A PhD or a doctorate degree is currently the highest degree awarded in North America. It usually takes between five and eight years to complete. A PhD program typically requires that the student possess a master's level degree or a bachelor's degree and extensive experience before a student will be accepted into the program. A PhD program graduate is one who is considered by the professorial faculty to be an equal in their field of study. Toward this end the student is required to present a doctoral dissertation before a panel of professors. This dissertation is typically a paper of publishable quality and length that is presented and then defended before a panel of peers. This dissertation accounts for the... Read More

A PhD or a doctorate degree is currently the highest degree awarded in North America. It usually takes between five and eight years to complete. A PhD program typically requires that the student possess a master's level degree or a bachelor's degree and extensive experience before a student will be accepted into the program. A PhD program graduate is one who is considered by the professorial faculty to be an equal in their field of study. Toward this end the student is required to present a doctoral dissertation before a panel of professors. This dissertation is typically a paper of publishable quality and length that is presented and then defended before a panel of peers. This dissertation accounts for the great majority of the time spent in your PhD program. What Doctoral Degrees Are Available?
There are many doctoral degrees that do not require the preparation and presentation of a dissertation. Among these are medicine, veterinary, chiropractic, law, and psychology. These are called first professional degrees. Those degrees requiring the dissertation are considered research degrees and can include the doctorate of philosophy, a doctorate of business, and a doctorate of architecture. Is it important to get my PhD?
The number of people pursuing a PhD program is growing rapidly. Fast growing fields include education, engineering, and philosophy. This puts the pressure on the student to pursue this highest level of study to remain competitive. Hide