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.
Looking to advance your career or transition into academia? This guide explores doctoral programs in Vermont across fields like nursing, business, and engineering.
Vermont has a highly educated population, with over 19% holding graduate degrees, and strong demand for roles in healthcare, law, data, and social services. This guide covers top programs, funding options, and career outcomes to help you get started.
What to Look for in Top PhD and Doctoral Programs in Vermont
While Vermont is a smaller state, you’ll still find strong options for doctoral study.
The University of Vermont, the state’s flagship school, offers a range of research-focused PhD programs in fields like engineering and nursing.
Below, we highlight what to look for in a quality program, including tuition, funding opportunities, and student support.
University of Vermont
The University of Vermont (UVM) is the state’s flagship public university and offers 50+ doctoral programs across a range of disciplines.
UVM is especially known for programs in engineering, environmental studies, education, nursing, and biomedical sciences.
Students can access a variety of funding opportunities, including fellowships, assistantships, and stipends — such as the Presidential Doctoral Fellowships for top PhD candidates.
Program highlights:
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
- Programs: 50+ doctoral degrees
- Tuition: About $678 per credit (in-state)
- Format: On-campus with some online/hybrid options
- Funding: Fellowships, scholarships, and assistantships with stipends
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, such as 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.
Expert Insight
Many graduate degree holders will tell you to “follow the money,” but it’s just as important to find the right academic and program fit. Explore funding options while also evaluating each program’s strengths and learning format to make the best choice.
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
A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is designed for nurses seeking advanced clinical and leadership roles.
These programs focus on applying research to improve healthcare systems, policies, and patient outcomes.
With Vermont facing a nursing shortage and aging population, DNP graduates are in demand for roles in clinical practice, administration, education, and policy.
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
Many doctoral programs in Vermont use a hybrid format, combining online learning with periodic campus visits.
For example, the EdD in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Vermont is a low-residency program with mostly online coursework and scheduled evening classes.
These flexible formats make it easier to balance school with work and other commitments, but they also require strong time management and active participation in online learning.
Funding Opportunities for Vermont Doctoral Students
Earning a doctorate is a major investment, but funding opportunities in Vermont can help reduce costs.
Common options include:
- Scholarships and fellowships
- Teaching and research assistantships
At the University of Vermont, students can access competitive funding, including the Presidential Doctoral Fellowship, which offers a $35,000 annual stipend plus $5,000 for professional development during the first two years.
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
Expert Insight
If you need loans for a graduate program in Vermont, start with federal loans before private ones. Federal loans usually offer lower fixed rates, flexible repayment options, and potential forgiveness programs, while private loans tend to have higher rates and fewer protections.
Exploring Income for Vermont Doctoral Degree Graduates
Earning a doctoral degree can lead to higher earning potential compared to bachelor’s or master’s degrees.
Many doctoral-level roles offer six-figure salaries, especially in fields like healthcare, education, research, and business leadership.
In Vermont, key industries include:
- Education and health services
- Government and public policy
- Transportation and utilities
- Professional and business services
The table below highlights common careers and average salaries for doctoral degree holders.
| 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