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• From a to z: doctoral degree glossary

From A to Z: doctoral degree glossary

August 19, 2015

As you consider a PhD or professional doctorate program, you might find you need to learn a new language just to understand the doctoral degree process and outcomes. Here are the most common terms (and their definitions) you might encounter.

ABD: “All but dissertation.” An unofficial phrase which describes a PhD candidate who has completed all the requirements of the degree program except for the final dissertation—and without the dissertation, the PhD cannot be awarded. It is NOT a recognized credential.

Accreditation : A quality assurance process that certifies educational institutions or programs for achieving and maintaining commonly recognized high standards. There are several career areas where graduating from an accredited program can make a difference in the type of career and the rate of pay graduates can earn. Learning about industry standards in your chosen field and what accreditation(s) are available are important points of research.

Colloquia/colloquium: See Residency

Comprehensive exam (also called qualifying, general, preliminary, or major field exam): Comprehensive exams (often simplified as “comps”) allow students to demonstrate competency within their program, and serve to ensure they are prepared to move into the dissertation phase of the degree.

Programs may also require students to complete qualifying or preliminary exams. These may be similar to comprehensive exams and may be taken in lieu of or in addition to comprehensive exams. Comprehensive exams are generally distinguished by their breadth of focus, and are designed to ensure students can demonstrate knowledge and readiness for the dissertation.

Dissertation : The dissertation is the final step in the PhD process after successful completion of the comprehensive exams. The actual project depends on the program, but regardless of the field of study, there will be a large research component that is meant to be developed into a final degree deliverable that will increase the body of knowledge in the chosen field, either by adding new contributions or by expanding and deepening previous studies. It will take the form of a written project that evaluates and interprets the research the PhD candidate has completed, usually in a five-chapter format that can run several hundred pages. It’s an independent project that’s the most intensive form of research and writing a doctoral candidate will undertake.

Dissertation advisor: Students will have a dissertation advisor to turn to for help in overcoming obstacles, managing time, writing advice, and planning for the dissertation. Generally an advisor is assigned by the university early in the student’s doctoral process, although some universities allow the student to select their own advisor. The advisor can guide a student through selecting coursework that will be the foundation needed to approach writing a dissertation. The advisor can also assist in navigating university policies and processes, and providing career advice or resources.

Dissertation milestones (phases of research): There are generally three primary stages of writing a dissertation (although at Capella University, there are 16 milestones along these three stages, to keep the process in small, manageable pieces):

• Proposal. By the time students complete coursework and colloquia, they should have selected a topic. Preparing the proposal involves developing the research plan and methodology; and obtaining approvals of the topic and research plan from the mentor, committee, and the Institutional Review Board (IRB).
• Data collection and research. The student takes the approved research plan and begins research.
• Writing. Once the research is complete, it’s time to write the dissertation. Generally, a dissertation will have five chapters: an outline of the full background of your study; a comprehensive literature review supporting your research; a discussion of your choice of research design, data collection, and analysis, and details of the research steps; the actual data analyses and results; and the final evaluation and interpretation of your results. (Some universities may require a sixth chapter of conclusions.)

IRB (Institutional Review Board): An IRB is a standing committee at a university that examines potential research projects to ensure that humans involved in the research are protected and the appropriate safeguards are in place. Dissertation research is always subject to IRB approval.

Mentor : Depending on the university, a mentor is either assigned to a student or chosen by the student early in the PhD process and is the first point of contact for questions and concerns about the program. They’re able to advise the student as to his/her academic progress and recommend resources, but they also provide emotional support and resources for managing non-academic issues that may be obstacles for the student, such as work-life balance, family issues, etc. In many cases, the mentor may help with career advice as well as academic guidance. They will guide the student through the research and dissertation process, often providing a more personal relationship.

PhD : The most common type of doctoral degree awarded in the U.S. The PhD prepares students to conduct research and contribute new knowledge in their field, with career outcomes usually focused on continued high-level research or entry to academia.

Professional Doctorate : A doctoral degree with a primary focus on applied research; considered a more career-focused degree. Professional doctorates will apply knowledge in the field rather than continuing research or teaching, or they will conduct research that will solve real-world problems in their specific field.

Qualitative research: Qualitative research focuses on examining a topic via cultural phenomena, human behavior, or belief systems. This type of research utilizes interviews, open-ended questions, or focus groups to gain insight into people’s thoughts and beliefs about certain behaviors and systems.

Quantitative research: Quantitative research involves data-gathering across a wide range of participants in order to uncover relationships, trends, or other characteristics across groups. This type of research involves statistical analysis of demographic, survey, experimental, or similar numerical data.

Research methodology : Working towards a PhD requires a dissertation, which requires research that studies a problem or gap in knowledge. There are several research methodologies available, but the most commonly used are the qualitative and quantitative methods (see above).

Residency: A transition step between coursework and the dissertation, residencies are meant to prepare the student for the dissertation work. Residency formats vary from school to school, but in general, there’s an in-person component that’s different from regular coursework. The content varies depending on your degree program, but students will likely learn how to identify a research problem and topic, conduct a literature review, develop a well-formed research question, select the correct research methodology and design, and begin developing a research strategy.

NOTE: Some universities may call this step colloquia. Additionally, it’s important to know that, depending on the context, a “residency” may have an entirely different function (such as a PsyD residency, which has different goals and objectives and is likely to include hands-on training in the field).

Scientific Merit Review (SMR): For a researcher to conduct ethical research, the research must demonstrate potential benefits that can offset potential risks to participants. Part of the IRB process is to consider the scientific merit of the study and determine if it has a reasonable risk/benefit ratio. The greater the risk a study presents, the more attentive the IRB must be to study design and scientific merit.

A study lacking in clear design or scientific merit has little benefit to justify participant risk. In contrast, a carefully designed study with clear potential for benefit may justify some degree of participant risk, presuming such risk is disclosed and minimized to the extent possible.

