Academic Experience

What You Can Expect as a PhD Student

The Miami Herbert PhD journey is rigorous, immersive, and deeply personalized. Students receive close mentorship from world-class faculty and are expected to engage as active scholars from day one. The program emphasizes strong methodological training, a deep understanding of theory, and early exposure to research collaboration. Students are expected to participate regularly in workshops, seminars, and research discussions. They learn to ask sharp questions, design credible studies, and contribute new knowledge to their fields. By the time they embark on their dissertation, students have already developed a clear scholarly identity and a strong foundation for publishing in top journals.

What Makes Miami Herbert Unique

Miami Herbert’s PhD programs offer a distinctive combination of intimacy, cross-disciplinary engagement, and research intensity. With intentionally small cohorts, students receive individualized guidance and unparalleled access to faculty. The school encourages collaboration across disciplines, creating an environment where big ideas benefit from multiple perspectives. This collaborative culture is supported by open-door faculty, integrative research workshops, and a community that values intellectual curiosity over hierarchy. Our location in Miami, one of the most dynamic and globally connected cities in the world, adds another layer of richness to doctoral studies.

Student Voices

Current students consistently highlight the program’s supportive culture, faculty accessibility, and the depth of training they receive. They value how quickly they are integrated into ongoing research, the openness of faculty to coauthoring opportunities, and the intellectual vibrancy of the school. Many emphasize that the small cohort size fosters a sense of community as students know each other well, and support each other through the highs and lows of the PhD journey. Whether describing the excitement of publishing their first working paper, attending their first conference, or receiving detailed weekly feedback from mentors, student voices bring the academic experience to life.

Student Testimonials

Phd student
Ph.D. Student

I chose Miami Herbert because of the people. The faculty genuinely invest in their students and create an environment where you feel comfortable exploring new ideas while being pushed to grow as a scholar. The supportive and collaborative culture has made the challenges of a PhD program both rewarding and enjoyable!

Brianna De La Osa
Oliver Yiang Zhou
Ph.D. Student

I chose the Miami Herbert’s PhD Program because of its collaborative culture and strong mentorship. The faculty’s dedication and commitment to research training create an ideal environment for pursuing rigorous and meaningful scholarship.

Oliver Yiang Zhou
Phd student
Ph.D Student

After having such a wonderful experience at the University of Miami for my undergraduate education and the opportunity to work with the renowned professors, I knew Miami Herbert was the place I wanted to get my doctorate. I chose Miami Herbert for its incredible faculty, rigorous academics, and wonderful culture. The curriculum is extremely personalized, and I have had great opportunities to pursue my research interests alongside the most supportive professors and mentors.

Taylor Dutil
Xiru Pan
Ph.D. Student

I chose the Miami Herbert PhD Program because it provides rigorous academic training in a supportive environment. The faculty are not only highly respected scholars in the field, but also accessible and eager to work with students, which has made my experience both challenging and rewarding.

Xiru Pan