phd not degree

• What is a PhD?

Written by Mark Bennett

A PhD is a doctoral research degree and the highest level of academic qualification you can achieve. The degree normally takes between three and four years of full-time work towards a thesis offering an original contribution to your subject.

This page explains what a PhD is, what it involves and what you need to know if you’re considering applying for a PhD research project , or enrolling on a doctoral programme .

The meaning of a PhD

The PhD can take on something of a mythic status. Are they only for geniuses? Do you have to discover something incredible? Does the qualification make you an academic? And are higher research degrees just for people who want to be academics?

Even the full title, ‘Doctor of Philosophy’, has a somewhat mysterious ring to it. Do you become a doctor? Yes, but not that kind of doctor. Do you have to study Philosophy? No (not unless you want to) .

So, before going any further, let's explain what the term 'PhD' actually means and what defines a doctorate.

What does PhD stand for?

PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor. Traditionally the term ‘philosophy’ does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to ‘lover of wisdom’.

What is a doctorate?

A doctorate is any qualification that awards a doctoral degree. In order to qualify for one you need to produce advanced work that makes a significant new contribution to knowledge in your field. Doing so earns you the title 'Doctor' – hence the name.

So, is a PhD different to a doctorate? No. A PhD is a type of doctorate .

The PhD is the most common type of doctorate and is awarded in almost all subjects at universities around the world. Other doctorates tend to be more specialised or for more practical and professional projects.

Essentially, all PhDs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs.

Do you need a Masters to get a PhD?

Not necessarily. It's common for students in Arts and the Humanities to complete an MA (Master of Arts) before starting a PhD in order to acquire research experience and techniques. Students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) don't always need an MS/MSc (Master of Science) to do a PhD as you'll gain training in lab techniques and other skills during your undergraduate degree.

Whether a Masters is a requirement for a PhD also varies by country. Australian PhDs may require a Masters as the equivalent of their own 'honours year' (where students work on research). US PhD programmes often include a Masters.

We have a whole guide dedicated to helping you decide whether a PhD without a Masters is the right route for you.

The origin of the PhD

Despite its name, the PhD isn't actually an Ancient Greek degree. Instead it's a much more recent development. The PhD as we know it was developed in nineteenth-century Germany, alongside the modern research university.

Higher education had traditionally focussed on mastery of an existing body of scholarship and the highest academic rank available was, appropriately enough, a Masters degree.

As the focus shifted more onto the production of new knowledge and ideas, the PhD degree was brought in to recognise those who demonstrated the necessary skills and expertise.

The PhD process – what's required to get a PhD?

The typical length of a PhD is three to four years full-time, or five to six years part-time.

Unlike most Masters courses (or all undergraduate programmes), a PhD is a pure research degree. But that doesn’t mean you’ll just spend years locked away in a library or laboratory. In fact, the modern PhD is a diverse and varied qualification with many different components.

Whereas the second or third year of a taught degree look quite a lot like the first (with more modules and coursework at a higher level) a PhD moves through a series of stages.

A typical PhD normally involves:

• Carrying out a literature review (a survey of current scholarship in your field).
• Conducting original research and collecting your results .
• Producing a thesis that presents your conclusions.
• Writing up your thesis and submitting it as a dissertation .
• Defending your thesis in an oral viva voce exam.

These stages vary a little between subjects and universities, but they tend to fall into the same sequence over the three years of a typical full-time PhD.

The first year of a PhD

The beginning of a PhD is all about finding your feet as a researcher and getting a solid grounding in the current scholarship that relates to your topic.

You’ll have initial meetings with your supervisor and discuss a plan of action based on your research proposal.

The first step in this will almost certainly be carrying out your literature review . With the guidance of your supervisor you’ll begin surveying and evaluating existing scholarship. This will help situate your research and ensure your work is original.

Your literature review will provide a logical jumping off point for the beginning of your own research and the gathering of results . This could involve designing and implementing experiments, or getting stuck into a pile of primary sources.

The year may end with an MPhil upgrade . This occurs when PhD students are initially registered for an MPhil degree and then ‘upgraded’ to PhD candidates upon making sufficient progress. You’ll submit material from your literature review, or a draft of your research findings and discuss these with members of your department in an upgrade exam . All being well, you’ll then continue with your research as a PhD student.

PhDs in other countries

The information on the page is based on the UK. Most countries follow a similar format, but there are some differences. In the USA , for example, PhD students complete reading assignments and examinations before beginning their research. You can find out more in our guides to PhD study around the world .

The second year of a PhD

Your second year will probably be when you do most of your core research. The process for this will vary depending on your field, but your main focus will be on gathering results from experiments, archival research, surveys or other means.

As your research develops, so will the thesis (or argument) you base upon it. You may even begin writing up chapters or other pieces that will eventually form part of your dissertation .

You’ll still be having regular meetings with your supervisor. They’ll check your progress, provide feedback on your ideas and probably read any drafts your produce.

The second year is also an important stage for your development as a scholar. You’ll be well versed in current research and have begun to collect some important data or develop insights of your own. But you won’t yet be faced with the demanding and time-intensive task of finalising your dissertation.

So, this part of your PhD is a perfect time to think about presenting your work at academic conferences , gaining teaching experience or perhaps even selecting some material for publication in an academic journal. You can read more about these kinds of activities below.

The third year of a PhD

The third year of a PhD is sometimes referred to as the writing up phase.

Traditionally, this is the final part of your doctorate, during which your main task will be pulling together your results and honing your thesis into a dissertation .

In reality, it’s not always as simple as that.

It’s not uncommon for final year PhD students to still be fine-tuning experiments, collecting results or chasing up a few extra sources. This is particularly likely if you spend part of your second year focussing on professional development.

In fact, some students actually take all or part of a fourth year to finalise their dissertation. Whether you are able to do this will depend on the terms of your enrolment – and perhaps your PhD funding .

Eventually though, you are going to be faced with writing up your thesis and submitting your dissertation.

Your supervisor will be very involved in this process. They’ll read through your final draft and let you know when they think your PhD is ready for submission.

All that’s left then is your final viva voce oral exam. This is a formal discussion and defence of your thesis involving at least one internal and external examiner. It’s normally the only assessment procedure for a PhD. Once you’ve passed, you’ve done it!

Looking for more information about the stages of a PhD?

How do you go about completing a literature review? What's it like to do PhD research? And what actually happens at an MPhil upgrade? You can find out more in our detailed guide to the PhD journey .

Doing a PhD – what's it actually like?

You can think of the ‘stages’ outlined above as the basic ‘roadmap’ for a PhD, but the actual ‘journey’ you’ll take as a research student involves a lot of other sights, a few optional destinations and at least one very important fellow passenger.

Carrying out research

Unsurprisingly, you’ll spend most of your time as a PhD researcher… researching your PhD. But this can involve a surprisingly wide range of activities.

The classic image of a student working away in the lab, or sitting with a pile of books in the library is true some of the time – particularly when you’re monitoring experiments or conducting your literature review.

Your PhD can take you much further afield though. You may find yourself visiting archives or facilities to examine their data or look at rare source materials. You could even have the opportunity to spend an extended period ‘in residence’ at a research centre or other institution beyond your university.

Research is also far from being a solitary activity. You’ll have regular discussions with your supervisor (see below) but you may also work with other students from time to time.

This is particularly likely if you’re part of a larger laboratory or workshop group studying the same broad area. But it’s also common to collaborate with students whose projects are more individual. You might work on shorter projects of joint interest, or be part of teams organising events and presentations.

Many universities also run regular internal presentation and discussion groups – a perfect way to get to know other PhD students in your department and offer feedback on each other’s work in progress.

Working with your supervisor

All PhD projects are completed with the guidance of at least one academic supervisor . They will be your main point of contact and support throughout the PhD.

Your supervisor will be an expert in your general area of research, but they won’t have researched on your exact topic before (if they had, your project wouldn’t be original enough for a PhD).

As such, it’s better to think of your supervisor as a mentor, rather than a teacher.

As a PhD student you’re now an independent and original scholar, pushing the boundaries of your field beyond what is currently known (and taught) about it. You’re doing all of this for the first time, of course. But your supervisor isn’t.

They’ll know what’s involved in managing an advanced research project over three years (or more). They’ll know how best to succeed, but they’ll also know what can go wrong and how to spot the warning signs before it does.

Perhaps most importantly, they’ll be someone with the time and expertise to listen to your ideas and help provide feedback and encouragement as you develop your thesis.

Exact supervision arrangements vary between universities and between projects:

• In Science and Technology projects it’s common for a supervisor to be the lead investigator on a wider research project, with responsibility for a laboratory or workshop that includes several PhD students and other researchers.
• In Arts and Humanities subjects, a supervisor’s research is more separate from their students’. They may supervise more than one PhD at a time, but each project is essentially separate.

It’s also becoming increasingly common for PhD students to have two (or more) supervisors. The first is usually responsible for guiding your academic research whilst the second is more concerned with the administration of your PhD – ensuring you complete any necessary training and stay on track with your project’s timetable.

However you’re supervised, you’ll have regular meetings to discuss work and check your progress. Your supervisor will also provide feedback on work during your PhD and will play an important role as you near completion: reading your final dissertation draft, helping you select an external examiner and (hopefully) taking you out for a celebratory drink afterwards!

Professional development, networking and communication

Traditionally, the PhD has been viewed as a training process, preparing students for careers in academic research.

As such, it often includes opportunities to pick up additional skills and experiences that are an important part of a scholarly CV. Academics don’t just do research after all. They also teach students, administrate departments – and supervise PhDs.

The modern PhD is also viewed as a more flexible qualification. Not all doctoral graduates end up working in higher education. Many follow alternative careers that are either related to their subject of specialism or draw upon the advanced research skills their PhD has developed.

PhD programmes have begun to reflect this. Many now emphasise transferrable skills or include specific training units designed to help students communicate and apply their research beyond the university.

What all of this means is that very few PhD experiences are just about researching and writing up a thesis.

The likelihood is that you’ll also do some (or all) of the following during your PhD:

The work is usually paid and is increasingly accompanied by formal training and evaluation.

Conference presentation

As a PhD student you’ll be at the cutting edge of your field, doing original research and producing new results. This means that your work will be interest to other scholars and that your results could be worth presenting at academic conferences .

Doing this is very worthwhile, whatever your career plans. You’ll develop transferrable skills in public speaking and presenting, gain feedback on your results and begin to be recognised as an expert in your area.

Conferences are also great places to network with other students and academics.

Publication

As well as presenting your research, you may also have the opportunity to publish work in academic journals, books, or other media. This can be a challenging process.

Your work will be judged according to the same high standards as any other scholar’s and will normally go through extensive peer review processes. But it’s also highly rewarding. Seeing your work ‘in print’ is an incredible validation of your PhD research and a definite boost to your academic CV.

Public engagement and communication

Academic work may be associated with the myth of the ‘ivory tower’ – an insular community of experts focussing on obscure topics of little interest outside the university. But this is far from the case. More and more emphasis is being placed on the ‘impact’ of research and its wider benefits to the public – with funding decisions being made accordingly.

Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand at public engagement as a PhD student. Universities are often involved in local events and initiatives to communicate the benefits of their research, ranging from workshops in local schools to public lectures and presentations.

Some PhD programmes include structured training in order to help students with activities such as the above. Your supervisor may also be able to help by identifying suitable conferences and public engagement opportunities, or by involving you in appropriate university events and public engagement initiatives.

These experiences will be an important part of your development as a researchers - and will enhance the value of your PhD regardless of your career plans.

What is a PhD for – and who should study one?

So, you know what a PhD actually is, what’s involved in completing one and what you might get up to whilst you do. That just leaves one final question: should you do a PhD?

Unfortunately, it’s not a question we can answer for you.

A PhD is difficult and uniquely challenging. It requires at least three years of hard work and dedication after you’ve already completed an undergraduate degree (and probably a Masters degree too).

You’ll need to support yourself during those years and, whilst you will be building up an impressive set of skills, you won’t be directly progressing in a career.

But a PhD is also immensely rewarding. It’s your chance to make a genuine contribution to the sum of human knowledge and produce work that other researchers can (and will) build on in future. However obscure your topic feels, there’s really no such thing as a useless PhD.

A PhD is also something to be incredibly proud of. A proportionately tiny number of people go on to do academic work at this level. Whatever you end up doing after your doctorate you’ll have an impressive qualification – and a title to match. What’s more, non-academic careers and professions are increasingly recognising the unique skills and experience a PhD brings.

