Definition · Plain-language
Doctorate degree
A doctorate is the highest academic degree, awarded for advanced mastery of a field and, in research doctorates, an original contribution to knowledge.
The step most authors miss
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Research versus professional doctorates
Doctorates fall into two broad families. A research doctorate — the PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is the best-known — centres on producing original research that advances the field, written up as a dissertation or thesis and defended in an oral examination, the viva voce. A professional or applied doctorate, such as the Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), applies advanced scholarship to professional practice. In the United States, some first professional qualifications, such as the MD and JD, also carry “doctor” in their title.
How a research doctorate is earned
Earning a PhD typically follows a master’s degree, though some programmes admit strong bachelor’s graduates directly. Students usually complete advanced coursework, pass qualifying or comprehensive examinations, then spend several years on independent research under a supervisor. The work culminates in a dissertation that makes an original, defensible contribution to knowledge, which examiners assess in a formal defence. Completion times vary widely by field and country, and a substantial share of candidates do not finish.
Why the doctorate sits at the top
The doctorate is the terminal degree in most academic fields — the highest qualification ordinarily available — and is the usual entry requirement for a career as an independent researcher or university professor on the tenure track. It signals not only deep subject mastery but the demonstrated ability to design, conduct and communicate original research. Holders are entitled to the title “Dr”. In the standard degree ladder it follows the associate, bachelor’s and master’s levels.
Key facts
At a glance
- Definition: The highest academic degree available.
- Flagship: The PhD (Doctor of Philosophy), a research doctorate.
- Research route: Original dissertation defended before examiners.
- Professional route: EdD, DBA, PsyD and similar applied doctorates.
- Usual prerequisite: A master’s degree (sometimes a bachelor’s).
- Outcome: Entitles the holder to the title “Dr”.
Common misconceptions
What people often get wrong
Often heard: A doctorate and a PhD are exactly the same thing.
Actually: A PhD is one kind of doctorate — the research doctorate. The doctorate category also includes professional doctorates such as the EdD, DBA and PsyD, so all PhDs are doctorates but not all doctorates are PhDs.
Often heard: You must finish a master’s degree before any doctorate.
Actually: A master’s is the usual route, but some programmes — especially in the United States — admit strong bachelor’s graduates directly into a doctoral programme that incorporates master’s-level work.
Often heard: A doctorate is awarded mainly for completing coursework.
Actually: A research doctorate is awarded chiefly for an original contribution to knowledge set out in a dissertation and defended before examiners; coursework supports that, but the original research is the core requirement.
Going deeper
