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Blog Summary
PhD graduates have the lowest unemployment rate and receive high pay compared to their peers and opportunities to explore unique career pathways in academics, research, consultancy, etc. A PhD boosts your credentials, achieve excellence, and develop research, writing skills, communication and networking skills. Businesses need PhD graduates to spearhead projects and take on critical responsibilities. WEF states there
are only 198 researchers per 1 million people in the African continent. Clinical psychology, public health, alternative medicine, guidance and counseling psychology, management, nursing, etc are some of the specializations in PhD that offer lucrative career prospects. PhD program improves creative thinking, management, problem-solving and communication skills. TAU in association with UCN offers various UG, PG and PhD programs on-campus and online. Online doctorate degrees take three years and are at par with on-campus programs with excellent guidance and access to extensive online learning resources.
- Why Do You Need a PhD Degree?
- Opportunities for PhD Degree Holders
- Demand for Researchers in Africa
- Top 15 Best-Paying Online Phd Programs
- 1. PhD in Clinical Psychology
- 2. PhD in Public Health
- 3. PhD in Alternative Medicine
- 4. PhD in Guidance and Counseling Psychology
- 5. PhD in Management
- 6. PhD in Nursing
- 7. PhD in Education
- 8. PhD in Public Administration
- 9. PhD in Information Technology
- 10. PhD in Computer Science
- 11. PhD in Clinical Research
- 12. PhD in Social Work
- 13. PhD in Sociology
- 14. PhD in Political Science
- 15. PhD in Library Science
- Role of a PhD Degree in the Personal Growth
- Best School to Pursue Online PhD Programs in Africa
Higher education generally seems like the best way to earn more and progress in your career despite stories of overrated professionals working in lower-tier positions. PhD graduates have the lowest unemployment rate and are generally paid more than most of their peers. PhD graduates’ earnings are on par with other professional white-collar degrees over their lifetime.
In this article you will come to know about the complete details like need of PhD degree, opportunities, demand and various programs available in online PhD programs.
Why Do You Need a PhD Degree?
Most of you might feel that pursuing a PhD degree is not worth the effort, but here are the genuine reasons why you should go for it.
- Good Pay
As established earlier, earning a PhD degree also bumps up your pay grade. In some technical sectors, the pay might even double your salary. The pay differences range from a 7% increase to a substantial 33% increase.
- Opens up Unique Career Paths
Completing a PhD degree allows you to pursue unique career paths, which might not be possible with just a master’s degree.
Opportunities for PhD Degree Holders
The most common roles for PhD graduates are:
- University or Independent Researcher,
- Scientists,
- Consultant,
- Higher Education Teaching Professional, and
- Many More.
Although getting an academic job is a logical step for many PhD graduates, a more significant number of opportunities exist outside of the teaching, research, and education sector. Indeed, more than a quarter of PhD graduates work in the academic, science, and pharmaceutical industries. This push for PhD has perhaps been started by private sector companies who have become more research-focused in contemporary years.
According to PayScale, PhDs can expect to make more money than applicants without doctorates and have access to more jobs.
- Having a PhD Degree is the Ultimate Goal for Excellence.
Completing a PhD degree means that you saw it till the end and never gave up. It is the ultimate progression endgame for anyone in a particular field of study.
This achievement boosts not only your credentials but also your self-esteem, which is critical for excellent performance and judgments as you progress throughout your career.
- Your Research and Writing Skills will Dramatically Improve.
As you progress with your PhD, you will have to research and write dissertations. Your language and diction will reach elite levels along with your knowledge of the subject. These skills you pick up will help you tremendously in your career and beyond.
- You Can Build Outstanding Communication and Networking Skills.
Any PhD graduate will tell you that researching is not a one-person job. Many graduate students are part of a team where they effectively work together.
Along with improving your communication and networking skills, you will also be able to learn the art of organizing and managing people and data. Companies love this skillset and actively seek out candidates who possess it hence making you an invaluable resource.
Demand for Researchers in Africa
African countries have become the hub for development and progress in recent years. Everyone is betting big on the continent, and this has started to bring in significant improvements in the continent.
The need for qualified professionals has never been more prominent. Employers are looking for PhD graduates to spearhead projects and take on critical responsibilities in their company.
In most African countries like Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, and Botswana where secondary education is still seen as a considerable achievement by many, the demand for professionals will lead to the educational and research revolution.
Based on the report by the World Economic Forum, there are only 198 researchers per 1 million people in the African continent.
