Learn All the Relevant Facts About Earning a Doctorate

Attaining a doctorate degree is a major achievement. It is, after all, the highest academic degree you can earn. You can earn a doctorate in just about any subject area, and you might be able to do so in three years if you already hold a master’s degree in the same area. If you don’t have a master’s degree in the subject, you can expect to spend four to eight years to earn a doctorate.

Ph.D. or Professional Doctorate?

The Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy, is the most common type of doctorate degree. These programs prepare students to do their own research and add to the wider knowledge base in their chosen fields. 

The differences between a professional doctorate and a Ph.D. depend on the field of study. These distinct degrees can also vary as adjustments are made to curricula and requirements. The main difference between these types of degrees is the type of research you’re required to perform. 

• Ph.D.: In this type of program, students prove their problem-solving abilities by tackling a big issue in their fields. They create five-chapter dissertations to explain how they would use the knowledge they’ve gained to solve a major problem in their specific area of study.
• Professional Doctorate: Students in these programs are expected to call upon their knowledge and experience to create a capstone project focused on solving a real-world problem. This final project typically includes a wide-ranging portfolio.

Put simply, Ph.D. students are more focused on conducting research than practicing in the profession. Those who pursue professional doctorates are more interested in working directly in their specialty field than in consulting or ongoing research.

How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctorate?

A four-year doctorate typically requires 90 to 120 semester credits. That translates to around 30 or 40 courses. Ph.D. programs can vary significantly due to how long it takes a student to write his or her dissertation. 

Ph.D. candidates begin by taking courses and exams, followed by advanced seminars and research. Completing and defending a dissertation in front of a committee of experienced professors is the final step in most Ph.D. programs. This highly involved process demonstrates a student’s ability to research and support a specific position in his or her chosen field.

Completing a doctorate program obviously requires high degrees of focus and dedication. You’ll need to create a schedule to stay on top of course requirements and meet deadlines. To be prepared for exams, it’s a good idea to save coursework and keep study materials well organized.

Communicating and forging connections with committee members is also important for Ph.D. students, especially as they get closer to defending their dissertations. With a firm grasp on committee expectations, students put themselves in position to impress.

If you’re interested in pursuing a doctorate degree, make sure you’re passionate about your field of study. Having a master’s degree in tow is certainly a plus, as is having some professional experience to call upon during your studies.