studying online security and privacy.
• Cost and Financial Aid: Provides details on program costs and available financial support.
• Current Mines Community: Offers specific information for those already affiliated with Mines.

Indiana University Bloomington

• Focus Areas: Options include Animal Informatics, Bioinformatics, Computer Design, and more.
• Information Sessions: The university holds events to guide potential students about admissions and study options.
• Minor Requirement: All Ph.D. students must complete a minor, which can be from within the Luddy School of Informatics or from another approved school at IU Bloomington.

Iowa State University

• Details: The program is open to both domestic and international students.
• Time to Complete: Ph.D.: About 5.2 years
• Goals: Students should gain deep knowledge, follow ethics, share their findings, and do advanced research if they're writing a thesis.
• Learning Goals: Master core areas of Computer Science, achieve in-depth knowledge in a chosen subfield, obtain expertise to perform original research, and demonstrate the ability to communicate technical concepts and research results.
• Duration: Median time to earn the doctorate is 5.8 years.
• Application Information: The program is open to both domestic and international students.
• Program's Aim: The Ph.D. program is tailored to produce scholars proficient in leading research initiatives, undertaking rigorous industrial research, or imparting high-level computer science education.
• Entry Routes: The program welcomes both students holding a B.S. degree for direct admission and those with an M.S. degree.
• Dissertation's Role: It stands as the pivotal component of the Ph.D. journey. Collaboration between the student, their dissertation director, and the guiding committee is essential.

Naval Postgraduate School

• Program Essence: The Computer Science Ph.D. is a top-tier academic program in the U.S.
• Admission Criteria: Open to military officers from the U.S. and abroad, U.S. governmental employees, and staff of foreign governments.
• Curriculum: Designed to deepen knowledge in computing, with a focus on the needs of the U.S. Department of Defense.
• Emphasis on Research: The college showcases its strength in research through sections dedicated to Research Areas, affiliated Institutes & Centers, ongoing Research Projects, and specialized Labs & Groups.
• Holistic Student Growth: The college promotes a comprehensive student experience, spotlighting Clubs & Organizations, campus Facilities, and tech Systems.
• Guidance for Future Students: Provides tailored insights for students considering joining at various academic levels, from Undergraduate to PhD.
• Broad Learning: The program covers many areas, from software and policy to psychology and ethics, reflecting the wide scope of cybersecurity.
• Course Design: Students learn foundational security topics first and then dive into specialized areas, like cyber forensics.
• Successful Alumni: Past students now work in places like NASA, Amazon, and Google.
• Feature: Students can apply to up to three different campuses and/or majors using a single application and fee payment.
• Preparing for a Globalized World: Courses such as Global Supply Chain Management equip students for international careers.
• Tech-Forward Curriculum: Purdue's commitment to advanced technology is evident.

Rochester Institute of Technology

• Cyberinfrastructure Focus: The program dives deep into how hardware, data, and networks work together to create secure and efficient digital tools.
• Broad Applications: The program uses computing to solve problems in fields like science, arts, and business.
• Success Rate: All RIT graduates from this program have found relevant roles, especially in the Internet and Software sectors.

Sam Houston State University

• Program's Objective: The course aims to nurture students to be technically adept and also to take on leadership roles in the digital and cyber forensic domain across various industries.
• Assessments: Students undergo comprehensive tests to evaluate their understanding.
• Research Paper (Dissertation): Once students reach the doctoral candidacy phase, they must produce and defend a significant research paper or dissertation.
• Funding: All Ph.D. students get financial help, so they can start their research right away.
• Teachers: The program has top experts, including those who've made big discoveries in computer science.
• Research Areas: Students can study the latest topics like AI, computer vision, and online security.

The University of Tennessee

• Study Areas: Options include Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Computer Vision, and more.
• Tests: You'll have to pass a few exams, including one when you start, one before your final project, and then present your final project.
• Courses: Some specific courses are needed, and your main professor will help decide which ones.
• Big Exam: Before moving forward, you'll take a detailed exam about your research topic.
• Final Step: You'll present and defend your research project to experts.
• Overview: This program is for those with a degree in Computer Science or similar fields. It has special focus areas like Cybersecurity and Machine Learning.

University of Arizona

• Study Plan: Students start with learning research basics and then dive into modern tech topics.
• Support for Students: All PhD students get funding that covers their studies, a stipend, and health insurance. Money for travel to conferences is also available.
• After Graduation: Alumni work at top universities and big companies like Google and Microsoft.

University of California-Davis

• About the Program: Students engage in deep research, ending with a dissertation.
• Jobs After Graduation: Roles in companies or academic positions.
• Vibrant Community: Beyond academics, students join a supportive community, enriching their Ph.D. experience.

University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

• Recognition: UCCS is recognized by the National Security Agency (NSA) and the Department of Homeland Security for excellence in Information Assurance Education.
• Course Approval: The NSA has approved UCCS's courses as meeting national security training standards.
• Overview: This program focuses on vital areas like cyber security, physical security, and homeland security.

