What is Ph.d: Definition and 182 Discussions

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin philosophiae doctor or doctor philosophiae) is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. Because it is an earned research degree, those studying for a PhD are required to produce original research that expands the boundaries of knowledge, normally in the form of a thesis or dissertation, and defend their work against experts in the field. The completion of a PhD is often a requirement for employment as a university professor, researcher, or scientist in many fields. Individuals who have earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree may, in many jurisdictions, use the title Doctor (often abbreviated "Dr" or "Dr.") with their name, although the proper etiquette associated with this usage may also be subject to the professional ethics of their own scholarly field, culture, or society. Those who teach at universities or work in academic, educational, or research fields are usually addressed by this title "professionally and socially in a salutation or conversation." Alternatively, holders may use post-nominal letters such as "Ph.D.", "PhD", or "DPhil" (depending on the awarding institution). It is, however, considered incorrect to use both the title and post-nominals at the same time.The specific requirements to earn a PhD degree vary considerably according to the country, institution, and time period, from entry-level research degrees to higher doctorates. During the studies that lead to the degree, the student is called a doctoral student or PhD student; a student who has completed all their coursework and comprehensive examinations and is working on their thesis/dissertation is sometimes known as a doctoral candidate or PhD candidate (see: all but dissertation). A student attaining this level may be granted a Candidate of Philosophy degree at some institutions or may be granted a master's degree en route to the doctoral degree. Sometimes this status is also colloquially known as "PhD ABD," meaning "All But Dissertation."A PhD candidate must submit a project, thesis, or dissertation often consisting of a body of original academic research, which is in principle worthy of publication in a peer-reviewed journal. In many countries, a candidate must defend this work before a panel of expert examiners appointed by the university. Universities sometimes award other types of doctorate besides the PhD, such as the Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) for music performers and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) for studies in education. In 2005 the European Universities Association defined the "Salzburg Principles," 10 basic principles for third-cycle degrees (doctorates) within the Bologna Process. These were followed in 2016 by the "Florence Principles," seven basic principles for doctorates in the arts laid out by the European League of Institutes of the Arts, which have been endorsed by the European Association of Conservatoires, the International Association of Film and Television Schools, the International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media, and the Society for Artistic Research.In some countries like China and Japan, a recipient of doctorate in disciplines such as engineering and pharmacy where professional degrees (for example, EngD and PharmD) are usually awarded in the western countries, is called a PhD regardless. It is not uncommon that the person's title or diploma be translated into English as PhD in (that discipline). In these countries, the distinction between professional doctorates and PhDs is less significant.In the context of the Doctor of Philosophy and other similarly titled degrees, the term "philosophy" does not refer to the field or academic discipline of philosophy, but is used in a broader sense in accordance with its original Greek meaning, which is "love of wisdom." In most of Europe, all fields (history, philosophy, social sciences, mathematics, and natural philosophy/sciences) other than theology, law, and medicine (the so-called professional, vocational, or technical curriculum) were traditionally known as philosophy, and in Germany and elsewhere in Europe the basic faculty of liberal arts was known as the "faculty of philosophy."

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  1. S

    Me out military service? or ph.d in local univ?

    please help me out! military service? or ph.d in local univ? hello~ i just started my Masters in Physics. and i have a problem. AS A VICTIM OF Kim Jong-il(i live in S.Korea lol), i got to do my military service. And I can think of only 2 options for now 1. keep studying here and finish my...
  2. W

    Physics vs. Applied Physics Ph.D.?

    I've asked a similar question before I think, but now it's a bit more specific. If I get a Ph.D. in Applied Physics (places like CalTech offer them), how will that affect my career? I plan to go into industry or possibly a government lab. I highly doubt I will ever go to academia. I'm...
  3. W

    Exploring Applied Physics Graduate Programs: Tips and Insights

    I'll be graduating this coming year and it's time to hunt for graduate schools. Definitely will go into experimentalism, and fondling the idea of applied physics. Anybody know anything about that or any schools that have a specialization in it? I found out Cornell has a separate kind of...
  4. A

    BA Mathematics to Ph.D engineering?

