The pursuit of higher education often leads to considering advanced degrees, and for many, the allure of a doctoral degree is strong. If you’re exploring your options, particularly between a PhD and a professional doctorate, you’ve likely asked yourself, “Does A Phd Make You A Doctor?” or pondered the exact definition of a PhD. You’re definitely not alone in these questions. Across various fields, the choice between a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a professional doctorate is common. For example, in education, one might consider an Education Doctorate (EdD) or a PhD in Education.
Decoding the PhD: What Does It Really Mean?
PhD is an abbreviation for “Doctor of Philosophy.” This prestigious title represents the highest level of academic achievement in numerous disciplines. Despite the word “philosophy,” the PhD isn’t confined to just philosophical studies. It’s awarded across a vast spectrum of subjects, encompassing the natural sciences, humanities, social sciences, engineering, and more. The term “philosophy” in this context should be understood in its original, broader sense: the love of wisdom and the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake. It signifies a deep engagement with a field of study, driven by intellectual curiosity and rigorous inquiry.
Earning a PhD is a significant undertaking, typically demanding several years of dedicated study. The journey includes intensive coursework designed to build a strong foundation in the chosen discipline, followed by comprehensive examinations to ensure mastery of the subject matter. Crucially, the PhD culminates in the creation of a dissertation or thesis. This isn’t just a lengthy paper; it’s an original piece of research that contributes new knowledge and insights to the academic field. The dissertation process is a demanding but transformative experience, pushing candidates to become independent researchers and thought leaders.
To directly answer the question, yes, a PhD absolutely makes you a doctor. Both PhDs and professional doctorates confer the title of “doctor.” However, while both represent doctoral-level achievement, their focus, methodologies, and career trajectories often differ. Let’s delve deeper into the distinctions between a PhD and a professional doctorate.
PhD versus Professional Doctorate: Exploring the Landscape
Both professional doctorates and PhDs are recognized as terminal degrees. This means that achieving either one signifies the highest level of formal academic qualification in a given field. Holding a doctoral degree, whether a PhD or a professional doctorate, can significantly enhance your career prospects and earning potential. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that individuals with doctoral degrees typically earn approximately 20% more per week compared to those holding a master’s degree.1 This underscores the value that advanced research and expertise bring to the professional world.
When navigating the choice between a PhD and a professional doctorate, the core distinction lies in their primary focus. A PhD is fundamentally an academic and research-oriented degree. It emphasizes original research, rigorous data analysis, theoretical development, and the critical evaluation of existing theories. The goal of a PhD is to contribute to the academic body of knowledge and advance the theoretical understanding of a field.
Conversely, a professional doctorate is practice-oriented. It focuses on the application of existing research and knowledge to solve real-world problems. Professional doctorates emphasize formulating practical solutions to complex issues, designing effective professional practices, and leading innovation within a specific professional domain. They are geared towards professionals seeking to enhance their expertise and leadership capabilities within their chosen field.
Are PhDs Considered More Prestigious Than Professional Doctorates?
It’s a common misconception to think of a PhD as inherently “higher” than a professional doctorate. In reality, neither degree holds a superior position. Both are doctoral-level qualifications, representing the pinnacle of academic achievement. The “better” choice depends entirely on individual career aspirations and academic interests.
Examples of professional doctorates include the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), the Doctor of Education (EdD), the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), and the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH). Correspondingly, PhD pathways exist in similar fields, such as a PhD in Management, PhD in Education, PhD in Nursing, or PhD in Public Health. The key takeaway is that all these are doctoral degrees, each designed for distinct career and scholarly paths. The prestige associated with each is field-dependent and often related to the specific institution and program reputation, rather than the degree type itself.
Key Differences Unveiled: PhD vs. Professional Doctorate
Choosing between a PhD and a professional doctorate requires careful consideration of your educational goals and desired career trajectory. While both are doctoral degrees, their educational philosophies and typical career paths diverge significantly.
Both PhDs and professional doctorates offer unique strengths. The optimal choice hinges on your specific interests and how you envision utilizing your advanced degree. The table below summarizes the core distinctions:
| Key Areas | PhD | Professional Doctorate |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | Advance the field through theoretical research; Construct new knowledge or theories | Advance the field by applying existing knowledge; Enrich knowledge and research skills |
| Outcomes | Conduct theoretical research; Seek tenured academic positions | Practice in the field and advance to leadership; Teach in higher education |
| Student Population | Individuals seeking theoretical research experience | Professionals aiming to solve practical problems in their field |
| Admission Requirements | Master’s degree | Master’s degree |
| Assessment | Dissertation | Field-related doctoral study |
Dissertation vs. Doctoral Study: The Culminating Projects
While the specific requirements for earning a doctoral degree vary across universities and programs, the culminating projects for PhDs and professional doctorates typically differ in nature. PhD candidates generally undertake a dissertation, whereas professional doctorate candidates often complete a doctoral study or applied research project.
