Requirements for a Doctoral Degree
Doctoral degrees represent the highest level of education. Doctoral degree requirements vary among accredited institutions and according to the type of degree sought. Research doctorates such as doctor of education (Ed.D.) and doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) differ from professional doctorates such as an M.D. However, certain basic requirements apply in most cases.
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Prior Degrees
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Each institution provides clear guidelines regarding degree requirements. The expectation of a prior degree may be the achievement of at least a bachelor's or a master's degree. For example, at the University of Colorado, Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, enrollment must be for six full-time semesters following the achievement of a bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania State University does not require a master's degree in some of its major programs, but indicates that graduate study for the first year is basically the same as the requirement for the master's. For a medical degree, an undergraduate degree is first required. Each institution provides clear guidelines regarding degree requirements.
Time Committment
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The time involved for a medical degree in the United States is much more extensive than that required for a research doctorate. In addition to four years of medical school, students are required to complete a residency, which can last from three to eight years, before taking the state licensing exam for certification. The completion of an Ed.D. or Ph.D. can vary anywhere from three to seven years or more, following the awarding of a bachelor's or master's degree, depending on the individual and the institution. Most universities have a limitation on the maximum number of years a student takes to complete a doctoral degree. For example, Pennsylvania State University requires that the program be completed within eight years.
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Academic Standards
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Most schools have expectations of a minimum grade point average. Doctoral students at the University of Colorado are required to sustain a minimum 3.00 average (B) in all of their work. The university also indicates that any course grade below 3.00 does not count toward the degree requirements. Pennsylvania State University also requires a 3.00 average. A candidacy exam is given prior to entrance into the doctoral program to determine whether the individual is capable of completing doctoral research.
Doctoral Committee
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The supervisory committee for an Ed.D. or Ph.D. is typically made up of members of the department of the field of study and also includes the student's dissertation adviser. They are responsible for approving the doctoral candidate's course of study, administering the candidate's general exam, approving the proposed dissertation, conducting the final comprehensive (oral) exam, and accepting the completed dissertation. Professional degrees, such as a medical doctor, psychiatrist, dentist and others do not require this process.
Acceptance of the Dissertation
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The final step in awarding a doctoral degree is acceptance of the dissertation. The doctoral committee determines whether the dissertation meets the editorial standards of the institution. The University of Colorado, for instance, indicates that the dissertation must comply with their thesis and dissertation specifications. Each institution has a deadline for the filing of the dissertation for the anticipated semester of receiving the Ed.D. or Ph.D. degree.
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References
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