What is Phd: Definition and 1000 Discussions

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, Ph.D., or DPhil; Latin philosophiae doctor or doctor philosophiae) is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded following a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields. Because it is an earned research degree, those studying for a PhD are required to produce original research that expands the boundaries of knowledge, normally in the form of a thesis or dissertation, and defend their work against experts in the field. The completion of a PhD is often a requirement for employment as a university professor, researcher, or scientist in many fields. Individuals who have earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree may, in many jurisdictions, use the title Doctor (often abbreviated "Dr" or "Dr.") with their name, although the proper etiquette associated with this usage may also be subject to the professional ethics of their own scholarly field, culture, or society. Those who teach at universities or work in academic, educational, or research fields are usually addressed by this title "professionally and socially in a salutation or conversation." Alternatively, holders may use post-nominal letters such as "Ph.D.", "PhD", or "DPhil" (depending on the awarding institution). It is, however, considered incorrect to use both the title and post-nominals at the same time.The specific requirements to earn a PhD degree vary considerably according to the country, institution, and time period, from entry-level research degrees to higher doctorates. During the studies that lead to the degree, the student is called a doctoral student or PhD student; a student who has completed all their coursework and comprehensive examinations and is working on their thesis/dissertation is sometimes known as a doctoral candidate or PhD candidate (see: all but dissertation). A student attaining this level may be granted a Candidate of Philosophy degree at some institutions or may be granted a master's degree en route to the doctoral degree. Sometimes this status is also colloquially known as "PhD ABD," meaning "All But Dissertation."A PhD candidate must submit a project, thesis, or dissertation often consisting of a body of original academic research, which is in principle worthy of publication in a peer-reviewed journal. In many countries, a candidate must defend this work before a panel of expert examiners appointed by the university. Universities sometimes award other types of doctorate besides the PhD, such as the Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) for music performers and the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) for studies in education. In 2005 the European Universities Association defined the "Salzburg Principles," 10 basic principles for third-cycle degrees (doctorates) within the Bologna Process. These were followed in 2016 by the "Florence Principles," seven basic principles for doctorates in the arts laid out by the European League of Institutes of the Arts, which have been endorsed by the European Association of Conservatoires, the International Association of Film and Television Schools, the International Association of Universities and Colleges of Art, Design and Media, and the Society for Artistic Research.In some countries like China and Japan, a recipient of doctorate in disciplines such as engineering and pharmacy where professional degrees (for example, EngD and PharmD) are usually awarded in the western countries, is called a PhD regardless. It is not uncommon that the person's title or diploma be translated into English as PhD in (that discipline). In these countries, the distinction between professional doctorates and PhDs is less significant.In the context of the Doctor of Philosophy and other similarly titled degrees, the term "philosophy" does not refer to the field or academic discipline of philosophy, but is used in a broader sense in accordance with its original Greek meaning, which is "love of wisdom." In most of Europe, all fields (history, philosophy, social sciences, mathematics, and natural philosophy/sciences) other than theology, law, and medicine (the so-called professional, vocational, or technical curriculum) were traditionally known as philosophy, and in Germany and elsewhere in Europe the basic faculty of liberal arts was known as the "faculty of philosophy."

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  1. B

    Programs What Matters in Applying to a Physics PhD Program?

    im an undergraduate and this is my first semester as a physics major. i was talking with another person in the physics program and he was mentioning that the minimum gpa to get into my current schools graduate program is a 3.9 and while it is a good school it isn't MIT or Cal tech. i was...
  2. M

    Programs PhD with 2.1 UK: How Can I Fix My Hopes of Pursuing Physics?

    For a variety of reasons I did not do very much work in my degree and will probably get a 2.1 Physics MSci. I feel sure that I could have got a 1st if any of these things - combination of illness, personal problems and initial lack of motivation - had not happened. I was not initially sure I...
  3. K

    Math Phd maths searches a job in finance

    I'm going to finish my PhD in maths in a few next months. I'm looking for a new job for the future. I really exciting in looking for a job in Finance. But, I don't know where is the starting point. I have learned a course on maths finance when I was in master program. So I understand a little...
  4. T

    Programs Considering a PhD? Pros/Cons of the Time Commitment

    Backstory (feel free to skip): Last year, I applied to a bunch of PhD programs in applied math. I got accepted into a couple, but Northwestern offered me an interesting option. They rejected me from the PhD program, but they said that they would accept me into a masters program (which I'd have...
  5. V