In contrast, there are around 428 researchers in Chile and over 4,000 researchers in the UK and the USA combined. In order to reach international per-capita standards, Africa requires an added million doctorate degree holders. Some African countries are starting to see the value of investing in scientific research. Still, the World Economic Forum recommends more funding, not just from foreign investors, but also from the countries themselves.
Nearly 1,500 doctoral candidates graduated in South Africa in 2010. Since then, annually, the numbers have just plateaued. The fact that professionals from African countries move to other countries has only added to the deficit in the continent.
Over the last decade, the rapid expansion of the industrial sector has boosted the need for candidates, which in turn has led to significant demand in the market. There is still a healthy requirement for PhD graduates, especially ones with unique specialization in technical fields.
The report also encourages online PhD programs in Africa to focus on a broad corrective spread providing more extensive and reliable data in the areas of the studies. While the need for PhD graduates is not understated, there seems to be vagueness on how to achieve this feat. A report published by the British Council and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in June 2018, titled – Building PhD Capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa in cooperation with the African, offers six recommendations.
The recommendations are measures to improve access to doctorate degrees for scholars in Africa.
- Firstly, the report forewarns that online PhD programs must not compromise quality in the name of access and expansion. The procedure should be standardized and systematic to produce quality scholarly candidates as its primary goal.
- Secondly, it suggests that higher education systems must seek the right balance between the concentration and distribution of online PhD programs. In essence, how thoroughly the PhD programs probe into their research topic, and how useful the findings of the study research can be to the end-user.
This factor would bring together communities, governments, universities, and industries, in close collaboration to inform policy-making around PhD provision on the subject. Finally, the report bolsters candidates to collaborate on international partnerships, which can bring a unique view and perform a “pivotal role” in strengthening Africa’s ability to offer high-quality doctorate degrees.
In short, it has never been a better time for a candidate to pursue a PhD in the continent’s history.
Top 15 Best-Paying Online Phd Programs
| PhD in Clinical Psychology | PhD in Information Technology |
| PhD in Public Health | PhD in Computer Science |
| PhD in Alternative Medicine | PhD in Clinical Research |
| PhD in Guidance and Counseling Psychology | PhD in Social Work |
| PhD in Management | PhD in Sociology |
| PhD in Nursing | PhD in Political Science |
| PhD in Education | PhD in Library Science |
| PhD in Public Administration |
1. PhD in Clinical Psychology
An online PhD in clinical psychology program focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders and traumas of the human psyche.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in clinical psychology from a recognized university
Career paths:
- Consultant Psychologist
- Staff Psychologist
- Administrator
- Research Psychologist
Job Sectors: Private practice, NGOs, and government organizations
Job Outlook: With the increased global attention given towards mental health, the future for clinical psychologists has never been much higher.
Average Annual Base Salary: $$78,919
Average Growth Rate: 14%
2. PhD in Public Health
An online PhD in public health is a program that helps you gain the specialization necessary to obtain a research position within the medical field or to gain employment in the highest levels of the domain of public health.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in public health/medical science from a recognized university
Career Paths:
- Public Health Planning
- Research Public Health Analyst
- Biostatistician
- Public Health Economist
- Public Health Education Officer
Job Sectors: Public health focuses on disease prevention and the overall advancement of human life. Research makes it evident that the value of public health cannot be understated.
Job Outlook: Public health offers a broad range of career opportunities epidemiologists, public relations specialists, and health educators, among others.
Average Annual Base Salary: $90,000
Average Growth Rate: 8%
3. PhD in Alternative Medicine
A PhD in alternative medicine online program is for candidates who wish to research the different aspects of alternative medicine. It helps students gain a more comprehensive view of the subject where the preferred area of alternative can be chosen to do extensive research.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in the same stream/health science/paramedical science from a recognized university
Career Paths:
- Ayurvedist
- Yoga Therapist
- Acupuncturist
- Naturopath
- Homeopath
Job Sectors: Private and public sectors
Job Outlook: Scientists in alternative medicine will continue to be in demand because they provide a source of the development of research and treatments that improve human mental and physical health in an alternative way.
Average Annual Base Salary: $90,000
Average Growth Rate: 19.9%
4. PhD in Guidance and Counseling Psychology
A PhD in counseling psychology online program introduces theoretical concepts of guidance and counseling and to build on your foundational knowledge of human psychology. Moreover, the curriculum is focused on increasing competencies that are critical to becoming a professional counselor.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in the relevant field from a recognized university
Career Paths:
- Mental Health Counselor
- Psychologist
- Marriage and Family Counselor
- Career and School Counselor
- Post-secondary Teacher
Job Sectors: Private sector, Independent contractor, and NGOs
Job Outlook: The role of the guidance counselors has been dynamic. These counselors play a pivotal role in the future of individuals.
