71 PhD programmes offered by the university

Students in the Economics program at the University of California, Davis gain advanced knowledge of modern economic theory, both in the areas of microeconomics and macroeconomics, and advanced proficiency in econometrics and quantitative methods. 

The Microbiology Graduate Group at University of California, Davis offers interdisciplinary, interdepartmental training and combines academic and experimental training in modern molecular approaches to microbiological problems. 

The Chemistry and Chemical Biology Graduate Program at University of California, Davis is world-renowned and represents the full breadth of the discipline, including analytical, biological, inorganic, organic, physical, and theoretical chemistry.

Students in the English program from University of California, Davis gain advanced knowledge of literature from the British Middle Ages and colonial America to global/postcolonial and U.S. contemporary, as well as knowledge of literary theory, literary analysis, and interdisciplinary methods.

Biophysics offers a graduate education program at University of California, Davis that focuses on the interface of biology, physics, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics, and explores the physical laws governing the properties and interaction of biomolecules and cells. 

Biostatistics at University of California, Davis applies quantitative methods to study problems related to life sciences that arise in a broad array of fields. 

The Animal Behavior Graduate Group at University of California, Davis is targeted toward students who are interested in understanding the adaptive and evolutionary bases of animal behavior.

The Plant Pathology program at University of California, Davis offers study in plant pathology, including emphasis on diseases caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and nematodes. 

Students in the Anthropology program from University of California, Davis gain advanced knowledge of the evolution of primate and human behavior.

The Communication program at University of California, Davis focuses on the social scientific study of human communication using quantitative research methods with a concentration in mediated communication and digital society. 

The School of Veterinary Medicine at University of California, Davis serves the people of California by providing educational, research, clinical service, and public service programs of the highest quality to advance the health and care of animals, the health of the environment, and public health, and to contribute to the economy.

The Public Health Sciences Graduate Group at University of California, Davis includes instruction in epidemiology, biostatistics, environmental and occupational health, health services and administration, and social and behavioral science, and they prepare students for an expanding range of professional opportunities and roles in public health and medicine.

Students in the Biological Systems Engineering program at University of California, Davis gain advanced knowledge of the use of engineering to efficiently produce, distribute and process biological products, such as food, feed and fiber, while conserving natural resources, preserving environmental quality, and ensuring the health and safety of people.

The Graduate Composition and Theory Program at the University of California, Davis, provides an invigorating and liberating approach to the art of music composition. 

With more than 40 faculty members with a broad range of experimental and theoretical research interests, the Physics program at University of California, Davis provides a dynamic and diverse environment for graduate students.

The Ecology (Joint Program) is a doctoral degree that is run jointly by the Ecology Program at San Diego State University and the Ecology Graduate Group at University of California, Davis. 

Students in the Nursing Science and Health-Care Leadership program from University of California, Davis graduate with qualitative and quantitative skills necessary for professional research and teaching in health-care and health policy.

The Statistics Graduate Program at University of California, Davis consists of 24 faculty including members affiliated with various departments on campus. The program offers both Ph.D. and M.S. degrees. 

Cultural Studies at University of California, Davis offers an interdisciplinary approach to the study of culture and society that highlights how sexuality, race, ability, citizenship, gender, nationality, class, and language organize embodied identities, social relations, and cultural objects. 

Animal Biology at the University of California, Davis encompasses the discipline-based studies of domesticated and wild animals and animal management systems.