Doctoral Degrees
Many students who spend years pursuing higher education dream of the day they'll be referred to as "Doctor."
One way to achieve that title is by pursuing a medical degree. But the title could also be available to those who pursue a doctoral degree - the highest academic degree awarded in many fields.
A doctoral degree is sometimes referred to as a PhD, which stands for Doctor of Philosophy, although most PhD candidates don't actually study philosophy. Admission to doctoral degree programs could potentially be challenging, and once enrolled, the work necessary to earn a PhD could be intensive and might take several years, depending on a variety of factors, including program and course load. According to the 2000 U.S. Census, less than one percent of the U.S. population holds this advanced degree.
PhD programs often involve focused, intensive class work; rigorous examinations; and writing a dissertation. The dissertation is usually a lengthy, research-based paper, often as long as a book, that covers new ground in a given field.
Much of the work involved in pursuing a PhD is self-directed, so students should have a clear idea of their goals and be willing to take an active part in designing their own program. In addition, while working toward their doctoral degree, many PhD candidates teach undergraduate or graduate students in their department. This not only helps them gain teaching experience (as many people earning a PhD intend to pursue teaching positions at the college level) but also earns them a stipend, which defrays the cost of the degree.
Doctoral degrees in other fields - such as education, law, or the sciences - are also available. The degrees often come with their own designations, such as DEd for Doctor of Education or PsyD for Doctor of Psychology. What is commonly known as a law degree is actually a doctoral-level degree: the JD, or Juris Doctor.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, workers with a PhD earn a lifetime average of $3.4 million, as opposed to $2.1 million for those with a bachelor's degree and $2.5 million for master's degree holders.
Here are some career possibilities for which a doctoral degree is common or required:
Postsecondary Teacher
While not everyone who teaches at the college level holds a doctoral degree, it's usually required for tenure-track positions at colleges and universities. Postsecondary teachers could specialize in any topic, and find instructing students who are dedicated to their educational goals intellectually stimulating. The College Board projects that this will be one of the hottest careers by the year 2018.
Average annual salary: $41,600-$83,960*
Lawyer
The law is an enormously diverse field, and lawyers could specialize in anything from complex corporate tax issues to helping criminal defendants who can't afford their own attorney. Lawyers must attend law school, upon completion of which they receive a specialized degree called a Juris Doctor (JD). They must then pass the bar exam in their state before being licensed to practice, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.
Average annual salary: $74,980-$163,320*
Psychologist
Psychologists deal with human thought and behavior, and seek to explain and improve the way humans interact with others and the world around them. Psychologists have the option to specialize in either research or clinical work, and apply their knowledge to a wide range of areas such as law, education, and even sports.
Average annual salary: $48,700-$82,800*
Education Administrator
People with doctoral degrees in education or another field often pursue careers as education administrators. These professionals seek to improve teaching methods and develop new ways to successfully educate students. From elementary and day care-level facilities up to colleges and universities, education administrators work closely with teachers and professors to ensure standards in curriculum and achievement. Education administrators commonly have a background in teaching.
Average annual salary: $39,940-$160,500*
*All average salary information is from the U.S. Department of Labor.
