Choosing Between a PhD and a Professional Doctorate: Understanding the Key Differences and Benefits

Category: Education

If you’re contemplating the pursuit of a doctoral degree, including an online option, you might find yourself comparing a PhD with a doctorate. You might be curious about the precise definition of a PhD and whether a doctorate equates to a PhD. It’s quite common to have these questions. In various academic disciplines, you have the choice between obtaining a PhD or opting for a professional doctorate. For instance, you could embark on a Doctor of Education (EdD) program or pursue a PhD in Education. So, what does PhD stand for? PhD : Doctor of Philosophy. To answer the question of whether a PhD qualifies as a doctorate, the answer is affirmative. Both a PhD and a professional doctorate, such as an EdD, grant you the title of “doctor.” Nevertheless, distinctions exist between these two categories of doctoral degrees. You can delve deeper into the contrasts between a PhD and a professional doctorate in the information provided below. Is a Professional Doctorate Equivalent to a PhD? Both professional doctorate and PhD degrees are regarded as terminal degrees, signifying that upon obtaining either of these degrees, you will have attained the highest formal qualification in your field.