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. Shackleford

    Ph.D. Systems Engineering at CSU

    What do you guys think of this program at Colorado State University? I have a BS Math, and I'm working on an MA Math. Professionally, I've been working as a seismic processing geophysicist for just shy of two and a half years now. I might fall under the "applicable master's" category which would...
  2. C

    (Physics Ph.D.) Berkeley or Princeton.

    I am now facing a dilemma of making a choice between Berkeley and Princeton. My intended research field is condensed matter experiment, especially topological materials and 2D materials. Both graduate schools have the suitable group for my research of interests. Also, I know both of them have...
  3. T

    Want to study nano-particles in Germany, Ph.D. or a second Master?

    Hello, I have completed a Master program in China, during which, I joined in a project applying nano-particles in optical device. The project motivated me to study optical property of nano-particles, and I am looking for a Ph.D. position in Germany. The problem is: how do I get known with my...
  4. F

    Ph.D. Student in Nanotechnology Considering a Career in Physics

    I´m now 30 years old (born in 1984) and I will be done with my Ph.d. in Nanotechnology in Mexico City. I am planning on getting married with my girlfriend (who is a U.S. citizen) on June 2016 and go live to the United States. I am now thinking what I would like to do after getting done with the...
  5. P

    Ph.D in astrophysics having research experiences in nanoelectronics

    I am from India. I have done B.Sc in electronics, M.Sc in electronics, M.Tech in nanoelectronics and currently have four years of research experiences in nanoelectronics. But now I want to shift from this career and get a Ph.D in astrophysics from the universities in USA. Can anyone tell me is...
  6. C

    Engineering Ph.D physics after having Ph.D in engineering

    I am from India and I hold a Ph.D degree in nanoelectronics. But now I want to be a physicist. I have been studying undergrad physics and bridging up the gaps for a while and am now ready to take up GRE. But can someone please tell me is the idea of achieving a Ph.D degree in physics after...
  7. A

    Physics On my way to Ph.D in Physics Need guidance from non-academic physicists

    Hi all, I just finished my 4 years college with a B.S. in Physics from a reputed physics program. I came to college with a naive mindset about myself. I thought I want to become a theorist and get a tenure from somewhere. I have changed quite a bit after working in research as an undergrad...
  8. skujesco2014

    Soon-to-be Physics Ph.D. In Need Of Advice

    Dear PF: I've spent a decade-plus in school by now. I earned my BS in a country different than the US in 2002. My degree allowed me to work as a Math & Physics teacher in high schools in my country, but not in colleges or universities. From the beginning, I knew I didn't want to be a high...
  9. L

    Tailoring Pure Math Ph.D experience for jobs outside of academia after

    Hey guys! Let me throw in who I am before I introduce my question. I finished my year of graduate school last May, figured out an advisor and a field (something related with Brownian motion on manifolds), and I'm overall happy with it all. No plans of dropping out, I enjoy the company of my...
  10. K

    Physics B.S. E.E. Ph.D. What next ?

    Hello Physics Forums. I am looking at finishing my Ph.D. here within the next year or so. I am looking to continue in academic work. My PhD work has mostly been directed deeper into physics (semiconductor and 2D materials) despite being in the EE department (there is a lot of need for basic...
  11. T

    Ph.D Physics (UK) with a potentially bad reference

    Hey guys, I finished my MSci degree (Physics with Theoretical Physics from the University of Nottingham) back in June achieving an average of 67% over the entire 4 years. My grades in 2nd year were extremely high (78%) and my grades dipped in 3rd and 4th year (though I did get some nice grades...
  12. S

    Pros & Cons of a Ph.D in Biotechnology

    What are the pros and cons of going for a Ph.D in biotechnology...
  13. A

    Ph.D in Cognitive Neuroscience: Is Complementary Postgraduate Degree Worth It?

    Hey all! I have a personal question, but hopefully this will be useful to more than just me. I'm going for a Ph.D in cognitive neuroscience. I am convinced this is what I want to do. Once I've achieved that, is it totally unrealistic to attempt another postgraduate degree in another field...
  14. J

    Ph.D qualifying exams in the US

    Hello there, I wanted to know whether the Ph.D qualifying exams have to be taken when a student begins grad school? In some university websites, it's mentioned that all incoming students need to sit for the exam before the begin classes (provided they have sufficient background). Some other...
  15. A

    Is that OK to use cover letter template for Ph.D. application

    Hi, I saw many templates for the cover letter of Ph.D. application. If I use them and do a little modification, is that OK or regard as a kind of plagiarization? Thank you very much in advance!
  16. E

    Did it used to be easier to get a PH.D?

    Back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s was it easier to get a PHD in theoretical physics than it is today? Thank you
  17. T

    Career Guidance for Applied Math Ph.D.

