PhD CV Examples & Templates
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Whether you are seeking to advance your academic credentials or broaden your professional scope, applying to a PhD program can be a transformative step in your career.
In this guide, we’ll delve into how to write a CV for a PhD application that stands out to the admissions committee and improves your chances of securing an interview.
Browse our expertly crafted PhD CV examples and use our powerful CV Maker to create your standout CV today!
You can start by editing these PhD application CV examples or explore our library of CV templates to find one that catches your eye.
PhD CV Template (Text Version)
Joyce Parker
Los Angeles, CA 90008
(555) 555-5555
example@example.com
Career Objective
Dynamic and accomplished psychology graduate holding a master’s degree in counseling, graduated with distinction and a 3.9 GPA, seeking a PhD in Psychology. Authored three articles published in peer-reviewed journals, delivered presentations at four national conferences, and contributed to pioneering research in cognitive psychology and behavioral neuroscience. Demonstrated expertise in managing complex research projects, achieving a 25% improvement in lab efficiency through the implementation of innovative methodologies.
Core Qualifications
- Statistical analysis
- Cognitive assessment
- Statistical analysis (SPSS, R)
- Psychometric testing
- R programming
- EEG analysis software
- Critical thinking
- Communication
Education
June 2024
Loyola Marymount University Los Angeles, CA
Master of Arts Counseling
- GPA: 3.9/4.0
- Distinction: Awarded for Outstanding Academic Achievement
- Thesis: The Role of Cognitive Bias in Decision-Making Among Young Adults
- Honors: Dean’s List (Every Semester), Research Excellence Award
- Relevant Coursework: Cognitive Neuroscience, Statistical Methods in Psychology, Behavioral Analysis
June 2020
University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
Bachelor of Arts Psychology
- GPA: 3.8/4.0
- Minor: Sociology
- Honors: Magna cum laude
- Relevant Coursework: Abnormal Psychology, Counseling Techniques and Theories, Research and Psychology
Work Experience
January 2023 – Current
Loyola Marymount University – Los Angeles, CA
Research Assistant
- Conduct neuroimaging analysis, improving data processing accuracy by 15%.
- Co-author one peer-reviewed journal article on cognitive load in multitasking.
- Lead training for 10 undergraduate research assistants, enhancing lab productivity by 25%.
September 2021 – May 2022
PCG Advanced Health – Los Angeles, CA
Clinical Intern
- Provided supervised cognitive behavioral therapy to over 20 clients, achieving a 90% satisfaction rate in feedback surveys.
- Streamlined client data management, reducing administrative processing time by 20%.
- Designed and implemented psychoeducational workshops, increasing client knowledge retention by 30%.
June 2019 – May 2021
University of California, Los Angeles – Los Angeles, CA
Teaching Assistant
- Facilitated discussions in introductory psychology courses for over 50 students per semester.
- Designed and graded quizzes and assignments, improving student engagement scores by 15%.
- Mentored 10 students in research methods, three of whom were presented at local conferences.
Research Experience
- Neurocognitive Effects of Multitasking – Participate as a research assistant and explored neural correlates of multitasking in young adults. (Loyola Marymount University, 2023)
- Behavioral Patterns in Anxiety Disorders – Collaborated as a research analyst and conducted meta-analysis, influencing therapeutic interventions in clinical settings with over 200 participants. (Loyola Marymount University, 2022)
- Implicit Bias in Educational Settings – Participates as research lead and designed a comprehensive study, cited by local educational reforms. (University of California, Los Angeles, 2022)
- Emotion Regulation and Decision-Making – Contributed as research associate and developed experimental paradigms, published findings in a peer-reviewed journal. (University of California, Los Angeles, (2021)
Publications
- Parker, J. A., & Taylor, R. L. (2024). The impact of mindfulness-based therapy on reducing anxiety in college students. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 70(4), 543–558. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyy
- Parker, J. K., & Carter, M. E. (2023). Exploring the relationship between self-compassion and resilience in individuals with depressive symptoms. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 78(9), 1243–1258. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyy
- Parker, J., & Johnson, A. (2022). The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health. Journal of Applied Psychology, 45(3), 123-135.
