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Types of Doctoral Degrees
by Brad Hostetter
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Overview
A doctoral degree is the highest academic degree a person can receive in many fields. A doctorate typically comes with the most prestige and earning potential of any degree. Holders of doctoral degrees will find that their educations qualify them for the highest positions in their fields, provided they have the necessary work experience to accompany their degrees.
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Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
To earn a Ph.D., students typically must earn at least five full semesters of graduate courses. A master's degree can lower the number of credits required to obtain a Ph.D. Ph.D. programs usually center on theory and research, culminating in a dissertation by the student. Along the way the student must pass a qualification exam and periodic reviews by a dissertation committee.
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Doctor of Medicine (M.D.)
In order to earn an M.D., students must complete an undergraduate degree and four years of medical school. Medical school candidates often major in pre-medicine, biology or chemistry. As students progress in their medical school experiences, they will spend less time studying and more time getting experience through clerkships and internships.
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Juris Doctor (J.D.)
Law school graduates earn a J.D. upon completion of what is typically a three-year program for full-time students. Once a law school graduate passes a state bar exam, she is eligible to practice law in that state. Law school applicants come from a wide variety of undergraduate majors, although some prospective lawyers choose to take advantage of their schools' pre-law degree programs.
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Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
Ed.D applicants often pursue this degree to move into administrative roles in public and private schools. Most school districts also offer pay raises for teachers with doctoral degrees. The Ed.D program has a form similar to a Ph.D. program, including an exam, dissertation, and dissertation committee, but graduates are less likely to work as researchers.
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Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng.)
A D.Eng. program is designed to prepare a graduate for a career in the business world. The program does not focus on research like Ph.D. programs because students do not intend to become researchers or professors after obtaining their degrees. D.Eng graduates aim to become leaders in the private sector or public service.