Other PhDs - do degree titles matter?

The PhD is the oldest and most common form of higher research degree, but a few alternatives are available. Some, such as the DPhil are essentially identical to a PhD. Others, such as the Professional Doctorate or DBA are slightly different. You can find out more in our guide to types of PhD .

Is a PhD for me?

There’s more advice on the value of a PhD – and good reasons for studying one – elsewhere in this section. But the following are some quick tips if you’re just beginning to consider a PhD.

Speak to your lecturers / tutors

The best people to ask about PhD study are people who’ve earned one. Ask staff at your current or previous university about their experience of doctoral research – what they enjoyed, what they didn’t and what their tips might be.

If you’re considering a PhD for an academic career, ask about that too. Are job prospects good in your field? And what’s it really like to work at a university?

Speak to current PhD students

Want to know what it’s like studying a PhD right now? Or what it’s like doing research at a particular university? Ask someone who knows.

Current PhD students were just like you a year or two ago and most will be happy to answer questions.

If you can’t get in touch with any students ‘face to face’, pop over to the Postgraduate Forum – you’ll find plenty of students there who are happy to chat about postgraduate research.

Take a look at advertised projects and programmes

This may seem like a strange suggestion. After all, you’re only going to study one PhD, so what’s the point of reading about lots of others?

Well, looking at the details of different PhD projects is a great way to get a general sense of what PhD research is like. You’ll see what different PhDs tend to have in common and what kinds of unique opportunity might be available to you.

And, with thousands of PhDs in our database , you’re already in a great place to start.

Read our other advice articles

Finally, you can also check out some of the other advice on the FindAPhD website. We’ve looked at some good (and bad) reasons for studying a PhD as well as the value of a doctorate to different career paths.

More generally, you can read our in-depth look at a typical PhD journey , or find out more about specific aspects of doctoral study such as working with a supervisor or writing your dissertation .

We add new articles all the time – the best way to stay up to date is by signing up for our free PhD opportunity newsletter .

Ready to find your PhD?

Head on over to our PhD search listings to learn what opportunities are on offer within your discipline.

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What happens during a typical PhD, and when? We've summarised the main milestones of a doctoral research journey.

The PhD thesis is the most important part of a doctoral degree. This page will introduce you to what you need to know about the PhD dissertation.

This page will give you an idea of what to expect from your routine as a PhD student, explaining how your daily life will look at you progress through a doctoral degree.

Our guide tells you everything about the application process for studying a PhD in the USA.

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Popular Posts

Applied Doctorate vs. Ph.D.: What are the Differences?

Making a choice between two similar but different things can be a challenge.

Oh, sure, some things don’t fall under the “do-or-die” category of decision making. With some things, there simply is no wrong choice.

Take a sports car versus an SUV, for example. Either is a great choice, depending on your budget, your lifestyle and your personal preferences.

What about an angus beef burger versus a textured soy protein patty? When it comes to radically opposing food choices, there’s usually a clear-cut winner.

Yet what about the more important things in life … like your career, your future and your doctoral education?

You already know the drill when it comes to deciding if a Ph.D. or doctorate is right for you:

• Investigate each type of degree program.
• Make a list of personal and professional pros and cons for each type of degree.
• Seek the wise counsel of colleagues, academic advisors and professional mentors.
• Make a confident decision about which degree is right for.

But first, let’s define the Ph.D. and the professional doctorate and then look at how they’re different from one another.

What is a Ph.D.?

A Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy, is a high-level degree earned after a period of three or more years of graduate-level study, culminating in the creation, submission, presentation and defense of a research dissertation.

The Ph.D. can be awarded in a wide variety of fields, including the sciences, engineering and humanities. The term “philosophy,” according to Wikipedia, “does not refer solely to the field or academic disciple of philosophy, but is used in a broader sense in accordance with its original Greek meaning, which is ‘love of wisdom.’”

For some professions, such as university professor or researcher, the Ph.D. is pretty much de rigueur. Most Ph.D.s are earned as a means of contributing original research findings to an academic community, field of study or professional discipline.

Earning a doctorate is challenging and rewarding, but do you know what to really expect? Download this free guide for tips and insights to help you prepare for success.  

What is an applied professional doctorate.

This doctorate is an advanced, high-level degree, too, earned after a period of three or more years of graduate-level study across a wide variety of disciplines. Like the Ph.D. it, too, culminates in the creation, submission, presentation and defense of a research dissertation or similar type of comprehensive final project.

The professional doctorate is also a research-based degree, only it emphasizes looking at existing bodies of knowledge and raising questions for the purposes of solving a problem and applying theories to a real-world setting.

Applied doctorate degrees first became well established in the United Kingdom and Australia and were initially offered in the United States by for-profit colleges and universities. Employer demand for higher skill levels and actionable problem-solving, however, opened up new programs at accredited non-profit institutions.

Different than a theoretical, Ph.D. degree, the professional doctorate is often the best terminal degree for the working professional who’s driven to lead and innovate.

Applied doctoral degree programs offer the opportunity to earn a practical degree that enables both subject mastery and field application.

What is the difference between the Ph.D. and doctorate?

It’s often assumed that a Ph.D. is a teaching-only degree while a professional doctorate is for the corporate player. The truth is, either degree can be valued in an academic or professional setting, depending on the type of institution or organization. Furthermore, either degree could be right for you.

Dr. Christopher Washington, Franklin University’s provost and chief academic officer explains the fundamental difference between the Ph.D. and the applied professional doctorate degree this way:

“With a Ph.D., you generate new theory. With the professional doctorate, you start from a place of practice and what’s going on in the world. You look at existing bodies of knowledge to see what theories have been created. Then you raise questions to determine how to design experiences that test theory to practice. In cultivating these types of practitioner-oriented scholars, there’s potential for a stronger and better relationship between the scholar and the community he or she serves. Such a connection helps us convene people to tackle the hard questions.”

Here we offer a side-by-side comparison of the Ph.D. and the professional doctorate to further demonstrate the differences (and similarities):

As you can see, the differences between the Ph.D. and the applied doctorate are few – and many – most of which are directly related to how earning the degree will impact your career.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself before deciding which degree is right for you :

• Do you want to conduct research or analyze and apply it?
• Do you want to work in an academic or professional setting?
• Do you want to identify problems or lead solutions to them?

Explains Dr. Washington, “If you want to generate new theory and conduct pure science within the pursuit of an academic life, then the Ph.D. is probably more in line with what you’ll need. If, however, you want to advance knowledge within a complex, global practice context while challenging yourself professionally, consider the applied doctorate degree.”

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Gain valuable insight from our collection of exclusive interviews with both current and past PhD students. Learn from their best advice, personal challenges and career path after completing their doctorate.

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What is a PhD?

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Table of contents

• Introduction

PhD admission requirements

Phd applications, can i apply for a phd without relevant qualifications, phds through mphil, starting a phd, alternatives to a phd, degrees higher than a phd.

Do you have a love of wisdom and a clear field of academic interest? If so, a PhD might be the right choice for you. But what is a PhD, and how can you get one?

PhD is short for Doctor of Philosophy. This is an academic or professional degree that, in most countries, qualifies the degree holder to teach their chosen subject at university level or to work in a specialized position in their chosen field.

The word ‘philosophy’ comes from the Ancient Greek philosophia , literally translated as ‘love of wisdom’. It originally signified an individual who had achieved a comprehensive general education in the fundamental issues of the present world. Today, the Doctor of Philosophy still requires a love of wisdom but applies to individuals who have pursued knowledge in a much more specialized field.     

A PhD is a globally recognized postgraduate academic degree awarded by universities and higher education institutions to a candidate who has submitted a thesis or dissertation, based on extensive and original research in their chosen field. The specificities of PhD degrees vary depending on where you are and what subject you’re studying.

In general, however, the PhD is the highest level of degree a student can achieve (with some exceptions). It usually follows a master’s degree, although some institutions also allow students to progress straight to a PhD from their bachelor’s degree. Some institutions also offer the opportunity to ‘upgrade’ or ‘fast-track’ your master’s degree to a PhD, provided you are deemed to possess the necessary grades, knowledge, skills and research abilities.

Traditionally, a PhD involves three to four years of full-time study in which the student completes a substantial piece of original research presented as a thesis or dissertation. Some PhD programs accept a portfolio of published papers, while some countries require coursework to be submitted as well.

Students must also complete a ‘viva voce’ or oral defense of their PhD. This can be with just a small number of examiners, or in front of a large examination panel (both usually last between one to three hours). While PhD students are traditionally expected to study on campus under close supervision, distance education and e-learning schemes have meant a growing number of universities are now accepting part-time and distance-learning PhD students. 

Generally speaking,   PhD admission requirements   relate to the candidate’s grades (usually at both bachelor’s level and master’s level) and their potential research capabilities. Most institutions require that candidates hold an honors degree or a master’s degree with high academic standing, along with a bachelor’s degree with at least upper second-class honors. In some cases, you can also apply for a PhD simply on the basis of your master’s degree grades. Grades-based PhD admission requirements may also be based on the type of funding you will be using – you may be able apply with lower grades if you self-fund your PhD (read more on PhD funding  here ).

Some institutions and subjects (such as psychology and some humanities and science subjects) stipulate that you must find a tenured professor in your chosen institution to serve as your formal advisor and supervisor throughout your PhD program before you can be formally accepted into the program. In other cases, you will be assigned a supervisor based on your research subject and methodology once you have been accepted into the PhD program.

Either way, it is a good idea to approach a faculty member in your chosen institution before applying for a PhD, in order for them to determine whether your research interests align well with the department, and perhaps even help you to brainstorm PhD research options.

Language proficiency

Some PhD applications require proof of proficiency in the language in which you intend to study. You can either provide the results of an approved standardized language exam or show evidence of having completed undergraduate or postgraduate study in the relevant language.

Employment/academic references

Some institutions may also ask for a record of your employment such as a résumé, and/or all your academic transcripts, including details of course modules and module content as part of your PhD application. Details of other research projects you have completed and any publications you have been featured in can also help your application.

Many PhD applicants are also asked to provide references from two or three people who know them well in an academic setting, such as their undergraduate or postgraduate tutors or professors. These references must have a particular focus on your academic performance, coursework and research abilities, your research potential and your interest in your chosen field of study.

Personal statements

Many institutions ask for a personal statement - a short essay which you can use to demonstrate your passion for your chosen subject. You can outline your reasons for wanting to study a PhD, personal motivations for doing so, any extracurricular activities that are particularly relevant or should be highlighted, and any flexibility in your chosen area(s) of research. If you need help, many institutions have a guide to personal statements on their website, which can also help you tailor your personal statement to each institution.

PhD research proposals

Finally, in order to be considered for a place on a PhD program, applicants are expected to submit a PhD research proposal. A research proposal:

• Outlines your proposed research topics in the context of previous work,
• Highlights your awareness of current debates within the field,
• Demonstrates a suitable level of analysis,
• Identifies relevant gaps in current knowledge,
• Suggests a relevant research hypothesis to fill some of these gaps,
• Explains your intended research methodology in sufficient detail,
• Discusses the implications to real-world policy that your PhD proposal may invite.

This will help admissions tutors to assess your aptitude for PhD research, and also to determine whether your research interests align with their own research priorities and available facilities. They will also consider whether they have the relevant staff to provide you sufficient supervisory expertise.

For this reason in particular, it is important to research institutions thoroughly before applying for a PhD. Not only will you be happier if your research interests fit in with those of your chosen institution, but institutions may be forced to reject your application simply on the basis of discrepancies between their research interests and yours. Note that this initial research proposal is not necessarily binding – it is usually a starting point from which to further develop your research idea.

Some subject areas (such as science and engineering) do not ask for original research proposals. Instead, the institution presents a selection of PhD research projects which are formulated by the supervisor(s) concerned and peer reviewed. This may be done at a certain time of year or year-round, depending on the institution. Students can then submit a statement demonstrating a clear understanding of the research to be undertaken and their suitability to undertake it.

These PhD research projects may also have been formulated in consultation with another organization that may provide funding/scholarships for the successful candidate. These pre-defined PhD projects are less common in arts, humanities and social sciences subjects, where it’s more common for students to submit their own proposals.

