Best PhD and Doctoral Programs in Vermont (VT): Online & Campus
Discover the leading professional degrees in the state – from engineering to nursing — and find the right fit for your academic and career goals.
Are you an early- or mid-career professional looking to boost your skills or transition into academia? Whether you’re considering an advanced degree in nursing, business, engineering, or other fields, we’ve curated this guide to help you navigate options for a doctoral program in Vermont.
More than 19% of Vermont’s population holds a graduate degree, which is higher than the national average. Earning a doctorate is an excellent way to distinguish yourself in your industry, and in Vermont, jobs that require a professional degree are expected to grow by 5.7% by 2026 — the highest for any education level in the state. Of these job openings, the highest demand is for mental health social workers and counselors, statisticians, lawyers, physical therapists, and nurse practitioners.
The state is also an excellent place to build your career. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, “Vermont has a favorable landscape for businesses and individuals, with a diverse economy and a robust small business ecosystem. Educational attainment, quality of life, and cost of living factors remain promising.”
Vermont is home to several standout doctoral degrees to consider when choosing a program. In this guide, we’ll share more about the top programs, emerging subject areas, and funding opportunities that can make pursuing an advanced degree more affordable. You’ll also get a peek at potential salaries for doctoral degree holders in high-paying fields like engineering and business administration.
What to Look for in Top PhD and Doctoral Programs in Vermont
Although Vermont is a smaller state, there are still options for an advanced degree. The University of Vermont, the state’s flagship institution, is the leading choice for on-campus PhD programs, offering a wide variety of research opportunities in fields like engineering and nursing.
In this section, we give you an example of what to look for in a quality school that offers PhD or doctorate programs in Vermont. We’ll outline the school’s tuition, assistantships, financial aid options, and other factors that can help you choose a program that’s right for you.
University of Vermont
University of Vermont (UVM) is the state’s land-grant university and a founding member of the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities. UVM offers more than 50 doctoral programs across its seven schools and colleges, so you’ll likely find a doctoral program in your chosen field.
The university is known for its programs in STEM fields like engineering, environmental studies, education, nursing, and biomedical sciences.
UVM provides extensive financial aid opportunities for doctoral students, including stipends, fellowships, assistantships, scholarships, and more. For example, the Graduate School offers five two-year fellowships to outstanding PhD students through its Presidential Doctoral Fellowships.
Here are some highlights:
- 50 doctoral programs
- Tuition: $678 per credit for in-state students
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Course format: On-campus and online/hybrid
- Offers 12-month stipend for $32,000
- Offers graduate assistant, graduate research assistant, and graduate teaching assistant positions
Types of PhD and Doctoral Programs Available in Vermont
Are you looking for a doctoral program in Vermont that’s part-time? Would online or hybrid courses work best for you? Are you planning to complete a dissertation?
These are just some of the questions to ask yourself as you begin to search for doctoral programs in Vermont. Here’s a look at some of the choices.
Full-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Vermont
A full-time PhD program will allow you to get the “traditional” study experience where you can fully immerse yourself in your studies and research. This intensive approach typically takes 4-6 years to earn your doctoral degree. Here are some examples of full-time, on-campus PhD programs in Vermont.
Part-Time PhD/Doctoral Programs in Vermont
A part-time doctoral program, like UVM’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, provides flexible study schedules if you need to balance academics with professional or personal responsibilities. The 75-credit program can be completed in about six years of part-time study. While taking longer to complete than full-time programs, part-time coursework can make pursuing a terminal degree more manageable.
Fully Funded PhD/Doctoral Programs in Vermont
It’s possible to find fully-funded doctoral programs that provide stipends and full tuition waivers for admitted students – like UVM’s Presidential Doctoral Fellowships in the Graduate College.
Students serve as research or teaching assistants in exchange for a funding package through this program. Learn more about funding options available through UVM and how to offset costs for your professional degree.
No-GRE PhD/Doctoral Programs in Vermont
An increasing number of schools are dropping the GRE requirement for doctoral admissions. These “No-GRE” programs evaluate applicants holistically based on factors like prior coursework, research experience, and other qualifications. GRE requirements at UVM vary by program, but degrees like the PhDs in Plant Biology and Chemistry do not require a GRE for acceptance.
Accelerated PhD/Doctoral Programs in Vermont
Accelerated doctoral programs can help you earn your doctoral degree in less time. One example is the Direct-Entry Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from The University of Vermont.
No Dissertation PhD/Doctoral Programs in Vermont
While not as common, some applied doctoral programs do not require students to complete the traditional dissertation research project. Instead, these “No Dissertation” doctorates culminate in capstone projects, applied research studies, or comprehensive exams.
