Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees are the most common type of doctoral degree. If you want to attend school in California, you have many options for PhD programs.
Keep reading to discover the top universities in California for PhD programs.
Top Universities for PhD Programs in California
Over two dozen universities in California offer PhD programs. We’ve listed our top picks below in alphabetical order.
All universities listed are regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Individual programs may have additional accreditation.
1. California Institute of Technology
The California Institute of Technology, commonly known as CalTech, is a private research university in Pasadena, California. It’s well-known for its contributions to the advancement of science.
PhDs are offered through the institute’s six academic divisions, which include:
biology and biological engineering
chemistry and chemical engineering
engineering and applied science
geological and planetary sciences
CalTech also offers a small number of Doctor of Engineering degrees as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
2. Loma Linda University
Loma Linda University is a private Seventh-day Adventist university in Loma Linda, California. It offers degrees primarily in the health sciences.
Most of the PhDs at Loma Linda are offered through the School of Medicine.
PhDs are also offered through its:
School of Allied Health Professionals
School of Behavioral Health
School of Nursing
School of Public Health
A handful of professional degrees, including a Doctor of Dental Science, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Psychology are also available, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
3. Stanford University
Stanford University is a prestigious private research university in Stanford, California. It enrolls over 17,00 students each year and more than half of those are graduate students.
Stanford is divided into seven schools, most of which confer PhDs.
These include:
Graduate School of Education
School of Engineering
School of Humanities and Sciences
School of Medicine
Additionally, the university offers professional doctorates in engineering, law, medicine, and musical arts. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are available at Stanford as well.
4. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley is the flagship university of the University of California system. It offers nearly 100 doctoral degrees.
UC Berkeley is home to 15 colleges and schools, and many offer PhDs, including:
College of Computing, Data Science, and Society
College of Engineering
Graduate School of Education
Rausser College of Natural Resources
Professional doctorates in education, law, and optometry are also available, as are bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
5. University of California, Davis
The University of California, Davis is the northernmost university in the University of California system. It typically enrolls over 8,000 graduate students a year.
There are 11 colleges and schools within UC Davis, many of which offer PhDs.
These include:
College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences
College of Engineering
School of Education
School of Medicine
In addition, the university offers professional doctorates in areas like education, law, medicine, and veterinary medicine, as well as bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
6. University of California, Irvine
The University of California, Irvine, is another member of the University of California system. It offers over 100 graduate degree programs.
These programs are offered through the university’s various colleges and schools.
Those with PhD programs include:
Samueli School of Engineering
School of Humanities
School of Physical Sciences
School of Social Sciences
UC Irvine also offers professional doctorates in pharmacy and nursing, in addition to bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
7. University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles, often called UCLA, is the largest in the University of California System. It enrolls over 37,000 students each year, nearly 14,000 of which are graduate students.
UCLA is home to 13 colleges and schools, with most offering PhDs.
These include:
The College (letters and science)
Fielding School of Public Health
Herb Alpert School of Music
Samueli School of Engineering
Additionally, the university offers professional degrees in fields like dentistry, education, musical arts, and nursing. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are also available.
8. University of California, Riverside
The University of California, Riverside is the Palm Desert location within the University of California system. It’s pioneered important agriculture research.
The university offers over 40 PhD programs through its various colleges and schools, such as:
Bourns College of Engineering
College of Humanities, Arts. and Social Sciences
College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
School of Medicine
UC Riverside also offers a Doctor of Medicine degree, in addition to bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
9. University of California, San Diego
The University of California, San Diego, or UCSD, is the southernmost university in the University of California system. It typically enrolls just under 10,000 graduate students.
There are a dozen colleges and schools within the university.
Those that offer PhDs include:
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
School of Arts and Humanities
School of Biological Sciences
School of Global Policy and Strategy
Professional degrees in areas like medicine and pharmacy are also available, as are bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
10. University of Southern California
The University of Southern California, often referred to as USC, is a private research university in Los Angeles, California. It enrolls over 28,000 graduate students each year.
USC hosts a liberal arts college and 20 professional schools. PhDs are offered through several schools, including:
Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism
Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences
Keck School of Medicine
Viterbi School of Engineering
Additionally, USC offers multiple professional doctorates in areas like dentistry, education, law, medicine, physical therapy, and social work. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees are also available.
FAQs About PhD Programs in California
Below, you’ll find the answers to frequently asked questions about PhD programs in California.
What Is the Difference Between a PhD and a Professional Doctorate?
A PhD is primarily a research degree and is meant for those who want to pursue careers in academia or research.
Professional degrees are for those going into professional practice, like doctors, nurse practitioners, and educators.
How Long Are PhD Programs?
The length of a PhD program can vary depending on what you’re studying. Most programs have students spend three years in courses and then two to five years researching their dissertation.
Can I Earn a PhD Online?
While there aren’t a lot of PhD programs available online, some are available completely or partially online.
Find PhD Programs in California
Many excellent universities in California offer PhD programs. Check out the ones above to find the perfect program for you today.