- Parker, J., & Martinez, E. (2021). The Role of Emotion Regulation in the Relationship Between Childhood Trauma and Adult Psychopathology. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 25(1), 45-60.
Conference Presentations
- Emotion Regulation in Clinical Populations – Keynote speaker at California Psychological Association (CPA) Annua Convention (2024)
- “Integrating Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Trauma Counseling: Evidence-Based Practices for Lasting Change” – Cognitive Science Society Annual Conference (2024)
- Behavioral Neuroscience in Education – Poster session at Western Psychological Association (APA) Annual Conference (2023)
- “Resilience and Mental Health: Empowering Clients to Thrive Through Adversity” Cognitive Science Society Annual Conference (2023)
- Neuropsychological Assessments: Advances and Challenges – Oral presentation at International Conference on Neurology and Brain Disorders (2022)
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- American Counseling Association (ACA)
- Society for Neuroscience (SfN)
- Association for Psychological Science (APS)
Certifications
- Certified Behavioral Analyst (CBA)
- Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs)
- Advanced Research Methods Certification
- Data Visualization in Psychology (Coursera)
Relevant Skills
- Expert in designing and conducting psychological research, with proficiency in quantitative and qualitative analysis using SPSS and NVivo.
- Skilled in applying evidence-based counseling techniques, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing, to diverse populations.
- Strong ability to synthesize complex psychological theories and apply them to real-world case studies and clinical interventions.
- Experienced in academic writing and publication, with a proven track record of authoring peer-reviewed journal articles and presenting at national conferences.
Important CV Sections
Contact details
Create a section at the top of your CV for your contact information so the admissions committee can contact you to schedule an interview.
The standard way to display your contact information is as follows: Your full name, followed by your city, state and ZIP code, followed by your phone number and professional email address.
If you have a networking profile or professional website, add those last. See how to write a CV for additional examples and tips.
Personal statement
Include a professional summary at the top of your PhD CV. This brief personal statement introduces you to the admissions committee and showcases your top qualifications.
Your CV for PhD applications should feature relevant skills and one or two of your most notable academic or professional accomplishments. Here is an example:
Passionate researcher with a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and extensive experience in interdisciplinary studies blending ecology, policy and technology. Skilled in GIS analysis, fieldwork and sustainability planning. Published in high-impact journals on the intersection of climate change and renewable energy solutions. Aspiring to pursue a PhD to innovate at the crossroads of environmental conservation and technological advancement.
Your personal statement for a PhD student CV should be no longer than five succinct sentences to grab the reader’s attention without overwhelming them.
Skills
Admissions committees want to know what professional skills you bring to the table. Create a separate section for your program-relevant skills and display them with bullet points.
Include a mixture of hard skills and soft skills to showcase the breadth of your abilities. Here are a few examples of skills that you might include on your PhD CV:
- Research design and methodology: Expertise in creating and executing research frameworks.
- Data analysis: Proficient in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, Python) and qualitative tools.
- Scientific or academic writing: Skilled in preparing manuscripts, reports and grant proposals.
- Presentation and communication: Experienced in delivering research findings at conferences and seminars.
- Collaboration and teamwork: Effective in multidisciplinary and cross-cultural research teams.
If you have limited experience, include transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving or time management.
Work history
A strong work history section is essential for showcasing your skills, involvement and impact, even if you do not yet have traditional work experience.
This part of your PhD CV can include internships, part-time jobs, volunteer roles, extracurricular activities or any projects demonstrating your abilities and accomplishments.
List your experiences in reverse-chronological format, including the organization names, locations and dates you were involved.
Add three to five bullet points for each entry highlighting specific achievements or contributions. Aim to quantify your accomplishments where possible to give a clearer picture of your impact.
