What Is a Doctoral Degree?

The length of completion for a doctoral degree depends on the type the student is pursuing. Ph.D. degrees can take between 3-5 years if undertaken full-time. This time includes classes based on theory, followed by independent research and the writing of a dissertation. Students who conduct more extensive research or study part-time may take longer to complete their degree.

Medically-focused degrees generally require a larger time investment. To earn a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree, students need to study for four years beyond the bachelor's degree. Although three-year accelerated programs exist, four years is more typical. After completing medical school, students will then undertake a residency which can add another three to seven years of study before they can begin practice as a doctor.

If students prefer animal patients over humans, a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) takes four years of study beyond a four-year undergraduate degree.

Students interested in how long it takes to get a doctorate in education will find that it depends on their choice of a Ph.D. or Ed.D. An Ed.D. can be completed in around three years, while a Ph.D. in education lasts between four to six years.

How Much Does a Doctoral Degree Cost?

A major question on students' minds before deciding to pursue doctoral study is, "how much does a doctorate degree cost?" Like program length, the answer to this depends on a number of variables. Private universities generally have higher price tags than public universities. For public universities, students will either pay in-state or out-of-state tuition depending on their residency. Private universities charge a single price regardless of where students claim residency.

For Ph.D.'s, some programs offer full or partial funding. Students receiving funding will work either as research or teaching assistants. In return, those students will receive tuition remission and may also earn a stipend for living expenses. However, Ph.D. funding is very competitive and may not be offered by every university. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that in 2016-2017, Ph.D. students paid an average of $24,712 a year at private universities and $11,617 at public institutions. These numbers have likely increased since the report was published.

In general, students in professional doctoral degrees need to seek their own funding. Tuition can be expensive for these types of programs. For example, the Association of American Medical Colleges reported that for the 2020-2021 school year, students seeking an M.D. can expect to pay an average of $32,384 per year for in-state tuition, and an average of $56,151 for private university tuition.

A doctoral degree is a big commitment, not only when it comes to time but also the amount of work required to complete one. Students interested in pursuing a doctorate, regardless of the field, should be dedicated, driven, and have a clear focus for their future. Time management skills are also important for juggling various deadlines.

Students who enter doctoral programs generally have a multitude of different reasons for doing so and the choice is a personal one. For some, a doctoral degree is the minimum amount of education needed to enter a field. Doctors, veterinarians, lawyers, and dentists are a few of the professionals who need to complete a doctorate in order to practice. For those who wish to teach at a four-year university, a Ph.D. is typically required for most subjects.

Others may choose to pursue a doctoral degree for enhanced career prospects or potential salary increases. In some fields, a doctorate may help an individual move into management or leadership roles. In education, those with doctoral degrees can pursue positions such as school superintendent or principal. For individuals with an interest in research, many positions require a Ph.D. as the degree's aim is to prepare students to carry out unique research through all stages.

Requirements for doctoral programs can vary widely depending on the field. In general, students will need to complete an application which may also include a fee to be paid upon submission. Most universities also ask for transcripts, either undergraduate, or both undergraduate and graduate depending on the program. Transcripts must generally be official and sent from the university the student attended.

Some programs may require standardized test results as well. For medical school this is the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and for law school it is the Law School Admission Test (LSAT). Ph.D. programs may ask for scores for the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Students generally need to spend time studying and preparing for these exams before taking them at an official testing center. These tests are generally computerized and come with a fee.

For Ph.D. programs, it is common to submit a resume or curriculum vitae (CV) detailing relevant study and work experience. A statement of purpose is another item that explains a student's motivation for applying to a program and their future educational and career goals. Letters of recommendation are also key to demonstrate a student's ability to succeed in a doctoral program. Recommendation letters can be from former or current professors or work supervisors, but should not come from family or friends.

While many fields offer the opportunity to study a doctoral degree, certain subjects are more popular for students than others. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the most common doctoral programs include fields such as healthcare, law, education, engineering, and the biological and biomedical sciences.

The NCES reports that 80,305 degrees in health professions were conferred in 2016-2017. This high number is likely due in part to the fact that for many health professions, a professional doctorate is required to enter the field. This is also true for legal professions, as a JD is the minimum education required to practice as a lawyer in most states. Behind healthcare and law, education came in third with 12,780 doctorates conferred. Within education, students have the option to pursue either a Ph.D. or an Ed.D. which possibly accounts for the increased numbers of these combined programs. Lastly, engineering and biological and biomedical sciences accounted for a combined 19,039 doctoral degrees across the U.S. The technical nature of these fields makes having a doctoral degree advantageous for research and practice.

Doctoral degrees come in the form of a Ph.D. or professional doctoral degrees. While Ph.D.'s are available in fields like the humanities, mathematics, and the sciences, professional doctorates tend to be specialized to fields like education, theology, and medicine. Students wishing to study law at the doctoral level may wish to pursue a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Executive Juris Doctor (E.J.D.).

Doctor of Education (Ed. D.)

Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) degrees are for mid-level to experienced educators who are focused on research and its application. It differs from a Ph.D. in education in that it focuses on practice rather than research and teaching. Ed. D. graduates can work in K-12 settings as principals, superintendents, or in postsecondary education as administrators. They may also go on to pursue roles in curriculum design and educational management in the business world.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs can be found across a variety of fields of study. The Ph.D. is a high-level research degree focused on data collection and analysis that results in new theories. Students generally take several years of theory classes before undertaking their own research through a dissertation. Ph.D. graduates generally enter teaching or research.