Average Annual Base Salary: $50,766
Average Growth Rate: 8%
5. PhD in Management
An online PhD in management helps you gain scholarly knowledge over current management concepts and business practices. The program also allows you to formulate new strategies for leading people in an increasingly connected global society.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in management studies from a recognized university
Career Paths:
- Lecturer and Professor
- Team Leader/Manager
- Business Statistician
- Data Analyst
- Business Development Manager
- Private practices Consultant
Job Sectors: Private sectors and government organizations
Job Outlook: Management services have increasingly become the nom.
Average Annual Base Salary: $90,000
Average Growth Rate: 7%
6. PhD in Nursing
A PhD in nursing online program is a focused research program intended for professionals who care about shaping the future of healthcare.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in nursing from a recognized university
Career Paths:
- Practical nursing instructor
- Nursing surgical services director
- Nursing supervisor
- Managing nurse
Job Sectors: Public, Private, and NGO sectors
Job Outlook: Being a nurse is one of the noblest professions only surpassed by doctors. The demand for nurses and other related fields have always been high and will continue to be high.
Average Annual Base Salary: $85,579
Average Growth Rate: 12%
7. PhD in Education
The PhD in education is crafted to transform teachers with a passion for teaching into educational leaders. The program will teach with a tried and tested learning process to apply the same for the improvement of schools and adopt for improved leadership in the education industry.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in the relevant industry from a recognized university
Career Paths:
- College President
- School Superintendent
- Academic Dean
- Chief Learning Officer
- Executive Director of Education
- Professor
Job Sectors: Private and public sectors
Job Outlook: The educators have better ways of dispersing knowledge to students.
Average Annual Base Salary: $73,000
Average Growth Rate: 5%
8. PhD in Public Administration
A PhD in public administration is a focused research program in which learners are connected to international scholars and researchers who specialize in administration and policy-making.
The program concentrates on implementing government policy and developing agendas that serve the population and strive to improve the well-being of citizens and the general public.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in public administration from a recognized university
Career Paths:
- University Professor
- Governmental Public Policy Researcher
- Public Policy Consultant
Job Sectors: NGOs and government sectors
Job Outlook: Public administration degrees are dedicated to people who are ethical individuals and highly interested in making a difference for the higher welfare of the public.
Average Annual Base Salary: $65,835
Average Growth Rate: 4%
9. PhD in Information Technology
A PhD in information technology (IT) is a research-based degree that equips you to reach the higher ranks of authority in the dynamic IT sector. A research scholar can explore several leadership positions in influential IT organizations, educational institutions, research cells, consulting companies, and much more.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in computer science or a relevant stream from a recognized university
Career Paths:
- Technical Project Manager
- IT Manager Technical Business Analyst
- Software Consultant
- CEO
- Database Designer/Administrator
- Lecturer/Professor
Job Sectors: Private firms, government organizations, and independent contractors
Average Annual Base Salary: $87,795
Average Growth Rate: 12%
10. PhD in Computer Science
A PhD in computer science is a grand domain that covers a vast area of expertise. Candidates who have a PhD in computer science can experiment with various career paths ranging from hardware to software.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in computer science/M.Phil. or equivalent from any recognized college/university
Career Paths:
- Professor/Lecturer
- Hardware Engineer
- Data Research Study Scientist
- Website and Software Developer
- Network Engineer
Job Sectors: Private sectors and government organizations
Job Outlook: The field of computer science offers the chance to become a leading researcher in a highly relevant field with the potential for transformational research.
Average Annual Base Salary: $73,000
Average Growth Rate: 13%
11. PhD in Clinical Research
A PhD in clinical research is a subdivision of healthcare science that involves conducting lab research on the health of humans and their illnesses.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in research/health sciences/paramedical science from a recognized university
Career paths:
- Drug Testers, Developers, Reviewers, or Safety Managers
- Clinical Studies Coordinators
- Research Managers
Job Sectors: Government, NGOs, and private research facilities
Job Outlook: With so many advances every year, the need for qualified professionals who aid in such endeavors has only been increasing.
Average Annual Base Salary: $50,186
Average Growth Rate: 9%
12. PhD in Social Work
A PhD in social work online program helps students become independent professionals in their field of community service and public welfare. The program also encourages students to gain a deep understanding of how to work with at-risk, vulnerable, and impoverished populations.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in the relevant field from a recognized university and relevant work experience
Career Paths:
- Community Management
- Juvenile or Adolescent Welfare
- Mental Health Centres
- Criminal Justice Administration
Job Sectors: NGOs, government, and private charity firms
Job Outlook: There has been a strong demand for social workers since the dawn of the occupation. Although the field is now much more diverse, the principle remains the same.
