![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/1.jpg)
Complete an undergraduate degree in a broad field
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/2.jpg)
Develop a close relationship with at least one faculty member
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/3.jpg)
Obtain experience in the field with a research internship
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/4.jpg)
Make contacts in your field
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/5.jpg)
Start researching graduate programs in your junior year
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/6.jpg)
Take the Graduate Record Examinations General or subject test
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/7.jpg)
Secure letters of recommendation from people familiar with your work
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/8.jpg)
Write a statement of purpose
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/9.jpg)
Assemble your application packets and submit them by the deadline
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/10.jpg)
Apply for teaching or research assistantships
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/11.jpg)
Choose a major professor and committee
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/12.jpg)
Submit a plan of study
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/13.jpg)
The names and signatures of your committee members
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/14.jpg)
A brief statement of your academic and research goals
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/15.jpg)
A list of the required courses
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/16.jpg)
A list of the elective courses you ll take
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/17.jpg)
Dissertation hours
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/18.jpg)
Complete the requisite coursework
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/19.jpg)
Complete your written examination
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/20.jpg)
Begin performing research and collecting data
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/21.jpg)
Explore the literature in your research field
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/22.jpg)
Perform your own experiments
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/23.jpg)
Prepare a doctoral dissertation thesis
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/24.jpg)
In the humanities
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/25.jpg)
In the sciences
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/26.jpg)
Prepare for the oral defense of your dissertation
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/27.jpg)
Apply for departmental grants or additional appointments
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/28.jpg)
In the hard sciences
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/29.jpg)
Apply for private research grants
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/30.jpg)
Consider crowd funding options
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/31.jpg)
Balance your budget
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/32.jpg)
Avoid petty competition and departmental rivalry
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/33.jpg)
Balance teaching responsibilities with research and coursework
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/34.jpg)
Be tenacious and display initiative
![](../../appcode/show_img_m.php?fn=../appimg/How-to-Get-a-PhD/35.jpg)
Stay organized