A doctorate and PhD are both terminal academic degrees, meaning they represent the highest level of education in a given field. However, there are some key differences between the two.
What is a Doctorate Degree?
A doctorate is an umbrella term for a degree that lets the holder add “Dr.” to their name. There are two main types of doctorate degrees:
- Professional doctorates prepare students for a specific career, such as law, medicine, or physical therapy.
- Research doctorates focus on producing new knowledge in a field through an original dissertation or thesis.
Professional doctorates like the MD, JD, or DPT tend to be coursework-intensive and focus on hands-on training. Research doctorates like the PhD emphasize conducting independent research and writing a dissertation.
What is a PhD?
A PhD, which stands for Doctor of Philosophy, is a type of research doctorate. The PhD is the highest degree awarded in most fields of study. All PhDs are doctoral degrees, but not all doctorates are PhDs.
To earn a PhD, students must complete extensive coursework in their field, pass qualifying exams demonstrating subject mastery, and write and defend a dissertation presenting original research that adds to the body of knowledge in their discipline. This process usually takes 5-6 years of full-time study.
Key Differences Between Doctorates and PhDs
While doctorates and PhDs have some similarities, there are some notable differences between the two degrees:
| Doctorate | PhD |
|---|---|
| Broader term for any terminal degree | Specific type of research doctorate |
| Includes professional and research doctorates | Always a research degree |
| Coursework often involves clinical training or hands-on learning | Heavy emphasis on independent research |
| Length varies (2-5+ years) | Typically takes 5-6 years |
| Awarded in many disciplines (law, medicine, education, etc.) | Traditionally awarded in sciences and humanities |
In short, all PhDs are doctoral degrees, but not all doctorates are PhDs. Doctorate is an umbrella term that encompasses various terminal degrees, while the PhD is a specific type of research doctorate.
Common Types of Doctoral Degrees
There are many different types of doctoral degrees. Here are some of the most common doctorates:
PhD (Doctor of Philosophy)
As explained above, the PhD is a research doctorate awarded in most academic fields from the sciences to humanities. PhD programs typically take 5-6 years of full-time study to complete.
MD (Doctor of Medicine)
The MD is a professional doctorate required to practice medicine. Earning an MD requires 4 years of medical school plus 3-7 years of residency training.
JD (Juris Doctor)
The JD is the terminal law degree qualifying graduates to practice law. Full-time JD programs take 3 years to complete.
EdD (Doctor of Education)
The EdD prepares experts in education research, policy, and leadership. EdD programs take 3-4 years to complete and include a dissertation.
DBA (Doctor of Business Administration)
The DBA is a terminal degree for business executives and researchers. It focuses on applying research to real-world business problems.
DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice)
The DNP prepares advanced practice nurses to implement evidence-based care. DNP programs take 2-3 years for those who hold a Master’s in Nursing.
Requirements for a Doctorate vs. PhD
The requirements to earn a doctorate depend on the specific degree type and field. However, there are some general differences between what’s required for a PhD compared to a professional doctorate degree:
| PhD Requirements | Professional Doctorate Requirements |
|---|---|
| Extensive original research and dissertation | Less focus on research, more coursework |
| Emphasis on theory and academics | Emphasis on hands-on skills and practice |
| Statistical analysis and research methods | Clinical placements, residencies, or internships |
| Comprehensive exams in one or more fields | Licensing exams or skill assessments |
| Present and defend dissertation | Capstone project focused on practice |
While the PhD is entirely focused on research, professional doctorates incorporate both practical coursework and scholarly research relevant to a particular profession.
Which Type of Degree is Right for You?
Deciding between a PhD or professional doctorate depends on your career goals:
- A PhD is best if you want to work in academia or research.
- A professional doctorate like an MD, JD, or DNP leads to licensure in health care, law, or other applied fields.
Think about your interests. Are you drawn to hands-on work and practice? Or do you enjoy conducting research and teaching? This can help determine if a PhD or professional doctorate better fits your aspirations.
Also consider your timeline. Professional doctorates tend to take less time to complete than PhDs. But a PhD opens up academic career opportunities that other degrees do not.
Can You Earn Both a PhD and Professional Doctorate?
It is possible, though uncommon, for someone to earn both a PhD and a professional doctorate degree. However, this requires completing all requirements for both programs.
Some students choose to pursue a PhD after earning a professional doctorate to gain research skills. For example, a physician may earn an MD followed by a PhD to conduct medical research. Others opt for a professional doctorate after a PhD to apply their knowledge.
Completing both degrees requires extensive education – around 8 years minimum – and significant financial investment. Make sure you have a clear rationale for needing the qualifications of both doctoral programs.
Conclusion
Doctorate degrees and PhDs share similarities – both represent the pinnacle of academic achievement. However, there are key differences between professional practice-oriented doctorates versus the research-focused PhD.
Ultimately, career goals should determine whether a PhD or professional doctorate best suits your needs. Both demonstrate expertise, but equip graduates for different career paths. Carefully weighing your interests, aptitudes, and timeline can help decide which terminal degree is right for your aspirations.