If you wish to do a PhD but do not have the relevant qualifications or their equivalent, you may still be able to apply for a PhD program by fulfilling additional requirements as stipulated by your institution of choice. Some possible requirements could be to undertake specified extra study or passing a qualifying examination.

You may also be able to make a special case to your chosen institution, either on the basis of a non-degree professional qualification and considerable practical experience, or on the basis of foreign qualifications. Special case PhD applications will require the strong backing of your potential supervisor, so you will need to seek his/her advice and support before applying in this manner.

Another option available for potential PhD candidates is to apply as a general research student or for an  MPhil degree . This is a common path taken by PhD candidates. The MPhil is an advanced master’s degree awarded for research and can be suitable for students who do not have a strong research background. You will be required to take some taught courses to get you up to speed with things like research methods.

The successful completion of a one-year taught program may lead to the award of the MRes degree, which includes more taught components than the MPhil and can be awarded in lieu of a PhD for students who have not completed the required period of study for a PhD. Alternatively, the successful completion of original research may lead to the award of the MPhil degree, which can be awarded without the candidate having to present a defense of their dissertation (a requirement to achieve a PhD).

If, after the first or second year of your research (i.e. during your MPhil), the institution is satisfied with the progress of your work, you may then be able to apply for full PhD registration. Usually, your supervisor or tutor will be in charge of determining whether you are ready to progress to a PhD. If you’re deemed to be ready, you will then need to develop a title for your thesis and choose your PhD program.

When registration has been completed you should be officially informed of: your supervisor(s) and their area(s) of expertise; the topic or field of PhD research for which you have been accepted; the minimum length of time required before submission of your thesis; the formal assessment methods preferred by the institution.

Most institutions will also provide you with a comprehensive list of provisions and available facilities for PhD and research students at the university. They will also include a detailed outline of the milestones you must reach on your journey to achieve a PhD. Your supervisor will be in charge of going through these milestones with you, making reports on your progress, and advising you on your next steps. You will need to make adequate progress each year in order to continue your PhD studies.

When looking for PhD programs, keep in mind that there are several types of degrees which have the term “doctor” in their title, such as the Juris Doctor (common in the US, Canada, Australia, Mexico and parts of Asia), the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) or the Doctor of Pharmacy (DPharm) and the US and Canada version of the Doctor of Medicine (MD).

These degrees are generally not classified as PhDs as they lack that vital component that really defines the PhD: academic research. These other types of doctorate degrees are instead referred to as entry-level doctorate degrees. Candidates who wish to pursue a PhD may do so afterwards, and this may be known as a ‘post-professional doctorate’.

Neither the JD nor the US/Canada MD programs universally require students to complete a specified academic research component in order to be awarded the degree title. However, there are also many research degrees, such as the MD, which conduct scholarly research (medical in the case of the MD) which is published in peer-reviewed journals. This makes them very similar to PhDs, and some countries consider them equivalent. Some institutions therefore offer combined professional and research training degrees, such as the MD-PhD dual program, which is useful for medical professionals looking to pursue a research career.

In addition to various degrees which may be considered equivalent to a PhD, there are also some ‘higher doctorate’ courses considered to be a step above the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These are most common in UK universities and in some European countries, although they are increasingly awarded as honorary degrees. The US does not have a system of higher doctorates and offer the titles solely as honorary degrees. Honorary degrees are sometimes signified by adding ‘hc’ (for  honoris causa ) to the end of the degree title.

Some higher doctorate degrees include:

• Doctor of Science (DS/SD): Awarded in recognition of a substantial and sustained contribution to scientific knowledge beyond that required for a PhD.
• Doctor of Literature/Letters (DLit/DLitt/LitD): Awarded in recognition of achievement in the humanities or for original contribution to the creative arts.
• Doctor of Divinity (DD): Awarded above the Doctor of Theology (DTh), usually to recognize the recipient’s ministry-oriented accomplishments.
• Doctor of Music (DMus): Awarded in the UK, Ireland and some Commonwealth countries on the basis of a substantial portfolio of compositions and/or scholarly publications on music.
• Doctor of Civil Law (DCL): Highest doctorate excepting the DD, offered on the basis of exceptionally insightful and distinctive publications that contain significant and original contributions to the study of law or politics in general.

This article was first published in February 2014 and most recently updated in January 2020.

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• October 11, 2023
• Education Advice

Ph.D. vs. Doctorate: What are the Differences?

UOTP Marketing

For those who have a deep-seated attitude, pursuing a doctoral degree can be a tough yet beneficial journey. Currently enrolled in a doctorate program means that a person has already scooched over college admissions, went through high stake tests and exams, and finished all those research papers and long hours spent in university libraries hitting the books. While studying for a doctorate entails asserting oneself to an extensive amount of quality time and money , its significance and purpose usually pave the way to a lucrative end.

After having finished the Master’s Degree , students begin to think about their next step in their academic career. Then, paradoxically, while navigating through academia, they find themselves baffled by the immense terms and terminologies used to label specific degrees. Because the terms “Doctorate” and “Ph.D.” are somehow interlocked and overlap, and because “PhD” is sometimes used inconsistently, it can lead to considerable confusion. Ph.D. vs. Doctorate? You might wonder what their difference is, and why they are important. E xplaining what each of these terms stands for, the difference between them, and why they are valuable, can help you steer yourself down the right path from the outset.

Doctorate Degree vs. Ph.D.

At first glance, it is pretty easy to confuse these two terms. But it is important for everyone to be able to make a distinction between the two. In this article, we will discuss the difference between Ph.D. and Doctorate in detail in order to get rid of any confusion you may have. In the academic world, the terms Doctorate and Ph.D. are currently used interchangeably. Both of them are the top cap of the ladder. However, a doctorate is mostly used as an umbrella term covering many fields ranging from professional degrees, humanities, and scientific disciplines.

A Ph.D. or Doctor of Philosophy, on the other hand, is a subcategory of a doctoral degree, it is much more distinct and clear-cut and is usually narrower in nature encompassing only humanities and scientific fields. In plain English, when someone says they are enrolling on a doctoral degree, it means they are doing a Ph.D. in a specific field. So, technically, in common parlance, there is no difference between the two terms.

But at the other end of the spectrum, one should be careful not to confuse a professional doctoral degree with a Ph.D. The former is more practical and is designed to prepare students to apply existing knowledge to find solutions to real-life problems and has a direct application to a particular profession.

A Ph.D. is theoretical by nature and is more academic and research-focused. it is often fixed on disseminating knowledge by conducting authentic research which means reviewing and identifying gaps in current literature and evaluating the relevance of existing and emerging theories within a particular field.

What Is a Ph.D. Degree and Why Should You Go for It?

Students who acquire a Ph.D. are justly proud — they wear it as a badge of identity in the academic elite. Traditionally, a Ph.D. was associated with teaching, which from Latin licentia docendi meant “license to teach”. However, the concept of Ph.D. has been on shifting sands nowadays and has become a more general term that isn’t necessarily confined to teaching only.

The Value of a PhD

Obtaining a Ph.D. helps you capitalize on the emerging academic opportunities making you more easily identifiable to employers or businesses seeking to fill professional, higher-level job positions. Many of these career options, conversely, are not available to those who do not belong to the Ph.D. club. While pursuing a Ph.D. requires devoting a tremendous effort and time and making significant personal sacrifices pushing the boundaries of knowledge, it’s all in service of the area of study you’re most passionate and zealous about. Ultimately, once you’ve attained your Ph.D., you will have achieved the pinnacle of education— something not too many people have or are able to accomplish.

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A Guide to Choosing and Applying to Ph.D. Programs

Learn everything you need to know about selecting and applying to Ph.D. programs. Learn tips and tricks for a successful application and find your ideal program today!

What Is a Doctorate Degree?

A doctoral or doctorate degree is usually the most advanced degree one can earn in an academic discipline. Many pursue a doctorate degree to increase their professional credibility, be acknowledged as an expert in a specific field, and improve their resume.

A doctorate degree is a graduate-level credential that is usually earned after multiple years of graduate school. Earning a doctoral degree requires a significant level of research and work. In order to get this degree, one has to research a subject thoroughly, conduct new research and analysis, and provide a solution or interpretation into the field. But what types of doctoral degrees are available?

Types of Doctorate Degrees

There are two categories of doctorate degrees: an academic degree and a professional doctorate degree. An academic degree focuses on research, data analysis, and the evaluation of theory. A professional doctorate degree, on the other hand, is considered a terminal degree, which means that one has achieved the most advanced degree in the field. This degree is specifically designed for working professionals who want to grow in their careers.

Professional Doctorate Degrees

A professional doctorate is designed for working professionals who have experience in the field and want to increase their knowledge, improve their credibility, and advance their careers. This degree focuses on applying research to practical issues, coming up with interpretation and solutions, as well as designing effective professional practices within a particular field.

Professional doctoral degrees include:

Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)

The DBA degree is ideal for students who already have a general business background and are interested in delving deeper into the practical and theoretical aspects that underpin business education. More to the point, in DBA you will develop the ability to solve real-life problems, discover the relevant expertise to innovate and uphold complex business issues and so much more. Upon completion, DBA students will possess enhanced leadership and strategic skills as well as the tools to propel their careers in today’s marketplace. The Business Administration industry is keen on finding such graduates with business skills and this is indicated by the immense job positions currently available.

Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)

If you are interested in setting your eyes on creating lifelong learning among your students, making a positive influence in educational culture, contributing to the growing body of research in the education realm , or just enhancing your subject matter expertise, the Doctor of Education program ticks all the boxes. This degree maintains a rigorous approach in academic education that prepares graduates to showcase the skills and expertise to devise solutions in tackling the challenges in contemporary education practice and become transformational leaders in the industry.

Doctor of Computer Science (DCS)

The demand for computer scientists has reached its peak and it is among the most sought-after positions nowadays. With a degree in DCS, you will have the opportunity to design, apply innovative experiments, predict trends and, ultimately, develop a richer understanding and contribute to your area of expertise. After all, who doesn’t want an exciting and financially stable career?

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Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)

The Doctor of Medicine degree is designed to prepare you for various medical challenges in different settings nationally and internationally. This program will further develop your critical thinking and clinical reasoning skills required for safe, high-quality medical practices. It will also improve your leadership, communication, and teamwork skills for collaborative patient care.

Doctor of Optometry (O.D.)

This professional degree typically requires four years of study. It focuses on basic biological sciences such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, neuroanatomy, and so on. This doctoral degree will prepare, educate, and train professionals to practice at the highest level of proficiency, professionalism, and integrity.

Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)

The Doctoral of Psychology degree concentrates on the clinical and applied aspects of psychology. This type of doctorate prepares students for professional practice and clinical placement. This degree will be highly beneficial when working directly with patients who need psychology services. In addition, this degree allows doctors of psychology to confidently function as researchers and clinicians.

How to Choose a Ph.D. Program?

Choosing a Ph.D. program can be pretty challenging; it is a big academic decision and investment that requires commitment and perseverance. But how can you pick the right Ph.D. program for you? Well, there are some tips to help you choose the best fit for your goals and preferences:

• Think about the reasons why you want a Ph.D., what you expect to gain from it, and whether it is compatible with your professional goals.
• Consider your research environment.
• Take your time to research, compare, and consider multiple opportunities carefully.
• Pick a subject that interests and motivates you but is also practical.
• Ask your professors and other scholars in the field for advice.

All in all, the terms “Doctorate’’ and “Ph.D.” are in essence the same, which means all Ph.D. students are Doctoral students as well. On the other hand, earning a Ph.D. degree is no joke. If anything, Ph.D. students have the tenacity, patience, persistence, and years of hard work that you can vouch for. Ultimately, deciding what type of doctoral degree you should hop on, depends on your career goals, what you are passionate about and how you are going to achieve it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a doctorate and a ph.d..

In academic contexts, the terms “Doctorate” and “Ph.D.” are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction. A Doctorate is an umbrella term covering a wide range of fields, including professional degrees, humanities, and scientific disciplines. A Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy, is a specific type of doctoral degree, typically focused on research and academic pursuits in the humanities and scientific fields.

Why should I pursue a Ph.D.?

Pursuing a Ph.D. can be a valuable endeavor, as it opens up academic and research opportunities, enhances your expertise in a specific field, and makes you more attractive to employers seeking candidates for high-level positions. It’s a chance to push the boundaries of knowledge and become an expert in your chosen study area.

What are the benefits of a professional doctorate?

