Glossary of Doctorate Degree Programs

Architecture ( View 1 Articles )

• PHD in Urban Planning: Degree Program Information

  Students in a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Urban Planning degree program acquire an advanced understanding of the human and physical environments of a variety of regions. They conduct research aimed at fostering positive social change and improving the quality of life for people in neighborhoods, cities and other metropolitan areas. The flexible nature of the Ph.D. program allows for an individualized learning experience tailored to the students own research and occupational goals.

Biological and Biomedical Sciences ( View 24 Articles )

• Cognitive Neuroscience PHD Programs: Degree Overviews

  Doctoral programs in cognitive neuroscience are available as standard degree programs or a concentration within a broader doctoral degree in neuroscience. These advanced degree programs focus on the effect of the brain on a wide variety of human cognitive processes, such as perception, emotion and memory. Earning a doctoral degree is necessary for conducting independent cognitive neuroscience research and working in postsecondary academia.

• Doctoral Degree in Zoology: PHD Program Overviews

  Students of a Ph.D. in Zoology program research various areas of animal biology and behavior at an advanced level. Dissertation research in an emphasized area of interest - such as bats or primates - is the centerpiece of the Ph.D. program. Earning this degree allows students to conduct independent research as a zoologist or wildlife biologist.

• Epidemiology PHD Degree Program Overviews

  A Ph.D. program in epidemiology provides graduate students with the necessary skills to conduct research on the causes behind the spread of disease and methods of disease prevention. It is a research-focused degree program and students usually complete a dissertation. Graduates of this Ph.D. program often choose to pursue careers in education or research.

• Genetics PHD Degree Program Information

  Students interested in advanced academic study of genetics may consider a doctorate degree program in the field. Comprehensive lecture courses and extensive laboratory research are common in these degree programs and graduates typically pursue careers in medical research or education, as well as further education in medical school.

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology PHD Programs: Degree Information

  The study of communicable diseases, known as epidemiology, can be pursued at the doctoral level, where students can earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Epidemiology. Programs focus on the outbreak, control, spread and prevention of certain diseases. Students attend lectures while gaining valuable laboratory experience.

Business ( View 19 Articles )

• Colleges Offering Doctoral Programs in Strategic Management

  Strategic management focuses on the success of a business entity over that of its competitors. The profession relies on innovation, analysis of the industry, business incentives and entrepreneurship in order to compete in the business market. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree programs in strategic management prepare students to excel in the business world or enter academia.

• Doctor of Applied Management and Decision Sciences: Degree Overview

  Individuals specializing in applied management techniques and decision sciences typically focus on making optimal business decisions based upon the information and uncertainty of a particular situation. A doctorate program in applied management and decision sciences is not common, but a Doctor of Philosophy in Decision Sciences is available at some universities.

• Doctor of Business Administration: Degree Overview

  Business administrators handle the decision-making processes of companies, utilizing personnel and resources to achieve maximum profitability. The Doctor of Philosophy program is the terminal degree of business administration studies and provides ample knowledge and skills for graduates to excel in a variety of business fields and academic instruction.

• Doctor of Business Administration: International Business Degree Overview

  Individuals seeking an education in international business at the Ph.D. level may enroll either in a Ph.D. program in international business or in a Ph.D. program in business administration with an emphasis in international business. These programs typically offer similar subjects of study and result in similar career opportunities.

• Doctor of Management Information Systems (MIS): Degree Overview

  Those working in the field of Management Information Systems (MIS) strive to utilize tools of technology to positively impact the lives and productivity of people and organizations. A Doctor of Philosophy in Management Information Systems aims to produce technologically savvy professionals, experienced researchers and well-informed academic instructors. Management information systems may also be studied as a concentration option in a doctoral business administration or management program.

Communications and Journalism ( View 9 Articles )

• Applied Linguistics PHD Degree Program Information

  Applied linguistics focuses on the way individuals learn and use language. Students will study many aspects of language, including literacy, culture use, teaching, processes and theories, applying skills in writing, analysis, synthesis and research. Students who obtain a Ph.D. in Applied Linguistics are able to work in occupations from educators to lawyers.

• PHD Degrees in Composition and Rhetoric: Program Information

  A Ph.D. program in composition and rhetoric prepares students for academic careers specializing in written English. As students refine their writing skills through intensive coursework, they also learn and apply teaching methodologies. Upon completion, graduates are considered experts in persuasive writing and critical composition.

• PHD Program in Comparative Literature: Degree Overview

  Individuals interested in language, culture, linguistics, history and art can pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Comparative Literature. Students pursuing a Ph.D. in this field study literature from a range of perspectives for five to seven years, after which they are prepared to enter the workforce.

