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. L

    Admissions PhD in United States after Imperial MSc QFFF

    Hello, I've recently been admitted to the MSc QFFF program at Imperial College London for the 2019-2020 year and am seeking advice regarding possible career paths/was wondering if anyone is in a similar situation. My end goal is to do a PhD in the United States since (for non-academic reasons)...
  2. null geodesic

    Programs Advisable/Possible to get a Master's in Physics during MedPhys PhD?

    Is it advisable or possible to get a Master's in physics or astrophysics while doing a PhD in medical physics? I chose to pursue a medical physics PhD over physics. I love the rigorous coursework of physics, however, and my medical physics program is separate from the physics program and is...
  3. S

    Other Textbooks needed to cover everything in university (undergrad to PhD)

    First of all we are talking about theoretical physics (particle physics, general relativity and cosmology) These textbooks start from high school level physics and math and cover everything from there (both math and physics wise).
  4. Haorong Wu

    Other Is it difficult to apply for a PhD in physics without experience?

    Hi. I’m currently self-learning physics and hopefully will apply for a PhD in physics, but there are some problems troubling me. I received my BS. and MS. degrees in EE in China. I’ve been working for five years since then. From high school, my two major interests are physics and computer...
  5. P

    Programs Is it possible to take grad math courses in a PhD physics program?

    Program? I am an Australian student, may think about studying in America (saw video of Andrew Dottson mentioning it), in the future. Is it possible to take grad maths courses, e.g. algebraic topology/geometry, complex analysis, representation-theory/lie-groups, PDEs, Measure Theory, Functional...
  6. Rlaneholliday

    Admissions I'm accepted as a PhD student. Interview for funding/RA -- Any Advice?

    First post, so I'm not entirely sure if this is the right place to post this. I have been accepted as a PhD student at the Stevens Institute of Technology. It's my ideal institute as my area of interest is in nanofabrication/nanophotonics and their lab is top tier in this regard. I was not...
  7. R

    Job Skills Interviewing for a job with a PhD

    I have a quick question about what is generally expected during an interview for a position in industry when you have a PhD. When applying for my first industry job out of grad school I gave a presentation about my work as a PhD candidate during the interview. Is this sort of presentation...
  8. Milsomonk

    Studying How much does your PhD constrain your research opportunities

    Hi Folks, I am currently an student studying MSc Theoretical Particle physics in the UK. For my undergraduate degree I studied Astrophysics. I have always been aiming for a PhD, but have struggled a great deal to tie myself down to a particular field within physics. I have been...
  9. A

    Admissions Think I made the wrong choice of PhD

    Hey folks. I could really use some advice as I'm in a bit of a situation... I graduated in 2018 with a 1st in Theoretical Physics from a well respected UK uni, and at the time I was fairly sure that I wanted to pursue a PhD in HEP. I had tailored my final year MSci modules to reflect this, and...
  10. Floatzel98

    Schools PhD at same University as Undergraduate Degree

    Is doing a PhD at the same uni that you completed your undergrad degree fine? Is it bad, should you avoid it? I'm currently in the 4th year of my physics degree, doing my honours year, and my supervisor has mentioned that I am in a good position to continue to do a PhD with him. While I'm happy...
  11. Shackleford

    Establishing a Probability PhD Program: Prerequisites for Research

    If you were to establish a curriculum for a Probability PhD program, what courses would you include as a prerequisite to doing research? So far, I have: analysis, complex analysis, functional analysis, stochastic analysis, measure theory, and partial differential equations. This presupposes...
  12. S

    Admissions Applying to European PhD Programs with a US Masters

    I know this topic has been discussed a lot on this forum, but I had trouble finding an answer to my precise question. Current Understanding: I have read up on the differences between the US and European graduate systems. I understand US merges MS and PhD programs resulting in an average...
  13. S

    Admissions PhD in Particle Physics: Oxford or Imperial?

