PhD Programs in Florida

Florida universities offer doctoral programs for many areas of academic study.

From classical liberal arts study to preprofessional, Florida universities offer doctoral programs in a variety of areas. Prospective students should be careful to research both specific programs and the overall culture of the schools to which they are applying----some are geared primarily to in-state students, some encourage international applicants, others seek students with a religious or social justice background.

University of Florida

As one of the nation's largest universities, the University of Florida offers Ph.D. programs in a variety of areas. Students can pursue doctorates in the research sciences, including physics and biology; liberal arts, including English and history; and professional fields, including pharmaceuticals and marriage counseling. Many programs work to take advantage of Florida's unique environment. The fisheries and aquatic sciences program, for example, examines the Florida ecosystem, while the education program frequently partners with public schools to give graduate students teaching experience and accreditation. Admission applications are made directly to the department in which a prospective student hopes to study; all final decisions are also made by department. Total graduate student expenses for the 2009-10 academic year were estimated at $22,490. Financial aid is available, though it may vary by program.

University of Florida Graduate School
Grinter Hall
Gainesville, FL 32611
[phone]
gradschool.ufl.edu

St. Thomas University

St Thomas University, a private Roman Catholic school in Miami Gardens, offers doctoral programs in education and practical theology. Both programs encourage students to develop the practical skills to make them leaders in their fields. Education students are required to take courses in leadership and crisis management, along with more traditional courses in research methodologies. The practical theology program described itself as integrating, "theological research, the skills of social research and lived experience." Students in both programs will receive the necessary training to teach or practice in their respective fields. Both programs are recommended for students looking to combine academic study with grounded community work. Tuition varies by program. Financial aid is available according to merit and need.

St. Thomas University
16401 NW 37th Ave.
Miami Gardens, FL 33054
[phone]
stu.edu

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida, a public university in Orlando, offers doctoral programs in a variety of areas, including economics, education, engineering and computer science, nursing, public affairs and the natural sciences. Many of the programs, such as those in nursing, environmental engineering and business administration, prepare students for high-level professional work in their respective fields, while the natural sciences programs tend to place an emphasis on the needs of professional research science. The school does not offer doctoral level academic training for the humanities. The university requires all prospective graduate students to hold a B.A. degree with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and to submit writing samples, three letters of recommendations and scores from a recent GRE or GMAT test. Individual departments may have additional requirements for admission. Tuition varies by program. Financial aid is available based on merit and need.

University of Central Florida
College of Graduate Studies
Millican Hall, Suite 230
P.O. Box 160112
Orlando, FL 32816-0112
[phone]
graduate.ucf.edu

References

• University of Florida: Graduate School Doctoral Programs
• St. Thomas University: Doctorate in Educational Leadership
• St. Thomas University: Doctorate in Practical Theology

Resources

• University of Central Florida: Doctoral Programs