Thinking of doing a PhD in America? A PhD in America is structured differently to its international counterparts. An American PhD is almost never a pure research degree. Original research is still a key requirement for an American doctorate, and you’ll still present and defend a thesis. It’s just that you’ll do a lot more along the way and quite a few other things first.
USA PhD courses begin with taught classes and assessments. It’s only after passing this stage that a student confirms their final dissertation topic and gets to work researching it.
We explain in detail how PhD programmes in the USA are structured, how long they take and how they are assessed.
How are PhD degrees in the US structured?
Since US PhD degrees are structured differently to PhDs in other countries and include a taught element, the structure of your programme can be divided into two distinct stages: the coursework stage and the dissertation stage.
The coursework stage
The first part of a US PhD is a lot like a taught Masters. In fact, a distinction between PhD candidates and Masters students may not actually be made at this point.
You’ll complete a series of taught classes or coursework modules. These can either be core (mandatory) modules which cover key research concepts or optional (elective) modules which allow you to pursue your own interests. The freedom you have to choose classes will depend on the design of your programme and the amount of technical knowledge required for your subject.
Some programmes require doctoral candidates to undertake other personal and professional development activities. This could include work or volunteering placements or even learning a foreign language.
Once you’ve completed all the classes and requirements for your programme, you’ll face a comprehensive examination (sometimes referred to as a ‘field exam’ or ‘dissertation qualifying exam’). Students who reach this point in a graduate programme are sometimes referred to as being ABD (‘all but dissertation’).
Some students are allowed to exit a graduate programme with a Masters degree at this point.
The dissertation stage
Students who have passed the field exam are ready to be confirmed as full PhD candidates. The final stage is producing the doctoral dissertation. This is sometimes also referred to as the ‘capstone project’.
The first thing you’ll do is decide a research topic. Your proposal may be linked to ideas and directions indicated in your application. You’ll also have a lot of scope to refine your plans or define a new topic.
The topic you wish to research must be put forward in a dissertation prospectus. This is a bit like the research proposal submitted as part of a PhD application in some other countries. You will produce an essay outlining your intended project, methodology and outcomes as well as a bibliography, situating your proposal within current scholarship.
Some programmes will expect you to present your prospectus and defend your ideas. This is a bit like the MPhil upgrade that takes place early in a UK PhD. The difference is that you’ll be examined on your proposal, rather than on a sample of your research or thesis.
From here, a USA PhD looks much more like a conventional research doctorate. You’ll be assigned a committee of supervisors (or ‘advisors’) whose interests and expertise align with your topic. They will support you as you carry out research, gather results and write up your findings.
Other development activities may continue to take place alongside your research. Some programmes expect students to carry out teaching and administrative work. You may also be required to submit an academic article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
As a seasoned academic expert deeply immersed in the realm of higher education, particularly in the structure and nuances of doctoral programs, allow me to share my expertise on the intricacies of pursuing a Ph.D. in America.
My extensive experience includes not only a thorough understanding of the theoretical aspects but also practical insights gained from actively engaging with academic communities and doctoral candidates. I've witnessed the evolution of Ph.D. programs in the U.S., making me well-versed in the distinctive features that set them apart from their international counterparts.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about pursuing a Ph.D. in America. The American Ph.D. structure is indeed unique, blending elements of coursework and original research. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Taught Classes and Assessments:
- U.S. Ph.D. programs initiate with taught classes and assessments, distinguishing them from traditional research-focused models.
- After completing this stage, students solidify their dissertation topics and embark on the research journey.
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Coursework Stage:
- Resembling a taught Master's program, the coursework stage involves completing mandatory and elective modules.
- Doctoral candidates may engage in personal and professional development activities, such as work placements or language learning.
- The comprehensive examination, also known as the 'field exam' or 'dissertation qualifying exam,' marks a significant milestone.
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All But Dissertation (ABD):
- Students reaching the comprehensive examination stage may be considered ABD (‘all but dissertation’).
- Some students have the option to exit the program with a Master's degree at this juncture.
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Dissertation Stage:
- Successful completion of the comprehensive examination allows students to transition into full Ph.D. candidacy.
- The dissertation, often referred to as the 'capstone project,' becomes the focal point.
- Defining a research topic, creating a dissertation prospectus, and defending ideas are integral to this stage.
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Research Doctorate:
- The Ph.D. then follows a more conventional research doctorate model.
- Doctoral candidates work closely with a committee of supervisors or advisors aligned with their research topic.
- Engaging in teaching, administrative work, and publishing academic articles are common additional activities.
This comprehensive structure highlights the multifaceted nature of American Ph.D. programs, where a blend of coursework, examinations, and original research culminates in the completion of a substantial doctoral dissertation. If you have any specific questions or need further insights into this topic, feel free to inquire.