• PHD in Italian: Degree Program Overview

  A degree program leading to a Ph.D. in Italian offers students the opportunity for in-depth exploration of literature as it relates to Italian culture and society. Students also can refine their understanding of the Italian language, giving them expertise as teachers, interpreters and linguists.

• PHD in Spanish: Degree Program Information and Requirements

  Students with a proficiency for the Spanish language and culture can choose between linguistics or literary options when pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Spanish. A linguistics option offers coursework focusing on grammar, usage and language structure, while the literary option emphasizes the analysis of historical and contemporary Spanish fiction and poetry.

Computer Sciences ( View 2 Articles )

• Doctor of Computer Science: Degree Overview

  Research computer science doctorate programs. Get information on requirements, courses, career prospects and salary to make an informed decision about your education.

• Doctorate of Computer Science: Degree Overview

  Computer science research professionals thoroughly explore trends, theories and innovative solutions within areas of their interest in computer science industries. While Doctor of Computer Science programs do exist, the much more common degree title, featuring a practically identical course of study, is the Doctor of Philosophy in Computer Science.

Education ( View 40 Articles )

• Colleges with Doctoral Programs in Education: How to Choose

  Doctoral programs in education prepare students for research and administrative positions in a variety of academic specialties. Offered as both a Ph.D. in Education and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), these doctoral degrees are available at select 4-year universities throughout the country.

• Day Care Teacher Training Program Information and Requirements

  Research day care teacher training programs. Get information about courses, requirements and career prospects to make an informed decision about your education.

• Degrees in K-12 Education Leadership: Program Options and Requirements

  Learn about degrees in K-12 education leadership. Get information on master's, doctorate and education specialist degrees, course requirements and career prospects to make an informed decision about your education.

• Doctor of Education (Ed.D..) in Instructional Leadership: Degree Info

  Research doctoral programs in instructional leadership. Learn about courses, career options and licensing requirements to make an informed decision about your education.

• Doctor of Education: Counseling Psychology Degree Overview

  Counseling psychology is a field of psychology that focuses on day-to-day life and promoting healthy living environments. A Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Counseling Psychology can lead to careers in education, social work and counseling. Where a Ph.D. might be best suited to individuals interested in research or postsecondary academics, an Ed.D. could lead to supervisory or administrative counseling positions at the K-12 levels.

Engineering ( View 13 Articles )

• Chemical Engineer PHD Program Information

  Chemical engineering professionals or students who have earned their master's degree can earn a Ph.D. to continue their career in engineering or to teach chemistry at the collegiate level. After completing a bachelor's or master's degree program, students can earn a Ph.D. to develop advanced research and teaching skills. Coursework can focus on a variety of subjects, including molecular structure, fluid dynamics and statistical analysis.

• Doctor of Engineering Degree: Info for Doctoral Students

  Most doctorate programs focus on a specific type of engineering, such as civil, electrical or bioengineering. Few schools offer a doctoral degree only in engineering. In these programs students must choose a focus for research, though the rules are open-ended and allow for multiple concentrations.

• Doctor of Engineering: Engineering Management Degree Overview

  A Ph.D. program in engineering management might be offered by itself, as a specialty within a broader doctoral program, such as industrial engineering, or in conjunction with a systems engineering program. Students in such programs are trained to lead and manage engineering operations and personnel.

• Doctor of Engineering: Environmental Engineering Degree Overview

  Research doctoral programs in environmental engineering. Learn about educational prerequisites you may need, courses you may take and career options you may have to make an informed decision about your education.

• Doctor of Engineering: General Engineering Degree Overview

  A doctoral degree program in engineering covers topics such as process design and statistics. These programs are offered in a variety of specialties to students with a master's degree in engineering or a related field. Read this article to learn more.

Legal ( View 13 Articles )

• Criminal Justice PhD: Information for Doctoral Students

  A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Criminal Justice is best suited for students with substantial criminal justice experience who want to teach at a postsecondary level. Most programs are interdisciplinary, incorporating skills from several criminal justice and science fields.

• Doctor of Juridical Science Degree Program Information

  Juridical science is an academic discipline focusing on research issues related to the law and legal institutions like the Supreme Court. Students earning advanced degrees in juridical science learn about the full scope of American legal activity, such as the litigation process, public policy implementation and criminal due process. A doctoral degree in juridical science can be completed in two or three years.

• Doctorate in Disaster Management: Program Information

  Whether natural or instigated by humans, disasters have become part of our collective consciousness, and there is a demonstrated need for professionals who can handle the ramifications of these crises. While there are no doctorate programs specific to disaster management, students who wish to become specialists in this field may choose from a number of master's degree programs with disaster and emergency management specializations.

• Doctorate in Health Law: Degree Information

  There are no programs that specifically offer a doctorate in health law; however, many joint programs are available that combine either a J.D. or LL.M. with a Ph.D. in health law. Graduates of a health law program may pursue careers as judges or in specialized health law practice.