Trending Doctoral Degrees in Vermont
Education
A PhD in education will prepare you to drive innovation and make an impact on the education field. This degree can help you land top leadership roles at universities, public and private research institutions, education nonprofits, and more.
This doctoral degree is a great fit for current teachers, administrators, or those in education-adjacent roles who want to advance to the highest levels of academia, research, or policymaking in the education sphere.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Program
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Program
Law
With a Juris Doctor (JD), you can pursue a variety of positions in the legal field, as well as legal roles in other industries. At Vermont Law & Graduate School, you’ll focus on law and policy and get the chance to specialize in topics like environmental law, criminal law, business law, and more.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- Traditional Three-Year JD at Vermont Law & Graduate School
- Accelerated Two-Year JD at Vermont Law & Graduate School
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Program
Nursing
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is an advanced practice doctoral degree for nurses seeking the highest level of clinical expertise.
DNP programs give nurse leaders the skills to translate research into improved healthcare policies and practices. This degree is ideal for nurses who want to drive meaningful change as clinical experts, administrators, faculty members, or health policy advisors.
The DNP’s blend of clinical mastery and leadership preparation makes it a standout program that is in high demand in Vermont. The state’s nursing shortages and aging population are driving the need for practitioners with expertise.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- Doctor of Nursing Practice at The University of Vermont
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (Direct Entry) at The University of Vermont
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Program
Engineering
Doctoral engineering degrees equip scholars to lead research that solves complex technical problems and advances STEM fields. You can specialize in disciplines like mechanical, electrical, civil, computer, biomedical or chemical engineering.
This degree is a good fit for anyone who wants to pursue academic research roles as well as cutting-edge positions at national labs, research institutions, consulting firms or top engineering companies.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
Psychology
As a PhD student in psychology, you’ll have the option to choose from specializations like experimental psychology, clinical psychology, and developmental psychology. Each track will consist of clinical and research placements, giving you more hands-on expertise in the field.
This is a great option for anyone with an undergraduate degree in psychology who wants to practice in the field or pursue research/academia.
Quality Examples of On-Campus Programs
- PhD in Experimental Psychology at the University of Vermont
- PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Vermont
Quality Examples of Hybrid/Online Program
Earning Your PhD or Professional Doctorate Online in Vermont
Several doctoral programs in Vermont, like the Doctor of Nursing Practice, have hybrid formats where degree requirements are completed through a blend of online courses and campus visits. For example, UVM’s EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies is a low-residency program that’s primarily online with synchronous evening classes.
These flexible options allow you to structure your studies around work and your career. To succeed in your doctoral program, you’ll need the skills to actively manage your time, participate in online discussions, and leverage remote collaboration tools.
Funding Opportunities for Vermont Doctoral Students
Pursuing a doctorate is a significant investment, but you can find opportunities to make an advanced degree more affordable. Scholarships, fellowships, and research and teaching assistantships can help. UVM offers a limited number of these assistantships and fellowships to both domestic and international full-time students, as well as other resources.
An example of a standout funding opportunity is the Presidential Doctoral Fellowship from UVM’s Graduate college. This award comes with an annual stipend of $35,000 for each of the first two years of your program, as well as $5,000 to help you access opportunities for professional development.
Here are some other fellowships that you can consider:
- The Gund Institute for Environment offers assistantships and fellowships for scholars focused on major global environmental challenges.
- CEE GAANN Fellowship
- CMB GAANN Fellowship
Exploring Income for Vermont Doctoral Degree Graduates
Earning a doctoral degree will typically lead to significantly higher earning potential compared to bachelor’s or master’s degree holders in the same field. The median for most professional occupations is at least six figures, with the 90th percentile earning well above this rate.
With greater skills, credentials, and qualifications, PhD/doctorate holders can command top salaries working as executives, researchers, policy specialists, healthcare leaders, and professors across industries. Vermont’s top industries include education and health services, government, trade transportation and utilities, and professional and business services.
Here are some popular job titles for PhD-earners, along with average earnings for each. Additional state-level data is available through the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
| Job Title | Related Doctoral Degree(s) | Median Earnings | 90th Percentile Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biomedical Scientist | PhD in Biomedical Sciences | $100,890 | $168,020 |
| Chief Executive Officer | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | $103,840 | $239,200 |
| Economist | PhD in Economics | $115,730 | $216,900 |
| Engineer | PhD in Engineering | $106,950 | $172,050 |
| Healthcare Administration | Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA) | $110,680 | $216,750 |
| Nurse Practitioner | Doctor of Nursing Practice | $129,480 | $211,820 |
| Professor | PhD | $84,380 | $182,710 |
| Psychologist | Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)/PhD in Psychology | $92,740 | $151,880 |
| Public Health Director | Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) | $110,680 | $216,750 |
| Statistician | PhD in Statistics | $104,860 | $183,500 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2023