Delving into the Doctoral Study
A doctoral study is designed to address a practical, real-world problem within a specific professional field. It requires candidates to thoroughly investigate the problem with the aim of generating new understandings that can inform the development of effective solutions. The doctoral study process generally includes:
- Proposal Development: Creating a detailed proposal outlining the problem to be addressed, the study design, and the research methodology.
- Proposal Defense: Presenting and defending the research proposal orally to a committee of faculty experts.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Gathering relevant data and analyzing it to generate findings.
- Findings Defense: Presenting and defending the research findings orally to the committee.
The Rigor of the Dissertation
In contrast, a PhD dissertation is a more deeply theoretical and research-intensive undertaking. It involves conducting original research within a specific academic discipline. While dissertation research can explore uncharted territory, it often builds upon and expands existing knowledge, contributing novel research and insights to the field. Completing a PhD dissertation involves these key steps:
- Dissertation Prospectus: Drafting a comprehensive dissertation prospectus that outlines the research question, methodology, and expected contribution.
- Prospectus Defense: Orally defending the dissertation prospectus to a faculty committee.
- Research Execution: Conducting the planned research, often involving extensive data collection, experimentation, or archival work.
- Dissertation Writing: Writing a comprehensive dissertation document detailing the research methods, findings, literature review, and conclusions.
- Dissertation Defense: Orally defending the completed dissertation to a committee of experts.
What Skills Will You Develop? PhD vs. Professional Doctorate
A PhD program is tailored for individuals passionate about conducting original research that tests theoretical frameworks and expands the existing knowledge base of a discipline. A PhD curriculum is designed to cultivate skills in:
- Theoretical Analysis: Analyzing complex theories and concepts within a specific field.
- Theoretical Evaluation: Critically evaluating the relevance and impact of seminal, current, and emerging theories.
- Literature Gap Identification: Identifying gaps and areas for further research within the existing academic literature.
- Original Research Contribution: Advancing the body of knowledge through the design and execution of original research projects.
- Academic Communication: Communicating research findings effectively to both academic audiences and broader stakeholders.
A professional doctorate program, on the other hand, is designed for experienced professionals seeking to deepen their expertise, advance their careers, and enhance their leadership and influence within their field. Professional doctorate programs focus on developing skills in:
- Practice-Based Evaluation: Evaluating the relevance of current and emerging theories and best practices in a professional context.
- Problem-Solving: Formulating effective solutions to complex, real-world problems specific to a given field.
- Applied Research: Applying current research findings to address practical challenges and improve professional practices.
- Knowledge Expansion in Practice: Designing rigorous research projects that expand the professional body of knowledge and inform best practices.
Funding Your Doctoral Journey: Fellowships
Fellowships represent a valuable source of funding for doctoral studies. While fellowship opportunities are frequently available for PhD students engaged in research, programs also exist to support professional doctoral candidates. Universities often administer their own fellowship programs, and external funding bodies and organizations also offer doctoral fellowships to support advanced research and scholarship.
Flexible Pathways: Earning Your Doctorate Online
Both PhD degrees and professional doctorates are increasingly accessible through online universities. Online education offers significant advantages, providing flexibility and convenience that traditional campus-based programs may not match.
Walden University, for instance, is a reputable accredited online institution offering a wide array of professional doctorate and PhD programs online. Online learning eliminates geographical constraints, allowing students to pursue doctoral studies without relocating or commuting to a physical campus. Online programs often offer asynchronous coursework, enabling students to learn at their own pace and integrate their studies with work and personal commitments.
Explore Walden University’s online doctoral degree programs to discover the diverse range of professional doctorate and PhD options available. Walden provides comprehensive support services for doctoral students, including doctoral peer mentors and financial aid advisors, to facilitate a successful doctoral journey. For further insights into the doctoral experience, Walden’s doctoral journey page offers detailed information about the educational path, requirements, and funding options.
If you still have questions or need more information, you can easily request information online. Whether you have inquiries about specific degree programs, admissions criteria, financial aid options, or any other details, a Walden Enrollment Specialist will be happy to provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your doctoral education.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering a range of PhD and professional doctoral programs online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
1Source: www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2021/data-on-display/education-pays.htm
