PhD Programs - By Subject & Value

The Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy, is arguably the most prestigious degree in existence. The average amount of time required to earn a Ph.D. is five years, but the degree's financial payoff is huge. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, professionals with doctorates earn approximately $37,265 more each year than workers with bachelor's degrees.

The doctoral degree is the highest academic credential it is possible to earn. Whether it's a research Ph.D. (DPhil to the Brits), a D.A. (Doctor of Arts), or some other variant, the doctorate degree typically requires four to six years of additional study beyond the master's level. To get a doctoral degree the graduate student must complete a course of study, do original research and write a publishable thesis or dissertation. Not surprisingly, only one in 100 Americans call themselves "doctor." Consequently, a doctorate commands respect.

Professional Affiliation and Licensure Issues

While the Ph.D. may be sufficient as a credential, professional affiliation--membership in organizations of fellow experts in one's field--is necessary for career advancement. Before committing to a program of doctoral study, it's a good idea to see if the program has the stamp of approval of the professional organizations in that field.

Some doctor of philosophy degrees and other doctorates require additional licensure before their degree holders can actually practice the profession for which they've trained. A Ph.D. or PsyD in psychology, for example, isn't sufficient to qualify its holder to set up a counseling practice. Where licensing will eventually be necessary, the doctoral degree seeker should make sure that the degree program is recognized by the licensing agency before investing time and money in it.

Popular Fields for Doctoral Study

Even leaving aside the "first professional" doctoral degrees--the J.D. (juris doctor) in law and the M.D. in medicine--the doctorate still takes many forms and has many variations. Online doctoral degree programs, with few exceptions, require as much as a year of residency and/or field work or other clinical experience. Some fields require supervised practicum's leading to licensure.

Accreditation

Because the doctorate is an elite degree, program accreditation is a serious concern. Even the U.S. government has been taken in by diploma mills posing as legitimate advanced degree-granting institutions. The prospective student should carefully assess the credentials of any university before committing to a lengthy and difficult program of doctoral study. Any school offering a quick and easy Ph.D. shouldn't be taken seriously, and it certainly shouldn't get any of the student's hard-earned money.

Only accredited programs of study can grant a meaningful doctorate, an advanced degree that is recognized by professional organizations, board of licensure, and potential employers. Both the degree-granting university and its accrediting agencies must be carefully checked with the U.S. Department of Education.

Mentoring

Mentoring is a crucial part of doctoral study, whether the student is pursuing the Ph.D. or another doctorate degree. Faculty who first teach and then form the candidate's committee also write the letters of recommendation that eventually get the candidate a job. In essence, the candidate borrows the prestige of the scholars who serve on the committee and write on his or her behalf. One of the lessons of doctoral study is: Work with the best people.

Types of PHD Degrees: By subject and value

For an individual, the enhancement of career depends largely upon the types of degrees he/she holds. The highest among these is the doctoral program of any field .Such fields of study could be health professions, education, engineering, biomedical sciences and psychology. People opting for doctorate programs in these fields are awarded the degrees such as Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Education.

The Most Common Doctoral Programs in US

The most common fields for doctoral degrees are Health, education, engineering, biological and biomedical science, and psychology. There are other fields also in which people are opting for a doctoral program however, these remained the most popular fields of study in US.

Doctoral Programs in Health Professions

A wide range of doctoral degrees available in the health profession and related sciences indicate the popularity of this field. This field encompasses the Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Nursing Practice and other degrees related to medicine and psychiatric health. In addition the degrees in health behavior, health science, community behavior and public health count as additional degrees to the above mentioned degree. The doctoral Programs demands 72 credit hours and are shaped to prepare individuals who are licensed health professionals for clinical practice. The Doctoral graduates can also be utilized in various research and development in the health industry.

Doctoral Programs in Education

Candidates opting for the Doctoral programs in education are awarded a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Education. One can major in education, educational leadership or special education. It is a choice among the three subjects. Other concentrating subjects are educational administration and policy, early childhood education, education policy, evaluation and reform, teacher leadership and higher education etc.

Doctoral Programs in Engineering

Ph D Program can lead to a doctoral degree in engineering .The Ph.D. programs for engineers offer many areas of specialization.  Individuals have a choice among different options which include civil, electrical, computer, mechanical, petroleum and geological engineering. A minimum of 36-72 credits are required in this program.

Doctoral Programs in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

Ph D programs in Biological and Biomedical Sciences focus on several areas of concentrations. Students can make a selection from the available choices such as developmental biology, biomedical engineering, biochemistry and molecular biology, virology, neurobiology of disease, cancer biology, immunology, genetics and genomics, gene therapy and pathology. 

Doctoral Programs in Psychology

Ph.D. programs in psychology encompass the focus on clinical psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, applied social psychology or behavior neuroscience. Possible areas of specializations could be human development, lifespan cognitive neuroscience, organizational psychology, pediatric psychology and educational psychology.