There are three criteria a dissertation must meet to receive approval on scientific merit:

• Will the research advance the scientific knowledge base?
• Will the research contribute to research theory?
• Does the research meet certain hallmarks of good research methodology?

Terminal Degree: A PhD or professional doctorate are considered a terminal degree—the highest academic achievement that can be attained.

Capella University offers PhD and professional doctorate degrees in programs ranging from business to education and health to technology. Learn more about Capella’s doctoral degree programs .

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50 Useful Academic Words & Phrases for Research

Like all good writing, writing an academic paper takes a certain level of skill to express your ideas and arguments in a way that is natural and that meets a level of academic sophistication. The terms, expressions, and phrases you use in your research paper must be of an appropriate level to be submitted to academic journals.

Therefore, authors need to know which verbs , nouns , and phrases to apply to create a paper that is not only easy to understand, but which conveys an understanding of academic conventions. Using the correct terminology and usage shows journal editors and fellow researchers that you are a competent writer and thinker, while using non-academic language might make them question your writing ability, as well as your critical reasoning skills.

What are academic words and phrases?

One way to understand what constitutes good academic writing is to read a lot of published research to find patterns of usage in different contexts. However, it may take an author countless hours of reading and might not be the most helpful advice when faced with an upcoming deadline on a manuscript draft.

Briefly, “academic” language includes terms, phrases, expressions, transitions, and sometimes symbols and abbreviations that help the pieces of an academic text fit together. When writing an academic text–whether it is a book report, annotated bibliography, research paper, research poster, lab report, research proposal, thesis, or manuscript for publication–authors must follow academic writing conventions. You can often find handy academic writing tips and guidelines by consulting the style manual of the text you are writing (i.e., APA Style , MLA Style , or Chicago Style ).

However, sometimes it can be helpful to have a list of academic words and expressions like the ones in this article to use as a “cheat sheet” for substituting the better term in a given context.

How to Choose the Best Academic Terms

You can think of writing “academically” as writing in a way that conveys one’s meaning effectively but concisely. For instance, while the term “take a look at” is a perfectly fine way to express an action in everyday English, a term like “analyze” would certainly be more suitable in most academic contexts. It takes up fewer words on the page and is used much more often in published academic papers.

You can use one handy guideline when choosing the most academic term: When faced with a choice between two different terms, use the Latinate version of the term. Here is a brief list of common verbs versus their academic counterparts:

Although this can be a useful tip to help academic authors, it can be difficult to memorize dozens of Latinate verbs. Using an AI paraphrasing tool or proofreading tool can help you instantly find more appropriate academic terms, so consider using such revision tools while you draft to improve your writing.

Top 50 Words and Phrases for Different Sections in a Research Paper

The “Latinate verb rule” is just one tool in your arsenal of academic writing, and there are many more out there. But to make the process of finding academic language a bit easier for you, we have compiled a list of 50 vital academic words and phrases, divided into specific categories and use cases, each with an explanation and contextual example.

Best Words and Phrases to use in an Introduction section

1. historically.

An adverb used to indicate a time perspective, especially when describing the background of a given topic.

2. In recent years

A temporal marker emphasizing recent developments, often used at the very beginning of your Introduction section.

3. It is widely acknowledged that

A “form phrase” indicating a broad consensus among researchers and/or the general public. Often used in the literature review section to build upon a foundation of established scientific knowledge.

4. There has been growing interest in

Highlights increasing attention to a topic and tells the reader why your study might be important to this field of research.

5. Preliminary observations indicate

Shares early insights or findings while hedging on making any definitive conclusions. Modal verbs like may , might , and could are often used with this expression.

6. This study aims to

Describes the goal of the research and is a form phrase very often used in the research objective or even the hypothesis of a research paper .

7. Despite its significance

Highlights the importance of a matter that might be overlooked. It is also frequently used in the rationale of the study section to show how your study’s aim and scope build on previous studies.

8. While numerous studies have focused on

Indicates the existing body of work on a topic while pointing to the shortcomings of certain aspects of that research. Helps focus the reader on the question, “What is missing from our knowledge of this topic?” This is often used alongside the statement of the problem in research papers.

9. The purpose of this research is

A form phrase that directly states the aim of the study.

10. The question arises (about/whether)

Poses a query or research problem statement for the reader to acknowledge.

Best Words and Phrases for Clarifying Information

11. in other words.

Introduces a synopsis or the rephrasing of a statement for clarity. This is often used in the Discussion section statement to explain the implications of the study .

12. That is to say

Provides clarification, similar to “in other words.”

13. To put it simply

Simplifies a complex idea, often for a more general readership.

14. To clarify

Specifically indicates to the reader a direct elaboration of a previous point.

15. More specifically

Narrows down a general statement from a broader one. Often used in the Discussion section to clarify the meaning of a specific result.

16. To elaborate

Expands on a point made previously.

17. In detail

Indicates a deeper dive into information.

Points out specifics. Similar meaning to “specifically” or “especially.”

19. This means that

Explains implications and/or interprets the meaning of the Results section .

20. Moreover

Expands a prior point to a broader one that shows the greater context or wider argument.

Best Words and Phrases for Giving Examples

21. for instance.

Provides a specific case that fits into the point being made.

22. As an illustration

Demonstrates a point in full or in part.

23. To illustrate

Shows a clear picture of the point being made.

24. For example

Presents a particular instance. Same meaning as “for instance.”

25. Such as

Lists specifics that comprise a broader category or assertion being made.

26. Including

Offers examples as part of a larger list.

27. Notably

Adverb highlighting an important example. Similar meaning to “especially.”

28. Especially

Adverb that emphasizes a significant instance.

29. In particular

Draws attention to a specific point.

30. To name a few

Indicates examples than previously mentioned are about to be named.

Best Words and Phrases for Comparing and Contrasting

31. however.

Introduces a contrasting idea.

32. On the other hand

Highlights an alternative view or fact.