Professional doctorate degrees, such as Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), are designed for working professionals who want to apply research to practical issues in their field. These degrees can enhance your career prospects, leadership skills, and problem-solving abilities within your profession.

How do I choose the right Ph.D. program?

To choose the right Ph.D. program, consider your career goals, research environment, and personal interests. Take your time to research and compare programs, seek advice from professors and experts in your field, and ensure that the program aligns with your professional aspirations.

What are the main differences between academic and professional doctorate degrees?

Academic doctorate degrees focus on research, theory evaluation, and data analysis, often leading to careers in academia or research. Professional doctorate degrees are more practical, designed for working professionals, and concentrate on applying research to real-world problems within a specific field.

Can I earn a Ph.D. in any field?

Ph.D. programs are available in various fields, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, and more. However, the specific availability of Ph.D. programs may vary by field and university.

Is a Ph.D. a challenging journey?

Yes, pursuing a Ph.D. can be a challenging journey that requires dedication, patience, and years of hard work. It involves conducting original research, writing a dissertation, and often teaching or assisting in courses. It’s a significant commitment, but it can be highly rewarding.

What are the potential career opportunities after earning a Ph.D.?

With a Ph.D., you can pursue careers in academia as a professor or researcher, work in research and development roles in various industries, or take on leadership positions in organizations. The specific career path will depend on your field of study and personal interests.

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• Jul 22, 2022
• 11 min read

Is a PhD Worth It? The Pros and Cons of Getting a Doctorate

To get a PhD or not to get a PhD? That is the question.

Valerie David

Lifestyle and Career Expert

Reviewed by Hayley Ramsey

Entering the job market for the first time can be a stressful experience, especially if you don't feel completely prepared. When deciding how to take those first steps toward your ultimate career , and how to give yourself a chance at the best jobs, you may find yourself asking: “Should I do a PhD?”.

While academics looking forward to a life of learning may consider this a no-brainer, there are important factors for everyone to consider. Finances, job prospects and quality of life issues can greatly affect the success of furthering your education.

To help you decide if the time and effort of a PhD is worth it, here are the major benefits and disadvantages of getting that doctorate.

After four or more years of intellectual pursuits, adding a PhD may seem like overkill. Before you make your choice, let's look at all the benefits that are exclusive to earning the most advanced degree.

1. You can contribute new knowledge to the world

Embarking on a PhD programme means delving into your preferred subject in a much deeper way than you have in any of your previous studies. The beauty of this advanced degree is that it allows you to sail in uncharted waters. Your goal is to find new information, draw new conclusions and, hopefully, make a significant contribution to your field.

Your intensive research, travel, collaboration and study will lead you on an unpredictable path to telling a story that no one has heard before. For some students, this pursuit of knowledge and discovery is enough to make all the hard work of earning a PhD worth it.

2. You'll have access to more prestigious jobs

One of the key benefits of a PhD is that it opens doors to careers at the highest levels. This can include leadership positions in science and engineering, government roles in economics and political science, and prestigious teaching posts for English and arts majors. Even if an advanced degree isn't required for the job you want, that PhD can give you an extra air of authority in your field and an edge over other candidates.

Another obvious upside to continuing your postgraduate studies is that landing these powerful positions can lead to large financial rewards. Some areas of study, like medicine and the law, tend to be more lucrative, but it can also depend on the type of job. For example, a university professor or researcher post can pay well for a wide variety of disciplines. Check out sites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Careers Service to investigate potential salaries.

3. Employers look for candidates with your superior writing skills

A study arranged by the National Commission on Writing discovered that blue-chip businesses (long-standing companies with stable stock growth) are spending more than $3 billion a year on remedial writing course for current employees. This includes staff with undergraduate degrees.

So, when a hiring manager peruses your résumé and sees that you've earned a PhD, they'll know immediately that you've spent years honing your skills at compiling research, organizing mountains of data and writing about your results in a cohesive and persuasive way. This will clearly set you apart from your competition, while landing your dream job will prove that pursuing that advanced degree was worth it.

4. You'll improve on all your soft skills

While pursuing your undergraduate degree, you likely noticed that you were learning more than just the subject matter taught in each class. Completing your studies also required time management skills , focus and problem solving .

Getting a doctorate degree requires even more of the soft skills that employers look for in applicants . Your intensive study and finished thesis should lead to improvements in your problem solving, critical thinking , patience and adaptability . These desirable skills won't just help you land a job but also excel in whatever career you choose to pursue .

5. You'll collect an extensive network of professional colleagues

When weighing the pros and cons of earning a PhD, consider all the professional contacts you'll make during the course of your studies. Working closely with professors, department heads, experts in your field, as well as fellow researchers, helps you develop an important resource. This network of colleagues can provide continual assistance with references, job leads, career advice and collaboration.

6. You can wait for a more favorable job market

Job prospects may not look that promising when you've completed your undergraduate degree, or even after you've been in the workforce for a few years. While there's no guarantee things will improve after a delay, some students may appreciate the benefit of a steady graduate assistant salary while they work on enhancing their résumé with a doctorate.

If you couldn't get a good internship during or after your undergrad studies, the PhD work also gives you the time to build that professional network . These contacts could prove to be the key to breaking into a specialized or highly competitive field.

You may still be thinking about all that time and commitment and wondering, “Is a PhD worth it?”. While there are always positive results from improving your education, there are some downsides to getting your doctorate.

1. It's expensive

This is a substantial factor for many students when weighing the merits of pursuing a PhD versus entering the job market right away. If you already have student loans , continuing your education will just increase your burden and add substantial pressure when you eventually begin your job search.

If cost is a concern, investigate graduate assistant jobs that help with expenses. Some programmes offer tuition assistance in return for teaching or research work. For those who already work full time and are hoping a PhD will help them advance in their career, consider keeping that job and pursuing your studies on a part-time basis.

2. Getting a PhD can be a lonely experience

Despite your interactions with professors and other students, pursuing a doctoral degree is ultimately a solitary pursuit. Your thesis topic is unique to you, and you'll spend a lot of time alone doing research and writing. Your social life can suffer, especially if you're also working in addition to your studies.

Career experts often talk about the necessity of work-life balance for physical and mental health, and this is just as important for PhD students as anyone else. It may take you a little longer to complete your degree, but it's worth taking the time to visit family and hang out with your friends. These positive interactions can help you stay motivated through the most tedious parts of your work.

3. You'll experience extreme stress and frustration

Pursuing a PhD may seem like a noble and interesting endeavor, and extended life as a student can appear more attractive than wading into the job market. You must be aware, however, that getting a doctorate can be a very stressful and frustrating experience.

A topic that seemed intriguing at first may not live up to years of scrutiny, causing boredom at best or requiring a complete thesis change at worst. Not all programmes are well-run, either, and you may have a supervisor who is too critical, offers poor advice or is just unavailable and unhelpful.

The difficulties of a PhD programme lead to rather substantial dropout rates. In the US alone, only 57% of PhD students obtained their degree within a decade of enrolling. If you want to be in the successful half of those stats, take extra time to review your choice of supervisor and topic focus. Ask every professor you have for advice on making the right decisions and talk with current graduate students to see what their experience has been.

4. There may be limited job openings

While getting a PhD can qualify you for better and higher-paying jobs , it can also put you in a position where you're competing for an extremely limited number of job openings. This is especially true of university jobs, where the number of advanced degree graduates far outpaces the need for full-time instructors, researchers and administrators.

Earning your PhD with a very obscure thesis in a niche speciality can also limit your options. When there are only a handful of jobs that suit your expertise, and they're already occupied, it can make you feel that your doctorate was a waste of time. Consider the job market before you make decisions about getting another degree. If you're determined to study in a niche area, think ahead of time about related fields or industries where your knowledge and skills will also prove useful to employers.

5. There may be little to no financial reward

While most studies concur that having a PhD increases your income potential substantially over the lifetime of your career, it's not a guarantee of job security or a financial windfall. A study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that 5 years after earning their doctorates , 45% of grads in Germany were still on temporary contracts and 13% ended up in lowly occupations.

Other European countries, including Slovakia, Belgium and Spain, had similar results. In the US, in fields like engineering, the difference in pay scales between employees with a master's degree and a PhD was a mere 7%. When that small bump in salary is weighed against the amount of debt taken on in order to get your degree, you may decide it's not worth it.

6. You could lose out on valuable job experience

New forms of technology continue to change how organizations operate, and those changes can happen fast. If you've already spent several years in school, toiling away in solitary study of obscure subjects can cause you to fall further behind in learning the skills you'll actually need for a future career.

Before you invest in getting a PhD, research your chosen field and learn which type of degree will give you the most value. Many scientific, financial and computing careers rely more on skills acquired on the job, rather than in coursework that can quickly become outdated.

Questions to ask yourself

You’ve listed out the pros and cons, but that still may not be enough to help make your decision. When it comes to a life-altering change like getting a doctorate, it’s okay to take enough time to ask yourself specific questions to ensure you’re making the right move. Consider asking yourself the following:

• Why do I want to get a PhD?
• Do I have the pre-requisites to move forward to a PhD?
• What are my strengths and limitations?
• Am I financially prepared?
• Am I mentally prepared?
• How will this affect my relationship with my family or friends?
• Where will I study?
• What am I trying to achieve?
• What jobs will be available to me after I get my PhD?
• Are there other options or avenues to consider?

Unfortunately, you may not have the answer to every one of these questions, because let’s face it, you don’t know what you don’t know. You might not know how it will affect your relationship with family or friends, but why not ask them? Reach out to those closest to you and see how you pursuing this degree could trickle down to them and allow that to play into your decision. Evaluate the answers to these questions and use it to help you make an educated decision on your future moving forward.

The best PhD degrees

If you’ve weighed out the pros and cons, asked all the important questions, and now you’re set on getting your PhD, congratulations! To help you along the way, let’s look at a list of the most valuable PhD programs to start you on your way to this degree.

• Criminal Justice
• Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Business Administration

These fields are rapidly growing and are among the highest-paying doctorate degrees in 2022 , so they might be worth considering as you start your journey.

Key takeaways

Pursuing your PhD requires an incredible amount of commitment, and it's important to take the necessary time to make the decision. As you’re evaluating a doctorate degree, remember the following:

• Evaluate the pros and cons list right from the beginning to ensure you’re weighing out both sides of the coin.
• Ask yourself the necessary questions. A doctorate degree commitment can affect more than just you, so be sure you’re factoring that into your decision.
• Review specifically which PhD would be best for you and your field progression.
• Research your chosen field carefully and evaluate the job market before you finalize your degree choice.
• Once you’ve selected your degree, stay focused and stay driven. It’s going to be a hard few years, but it will be worth the work!

Who knows, this may prompt you to move on to postgraduate study — never stop achieving!

Have you decided to pursue your PhD, or are you still considering your options? Join us in the comments below and let us know what’s stopping or encouraging you from getting a PhD.

Originally published on July 24, 2019. Updated by Shalie Reich.

Continuing Education

Courses and Qualifications

What is a PhD Degree? [2024 Guide]

As you’re taking a look at potential grad school programs, you might be asking yourself, “What is a PhD degree?”

Understanding what a PhD is and what’s involved in earning one can help you decide whether to enroll in this type of doctoral program. You might decide that a PhD is a strategic step for you to take to further your career.

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If you choose to pursue a PhD, you’ll be glad to know that you can also earn this type of degree online through an accredited university.

What Is a PhD Degree?

After earning a bachelors degree and a masters degree, you may be considering taking your education even further.

The next step for you might be a Doctor of Philosophy degree, better known as a PhD. As a terminal degree, a PhD can set you apart as an expert in your field. Earning a doctoral degree is not a small undertaking. The process includes multiple steps and can last for several years.

Components of a Ph.D. degree program often include:

• Advanced courses in your chosen field
• Classes in research methods, data analysis, and scholarly writing
• Examination of current literature and studies related to your field
• Oral or written comprehensive exams
• Original research project—includes writing and defending a major paper about your research

The dissertation, sometimes known as a thesis, is usually the part of a PhD program that takes the longest. During the dissertation process, you’ll work under the supervision of a faculty advisor, often someone whose research interests correlate with yours. You’ll design a research project, carry it out, and write about your findings. This project is meant to contribute new ideas to your field.

A PhD is particularly suitable for students who love school settings and want to pursue academic careers. For instance, professors often have PhDs. It’s also common for scientists and other researchers to hold this type of degree. Outside of  academia, a PhD could set you apart as a knowledgeable leader in your field.

