Earn a Bachelor's degree with a high grade point average. As PhD programs are extremely competitive, a strong undergraduate record is necessary for admission. Some graduate programs will not consider students with a GPA below a 3.5. In addition to earning high grades, get involved in student organizations, internships and student research.
Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test. Taking the GRE as a junior allows for additional attempts, if the desired scores are not achieved. Some PhD programs require applicants to also take the GRE subject test in their field of study. Although specific programs have their own requirements, most require students to submit transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, career goal statements, and application forms. Submit applications early, and follow up to ensure admission into a program.
Meet with an advisor to plan your graduate coursework. Most first year graduate programs involve two or three courses and electives, as well as a teaching position. The workload is intense, and requires dedication. This pace usually continues through the second year of study.
Use the first two years of graduate study to prepare for comprehensive examinations. These exams, commonly called orals, measure how well the student has mastered the material thus far. They are scored by professors from the student's department.
Propose a dissertation topic to the academic advisor. After graduate coursework is completed, students can focus on writing a dissertation. This process entails rigorous research and writing over the span of a year or more. The dissertation should demonstrate the student's mastery of the subject. After the writing phase is over, students must defend their dissertation in front of a panel. If successful, students earn an academic doctoral degree, and are able to have a PhD suffix behind their name.