33. Conversely

Indicates an opposing or reversed idea to the one just mentioned.

34. Similarly

Shows likeness or parallels between two ideas, objects, or situations.

35. Likewise

Indicates agreement with a previous point.

36. In contrast

Draws a distinction between two points.

37. Nevertheless

Introduces a contrasting point, despite what has been said.

38. Whereas

Compares two distinct entities or ideas.

Indicates a contrast between two points.

Signals an unexpected contrast.

Best Words and Phrases to use in a Conclusion section

41. in conclusion.

Signifies the beginning of the closing argument.

42. To sum up

Offers a brief summary.

43. In summary

Signals a concise recap.

44. Ultimately

Reflects the final or main point.

45. Overall

Gives a general concluding statement.

Indicates a resulting conclusion.

Demonstrates a logical conclusion.

48. Therefore

Connects a cause and its effect.

49. It can be concluded that

Clearly states a conclusion derived from the data.

50. Taking everything into consideration

Reflects on all the discussed points before concluding.

Edit Your Research Terms and Phrases Before Submission

Using these phrases in the proper places in your research papers can enhance the clarity, flow, and persuasiveness of your writing, especially in the Introduction section and Discussion section, which together make up the majority of your paper’s text in most academic domains.

However, it's vital to ensure each phrase is contextually appropriate to avoid redundancy or misinterpretation. As mentioned at the top of this article, the best way to do this is to 1) use an AI text editor , free AI paraphrase tool or AI proofreading tool while you draft to enhance your writing, and 2) consult a professional proofreading service like Wordvice, which has human editors well versed in the terminology and conventions of the specific subject area of your academic documents.

For more detailed information on using AI tools to write a research paper and the best AI tools for research , check out the Wordvice AI Blog .

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Other forms: PhDs

A PhD is a university degree that a student gets after several years of advanced study in a subject. Once you have a PhD , you can be called "Dr. So-and-so."

The abbreviation PhD stands for "Doctor of Philosophy," and it's also called a Doctorate. Students who attend graduate school and continue their studies beyond a Master's Degree eventually receive a PhD. Most college professors have a PhD. The name of the degree comes from the Latin phrase philosophiae doctor , and the "philosophy" part of the name comes from the Greek word philosophia , "love of wisdom."

• noun a doctorate usually based on at least 3 years graduate study and a dissertation; the highest degree awarded graduate study synonyms: Ph.D. see more see less type of: Doctor of Philosophy a doctorate awarded for original contributions to knowledge

Vocabulary lists containing PhD

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Thesaurus for Phd

Related terms for phd - synonyms, antonyms and sentences with phd, similar meaning.

• doctoral degree
• graduate degree
• postgrad degree
• postgraduate degree
• doctor of philosophy
• undergraduate degree
• academic degree
• advanced degree
• associate degree
• bachelor's degree
• doctor's degree
• doctor philosophiae

Opposite meaning

• master's degree
• associate's degree
• college diploma
• non-doctoral degree
• lower academic degree
• pre-doctoral degree
• undergraduation
• day student
• low-educated person
• probationer
• underclassman

Common usage

• analytic philosophy
• analytical philosophy
• aristotelean philosophy
• atomic philosophy
• continental philosophy
• department of philosophy
• educational philosophy
• empiricist philosophy
• epicurean philosophy
• existentialist philosophy
• hindu philosophy
• inductive philosophy
• jain philosophy
• lectures on the philosophy of religion
• legal philosophy
• mechanical philosophy
• medieval philosophy
• moral philosophy
• natural philosophy
• newtonian philosophy
• optimistic philosophy
• philosophy department
• philosophy of aristotle
• philosophy of language
• philosophy of law

Sentence Examples

Proper usage in context.

• Benjamin Bradlow, PhD Student in Sociology at Brown University
• Do not pass Go. Go directly to PhD
• Education PhD, Sociology, University of Texas at Austin, 1968
• He has directed more than 10 PhD students
• He is currently completing his PhD at the Humboldt University

PhD synonyms

What is another word for phd .

• doctorate academic degree of highest rank
• doctor academic degree of highest rank, pursuit
• advanced degree
• doctoral degree
• postgrad degree
• postgraduate degree academic degree of highest rank
• recipient pursuit
• grad pursuit
• alum pursuit
• alumnus pursuit
• degree college degree
• graduate degree college degree
• undergraduate degree college degree
• baccalaureate
• former student
• associate degree
• academic degree

PhD vs. Doctorate Degree: Benefits and Differences

Whether  conducting studies to test the effectiveness of online teaching strategies or translating cutting-edge research into life-saving nursing practices, those with terminal degrees work at the top of their professions. As the pinnacle academic qualification offered within an area of study, terminal degrees prepare individuals to lead in their fields.

Considering whether to pursue a terminal degree, such as a Doctor of Education (EdD), Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)? It’s important to first understand the differences between a PhD and other doctorate degrees and the purpose that each serves.

What Are Doctorate Degrees, and Why Are They Beneficial?

A doctorate is a terminal degree that prepares individuals to take the knowledge they’ve developed in a subject area and apply it professionally. In other words, the degree focuses on helping professionals discover the practical applications of theory and research.

For example, a DNP can train individuals to translate medical research into improved nursing practices, which they then apply as nurse leaders. An EdD can empower people to take educational theories and integrate them into the curricula they develop or the teaching practices they use.

Those interested in pursuing doctorate degrees to level up their professional practice have many options. Today, many universities offer  online doctorate degrees that allow professionals greater access and flexibility to achieve their goals.

For example, nursing professionals can select from various online DNP degrees designed to propel them to the top of their profession. These include programs for psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners , adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioners , pediatric nurse practitioners , and others.

What can you do with an EdD? Educators considering doctorate programs can explore degrees, such as an online EdD in Higher Education Leadership, that prepare graduates to excel as academic deans, education consultants, or university presidents.