    Programs PhD in Photonics: Queries from USA Student

    I have a few queries related to Phd in photonics from USA: 1)Which are the best universities in photonics? 2)How long will it take for obtaining a doctoral degree in USA for international students? 3)I have a dream to do Phd in photonics after obtaining Mtech in photonics here in India...
  6. D

    Programs Comparing PhD Programs at UC Merced, Nebraska & Kansas State

    Hello, I am deciding on which PhD program to accept, I have narrowed it down to to three choices: 1. UC Merced physics Program 2. Nebraska University at Lincoln 3. Kansas State University in Manhattan Kansas. I am leaning towards Nebraska, though I am still interested in UC Merced...
  7. S

    Programs What are the physics institutes we have for doing MS or PHD?

    what are the physics institutes we have for doing MS or PHD?
  8. N

    Programs How hard is it to get an industry job with a Physics Phd?

    Hi everyone. I'm a senior undergrad and about to obtain a bachelors in physics from a top US university. I specialized in solid state physics and am doing my undergrad honors thesis in graphene synthesis and characterization. I want to eventually work in the semiconductor industry or with...
  9. T

    Programs Want MS, apply for PhD program?

    Suppose that I would like a master's in physics, but not a PhD, and consider a university that offers a funded master's program. I understand that universities prefer to take PhD students rather that MS students (since one may squeeze more cheap research labor out of a 3+ year grad student...
  10. R

    Programs Math PhD student missing some background - what to do?

    Hi guys, After taking some time off after my undergraduate degree in Math (in Australia), I've decided to go back and do a PhD in Mathematics. I applied for a variety of postgrad programs in the US and Australia. Due to the break between undergrad and postgrad, and a few holes in my...
  11. L

    Programs Choosing a PhD Program in Theoretical Physics: Liverpool or Swansea?

    So I have 2 PhD offers at the moment for Theoretical Physics. Both of them are to work on quantum gravity/strings etc. One is at Liverpool University and the other is at Swansea University. I am not sure how to decide between them. At the moment, I have: Liverpool>Swansea: (i) Liverpool is a...
  12. E

    Programs How Much do Rankings Matter? (Math PhD)

    Hi all, I'm trying to decide where to go for graduate school, and I'm wondering how much attention I should pay to the rankings. Is a top 10 significantly better than a top 20, 20 better than a 30, 30 better than 40 etc. My 5 - 10 year plan is a good post doc(s), and to at least try to end...
  13. E

    Programs PhD Duration and affecting factors

    I understand that PhDs tend to take several years to complete due to a variety of reasons. It depends on your field and the type of research as well as personal factors I am probably not aware of. I was wondering how people complete their degrees in as little as three years. I'm not going to...
  14. L

    Programs Does the Quality of My PhD Thesis Matter?

    Hello everyone, I feel that I can complete a thesis within a year but its quality would not be as great if I spend two years in it. However, I would like to complete my thesis so that I can begin during research on my own and enjoy the privileges of having a PHD whatever they might be. The...
  15. M

    Any point in getting that PhD?

    For the longest time, I've wanted to get a PhD in physics, because I just found everything involving it facinating. I found both the microscopic and the macroscopic worlds it describes very interesting. In light of my academic progress in maths, I don't appear to be getting it, despite my...
  16. S

    MHB Getting a PhD Abroad: GRE, Tips & Challenges

    This is an entirely new question - you really should start a new thread, to stop confusion. If by `abroad' you mean the states, then yes, you'd need to take the GRE. However, you wouldn't need to take it if you were going to, for example, the UK. As for `how hard', I think the best way of...
  17. M

    Programs Physics PhD with a b.sc from a different field? (Australia)

    Hi, I have a B.sc with first class honours, with a major in biochemistry and I want to do a phd in astrophysics. I have two years of undergrad physics and a good knowledge of vector calculus, DEs, linear algebra, etc. What are my chances of getting into a program? I know in america you guys have...
  18. J

    PE vs MS vs PhD: Which Should I Do First in US?

    In the US, there is an FE, and a PE (fundamentals, and principles/practice of engineering) Where do those fall on the continuum of ongoing education relative to a masters or PhD program? Should I look at the PE before or after a masters program? What did you do? Why? thanks!
  19. S

    Programs I am doing PhD in Physics and interested in medical physics

    Hi All, I am doing PhD in Physics and interested in medical physics. I am wondering what I should do to switch to medical physics? I was told that I should do two years training after my PhD and pass ABR exam. Is that all it takes to switch to medical physics? Where can I look for more...
  20. MathematicalPhysicist

    Programs PhD in Theoretical Cosmology at damtp cambridge.

