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What Does Phd Stand For In College

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What is a PhD?

At first glance, its easy to confuse the terms PhD and doctorate. After all, both represent the pinnacle of the academic experience often the result of a lifelong pursuit and those who hold the distinction are often referred to as doctor. Yet the differences, subtle as they may be, are noteworthy and require much thought when putting together a plan for your future.;

Why Get A Phd

There are a number of reasons for earning a Ph.D. The most common reason for pursuing a doctorate degree is employment eligibility. Certain disciplines, such as medicine and psychology, absolutely require a doctorate degree to be a practicing professional in either field. Students training to become professors or hoping to teach at the university level in many cases must earn a Ph.D. Ph.D. programs are time consuming, and in some cases they require the candidate to take out student loans in order to finance her lifestyle during the years spent in the academic program. For this reason, it’s tough to make the case that getting a Ph.D. is a good investment unless you’re planning to use it to further your career. However, some people who want to devote their life to the scholarly study of a particular field, discipline or topic may choose to get a Ph.D. in order to open doors to other opportunities in research with historical societies, museums or other institutions that depend on the fruits of scholarship. Many people who are passionate about a certain subject or field may simply want to study it for as long as they can. These people make up a small portion of the people who earn Ph.D.s every year, but they do exist.

Medieval And Early Modern Europe

In the universities of Medieval Europe, study was organized in four faculties: the basic faculty of arts, and the three higher faculties of theology, medicine, and law ” rel=”nofollow”>civil law). All of these faculties awarded intermediate degrees and final degrees. Initially, the titles of master and doctor were used interchangeably for the final degreesâthe title Doctor was merely a formality bestowed on a Teacher/Master of the artâbut by the late Middle Ages the terms Master of Arts and Doctor of Theology/Divinity, Doctor of Law, and Doctor of Medicine had become standard in most places .

The doctorates in the higher faculties were quite different from the current PhD degree in that they were awarded for advanced scholarship, not original research. No dissertation or original work was required, only lengthy residency requirements and examinations. Besides these degrees, there was the licentiate. Originally this was a license to teach, awarded shortly before the award of the master’s or doctoral degree by the diocese in which the university was located, but later it evolved into an academic degree in its own right, in particular in the continental universities.

According to Keith Allan Noble , the first doctoral degree was awarded in medieval Paris around 1150. The doctorate of philosophy developed in Germany as the terminal teacher’s credential in the 17th century . There were no PhDs in Germany before the 1650s .

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Edd Vs Phd In Education: Whats The Difference

If youre interested in pursuing a doctoral degree in education, one of the first questions youll face is: Should I apply for a Doctor of Education or a Doctor of Philosophy in Education?

The decision between these two culminating degrees can be career-defining as each serves a very different purpose despite being equivalent in level. In order to ensure you choose the path that best aligns with your future career goals, its important to take the time to first understand the differences in program curriculum and future career opportunities that relate to each degree.

Read on to learn about the defining qualities of an EdD and a PhD in Education, and determine which program is the right fit for you.

Edd Vs Phd: What Are They

What Does Edd Stand For In Education

A Doctorate in Education is a terminal degree with a focus on applying research and foundational knowledge to real world organizational, leadership and education issues. EdD programs prepare students for academic, administrative, clinical, professional or research positions in K-12 and higher education, civil service, private organizations or public institutions.

Rather than focusing on developing new research , EdD candidates use existing research to inform decisions around specific issues that lead to improved practices within their area of study.

To earn a Doctorate of Philosophy one must accomplish two things: Complete research to master a subject completely and extend the body of knowledge of that subject. Designed for people who plan on a career devoted to research , a PhD is a thorough education in a subject as well as the study of how to approach studying it. More specifically, a PhD for educators might focus on the sociology of education, educational leadership and/or policy, childhood learning/cognitive development, or language and literacy, just to name a few specializations.

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Phd In Education Career Options

There is some overlap between the careers you can pursue with an Ed.D. and the careers you can pursue with a Ph.D. in Education. Your ability to pursue administrative roles will vary depending on your previous experience managing others within an education setting. Other roles may include:

  • College Professor Ph.D. graduates in education can often obtain work teaching in education programs at colleges and universities. They may work with new undergraduates, experienced teachers, administrators, or public policy students. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median 2017 salary for postsecondary teachers of all types was $76,000.
  • *Source

Popular Online Phd Programs

Graduate students can earn online doctorates in education, business, psychology, technology, social work, and public health. This section introduces popular online Ph.D. programs including information on the discipline and program options. Learn more about each option by checking out the following resources.

