Have you ever dreamed of adding "Dr." to the beginning of your name? Or ever wondered how earning the highest academic degree possible within your field might help your career success? A doctorate represents the most advanced and respected level of education, opening doors to opportunities as an established expert in your field. But what exactly is a doctorate degree, and is it right for you? 

Depending on your personal career goals, there are two categories of doctoral degrees you could pursue. A PhD is ideal for academics who want to conduct original research and contribute new information to the field, whereas a professional doctorate emphasizes practical applications within real-world professional spaces. 

In this article, we’ll explore what a doctorate degree is, what doctoral programs entail, and whether pursuing one aligns with your career goals.

What Is a Doctorate Degree?

A doctorate is the most advanced academic degree you can earn and signifies a high level of expertise in a particular field. This degree is well-respected and can open doors to high-level careers in academia or your professional field. 

Doctorates are granted only by accredited universities, which typically require you to already hold both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. In special cases, a master’s degree may not be mandatory, but having one will increase the likelihood of acceptance into a doctoral program. 

While a master’s degree focuses on advanced coursework and practical applications of knowledge and skills in your career field, a doctorate requires you to demonstrate extensive subject matter expertise and contribute original research to your discipline.

What Field of Study Can You Get a Doctorate In?

Beyond medicine, doctorate degrees are also awarded in fields such as health care, business, education, psychology, and law. Depending on your interests, you can pursue a doctorate in specialized areas like engineering, public health, theology, or even interdisciplinary studies. The type of doctorate you choose should align with your career aspirations and whether you prefer academic research or applied professional practice.

What Is a Doctoral Program?

A doctoral program is a course of study offered by an institution that includes all components required to obtain a doctorate degree in a specific field:

  • Coursework: Taking advanced classes on specialized subjects within your discipline.
  • Exams: Demonstrating expertise through assessments before progressing to independent research.
  • Research: Conducting qualitative, quantitative, applied, or action research to contribute new knowledge to your field.
  • Dissertation or Capstone Project: Writing and defending a thesis or professional project that presents your original research and findings.
  • Assistantships: Completing a teaching or research assistantship if required by your doctoral program.

Although program length varies by institution and field of study, doctoral programs require a substantial time commitment. Most professional doctorates take 3-5 years to complete, while PhD programs often require 4-7 years of study and research. 

Traditionally, doctoral programs were only available in person, but many institutions now offer online, hybrid, and part-time options for the convenience of working professionals. 

Types of Doctorates

Many people use "PhD" and "doctorate" interchangeably, but there are actually two types of doctorate degrees: 

Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD)

Despite what its name might suggest, a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is awarded across a wide range of disciplines, including natural and social sciences, arts, and humanities. Because PhD programs require students to conduct and publish original research within their field, they are best suited for those pursuing careers in academia, advanced research, or leadership roles in educational and research institutions. 

Common career paths include professors, research scientists, institute directors, provosts, or deans, as well as positions in government agencies, think tanks, and industry research labs. 

Professional Doctorate

Rather than emphasizing theoretical research, professional doctorates focus on applying knowledge and research in real-world professional settings. Some of the most common professional doctorates include:

  • Doctor of Medicine (MD): For medical physicians.
  • Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): For CEOs and business executives.
  • Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD): For licensed pharmacists.
  • Doctor of Education (EdD): For educational leaders and administrators.
  • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD): For clinical psychologists.
  • Doctor of Health Administration (DHA): For health care administrators.
  • Juris Doctor (JD): For practicing lawyers.
  • Doctor of Science (DSc): For researchers in science, engineering, and public health.

The right doctorate for you depends on your career goals. If you aim to conduct groundbreaking research in your field, a PhD may be the best path. If you’re pursuing a leadership position within your industry, a professional doctorate may be a better fit. Find out what sets each path apart and which one aligns with your career goals.

PhD vs. Professional Doctorate: A Personal Example

To illustrate the differences between these two types of doctorates, let's take a look at my own career path. I hold a Master of Arts in Teaching and have a strong interest in researching how improvements in education policy can drive positive systemic change, so I would consider pursuing a PhD in education because of its focus on theoretical research.  

On the other hand, if my primary goal were to advance my career by securing leadership or administrator positions within public schools or post-secondary institutions, earning a Doctor of Education (EdD) would be more practical than a PhD. A professional doctorate like the EdD focuses on applying knowledge in real-world settings, making it a better fit for those seeking to influence policy and practice at an institutional level.

Is a Doctorate Right for You?

While earning a doctorate can dramatically advance your career, it's a decision that should not be made lightly. I’ve seen firsthand how pursuing a doctorate can take over a person’s life, requiring a significant investment of money, energy, and support from those around them. 

Pursuing a doctorate demands serious commitment and careful consideration of several factors: 

  • Career Aspirations: Determine whether a doctorate will help you achieve your professional goals in academia or your industry. 
  • Financial Investment: Consider tuition costs, research expenses, institution fees, and living expenses.
  • Time Commitment: Understand how many years and hours per week the program requires. 
  • Outside Obligations: Assess how you’ll balance academic demands with family, work, and personal well-being.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re interested in a career as an academic, researcher, or industry professional, a doctorate degree could be your next step. Get started here to explore your options!