    Besides having the best academic record and publications, what else can one do to improve his chances to be accepted to this prestige club? Just a dream... :-(
  21. P

    Programs Want to quit job to do a full time ms and phd in medical physics

    So I would like to do an MS in medical physics from a CAMPEP accredited program. Ultimately, I would want a PhD in medical physics. I currently have a job that I obtained with my electrical engineering degree in the automotive industry. I also have 50K in student loans from undergrad. I...
  22. M

    Applied Mechanics PhD - Job prospects?

    Hi, Prospective physics undergraduate. Interested in topics of applied mechanics - fluids, dynamical systems, biomechanics, etc. "How fish swim?" or "How bubbles go pop?" are questions I find myself interested in. Not saying I don't like fundamental physics, just that I am interested in such...
  23. R

    Programs Poor Iq , but want to do a PHD

    Hi all, Today I got my mensa test scores back , it was 104 ..Im a 3rd year theoretical physicst in one of the top universities in the US , with a first in my first year and 2nd year . I was planning to do a PHD later , but this test has dented my hopes ..I am quite good at maths , maybe the...
  24. F

    Accepting job offer after getting Masters vs looking for PhD

    I'm initially doing PhD programs in Science Education, but because of funding problems, the department decided to let go a couple of students. I was unfortunate as the department has decided to stop funding my PhD. :cry: Not all was lost, though. I'm now doing Master in Physics, and almost...
  25. N

    Job Skills Any success when leaving PhD off resume?

    While searching for a job, a number of people have suggested that I leave the PhD off my resume when applying for positions that don't require it. I haven't tried that yet, but am considering it. The alleged benefit is that fewer employers will be scared off by the "overqualified" PhD label...
  26. C

    Programs PHD comprehensive exams difficulty by major?

    I was browsing through a few schools websites, and apparently, UCR, UCLA and UCSD do not force Chemistry PHD candidates to take a written comprehensive exam! However, the Physics PHD candidates take a brutal and long comprehensive exam consisting of 2-3 quarters each of advanced quantum...
  27. A

    Programs Is it ever okay to ask what your phd offer status is?

    I attended a workshop for phd interviews a couple of weeks ago and basically had two positions I was gunning for. A few days after the workshop I got an immediate rejection from one, but the other has yet to email me almost 2 weeks after. The deadline for accepting/declining offers was supposed...
  28. C

    Programs Liberal Arts major and hard science Phd?

    Is it possible, or worth the trouble? A little background info: I'm currently a freshman at a small liberal arts college. I didn't give much thought to anything outside of the humanities when I chose to come here because I wanted to go to law school, which doesn't require any prerequisites. I...
  29. M

    Programs Hi,Is it possible to go to the field of Bioinformatics for a PhD

    Hi, Is it possible to go to the field of Bioinformatics for a PhD or industry after doing Theoretical Computer Science at the MSc level, or will it require additional training in the Life Sciences?
  30. L

    How does one pick an undergrad thesis and phd subject?

    How do people generally go about choosing a subject to do thesis on in one's last undergraduate year (ie: year long thesis project)? Should one be picking the desired field for a phd subject as an undergrad or is it okay to "make a mistake" and apply for something different at grad school...
  31. P

    Why does a PhD in CompE command so much more $$$

    I stumbled across this link http://www.resumeserviceplus.com/advices.php?topic=5-Highest-Paying-Engineering-Specializations which gives data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics on engineering salaries. The second table breaks things down by education level. Can someone explain to me why...
  32. M

    Programs PhD Title and job opportunities

    Hey Guys. Long time lurker here :P I have a question about PhD titles. I am a mathematician. I did my undergraduate degree (BSc) in Mathematics and my postgraduate degree (MSc) in Applied Mathematics, i am now looking at doing a PhD. I found an interesting PhD in next generation...
  33. S

    Physics Career Advice needed for desperate Phd student in experimental physics

    Hello all, I am a new member here and am currently doing my PhD in nanoscience related area. My husband is a successful phd and currently in academia. I joined phd right after my masters, and hence have no industry experience. However, I am keen to enter industry after I graduate...
  34. M

    About to finish my PhD and dont know what to do?

    So I am about to finish my PhD and am stressing a lot about my future. I have two possible options which I am thinking of either staying in physics and getting a post-doc or moving into industry or perhaps finance. So this is my thought process: I really enjoy certain aspects of physics but...
  35. C

    Programs Does age have a factor with PhD programs?

    Hello all, I am sure this has been asked before, but just can't seem to find a thread. To make a long story short I have been on the 10 year track to my Bachelor's degree; there are a lot of outside factors. I am getting my BS in mechanical engineering and want to go on to a PhD in...
  36. I

    Programs PhD positions on fundamental/theoretical physics still opened in the UK?

