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. O

    Phd jokes scare me. are those really true?

    As a matter of fact, at this moment, pursuing phd is way far-fetched plan for me since I am a high school student. But those phd jokes really discourage me to go to undergrad in pure math and rather force me to get a degree in like acturial science or engineering. I was planning to study...
  2. E

    Engineering From UK finishing my PhD in Chemical Engineering, want to move to USA

    Hi, I'm from the UK, and I've almost completed my PhD in Chemical Engineering. I'll soon be 25 years old and I've got my sights set on moving to the USA before I get too old. I could use some American advice on the following: 1) How easy will it be to find an employer in the USA willing to...
  3. H

    Programs Approaching potential supervisor about a PhD

    Hello to all, I have seen a PhD advertised on my local university's website. What's the best way to acquire information about the project or (I suppose what I'm trying to ask is here is) what's the proper etiquette for first contact with a potential supervisor to ask about the PhD? Should I...
  4. N

    Programs Switch after PhD from Nuclear to Medical Physics?

    I think after completing my PhD I want to make a switch to medical physics. With my background (described below) this shouldn't be too great of a switch. (I wish I had realized this sooner, as in undergrad I was thinking biomedical engineering, but found myself far more interested in the...
  5. D

    Pursuing a PHD, but what kind of work do I do after?

    I am currently a freshman at a university, pursuing a Physics B.S. After I'm planning on going to grad school, until I have a PHD. Obviously, I'm still very early in my education, so I don't really have the specifics of what I want to do or what I plan to do worked out yet. I really want to...
  6. L

    Programs Math for PhD in Physics: Advice for Nuclear & Particle Physics

    can anyone give me a piece of advice regarding the math knowledge required for doing a phd in experimental nuclear and particle physics mit
  7. E

    Programs Can a Chemistry BS Graduate Successfully Transition to a Physics PhD?

    Hello all, I am rather new to these forums, and I have a question about lateral transfer between chemistry and physics. First, my background pertaining to physics: MATH: 3 semesters calculus 1 semester each: ordinary differential equations, linear algebra, abstract algebra, probability...
  8. I

    Programs PhD Applications - Worry about email replies

    I live in the UK and I am hoping to start a PhD next October, so currently I am emailing potential supervisors about projects which I usually start off with a cover letter and a CV, however I don't seem to be getting any replies back! This includes some professors who I have emailed before...
  9. R

    Programs Mathematics PhD route to theoretical research?

    Hi PFers, I'm a senior physics/math major and very interested in pure mathematics (esp. algebra and number theory) but I'm also interested in the very abstract side of physics like string/particle, some QFT and unification theory. If I pursue mathematics as a graduate as opposed to...
  10. S

    Programs Paying for a self funded PhD in the UK working for the uni.

    Hello, This is a bit of a random question, but I thought I would ask it here. I am interested in doing a PhD in engineering in the UK. However, of course, funding is extremely difficult to come by. I was having a conversation with a friend who said that her cousin paid for his by working...
  11. S

    Programs Phd in physics with BS in Physics

    If one has a BS in physics and a MS in engineering how hard is it to obtain a phd in physics?
  12. N

    Programs When are PhD student stipends disbursed

    Hi everyone, I plan on entering a PhD program in the fall (just took the GRE, awaiting score before really narrowing in on schools). I have a question on usually when the schools award you stipends. I have a budget that will just barely get me to August, when Ill need to move and get an...
  13. H

    Help me select field for PhD: Control/Dynamics or PDE/Numerics

    I like both control systems and dynamics, and numerical solutions of PDE's. And I am trying to decide which field to apply for to do a PhD in. I am having hard time deciding. Just looking for advice from those who worked or studied any of the above to help me decide. I seem to be leaning...
  14. P

    Programs PhD from a bachelor of science (not honors)

    Ok, so I'll start with some background. I went to a very small school which didn't offer IB or AP or Honors classes, and was at the top of my math class (I finished pure math 30 with a 97% and calculus with a 93%). This is my first year university (University of Alberta - Canada) and I am in...
  15. P

    Math Intent on getting pure math PHD, start plan B now?

    Basically what I mean by my title is that I am intent on getting a PHD in pure math because I love the subject, and am still young enough to do it without throwing the rest of my life into disarray. But beyond that I need to have a plan. Plan A is clearly to go on to do several post-docs...
  16. B

    Programs Am I Eligible for a PhD? Requirements and Eligibility Explained

    I am currently 2nd EE, telecommunications. I am medium student. But given the fact that my college demands are high, I am doing well. I can say for myself that I understand a lot things. I have trouble with calculations, but I am very fast learner. Here at my college, few courses don't...
  17. G

    Physics PhD Crisis: Why Numbers Per Capita Plummeting?

    Is there a good book or article on why the numbers of PhDs per capita in physics have been plummeting over the years? Thank you
  18. F

    Should accept fresh-graduate job offer after a PhD?