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Ussr Russian Federation And Former Soviet Republics

The examples and perspective in this article or section might have an extensive bias or disproportional coverage towards one or more specific regions. Please improve this article or discuss the issue on the talk page.

Candidate of Science degree awarded by the State Higher Attestation Commission

The degree of Candidate of Sciences was the first advanced research qualification in the former USSR and some Eastern Bloc countries and is still awarded in some post-Soviet states . According to “Guidelines for the recognition of Russian qualifications in the other European countries,” in countries with a two-tier system of doctoral degrees , should be considered for recognition at the level of the first doctoral degree, and in countries with only one doctoral degree, the degree of Kandidat Nauk should be considered for recognition as equivalent to this PhD degree.

Since most education systems only have one advanced research qualification granting doctoral degrees or equivalent qualifications , the degree of Candidate of Sciences of the former USSR countries is usually considered to be at the same level as the doctorate or PhD degrees of those countries.

About 88% of Russian students studying at state universities study at the expense of budget funds. The average stipend in Russia is $430 a year . The average tuition fee in graduate school is $2,000 per year.

PhD degree awarded by university

How Is A Phd Dissertation Different From A Thesis

Why Should I Do a PhD?

There is often confusion, even in academic circles, about what constitutes a thesis and what constitutes a dissertation. Though both terms are often invoked and made to seem interchangeable, there are actually significant differences between the two. Though both papers are protracted essays that introduce a thesis statement or idea that is then supported by evidence and research, a dissertation and a thesis are two appreciably different documents for a number of reasons. A thesis is typically the final paper submitted upon completion of master’s degree coursework. The dissertation, on the other hand, is the final paper produced after a program of doctoral study. The more advanced nature of the dissertation is one of the key differences between the two papers.

Though a dissertation is a written document, the dissertation itself is defended in person. Typically, a dissertation committee tasked with reading a candidate’s dissertation will prepare questions for the candidate that question the validity of his claims and the legitimacy of his scholarship. These questions are not intended to be abusive or defamatory or overly critical of the material. Rather, they serve to push the candidate to explain why he feels his scholarship is so valuable and to point out areas in which there may be a lack of scholarship or clarity in the support of the candidate’s central thesis.

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Edd Vs Phd: Job Opportunities

EdD:

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2017, common job titles and average salaries for EdD graduates include:

  • Education Administrators : $97,440
  • Education Administrators : $107,670
  • Trainers and Development Managers: $117,690
  • Social and Community Service Managers: $70,530
  • Education Administrators : $53,550

Interested in earning your Doctorate in Education online? Visit our partner Baylor University School of Education for more information.

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PhD: According to the BLS, as of 2017, common job titles and average salaries for this degree might include:

  • Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists: $81,330
  • Education Teachers, Postsecondary: $72,410

Degrees Higher Than A Phd

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 . 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 to the end of the degree title.

Some higher doctorate degrees include:

  • Doctor of Science : Awarded in recognition of a substantial and sustained contribution to scientific knowledge beyond that required for a PhD.
  • Doctor of Literature/Letters : Awarded in recognition of achievement in the humanities or for original contribution to the creative arts.
  • Doctor of Divinity : Awarded above the Doctor of Theology , usually to recognize the recipients ministry-oriented accomplishments.
  • Doctor of Music : 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 : 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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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 ilosophiae octor. Traditionally the term philosophy does not refer to the subject but its original Greek meaning which roughly translates to lover of wisdom.

Doctor Of Philosophy Phd

What Does the Term PhD Stand For?

What differentiates PhD programs from professional doctorates is that they focus on original research and analytics. During your studies you will learn how to work with scientific literature and interact with the academic community. This does not mean that a graduate with a PhD is obliged to pursue an academic career. PhDs work as researchers in large companies. There are also areas where a PhD degree is required to hold a high position in the organization, such as jurisprudence or public administration.

PhDs are awarded not only in the field of Philosophy. This degree can be obtained in Arts, or in natural, social and even technical sciences: Economics, Biology, Engineering, Physics, and others. The name “Doctor of Philosophy”is just courtesy of tradition.

