Considering Doctoral Degree Programs?
Doctoral degrees are the Mt. Everest of higher education. It’s a lot of work to get there, but once you do, you’ve reached the highest peak of proficiency in your chosen field. Along with the sweet taste of success, you’ll find a doctoral degree opens the door to new career possibilities and a chance to increase your salary.
For some professions, a doctoral degree is necessary. To become a practicing psychologist, for example, you must have a PhD in psychology. Lawyers are required to have a Juris Doctor (JD) and medical doctors need a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Many colleges also require their tenured professors to hold a PhD in their field of teaching.
But lawyers, doctors and psychologists aren’t the only professionals who benefit from a PhD. Because of the intensity of research most doctoral degree programs require, the doctoral degree is a great tool for anyone who wants a career in research or academia.
It may also help professionals in fields such as public health, education, and nursing reach the highest positions in their professions. For example, a teacher looking to become a principal or school administrator would increase their chances by earning a PhD in education.
Doctoral degree programs typically last 4-8 years. They consist of approximately 3 years of coursework in your chosen field of study, followed by the preparation of a dissertation.
If you’ve already earned your master’s degree in the same subject, some schools may count this towards your doctorate degree, meaning you could complete the program in as little as 3 years.
If you haven’t earned a masters degree, many programs award a master’s degree during the course of study for a doctoral degree.
Types of Doctoral Degree Programs Available:
The Doctorate of Philosophy, or PhD, is the general doctoral degree. A PhD can be earned in a variety of subjects in both the humanities and sciences, such as psychology, engineering, education, public health or chemistry. In addition, some doctoral degrees are specialized for a specific career: an MD (Doctor of Medicine or Medicinae Doctor) is for medical doctors, and a JD (Juris Doctor) is for lawyers.
Schools with Featured Doctoral Degree Programs:
- South University: Online
Argosy University: Atlanta
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Accounting
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Counselor Education and Supervision
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Educational Leadership
Colorado Technical University: Denver
- Doctorate - Computer Science
- Doctorate - Computer Science: Emerging Media
- Doctorate - Computer Science: Enterprise Information Systems
- Doctorate - Management: Emerging Media
Colorado Technical Institute: Colorado Springs- Doctorate - Computer Science
- Doctorate - Computer Science: Digital Systems Security
- Doctorate - Computer Science: Emerging Media
- Doctorate - Computer Science: Enterprise Information Systems
Questions to ask about Doctoral Degree Programs:
- Does your chosen career require a doctoral degree? If not, how will a doctoral degree help you grow personally and professionally?
- Are you prepared to commit yourself to intensive study in one subject? Will you be comfortable taken written and oral exams, and preparing and defending a dissertation?
- Are you looking to work in an academic or research setting?
Still have more questions? Talk with one of our education advisors at 1-866-305-8525 to assist you in your search for schools that offer doctoral degrees.