Here are examples of measurable achievements for an academic CV for a PhD application:
- Published three peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals, including Journal of Molecular Biology, focusing on protein interactions and enzymatic mechanisms.
- Presented original research findings at two international conferences, including the 2023 Biochemistry Global Summit, attended by over 500 industry professionals.
- Secured a $10,000 research grant from the National Science Foundation to investigate the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems.
Explore our academic CV templates for PhD applications for additional samples and tips to help you craft a standout CV.
Education
The education section is a key component of your CV. It highlights your academic achievements, relevant coursework and any special projects that align with the program.
Start with your most recent educational experience and work backward. Include the name of the institution, the location, the degree you earned and the graduation date.
Crafting a detailed, relevant education section allows employers to see your academic strengths and areas of expertise, even if you’re new to the professional world.
Browse our CV examples for students for additional information about crafting a strong education section that showcases your accomplishments.
See why MyPerfectResume is a 5-star resume builder
Action Words for Your CV
Strong action verbs convey confidence and strengthen your CV, especially when combined with quantifiable achievements.
Here are a few examples of action verbs for your PhD application CV:
- Present
- Develop
- Mentor
- Create
- Analyze
- Publish
- Evaluate
- Investigate
- Facilitate
- Collaborate
- Synthesize
- Conduct
- Direct
- Disseminate
- Implement
- Organize
Want more inspiration? We have hundreds of CV examples to help you visualize the ideal layout for your PhD CV.
Top Skills for Your CV
Review the job description carefully and match the required skills with your traits. Remember to incorporate both technical skills and interpersonal skills that are relevant to the specific program.
Choose the skills most relevant to the specific PhD program and research focus you are applying for. Here are some examples of skills to include on a CV for a PhD application:
- Experimental design and implementation.
- Quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
- Literature review and synthesis.
- Laboratory techniques (e.g., PCR, spectroscopy, chromatography).
- Software proficiency (e.g., MATLAB, GIS, AutoCAD, LaTeX).
- Programming languages (e.g., Python, Java, C++).
- Academic writing (manuscripts, grant proposals, reports).
- Conference presentations and public speaking.
- Teaching and mentoring students.
Certifications for Your CV
The certifications section of your PhD CV is an excellent way to demonstrate additional skills and knowledge beyond your formal education.
For each certification, provide the name, the issuing organization and the completion date. You can also indicate whether the certification is ongoing or needs periodic renewal.
For example, here are a few certifications commonly included in PhD program applications for biological sciences:
- Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
- Biosafety Training Certification
- Flow Cytometry Training Certification
- Microscopy and Imaging Techniques Certification
- Data Visualization Certification (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
- PCR and DNA Sequencing Certification
- CRISPR-Cas9 Genome Editing Certification
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) Certification
- Bioinformatics Analysis Certification
Including certifications shows potential employers that you’re proactive about learning and possess specific competencies that can add value to their organization.
Pair your CV with a matching cover letter
FAQ
How long should a CV be for a PhD?
A CV for a PhD application typically ranges from two to four pages, depending on your academic and professional experience.
Unlike a standard resume, a CV for academic purposes is more detailed and includes comprehensive information about your education, research, publications and skills.
Include only information pertinent to the PhD program and highlight work that aligns with the program’s research focus. Leave out unrelated jobs or excessive detail on minor roles.
Explore our guide on CVs versus resumes for additional information about choosing the best job application document.
What is the structure of a PhD CV?
The structure of a PhD CV is designed to present your academic and research qualifications clearly and professionally, typically in reverse chronological order.
Here are a few details about the general structure of a PhD application CV:
- It begins with your contact information, including your name, email, phone number and optionally a Bold.pro profile or personal website.
- The education section lists your degrees in reverse chronological order, detailing the institution, degree type, graduation date, and thesis or dissertation title.
- This is generally followed by a research experience section, where you describe your projects, roles, methodologies and key outcomes.