Doctorate Degree Benefits

Earning  a doctorate degree offers numerous benefits, starting with improved job security. The labor force participation rate of doctorate recipients was 86.8% in 2021, compared to the national average of about 62%, according to the National Science Foundation.

Doctorate degree holders can also have greater earning potential than their counterparts. BLS data indicates that those with a doctorate degree earned a median annual salary of about $100,000 in 2021.  That’s about 21% more than the earnings of master’s degree holders and around 43% more than the earnings of bachelor’s degree holders.

In addition to enjoying job security and higher salaries, doctorate degree holders have credibility, which can translate into leadership roles and greater authority in their field.

What Is a PhD, and What Are Its Benefits?

A PhD degree is a type of doctorate degree that prepares individuals to conduct high-level research in a specific field. Typically associated with administration and academia, the PhD degree empowers individuals to conduct original research that contributes to the overall body of knowledge in a particular area.

University professors, researchers, and scholarly writers typically hold PhD degrees in fields ranging from the hard sciences to the humanities. In addition to training individuals to conduct original research, a PhD prepares scholars in a discipline to critically evaluate theories, locate gaps in bodies of research, and assess the validity of emerging ideas.

PhD Benefits

Like other doctorate degrees, a PhD offers excellent job security, earning potential, and credibility. Additionally, a PhD can equip individuals to be forward-thinking leaders, performing research that advances their field. It also positions individuals to make a significant impact in a discipline through teaching and mentoring the next generation of experts.

PhD vs. Doctorate Degree: The Differences

While the PhD and other doctorate terminal degrees share similar characteristics, they differ in notable ways.

To begin with, the degrees employ distinct methods of study. PhD programs focus on preparing candidates to conduct original research. Other doctorate programs include research but are much less intensive. Instead, these doctorate programs concentrate on cultivating subject matter expertise for practical application.

For example, PhD students in nursing could conduct research that seeks to answer questions or find solutions to problems in nursing care. This could involve conducting randomized controlled trials to determine the effectiveness of a new method for dressing wounds after cardiac care.

In turn, DNP students could take the evidence from that research to develop a method for implementing the new wound dressing practice in clinical settings. The DNP students could also develop a process for assessing the effectiveness of that implementation.

Individuals who are interested in academics or research and are motivated by the prospect of making discoveries in their field will likely find PhD programs appealing. On the other hand, those inspired by opportunities to advance in their professional fields and put evidence into practice will likely find other doctorate degrees, such as an EdD or a DNP, a better fit.

Strive for the Top of Your Profession Today

Terminal degrees, such as a PhD or doctorate, are respected and prestigious. When planning your education and professional career path, understanding the distinctions between different terminal degrees and how they can each contribute to society’s body of knowledge and help it progress and thrive is important.

To learn more, explore the array of online degree programs at Maryville University , designed to support graduates reaching for the pinnacle of their professions.

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Considering and Pursuing a PhD in Communication Sciences and Disorders

Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management, Professional PhD Degrees for Public Service

Indeed, What Is a Doctorate? (And How to Get One in 3 Steps)

National Science Foundation, Survey of Doctorate Recipients, 2021

Nursing in Critical Care, “Randomized Controlled Trials in Critical Care Nursing: Essential to Move Practice Forward”

Seattle Post-Intelligencer, “What Is the Difference Between a PhD & Doctoral Degree?”

Seattle Post-Intelligencer, “What Is the Difference Between a Terminal Degree & a Research Degree?”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Civilian labor force participation rate

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections

Learn more about our programs.

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abbreviation for

• Doctor of Philosophy AlsoDPhil

Example Sentences

He also bragged about earning a PhD, a point Smerconish did not question.

Even his nametag played up his dweeby nature, labeling him “Mr. Gruber, PhD.”

Throughout her life, she faced public ridicule, legal persecution and, eventually, redemption through a PhD in clinical sexology.

“It is impossible by elections to choose normal people,” argues Yoram Gat, an Israeli software engineer with a PhD in statistics.

The son of Taiwanese immigrants, he grew up in California and earned his PhD in neuroscience at Stanford.

Damn few of them got it from me, I'm happy to say, and those that did, knew more about the subject than most PhD's.

It was a great diversion from the late nights working on my PhD.

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• master's degree

noun as in academic degree

Weak matches

• Associate's
• Associate's degree
• Bachelor's
• bachelor's degree
• graduate degree
• master's
• undergraduate degree

noun as in postgraduate degree

• advanced degree
• doctoral degree
• postgrad degree

Example Sentences

She was Communications Director for Atlantic Media Company and holds a masters degree in public policy.

However, said the latter, your success will be limited to the masters degree.

The latter was then born at Ching-yn, and when he was twenty-eight years of age took his masters degree.

Chu passed first on the list for the bachelors degree, and then among the first five for the masters degree.

From that hour Sun gradually improved, and the next year went up for his masters degree.

Hsiang-ju marvelled very much at this, and accordingly took his masters degree.

Related Words

Words related to master's degree are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word master's degree . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

noun as in college degree

noun as in degree after bachelor's

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.

