Doctoral recognitionCarolina has ranked among the top five of public universities in the country for doctorates awarded to Black or African American doctoral recipients for the fifth year in a row, according to the National Science Foundation’s annual Survey of Earned Doctorates.
Celebrating graduate students
At Carolina, our graduate students are addressing critical societal needs and improving lives through leadership, professional expertise and civic engagement in North Carolina and beyond.
Founded in 1903, The Graduate School boasts more than 160 degrees that span more than 80 programs across the University. Students go on to become leaders, researchers and public servants in a variety of fields.
Each April, Graduate and Professional Student Appreciation Week celebrates the work of those students. Keep scrolling to read more about Carolina graduate students.
By the numbers
The Graduate School supports graduate students in every program across the Carolina campus, serving students from admission through graduation.
These numbers illustrate the impact of a graduate education at Carolina and beyond.
- #1public school of public health, per U.S. News and World Report
- 37%of total enrolled students at Carolina are in graduate programs
- 15%of graduate and professional students come from other countries
- #1pharmacy school, per U.S. News and World Report
Building on excellence
At the core of The Graduate School's mission is advocating, collaborating and convening on behalf of graduate and professional students. The School is well-positioned to respond to the changing nature of graduate education, both through new initiatives and the excellence of its student body.
Graduate Student ExperienceHear from John Easterbrook, The Graduate School's executive director on strategic initiatives, on the Graduate Student Experience, a new initiative that aims to improve working conditions and well-being for graduate and professional students.
Tanner Award winnersEvery year since 1990, the University has given the Tanner Awards in recognition of excellence in the teaching of undergraduates by graduate teaching assistants.
Learn more about this year's winners.
Student spotlight
Young alumnus aspires to serve people of NC
In this video, meet Richard Livingston ’21, who’s getting his MPA to lead in local government.
Expert in knot theory heads to NSA
Former lawyer Andrew Adair came to Carolina for a doctorate in mathematics, his first passion.
Jasmyne Yeldell removes barriers to STEM education
The UNC School of Education doctoral student makes science more accessible through her research and consulting company.
Materials science researcher plans for success
Required courses focused on careers are helping doctoral student Allen Wood choose a professional path.
Army experience strengthened her social work vocation
Graduate student Sheree Stewart’s 24-year military career led her to Carolina and a new way of helping others.
Justin Ashby focuses on pancreatic cancer
Having lost his grandfather to the disease, the medical student works to develop new treatments at Lineberger.