what is a PhD?

Answer 1

Doctor of Philosophy, or Ph.D. (informally PhD), an abbreviation for the Latin "Philosophiæ Doctor"; alternatively, "Doctor philosophiæ", D.Phil. (from Greek Διδάκτωρ Φιλοσοφίας, meaning "Teacher of Philosophy"), is a doctoral degree granted upon completion of extensive academic work in a field of study. In medieval times, any research outside the fields of theology or medicine was called "philosophy", hence the Ph.D. degree covers a wide range of subjects. Contemporary Ph.D. degrees are awarded in nearly every field of the sciences and the humanities.

In most countries Ph.D. students traverse phases; in the first phase, students typically complete required courses and a preliminary or comprehensive examination and/or a series of cumulative examinations, the successful completion of which marks the beginning of the second phase, and entitles the student to refer to him or herself as a Ph.D. candidate. The principal task of the doctoral candidate is writing and defending a major, original contribution to his or her academic discipline—usually a written dissertation ranging in length, per the discipline, from 50 to 800 pages (10,000–200,000 words). Dissertations typically consist of (i) a comprehensive literature review, (ii) an outline of methodology, and (iii) several chapters of scientific, social, historical, philosophical, or literary analysis.

In most academic fields of research, a doctoral degree is practically essential for employment. In some fields, newly-graduated doctors of philosophy are unlikely to find work as tenure-track professors and are compelled to undertake one or more postdoctorate positions. However, in recent years, in light of large scale faculty retirement in North American universities and colleges, employment prospect for freshly minted Ph.D. graduates is improving substantially.

A Ph.D. does not confer commensurate advantage in every sphere. For example, many commercial organizations regard a professional Master's degree, such as an MBA, or professional designation, such as CPA, as the highest level of education that is desirable. Traditional views of the value of academic study in commerce are changing but skepticism about the commercial value of a Ph.D. prevails. Some departments in medical schools may offer research Ph.D. degrees although an M.D./M.B.B.S, not a Ph.D., is required to practice medicine

Answer 2

It means Doctor or Philosophy and is the higest degree one can get in an academic field. It differs from an Ed.D. in that the Ph.D. requires a thesis / dissertation, which must be original work. The Ed.D., which also allows you to use the title doctor has all the coursework of a Ph.D., but you don't need to write the thesis. In other words, it's one step down from the Ph.D., but a step above a masters.

Answer 3

An University degree - Doctor of Philosophy .

Answer 4

It's a Doctor of Philosophy degree