Benefits of a PhD Degree

Getting your PhD can be an incredible personal goal worth achieving. Plus, a degree at this level can offer many professional benefits, such as:

• Career advancement . As a person with a PhD, you may be considered an expert in your field. That could help qualify you for a variety of top roles within your line of work.
• Higher earnings . A job promotion or a new employer might offer you a higher salary.
• Networking . You can meet new people and build professional connections as you work toward a PhD.
• Preparation for becoming a professor . Universities typically prefer to hire faculty members who hold PhDs in their area of expertise.
• Research opportunities . Before you can earn your PhD, it’s necessary to complete an original research project called a dissertation. After completing your degree, you may have additional opportunities to contribute research to your field.

If you’re willing to put in the work, then getting your PhD could be worth the effort.

How to Know If a PhD Is Right for Me

Before you sign up for a PhD program, it’s helpful to carefully weigh the decision and make sure it’s the right choice for you. You might ask yourself the following questions:

• Am I willing to commit years to the process ? PhDs take at least 3 years, and most take longer than that.
• Do I want to carry out original research ? This is a research-focused degree, and the purpose is to contribute new ideas or theories to your field.
• Does an academic career interest me ? Many people get PhDs because they want to work in higher education as teachers or researchers. Those who plan to remain as practitioners often consider professional doctorates instead.

It can also be helpful to speak with faculty members and current students to get a feel for what you can expect from PhD studies.

Applying for a Ph.D: Education Requirements

It’s necessary to put in years of study before you can apply for a PhD program. Most students need to hold at least two degrees already. But, in some cases, one may be sufficient.

• Bachelor’s degree . All graduate programs require students to have earned a four-year undergraduate degree before enrolling in advanced studies. Most PhD programs don’t specify that your bachelors degree must be in the same field as your hoped-for doctoral studies, but it can help you move through a graduate-level program with more ease.
• Master’s degree . Colleges often expect students to have earned a master’s degree before applying for PhD studies, but some programs do allow students straight out of bachelor’s degree programs. Doing a master’s degree first can provide strong preparation for the advanced coursework, research, and writing that are required in doctoral programs.

It is often required that the degrees you have be from accredited colleges. It may also be necessary to meet a minimum GPA requirement, such as a score of 3.0 or higher. Some colleges prefer PhD applicants who have graduated from previous programs with honors.

Doctor of Philosophy: Admissions Requirements

Doctoral programs can be quite selective about whom they admit because they’re looking for capable students who can keep up with the demands of the program and contribute valuable new research to the field.

In addition to meeting the education requirements, you’ll also be required to turn in records that demonstrate your academic potential. Here are some common admissions requirements:

• College transcripts and professional resume
• Letters of recommendation from people who know you academically or professionally
• Statement about relevant background, research interests, or professional goals
• Proposal that presents the original research project you’d be interested in doing
• Scores from the GRE or GMAT (not always required)

You might also connect with the department’s faculty members and find someone who would be willing to serve as your academic supervisor for your dissertation. It’s beneficial for this person’s research interests to align with your own.

Some schools have you do this before admission, and others connect admitted students to supervisors later in the enrollment process.

What Does PhD Stand For?

PhD stands for “Doctor of Philosophy.” It doesn’t mean that you’ve studied philosophy at the highest levels. Rather, the word “philosophy” in the name refers back to ancient Greek. It implies that you are someone who loves and seeks wisdom and knowledge.

You can get a PhD in many different subject areas—such as a Doctor of Philosophy in Mathematics or a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology. PhD students explore their chosen field of study in great depth. They also learn how to conduct original research, and they undertake major research projects. By graduation, they are considered experts in their fields.

What Do You Learn in a Doctoral Degree?

In a PhD program, you’ll learn about your chosen area of study, such as biology or sociology. You will also study a niche area within that field in great depth.

Research is a significant topic in any PhD program. Your courses might include topics on:

• Advanced statistics
• Dissertation preparation
• Literature review
• Quantitative and qualitative methods
• Research methodology

These research-focused classes may be tailored to your particular area of study, such as research methodology in the social sciences or advanced statistics in criminal justice research.

What Can You Do with a PhD Degree?

Many people earn PhD degrees because they want to teach at the college level. This degree is often required for tenured faculty positions at universities.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that most postsecondary teachers earn between $46,690 and $172,130 each year. Research scientists often hold PhDs as well. Examples include medical scientists, biochemists, and physicists.

Additionally, there are some career paths that require a doctorate for licensure. For instance, clinical and counseling psychologists usually need to receive training at the doctoral level before they can practice independently.

Do You Need a Masters to Get a PhD?

Whether you’ll need a masters before you can begin the PhD process will depend on the program you choose.

Many PhD programs require a master’s degree as an admissions requirement. Completing a master’s program can provide a strong research and writing foundation that can help you during this advanced program. Other programs, though, let students enroll with only a bachelors degree.

There might be additional classes required to prepare you for working at the graduate level, so it may take a bit longer to complete your studies. For more information on whether you need a master’s to get a PhD , you can consult the admissions requirements of each program you’re considering.

Can You Get a PhD Online?

There are many online PhD programs available for aspiring students looking for flexibility. Some PhD programs are offered entirely online. You can take all of your classes online, and you can also receive guidance from your faculty advisor and defend your dissertation from afar.

Other programs are mostly online but require some in-person experiences. You might be asked to come to campus for a week or two of intensive study. Also, you may be asked to show up in person for your dissertation defense. Either way, online PhD studies are often more accessible for working professionals than fully on-campus programs.

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?

Students often spend 3 to 5 years completing a PhD program. Online programs sometimes include features like year-round classes and short course terms that encourage quick completion.

The shortest PhD programs typically do not involve writing a dissertation. There may be a different final assignment, such as a capstone project, instead. You might be able to finish one of those programs in about 3 years. Not all students finish within 5 years. Some spend around a decade on this massive undertaking. Some PhD programs set an upper limit for completion, such as 7 or 8 years.

Is a PhD a Doctor?

People with PhDs are considered experts in their fields, and the degree includes “Doctor” in its name. For that reason, PhD holders often use the title “Doctor.” A college professor, for example, might go by Dr. Smith.

Even still, there’s a difference between MD vs. PhD. A person who holds a PhD is not a medical doctor. Medical doctors earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree before becoming licensed to practice medicine. In most contexts, though, people refer to professionals with PhDs as “doctors.”

What Jobs Can You Get with a PhD?

People with doctorate degrees work in both academia and professional practice. Being a college professor is quite popular among people who hold PhDs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that a PhD can also be helpful for obtaining jobs in higher education administration, particularly as a dean or a provost.

PhD graduates may work in research as well. Research jobs are available with colleges, government agencies, and private institutions. Researchers are needed in many different fields, including biology, mathematics, computer science, and economics. PhDs also help people rise to the top in their industries, perhaps as chief executives.

How Much Does a PhD Cost?

Some graduate schools charge just $300 to $400 per credit hour. Others may charge $2,000 per credit hour or more.

Per-credit-hour rates between $600 and $1,000 are quite common. It’s helpful to keep in mind that state universities often charge less for in-state residents than nonresidents. Your total number of credit hours may depend on how many years you spend working on your dissertation.

Some universities offer tuition-free PhD programs for qualifying participants. The students may even receive a stipend in exchange for research or teaching assistance. This arrangement is more common for on-campus programs than online ones.

What’s the Difference Between a Doctorate vs. PhD Degrees?

Is a PhD a doctorate degree ? For your terminal degree, you may have the choice between a PhD degree and a professional doctorate. While they are both doctoral degrees, they do have some differences.

Professional doctorates are sometimes a year or two quicker than PhDs, but that’s not always the case.

Is a PhD Worth It?

Yes, a PhD is worth it for many students. For one thing, holding a PhD could be the key to fulfilling your professional dreams.

If you want to be a professor, for instance, there’s a good chance that you’ll be required to have this advanced degree. Even if that’s not your ultimate goal, a PhD could be beneficial. The more education you have, the more your job security usually increases.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there’s an inverse relationship between education and unemployment. As education increases, unemployment rates decrease.

Getting Your PhD Degree Online

An exciting future as an expert in your field may await. You can earn a PhD to increase your knowledge, prove your capability, and contribute new ideas to your area of study. Getting this degree is an impressive accomplishment, and it may open new doors for your career. For convenience and accessibility, you might take a look at online PhD studies.

Many accredited colleges offer robust online PhD programs. You’ll get to take advanced courses and work with respected professors. An online program can also offer opportunities for completing a thesis or a doctoral project. You could graduate prepared to make a difference in your field.

Why not start exploring your options today?

2024 Best Grad Schools in the United States for Doctorate Degrees

Choosing the best grad school for you, higher than average earnings, taking out student loans, more ranking factors that are important, one size does not fit all, top doctorate degree schools in the united states, rest of the top 50 best doctorate degree schools in the united states, narrow doctorate degree schools by region, rocky mountains, middle atlantic, great lakes, new england, plains states, far western us, other u.s. territories, rest of the top 15% doctorate degree schools in the united states.

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abbreviation or noun

Definition of phd, examples of phd in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'PhD.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

New Latin philosophiae doctor

1839, in the meaning defined above

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“PhD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PhD. Accessed 1 Jul. 2024.

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Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: Which Doctoral Degree is Right for You?

June 27, 2024

Assistant Provost, Doctoral Research and Student Success

Professionals who want to advance their careers in fields such as education, business, nursing and healthcare frequently consider further education. Earning a doctoral degree can be an effective tool for career advancement as well as a wonderful life and academic achievement.

When pursuing a doctoral degree, there are different tracks that prospective students can take. To help you determine what type of doctoral degree will best serve your career aspirations, here is a breakdown of the key differences between Ed.D. and Ph.D. degrees.

What is an Ed.D.?

An Ed.D., which is short for Doctor of Education, is a practitioner-focused degree that is designed for professionals aspiring to leadership roles in a variety of educational fields. You can typically complete an Ed.D. program in two to three years.

What is a Ph.D.?

Short for Doctor of Philosophy, a Ph.D. is a degree that is more heavily focused on research and theory.  Ph.D. programs typically take five or more years to complete. (As a personal example, I earned my Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from a research-intensive program that required a five-year, full-time commitment.)

What are the main similarities between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D.?

Both degrees are at the doctoral-level and are considered terminal degrees. In other words, they represent the highest level of education that can be earned in a particular field. In addition, both degrees take multiple years to complete, and both degrees require a fair amount of writing and research.

What are the main differences between an Ed.D. and a Ph.D.?

One of the primary differences between these degrees is that the Ed.D. is more focused on practical applications, while the Ph.D. is more geared toward theory and original research. Additionally, Ed.D. programs usually have a lower cost and shorter time to completion compared to Ph.D. programs.

What are some common career options for those with an Ed.D.?

The Ed.D. is an outstanding option for individuals who wish to lead others and implement change in their organizations. Moreover, the Ed.D. is a focused degree with a wide range of career options, including:

• College or university president
• Director of human resources
• Educational consultant
• Policymaker or analyst
• Superintendent

What are some common career options for those with a Ph.D.?

A Ph.D. degree is ideal for anyone interested in pursuing a career in research, academia, educational consulting or policy analysis. Career opportunities with a Ph.D. may include:

• Community developer
• Director of research
• Human resource manager
• Policy analyst
• Program manager
• Research analyst
• Statistician

What are the employment projections for doctoral degree holders?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , individuals who earn a doctoral degree in education have relatively high earnings and also have low unemployment rates.  In 2023, doctoral degree holders achieved median weekly earnings of $2,109 and a 1.2% unemployment rate. In comparison, master’s degree holders attained median weekly earnings of $1,737 and an unemployment rate of 2%.

Additionally, the job outlook is very strong for postsecondary teachers and postsecondary education administrators , two professions where doctoral degrees are often required. (Postsecondary education is defined as education beyond the high school level and is often tied to higher education institutions.) According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, postsecondary teachers in 2023 earned a median annual pay of $83,380 and there is projected job growth of 8% for 2022 – 2032.  For postsecondary education administrators in 2023, the median annual pay was $102,610 per year with a projected job growth of 4% for 2022 – 2032.

Is an Ed.D. or a Ph.D. better?

Both the Ed.D. and the Ph.D. are advanced degrees that represent the highest levels of academic achievement. Regardless of which path an individual ultimately chooses, there is high potential for career advancement.