What's the opposite of Meaning of the word Words that rhyme with Sentences with the word Translate to Find Words Use * for blank tiles (max 2) Use * for blank spaces Find the of Pronounce the word in Find Names     Appearance ✓ Use device theme   ✓ Dark theme ✓ Light theme ? ? Here's a list of from our that you can use instead. Use * for blank tiles (max 2) Use * for blank spaces Related Words and Phrases Bottom_desktop desktop:[300x250]. go Word Tools Finders & Helpers Apps More Synonyms Copyright WordHippo © 2024 What is a PhD? Types of Doctorates A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest globally recognized postgraduate degree that higher education institutions can award. PhDs are awarded to candidates who undertake original and extensive research in a particular field of study. Full time PhD programmes typically last three to four years, whilst part time PhD programmes typically last six to seven years. A PhD can lead to an academia teaching role or a career in research. A PhD can also equip you with skills suitable for a wide range of jobs unrelated to your research topic or academia. Definition of a PhD – A Doctor of Philosophy (commonly abbreviated to PhD , Ph.D or a DPhil ) is a university research degree awarded from across a broad range of academic disciplines; in most countries, it is a terminal degree, i.e. the highest academic degree possible. PhDs differ from undergraduate and master’s degrees in that PhDs are entirely research-based rather than involving taught modules (although doctoral training centres (DTCs) offer programmes that start with a year of lecture-based teaching to help develop your research skills prior to starting your project). In most English-speaking countries, those that complete a PhD use the title “Doctor” (typically abbreviated to Dr) in front of their names and are referred to as such within academic and/or research settings. Those that work in fields outside of academia may decide not to use the formal doctor title but use post-nominal letters (e.g. John Smith PhD); it’s unusual though for someone to use both the Doctor title and post-nominal letters in their name. PhD vs Doctorate A PhD and a professional doctorate are both research-based terminal degrees. However, where a PhD focuses on original research mostly around theoretical concepts, a professional doctorate focuses on examining existing knowledge to solve real-life, practical problems. While there is much crossover between the two, a PhD is generally better suited for an individual to wants to advance the knowledge and understanding in their field, and a professional doctorate degree is better suited to a working professional who wants to better be able to apply knowledge and understanding to their field. What Are the Entry Requirements for a PhD? To be accepted on to a PhD programme, students usually need to hold at least a high ( 2:1 and above ) undergraduate degree that is related to the field of research that they want to pursue. A PhD candidate may also be expected to hold a Master’s degree , however, this does not mean you must have one, as it is still possible to enrol into a PhD without a Master’s . Self-funded courses may sometimes be more relaxed in relation to entry requirements . It may be possible to be accepted onto a self-funded PhD programme with lower grades, though these students typically demonstrate their suitability for the role through professional work experience. Whilst a distance learning project is possible , most PhD candidates will carry out their research over at least three years based at their university, with regular contact with two academic supervisors (primary and secondary). This is particularly the case for lab-based projects, however, some PhD projects require spending time on-site away from university (e.g. at a specialist research lab or at a collaborating institution abroad). How Long Does a PhD Take? Typically, full-time PhDs last 3-4 years and part-time PhDs last 6-7 years. However, at the discretion of the university, the thesis writing-up period can be extended by up to four years. Although most doctoral programmes start in September or October, they are generally much more flexible than taught-courses and can start at any time of the year. How Much Does a PhD Cost? Tuition fees for UK and EU students vary between £3,000 and £6,000 per year, with the average tuition fee of £4,712 per year for 2023/24 programmes. Tuition fees increase considerably for international students, varying between £16,000 to £25,000 per year, with an average tuition fee of £19,600 per year . Nonetheless, most students will secure PhD funding in the form of studentships, scholarships and bursaries to help pay for these fees. These funding opportunities can either be partial, which cover tuition fees only, or full, which cover both tuition fees and living expenses. UK national students can also apply for Doctoral Loans from Student Finance England if they are unable to secure funding. Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest. What Does a PhD Involve? To be awarded a PhD, a doctoral student is required to produce a substantial body of work that adds new knowledge to their chosen field. A PhD programme will typically involve four key stages: Stage 1: Literature Review The first year of a PhD involves attending regular meetings with your supervisors and carrying out a search on previously published work in your subject area. This search will be used to produce a literature review which should set the context of the project by explaining the foundation of what is currently known within the field of research, what recent developments have occurred, and where the gaps in knowledge are. In most cases, this will be an extension of your research proposal should you have produced one as part of your application. The literature review should conclude by outlining the overarching aims and objectives of the research project. This stage of setting achievable goals which are original and contribute to the field of research is an essential first step in a successful PhD. The supervisor is the main point of contact through the duration of a PhD – but remember: they are there to mentor, not to teach, or do it for you . It will be your responsibility to plan, execute and monitor your own work as well as to identify gaps in your own knowledge and address them. Stage 2: Research The second year (and prehapse some of your third year) is when you work on your research. Having identified novel research questions from your review of the literature, this is where you collect your data to help answer these questions. How you do this will depend on the nature of your doctoral research: for example, you may design and run experiments in a lab alongside other PhD students or visit excavation sites in remote regions of the world. You should check in regularly with your supervisors to update them and run any ideas or issues past them. Have the structure and chapters of your thesis in mind as you develop and tackle your research questions. Working with a view of publishing your work will be very valuable later on. Stage 3: Write up of Thesis The next key stage of a PhD is writing a doctoral thesis , which typically takes from anywhere between three months to one year. A thesis is a substantial body of work that describes the work and outcomes of the research over the previous two to three years. It should tell a detailed story of the PhD project – focusing on: The motivations for the research questions identified from the literature review. The methodologies used, results obtained, and a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the findings. A detailed discussion of the key findings with an emphasis on the original contributions made to your field of research and how this has been impactful. There is no universal