As you consider occupations and higher education options, you will read about Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's, and finally doctor of philosophy (PhD) or doctorate degrees. How should you decide which of these is the one you should pursue. The decision truly depends on the career path that you choose and the advantages an advanced degree brings to your choices.
For now, we will only consider doctorate or PhD degrees, which are the highest level of academic achievement and, in some countries, are considered to be the end of the educational line. Doctorate degrees are actually a group of degrees usually associated with qualifying someone to teach and, in fact, the word doctorate is derived from a Latin word meaning "to teach". However, teaching is only one of the occupations performed by "doctors" as you will discover.
Study for a doctorate takes from four to eight years and consists of coursework, a comprehensive examination, and a research dissertation. There are different types of doctoral degrees, and the type of courses and number of credits earned varies from program to program. The most common degrees are research doctorates, or what we think of as PhDs, and they require coursework and a specific research project to complete.
In some countries, there is a hierarchy of research doctorates called higher doctorates, which require a body of research work called a portfolio. There are also professional doctorates, which require research aligned with a specific profession, and these degrees are held by lawyers, doctors, and psychologists. Finally, there are honorary doctorate degrees, which are given in recognition of contributions in a particular field or for some philanthropic efforts.
Other than the professions mentioned above, there are very few careers that actually require a doctorate degree, but it certainly provides an advantage for the highest paying jobs or for work in government services. The advanced degree also qualifies you for a position upgrade to titles such as professor, CEO, consultant, or research worker. If you already have a Master's degree, the doctorate puts you in line for a pay raise.
Since there are so many institutions that offer doctorate degrees, you must consider your choice carefully. You should first consider whether or not the school and program is accredited and whether or not there are financial aid programs to help you afford the tuition and fees. You should then consider the reputations of the curriculum, program, and faculty before making your selection.
You should also consider whether you can make the commitment to in-person classes or would rather enroll in an online program. Online programs are now not only acceptable but also accredited. In these programs, some in class time is still required and a comprehensive project or supervised placement replaces the research thesis.
Doctorate degrees are very prestigious. The time, effort, and commitment that a student must make to a doctorate program are extensive; so much thought and research is required up front. Depending on your career and educational goals, however, the rewards can be huge. If you are ready for the challenges from the highest level of academic achievement, then you should begin your journey today. Start by researching universities to see where you would like to attend.
For now, we will only consider doctorate or PhD degrees, which are the highest level of academic achievement and, in some countries, are considered to be the end of the educational line. Doctorate degrees are actually a group of degrees usually associated with qualifying someone to teach and, in fact, the word doctorate is derived from a Latin word meaning "to teach". However, teaching is only one of the occupations performed by "doctors" as you will discover.
Study for a doctorate takes from four to eight years and consists of coursework, a comprehensive examination, and a research dissertation. There are different types of doctoral degrees, and the type of courses and number of credits earned varies from program to program. The most common degrees are research doctorates, or what we think of as PhDs, and they require coursework and a specific research project to complete.
In some countries, there is a hierarchy of research doctorates called higher doctorates, which require a body of research work called a portfolio. There are also professional doctorates, which require research aligned with a specific profession, and these degrees are held by lawyers, doctors, and psychologists. Finally, there are honorary doctorate degrees, which are given in recognition of contributions in a particular field or for some philanthropic efforts.
Other than the professions mentioned above, there are very few careers that actually require a doctorate degree, but it certainly provides an advantage for the highest paying jobs or for work in government services. The advanced degree also qualifies you for a position upgrade to titles such as professor, CEO, consultant, or research worker. If you already have a Master's degree, the doctorate puts you in line for a pay raise.
Since there are so many institutions that offer doctorate degrees, you must consider your choice carefully. You should first consider whether or not the school and program is accredited and whether or not there are financial aid programs to help you afford the tuition and fees. You should then consider the reputations of the curriculum, program, and faculty before making your selection.
You should also consider whether you can make the commitment to in-person classes or would rather enroll in an online program. Online programs are now not only acceptable but also accredited. In these programs, some in class time is still required and a comprehensive project or supervised placement replaces the research thesis.
Doctorate degrees are very prestigious. The time, effort, and commitment that a student must make to a doctorate program are extensive; so much thought and research is required up front. Depending on your career and educational goals, however, the rewards can be huge. If you are ready for the challenges from the highest level of academic achievement, then you should begin your journey today. Start by researching universities to see where you would like to attend.