    Im studying mathematics as an undergraduate. I don't know what I want to do so I am just looking into options for my future. is it at all possible to go into a phd program in,say, nuclear engineering, with undergraduate education only in mathematics? I saw a few programs that seems to think that...
  5. S

    SUNY at Albany's Nanoengineering Ph.D. Program

    Hello everyone. Last night I received an offer of acceptance to University at Albany's Nanoengineering/Nanoscience Ph.D. progam. Has anyone studied/visited or know anyone there? I am wondering what you think about the quality of research, education, faculty, and facilities? There aren't many...
  6. T

    Programs Double Degree Ph.D in Nanothechnology and Astronomy?

    Is it even possible? (A double degree Ph.D in both fields) Both of them are pretty much related to physics...so I think it would be possible. Is there any other field, particularly in physics, that is better then nanotechnology with astronomy. I know that there are extensive research in...
  7. R

    Schools Graduate School for Mathematics Ph.D

    So, I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and I really, honestly believe that this is my calling in life. Not just to get the Ph.D, but to teach at an upper education level with additional research as well. I'm just starting the process of looking at various institutions, but my general...
  8. W

    Testing PhD Qualifying Exam Samples | Bob Guercio

    Hi All, Does anyone know where I can get samples of Ph.D qualifying exams. Thanks in advance, Bob Guercio
  9. K

    Get Edward Wittens PhD Paper & Learn Graduate Physics

    Does anyone know where i can't get Ed Wittens PhD paper, or what its about? Also, do you write your phD while doing Graduate Physics or after your finnished? Thanks
  10. B

    Schools Directory of Colleges that offer Ph.D. programs in the U.S.

    Does anyone know if there is a directory of Colleges & or Universities that offer Ph.D. programs in Computational, Mathematical, or Theoretical Physics? I've looked all over the internet & can't seem to find any.
  11. M

    Pursuing a Ph.D. in Applied Math & Bachelors/Masters in EE Simultaneously?

    Is it possible and/or likely to pursue a ph.d in applied mathematics and at the same time pick up a bachelors in EE? What about a masters in EE after that 2nd bachelors while still in a applied math ph.d program?
  12. S

    Need information about pursuing Ph.D in USA

    hi i am doing my M.Sc. Physics... i am interested in pursuing my Ph.D in Physics in USA... wht more tests do i need to take other than GRE and Toefl... i heard abt physics gre recently but know nothing abt it... please tell me abt the test and is it really necessary for pursuing a Ph.D thank you
  13. Q

    Best path for getting a Ph.D?

    I currently have a bachelors in nuclear engineering and work for a utility company. For my career I would like to eventually get my masters and Ph.D and go on to work in research, at a university or national lab. What would be the best course of action for me? My job will reimburse me for...
  14. P

    Is a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering necessary for designing aircraft?

    I will shortly be able to acquire a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering. I am interested in designing aircraft as opposed to subsystems, but I am not enthusaistic about the various "system-of-systems" approach that essentially works to make new aero design codes(as opposed to new aero...
  15. A

    Programs Seeking advice for MS, Ph.D Program of Computer Engineering major

    Hello. First of all, I am an international student, currently a sophomore, 18 years old trying to earn a bachelor's degree in computer engineering major. My GPA so far is, not to brag or anything, but it is somewhat outstanding, and I'm trying to graduate with at least a cumulative GPA of...
  16. C

    Have a Ph.D. Chemistry, wants to do MBA. Needs Advice

    Hello Friends, I am Ph.D. in Chemistry and have over 8 years of experience in academic research. Now I want to move to industrial jobs. Please let me know if doing an MBA would be beneficial to me or not? if yes, then what particular majors I should take in MBA? Can you give some information...
  17. B

    Earning second undergraudate in physics and going on to Ph.D.

    I am curious. In college I started out as a physics major but then switched to behavioral science which was the degree I graduated with. I left physics because I did not think I was very good at mathematics but to do this day it bugs me that I quit. Is it possible to go back to school to...
  18. K

    Testing How long is Ph.D qualifying exam? How long should I take for preparation?

    I am going to finish my Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering in next sesmester. After that, I'll move on to my Ph.D program. How long do I have to take to prepare for Ph.D qualifying exam? How long is Ph.D qualifying exam?
  19. S

    Requirement of M.S. before Ph.D in U.S.