rule for the length of a PhD thesis, but general guidelines set the word count between 80,000 to 100,000 words. For your thesis to be successful, it needs to adequately defend your argument and provide a unique or increased insight into your field that was not previously available. Stage 4: Attending the Viva A viva voce , most commonly referred to as just a ‘ viva ‘, is an interview-style examination where the PhD student is required to engage in a critical appraisal of their work and defend their thesis against at least two examiners. The examiners will ask questions to check the PhD student has an in-depth understanding of the ideas and theories proposed in their thesis, and whether they have developed the research skills that would be expected of them. The viva is one of the final steps in achieving a PhD, and typically lasts at least two hours, but this duration can vary depending on the examiners, the university and the PhD project itself. Once you have done the viva – you’re on the home stretch. You will typically be asked to make some amendments to your thesis based on the examiner’s feedback. You are then ready to submit your final thesis for either: PhD – If you pass the requirements you will be awarded a PhD degree (most common outcome), MPhil – If you failed to meet requirements for a PhD, you may be downgraded to an MPhil degree (uncommon outcome), Fail – No award is given, typically for cases of plagiarism (extremely uncommon outcome). What Is It Like to Undertake a PhD? We’re often asked what it is like to undertake a PhD study. Unfortunately, this isn’t a simple answer to this question as every research project is different. To help give insight into the life of a PhD student, we’ve interviewed PhD students at various stages of their programmes and put together a series of PhD Student Interviews . Check out the link to find out what a PhD is like and what advice they have to offer you. What Are the Benefits of A PhD? A PhD is the highest globally recognised postgraduate degree that higher education institutions can award. The degree, which is awarded to candidates who demonstrate original and independent research in a particular field of study, is not only invaluable in itself, but sets you up with invaluable skills and traits. Career Opportunities First, a PhD prepares you for a career in academia if you wish to continue in this area. This takes form as a career in the Higher Education sector, typically as a lecturer working their way to becoming a professor leading research on the subject you’ve studied and trained in. Second, a PhD also enables the opportunity for landing a job in a research & development role outside of the academic environment. Examples of this include laboratory work for a private or third sector company, a governmental role and research for commercial and industrial applications. Transferable Skills Finally, in possessing a PhD degree, you can show to employers that you have vital skills that make you an asset to any company. Three examples of the transferable skills that you gain through a PhD are effective communication, time management, and report writing. Communication – presenting your work in written and oral forms using journal papers and podium presentations, shows your ability to share complex ideas effectively and to those with less background knowledge than you. Communication is key in the professional environment, regardless of the job. Time management – The ability to prioritise and organise tasks is a tremendous asset in the professional industry. A PhD holder can use their qualification to demonstrate that they are able to manage their time, arrange and follow a plan, and stick to deadlines. Report writing – Condensing three years of work into a thesis demonstrates your ability to filter through massive amounts of information, identify the key points, and get these points across to the reader. The ability to ‘cut out the waffle’ or ‘get to the point’ is a huge asset in the professional industry. Aside from the above, you also get to refer to yourself as a Doctor and add fancy initials after your name! What Can I Do After a PhD? One of the most desirable postdoctoral fields is working within independent Research and Development (R&D) labs and new emerging companies. Both industries, especially R&D labs, have dedicated groups of PhD graduates who lead research activities, design new products and take part in crucial strategic meetings. Not only is this a stimulating line of work, but the average salaries in R&D labs and emerging start-ups are lucrative. In comparison, an undergraduate with five years of experience within their given field will, on average, likely earn less than a new PhD graduate taking on a R&D position. It’s a common misunderstanding that PhDs only opens the door for an academic career such as university lecturers and training providers. Although obtaining a PhD opens these doors, the opportunities extend far beyond educational roles. In fact, recent data from the UK’s Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) indicates only 23% of PhD graduates take a position in educational roles . This low percentage is primarily because PhD graduates have a wide range of skills that make them suitable for a broad spectrum of roles. This is being seen first hand by the increasing number of PhD graduates who are entering alternative roles such as research, writing, law and investment banking. How Do I Find a PhD? We appreciate that finding a PhD programme to undertake can be a relatively daunting process. According to Higher Education Student Statistics , over 22,000 PhDs were awarded in 2016/17 within the United Kingdom alone. Clearly there are a huge number of PhD programmes available. This can sometimes be confusing for prospective doctorates, particularly when different programmes are advertised in different places. Often, it is difficult to know where to look or where to even start. We’ve put together a list of useful sources to find the latest PhD programmes: A great place to start is with our comprehensive and up-to-date database of available PhD positions . Assuming you are still at university, speak to an existing PhD supervisor within your department. Attend as many postgraduate open days as you can. Whilst there, speak to current PhD students and career advisors to get an awareness of what PhDs are on offer. Visit the postgraduate section of university websites and the PhD Research Council section of the UKRI website. Browse PhDs Now Join thousands of students. Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice. To save this word, you'll need to log in. Log In abbreviation or noun Definition of phd, examples of phd in a sentence. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'PhD.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples. Word History New Latin philosophiae doctor 1839, in the meaning defined above Dictionary Entries Near PhD Cite this entry. “PhD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/PhD. Accessed 29 Aug. 2024. Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free! Can you solve 4 words at once? Word of the day. See Definitions and Examples » Get Word of the Day daily email! 