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. Beliver

    Other Looking for a Research topic at PhD level in mechanical engineering

    Can you help me what can be the science contribution in mechanical engineering in the Research field robotics and automation?
  2. L

    Studying When can I start research as a PhD in HEP?

    I'm in the first year of HEP PhD program and currently learning QFT. The reason why I'm still learning QFT as a grad student even though it has been almost 9 months since I started PhD is because I started physics lately - I changed major when I was junior. I haven't studied SUSY, Supergravity...
  3. P

    Studying Pursuing PhD in Physics: Finding Opportunities from Nepal

    I have completed my graduate in physics from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. Now I am finding difficult to pursue PhD. I think the primary reason behind this is, people find the profile of students from the universities of underdeveloped country unattractive. But individuals passion and enthusiasm...
  4. S

    Physics Realistic expectations to become an astrophysicist

    Hi I'm 27 years old, and planning to return to university as a mature student to study physics/astrophysics as major. I have gone through websites, reading materials, articles, and I have not found any satisfactory answers for the job descriptions of an astrophysicist. So what to expect to be...
  5. TJGilb

    Programs Deciding on a PhD, considering Nuclear Physics

    Greetings to everybody. I'm currently in my 3rd year of pursuing a physics undergrad, and I'm considering where I might want to focus, what field I might want to enter. As the title suggests I'm seriously considering something with regards to nuclear physics. My primary interests lie in space...
  6. A

    Other Doing a Remote PhD: US Citizen in Seattle

    I currently live in Seattle and am stably employed with a tech company. I've been thinking about going back for my phd, but the issue is a little complicated. I'm a US citizen and did my MSc in astrophysics at University College London. I've been in touch with my old adviser who would be happy...
  7. D

    Studying Funding PhD Research: Personal Experiences

    How does one fund their PhD research? Do you live very poor? I want to study to be a physicist but I kind of a have a time frame to make some money within 4-5 years (I'm currently doing undergraduate studies). How does it all work? I just want insight from personal experiences. Thanks
  8. F

    Schools Which US schools can I hope to be admitted to for a PhD?

    Hi. I'm an international student from a pretty good italian university and I'm applying for a PhD in the US. Here's my profile: 930 (89%) PGRE 159v, 164q, 3.5w GRE Still waiting for the TOEFL, but should be good 4.0 GPA 3 letters, hopefully good but how can I know? One is a decently known HEP...
  9. W

    Engineering Which field has the most potential for the future?

    Hey all, I'm a final year MEng student in engineering physics (a very broad degree) at a recognized Scandinavian technical university. I'm deciding what to do with my life, and my personal dream is to get into business in the long term, preferably in something high-tech that's growing...
  10. Indiana

    Other Will a PhD help me as a startup founder?

    I'm planning to get double honours in CS and Pure Math. But I'm very confused about getting a PhD? Will it help me as a startup founder? (Link to my post on academia stackexchange, but I'm still confused) The only thing that is stopping me from getting a PhD is time. I have excellent...
  11. juliaw

    Job Skills How will US companies view an EE PhD from overseas?

    I'm from the US and am currently doing undergrad at a US university but I studied at Hong Kong University of Science and Technology this summer and it convinced me that I would really prefer to get my PhD abroad. However, I have concerns about how credible that degree will be to US companies...
  12. A

    MS vs PhD in Robotics:Which Program is Best for You?

    Hello everyone, To start, I found this forum incredibly helpful throughout my college education thus far. This forum has helped me pick my major in undergrad back in 2011, helped me narrow down which graduate program to gravitate toward upon graduation in 2015, and now I have a continued...
  13. M

    Admissions PhD Application Personal Statement Help: How Detailed?

    How detailed should the research experience be? For example, are things like "I developed a C algorithm to help the process of XXX?" worth mentioning? Or should this go to the Curriculum Vitae? Thank you!:woot:
  14. Naytile

    Programs Materials PhD help: Low GRE score spooks physics major

    Hi. So, I took the general GRE the other day and did crappy on the Quant. This worries me. I'm applying to Materials Engineering PhD programs soon. I'd like to get some opinions of how deep of a ditch I've dug for grad school, or how much this retracts from the rest of my credentials. Do I stand...
  15. C

    Admissions PhD in UK and USA: is it useful to have a European MSc?