Ultimately, the best option for you comes down to your preferred path, career goals and values.  If you are seeking a job as a researcher and scholar, a Ph.D. is better aligned to your goals.  If you are more interested in seeking leadership positions that blend practice with research, an Ed.D. may be an ideal path toward your personal and professional goals.

At a glance: Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.

American College of Education offers high-quality, fully online Ed.D. programs for under $24,000, designed to help students build their leadership capacity through practical applications of research theories. Learn more about our doctoral degrees here .

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	University of Houston
	Jul 01, 2024   2024-2025 Graduate Catalog (Catalog goes into effect at the start of the Fall 2024 semester)     2024-2025 Graduate Catalog (Catalog goes into effect at the start of the Fall 2024 semester) | College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences    > Department of Political Science    > Political Science, PhD The graduate program of the Department of Political Science provides advanced training in the discipline of political science to students whose career goals include college teaching and advanced research. The department is organized into six major subfields: American politics, comparative politics, international relations, political theory, quantitative methods, and public policy. Students take comprehensive exams in a major and minor subfield of their choice. Recent graduates of the PhD program have obtained teaching positions at colleges and universities throughout the U.S. and abroad. Admission Requirements In addition to meeting the college graduate admission requirements, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements for unconditional admission to the Ph.D. in Political Science program: Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution by the date of enrollment with at least a 3.00 grade point average (A = 4.00) in the most recent 60 hours of undergraduate course work and at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average for any graduate level courses. International applicants have further documentation requirements, including proof of English language proficiency, which are described on the International Graduate Students website. Applicants should prepare a one-to two-page statement of purpose. Secure three letters of recommendation from professors directly familiar with the student’s work. Application fee ($65 domestic applicants/$140 international applicants). Political Science students are generally admitted only in the Fall semester. However, Spring admissions are decided on a space available basis. Degree Requirements Credit hours required for this degree: 57.0 A minimum of 45 hours of course work is required for a political science PhD, plus at least 12 hours of dissertation credit. Students must successfully complete oral and written comprehensive examinations. Comprehensive examinations are normally given after two and a half years of coursework, or the equivalent in terms of credit hours for part-time students. Upon successfully completing exams, students are expected to be continuously enrolled in dissertation hours until the degree is completed. Students who are not on teaching fellowships may enroll for as little as 3 dissertation hours per semester (this includes the summer), but note that a student must enroll for a minimum of 12 dissertation hours prior to completion of the degree. Following the completion of a dissertation, students must participate in an oral dissertation defense. Students who enroll as doctoral candidates must complete their degree requirements within 10 years of the date of first enrollment with a doctoral degree objective. Failure to comply will result in the candidate being ineligible for the doctoral degree. Doctoral students who fail to complete the dissertation within 5 years after passing the comprehensive examination must retake the examination. Core Courses 12.0 Credit Hours All students intending to obtain a PhD must take the three required core courses in their first two years in the program, or, in the case of part-time students, as soon as practically possible. Students who are admitted to the PhD program with financial support must enroll in the department’s core courses during their first year in the program. POLS 6380 - Quantitative Methods I Credit Hours: 3 POLS 6381 - Quantitative Methods II Credit Hours: 3 POLS 6382 - Quantitative Methods III: Maximum Likelihood Estimation Credit Hours: 3 The core curriculum is designed to provide beginning PhD students with a broad overview of important topics in Political Science. For the beginning student, the core should provide the necessary background to select areas for further concentrated study. The methodological component of the core (POLS 6480 and POLS 6481) is designed to provide the student with the appropriate statistical foundation to become an informed consumer of Political Science research and to set the stage for the student to perform research of his/her own. Degree Plan During the last term of core course work students should develop a degree plan in consultation with the Director of Graduate Studies and the student’s academic adviser. Students must select two areas of study in Political Science in which to concentrate. One of the chosen areas is designated a student’s major area, and a minimum of twelve credit hours (four courses) is required in this area. In the minor area of study, nine credit hours (three courses) are required as a minimum. Students will also have six hours (two courses) in elective courses which can be taken in any area chosen. It is required that students with a major or minor in American Politics take at least one course from each of the following two subsets: Elections, Public Opinion, Psychology and Politics Legislative Process, The Presidency, Political Parties Tools Requirement The tools requirement exists for the purpose of assuring competence in the methods necessary for effective scholarship in the student’s chosen specialty. Each student must complete two relevant research courses (6 hours) beyond POLS 6480 and POLS 6481. Choice of possible tool offerings should in all cases should be guided by the question of appropriateness for the student’s academic interest. Students should consult with their advisor about the most appropriate courses for them. In all cases, the student’s choice of tool requirements must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. Among the possible course offerings that may satisfy the requirement area: A. Political methodology courses: POLS 6480 - Quantitative Methods I Credit Hours: 4 POLS 6482 - Quantitative Methods III: Maximum Likelihood Estimation Credit Hours: 4 Plus one additional course (for instance, POLS 6384 - Survey Research Methods Credit Hours: 3 , POLS 6385 - Time Series Methods Credit Hours: 3 , or POLS 6386 - Measurement Theory for Political Science Credit Hours: 3 B. Computer Applications at a more advanced level than POLS 6480 and POLS 6481. C. foreign language (in rare instances)., d. other research methods specifically relevant to the dissertation research of the student., degree path. In most cases, the American politics core course and the first two courses in the methods sequence should be completed in the student’s first year. Progress toward degree will normally take a path similar to the following: Year One: Year Two: Year Three: 1. Research Design (POLS 6302) 7. Tools (1) 13. Major (4) 2. Methods (POLS 6480) 8. Major (2) 14. Elective (2) 3. Elective (1) 9. Minor (2) 15. Prospectus seminar 4. Methods (POLS 6481) 10. Tools (2)    5. Major (1) 11. Major (3)    6. Minor (1) 12. Minor (3)   Academic Policies University of Houston Academic Policies     Academic Policies: College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences     Students must also successfully complete oral and written comprehensive exams. Upon successfully completing comprehensive exams, students are expected to be continuously enrolled in dissertation hours (a minimum of 12 dissertation hours must be completed prior to the completion of the degree). Upon completion of the dissertation, the student will participate in an oral dissertation defense. SATISFACTORY PROGRESS TOWARD THE DEGREE Every spring term the department’s faculty meets to review the progress of all students in the department’s PhD program. This review will usually involve consultation with all faculty members who have taught the student during the previous two semesters. The Director of Graduate Studies will refer to the Graduate Committee for review any students who do not seem to be making adequate progress toward the PhD degree. Students are expected to meet the following minimum standards: maintain a 3.0 grade point average, receive one A or A- for every three courses completed, and carry on their transcripts no more than two incompletes at any one time (except in cases of medical emergency, which must be documented to the satisfaction of the Director of Graduate Studies). Students who have not met these minimal requirements will be deemed not to have made satisfactory progress. After having registered for 18 hours or more of course credit, students who have not made satisfactory progress will be counseled by the graduate committee and given the opportunity to explain what steps they will take to improve their performance in the future. Such students will be advised that they are in jeopardy of losing financial support or being expelled from the political science PhD program. A letter to that effect will be entered into each student’s file. These students will be given a probationary term to improve their grades and/or to remove incompletes from their records. Students who have any incompletes or have not achieved grades of A or A- for one third of their graduate credit hours will not be permitted to take doctoral comprehensive exams. Full-time students will normally take their exams after their third year. Part-time students must complete a minimum of 48 hours of course credit before taking comprehensive exams. Independent of the “progress review”, the Director of Graduate Studies is responsible each term for monitoring whether students are making satisfactory progress toward their degrees, discussing the situation with the student, and reporting and making recommendations to the Graduate Committee regarding any student failing to make satisfactory progress. Students in the Political Science Graduate Program who are not doing satisfactory work may be advised to pursue the MA degree only and not go on for the PhD Depending on how many courses they have completed at the point such advice is given, these students may choose either the Plan I MA (which requires a thesis) or a Plan II MA (which requires more course work and a bibliographic essay). Students who are not doing satisfactory work will receive a letter from the department notifying them of this. Any student who fails to make satisfactory progress may be suspended from the Graduate Program by the Director of Graduate Studies. A student may appeal a suspension to the Graduate Committee. Make a gift to PBS News Hour and your donation will be doubled ! Support Intelligent, In-Depth, Trustworthy Journalism. Why fewer young men are choosing to pursue college degrees Geoff Bennett Geoff Bennett Mike Fritz Mike Fritz Leave your feedback Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/why-fewer-young-men-are-choosing-to-pursue-college-degrees College enrollment among young Americans has been declining over the past decade. That decrease is mostly driven by fewer young men pursuing degrees. A Pew Research study finds about one million fewer young men now enrolled in college compared to 2011. Geoff Bennett took a closer look at why for our series, Rethinking College. Read the Full Transcript Notice: Transcripts are machine and human generated and lightly edited for accuracy. They may contain errors. Geoff Bennett: Now to our second story, about who is going to college. Enrollment among young Americans has been declining over the past decade, that decrease mostly driven by fewer young men pursuing degrees. A Pew Research study finds there's about one million fewer young men now enrolled in college compared to 2011. We took a closer look at why. That's the second part of our focus tonight on Rethinking College. Tomorrow morning, in Brentwood, New York, Yordi Velasquez will graduate high school. But like a growing number of young men, college isn't in his immediate plan. Yordi Velasquez, High School Student: I started looking to college a little too late, and I couldn't decide on what I wanted to do. I didn't know where I would get the money from. And I just think it'd be better if I started working immediately. Raised by a single mother who also cares for his disabled brother, Velasquez says he plans to become a certified HVAC technician. He hasn't ruled out going to college one day, but says it simply doesn't make sense right now. Yordi Velasquez: The fact that I would have to pay even though I don't know what I want to do, and that I might not even get a job in the field that I want. He's not alone. Last year among high school graduates in the U.S., only 57 percent of men have enrolled in college. That's compared to 65 percent of women. It's a trend that dates back nearly three decades. Every year since 1996, women have entered college at higher rates than men. Richard Reeves, Author, "Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do about It": The education system as a whole doesn't seem to be working quite as well for boys as it is for girls. Richard Reeves is the author of "Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do about It." Men are falling behind in education. The education gap is bigger now than it was back in 1972, when Title IX passed. What accounts for that? Richard Reeves: The main reason for that is that, it's through the education system, girls are outperforming boys. So you can see it from the beginning from kindergarten all the way through high school. And so if you look at, for example, high school GPA, which is a very good measure of success, take the top 10 percent of high school students. Two-thirds of them are girls. That obviously affects what's going to happen in the college system too. Today, men make up only 42 percent of undergraduate students. And for young men of color, the gap is especially alarming. There are now 50,000 fewer Black men enrolled in college compared to pre-pandemic levels. Roderick Carey, University of Delaware: I think that college is becoming a tough sell for a lot of men, not necessarily because college isn't a