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Skip to Main About The English Department Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Faculty Bookshelf Greene Street Review Working Groups Creative Reading Series Statement on Academic Freedom Resolution of No Confidence MA Student Directory PhD Student Directory Personnel and Committees Advising and Office Hours Current Course Offerings Frequently Asked Questions Program of Study Program in Dramatic Literature English Major of the Month Forms, Applications, and Resources English Honors Program Study Abroad Past Course Offerings MINOR IN MEDICAL HUMANITIES Information for M.A. Students Information for Ph.D. Students Information for Prospective MA Students Information for Prospective PhD Students Fellowships PhD Job Placement Past Courses Current Graduate Courses Current Graduate Students Prospective Students The Graduate English Organization Fields of Interest Certificate Programs Spring 2024 Spring 2023 Spring 2022 Spring 2021 Spring 2020 Spring 2019 Spring 2018 Resources for Faculty Resources for Graduate Students Resources for Undergraduate Students Information for Prospective Ph.D. Students Application deadlines, the appliation for fall 2025 will be available in september 2024. application deadline is december 1 2024.. PhD Admissions Open House Want a PhD in English? Why NYU? New York University, Department of English Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11:00AM EST https://nyu.zoom.us/j/91310527661  (approximately 1 hour) 2022 Open House:  Zoom Recording  Are you considering a PhD in English? Come meet faculty and graduate students from the NYU Department of English, who will share their experiences about the structure and culture of the program. You will get a quick overview of what a degree here entails, including the university’s new Advanced Certificate in Public Humanities. We hope to highlight what we (and New York City’s landscape of civic and arts institutions and archives) can offer you as you prepare for a future in teaching, research, and writing.  APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS  Your application to the PhD program should consist of the following components: The Online Application . A Curriculum Vitae (CV) or resume.  This should provide an overview of your academic and, if applicable, professional experience. A Statement of Academic Purpose.  The work of the faculty of the Department of English at NYU is characterized by a wide variety of interdisciplinary approaches, encompassing literary history, theory, and criticism, as well as careful reflection on the methods of literary study. We are especially interested in graduate students who will be comfortable bridging historical periods in their reading and writing, and who are curious about a wide variety of approaches to literary studies. The admissions committee requires from all applicants a statement of academic purpose, which will be judged as a piece of writing. It will use this statement to evaluate how well your aspirations and interests suit those of the Department of English at NYU. This statement of academic purpose should be succinct (no more than 1200 words) and address most, if not all, of the following questions: What kinds (genres, styles, forms, etc.) of literature most engage you? What, for you, is the purpose of reading literature critically? Are there particular kinds of criticism/theoretical approaches/methods of literary study that you would like to work within or learn more about? How have your intellectual and scholarly interests been shaped by your time outside and beyond the college classroom? In the light of the description above, do you have a particular reason for wishing to work within the Department of English at New York University? A Writing Sample  of academic literary criticism is required. It should demonstrate your strongest work in that mode and should not exceed 20-25 double-spaced pages, including any bibliography or notes. Three Letters of Recommendation . It is important to have strong letters of recommendation that come from professors and instructors who know you and are familiar with the your academic work. Applicants who have been out of school for several years should make every effort to reconnect with former teachers to ensure that their letters of recommendation address their academic preparation and abilities and their readiness to pursue the degree for which they are applying.  http://gsas.nyu.edu/admissions/gsas-application-resource-center/faqs/letters-of-recommendation.html Transcript . An official, electronic copy of your transcript.For further Admissions information, please visit http://gsas.nyu.edu/admissions/gsas-application-resource-center/faqs/academic-transcripts.html   TOEFL or IELTS:  TOEFL or the IELTS is required of all applicants who are not native English speakers or who do not have a bachelor's or master's degree from an institution where the language of instruction is English.  http://gsas.nyu.edu/admissions/gsas-application-resource-center/faqs/testing-requirements.html All accepted Ph.D. students in English receive up to five years of funding through the Graduate School’s MacCracken program. In 2024-2025 students will receive a $35,000 stipend for nine months, plus a full tuition scholarship, registration and services fees, and full coverage of NYU student health insurance for an individual under the comprehensive plan. The MacCracken award includes a one-time $1,000 Dean's Supplementary Fellowship Grant. This grant is intended to provide support for start-up research and educational expenses such as books, academic supplies, and computer equipment. In addition, the Department of English offers a one-time $3,000 Supplementary Grant that may be used at the student's discretion and a $7,000 summer stipend during your first and second years of study and $3,000 summer stipend for your third year of study. While teaching is not required as a condition of the MacCracken award, the English Department still sees teaching as crucial to the professional development of its doctoral candidates. We therefore expect that our Ph.D. students will teach for four semesters starting after the second year of study, typically scheduled across the third through fifth years. Students who participate fully in the department's teaching program will receive in excess of $22,000 in adjunct-instructor compensation for their four semesters of teaching service, over and above the fellowship stipend payments they will receive during the term of the MacCracken award. The English Ph.D. program is designed to be completed within the five-year term for which the MacCracken award ensures full funding. However, students can arrange to set aside as much as half of the fellowship stipend they receive during each semester in which they teach, to be drawn on at later points in the period of their enrollment. Thus if they follow the Department’s recommendation and teach for a total of four semesters during the MacCracken term, they can guarantee themselves an additional year of full funding in case they require a sixth year of matriculation in order to secure employment and complete the degree. Teaching opportunities primarily include serving as a recitation leader in general education courses in the undergraduate college, and in departmental undergraduate survey courses. Students who follow the department's teaching protocol will be assigned to a range of different courses over their four semesters of service, and will thereby achieve the breadth of literacy-historical knowledge appropriate to doctorate holders in the discipline. Students who forgo teaching may be required to demonstrate the breadth of their literary-historical knowledge through other means. If your question is not answered, please contact the director of graduate admissions, Jenny Mann.  