University of Idaho

• Partnership with NSA and DHS: The university is part of a program to boost cyber defense education.
• Recognition: The University of Idaho is among the institutions recognized as Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense.
• Objective: To minimize vulnerabilities in the national information infrastructure.
• Overview: This program is meticulously crafted to deliver premier legal education to its students.
• Courses: Encompasses a balanced mix of traditional legal doctrines, theoretical viewpoints, and hands-on practical experiences.
• Aim: The primary objective is to equip students with top-notch legal education.

University of Missouri-Columbia

• Seminars: PhD students should attend 20 seminars. If they were previously Master's students, their past attendance counts.
• Timeline Requirements: Comprehensive Exam must be completed within five years of starting the program.
• Dissertation and Publication: At least one journal paper must be submitted, accepted, or published.

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

• Faculty: The faculty members are renowned for their impactful research contributions on a global scale.
• Curriculum: The curriculum is versatile, catering to individuals aiming for academia as well as those targeting roles in the corporate, commerce, or public sectors.
• Program: A blend of theoretical and hands-on research is emphasized, offering a well-rounded educational experience.

Virginia Tech

• Seminars and Ethics: Students attend special seminars and complete training on scholarly ethics and diversity.
• Guidance: Each student gets a faculty advisor. A group of faculty members, called a committee, also guides them.
• Major Exams: Students go through four main stages: a qualifying process, a preliminary proposal, a research presentation, and a final defense.
• Strong Research: WPI's PhD program is recognized for its excellent research contributions.
• Practical Focus: The program teaches students to tackle real tech challenges.
• Modern Labs: Students use the latest labs like the Human-Robot Interaction Lab.

Dakota State University

• Program Goal: Train students to handle and prevent cyber threats.
• Awards: The university has received top cybersecurity awards.
• What You'll Learn: Research skills, cyber defense techniques, and ethical decision-making.

New Jersey City University, College of Professional Studies

• About: Focuses on best practices in areas like national security, cyber defense, and crisis communication.
• Recognitions: The program has been honored by the National Security Agency since 2009 and was recognized for excellence in intelligence studies.
• Jobs: Graduates are prepared for top roles in sectors like government and education.
• Program Content: The course dives deep into modern cybersecurity topics, from new tech and artificial intelligence to specialized research areas.
• Location Benefits: The university is near many cybersecurity companies and government agencies, giving students unique opportunities.
• For Working People: It's crafted for professionals, allowing them to experience various cybersecurity roles, from tech firms to government.
• Completion Time: Students have up to ten years from starting to finish their dissertation.
• Program: Trains students for roles in academia, government, and business.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: The program combines both technical and managerial aspects of cybersecurity, offering a comprehensive understanding of the field.

The University of Rhode Island

• Research Focus: The Ph.D. program is centered around a big research project in Computer Science.
• Qualifying Exams: Students take exams on core topics, but some might get exemptions if they're already skilled in certain areas.
• Equal Opportunity: The University of Rhode Island is committed to the principles of affirmative action and is an equal opportunity employer.

University of North Texas

• Team Effort: The program is a collaboration between various UNT departments for a well-rounded view of cybersecurity.
• Goals: The course aims to develop critical thinkers who are passionate about the role of information in our lives and can work across different fields.
• Skills Gained: Students will learn about research, teaching methods, decision-making, leadership, and analyzing data.

New York University Tandon School of Engineering

• Scholarships: Many students get scholarships that pay for tuition and give a monthly allowance.
• Research Interest: Research areas include cybersecurity, computer games, web search, graphics, and more.
• Experience: Students can also research in NYU's campuses in Shanghai or Abu Dhabi.
• One Degree for All: Every student gets the same Ph.D., regardless of their specific area of study.
• Research Focus: The program emphasizes deep research and prepares students for advanced roles.
• Major Project: Students work on a big research project, adding new knowledge to the computing world.
• Program: Prepares students for leadership roles in different sectors.
• Opportunities: Qualified students might get opportunities as Research or Teaching Assistants.
• Overview: Focuses on advanced research and modern technologies.

Augusta University

• Goal: The program prepares students for research roles and to make new discoveries in tech.
• Benefits: A Ph.D. opens up leadership opportunities in tech sectors.
• Overview: It focuses on new discoveries in areas like security, artificial intelligence, and virtual reality.

University of Texas at San Antonio

• Financial Support: Full-time students can get funding, which covers tuition and offers roles like teaching assistants.
• Job Prospects: UTSA trains students for jobs that are in high demand, using data from official sources.
• Overview: The program focuses on in-depth research and teaching.

University of Central Florida

• Mix of Subjects: Students can take courses from different areas, giving them a broad view of security topics.
• Many Job Options: Graduates can work in government, big companies, or teach in universities.
• Hands-on Learning: The program offers research, study projects, and internships for real-world experience.

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• CORRESPONDENCE
• 02 April 2024

How can we make PhD training fit for the modern world? Broaden its philosophical foundations

• Ganesh Alagarasan 0

Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Tirupati, India.

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You have highlighted how PhD training assessment has stagnated, despite evolving educational methodologies (see Nature 613 , 414 (2023) and Nature 627 , 244; 2024 ). In particular, you note the mismatch between the current PhD journey and the multifaceted demands of modern research and societal challenges.

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Nature 628 , 36 (2024)

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-024-00969-x

Competing Interests

The author declares no competing interests.

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