    I'm a Physics student currently ending the bachelor degree. Since I study in Europe (Italy) there are quite big differences in the degrees system between Europe, UK and USA. Start from the assumption that I would like in the future to do a PhD in the UK or in USA. My main question is: do a MSc...
  16. C

    Programs Which is the best MSc programme (Condensed Matter Physics)?

    I'm a Physics student ending the bachelor degree in Physics. I'm strongly interested in Condensed Matter Physics (both theoretical and experimental), especially the quantum mechanical aspects that are linked to this field of studies. I'm trying to choose where to study for a MSc in Physics...
  17. Apollo16

    Research Area for Nuclear Engineering Ph.D

    So I'm currently a senior undergraduate nuclear engineer at a respected university and I've been considering getting my Ph.D for a while now. I'm having difficulty deciding on a specific research area, however. I'd like my research, optimally, to be applicable outside the nuclear sector as well...
  18. D

    Admissions How to balance idealism and science?

    I spoke with a professor I'm working with about my personal statement for graduate school. She took issue with my beginning paragraph: "My interest in plant science grew out of my desire to create peace between humanity and their environment. Anxiety over doomsday scares of global warming drove...
  19. 1

    Is it possible to get a PhD in Physics in 2 years in the US?

    I have a ton of things I want to do in my life before I'm young. The problem is that I won't be so young for long! Ideally, if I get my PhD in about 2 years I will be on track with the things I want to do. Has this been done before? Why exactly is the average time needed 4 years? Why that number?
  20. M

    Admissions PhD Application: Personal Statement in Story-Telling Style?

    I am not sure if I can write the ps in the form of a story-telling of how I became interested in the graduate field of study, which naturally talks about my research/other experience in the chronological order, or directly jump straight into chunks of paragraphs (of course with transitioning...
  21. M

    Other Professor position in the USA after a PhD in Europe

    Hello, My question is probably geared towards the professors or postdocs reading this forum and concerns the recruitment aspect of the professors in the US. I am a European physics student currently visiting a "top" Californian university. During this short visit (8 months) I have come to...
  22. M

    Admissions PhD Application -- Is Publication to Smaller Journals necessary?

    This summer I did some research and had positive results but my part contributed to a small portion of the big grant. My PI told me we could submit to some "side" journals to get publications but I am not sure if this is necessary because the admission committees will see my poster I created...
  23. T

    Admissions Where should I apply? Physics PhD programs

    Hey everyone, I am wondering if anyone can give me an idea of which physics PhD programs I should be looking at. I am a bit confused about which programs I would be competitive for. I have read things about how ranking and "minimum gpa" requirements are misleading when it comes to admissions...
  24. M

    Admissions Resume Tips for Medical Physics PhD Application

    General Tips on What to focus on, what to avoid? :woot: 3 Specific questions: Should I keep it in ONE page? I have been helping on a grant which has been approved by NIH, how much details of the project should I include in the resume: the detailed goal of the grant, grant number, etc? Should I...
  25. binbagsss

    Admissions Can you get PhD funding without a distinction in masters?

    Undergrad degree 2:1. I'm about to commence a masters, if I get a merit only, what are my chances of getting phd funding? In the UK. The university in the UK is a strong one if it makes any difference. Thank you.
  26. Stella.Physics

    Programs Bachelor to PhD: Can I Apply in Europe?

    Hello, this year I am getting my Bachelor in Physics. Do you know if it's possible to apply for a PhD, without getting a Master, in Europe? The field I am interested in is General Relativity and compact object binary systems, my thesis is on the same topic. Thanks
  27. R

    What are some obscure but useful Linux software for PhD students?

    Hi, I am a PhD student studying fluid dynamics, and have a heavy interest in numerical programming and simulations. I come from a background in Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics. I have an ubuntu system set up and I have the typical software I plan to be using regularly, ie MATLAB...
  28. S

    Schools Grad School: Distance Learning ? Theoretical physics

    I will be graduating with a bachelors degree in physics in the next year. Most of my professors have advised me that if I am considering graduate school (which I am), to just go straight for a PhD instead of stopping at a MA. Unfortunately, my family is currently in a terrible place...
  29. M

    Admissions (UK) Where to apply for theoretical PhD programs in Physics?

    Firstly I'd like to apologise as I know this is a pretty common topic to post questions on! Basically I recently graduated with a first class (72% average) from the University of Southampton (Russell group, but obviously not Oxbridge level) and am planning to spend a year out applying to PhD's...
  30. Y

    Programs Phd one class at a time? Going back for another Bachelors?