    Hi all, I recently got accepted to do a PhD into High Energy Physics groups at Oxford, Imperial, UCL, Cambridge and Manchester. My main interest is neutrino physics, which all of these places are offering. However, I am struggling to pick between Oxford and Imperial. I have met and discussed...
  14. J

    Math/Statistics PHD Application

    I Know this is prob the wrong site to post this but... Hello, I am a student at a low-ranked college in New York State actively pursuing a bachelors (BA) in Math in my junior year. I have a 3.7 GPA overall and a 3.73 in Math. I am looking to apply to PHD programs next year in Statistics or in...
  15. S

    Studying Minimal preliminary knowledge for a PhD in particle physics?

    Currently, I am doing a master in mathematical physics. I am interested in particles& field theory and want to apply a PhD in this field. But I am not sure whether I can... I just learned a little high energy physics from Griffth and Peskin' book on elementary particles and QFT. Recently, I...
  16. A

    Other Looking for a cosmology problem for pursuing my PhD

    Hi I am now about to pursue my PhD in cosmology and my guide has told me to find a problem which can be solved (which will be my research topic) regarding dark energy or general relativity. I find it very difficult to choose a topic . Now it would be very beneficial if this community people...
  17. R

    PhD Inquiry, Modified Gravity or String Theory

    Hello everyone, I am currently finishing my Masters in Theoretical Physics and looking forward to continue in a PhD. I always thought I would love String Theory, and now that i am actually doing it I see that my feeling was correct. I do not know why but trying to understand its concepts...
  18. Avatrin

    Admissions Can I Get Into a Good PhD Program in Europe Without a Masters Degree?

    Hi I have to combine studies with work. However, due to illness, it seems like I may not be able to finish a normal masters degree (my body reacts really badly to the two-three weeks of exam season while working). While my health is improving, I am also becoming impatient. How hard is it to...
  19. Phylosopher

    Programs Graduate programs in Field Theory (PhD)

    Hello everyone,Upon my comment on the insight "Applying for Physics Graduate School - Comments", Mr. Bill (bhobba) suggested that I need to write an individual post regarding my inquiry. I am looking for physics graduate programs (PhD). My senior project/thesis was on classical field theory and...
  20. Andromeda9010

    Schools What are the deadlines for US PhD admissions for Spring semester?

    I had a presumption that PhD admissions happen all year. Apparently I was wrong, and this could cost me. I am going to take the physics GRE on march and the general GRE probably after that. This means if I want to get admitted for a university on fall semester, I will have to wait about two...
  21. Wortgewandtheit

    Other Career Advice for Living and Working in Switzerland

    Hello, first post here, didn't know this existed until very recently. I was going to ask if anyone could give me some advice regarding living and working in Switzerland. I will be done with my Bachelor's in Physics (With a specialty in Research, this is a Swedish invention, but it amounts to...
  22. CharlieCW

    Should I continue my PhD? Advice needed

    Hello. I'm currently beginning my 2nd semester of a dual Msc/PhD in Physics in the top university of my home country, but lately I've been struggling with self-doubt and uncertainty about the job prospects and whether research is actually for me. To give you some background. Since I was in high...
  23. diegzumillo

    Physics Finished my PhD, Next steps (Brazil edition)

    Hey there Finished my PhD and returned to my home country. This topic might alienate most users of this forum because it's specialized for Brazil. From my experience (as a student) all I know a physicist with a path similar to mine does here is work in universities as a professor, teaching...
  24. C

    Admissions Possible to get into a Masters or PhD program with some C's?