    Hi all, I am hoping to get some advice re: my career path. I have lurked these threads for a bit and I can see there's quite a bit of wisdom here, but I am hoping to get some particularly tailored to my situation. I am a 2nd year grad student at a top-10 applied math Ph.D. program, but I am...
  18. P

    Admissions Ph.D. admission in Europe with average grades, no recommendations

    I am a second year M.Sc. Physics student in an Indian university, I am highly motivated to pursue a carrier in theoretical high energy physics. I am willing to get a Ph.D. from a European university(as they have 3 year Ph.D. programs, unlike a 5 year program here in India and US). But the...
  19. P

    Looking to get an M.S in physics before Ph.D

    Hey all, I am interested in doing a program at my university that would allow me to take ~11-13 graduate courses (including three for research thesis) and get me an M.S in the standard four years one would get a B.S. I want to be the best applicant for a PhD program and I feel that if I left...
  20. P

    Engineering Physics Ph.D. Grad wanting to return to Aerospace Engineering

    I recently received a Physics Ph.D. but I had previously studied and earned an Aerospace Engineering masters degree. After spending several years earning my Ph.D. I have decided I would much rather practice Aerospace Engineering professionally. Unfortunately, I have had little success in...
  21. G01

    The Latter Part of a Ph.D.- Need Some Motivational Advice

    Hi All, Hope all is well. It's been a while since my last visit to PF. I'll cut to the chase: I'm now in my 5th year of grad school, and I basically feel like crap. On the surface, things seem fine. I have two papers published, another accepted for publication, and a fourth in the revision...
  22. I

    Physics Suggestions for a Ph.D. - What is the actual job of a physicist?

    Hello everyone! It won't be long before I'll take my degree in theoretical Physics and then I'll have to apply for a Ph.D. I'd like to work on some fundamental Physics. The problem I have to face is that I actually know (almost) nothing about contemporary physics and so I don't have the...
  23. E

    Does It Look Bad To Go To The Same School For Undergrad And Ph.D?

    Does It Look "Bad" To Go To The Same School For Undergrad And Ph.D? If the school that you're attending for your undergrad also has a Ph.D. program that interest you would it look bad on your curriculum vitae to have the same school listed twice? I've heard that you should try to go to a...
  24. E

    From Physics B.S. to Astrophysics/Astronomy Ph.D. Possible?

    Is it possible to go straight into an Astrophysics or Astronomy Ph.D. program after obtaining a B.S. in Physics (general), or would you have to more or less specialize at the undergrad level and/or shoot for a masters prior to the Ph.D. in order to make sure that you know "enough" about...
  25. chwala

    Adomian Decomposition method research Ph.D ADVISE NEEDED

    Hi, I hope i have posted this in the right forum I am requesting to get a supervisor who is willing to supervise me in the areas of differential equations hence get an admission for Ph.D overseas I did my M.sc project in ADM METHOD IN SOLVING THE STURM LIUVILLE EIGENVALUE PROBLEM(see...
  26. E

    Schools I want to get a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics. What College?

    I am desiring to get a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics, but I know not what college will be best for me to get that degree in. I am taking all the most advanced Science and Math classes at my School. Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy. I live in Southwest Missouri, and my parents have no money...
  27. X

    Prepare for Ph.D Qualifying Exam in Electrical Engineering

    Hello, So here is my story.. I will have a bachelors degree in Applied Physics in May. My favorite topic in Physics has always been electromagnetics so I have taken more advanced courses in EM theory than the typical physics student. I got offered a job at Penn State (from a connection...
  28. A

    Math Does it make sense for a math Ph.D. to pursue a career as an actuary?

    I hope to have my Ph.D. in math by the end of the summer. My dissertation is in mathematical physics. But I feel woefully under-qualified for academic positions - I've made excellent grades in all my math classes, but I don't really think I love math as much as some of the people I tend to meet...
  29. C

    Schools Doing a PSM in Nanoscience before applying to Ph.D at top schools

    First: I am US Citizen, inquiring about US study though open to study abroad. I'm in my last year of my Physics degree, and like many people would like to go to do my Ph.D in Physics. However, my GRE and GPA are only mediocre and I'm concerned that I would have difficulty getting into a...
  30. D

    Physics Job Prospects for Ph.D. Holders in Condensed Matter Physics

    Hello, all. I'm considering applying to Ph.D. programs in experimental condensed matter physics. My general research interests would be in the electrical and optical properties of materials, particularly semiconductors and nanostructures, and their applications to information and solar energy...
  31. A

    Math Math Ph.D., physics masters, don't want to do academia. Suggestions?

    It seems that being an academic requires you to be able to come up with interesting and unique ideas for attacking interesting problems, and I simply don't think that's a skill I possess. But I'll soon have a math Ph.D. in mathematical physics (and a physics masters' degree) from a large state...
  32. A

    Best fields enrouting to Relativity & Gravitation Ph.D?

    what kind of physics should I study to ultimately specialize in general relativity? what fields should i focus on in my B.S and M.S ?
  33. P

    European master -> Ph.D in USA

    I am one year away from completing a master in Dynamical Systems (previously I have a Bachelor in Engineering Physics) at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) in Sweden. It is considered a top school in Sweden but in international rankings you will have to look way down the lists to find it...
  34. B

    .Job Opportunities for Physics Majors (B.S. or Ph.D.)

