What Is a Ph.D.? | Definition, Origin vs Process

A PhD is a much higher level of academic qualification one can attain. It is a Doctoral research degree. This degree is normally 4 years, sometimes 3 years, giving this work your full time to complete your thesis on a particular subject you opt for. Or we can say that subject which is your PhD about.

Key Takeaways

1. A PhD is the highest academic degree university award for original research in a particular field.
2. It takes 3-5 years to complete and requires a thesis or dissertation.
3. PhD holders pursue careers in academia, research, or other specialized fields.

Definition

There are a lot of questions from people about this degree. As it stands for “Doctor of Philosophy”, some people ask that after doing this, some become a Doctor. The answer is yes, but not that type of Doctor. Or, Do we have you or someone has to study philosophy? No, it is not that, but you can here if you want to study it.

It is an abbreviation of the Latin term ‘Philosophiae Doctor’. In Philosophy, Philo means friend or lover of, and Sophia means wisdom. This meaning comes from its original Greek Meaning.

Now, before rushing further in this article, let’s find out what a PhD is and why it is the word ‘Doctor’ in it.

Doctorate and PhD.

Let’s see what we know so far about this topic. Doctorate and PhD there is no difference between these two.

A doctorate; is a qualification given to the one studying for a Doctoral Degree (we already discuss the Doctoral Degree above). A PhD is a Doctoral Degree, so whoever has done a PhD in a subject, a Doctorate word is given to them as they get their degree. And after this, they can put Doctor before their name.

To qualify for a Doctoral Degree, one has to provide the best work on the subject of your PhD that makes a particular contribution to your opted subject. The very common Doctoral Degree is a PhD. Also, other doctorates are awarded in a specific subject or for professional projects or practicals.

So, you see that not all doctorates are PhD. But all the PhDs are doctorates.

Origin of PhD

Despite its meaning, a PhD isn’t a Greek Degree of the ancient period. However, it is much of a recent degree. From the sources, the PhD was developed in Germany in the 19th century.

At that time, advanced education had focused on mastering a current group of scholarships, and the most noteworthy academic position accessible was, fittingly, a Masters’s certificate.

After this, all the focus moved to thinking of new ideas and finding new knowledge. At that time, this PhD degree came into being or, say, introduced those capable of significant expertise and skills.

Process followed for pursuing a PhD

Unlike most master’s degree courses, a PhD is an exploration degree. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll go through three years secured away from a library or research facility. Indeed, the PhD of modern times is diverse and capable of a wide range of segments.

A person who is doing a PhD. It goes through kind a tough series of stages.

It involves:

1. Literature Review.
2. Conducting Original Reviews.
3. Producing a Thesis.
4. Writing up the Thesis as well as submitting it.
5. Defending your Thesis in VOC. Exam.

References

1. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/002248718303400311
2. http://search.proquest.com/openview/2028cb5671ed323ed2f52dd012b323bc/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=41824