compelling idea, but rather because there are so many other competing factors that might be equally, if not more so desirable. Roderick Carey is an assistant professor at the University of Delaware. He studies how Black and Latino adolescent boys experience school. Carey says, for the young men he works with, problems often begin long before college. Roderick Carey: Black and Latino boys grew up in a society that stereotypes them as non-academic, as socially threatening, and many of those types of stereotypes shape how their educators engage with them in schools. More women than men now have college degrees, according to U.S. census data, and they're more likely to graduate within four years compared to men. It's led some colleges to target male students as a group in need of extra support. Jonathan Koppell, President, Montclair State University: We're not pretending the problem doesn't exist. We're trying to address it on. Jonathan Koppell is president of Montclair State University. How do you craft a program that works to help men that doesn't come at the expense of women? Jonathan Koppell: Oh, I don't think that this is a matter of either/or, and I don't think this is a matter of putting the needs of female students second. I think it's a matter of asking the basic question, why do we see differential graduation rates when we sort by gender and race? And that's where you really start to see this gap widen. More than half of Montclair State students come from under represented groups, and men make up just 40 percent of total enrollment. So what are some of the consequences if more young men choose not to go to college? There's so many consequences. I don't think that means everybody should get a four-year degree. I don't think college is for everyone. But if you look at the data, the data says, in terms of income, in terms of health, in terms of happiness, in terms of life satisfaction, your odds are better with a four-year degree. In 2022, Montclair State launched what's known as the Male Enrollment and Graduation Alliance, a task force that's now developing programs that aim to recruit and retain more men. Danny Jean, Associate Provost for Educational Opportunity and Success Programs, Montclair State University: So if you're experiencing any level of instability in your life, you are not alone. Danny Jean, the university's assistant provost for special programs, helps lead the initiative. Last spring, he welcomed 300 high schoolers from nearby cities in New Jersey. For many, it was their first time on a college campus. Danny Jean: Please give all of them a round of applause. For Jean, who grew up in inner-city Newark and later earned a Ph.D., it was a chance to share his own story. My family moved over 12 times before I graduated from high school. We were actually homeless at one time. I had to move with family members. I graduated high school with a 1.9 GPA, a teacher that told me I wouldn't be alive to see 25, alcoholics in my family, drug users in my family. So this work is very personal for me. So what have you found that works? What's the key to providing access and then once students do get admitted making sure that they're successful? They really need to understand the benefit of college and help them understand exactly what college can offer and be able to map out what their plan is beyond high school. Coming here was tough freshman year. And beyond academic help, Jean says some of the men also need social and emotional support once they arrive on campus. He meets often with a student organization that aims to do just that. Ikenna Onyegbule, Montclair State University: Brotherhood has allowed me to be confident. Ikenna Onyegbule and Nyron Mitchell help lead this group known as the Brotherhood. Ikenna Onyegbule: So it's important that men get support from each other, because we don't get it enough. And everybody bottles in their emotions. You have to keep this persona of being a tough guy. And it wasn't until I got here until I figured that that's not the way to go. Nyron Mitchell, Montclair State University: In the future, I want young men to realize is, it's like it's OK to come out your comfort zone. When you come out your comfort zone, at the end of the day, when you walk in that stage in May, you're going to be grateful for it. Last month, Mitchell did graduate with a degree in family science. Ikenna, a business administration major, will do the same later this year. They say, beyond the degree, college is already paying off. Professionalism, time management, respect among others, how to work with other people, all of that you can learn in college if you do college the right way. Meantime, back in Brentwood, New York, Yordi Velasquez says he's comfortable with his own decision. I feel like I'm entering a new chapter of my life, and it's always exciting. I have always wondered what it's like to be a grown-up, so now I get to experience it. As colleges around the country try to figure out why so many young men are choosing a different path. Listen to this Segment Watch the Full Episode Geoff Bennett serves as co-anchor of PBS News Hour. He also serves as an NBC News and MSNBC political contributor. Mike Fritz is the deputy senior producer for field segments at PBS NewsHour. Support Provided By: Learn more Support PBS News: More Ways to Watch Educate your inbox. Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Carruthers Hall, 1001 N. Emmet St. P.O. Box 400203 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4203 Phone: (434) 924-4122 Fax: (434) 924-4156 Email: M-F: 10am - noon and 1pm - 4pm © 2024 By the Rector and Visitors of the University of Virginia     University of Virginia       Jul 01, 2024   Graduate Record 2024-2025     Graduate Record 2024-2025 Listed below are the programs and degrees offered by the Graduate Schools of the University of Virginia. The degrees and programs listed below will appear on students’ official academic records after they have been awarded the degree. Degrees are conferred in May, August, and December. All course work must be completed before the conferral of a degree. Students who do not complete their course work by the published graduation date will be awarded their degree at the next available degree date. Degree requirements are subject to change each year by vote of the faculties of the schools in which the programs are offered. The abbreviations used in this table include the following: D.B.A. Doctor of Business Administration M.Ed. Master of Education Ed.D. Doctor of Education M.E. Master of Engineering S.J.D. Doctor of Juridical Science M.F.A. Master of Fine Arts M.D. Doctor of Medicine M.L.A. Master of Landscape Architecture D.N.P. Doctor of Nursing Practice LL.M. Master of Laws Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy M.M.S.E. Master of Materials Science and Engineering Ed.S. Education Specialist M.P.H. Master of Public Health J.D. Juris Doctor M.P.P. Master of Public Policy M.Arch. Master of Architecture M.P.S. Master of Public Safety M.Ar.H. Master of Architectural History M.S. Master of Science M.A. Master of Arts M.S.N. Master of Science in Nursing M.B.A. Master of Business Administration M.T. Master of Teaching M.C.S. Master of Computer Science M.U.D. Master of Urban Design      M.U.E.P. Master of Urban and Environmental Planning Graduate School of Arts and Sciences     30 45.0201 ANTHRO-MA     72 45.0201 ANTHRO-PHD    30 40.0201 ASTRON-MS      72 40.0201 ASTRON-PHD    30 26.0101 BIOL-MA           30 26.0101 BIOL-MS           72 26.0101 BIOL-PHD         30 40.0501 CHEM-MA          30 40.0501 CHEM-MS          72 40.0501 CHEM-PHD        30 16.1200 CLAS-MA           72 16.1200 CLAS-PHD         48 23.1302 WRITE-MFA       72 50.0501 DRAMA-MFA      30 05.0104 EASIAN-MA       30 45.0603 ECON-MA          72 45.0603 ECON-PHD        30 23.0101 ENGL-MA          72 23.0101 ENGL-PHD        30 03.0104 EVSC-MA         30 03.0104 EVSC-MS         72 03.0104 EVSC-PHD       36 05.0106 EUROPE-MA     30 45.0901 FORAFF-MA      72 45.0901 FORAFF-PHD    30 16.0901 FRENCH-MA     72 16.0901 FRENCH-PHD    30 45.1001 GOVT-MA          72 45.1001 GOVT-PHD        30 54.0101 HIST-MA          72 54.0101 HIST-PHD        30 50.0703 ARTARC-MA      72 50.0703 ARTARC-PHD    30 16.0102 LING-MA          30 27.0101 MATH-MA         30 27.0101 MATH-MS          72 27.0101 MATH-PHD       30 09.0199 MECULTE-MA    72 09.0102 MDST-PHD       30 05.0199 MESA-MA         36 50.0901 MUSIC-MA       72 50.0901 MUSIC-PHD     72 51.3808 PHIL-MA          30 38.0101 PHIL-MA          72 38.0101 PHIL-PHD         30 40.0801 PHYS-MA         30 40.0801 PHYS-MS         72 40.0801 PHYS-PHD       30 42.0101 PSYCH-MA       72 42.2704 PSYCH-PHD     30 38.0201 RELIG-MA        72 38.0201 RELIG-PHD       30 16.0400 SLAVIC-MA       72 16.0400 SLAVIC-PHD     30 45.1101 SOCIOL-MA      72 45.1101 SOCIOL-PHD    30 16.0905 SPAN-MA         72 16.0905 SPAN-PHD       30 27.0501 STATS-MS       72 27.0501 STATS-PHD     School of Architecture    36 04.0801 ARH-MARH       Path 3:99, Path 2:66 04.0902 ARCH-MAR        72 04.0401 CONSTR-PHD    Path 3.0:97, Path 2.5:78, Path 2.0 Advanced:62, Path 2.0:61 04.0601 LAND-MLAR      45 30.3301 URBAN-MUD     50 04.0301 PLAN-MUEP   Darden School of Business Administration     72 52.0201 BUSADM-DBA    72 52.0201 BUSADM-PHD    60 52.1301 BUSADM-MBA School of Data Science     32 30.7001 DATASC-MS    81 30.7001 DS-PHD       School of Commerce     30 27.0305 ACCT-MS          30 30.7102 BUSNANA-MS    40 52.1399 COMM-MS         40 52.1101 GLBCOM-MS      30 11.1005 MIT-MS          School of Education and Human Development     72     13.0401 ADMIN-EDD    33     13.0401 ADMIN-MED    67     51.0913 ATHTRN-MS    72     42.2801 CLNPSY-PHD    69 or 82     51.0204 SPATH-MED Counselor Education, Ed.S. 51     13.1101 COUNS-EDS Counselor Education, Ed.D. 51     13.1101 COUNS-EDD    61     13.1101 COUNS-MED    78   13.0301 CURRIN-EDD    30     13.0301 CURRIN-EDS    30   13.0301 CURRIN-MED    72   13.0101 EDUC-PHD Educational Psychology, Ed.S.  30     42.2806 EDPSYC-EDS      35     42.2806 EDPSYC-MED                                13.0101 ELEM-PGM ENGLED-PGM FORED-PGM MATHED-PGM   ESLED-PGM SCIED-PGM   SOCED-PGM   SPCED-PGM    72     13.0406 HIGHED-EDD Higher Education, Ed.S.       13.0406      30-38   31.0505 KINES-MED    30     13.0604 QNTANA-MED    30     13.1315 READED-MED    73     42.2805 SHPSYC-EDS    ) 31     42.2805 SHPSYC-MED Special Education, Ed.S. 30     13.1001 SPCED-EDS    30   13.1001 SPCED-MED    36   13.0406 HIGHED-MED School of Engineering and Applied Science     32 14.0501 BIOMEN-ME     30 14.0501 BIOMEN-MS     72 14.0501 BIOMEN-PHD    30 14.0701 CHEMEN-ME      30 14.0701 CHEMEN-MS      72 14.0701 CHEMEN-PHD    30 14.0801 CIVIL-ME          30 14.0801 CIVIL-MS          72 14.0801 CIVIL-PHD         30 14.0901 COMPEN-ME      30 14.0901 COMPEN-MS     72 14.0901 COMPEN-PHD    31 11.0101 COMPSC-MCS    30 11.0101 COMPSC-MS      72 11.0101 COMPSC-PHD    30 14.1001 ELECT-ME         30 14.1001 ELECT-MS         72 14.1001 ELECT-PHD       30 14.1801 MATSC-MMSE    30 14.1801 MATSCI-MS      72 14.1801 MATSCI-PHD    30 14.9999 MAE-ME           30 14.9999 MAE-MS           72 14.9999 MAE-PHD         30 14.2701 SYSTEM-ME      30 14.2701 SYSTEM-MS      72 14.2701 SYSTEM-PHD School of Law     86 22.0101 LAW-JD      24 22.0299 LAW-LLM    30 22.0299 LAW-SJD School of Medicine    72 26.0202 BIOMOL-PHD    30 30.0101 BIOLPS-MS      72 26.0203 BIOP-PHD        72 26.0401 CELL-PHD         30 51.9999 CLNRES-MS      72 26.0910 EXPATH-PHD     N/A 51.1201 MEDIC-MD        72 26.0503 MICRO-PHD      72 26.1501 NEURO-PHD      72 26.1001 PHARM-PHD      72 26.0901 PHY-PHD          42 51.2201 PUBHLT-MPH  Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy    30 44.0501 PUBPOL-MPP School of Nursing    60 51.3801 NURS-MSN    39 51.3818 NURS-DNP School of Continuing and Professional Studies     31-32 43.0103 PUBSAF-MPS 83 years later, 105-year-old finally earns master's from Stanford Virginia Hislop has spent a lifetime trying to increase access to education, and now, at 105 years old, she appears to have completed her own schooling. On Sunday, Hislop celebrated Stanford University's conference of a master of art's degree in education — 83 years after having left campus just shy of the degree. Her son-in-law had contacted the institution and discovered a final thesis, her unfulfilled obligation, was no longer required. “I’ve been doing this work for years and it’s nice to be recognized with this degree,” Hislop told Stanford for a story about her nearly lifelong journey to a stage on campus , where a diploma in a Cardinal-red cover was placed in her hand. In 1941, on the eve of the United States' direct involvement in World War II, and as her fiance was preparing to be called to serve, Hislop skipped out on the thesis. Her Stanford days, starting in 1936, were nonetheless fruitful, and she earned an undergraduate education degree before moving directly to postgraduate studies. She wanted to go to law school, Hislop has said, but her father wouldn't pay for it, so she opted for the briefer time required for teaching. Hislop had completed coursework for a master's and needed only to turn in the final version of her thesis, she has said. Instead, she told NBC Bay Area, she skipped town and had a honeymoon in Oklahoma near her husband's Army post at Fort Sill. "Not my idea of a place for a honeymoon," she told the station, "but I had no choice in the matter." At the time, such a sacrifice — trading her career for marriage and a future family — was seen as a way to support the war effort. It was a sacrifice for America. She had grown up in Los Angeles, but after the war the California girl found herself with husband George in Yakima, Washington, where George took part in the family business of ranching. They raised two children, which put Hislop's focus on a passion stoked during her days in Palo Alto: education. "I didn’t return to teaching, but I feel I put my teaching certificate to good use serving in committees and on boards and trying to improve the educational opportunities every chance I got," she told the Yakima Herald-Republic in 2018. She opposed middle school curricula that required home economics but not advanced English for her daughter, so she ran for the Yakima School District Board of Directors and won, according to the publication. Hislop also successfully lobbied for independent community college districts in Washington state at a time when Yakima's two-year college was under the otherwise K-12 district. She was eventually recruited to raise funds for what would become Heritage University, a women-founded, women-led institution about 20 miles south of Yakima. She launched the school's annual Bounty of the Valley Scholarship Dinner, which by 2018 had raised nearly $6 million to help students attend the institution. Hislop is listed by the school as a board member emerita. At Pacific Northwest University, a medical and health sciences school in Yakima, a scholarship, the Virginia Hislop Emergency Fund , bares her name. Her interest in broad access to education may have been inspired by an aunt who was the principal of a public school in West Los Angeles' Sawtelle Japantown neighborhood when Hislop grew up in L.A. Sawtelle is an area originally anchored by a housing and care facility for disabled veterans of the Civil War, but it evolved into a community populated by Japanese Americans and Latinos. Hislop said she was moved by her aunt’s experience seeing education change lives on L.A.’s Westside, according to the Yakima Herald-Republic. “Aunt Nora would tell us about some of the Hispanic students in her school and how they were doing and the difference that education made for them,” she told the publication. “It seemed to me that without an education, your future was limited and with an education it was unlimited.” Her new degree is punctuation for a life spent advocating for public education for the masses. On Sunday, Daniel Schwartz, dean of Stanford’s Graduate School of Education, handed Hislop her master’s diploma with a broad smile, describing her as “a fierce advocate for equity and the opportunity to learn." Dennis Romero is a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital.  