    Hey guys, I was curious ( I am currently a freshman in college) what job opportunities are out there for people who major in physics (B.S. or Ph.D.). I am specifically interested in jobs for people interested in theoretical/particle physics. ~thanks
  35. S

    Schools Likelihood to enter foreign universities for Physics Ph.D

    Hello, I'm currently studying under an integrated M.S. program, majoring in Physics (Math as additional subject), and later wish to do Ph.D in theoretical Physics (broadly in particle physics). I know that universities look at factors like GRE score, reference letters, GPA, etc. as criteria...
  36. M

    Masters or Ph.D for a Research Career?

    I'm still in lower division so I know this is jumping the gun, but I wanted to ask this now while I still have time to ponder. Originally my end goal was to get a Ph.D because I want to do research ideally in astrophysics, although I'm well aware that jobs in this field are few and far...
  37. E

    Courses Thinking of Ph.D need advice on my desired courses

    Hello everyone, I'm Eric and I'm looking at Ph.D programs. Looking at MITs page (my dream school) I jotted down the classes I'd want. My questions are: 1.Is my list thorough enough?too thorough? 2.How many years will they take? 3.Dissertation ideas? The classes: Quantum Theory I+II...
  38. 7

    Ph.D. programs with discrete mathematics

    I've been having trouble finding many pure math Ph.D. programs with active research groups in the general field of discrete mathematics (perhaps due to its interdisciplinary nature). I'm only aware of the top schools in this field (e.g. Carnegie Mellon, Georgia Tech, UCSD, Rutgers); can anyone...
  39. Chemicist

    Caltech Master's and Ph.D. Programs

    Does anyone know if Caltech allows you to get your Master's and Ph.D.? I've heard that some universities allow you to get one or the other, but not both, and to acquire the Doctorate, you have to go somewhere else. Is this true for any school, specifically Caltech? Thank you.
  40. 5

    Admissions Applying to math Ph.D. programs. Already have Master's in math.

    A very vague question- What are my chances of getting accepted to a top 30 Ph.D. program in math (specifically U Maryland, Johns Hopkins, U Penn, U Washington, Ann Arbor, Columbia, Northwestern) if I: Am completing my Master's in math from a top 20 school (UIUC) with a (realistically...
  41. S

    Any possibilities to shorten years of schooling for getting Ph.D-?

    Gents, My questions may seem trivial but the answers I found in the internet are contradictory,so I decided to ask them here since this forum is a trustworthy source for me. First,I want to say that personally I'm interested in Ph.D programs in Electriclal&Electroincs Engineering and...
  42. L

    Testing Do I need to take the Physics GRE for a Ph.D program if I have a Master's?

    Hi all, So, I'm finishing up my master's degree in applied physics (not much different from a master's in physics if you choose your courses correctly) and am looking into Ph.D programs. One thing I haven't seen much information about is the requirements if you are coming into the program...
  43. D

    Leaving Grad School without Ph.D. Now What?

    Hello all, I am seeking some career guidance because I have found myself in an unexpected circumstance. I recently found out (within the past month) that my Ph.D. funding will run out at the end of next semester. I still have years to go until I'm able to defend a dissertation so I feel...
  44. Q

    Lost desire for research, should I stick out the Ph.D.?

    I'm currently about half-way (3.5 years) through a Ph.D. program at a top optics program in the U.S., my research is in experimental AMO. I've come to realize that I've lost the passion for research I once had, and really have no desire to enter any career field requiring a Ph.D. I have a hard...
  45. R

    Ph.D and a career in teaching Community College

    So if I wanted to change my career from professional engineer to community college teacher, would a Ph.D in engineering be helpful or over qualify me? I have a bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, a M.S. in ME with emphasis on controls and dynamics, and about 2 years of professional...
  46. C

    Comparing Math Ph.D Programs in Canada and the U.S.

    How do they compare to those in the U.S.? Pure math in particular.
  47. J

    Undergrad in USA to Ph.D in London?

    Hi all, I've been searching various forums including this one for information on applying to and completing a Ph.D in physics outside the US including institutions such as University College London, Kings College, and some others (mostly in the London area) but have come up with little info...
  48. L

    Is a Ph.D. Program Realistic for Someone with a Tumultuous Academic Past?

    Need opinions, I'm entering my "Senior" year in physics, and have a had a tumultuous academic past. I changed majors a lot before settling on physics and used to withdraw from classes halfway through the semester because I'd get bored with Gen Ed's etc. Last semester I had a rough go of it...
  49. B

    To Ph.D or not to Ph.D (in physics, that is)

    I know that one usually has to earn a Ph.D in Physics to be recognized as a Physicist (if they choose that career). How lenient is this? That is, how easy is it to be a Physicist with only an MS? Or does the usually in "usually has to earn a Ph.D" not mean anything?
  50. H

    [Theoretical] Physics Ph.D. application

    I hope to apply for a Ph.D. place in 2012; is it possible to send off written papers [as if to write extended articles] as part of the application, to demonstrate competence? I am worried that otherwise the grades for the various modules of my Physics degree that won't end up as my intended...
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