Most Prestigious Graduate Degrees For Seniors

You don't need to go to medical school to be called a doctor! Earning a PhD degree in any field will give you the prestigious title of 'doctor'. Even if you're already a senior, it's not too late to add the esteemed designation of doctor to your name. Plenty of PhD graduates are over the age of 50!

With a PhD, you can pursue the highest level of academic achievement in a particular subject. The term "doctor of philosophy", or "PhD", refers to the Greek meaning of ‘love of wisdom’, and is a type of graduate degree known as a doctorate. The degree may be focused in a variety of liberal-art subjects or in theoretical and research-based topics. A PhD is a prestigious accomplishment that demonstrates your expertise and allows you to pursue a career in the field you are passionate about.

Gaining a PhD is no small feat! Not only does it involve a thorough review of current academic literature and engaging in original research, but also writing a thesis and delivering a final dissertation, as well as an oral defense of their position. Although they are not medical doctors, PhD graduates have earned the title of "doctor" and are now part of an elite group. Thanks to a variety of universities both on-campus and online, you can now pursue a PhD degree while still keeping up with your daily life. For those looking to save time, there are even accelerated PhD programs available where you can skip getting a master’s degree and go straight from having a bachelor’s degree into a PhD program. For those looking to invest in the most prestigious PhD degrees, here are some top choices for seniors.

Genetic Counseling

The field of Genetics is one of the most sought-after and respected areas of academia today. With a projected job growth rate of over 20% annually, PhD holders in this field are highly sought after. Genetics have a huge impact on our health and wellbeing, and having a deep understanding of this science can help people make informed decisions about their own healthcare. This is why genetic counselors are so in demand, and why obtaining a PhD in this area can be highly lucrative.

Genetic counselors are tasked with helping patients make informed decisions about inherited medical risks. Through testing, interviews, and the provision of information about treatments, they provide invaluable support to both patients and medical professionals. With salaries for the top 10% of earners topping $114,000, a PhD in this field is one of the most lucrative out there – and with high growth, one of the best degrees for job opportunities.

Economist

A PhD degree in Public / Economic Policy is more than just a special degree in Economics; it's a pathway to one of the highest paying PhD jobs in the field. Economists don't just study money, but instead delve into the complex and interconnected issues of the distribution of goods, services, labor and resources. This type of research, data collection and interpretation can lead to significant impact on the highest levels of our government, corporations, and other organizations. With a median annual salary of $105,000 and a job growth rate of 14%, a PhD program in Public / Economic Policy is a highly attractive and rewarding career choice.

Doctor of Education Degree in Educational Leadership

Navigating the complexities of the educational field, with its dynamic combination of teachers, students, parents, staff, and community leaders, can be a daunting task. But postsecondary administrators are up to the challenge. These hardworking professionals specialize in helping the various groups involved in the education process to work together harmoniously and efficiently. This kind of career may involve a variety of responsibilities, but is typically of a high administrative nature. By pursuing a degree in postsecondary administration, one can potentially land a job as a provost or dean at a major educational institution, with a median annual salary of over $95,000 and the highest earners making over $194,000.

PhD In Atmospheric Science

Climate change is a huge issue that is only getting more important. It's no wonder the weather is more than just something to talk about - it has an effect on our lives, communities, and economy. From heat waves to snowstorms, tornadoes to rainfall, atmospheric scientists are the ones who help us prepare for what's ahead. They study the weather in many ways, from taking detailed measurements to running computer simulations to predict weather patterns. Thanks to their hard work, we can stay informed about what's coming!

PhD In Public Policy / Administration

With an annual median salary of over $122,000, graduates in this field are well-equipped to work in all levels of government, from local to international. Not only do they analyze and formulate various government policies and laws, but they also serve on faculties of universities schools of public administration and policy. This is a highly dynamic career, mixing objective data with the subjective field of political science, which makes it interesting and challenging.