    Hi, I am looking for PhD positions at some universities in the UK still opened? I missed the application deadline at the Kings College and Imperial, and I am quite disappointed with that. That's why I am asking here, I would hate to miss other opportunities. My subject predilections are CFT...
  37. T

    Programs Master of Mathematics Studies or PhD in Physics?

    Hello everyone, I'm about to start my honours year in a science degree majoring in nanotechnology. I am pretty confident that I'm on track for first class honours and have had a few academics inviting me to come do a PhD with them once I graduate. However, in my studies I have only completed...
  38. C

    Programs Is Going to an Intl EE Masters Program Before a US EE PhD a Disadvantage?

    Intl EE Masters --> US EE PhD I graduated in '08 from a top 10-15 US school with a BS EE and a GPA of about 3.5 with no formal research experience. I've done entrepreneurial non-EE related things since then. I'm now realizing that I want to get at least an MS and likely a PhD, depending...
  39. A

    Programs Can a Chemical Engineer Write a PhD Dissertation on Statistical Mechanics?

    Ok can someone tell me if its possible for a chemical engineer to write his Phd dissertation about statistical mechanics? Does anyone have any links to useful websites? Also does anyone know any questions in Fluid Dynamics from Physics that may be solved in a Chemical Engineering Concept...
  40. D

    Engineering Engineering vs. Physics PhD for Natl Lab Job

    I've read many job postings at several DoE national labs in the United States, especially those dealing with Nuclear Science and Technology. Most of the postings state that they require someone with either a Nuclear Engineering or (Nuclear) Physics degree (or equivalent...I'm guessing some kind...
  41. B

    Programs BA or PhD in Physics? Canada Job Opportunities

    I know this question has probably been posted on these forums hundreds, if not thousands, of times. However, I am still undecided on what to do for post secondary. I always see people from the states posting this question, but I have never read any for Canada which would be much more helpful for...
  42. S

    Programs PhD in Instrument&Controls Engineering

    Hello gents, The thing is that I'm an Instrument Engineer with an oil&gas in-field(on site) experience and I used to maintain and fix different instrument equipment(transmitters,flowmeters,valves,etc) but I want to perform a smart R&D work in future, e.g. creating and development of modern...
  43. M

    Programs How do I find a good Summer School/Course for theoretical physics PhD

    Hi, I am a theoretical physics PhD in Europe and want to find a summer course for 2012 or 2013 (no matter where in the world, the topic is the primary criterion for me). Does anyone know a good starting point for this? The usual google approach is really slow, but I also was not able to find...
  44. D

    Schools Teaching at a University in Subject Other than PhD Dissertation

    Hello everyone, I love reading the posts on PF. I enjoy hearing the experiences and thoughts from engineers, scientists, hobbyists, etc. who love science. I have a question regarding academia: does anyone know how easy or difficult it is to become a professor in a department outside of...
  45. P

    Will a MSC computer science conversion program prepare me for PhD

    hello my fellow physicists. I have a degree in industrial engineering but my true passion is computer science. I want to apply to a MSc conversion program in computer science in the UK. Will this prepare me for a PhD? is this a bad idea? will not having an undergraduate degree in CS be a problem...
  46. A

    Physics Bsc Eng physics, Msc Mech eng, PhD Mech eng.

    Hello, pls i would like have my bsc degree in engineering physics, after which i will go for my msc in mech.eng and phd in mech eng. pls i would like to know how feasible dis is and it's advantages and disadvantages. All comments especially from exprienced persons will greatly appriceated...
  47. R

    Programs Pure math PhD going into the industry. What are the chances?

    So I'm a junior in mathematics and I've reached a point to decide about graduate school. I love pure math and am considering getting a PhD in it. But I do not want to go into academia because I don't think I will enjoy teaching. So I want to go into the industry after a PhD. But one of my...
  48. L

    Programs Advanced courses in mathematics and physics for doing phd in harvrd

    I am planning to get into harvard physics division the requirements say that I should complete six advanced courses ,two mathematics and four physics courses .but i study in a technological university in India .But i am willing to do the courses outside .anyone with the similar problem and...
  49. H

    Programs Do you need a PhD to become a quant?

    To be a Derivatives Quant, Stats quant, etc.
  50. A

    Is Pursuing a PhD in Organic Photovoltaics a Smart Career Move?

    Greetings I have a dilemma, hopefully some of you can help. And yes I did research a lot about this on google but I think a new discussion is more helpful. Where did you get your PhD in? Was it worth it? What are the options outside academia? I have an opportunity to get a PhD position...
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