Doctor of Theology (Th.D.)

Students earning a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) study the Christian tradition including biblical scripture, history, and theory. These graduates often go on to function as theologians, teaching at universities or seminaries. Th.D. degrees can be studied at traditional four-year universities or a seminary, which is a school that exclusively trains students in the Christian religious tradition.

Medical Doctorate (M.D.)

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) programs prepare students to enter the medical field as physicians. Students undergo medical training across a diverse range of specialties. Learning takes place in the classroom through courses like anatomy, pathology, and family medicine. Students also undertake clinical rotations where students gain hands-on experience working with patients. After completing the M.D., graduates progress into a specialized residency program before becoming a licensed physician.

How to Choose a Doctoral Degree

Students will need to consider many factors before deciding on an appropriate doctoral program. Things like location, cost, flexibility, and faculty expertise could be important aspects to think about. Some reasons for considering these points include:

• Public vs. private: cost is largely associated with public vs. private universities. Private universities do not receive state funding and generally charge higher tuition costs. Public universities, however, offer in-state tuition to students who are resident in the state. In-state tuition can be substantially cheaper than tuition charged to students coming from out-of-state.
• Online vs. on-campus: some doctoral programs may be offered partially or entirely online. This could be attractive to working students or those wishing to attend a program in another state without having to relocate.
• Location: Depending on the field, location can play a large role in the attractiveness of a doctoral program. For example, students studying to be doctors may benefit from attending a university in close proximity to numerous medical facilities and hospitals. Students may also wish to attend a university in a geographical area they hope to work in later in the future. It may be easier to make connections and network to help secure future employment.
• Faculty research interests: students with defined research interests may wish to find a program with a professor or professors that specialized in that area. Students could benefit from an advisor's specific expertise as well as professional connections.

Accreditation is important for all doctoral programs, although different accrediting bodies exist depending on the field. The American Bar Association accredits J.D. degree programs while the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) is responsible for accrediting universities providing training to future M.D.'s. For professions like these, attending an accredited program is a requirement for practicing in the field.

For unregulated professions, regional accreditation is the baseline standard for degree recognition. Students who do not attend an accredited program will not be eligible for federal financial aid.

Career options and salaries will depend on the field with some professions being more in demand than others. A Ph.D. can lead to positions in research and teaching but it is also required for some practice-based fields. Some jobs that require a Ph.D. include:

• Psychologist: a Ph.D. in psychology is needed for most clinical, counseling, and research positions. Clinical and counseling psychologists work with individuals who have mental and emotional problems to help them overcome barriers that interfere with daily life. Research psychologists study human behavior and the brain in order to generate new theories that will hopefully benefit society. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 3% job growth for psychologists between 2019-2029. During that ten-year period, an estimated 5,700 jobs will be added to the job market. The BLS also states that doctoral-level psychologists earn an average yearly salary of $80,370 as of May 2019.
• Postsecondary teacher: to teach at four-year universities and colleges, individuals generally need the minimum of a Ph.D. for most fields. College and university professors teach classes to students, administer exams, grade assignments, and hold office hours to help students with any problems or questions. Often, professors at this level engage in their own research alongside teaching. According to the BLS, postsecondary teachers earned a median wage of $79,540 per year as of May 2019. The BLS also states that employment in the field is expected to grow by 9% between 2019-2029.
• Astronomer: individuals interested in becoming an astronomer will need a Ph.D. in astronomy or physics. Astronomers study the planets, stars, and galaxies with specialized equipment. They are often involved in research and teaching. The median yearly pay in May 2019 for astronomers was $114,590, as reported by the BLS. The BLS also reports that employment in this field is expected to grow by 7% between 2019 and 2029.

Pursuing a doctorate is not only a time investment but it is a major financial investment as well. If enrolled full-time, students will not generally have the ability to work and study. Both Ph.D.'s and professional degrees have various options for funding, however. Funding can help cover tuition, fees, and living expenses. Depending on the type of degree and field, additional funding options may be available, but the following apply to many types of doctoral programs:

• Federal financial aid: the U.S. government provides student loans to students pursuing Ph.D.'s and professional doctorates. To apply, prospective students will need to complete an application form online detailing their personal and financial information. This form is known as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Graduate students are considered independent, so parental income will not factor into borrowing limits. Doctoral students are eligible for the PLUS loan and can borrow up to the full cost of attendance, as reported by the university. After graduation, students have a six-month grace period of no payments. When payments commence, plans are available to help students afford their monthly payments.
• Scholarships: scholarships are a type of "free money" that does not need to be repaid by the student. Scholarships are offered by both public and private sources and can be found for virtually every field of study. Students generally must apply for scholarships. Interested students should consult with their university to find out about any internal scholarships that may be available.
• Fellowships: fellowships can be awarded to Ph.D. students to help fund doctoral research. However, fellowships can also be found in fields like medicine. Fellowships may or may not be needs-based depending on the program.
• Grants: for students who can demonstrate substantial financial need, grants may be available. Grants do not need to be repaid.
• Private loans: students who find themselves unable to cover their educational expenses through federal financial aid may opt for private loans. Student loan providers such as Sallie Mae offer private loans that are not associated with the federal government.
• University Ph.D. funding: some universities offer partial or full funding to accepted students. Funding generally covers tuition and fees along with help with living expenses. Typically, this funding lasts for a period of five years. Although some Ph.D. programs offer funding to all admitted students, others may offer only a few funded positions. In that case, receiving funding can be competitive.

Accepted students may wish to consult with their university's financial aid office for help locating any available opportunities.