90 PhD programmes offered by the university

The History program at Northwestern University is distinguished by its relatively compact size, admitting about 15 students or fewer each year. This highly selective program allows close faculty-student interaction and permits exacting criticism of sources, research procedures, and writing skills.

The Health Sciences - Health and Biomedical Informatics program at Northwestern University offers doctoral student training across multiple disciplines within the health sciences, spanning from informatics and program evaluation to implementation science and outcomes research. 

The Earth and Planetary Sciences program at Northwestern University trains graduate students to become conscientious thought leaders in and outside of academia.

The Statistics program at Northwestern University provides students with comprehensive training in statistical theory, methodology, and the application of statistical methods to problems in a wide range of fields.

The Theoretical and Applied Mechanics program at Northwestern University combines many disciplines in the McCormick School of Engineering and Applied Science including civil and environmental engineering, mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, and materials science.

The Astronomy program at Northwestern University is designed to provide students with a broad training in astronomy while enabling them to get started quickly with their graduate research. 

Northwestern University offer an integrated JD - PhD Combined Degree Program for students interested in pursuing a career in academia or another research setting (e.g., a policy research organization) and whose teaching and research will be enriched by both the JD and PhD degrees. 

The Life Sciences and Public Health program at Northwestern University focuses on scientific research and interdisciplinary public health. Graduates of this program will be positioned for leadership roles in academic and government institutions seeking expertise in molecular or cellular approaches to population-based health questions.

The Health Sciences program at Northwestern University offers doctoral student training in multiple disciplines within the health sciences. 

The Computer Science - Interfaces program at Northwestern University primarily prepares students to become expert independent researchers. 

The Clinical Psychology program at Northwestern University is one of only a handful of programs in the United States based in an academic medical center and housed in a psychiatry department.

Students in the Music - Music Education program at Northwestern University design a course of study incorporating their individual interests and a broad-based approach to contemporary music research. 

The Political Science program at Northwestern University is designed for students whose primary concern is a mastery of theories, methods of research, and substantive literature of the discipline of political science.

The Screen Cultures program at Northwestern University continues the historical leadership in the cultural and critical analysis of film, television, and emerging media by integrating interdisciplinary opportunities both within the School of Communication and across the University. 

Students in the Music - Music Theory and Cognition program at Northwestern University design a course of study incorporating their individual interests and a broad-based approach to contemporary music research. 

The Civil and Environmental Engineering - Transportation Systems Analysis and Planning program at Northwestern University provides a strong background in the theory and practice of modern civil and environmental engineering through formal course and research requirements. 

The Financial Economics program at Northwestern University is offered jointly by the Department of Economics in the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the Department of Finance in the Kellogg School of Management. 

The Plant Biology and Conservation program at Northwestern University focuses on preparing students for future leadership positions in botanical science and plant conservation. 

The Interdisciplinary PhD in Theatre and Drama program at Northwestern University is a cross-school program featuring faculty and coursework that span the Humanities, Social Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts. 

The Engineering Sciences and Applied Mathematics program at Northwestern University educates students in mathematical methods and their application to various scientific and engineering fields.