Do PhD students take classes as part of their academic program?

Yes, PhD students typically take some classes as part of their academic program, although the number and type of courses vary significantly depending on the program, the student's background, and their advisor's recommendations. While the primary focus of a PhD is original research, coursework is often used to:

* Fill knowledge gaps: Students might need to take courses to acquire necessary background knowledge in a specific area relevant to their research.

* Develop essential skills: Courses might cover advanced research methods, statistical analysis, or other skills needed for conducting and disseminating research.

* Broaden their expertise: Students might take elective courses to broaden their understanding of related fields or to explore new research avenues.

* Meet program requirements: Many PhD programs require a certain number of coursework credits before a student can advance to candidacy.

However, the emphasis on coursework generally decreases as the PhD progresses. In the later stages, the focus shifts almost entirely to research and dissertation writing.