Advertisement Trump Says He Would Give Green Cards to All Foreign College Students at Graduation Mr. Trump’s promise to Silicon Valley investors was a sharp departure from immigration curbs he enacted during his presidency. His campaign walked it back soon after. Share full article By Chris Cameron June 20, 2024 Donald J. Trump said he would push for a program that would automatically give green cards to all foreign college students in America after they graduate, a reversal from restrictions he enacted as president on immigration by high-skilled workers and students to the United States. But hours after Mr. Trump’s remarks aired, his campaign’s press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, walked back the former president’s comments, saying in a statement that there would be an “aggressive vetting process” that would “exclude all communists, radical Islamists, Hamas supporters, America haters and public charges ” and that the policy would apply only to the “most skilled graduates who can make significant contributions to America.” Appearing with the host David Sacks, a Silicon Valley investor who backs the former president’s 2024 campaign , on a podcast that aired Thursday afternoon, Mr. Trump had repeated his frequent criticism of high levels of immigration as an “invasion of our country.” But he was then pressed by Jason Calacanis, another investor who hosts the podcast, to “promise us you will give us more ability to import the best and brightest around the world to America.” “I do promise, but I happen to agree,” Mr. Trump said, adding “what I will do is — you graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically, as part of your diploma, a green card to be able to stay in this country, and that includes junior colleges.” It would have been a sweeping change that would have opened a vast path to American citizenship for foreigners. The State Department estimated that the United States hosted roughly one million international students in the academic year that ended in 2022 — a majority of whom came from China and India. The United States granted lawful permanent residence to roughly one million people during the year that ended in September 2022, so such a policy change would significantly increase the number of green cards issued. Mr. Trump suggested on the podcast that he had wanted to enact such a policy while in office but “then we had to solve the Covid problem.” The Trump administration invoked the pandemic to enact many of the immigration restrictions that officials had wanted to put in place earlier in Mr. Trump’s term . We are having trouble retrieving the article content. Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and  log into  your Times account, or  subscribe  for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber?  Log in . Want all of The Times?  Subscribe . 448 IMAGES Difference Between PhD and Doctorate Masters Vs PhD: The Difference Between Masters & PhD/Doctorates 2024+ What Is The Difference Between PHD And Doctorate Degree When should you quit your PhD? Advice for students EdD Vs PhD: What’s the Difference? Research methodology VIDEO Skills are more important for getting a job not Degree #skillsforlife #skillset #jobs #degree Common Mistakes That Get PhD Applicants Rejected Dr. |Medical It's Not Degree it's Emotion No value of PHD? PHD but no NET How to escape a toxic PhD advisor? Is PhD mandatory for Assistant Professor job? COMMENTS PhD Types Learn about the different types of PhD and other doctoral degrees, such as DBA, EdD, EngD, and more. Compare academic and professional doctorates, and find out how to apply for a PhD in various subjects and countries. Not Just a PhD: The Other Types of Doctorate Studying a PhD isn't the only way to earn a doctorate. A doctorate can be an academic degree or a professional degree. In addition to the PhD there are several types of other doctorate, perhaps not as well-known - but just as prestigious.As a prospective student, you may have to make a decision between a PhD or an alternative 'professional' or 'practice' doctorate. PhD vs Doctorate: What's the Difference? The PhD, also known as the Doctor of Philosophy, is a research degree, which is one of the most common types of doctoral degrees, and is awarded to graduates in many different fields. For those asking, "Is a PhD higher than a doctorate?" the answer is simple: no. A PhD lies within the doctorate category, so one is not better than the other. PhD vs Doctorate: What's the Difference? While a Ph.D. and a doctorate award "Doctor" titles, a Ph.D. tends to be an academic degree while a doctorate is usually a professional degree. Ph.D.s often focus on extensive research and may lead to job titles such as research scientist, historian, philosopher, professor or engineer. Because a doctorate typically provides students with ... What Does 'PhD' Stand For? A PhD is a terminal academic degree that requires advanced coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation. Learn about the requirements, benefits, and alternatives of pursuing a PhD in various fields. Doctor of Philosophy A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin: philosophiae doctor or doctor philosophiae) is a terminal degree that usually denotes the highest level of academic achievement in a given discipline and is awarded following a course of graduate study and original research.The name of the degree is most often abbreviated PhD (or, at times, as Ph.D. in North America), pronounced as three ... What Is a Doctorate or a Doctoral Degree? A doctoral degree is a graduate-level credential typically granted after multiple years of graduate school, with the time-to-degree varying depending on the type of doctoral program, experts say ... Ph.D.s vs. Doctorates A Ph.D. is a research doctorate that focuses on creating new knowledge, while an applied research doctorate solves real-world problems. Learn the differences, similarities, and requirements of these two types of doctoral degrees. Explained: What Is a PhD Degree? PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy. This is one of the highest level academic degrees that can be awarded. PhD is an abbreviation of the Latin term (Ph)ilosophiae (D)octor. Traditionally the term 'philosophy' does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to 'lover of wisdom'. Applied Doctorate vs. Ph.D.: What are the Differences? A Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy, is a high-level degree earned after a period of three or more years of graduate-level study, culminating in the creation, submission, presentation and defense of a research dissertation. The Ph.D. can be awarded in a wide variety of fields, including the sciences, engineering and humanities. What is a PhD? Definition of a PhD - A Doctor of Philosophy (commonly abbreviated to PhD, Ph.D or a DPhil) is a university research degree awarded from across a broad range of academic disciplines; in most countries, it is a terminal degree, i.e. the highest academic degree possible. PhDs differ from undergraduate and master's degrees in that PhDs are ... What's the Difference Between a PhD and a Professional Doctoral Degree A PhD is a Doctor of Philosophy. In answer to the question, "Is a PhD a doctor," the answer is yes. Both a PhD and a professional doctorate like an EdD earn you the title of "doctor.". But there are differences between the types of doctoral degrees. Learn more about a PhD vs. a professional doctorate below. Doctorate vs. PhD: Understanding the Key Differences [2024] A doctorate and a PhD are both terminal degrees that allow you to develop specialized knowledge and skills in your chosen field. But these degrees typically have different areas of focus, requirements, and career outcomes. Learn the main differences between a doctorate vs. PhD and how to choose the right degree for you. Types of Doctorates Gain valuable insight from our collection of exclusive interviews with both current and past PhD students. Learn from their best advice, personal challenges and career path after completing their doctorate. View Overview. Learn about the different types of Doctorates available, including their eligibility, durations, fees and benefits. What is a PhD? PhD is short for Doctor of Philosophy. This is an academic or professional degree that, in most countries, qualifies the degree holder to teach their chosen subject at university level or to work in a specialized position in their chosen field. The word 'philosophy' comes from the Ancient Greek philosophia, literally translated as 'love ... Ph.D. vs. Doctorate: What are the Differences? A Ph.D. or Doctor of Philosophy, on the other hand, is a subcategory of a doctoral degree, it is much more distinct and clear-cut and is usually narrower in nature encompassing only humanities and scientific fields. In plain English, when someone says they are enrolling on a doctoral degree, it means they are doing a Ph.D. in a specific field. Find Online Doctoral Programs From Top Universities A graduate degree in nursing pays off for many students. Nurses with a doctorate often work in high-paying, in-demand advanced practice roles. With a doctor of nursing practice (DNP), you can become a nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, or nurse practitioner. These in-demand nursing careers report a median annual salary of $125,900 (BLS, May 2022 ... Is a PhD Worth It? The Pros and Cons of Getting a Doctorate Not all programmes are well-run, either, and you may have a supervisor who is too critical, offers poor advice or is just unavailable and unhelpful. The difficulties of a PhD programme lead to rather substantial dropout rates. In the US alone, only 57% of PhD students obtained their degree within a decade of enrolling. If you want to be in the ... Is a PhD really worth it? : r/PhD IMO there's not much practical reason to earn a PhD if you don't want a career in research. In my field (Comp Sci), the consensus is that it's not a sound financial investment -- any extra salary from having a PhD (not guaranteed!) doesn't compensate for 4-6 years of lost income and delaying your progress on the promotion track. What is a PhD Degree? [2024 Guide] People with PhDs are considered experts in their fields, and the degree includes "Doctor" in its name. For that reason, PhD holders often use the title "Doctor.". A college professor, for example, might go by Dr. Smith. Even still, there's a difference between MD vs. PhD. A person who holds a PhD is not a medical doctor. 2024 Best Grad Schools in the U.S. for Doctorate Degrees 351 Doctorate Degrees Awarded. $56,355 Average Early-Career Earnings. Suffolk University landed the #19 spot on the 2024 Best Doctorate Degree Schools in the United States ranking. This medium-sized private not-for-profit school is located in Boston, Massachusetts, and it awarded 351 doctorate degrees in 2020-2021. List of doctoral degrees in the US Since then, the list of recognized research degrees has been constant, although most Ed.D. degree programs were determined to have a professional rather than research focus and removed from the survey in 2010-2011; despite this, the Ed.D. remains the second most popular research doctorate in the SED after the Ph.D in 2022. (albeit with 0.9% ... PhD Definition & Meaning The meaning of PHD is the academic degree, title, or rank of doctor of philosophy; also : a person who has earned the academic degree of doctor of philosophy. How to use PhD in a sentence. Ed.D. vs. Ph.D.: Which Doctoral Degree is Right for You? What are the employment projections for doctoral degree holders? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, individuals who earn a doctoral degree in education have relatively high earnings and also have low unemployment rates. In 2023, doctoral degree holders achieved median weekly earnings of $2,109 and a 1.2% unemployment rate. Program: Political Science, PhD Applicants must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution by the date of enrollment with at least a 3.00 grade point average (A = 4.00) in the most recent 60 hours of undergraduate course work and at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average for any graduate level courses. Why fewer young men are choosing to pursue college degrees Geoff Bennett: He's not alone. Last year among high school graduates in the U.S., only 57 percent of men have enrolled in college. That's compared to 65 percent of women. Degrees Offered Listed below are the programs and degrees offered by the Graduate Schools of the University of Virginia. The degrees and programs listed below will appear on students' official academic records after they have been awarded the degree. Degrees are conferred in May, August, and December. All course work must be completed before the conferral of ... 105-year-old earns master's degree from Stanford Virginia Hislop had completed coursework for a master's degree in education but left campus before she could graduate to marry a man being sent off to World War II. IE 11 is not supported. Trump Says He Would Give Green Cards to Foreign College Students After Trump Says He Would Give Green Cards to All Foreign College Students at Graduation. Mr. Trump's promise to Silicon Valley investors was a sharp departure from immigration curbs he enacted during ... phd analysis phd audit phd writing thesis template thesis writing