Do you dream of reaching the pinnacle of knowledge in your field? A doctorate is the highest level of academic achievement and pushes the boundaries of human understanding. 

Whether you’re interested in pursuing a doctorate to deepen your knowledge, advance your career, or contribute to your field, the journey can be enriching and meaningful. Finding the right type of doctorate is essential to your success, helping you achieve your personal and professional goals. 

What is a Doctorate Degree?

A doctorate is the most advanced academic degree. A doctorate signifies expertise in a field, representing years of study and dedication to mastering complex concepts. 

This rigorous postgraduate degree prepares candidates for many different positions and career opportunities. Doctoral programs cover a wide range of fields and subjects from science and engineering to education, medicine, and more. Typically, programs involve several years of study, research, and analysis.

Today, more people are earning doctorate degrees than ever before. In 2021-2022, postsecondary institutions in the United States awarded 203,900 doctor’s degrees, up 20% from 2011-2012.  

Different Types of Doctoral Degrees

There are two main categories of doctorate degrees that you can choose from: academic doctorates and professional doctorates. 

Academic Doctorates 

In these programs, candidates focus on research skills and conducting original research. Academic doctorate holders may teach at the university level or lead research teams. 

Some examples of different types of doctoral degrees with an academic focus include: 

PhD (Doctor of Philosophy): A PhD is the most common research-focused doctorate across disciplines, to the point where it is often used interchangeably with "doctoral degree." While all PhD holders earn a doctorate, not all doctorates are PhD holders. 

PhD programs span a broad range of disciplines including the humanities, engineering, biology, psychology, health sciences, computer sciences, and more. 

ScD (Doctor of Science): Specialized in research-heavy STEM fields, this degree is very prestigious. Universities often award the ScD to recognize exceptional contributions to research and innovation. While it is possible to earn a Doctor of Science without holding a PhD, many recipients already possess one.

Other academic doctorate programs include Doctor of Arts (DA) and Doctor of Theology (ThD).

Professional Doctorates

Those who pursue professional doctorates focus on practical applications of knowledge in their field. Professional doctorate holders may assume leadership roles in companies and organizations. 

Some popular doctorate degrees for professionals include: 

  • MD (Doctor of Medicine): Physicians and medical professionals hold this degree. 
  • JD (Juris Doctor): Legal professionals such as lawyers complete a JD before passing the bar. 
  • DBA (Doctor of Business Administration): This degree is popular for business leaders such as executives or high-level consultants. 
  • DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice): A Doctor of Nursing Practice degree prepares advanced nursing professionals for positions in leadership, education, and administration. 
  • EdD (Doctor of Education): This degree prepares teachers and educators for top-level positions in schools and educational institutions. 

How Many Types of Doctorate Degrees Are There?

Within the broad categories of academic and professional doctorate degrees, there are dozens of options within each field. For instance, when pursuing a PhD in Education, you can choose from focuses such as educational psychology, curriculum and teaching, or learning and organizational change. 

Each university provides unique programs and areas of focus, making it essential to explore a variety of options. Finding a program that aligns with your goals and interests is key to achieving the best outcomes. 

Best Doctorate Degrees for Specific Careers

Today, more and more doctorate holders have positions in non-academic settings. In 2022, 48% of doctorate recipients took jobs in business and industry compared to 24% in 2002. These statistics suggest that doctorate holders have a wider range of employment opportunities than in the past. 

Which is the best doctorate for your career? Here is an overview of the best degrees for various career paths:

  • Academic Careers: PhD, ScD.
  • Medical Field: MD, PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy), DNP.
  • Business and Leadership: DBA, DM (Doctor of Management).
  • Legal Profession: JD.
  • Education and Administration: EdD, DEd.

In helping colleagues and friends choose the best program, I’ve learned that it’s important to balance career goals and personal interests. Finding the intersection between your interests and career goals is key to staying motivated and achieving success.

When evaluating programs, take time to research the career trajectories of their graduates. In my experience, speaking with admissions advisors can also be invaluable. They can help determine how well your goals align with the university’s offerings and which program would be the best fit.

How to Choose the Right Doctorate Degree for You

Finding the right doctorate may take some time as you consider your aspirations. The ideal program will help you reach your goals whether that’s to contribute to research in your field, lead, teach others, or take the next step in your career.

You might start by making a long list of doctorate programs that interest you. As you add to your list, consider practical implications like how close the university is to where you live. Even if you do an online program, you may need to visit in person occasionally. As you look for the right program, also consider the commitments including your time and finances. 

Additionally, speak to people who work in your field of interest to gain a clearer picture of industry expectations and competitive qualifications. Another tip is to ask admissions advisors if it's possible to talk to currently enrolled students to learn more about their experiences. As you explore each program, you can create a list of pros and cons. 

As you narrow down your list, one helpful question you can ask yourself to decide your top options is "How will I feel if I don't get accepted to this program?" The more disappointed you feel, the higher the program should be on your list of favorites. 

Take the First Step Toward Your Doctorate Degree

Are you ready to take the first step on your doctoral journey? Take our careers quiz to learn which career area matches your skills and interests best. Then, you'll see a tailored list of potential jobs and programs. Armed with this insight, you can make informed choices that propel your academic and professional growth.