The doctorate degree is the pinnacle of collegiate achievement. It is the reward for years of dedicated work and academic focus. The meaning and implementation of the degree has evolved over time, but it has existed in its current understanding since the 20th century. Until that time, most professional teachers did not hold such a degree, which was then reserved for senior scholars and holy orders. Nowadays, nearly every subject of academia requires a doctorate to teach at post-secondary levels. Although it is one of the most common uses of the doctorate, there are many others.
U.S. colleges provide doctorate degrees in two distinctions: professional doctorates and research doctorates. Like the name suggests, professional doctorates are to establish a professional doctor of a given field. This includes the general "doctor" we think of when we hear the word. A research doctorate alternatively qualifies that the student is a master in his/her subject or theory. Often, the student proves his/her expertise with a written thesis that is publishable in a peer-reviewed journal.
Research degrees actually number about twenty, but the most common by a large margin is the PhD. Many PhD and other research doctorate programs require that a Master's degree must be completed prior to applying to the doctorate program. Although this is a fairly common standard among institutions, there are programs at some schools that will accept undergrad degrees as requisite.
Doctorate degree completion times range anywhere from three to ten years. During this time, students complete core coursework and then must complete a final round of examinations to earn the actual degree. This can be a literal examination in the form of a test, gauging comprehension. Or, it can be a written dissertation that distinguishes the student's mastery level. Additionally, the final submission could be a portfolio work, compiled throughout doctorate school. It simply depends on which field of study you're in.
The professional doctorate, in contrast to the research degree is not a certification of subject mastery, but rather official recognition of the highest level of professional education completion. Students learn about the history, theory, development, technology and resources relevant to their focus. Doctors of Medicine (MD), for example, learn about complex anatomical details of the human body, while simultaneously learning about chemical processes that can create beneficial medicines. Juris Doctors (JD) might study historical trials as support material for mock trials.
Professional doctorate degrees create trained specialists in many different professional fields. These degrees extend to health professions, like the MD, but also the D.Pharm and the DC (Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Chiropractic, respectively). Other professional doctorates include legally versed pro degrees the like JD, that is used to take the Bar exam. Others are focused on business education and management school, resulting in the Doctor of Management, or the more specific Doctor of Organizational Management and Leadership (DM).
Professional and research doctorates are different in their unique ways, and each program offered under them is as well. Master's degrees, while not always necessary, are often required for doctorate program applications. Before applying to doctorate schools, be sure you fully understand and meet their application requisites. Additionally, make sure your transcripts are available and in good shape. Poor grades and test scores don't bode well for doctorate school admission.
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