The United States is known for its highly-ranked universities globally; for this reason, it has attracted so many international students from nearly every country. This has made the USA become one of the top destinations for postgraduate studies with over four hundred thousand international PhD students currently studying in the United States according to Statista. With this population, you would not want to be told what the most popular PhD subjects to study in the USA are.
Well, in case you want to join the growing population of international PhD students in the United States, then you don’t have to worry about what subject to do in the USA. We have compiled a list of the top PhD subjects that are frequently pursued today and we hope this listing will help guide many to make up their minds as they prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.
#1. Biological Sciences
When it comes to PhD subjects in the USA, the field of Biological Science leads the numerous scientific research-based PhD programs being offered in the universities. With 7 of the top 10 universities for life sciences (Harvard and Stanford coming 1st and 4th) according to Times Higher Education (THE) 2024 ranking, you are not in short of options if you choose to study PhD in Biological Sciences in the USA. This category mainly includes subjects like anatomy, astrobiology, biochemistry, biomechanics, and biophysics. Biological subjects are sought to a great extent every quarter due to the research facilities present in the USA.
#2. Medicine and Surgery
As the need for health care providers continues to grow in the USA just as in many countries, medicine and surgery are a popular choice of PhD for students interested in studying in the USA. To ensure that the needs of all international students seeking a PhD in Medicine or a related subject are met, the United States is home to over one hundred and seventy medical schools. Just as in biological sciences above, over 5 universities in the US are on the list of the top 10 including the two above.
#3. Computer Science
Another PhD subject in the list of the most sought-after PhD subjects in the USA is Computer Science. There are many doctoral opportunities in this subject in the USA as the US universities also take top spots in THE 2024 ranking. Focus areas include artificial intelligence, distributed systems, and computer graphics. The applications of this field impact various industries like banking, manufacturing, and education. A PhD not only enhances your prestige but also opens doors to multiple PhD career options in the USA.
#4. Engineering
Engineering is another one of the popular PhD subjects to study in the USA and it is among the top-earning jobs in the United States. Positions like chemical, electrical, materials, and nuclear engineers, as well as researchers and developers in areas like robotics and biotechnology, suggest that a doctorate in Engineering remains a good investment.
Interest in engineering PhDs has risen particularly sharply in the last 10 years, with enrollment in electrical engineering, computer engineering, and biological and biomedical engineering seeing the most substantial growth. Another factor that has contributed to this growth is some US universities allow international students to do direct PhD without a masters degree in Engineering.
#5. Mathematics
Mathematics stands as a foundational pillar in numerous scientific and engineering disciplines, making it a compelling choice amongst the most popular PhD degrees to study in the USA. This discipline not only enhances analytical thinking and problem-solving skills but also provides a rigorous framework for understanding complex systems. Pursuing a PhD in Mathematics allows students to delve into advanced topics such as algebra, calculus, and statistical theory, which are essential in various fields including data science, finance, and engineering.
#6. Biomedical Sciences and Health
The USA has been home to biomedical science and health research with over 100 universities and numerous faculty members dedicating their lives to health research to ensure optimum health for the citizens. This makes the fields among the most popular PhD Degrees to Study in the USA and more attractive options, drawing over 10,000 students yearly to the USA. Biomedical sciences is the study of the human body. With a PhD in biomedical sciences, you can perform biomedical research to address global health issues like cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, inflammation, and new and reemerging diseases.
#7. Business Administration and Management
Looking for a professional program to do in the USA? The DBA tops the cart for the most popular professional PhDs in the USA, with more than 1000 enrolments annually across US universities since 2019. The DBA focuses on practical research and advanced business practices, making it an ideal choice for those looking to elevate their careers in management and leadership. A PhD in Business administration and management equips students with the transferable skills necessary to analyze complex business problems and implement effective solutions.
#8. Psychology and Counseling
Another PhD degree gaining popularity in recent times is a PhD in psychology and counseling due to the growing demand for counselors on a global scale. The US BLS 2023 reports suggested from the Job Outlook, that overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,000 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
#9. Environmental Sciences and Sustainability
With climate change knocking at our door, the need for professionals in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability has soared leading to the high popularity of PhD in these areas. The United States tops the cart for the top universities offering environmental science courses which means international students are not short of options for getting their doctorates. With a PhD in Environmental Sciences and Sustainability, you can specialize in studying how to protect the environment and develop solutions to pollution, deforestation, climate change, and issues related to overpopulation.
#10. Education
This is one of the most studied PhD subjects in the world not just in the United States alone and a very reputable degree. A PhD in education opens the door to careers in academia, administration, or higher education. Education is one of the most funded PhD subjects since there are many career opportunities for graduates. In general, education is a field with no limits. The main graduate programs in education are educational leadership, educational administration, educational technology, human resource development, curriculum and instruction, and education policy.
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