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The word ‘doctorate’ is a shortened version of the Latin term ‘licentia docendi,’ which means ‘license to teach.’ In modern times, holders of doctoral degrees may indeed teach, but they may also be engaged in other occupations.
A doctorate, or doctoral degree, represents the highest level of formal education in most fields. The Doctor of Philosophy, or PhD, is the most familiar doctoral degree. A doctorate can also refer to a type of degree that allows a person to practice a certain profession, such as Doctor of Medicine.
Types of Doctorates
Research doctorates are the most common type of doctoral degree. They acknowledge excellence in research in a particular field of study and require coursework, examinations, and a dissertation. Examples include:
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Engineering (DEng)
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Science (DSc or ScD)
- Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
Professional doctorates are awarded in fields where recipients will practice certain professions that are not primarily research-based. Examples include:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
- Juris Doctor (JD)
Honorary doctorates recognize excellence in a particular field or in contributions to society. Institutions usually waive academic requirements for honorary doctorates
Higher doctorates may be awarded on the basis of outstanding published research.
Schooling
A doctoral program may require a Master’s Degree prior to admission or may admit students with only a Bachelor’s Degree.
Most countries require rigorous coursework to earn a PhD. With fulltime study coursework typically takes two to three years to complete. The number and type of courses vary considerably according to the field of study. PhD candidates in many programs may opt to study part time. Examinations follow the coursework.
After successfully completing the coursework and examinations, the PhD candidate must write a dissertation (also called a thesis). Before writing a thesis, a candidate must get approval for the topic from a thesis committee. Lead by the thesis advisor, the committee will continue to supervise the writing of the dissertation and will conduct the oral examination based on the thesis. It is the committee who will decide whether or not to recommend the candidate for the PhD degree. The dissertation process typically takes two to four years, but may take longer.
In all, most candidates take four to eight years after their bachelor’s degree to complete a PhD program. There are, however, considerable time differences based on the subject, the program, and the individual student. Many universities set a ten-year limit. Of the students who begin PhD programs in the United States, 57% will complete their degrees within ten years, 30% will not complete their degrees, and the rest will take more than ten years.
Online PhD programs provide flexible courses of study. Some programs have limited face-to-face requirements such as colloquia or meetings with faculty and advisors. Online programs may be affiliated with ‘bricks and mortar’ universities or they may be offered through schools that specialize in distance learning. As with all schools of postsecondary education, students must determine whether an online program is accredited. Specialized accrediting organizations accredit specific programs or schools. Students should first research what organizations accredit programs in their fields of study and then find out if programs they are interested in have the necessary accreditation.
Jobs and Wages
Doctoral degrees acknowledge excellence in scholarship and achievement. They require an extraordinary amount of time, effort, and commitment and open doors to high-level employment in research and higher education.
According to the 2000 census, the average annual salary for doctoral degree holders was $89,400. This was $20,000 less than earnings with a professional degree and $27,000 more than with a master’s degree.
The doctoral degree provides opportunities to do advanced work in a field of interest while earning a good living.
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