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What Is The Major Difference Between A Phd And A Doctor Of Philosophy

The fundamental distinction between a Ph.D. and an expert doctorate is that the holder of a Ph.D. has exhibited the capacity to utilize research abilities to make unique information that adds to the exploration and hypothesis in a field, and an owner of an expert doctorate has shown the capacity to assess

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.

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Applying For A Phd Without Relevant Qualifications

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.

Applying To Online Graduate Programs

What is GRADUATE SCHOOL? What does GRADUATE SCHOOL mean? GRADUATE SCHOOL meaning

Each graduate program sets its own application requirements and process. The following checklist walks through how to complete online doctoral applications.

  • Visit college websites and request more information: Most graduate programs provide information online about their admission requirements, doctoral coursework, and distance learning options. If the university website lacks any information, reach out to the program directly. An admissions advisor can provide advice on completing the application process.
  • Understand and meet entrance requirements: Online doctoral programs set different entrance requirements depending on the field and university. For example, some Ph.D. programs require a master’s degree for admission; others do not. Many programs also require graduate exams such as the GRE or the GMAT. Applicants should ensure they meet the entrance requirements before submitting an application.
  • Request and receive letters of recommendation: Most doctoral applicants submit letters of recommendation as part of their application. These letters should speak to the applicant’s ability to succeed at the graduate level. Former professors or professional supervisors often write the strongest recommendation letters. Make sure to ask your letter writers at least three weeks before the deadline.
  • Applying to Graduate Programs During COVID-19

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    How To Choose An Online Doctorate Program

    Prospective doctoral applicants must consider and research several factors when choosing their Ph.D. program, such as cost, program length, and specialization options. Some online programs use a hybrid format, where students take some on-campus classes; others use a fully online format. Online programs may also offer asynchronous or synchronous courses, depending on the program.

    At the doctoral level, applicants should also consider faculty mentorship opportunities, professional networking opportunities, and the program’s placement record. By considering these factors, applicants can find the best fit for their unique circumstances and needs.

    Is A Phd A Degree

    A Ph.D. is a type of academic degree earned at the doctorate level of study. The doctorate level of study is the highest attainable level of study in virtually every discipline and field. It is typical to pursue studies at the doctorate level after completion of a master’s degree in the same or a related discipline. However, there are some cases in which a candidate advances to a Ph.D. program after completing undergraduate bachelor’s studies. Although some programs allow students to begin Ph.D. studies without a master’s degree, in almost every case you cannot earn a Ph.D. without previously earning a bachelor’s degree. Depending on the discipline, the university and the amount of time that the student is able to devote to her studies, a Ph.D. program can take anywhere from three years to eight years and possibly longer. A Ph.D. is a degree that confers a level of expertise upon the holder. There are certain positions that require a Ph.D. for employment or for licensing. Doctors, for example, must have a Ph.D. before they are licensed to practice medicine. Many universities require that professors have a Ph.D. in their field in order to teach at the university level.

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    Doctoral Degree All Online

    In 2018, 1.2 million graduate students enrolled in online classes. A fully online doctoral program offers graduate-level training in a distance learning format. While many doctoral programs offer a completely online option, others include on-campus residency periods or hybrid classes. In some programs, learners complete an internship or practicum in their local area to meet graduation requirements.

    Depending on the program, learners may enroll in synchronous or asynchronous classes. In a synchronous program, students meet for live lectures at set times, while an asynchronous program does not use live meetings. Distance learners often benefit from student services like access to the university library and the ability to walk during commencement.

    Edd Vs Phd: Candidate Profiles

    What Does a PhD Degree Stand For?

    Doctorate in Education: A candidate with proven leadership experience who is looking for the next step in their career would be an ideal candidate for an EdD program. EdD programs prepare candidates to solve problems in a variety of settings including colleges and universities, K12 schools and systems, private firms and/or nonprofits and government organizations.

    This means that EdD holders can become executives in school districts, faculty at the university level, training supervisors in large and small businesses or Chief Learning Officers in large corporations.

    Interested in;earning a Doctorate of Education while pursuing your career? An online Doctorate of Education may be right for you!

    PhD: Anyone who wants to be involved in a more study-based role instead of managing or overseeing others might want to consider a PhD over an EdD. Take someone with an interest in childhood development: A PhD candidate may seek to write papers that inform other educators about how children learn, experiment with new learning technology or change policies about how classrooms are run.

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