How many years does it take to earn a PhD?

Answer 1

PhDs in the sciences usually take 4-6 years. In the liberal arts, it usually takes at least six years. It is very rare that anyone gets a PhD in less than four years.

Students typically take classes for two or three years. There is usually a written exam after the second year and an oral exam after the third or fourth year. After the oral exam, the student is expected to write a dissertation. This takes anywhere from one to six years -- depending on the student and on the discipline. Most schools require a dissertation defense before the student is allowed to graduate.

I completed my PhD in finance in four years. I took about 18 months to write my dissertation.

Answer 2

Bachelors takes 4-5years
master's takes 1-2 years
PhD takes 2-3 years
for a grand total of 7-10 years

Answer 3

It depends on many factors, but usually:

Two years of coursework
One year to pass language exams and comprehensive exams
Two years to write and defend dissertation proposal, and to research and write and defend dissertation.

If there is fieldwork involved, if there is lab work that takes time, if the research or writing hits a snag, or if the student is also teaching full-time, then those last two years can stretch into three, four, or five years, depending on the situation.

Answer 4

Depends on the program. A Ph.D. in physics takes an average of 6.5 years after you finish undergrad work. I doubt many programs take much longer than that, if you're not trying to get a medical degree.

Answer 5

Depends on what your studying. For my field on average including undergraduate school...8 years.

Answer 6

usually between 3 and 5.

Answer 7

5, my brother is geting one at yale right now. so thats why i know.

Answer 8

depends on the program your in..