Open House for Newly Admitted Doctoral Students Students who are admitted to the Ph.D. program are invited to attend our annual Open House for Newly Admitted Doctoral Students, which this year will take place on (dates to be determined). Admitted students will be asked to arrive in New York City the afternoon of (TBA), when there will be an informal cocktail party with English Department faculty and current students. Scheduled events on (TBA) will allow admitted students the opportunity to interact with faculty as well as current graduate students and other admitted, prospective students, attend classes and tour the campus. Share this page Information. GSAS Admissions Advanced Certificate in CALAMEGS Advanced Certificate in Digital Humanities Graduate School of Arts and Science (GSAS) Application GSAS Academic and Professional Development Financial Aid GSAS Bulletin Fields of Interest/Nodes Cambridge Dictionary +Plus Meaning of PhD in English Your browser doesn't support HTML5 audio associate's degree baccalaureate do a degree Doctor of Medicine doctorate in something Master of Arts Master of Science Master's degree Postgraduate Certificate in Education second degree summa cum laude Ph.D. | Intermediate English Translations of phd. Get a quick, free translation! Word of the Day long weekend Saturday and Sunday with at least one extra day added, either Friday or Monday. 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Dictionaries home American English Collocations German-English Grammar home Practical English Usage Learn & Practise Grammar (Beta) Word Lists home My Word Lists Recent additions Resources home Text Checker Definition of Ph.D. noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary acquire/get/lack experience/training/(an) education receive/provide somebody with training develop/design/plan a curriculum/course/program/syllabus give/go to/attend a class/lesson/lecture/seminar hold/run/conduct a class/seminar/workshop moderate/lead/facilitate a discussion sign up for/take a course/classes/lessons go to/start preschool/kindergarten/nursery school be in the first, second, etc. grade (at school) study/take/drop history/chemistry/German, etc. finish/drop out of/quit school graduate from high school/college be the victim/target of bullying/teasing skip/cut/ ( informal ) ditch class/school cheat on an exam/a test get/be given a detention (for doing something) be expelled from/be suspended from school do your homework/a project on something work on/write/do/submit an essay/a dissertation/a thesis/an assignment/a paper finish/complete your dissertation/thesis/studies hand in/turn in your homework/essay/assignment/paper study/prepare/review/ ( informal ) cram for a test/an exam take/ ( formal ) sit for a test/an exam grade homework/a test do well on/ ( informal ) ace a test/an exam pass/fail/ ( informal ) flunk a test/an exam/a class/a course/a subject apply to/get into/go to/start college leave/graduate from college (with a degree in computer science)/law school study for/work towards a law degree/a degree in physics major/minor in biology/philosophy earn/receive/be awarded/get/have/hold a master's degree/a bachelor's degree/a Ph.D. in economics Questions about grammar and vocabulary? Find the answers with Practical English Usage online, your indispensable guide to problems in English. 2 a person who has a Ph.D. Nearby words 232 IMAGES 31 PhD Synonyms. Similar words for PhD Meaning of PhD, Need for PhD and Significance of Phd Degree in Academic Career Phd Words Dsw Vs Phd Which Is Right For You Two Doctoral Social Work Degrees "PhD Definition Phd Student synonyms VIDEO Get a Second PhD to Boost your Career! Selection on Programme Answers to your Queries II Criteria's for Admission to PG (Master's)/ PhD/Other Programmes Online Form Submission 2024 The worst academic writing advice #phd #academicwriting #phdadvice COMMENTS 18 Synonyms & Antonyms for PHD Find 18 different ways to say PHD, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com. What is another word for Ph.D. Find 119 synonyms for Ph.D. and other similar words that you can use instead based on 3 separate contexts from our thesaurus. Phd synonyms Another way to say Phd? Synonyms for Phd (other words and phrases for Phd). From a to z: doctoral degree glossary PhD: The most common type of doctoral degree awarded in the U.S. The PhD prepares students to conduct research and contribute new knowledge in their field, with career outcomes usually focused on continued high-level research or entry to academia. Professional Doctorate: A doctoral degree with a primary focus on applied research; considered a ... 50 Useful Academic Words & Phrases for Research See the best academic words and phrase for your research paper. Explanations and examples of academic terms. PhD PhD: 1 n a doctorate usually based on at least 3 years graduate study and a dissertation; the highest degree awarded graduate study Synonyms: Ph.D. Type of: Doctor of Philosophy a doctorate awarded for original contributions to knowledge PHD in Thesaurus: 100+ Synonyms & Antonyms for PHD What's the definition of Phd in thesaurus? Most related words/phrases with sentence examples define Phd meaning and usage. 31 PhD Synonyms. Similar words for PhD. 31 PhD synonyms. What are another words for PhD? Doctorate, doctor, advanced degree, doctoral degree. Full list of synonyms for PhD is here. Phd Synonyms: 1 Synonyms and Antonyms for Phd Words Related to Phd Related words are words that are directly connected to each other through their meaning, even if they are not synonyms or antonyms. This connection may be general or specific, or the words may appear frequently together. PhD vs. Doctorate Degree: Benefits and Differences What's the difference between PhD vs. doctorate degrees? Explore their definitions, their potential benefits, and how each can be applied postgraduation. PHD Definition & Meaning PhD definition: the highest degree, a doctorate, awarded by a graduate school in a field of academic study, usually to a person who has completed at least three years of graduate study and a dissertation approved by a committee of professors.. See examples of PHD used in a sentence. 15 Synonyms & Antonyms for MASTER'S DEGREE Find 15 different ways to say MASTER'S DEGREE, along with antonyms, related words, and example sentences at Thesaurus.com. What is another word for PhD? Synonyms for PhD include college degree, doctorate, master's, certification, qualification, university degree, postgraduate degree, advanced degree, doctoral degree and master's degree. Find more similar words at wordhippo.com! What is a PhD? What is a PhD? Definition of a PhD - A Doctor of Philosophy (commonly abbreviated to PhD, Ph.D or a DPhil) is a university research degree awarded from across a broad range of academic disciplines; in most countries, it is a terminal degree, i.e. the highest academic degree possible. PhD Definition & Meaning The meaning of PHD is the academic degree, title, or rank of doctor of philosophy; also : a person who has earned the academic degree of doctor of philosophy. How to use PhD in a sentence. Information for Prospective PhD Students All accepted Ph.D. students in English receive up to five years of funding through the Graduate School's MacCracken program. In 2024-2025 students will receive a $35,000 stipend for nine months, plus a full tuition scholarship, registration and services fees, and full coverage of NYU student health insurance for an individual under the ... PHD definition in American English 2 senses: Doctor of Philosophy Also: DPhil. a doctorate awarded for original research in any subject except law, medicine, or.... Click for more definitions. PhD PhD definition: 1. abbreviation for doctor of philosophy: the highest college or university degree, or someone who…. Learn more. PhD PhD meaning: an advanced university qualification, or a person who has this qualification: . Learn more. PhD Definition of PhD noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. PhD PhD meaning: 1. abbreviation for doctor of philosophy: the highest college or university degree, or someone who…. Learn more. PhD Definition & Meaning PhD Definition Meanings Synonyms Sentences Definition Source Word Forms Abbreviation Filter abbreviation PhD definition: Philosophiae Doctor (Doctor of Philosophy). Ph.D. noun Definition of Ph.D. noun in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. essay homework paper phd review speech study thesis