- Publications and presentations come next, showcasing your academic contributions through peer-reviewed articles, conference papers or posters.
- Skills are then listed to demonstrate technical, analytical, or software proficiencies, followed by any awards, scholarships, or fellowships in an honors section.
- Additional sections, such as teaching or mentoring experience, certifications and relevant professional roles, can be included as appropriate.
Explore our ChatGPT CV guide for tips on effectively using AI to support your writing process while you craft your student CV.
Do I need a CV to apply for a PhD?
A CV is typically required when applying for a PhD. Your CV helps admissions committees evaluate whether you have the qualifications and experience to succeed in the program.
Your CV is the place to emphasize your research projects, publications, presentations and other scholarly contributions that align with the program’s focus.
A PhD application heavily focuses on your academic background, including your degrees, coursework and thesis or dissertation work, which are detailed in your CV.
Whether it’s internships, teaching assistantships or professional work, a CV also provides a platform to demonstrate your preparedness for the rigors of PhD-level study.
Best Practices
- Use measurable achievements to describe your skills and experience.
- Use action words to add impact to your accomplishments.
- Tailor your PhD CV to your target program or specialization.
- Use keywords from the job description throughout your PhD CV.
- Format your CV so that it is easy to read by ATS software and human eyes.
- Lie about your academic or professional experience and skills.
- Boast about your “incomparable” abilities as a student.
- Include irrelevant personal information such as your ethnicity and age.
- Add skills and experience that do not pertain to the program.
- Forget to proofread. A PhD CV with errors is unprofessional.
Interview Tips
Learn about the program
It’s essential to take the time to learn about the PhD program’s history, research focus, faculty and values before submitting your application or attending an interview.
Here are a few areas to consider researching:
- Program focus and values: Understand the program’s mission, research priorities and academic culture. This will help you determine whether it aligns with your goals and prepare you to articulate how your work fits within their research environment.
- Faculty and research areas: Familiarize yourself with the faculty’s expertise, ongoing projects and recent publications. This demonstrates your interest in collaborating with specific professors and engaging with their work.
- Recent achievements and news: Look up recent program developments, such as major grants, publications or new initiatives. Highlighting this knowledge shows you’ve done your homework and know the program’s current activities.
Gaining insight into the program before applying or interviewing will help you tailor your application and provide confident, well-informed responses.
Practice at home
Practice makes perfect. To practice for your interview, start by reviewing the most common behavioral interview questions, such as:
- Describe a task that tested your analytical skills.
- Provide an overview of how you handle change.
- Describe a time when you needed to cope with a stressful scenario.
Write down possible answers as you review potential questions. Then, ask a friend or relative to perform a mock interview so you can get comfortable with the questions.
Be proactive and ask questions
Your interviewer will ask if you have any questions at the end of your session. You should always have at least three questions ready to ask to demonstrate your interest.
Here are some thoughtful questions you might ask during a PhD program interview to demonstrate your interest and gather valuable insights:
- What opportunities exist for interdisciplinary collaboration within the program?
- How does the program support students in securing research funding or grants?
- What is the balance between independent research and collaborative projects?
- Can you tell me more about the advising style of the faculty I would be working with?
- What resources (labs, libraries, equipment) are available to support my research?
Asking thoughtful questions helps you determine if the program is the right fit for you and demonstrates your enthusiasm and proactive mindset to the interviewers.
Gather References
Whether to include references on a PhD program application CV depends on the application guidelines provided by the program.
If the program instructions specifically ask for references or their contact details on your CV, list the names, titles, affiliations and contact information of referees familiar with your work.
Many PhD programs request letters of recommendation as part of the application process, which are submitted separately. In this case, it’s unnecessary to list references on your CV.
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Elizabeth is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and a member of the Professional Association of Résumé Writers & Careers Coaches. She is passionate about delivering information that empowers job seekers to achieve their professional goals.
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