How Does a Person Get a PhD?

To attain a PhD, you must first go through two levels of rigorous education. The first level is a 4-year education at a university, which results in obtaining a bachelor's degree in science or art. After graduation, you must apply and get accepted into a master's program, which usually lasts anywhere from 1 to 2 years and results in a master's degree in the chosen field of study. Finally, you must apply and get accepted into a doctoral program. Once in the program, you are expected to complete 2 to 3 years of study. The most important part of a doctoral program is the writing of a thesis or dissertation, which is a body of original academic research pertaining to your field of study. This should be worthy of publication. This work is then reviewed by a panel of experts, which must deem it passable. Once the work is accepted, the candidate is awarded a PhD.

Types

There are several types of doctorate degrees that can be awarded. The most common is the doctorate awarded for research, which includes areas of study such as engineering, education and philosophy. The most commonly awarded doctorate degree is the PhD in the field of research. Professional doctorates are awarded to candidates in a much more specified field of study such as medicine, practical theology, business administration and professional studies. There also exist a number of honorary doctorates, which are awarded when a university wants to recognize a particular individual's accomplishments or contributions in a specific field of study.