Average Annual Base Salary: $57,334
Average Growth Rate: 11%
13. PhD in Sociology
The PhD in sociology online program specializes in various fields within sociology, such as analytical sociology, applied sociology, architectural sociology, behavioral sociology, collective behavior, comparative sociology, computational sociology, and the list goes on. Scholars gain critical knowledge about the elements of sociology, which will be crucial for their career.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in the relevant field with relevant professional experience
Career Paths:
- College Professor
- Sociologist
- Political Scientist
- Policy Analysts
- Management Consultants
- Social Workers
- Survey Researchers
- Pollsters Human Resources (HR) Representatives
- Public Relations Specialists
- Guidance Counselors
- Social Scientist
- Research Associate
- Investigator
- Research Fellow
- Urban Planner
- Research Analyst
- Programmer Evaluator
Job Sectors: Private sectors and government organizations
Job Outlook: The sociology sector is dynamic and ever-evolving. The professionals may have to implement various models and practices.
Average Annual Base Salary: $77,000
Average Growth Rate: 2.3%
14. PhD in Political Science
The PhD in political science program focuses on integrating research methods, knowledge, theories that apply to all political scenarios.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in political/social science from a recognized university and relevant professional experience
Career Paths:
- Legislative Aide
- College Professor
- Campaign Manager
- Press Secretary
- District Attorney
- Consultant
- State Legislator
- Lobbyist
Job Sectors: Private employers, NGOs, and NPOs
Job Outlook: Political scientists should face healthy competition for jobs as the number of candidates is expected to exceed the number of available positions.
Average Annual Base Salary: $52,910
Average Growth Rate: 5%
15. PhD in Library Science
A PhD in library science is for candidates who wish to do extensive research in the field of library science. It helps professionals gain a more comprehensive view of the subject where all the significant areas of library science are covered extensively.
Eligibility: A master’s degree in the relevant field with relevant professional experience
Career Paths:
- Postsecondary Library Science Professor
- Academic Librarian
- Archivist
- Computer and Information Systems Manager
- Special Librarians
Job Sectors: Private and public sectors
Job Outlook: Library scientists will continue to be in demand because they provide a source of the development of research, treatments, and medicines for the betterment of the library studies.
Average Annual Base Salary: $48,000
Average Growth Rate: 3.25%
Role of a PhD Degree in the Personal Growth
If academic work is not the first choice, it can be a challenge for PhD candidates to demonstrate how a PhD can be beneficial when applying for a non-academic PhD job. To make the prospect of a PhD more appealing, illustrate how your knowledge and expertise will benefit the employer. Focus more on the transferable skills that the PhD degree has helped you acquire, which you can use to enhance your peers, such as:
- Creative Thinking
PhD students often think outside the box to solve complex issues. Use this to your advantage.
- Excellent Management Ability
Most Successful PhD candidates are excellent in managing their workload and time. Again as previously mentioned, you may have led a team of research assistants, which can be a valuable skill to showcase.
- Problem-solving Skills
A PhD degree is the pinnacle of academic excellence in a chosen field in which you’ll have tackled numerous research related problems and solved them. This skill can be your USP during your interviews.
- Communication Skills
As previously stated, you’ll have developed excellent communication skills by giving many presentations/Lectures and networking with others in the industry.
In all honesty, you can’t go wrong with pursuing a PhD degree. With this, we hope that you have gotten an idea of how a PhD degree can boost your career.
Best School to Pursue Online PhD Programs in Africa
With an enduring commitment to pursue excellence, Texila American University (TAU) in association with the University of Central Nicaragua offers students unique experiences across a wide range of UG, PG, and PhD programs on-campus and online.
Check the Success Stories of our Alumni who completed PhD in their specializations.
Getting an online doctorate degree is now easy with TAU as all the programs are designed to be completed in 3 years. As the university follows a unique learning methodology, BRICS, you can complete your course in the designated tenure without compromising your busy schedule.
Here are a few benefits of pursuing an online PhD degree at TAU:
- Online doctorate degrees on a par with regular courses
- Doctorate degree in just 3 years
- Qualified faculty
- Dedicated student mentors and academic coordinators for support and guidance
- Access to thousands of online resources in TAU’s learning management portal
TAU has made it easy for busy working professionals to pursue their PhD programs without leaving their job. Even you are busy and could not find to study, trust TAU and join a PhD degree of your choice and eligibility. TAU will take you further. Don’t waste your time anymore and make your choice right now!