• Doctorate in Law and Policy: Degree Program Information

  There is a complex relationship between public policy and the law. A limited number of schools offer Doctor of Law and Policy (LP.D.) programs covering each discipline in depth. Many schools offer joint degrees that allow students to take courses in each subject. Joint Juris Doctor (J.D.) and Master of Arts (M.A.) programs in law and public policy offer comprehensive coursework and award degrees in each discipline.

Liberal Arts and Humanities ( View 38 Articles )

• British Cultural Studies PHD Program Information

  A degree program in British cultural studies often provides students with a platform to study a particular aspect of British culture, such as politics, economics, business, law or entertainment. The most advanced type of degree available in this field is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in British Cultural Studies.

• Child Care Management PHD Degree Program Information

  Degree programs for child care management are usually offered at the certificate level. For individuals interested in pursuing a doctoral degree, there are programs available in related fields, such as early childhood education.

• Christian Doctoral Program Options

  Students interested in studying the application of Christian beliefs to careers in the ministry or those with an academic interest in the teachings of Christ can apply to Christian doctoral degree programs. Read on to learn more about the variety of options that exist.

• Cultural Anthropology PHD Programs: Degree Overviews

  Anthropology is the global study of who we are as humans and how we got here. Those who specialize in cultural anthropology use customs, cultures and human relations to answer those questions. A Ph.D. in Cultural Anthropology will prepare individuals to continue that study as society evolves, by either conducting research or shaping future anthropologists through postsecondary education.

• Doctor of Divinity: Degree Program Information

  A Doctor of Divinity is an honorary degree and not a typical doctoral program open for student enrollment. However, a traditional doctoral program in divinity, such as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Divinity, can provide scholars with advanced knowledge and expertise in a particular aspect of religious studies. This program is most often taken by aspiring professors.

Mechanic and Repair Technologies ( View 1 Articles )

• PHD in Construction: Program Information

  A Ph.D. in Construction prepares graduates for research, academic or leadership roles in building sciences. Students specialize in areas such as facilities management, human resource management, building construction or sustainable construction.

Medical and Health Professions ( View 50 Articles )

• Accreditation for Doctoral Nursing Programs: Info for Aspiring Students

  Doctorate degree programs in nursing award the highest degrees that a student can earn in the nursing fields. This article details the accreditation associated with doctorate nursing degree programs.

• Clinical Social Work Ph.D. Degree Program Information

  Licensed social workers who want to teach at the college level or get involved in policy planning may wish to pursue a Ph.D. program in clinical social work. This degree program typically requires both academic classes, original research projects and clinical practice.

• Community Health Education and Promotion Ph.D. Programs

  With healthcare costs expected to rise, insurance companies and government agencies are trying to promote healthy lifestyle choices. Health education programs assist with this goal by reaching out to communities and individuals. Graduates of Ph.D. programs in community health education and promotion will be prepared to fill these, and other, health education positions.

• Complementary Medicine PHD Program Information

  Complementary medicine, sometimes referred to as alternative medicine, focuses on providing natural remedies to patients who suffer from illness and disease. Sometimes complementary procedures, such as yoga and acupuncture, are offered in conjunction with traditional medical treatments. A doctorate degree provides students with the education to perform advanced scholarly research or clinical practice in specialized areas of this field.

• Doctor of Education: Pastoral Community Counseling Degree Overview

  Current or aspiring church leaders who have completed graduate divinity or counseling degree programs can pursue a doctoral degree in pastoral counseling. These programs allow students to examine counseling theories or prepare for postsecondary teaching and research careers.

Other ( View 6 Articles )

• Adult and Continuing Education Doctorate Program Information

  Adult and continuing education doctoral programs focus on effective teaching practices for postsecondary students. These research-intensive programs can be completed in about three years of full-time study.

• Doctor of Applied Science: Degree Info by Field of Study

  A Doctor of Applied Science (DAS) is not a common degree offered by schools, though a Doctor of Science (D.Sc.) can be offered in many subjects. These program may be provided as alternative options to Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree programs. They can cover broad academic categories, such as engineering, mathematics and health, as well as sub-categories, like atomic and molecular physics, epidemiology and applied bioscience.

• How Much Does a Doctorate Degree Cost?

  There are many types of doctorate degrees, and students may seek a doctorate to enter or advance a professional career, begin residency in the medical field, continue with scientific research or enter academia. Enrolling in a doctorate program requires a significant investment, possibly in the neighborhood $300,000 for five years of study.

• Types of PHD Degrees: Overview of the Most Common Doctoral Programs

  According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the most popular fields of study by number of degrees awarded are in health professions, education, engineering, biomedical sciences and psychology. Doctorate programs in these fields can result in degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Education.

• What Does Ph.D. Stand For?

  Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy. A Ph.D. is the terminal degree for many subjects in the United States. This article provides information about this degree and how it is earned.

Physical Sciences ( View 1 Articles )

• Doctor of Forest Sciences Degree Program Information

  A Ph.D. in Forest Science prepares graduates to contribute to the field of forestry through advanced academic knowledge and research in ecology; animal, plant and insect life; the entomology of forests and climatology. Graduates who hold a doctorate degree in forest science have the opportunity to work as researchers, forest planners and managers, biologists, ecologists, habitat conservation specialists and in many other positions.

Psychology ( View 28 Articles )

• Child Psychology PHD Programs: Info for Doctoral Students

  Although there is a Ph.D. in Child Psychology, most programs are degrees titled Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis, concentration or track in child psychology. There are a few basic differences between the coursework of these two degrees, and the clinical psychology degrees often add a fifth year to the program that begins following the baccalaureate degree.

• Christian Colleges with Doctoral Degrees in Psychology: How to Choose

  Offered as either a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology or a Doctorate of Psychology (PsyD), a doctoral degree program in psychology is offered by only six American Psychological Association (APA) accredited Christian colleges in the nation. The goal of these programs is to relate to and help psychological patients from a religious perspective.

• Degrees in Health and Wellness Psychology: Program Info

  Health and wellness psychology is an interdisciplinary field that analyzes emotional, social and biological well-being through a combination of psychological methodology and study of the natural sciences. Undergraduate and graduate degree programs are available in a variety of health and wellness areas.

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

  Industrial and organizational psychologists, also sometimes referred to as work psychologists or occupational psychologists, study and assess the behaviors of employees to ensure that business operations run smoothly. The most common type of advanced degree offered at this level is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Industrial and Organizational Psychology.

• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): Degree Overview

  Doctor of Psychology programs typically take five years to complete and include advanced coursework and field experience to train psychologists. These programs differ from Doctor of Philosophy programs by focusing more on the practice of psychology and less on research. To practice as a psychologist, an individual must also meet licensing requirements.

Transportation and Distribution ( View 4 Articles )

• Doctorate in Aviation Safety: Info on PHD Programs

  Aviation safety is a term that refers to procedures and regulations that attempt to prevent accidents and casualties during the operation of aerial crafts, such as airplanes, helicopters and hot air balloons. While certain schools offer aviation safety graduate degrees, specific doctoral programs in aviation safety do not exist. Interested students can concentrate on aviation safety while earning a doctoral degree in a related field, such as aerospace engineering or aviation.

• PHD in Aeronautical Science: Degree Program Overview

  There are no Ph.D. degree programs offered in aeronautical science. Students interested in this field of study can enroll in a bachelor's degree program in aeronautical science, which combines aviation studies with pilot training courses and instruction. Many graduates go on to receive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification as licensed pilots.

• PHD in Aviation Management: Info on Doctoral Programs

  Postgraduate degree programs in aviation are designed to allow aviation professionals to explore advanced theories in the areas of aviation management, economics, safety and regulatory procedures. Although very few institutions offer it, the most advanced graduate program available in the field is a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Aviation.

• PHD in Aviation Science: Doctoral Degree Info

  A doctorate program in aviation science is rarely available. However, a few schools offer a Master of Science in Aviation Science program for students interested in furthering their skills in the aviation and aeronautics fields.

Visual and Performing Arts ( View 10 Articles )

• Doctorate Degree in Music Composition: Program Information

  Ph.D. programs in music composition offer students an opportunity to become masters in the theoretical understanding of musical structure. Students focus on the historical and cultural forces that shape music and learn to compose original musical scores for public performance.

• Doctorate Programs in Music Performance: Program Information

  Students interested in performing music professionally or in teaching others to perform often choose earn a doctorate degree in musical performance. These programs focus on helping a student increase their mastery of an instrument as well as improve their performance skills.

• Doctorate in Music Technology: Degree Program Information

  Doctoral programs in music technology are designed for students interested in research and eventually teaching the complexities of audio computation, multimedia and sound production. Graduates are often awarded with the degree title of Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Music Technology.

• Ph.D. in Theatre: Program Overview and Degree Info

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) programs in theatre are sometimes combined with studies in drama or dance. Students in these programs receive classroom instruction in theatre research, theory and criticism, in addition to participating in hands-on theatrical opportunities. Programs are often interdisciplinary, incorporating studies from anthropology, philosophy, classics, comparative literature and musicology.

• PHD and Masters Degrees in Film Production: Info on Graduate Programs

  Film production is a profession and academic discipline associated to media arts and entertainment. Graduate degrees in film studies and production involve courses in art criticism, film history and a variety of visual arts. Applicants seeking graduate film production programs may pursue master's degrees from numerous colleges and universities with specialized film schools; students looking for doctoral level education in film production often receive film studies degrees.