    I am currently a double major pursuing a double major in BS mechanical engineering and a BS in applied physics, also two certificates in coding and lab instrumentation. I work as an engineering intern while going to school full time and have had research experience with a professor working on a...
  25. R

    Other Transitioning from PhD to a different type of research position

    I'm currently in the process of applying for research positions in my field, unfortunately it's somewhat niche and research positions rarely become available. When they do they tend to go to those who they know already. So, I'm having to look at different research fields, which is kind of...
  26. V

    Programs Potential for an Astro vs Condensed Matter PhD (UK)

    I have read that postdocs are extremely hard to come by in Astrophysics, and is likely a dead end at the end of the PHD and that Condensed Matter is less competitive in academia. Would a Condensed Matter PhD also provide more opportunities in UK science industry - in particular the life sciences...
  27. P

    Schools Does the university's prestige matter? [PhD admission]

    Hi! I'm currently applying for a masters program in theoretical physics, more specifically in String and Quantum Field theory. I will apply for Oxford, Kings college, Imperial college and Perimeter Institute among other universities and institutions. However, I also want to go to Uppsala...
  28. S

    Other I started PhD abroad, but would like to get a job

    Greetings, I recently started a PhD in Belgium after resigning from my current job (IT branch) in my home country, Turkey. It was a global company and I had been working there for around 8 months when I resigned. I realized that what I want is a solid job as soon as possible and now I am in the...
  29. J

    Schools Go to Hong Kong for PhD vs. stay in Europe for Masters

    Hi everybody, I have been thinking about this topic for weeks, without getting a definitive answer... I am a physics student in Heidelberg, Germany, just graduated with my Bachelor. I have worked on a research project in Hong Kong (from which I'll likely have my first publication) and have a...
  30. CivilSigma

    Can an M.Eng (non-thesis) degree lead to a PhD in structural engineering?

    Hello, In general, if you want to do a phD. you require a MASc., at least here in Canada. However, because I am eager and really wanting to start my career in structural engineering, I want to pursue M.Eng (a 1 year professional degree, no thesis). My question is, in your experience, has...
  31. A

    Admissions Financial assistance regarding PhD abroad

    (1) Can someone please give the information regarding admission to PhD(physics) specially cosmology in the European universities and admission only through interviews and research proposal is possible?? Listing some of them would be more beneficial. (2) And the rough estimate for the course fee...
  32. A

    Pursuing a PhD in Physical Cosmology Abroad: Institutes & Financial Aid

    I have completed my Msc(physics) and Currently enrolled in PhD( cosmology) in India. For the sake of scope and knowledge if I want to pursue my PhD in physical cosmology abroad (e.g.other than India). Which are the institutes which will be better( may be not the best )for appyling without the...
  33. Wrichik Basu

    Admissions Can a PhD be done after completing undergraduate?

    Say by the time I complete my undergraduate studies, I also complete topics taught in M.Sc. by myself. So, without formally doing an M.Sc., can I join PhD after B.Sc., given that I am sure that I am as able as a student who has formally completed masters? My field of interest here is physics...
  34. astroman707

    Programs Difference between an astronomy and astrophysics PhD?

    Is there really much of a difference between an astronomy PhD and an astrophysics PhD? There seems to be a lot of overlap in the fields, and it seems that both can qualify you for many of the same careers, it just depends on the PhD focus. For an example, I'm very interested in almost all areas...
  35. G

    PhD in theoretical/astroparticle/dark matter physics

    I am currently applying for Phd's for next year as I am a final year Mphys Physics student. I am only interested in theoretical physics (i know the risks). The problem is that I can't find any theoretical PhDs in particle physics where I would do research in Dark Matter. My question is whether...
  36. LazyL

    Admissions PhD application to top school - 3.5GPA with circumstances?

    Hi all! I'm currently a 4th year student in Combined Physics and CPCS in a top 3 university in Canada and trying to apply for grad school in top schools in US. I did very well in my undergrad, got a fellowship to work at a National Lab from which I got 2 publications in PRC (but is n-th author...
  37. S

    Schools PhD in Liquid Crystal Physics (or Engineering)

    Dear Forum member, I want to pursue research in Liquid Crystal Physics / Engineering, are you aware of any laboratories or university departments actively researching in this field in Canada or Germany? I will be very if you are aware of active groups and share their names. Thanks
  38. Ethan Klein

