The PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, has a rich and fascinating history in the United States, dating back to the 19th century. Originating in ancient Greece and evolving through European universities, the PhD has become a cornerstone of academic excellence worldwide. 

From its humble beginnings at Yale University in 1861 to the present day, PhD education in the US has:

  • Shaped the nation’s intellectual landscape
  • Fostered groundbreaking research and innovation
  • Produced leaders in academia, industry, and government
  • Adapted to changing societal needs and values
  • Influenced global higher education trends

Through this timeline, discover how PhD education has:

  • Evolved from a European-inspired model to a uniquely American institution
  • Responded to historical challenges and opportunities
  • Contributed to the country’s scientific, cultural, and economic progress

Join us on this journey through the history of PhD education in the US, exploring its development and growth.

1860s-1870s: Early Beginnings

  • 1861: Yale University awards the first PhD in the United States to Eugene Schuyler.
  • 1870: Johns Hopkins University is founded, with a focus on graduate education.
  • 1876: Johns Hopkins awards its first PhD.

1880s-1890s: Expansion and Standardization

  • 1883: The American Historical Association is established, promoting research and graduate education.
  • 1887: The modern PhD program emerges at Johns Hopkins, emphasizing original research.
  • 1890: The Carnegie Foundation is established, supporting graduate education.

1900s-1920s: Professionalization and Specialization

  • 1900: The Association of American Universities (AAU) is formed, promoting graduate education standards.
  • 1910: The PhD becomes a requirement for faculty positions.
  • 1920: Discipline-specific PhD programs emerge (e.g., physics, chemistry).

1930s-1940s: Research and Funding

  • 1933: The National Recovery Administration establishes funding for graduate research.
  • 1935: The Social Science Research Council is founded.
  • 1940: The National Defense Research Committee supports wartime research.

1950s-1960s: Post-War Expansion

  • 1950: The GI Bill boosts graduate enrollment.
  • 1958: The National Science Foundation (NSF) is established.
  • 1964: The Higher Education Act increases federal funding for graduate education.

1970s-1980s: Interdisciplinary and Diversity

  • 1970: Interdisciplinary PhD programs emerge (e.g., bioengineering).
  • 1972: Title IX promotes gender equality in education.
  • 1980: Minority graduate enrollment increases.

1990s-2000s: Globalization and Digitalization

  • 1992: The internet transforms research and collaboration.
  • 1995: International graduate enrollment surges.
  • 2000: Online and distance learning PhD programs emerge.

2010s-Present: Modernization and Reform

  • 2010: The Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) advocates for reform.
  • 2013: The Bologna Process influences US graduate education.
  • 2020: COVID-19 accelerates online learning and digital transformation.

Conclusion

The history of PhD education in the USA reflects the nation’s commitment to intellectual curiosity, innovation, and progress. As the academic landscape continues to evolve, understanding this rich history informs our approach to graduate education, ensuring its relevance and impact.

Additional Resources:

  • CGS: A History of Graduate Education in the United States
  • NSF: Graduate Research Fellowship Program
  • AAU: History of the Association

References:

 Yale University. (2020). A Brief History of the PhD.

 Johns Hopkins University. (2020). Our History.

 Carnegie Foundation. (2020). Our History.

About Us

Labcolabs is an artificial intelligence trained to automate important tasks such writing optimized product descriptions.

Company

Support

News & Update

Copyright© 2025. All Rights Reserved.