--- title: "How to Get a Ph.D.: A Guide to Choosing and Applying to Ph.D. Programs" description: How do you get a doctoral degree, and what does the journey look like? Explore our Ph.D. guide to learn more about choosing and applying to Ph.D. programs. image: https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/MGS/2023-digital-ads/econ-masters/Econ%20Masters%20Guide%20-%20FB%20Ad.png --- [Skip to content](https://grad.smu.edu/how-to-get-a-phd-guide#main-content) [![SMU logo](https://grad.smu.edu/hs-fs/hubfs/SMU%20logo.png?width=150&height=44&name=SMU%20logo.png "SMU logo")](https://www.smu.edu/) [EXPLORE SMU](https://www.smu.edu/aboutsmu) ## [Moody School of Graduate and Advanced Studies](https://www.smu.edu/moody/) - About Show submenu for About - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about) - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history) - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift) - [Charter](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/graduate/Moody-School-Charter-Summer-2021-Final.pdf) - [Director of Graduate Studies Handbook](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/Moody-School-DGS-Handbook-20220811.pdf) - [Moody Hall](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-hall) - 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[Meet our Ph.D. Fellows](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-fellows) - [Ph.D. Health Insurance](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/phd-health-insurance) - [Graduate Student Travel Grant](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/moody-grad-student-travel-grant) - [Dedman Graduate Student Assembly](https://www.smu.edu/moody/funding/gsa) - About Show submenu for About - [About](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about) - [Mission and History](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/mission-and-history) - [Moody Foundation Gift](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-foundation-gift) - [Charter](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/graduate/Moody-School-Charter-Summer-2021-Final.pdf) - [Director of Graduate Studies Handbook](https://www.smu.edu/-/media/Site/Moody/Moody-School-DGS-Handbook-20220811.pdf) - [Moody Hall](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/moody-hall) - [Dean's Office](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/deans-office) - [Graduate Council](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/graduate-council) - [Contact Us](https://www.smu.edu/moody/about/contact) - 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A Ph.D. is a major investment of your time and talent, but you don't have to navigate the application process alone. From finding the right program fit to securing full funding, this guide breaks down the doctoral process into manageable, actionable steps.   If you’re passionate about a specific subject and want to become a researcher, scholar, or thought leader in your field, download the guide today to kickstart your journey.  ###### Inside, you’ll explore: 1. Common reasons for getting a Ph.D. 2. How to find a Ph.D. program 3. How to apply for a Ph.D. program 4. Advice from current Ph.D. students  5.  How long it takes to get a Ph.D.  6. Fully funded Ph.D. programs ##### Download our *Free* ### Guide to Choosing and Applying to Ph.D. Programs You’ll receive immediate access to the PDF to support you as you navigate the Ph.D. application process. DOWNLOAD NOW ## Is a Ph.D. worth it? We think so. Learn more about the value of earning a Ph.D. from SMU in our [Moody School Guide](https://grad.smu.edu/introducing-the-moody-school-of-graduate-and-advanced-studies-a-gateway-to-research-funding-and-community-at-smu#download-the-guide). --- ## There's More to Explore ![](https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/MGS/Application-Master-Page/Student-Life-Dallas.jpeg) The Graduate Student's Guide to Living in Dallas What's it like to live, work, relax, and study in Dallas? Get to know the city we call home and explore the unexpected opportunities that await you at SMU! We always say big things happen in Dallas. Could your graduate career be one of them? [Explore Living in Dallas](https://grad.smu.edu/the-dallas-guide-for-graduate-students-smu-old) ![](https://grad.smu.edu/hubfs/Masters%20In%20Econ.png) A Guide to Graduate Admissions at SMU SMU's Graduate School is proud to offer doctoral and master’s degrees in a wide variety of fields. This guide is designed to give you an overview of the admissions requirements and processes for our Master’s and Doctoral programs. 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