Navigate your Career: The Doctoral Degree

What is a doctoral degree?

The doctoral degree is the award received for advanced graduate study beyond the bachelor's and master's degrees, and represents the highest attainment in a chosen field.

Coursework customarily requires up to 60 credit hours and takes 2-4 years full-time study. Courses are valued in credit hours, which are the number of class meeting hours per week. People completing doctoral degrees are referred to as doctoral students or graduate students and are commonly designated by their degree classification (e.g. Ph.D.).

The path to a doctoral degree is rigorous, and entails the completion of numerous exams and submissions, and publication of a dissertation in the area of study and research. A supervisory committee is appointed to guide, assist and evaluate student progress. Students are expected to demonstrate a level of originality and expertise not likely to be found anywhere else for the particular topic researched.

Why consider a doctoral degree?

Interest in this degree usually derives from a deep passion for knowledge in a particular area, such as education, business, engineering, food technology and public administration. Usually, a student's prior degree (e.g. master's) and work experience are in closely related fields.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for companies to comply with environment laws and regulations continues to contribute to demand for environmental scientists with advanced qualifications. Job growth of 21-35% is anticipated through 2010. Issues of water conservation, deteriorating coastal environment and rising sea levels, as well as exploration of energy sources will also continue to stimulate growth and improve job opportunities.

What are the different types of doctoral degrees?

Doctoral degree programs and titles vary. However, the two primary degree types are:

• Associated with administration and service (DHA, DBA and Ed.D)
  This type of degree generally focuses on application of theory and research. Coursework tends to place emphasis on impact to an affected population rather than be descriptive research-oriented.
  
  
• Associated with scholarly research (Ph.D. and Sc.D.).
  This type of degree generally focuses on research, teaching and writing. These components often present a challenge. Written work is continually subject to peer review and getting published, and research funding is often difficult to obtain.

Examples of areas of concentration that can be selected include:

• Doctor of Health Administration (DHA)
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Science (ScD)

Where can you enroll for a doctoral degree?

Many colleges and universities offer doctoral programs. However, the particular area of expertise you wish to specialize in may influence which school you choose. Further, different colleges and university have various entry requirements and course credit expectations. It is, therefore, important to check specific details for selected schools prior to enrolling for this degree.

Is a doctoral degree right for you?

The decision to undertake a doctoral degree is not to be taken lightly. A careful review of your goals and an understanding of the value and perception of the qualification in the marketplace are essential. For some positions, employees will pass over doctoral degree holders for individuals qualified to master's degree level and with 'time in the trenches'.

However, if deep expertise in a specific field is critical for employers a doctoral degree is usually proof enough. Bear in mind that a doctoral program requires deep personal investment of time, money and effort. As M. De Lourdes Sosa, an MIT student shares,

References

• "Which degree should I pursue? www.acehsa.org
• Student Life Profiles: M. De Lourdes Sosa - http://mitsloan.mit.edu/phd/studentadvice.php
• The Fulbright Commission www.fulbright.co.uk
• Latin American Educational Foundation - www.laef.org

About the Author

A freelance writer and researcher, Liz Carlock runs her own business, The Write Resources, providing writing, editing, and market strategy services to businesses, government agencies and individuals. She has over 15 years experience in senior level marketing positions in a variety of industries, and has worked for companies such as Sun Microsystems, ConferTech International, and Marquest Medical Products. Liz earned a B.S. degree in Business/Marketing at the University of Colorado and makes Boulder, CO her home.