    Hi everyone! I would like to ask you for some advice on a decision I need to take soon... I am about to finish a PhD in theoretical physics, and I decided to leave academia. I recently landed a job offer, where I would be working as a financial consultant in risk management. The job...
  19. I

    Programs Looking for a PHD in numerical relativity or lattice QCD in England

    Hi everyone, I am finishing my second year of masters in France on theoretical physics and I am really really motivated in pursuing into a PhD. The topics that interest me the most are lattice QCD and numerical relativity (I want to focus on numerical methods). Also, I would like to work on one...
  20. G

    Near the end of my PhD - when to start applying for jobs

    I'm almost done with my PhD in physics(hep-ex). It's about 6-7 months till I'm out. I was curious about everyone's opinions on what is the right time to start looking/applying for jobs. Is now too early (or should I have already started)? Not really interested in post-docs, so this purely a...
  21. M

    Programs Astronomy-related PhD without Astronomy Undergrad

    Hi All, Just some quick background that may be relevant before my question: I am 29 years old and am back in school after not knowing what I wanted to after high school. Originally, I did well some terms and not so well other terms starting out, and I ended up taking a ~5year break. In my...
  22. C

    PhD Astronomy Prof: Paucity of evidence for the Big Bang

    PhD Astronomy Prof: "Paucity of evidence for the Big Bang" an acquaintance of mine who holds a PhD in physics and teaches astronomy at a university says the is "a paucity of evidence for Big Bang theorizing". After I close my gaping mouth how should I respond?
  23. Pyrrhus

    Programs When to stop taking courses in a PhD Program?

    I have already completed all my core courses, and more than minimum requirements (bunch of courses in Operations Research and Transportation Systems). However, it always seems to me that there is just more stuff I want to keep learning (mostly in Applied Math). I usually don't take more than one...
  24. A

    Programs Bachelor of Engineering (Computer) to PhD (Physics)

    Hello All I have done Bachelor of Engineering (Computer) and has 4 years of work-ex in software and hardware industry. I am applying for PhD (Physics) for fall 2012 for Theoretical Physics (High energy / Particle / Nuclear / Quantum physics) My scores: Subject GRE (Physics): 940/990...
  25. L

    Programs Quantium Information Phd- what do they look for?

    To elaborate, are they looking for a specific last year thesis for example? I'm reading a four year physics MSci.
  26. H

    Schools PhD from a regular University

    PhD from a "regular" University Hi, So I recently started grad school going for a PhD in Physics at Oregon State University.So far It seems like a decent program and the research is interesting. I've just started thinking about what kind of opportunities I'll have after I get my PhD though...
  27. T

    Programs Is it acceptable to leave a PhD program after a semester or a year?

    I'm currently in my first semester of a physics PhD program, straight out of undergrad. At the end of my senior year of undergrad, I was already feeling burnt out and tired of course work, but my profs pushed grad school as the smart and best choice. So I went. Since I moved here (14 hours...
  28. W

    Programs Different Views on Thesis Work with PHD Advisor

    Hi, Everyone: I recently passed my oral exams for my Math PHD, and I am going on into the actual thesis prep. My problem is that I (wrongly) believed that the topic I worked on for the 2nd exam -- call it T--,was supposed to be an "entry" into the general area I was interested in, and...
  29. T

    Programs Which applied math phd program to apply to?

    Hi guys, I am trying to figure out what Applied Math PhD programs I should I apply to this fall. My main interests are in computational science, specifically numerical methods and stochastic methods. My profile is as follow: Undergrad: big state school, solid reputation in math Major...
  30. I

    Programs Choosing PhD Group + more (Astrophysics, UK)

    Hi everyone, I am thinking of applying for a PhD in Astrophysics to start in October 2012, at the moment I'm still researching different Unis both here and abroad but in doing my research I've seen that for your long term career prospects it doesn't matter so much what Uni you go to, but more...
  31. L

    Programs Help on where to apply for a PhD (UK)

    So I have a 1st class honours degree in maths and physics from my undergrad university. I then went on to do the part iii course at cambridge where i did only theoretical physics courses. I got a merit for that. Currently I'm working abroad for a year in a non-maths related job (hopefully my...
  32. G

    Programs PhD Project Choice: Advice for Galactic Super President

    Hi guys, I'm really struggling with the beginning of my PhD project and could use some opinions how I should proceed. And also just to express my feelings in a written form. So in a few weeks I'm about to officially become a full-time PhD student working in a research group where I have...
  33. R

    Programs Preparing PhD in American University Without Physics Background

    Greetings to the members and staff of this forum which I find very good. I want to know if it is possible to prepare a PhD in an American university without having a course in physics. I have a background in natural science (biology) and in management but I am passionate in physics. I knew...
  34. M

    Physics What skills should someone aspiring with for a PhD in Physics acquire?

