What Careers Require a Doctorate Degree?
A doctorate degree is the highest academic degree a student can obtain in any field. There are different types of doctorate degrees in various fields, but in all cases, the doctorate signifies expert knowledge. Some careers require a doctorate.
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Physicians and Surgeons
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Physicians and surgeons must obtain either a doctor of medicine (M.D.) or doctor of osteopathy (D.O) degree to practice medicine. Obtaining a doctorate in medicine requires four years of medical school following the bachelor's degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts job growth for doctors of 22 percent from 2008 to 2018. Physicians made a median salary of $186,044 in 2008; specialists made nearly double that amount, according to the BLS.
University Professor
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A career as a university professor typically requires a doctorate. Although some positions may be available with a master's degree, the vast majority of positions with universities require a Ph.D. or its equivalent. In addition to teaching, university professors are required to research and publish in their fields. The Ph.D. is a research-oriented doctorate that requires a dissertation. According to the BLS, the median salary for university professors was $58,830, as of 2008.
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Biological Scientists
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Biological scientists typically need a doctorate. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that biological scientists typically pursue funded research or work in administrative positions. Biological scientists study living organisms of all types, including their relationship to the environment. According to the BLS, the number of jobs for biological scientists is expected to grow by 21 percent from 2008 to 2018. According to the bureau, biological scientists' salaries vary by specialization, with biochemists and biophysicists paid the most at a 2008 median salary of $82,840.
Dentists
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Dentists also need a doctorate. According to the BLS, the number of jobs for dentists is expected to grow by 16 percent from 2008 to 2018. Dental schools offer one of two doctorate degrees to dental students: the doctor of dental surgery (DDS) and the doctor of dental medicine (DMD). The BLS notes that dentists pulled in a median salary of $142,870 in May 2008.
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References
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