Do you already hold a master’s degree and want to improve your education?
The doctorate is the pinnacle of educational attainment. But, what exactly is a doctorate, what can you earn one in, and what is involved in the process? Consider this your crash course in all things Ph.D.
What Exactly Is a Doctorate Degree?
The doctoral degree is the most advanced degree you may obtain, indicating that you have mastered a particular field of study or career.
The degree necessitates a substantial amount of study and articulation. Those who receive the degree must have thoroughly examined a subject or topic, undertaken new research and analysis, and offered a novel interpretation or solution to the field.
The Ph.D. qualifies the professional for top-tier consulting and education career possibilities and promotion in their existing profession, giving them an advantage in remaining relevant. In addition, in many situations, earning a doctorate means attaining a long-held personal goal.
So, what kinds of doctorates are there?
There are two kinds of doctorate degrees.
Doctoral degrees are classified into research-oriented degrees and professional application degrees (also called applied doctorate). The distinction between the two sorts of programs may be hazier than you believe.
The two most frequent forms of Ph.D. programs are described here.
The Ph.D.: A Doctorate in Research
These are generally referred to as Doctor of Philosophy degrees (Ph. D.s). The following are some examples of frequent research-oriented doctorates:
Doctor of Fine Arts (D.A.)
Philosophical doctorate (Ph.D.)
Doctor of Business Administration (Ph.D.)
Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.)
Theology doctor (Th.D.)
Dr. of Public Health (DPH)
In this context, “philosophy” refers to the concept of investigation and the quest for knowledge rather than the actual subject of philosophy. The dissertation procedure is an essential component of this type of degree.
An Application-Oriented Program for the Professional Doctorate
A professional doctorate (also known as an applied doctorate or terminal doctorate) is a degree that focuses on applying a subject in real-world circumstances or scenarios.
Most likely, you’ll want to obtain this type of degree if you want to develop your career, meet the requirements for certain high-level corporate employment, establish teaching credentials inside the industry, or start your consulting firm.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA), and Doctor of Professional Studies – Instructional Design Leadership are the most prevalent professional doctorates.
Dr. of Finance (DPH) Dr. of Social Work (DSW) Dr. of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) Dr. of Law (J.D.) (J.D.)
A dissertation may or may not be required for this type of degree. Unlike the academic-focused research doctorate, the professional doctorate curriculum pushes you to tackle real-world difficulties in your field, do research, and provide a solution.
How Does a Doctorate Work?
The coursework for a Ph.D. degree typically consists of four stages: a core set of research and prep classes, a set of major area emphasis courses, electives, and dissertation courses.
The Research Center
Most doctoral programs start you on the path to your degree with a common core of classes. The research core lays the groundwork for you to complete the level of work required for the degree.