    I am Arun. R. doing M.Sc in Physics(Specialization in Electronics) in India. I am intersted in doing ph.d in Nanotechnology in U.S.A. I have a few questions to ask. a) Is M.S. a must before Ph.D, with my background of B.Sc & M.Sc(Physics) in Physics or can I directly apply for a Ph.D.(If...
  20. 2

    WHat are the options for a math Ph.d besides teaching?

    WHat are the options for a math Ph.D. besides teaching?? Hi, I will be getting my BS in pure math this spring and I need some advice. I breezed through the undergrad math curriculum in 3 years and this year I am taking real analysis and analytic function theory which are 600 level (master...
  21. L

    Is a Ph.D Research Possible for 37-Year-Old Student?

    Is it too late for a 37-year-old student to conduct a Ph.D research for degree?
  22. A

    Anyone a non-traditional student in pursuit of a Ph.D.?

    I'm 31, and considering leaving a very lucrative position to go back to grad school to obtain a Ph.D. in physics. I already have a law degree, but my passion is and always has been physics. First, can this be done? Second, has anyone around here done this? I also have a wife and two...
  23. B

    Deciding Ph.D Field: Astrophysics vs Quantum Computing

    It's an important time for me, I need to decide what I want to do. I know I want to do a Ph.D (I have 1 year left of my Mphys degree in the UK) but I'm not sure about the fieldto specialise in. When I began university I was really set on doing a PhD in astrophysics.. But I've been put off by...
  24. S

    Ph.D in Nanotech in Europe & U.S.

    I am doing a Masters degree in physics in India. I am interested in doing research work in nanotechnology. Can anyone please direct me which are the best universities in nanotechnology research in Europe and U.S. What are the entrance exams required. In how many years can we finish the...
  25. T

    How long does it take to earn a Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics or Mathematics?

    Well... How long did it take any of you guys to get your Ph.D. or even M.S. in Physics or Mathematics? As of right now, I am double majoring in physics and math and will get a B.S. in physics and B.A. in math by next year, totalling 3 years. I'm just wondering how much more time I would need...
  26. ZapperZ

    Programs Can I get a Ph.D. in physics if my bachelor's degree isn't in physics

    OK, I've seen this question, or various incarnation of it, being asked several times on here. People with various background and trainings, ranging from engineering to computer science to business (luckily, no philosophy) want to know if they can use their degree to go on to physics graduate...
  27. S

    Schools World`s best physics Ph.D university

    undefinedundefined Can anyone give the link to know the world`s best physics centres or university for doing Ph.D. in experimental physics. I want to do research in American or European university. I also want to know the related entrace examinations for admissions and their eligibity...
  28. Clausius2

    What Are the Latin Origins of Ph.D. and B.S. Titles?

    Your educational system involves the Ph.D and B.S titles. But I have never known which is the historical origins of this words (Doctor of Philosophy, Bachelor of..etc). They look like stated by the former british imperium. Anyone knows about it? Thanks in advance.
  29. E

    How Long Does a Ph.D Take? Answers to Your Questions

    How many years does a Ph.D student need to take to get Ph.D degree? I am not sure that time period for Ph.D.
  30. shintashi

    Questioning the Credibility of Scientific Theories and Researchers

    have you ever wondered about a conversation that goes like this " how can you prove (fill in blank) wrong ? you don't even understand the math " " who supports you in the community ? Are you respected ? " " Do you have a Ph.D ? Why should I believe your theories ?" " Look up MIT...
  31. Z

    Is a Ph.D equivalent self-education possible?

    Is a Ph.D equivalent self-education possible? I want to be a computer game programmer/designer and I want to know if I can teach myself physics in my spare time. It may take me 20 years, but I am determined to learn everything there is to learn about physics. I would become a physicist...
  32. S

    Physics Job Opportunities: Is a Ph.D. the Only Option?

    Greetings everyone, i'd like to hear some words from you all =) I recently ran a search, and its seems that 99% of job opportunities in the field of physics requires a Ph.D. in Physics. Does that mean those who failed to complete the Ph.D. course somehow or didn't even get a chance to...
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