    Right now I'm a sophomore majoring in physics and I honestly don't have very many skills. I am great with computer/electronics repair and networking(as a hobby), but that's about it. I kind of wish I learned some of these skills earlier, so that they would be even better by now. Which is what I...
  35. L

    Schools Challenges for EU Students Pursuing HEP Studies in the UK

    I'm a 3rd year undergraduate in Spain contemplating continuing my studies upon graduating next year. I was initially considering doing my 4th final year via Erasmus exchange at Imperial College London so I could take some electives that my university doesn't offer. Unfortunately today I found...
  36. J

    Programs Am I spending enough time working 9-5 on my PhD or will it require more?

    I'm doing a particle physics-based PhD at a british university and have returned a few weeks earlier than my official start date to get familiarised with what I'll be doing. I've been treating it as a 9-5 job, and doing little bits of reading etc. on nights and at the weekend. I've heard all...
  37. M

    Physics Physics PhD -> Business Consulting?

    Physics PhD ---> Business Consulting? How does that work out? Why are Physics PhDs hired to do this kind of work? Why not somebody with with a Finance degree or some such? I actually know someone who's partners with somebody else in a (new-ish) business consulting firm and I asked her if...
  38. F

    Programs Masters in Pure Mathematics (Geometry, Topology) before Theoretical Physics Phd?

    I am a Mathematics and Physics double major, currently in my second year. I really enjoy both subjects, but my interests are progressing towards Theoretical physics/mathematical physics. My academic goal is to improve my understanding of how the universe works and thus I would like to pursue a...
  39. C

    Physics Physics phD to computer startup?

    I just started grad school in Physics a few weeks ago, but I have recently considered quitting in order to start or join an existing startup, probably related to software. But I am also considering staying in my phD program (maybe leaving with an MS) and just doing research in an area of Physics...
  40. F

    Programs Considering PhD in experimental physics and facilities

    Like many, I'm applying to graduate schools in physics this fall. My interests lie in experimental condensed matter/physical chemistry, although I think this question applies to any field. As we all know, modern science is big and expensive. I was considering some smaller schools, but was...
  41. A

    Aerospace Engineering PhD To Energy Trading/Quant

    Hello to all. I would like some feedback from anyone on here that has something substantive to say. So, I am in the process of completing my Aerospace Engineering PhD (3.9 GPA) from the University of Maryland. For those in the know regarding renown programs in the Math and Sciences, the...
  42. B

    Schools Getting into grad school for CS/CE PhD

    I've been reading the depressing forums over at "thegradcafe.com" and am beginning to wonder if I can get into any graduate school. From the sound of things over there, it is as if I should have published 10 papers and have a statue in gold at my undergrad university in order to be able to get...
  43. G

    Nearing PhD completion would appreciate advice on finance/consulting jobs

    Dear PF, I will be completing my PhD in Astronomy (specializing in cosmology) early next year, but I am unsure if I want to continue on with a post-doc. I have been looking into other career options lately, especially in finance and consulting. However, I haven't been able to find answers to...
  44. J

    Does it matter where I am doing my PhD from?

    Does it matter where I am doing my PhD from?
  45. L

    Programs Leaving with a phd program with masters, or drop out, in this context?

    I finished my undergrad last year and joined this phd program in fall. I passed the qualifiers in December, and over the two semesters, I have completed all the necessary phd courses, taking no master's courses. Early in the year, I was contacted by a Professor in hep-exp to try out his group...
  46. M

    Admissions Concerned About My SOP For Physics PhD Admission

    I've just drafted a statement of purpose for one of the schools I'm planning on applying to this winter. I have an average GPA for a prospective grad student, and my PGRE score isn't bad but doesn't impress, so I'm hoping to make up some points on my SOP and letters of recommendation. I'd really...
  47. M

    Programs Preparing for a Finance PhD Program: What It Takes

    I would like to study Maths or Physics for my undergrad and eventually, go to grad school. I can't possibly know if I'd want to go to grad school in science and I'm just curious with regards to what it takes to get into a Finance PhD program. For maths/physics, it is my understanding that very...
  48. G

    PhD in Physics: Time Investment, Courses & Prerequisites

    1) If you have a BS in physics, what is the minimum amount of time to get a PhD in physics? Typically, is it best to get it done quickly or take your time with it, maybe getting your masters first? Also, if I don't want to become a professor, is it really worth me getting? 2) I want to get into...
  49. R

    Considering a PhD in Laser Physics Overseas? Any Recommendations?

    Hey everyone! Im currently an MSc student in laser physics. My work focuses on high power thulium fibre lasers. I would like to do my PhD overseas, in the same field (not necessaily a similar topic). So I have browsed around earlier rather than later and doing my PhD overseas is definitely...
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