The highest degree part 2
A student wrote to me: “Can you explain about the doctorate program in the U.S. I would like to know more before applying. Thank you”
Answer: The doctorate degree (Ph.D) is the highest academic degree in college education. It is always awarded for independent research in particular academic's field of study. After complete a bachelor's degree, a student could continue to a Master degree program, then to a doctoral degree program. In some fields of study, it is possible to start a doctorate program immediately upon receiving a bachelor's.
All doctoral programs involve three phases of academic work. The first phase involves the completion of required studies as student takes a numbers of course in a particular special area and passing a written examination, usually called “comprehensives.” If successful at this phase, the student is permitted to proceed with doctoral studies, called advancement to candidacy. If not, the student is dropped from the program. In some cases the student may earn a master's degree. (If the student starts from the Bachelor's degree) The first phase is often lasted about 2 years.
The second phase consists of a set of advanced studies during which the student selects a subject for the dissertation, creates a dissertation committee, and designs the research. The research has to be something new in a particular field. U.S education calls the doctoral thesis a dissertation to distinguish it from the Master's thesis. The dissertation committee usually consists of five senior faculties in the student's research field, including the academic adviser and one member from outside department or from other university. (Note: To maintain the integrity and independent view.) Once the student has developed and presented a research design acceptable to the adviser and committee, the independent research phases begins. The second phase usually last about 1 to 2 years.
The third phase or Independent research, including the writing of the dissertation can take from three to five years depending upon the topic selected and the research work necessary to prepare the dissertation. During this time the candidate establish the hypothesis, conduct research, gather data, validate data and discuss with the adviser on a frequent basis. When the academic adviser is convinced that the dissertation is of an acceptable standard, he will approve to put it before the dissertation committee. The student delivers it to all committee members to review and schedule the dissertation defense. The defense consists of an oral examination in depth before the committee and invited guests. During this time, the student must establish mastery of the subject matter, explain and justify the research findings, and answer all questions put by the committee. A successful defense results in the award of the degree.
Some doctoral programs may include additional requirements such as fieldwork, evidence, practice, or data gather in the industry. All doctoral programs require that certain technical skills be mastered in the first phase, including mathematical and computer skills and other specialized professional competencies relevant to the field being studied.
The number of years required to complete a U.S. doctorate vary by subject as well as the time required for the research. The average time is about 8 years after obtaining a bachelor's degree. This means that, when added to the average of 4 years for a bachelor's degree, a student who earn an doctorate have spent around 12 or more years in school as full-time students and researchers. Most people with a doctorate degree work as professors in university or research scientists in research laboratory.
Sources
- Blogs of Prof. John Vu, Carnegie Mellon University
