Doctorate

Designed to prepare students for creative activity and original research, a doctoral degree is awarded in recognition of a student's knowledge of a broad field of learning and for distinguished accomplishment in that field through an original contribution of significant knowledge. There are no university unit requirements for the degree, though individual programs may set specific course requirements.

A doctorate degree is the highest post-secondary degree awarded that requires a minimum of four semesters of academic residency. Typically, a longer period of study, four to six years, is required for completion of all degree requirements. In addition, a doctoral student is required to conduct extensive original research, serve as teaching assistant (most programs), and publish portions of their research findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Students can be admitted to the Ph.D. program directly with a related bachelor’s degree completed. Students who have completed a related MS degree may have reduced coursework requirements.

For more information regarding minimum Ph.D. Degree Requirements, please refer to the Graduate Policies & Procedures Handbook  at http://graduatedivision.ucmerced.edu/faculty-staff-resources/forms-publications.

For specific details regarding doctoral degree requirements, please refer to the graduate program website.

Last Updated: August 2020