Definition
The term doctoral degree is used to describe an award given to students completing a combination of graduate level study, achieving a minimum grade point average and contributing to a body of knowledge through a dissertation. A doctoral degree is the highest of the graduate level academic degrees, and typically requires four years of full time study.
Explanation
Also known as a doctorate degree, students wishing to receive a doctoral degree must first receive their bachelor's degree. If the student has a master's degree, some course credits may be applied towards the doctorate, but holding a master's degree is not required before being admitted to a program.
Doctoral degrees can be separated into two classifications. Students that wish to become researchers will enroll in a Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy program. Students that desire to become skilled practitioners will enroll in a program specific to that skill, for example:
Skilled Practitioner Programs: includes D.A., Doctor of Arts; D.M.D., Doctor of Dental Medicine; D.D.S., Doctor of Dental Surgery; Ed.D., Doctor of Education; M.D., Doctor of Medicine; O.D., Doctor of Optometry; D.O., Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine; Pharm.D., Doctor of Pharmacy; Psy.D., Doctor of Psychology; D.V.M., Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; D.S.W., Doctor of Social Work; and J.D., Juris Doctor.
The vast majority of students enrolled in Ph.D. programs will eventually teach in university and college settings or become a professional researcher. The exact number of graduate level courses may vary by program; however, the requirements generally include:
A minimum of 120 graduate-level course credits.
Research or study conducted while on the university's campus; referred to as a residency program or requirement.
A dissertation demonstrating the ability to add to the area's body of knowledge and present those materials to university experts.
An oral examination, conducted by experts both within and external to the student's major department or program area.
As is the case with master's programs, a doctorate program must be completed within a certain time frame, typically within seven years after being admitted. Students may also be required to maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA). When received, a doctoral degree is normally combined with the student's major. For example, a student can receive a Doctor of Philosophy in Anthropology.