What is a PhD?
PhD, or Ph.D., stands for Doctor of Philosophy. A PhD is an advanced degree requiring usually three to eight years of study beyond receiving a Bachelor’s degree. The PhD candidate does not necessarily study philosophy. In fact, many candidates study science or different liberal arts fields. The title of “Doctor” is not always used, and is essentially honorary in the US. Typically, in the US, those with PhDs are not referred to as doctors as are medical doctors. There are numerous complementary programs that involve similar years of study and take place after one has earned a bachelor’s degree. These include the D.A, or Doctor of Arts, Doctor of Education (Ed.D), the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) and the Doctor of Law (J.D.). PhD work in any field is quite challenging. One must usually have a clearly defined major, perform well on the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) in both one’s specialty and in the general test, and have excellent grades, recommendations and scholastic history in order
This might seem like an unusual topic, as most scientists seem to know exactly what a PhD is and for what it stands. But on closer inspection, a PhD has as many meanings as there are educational systems. It is not—and has never been—a single, well-defined qualification. As research practices and funding change, the situation becomes even more confused, with consequences for the quality of both scientific training and research.
