Doctoral Programs Key Terms

Learn about the options for entering doctoral programs

By Terri Deno

Once a person has earned his masters degree, it opens up a world of possibilities and career options. Many choose to go a step further and earn a Ph.D., or doctorate, in their specific field. Earning a Ph.D. can qualify you for higher-level faculty positions, research positions and other top career opportunities. Doctoral programs are offered at universities, online and through distance learning programs. Doctoral programs typically take six years to complete.

Online Ph.D program

An online Ph.D program is a series of classes that a student can complete online. Some PhD programs offer specific courses online, while others provide the whole program.
Try: The Adult Learn Online Directory provides a guide on choosing the right online Ph.D program.

Distance learning

Distance learning differs slightly from online programs in that distance learning can also refer to the use of telecasts, webcasts and study from home course materials.
Try: The Distance Learning College Guide provides information on the benefits of using distance learning to further education into masters and doctoral degree programs.

First-professional doctoral program

A first-professional doctoral program is a program that includes the fields of medicine, law, dentistry and veterinary medicine. This type of degree does not require a completion of a thesis, but does require actual practice in the field of study before graduation.
Try: The Community Acupuncture Network presents the case whether the field should adopt the use of a first-professional doctorate as the standard to qualify for entry level positions.

Research doctoral program

A research doctoral program is a program that provides a student the resources to complete research and provide a publishable finding. The research findings are presented as a thesis or dissertation.
Try: The American Speech Language Hearing Association provides tips for preparing to enter a research doctoral program in speech or language studies.

Honorary doctorate

An honorary doctorate is awarded to a person that has shown a substantial contribution to a specific field of study, but does not have to provide an academic contribution.
Try: Most universities, such as the University of Oregon, have a committee to determine the criteria for awarding honorary doctorate degrees.

Doctoral dissertation

A doctoral dissertation is a written research paper that contains a thesis statement. This statement is specific to enable the student to conduct research on the topic to prove or disprove the thesis statement.
Try: Dissertations provides additional information on doctoral dissertations and the steps to take to get the process started.