    Mechanical Engineering (BS) Vs. Pursuing Physics PhD

    Hello everyone. Currently, I am an undergraduate sophomore planning to study physics and in the process of transferring from community college to University. I am seeking advice on deciding between pursuing a mechanical engineering degree (BS) or a PhD in physics. My journey so far has taken...
  39. S

    Admissions Applying to physics PhD programs with a non-traditional background

    Dear all , I'm interested in applying for PhD programs in physics this summer. I'm mostly interested in high energy theory. There are two things that concerns me : 1- I didn't take any physics / math course during my undergraduate years "In fact I graduated from medical school" but I studied...
  40. M

    Other Navigating a Short PhD in Experimental Particle Physics

    Hello! I am not going to give details about the situation (for obvious reasons) but here it is: I got accepted for PhD to a very good American university, in experimental particle physics and I met a famous professor here who is willing to be my mentor. I talked to some of his old students and...
  41. M

    Other How to Stand Out in Large Collaborations During a PhD?

    Hello! If someone does his PhD working with a large group (CMS or Atlas for example, but even groups with ~ 500 peoples), where your name is far from the top on the author list, no matter how much work you put in that paper, how will they stand out compared to others, when applying for post...
  42. PrinceWalnut

    Admissions PhD Applications with a low GPA (due to depression in my junior year)

    Hi all, It's a few short months before grad school applications are due, and I find myself in a bit of a dilemma. Prior to my junior year, I knew what I wanted to do is physics research for my career, and I'm particularly interested in biological and condensed matter physics. My skills are more...
  43. S

    Other First year PhD in theoretical physics

    Hello! What can a first year PhD student (in an American university) do, research related, in the field of Theoretical (mainly high-energy) physics? I know in the USA you need to start research from the first semester of PhD (even if you formally choose a definite field of research at the end of...
  44. A

    Physics Starting my PhD in cosmology -- question about my career prospects

    Hello all,Next year, January I will start my PhD in Cosmology. Salary is fair and I don't have to pay the tuition fee. I always loved the idea of doing a thesis about Cosmology. My master's degree was about computational physics where I had to learn how to program in C/C++, Fortran, Matlab...
  45. multivac42

    Admissions A gap in biography in application

    I am the second year Master student and I'm planning to apply for PhD this fall. My goal are top schools in the USA and my chances l seem to be pretty good overall (6 published articles, 4 of which are in decent international physics journals like PRB/APL; excellent pGRE and GRE scores, four+...
  46. CharlieCW

    Programs PhD in HEP vs PhD Cosmology&GR

    Hello there. I just finished my Bsc. in Engineering Physics+M.eng and I'm about to enter my Msc in Physics (no direct PhD in my country), so I'm choosing which electives to take on my first semester (as my professors suggested me to skip most of the basics). While I entered with the idea to...
  47. D

    Engineering PhD in Mechanical Engineering, CC teaching?

    I am almost finished the final drafts of my dissertation, and now I am wondering what to do next. It seems that all jobs at universities want someone to "establish a thriving research program" or the like. That's not me, so a job at a university is out. I very much want to teach, but much...
  48. R

    Programs Should I Pursue a Master's in Physics Before Applying for a PhD?

    I just graduated with a bachelor's in physics and I am having trouble getting accepted to a PhD program. I transferred to the university from a community college where my GPA was something like a 2.1 (I went back and took some classes and it is not a 2.5) and I spent my first year in chemistry...
  49. E

    Other Passion for Physics and Education: PhD Options

    Hello. I am a Physicist with MSc in Experimental Particle Physics and for the last 3 years I work in the field of Science Education as a teacher trainer, and developer of inquiry based, ICT enhanced educational content in the field of Physics for K12 students in the RnD department of a school in...
  50. E

    Programs Switching from a biomedical physics major to physics

    I'm currently doing a biomedical physics major because it's the best choice to follow the med school track in something physics related, and is a really good fallback plan as my advisor described it. Now my true passion is in physics and I really want to get a PhD later on, so if I didn't make...
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