Getting your PhD can be the most distinguished achievement of a lifetime. The advanced degree provides opportunities to earn higher wages while being recognized as an expert. 

If you're considering a PhD degree, you'll be in good company with millions of other PhD recipients. According to the US Census Bureau, the number of doctoral degree holders has more than doubled since 2000. Perhaps you're wondering: how long it takes to get a PhD, and how can you balance your educational pursuits while working? 

Let's take a comprehensive look at the doctorate and the years it takes to get a PhD.

Overview of a Typical PhD Program Structure

PhD curriculums are usually structured with coursework, research, and a dissertation culminating your coursework and research. This preparation sets the standard for you to be known as an expert in your chosen field of study. 

In the beginning stage of your PhD program, you will take classes focused on enhancing your knowledge while exploring topics for your dissertation. Expect the PhD program to last from three to four years on average, with some programs lasting longer than seven years. 

The length of your program will depend on several factors, such as the major field of study, research hours, work/life balance, internships, and dissertation preparation.

The Coursework Phase

Lectures, research projects, and seminars will make up the coursework phase of your PhD. You might be asked to complete an internship or other exams to test your knowledge and readiness. Some doctorate degrees may include up to 63 hours of coursework before researching and completing your dissertation. 

Required internships typically last from one to three months. This is an excellent time for learning new job skills or practices. Consider a work-related internship where you can learn more about a career that interests you. If you are juggling work and school responsibilities, consider seeking a paid internship that will contribute to your income while providing a learning experience.

Comprehensive Exams and Dissertation Proposal

Comprehensive Exams

Some programs require comprehensive exams, most commonly called "comps," designed to test students' knowledge about their topic and ensure that their research will significantly contribute to the field. This phase of the PhD program comes after your coursework and before starting your dissertation. 

As a general guide, you may spend one to four years on your coursework and another two years on your dissertation. 

Passing a comprehensive exam solidifies your readiness for moving on to the dissertation phase. The exam format may be an academic paper, an oral exam, a review of your academic progress/portfolio, and/or a series of proctored exams. 

Be ready to answer questions that test your knowledge of research methodologies and how you will apply them to your specialization. You'll also be expected to apply theory and research that offers solutions in your field. 

Dissertation Proposal

Before jumping headfirst into your dissertation, you will prepare a proposal that includes several components of your research and field of study. 

Your topic statement and the question or problem being researched should be addressed. You'll follow with a literary review of current knowledge on the subject, aims and objectives from the research, and a hypothesis. To finish your proposal, you'll list a timeline for completion of the dissertation, provide resources, and a bibliography.

It's a good idea to start working on research topics early in your program. Once you've submitted the proposal to your dissertation advisor, you will have reached another milestone in your PhD journey!

Research and Data Collection

This phase of your PhD journey may be the most memorable part of earning your doctorate. You'll research your topic and collect data through various methods, such as surveys, interviews, experiments, and observations. Expect "aha" moments during this phase. 

The time you spend on research and data collection varies according to your topic, family/life balance, and ability to complete the research while working. Perhaps the coursework phase helped you stay organized with a structured schedule, but expect this phase to last up to three years, depending on how quickly you can gather the data needed for your dissertation. 

Writing the Dissertation

Now comes the time to enter the final phase of earning your PhD. You'll want to set aside at least three months for steady writing to complete this phase, but you may expect this phase to last one to three years or longer, depending on your topic and/or scheduling time to write. 

Most dissertations are 100 to 300 pages, with chapters covering the introduction, literature review, research design and methods, the results of your research, and a discussion of your research's conclusions. 

The Dissertation Defense

The dissertation defense is a formal oral presentation of your research that allows time for questions and discussion by an audience of your peers, commonly referred to as the dissertation committee. Depending on the audience's engagement and the bulk of your presentation, you may expect the defense to last between one and three hours. 

Once you have completed the written dissertation - but before submission - you will meet with your advisor to schedule your dissertation defense. 

Consider attending other dissertation defenses among your colleagues so you can learn what to expect. Be aware that this phase is critical to earning your degree, and if you don't pass the dissertation defense, it could mean the end of your doctorate aspirations. 

Be prepared to answer questions from the dissertation committee about your resources, data collection, bibliography, and further research that would strengthen your position.

Factors that Influence the Timeline

Several factors can influence how long it takes to get a PhD. Challenges you face may seem insurmountable when juggling work and home life. Lean on your determination and organizational skills to navigate a PhD program. 

At a minimum, you can expect a year of coursework while preparing for the comprehensive exams. Many PhD students are in their early thirties by the time they graduate, but I have a close friend who began his PhD program at 40. It's never too late!

Opportunities to teach classes at your institution may afford you more time to work on your program. Consider part-time jobs or paid internships. Part-time and online PhD programs also offer an excellent opportunity to pursue your degree and manage your life simultaneously.

Earn Your PhD

With diligent planning and time management skills, you can earn your PhD in about four to seven years. Devise a plan that fits your lifestyle and seek the support of family and friends. Develop a close connection with your advisors and request assistance as needed. 

Remember, your advisors were once walking the same path as you. Get started!