    So I know some school out their will gladly take my money from me, but my question is can you pursue a phd in engineering while working full time, by just taking one class at a time? That is what I'm currently doing for my masters degree, and wondering if it's even possible for a phd. I know...
  31. R

    What are the best preowned Thinkpad models for a budget-conscious PhD student?

    Hi, I am starting my PhD in a few weeks, I am in desperate need of an upgrade. My laptop has finally died after 5 years of service. I will be dual booting Linux and Windows, so a Thinkpad seems a solid option regarding my budget. I really can't afford to spend a whole lot. I will be reading...
  32. O

    Courses How many semesters of undergrad chem for phd in physics

    Schools I am looking at only require one semester of inorganic for their BS program. Is this enough if one wants to go to grad school down the road?
  33. M

    Admissions Teaching Before Starting A PHD

    I am a junior in college studying physics, math, and computer science who has been heavily involved in research, year round, for the past 2 years and have already started taking graduate classes. I feel like before I start a phd program I would really like a year or two off. How do professors...
  34. J

    Computer Architecture Engineer

    Hi everyone, I have a master degree in Computer Architecture with my bachelor's in Electronics and Communications engineering. I am starting out to pursue my passion of doing research in Physics (Its about time). However, given my masters background, I know it is kind of tough for my admits...
  35. S

    Physics Age as a factor in PhD admission

    Hi, I am a 27 year old Physics Masters student and I have completed one year of my Masters degree in theoretical high-energy/cosmology from one of the top universities in Canada. I would like to apply for PhD admission to the top 20 universities in the US for a phd in theoretical...
  36. surfwavesfreak

    Bonjour - french physical PhD student

    Hello every body, I am very excited to be now part of your community. Me in a few words : I am french PhD student, working in the field of physical oceanography for 2 years now., more specifically on the wonderful topic of ocean surface waves. I am particularly interested in asking you some...
  37. K

    Schools Graduate schools for a PhD in Physics

    Hello, I could use some objective feedback on what tier/rank of graduate schools that I should apply to. I am looking to do a PhD in Physics. About me: I have worked in 3 research labs, obtained a 3.0 GPA at a top 30 school, and published a paper. Thank you for the help. :)
  38. Qiao

    Other Recommend research groups for PhD position

    So I've been thinking of continuing after my MSc degree to do a PhD. But I have trouble getting a good feel on research groups of quantum optics and nanophotonics in the world. So my situation is: I life in the Netherlands and I have a good feel on most research groups in the country, but I'm...
  39. O

    PhD Metallurgy Research Design Template Request

    Hello everyone, I have a request. Can someone please provide me with a metallurgy research design template? I'm starting my 5th year in a MSE PhD program and for the last 3 years my advisor has instructed me to perform experiments on my alloy without reason. And while I thought this was...
  40. magnetic flux

    Physics Outlook after M.Sc. or PhD in Lattice QCD

    I will soon start a Master thesis in Lattice QCD. There I will spends lots of time developing C++ code and running it on different supercomputers. After that I consider doing a PhD if the Master thesis runs well. For the experimentalists I can see a lot of almost-engineering jobs where they...
  41. A

    Mathematics courses for a PhD in Control Engineering

    Hi, I am new here and this is going to be my first post. I am pursuing an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and I am absolutely fascinated by control engineering. I want to know whether I should take advanced math courses in order to better prepare myself for a PhD in Control...
  42. gonadas91

    Admissions Can I switch fields after my PhD in condensed matter physics?

    Hi there! It has happened to me these days when I went to a conference that I realized maybe my PhD topic is something I would like to work in after it (IF I continue in the academic path). My current research is based on applying QFT in condensed matter physics, particularly related to the...
  43. Larry Gopnik

    Admissions From British Undergrad to PhD abroad

    Hello all, I presume that this is the best place to ask. I'm currently doing my undergraduate degree in Physics. I'm in the UK and taking an MPhys(Hons) which is a four year course of an integrated Bachelors and Masters instead of the conventional Bsc of 3 years (I understand that they are 4...
  44. C

    Other Graduated, have PhD from October. What to do now?

    I've just graduated with a Masters and am starting my PhD in September in LHC collider phenomenology (in another institute). My Masters consisted of a final year dissertation and introductory to more advanced courses in quantum field theory, statistical physics and symmetries of space time...
  45. Emre Yucel

    Admissions How Does Undergraduate GPA Matter For PhD If You Have Master

    Hello Dear PhysicsForum members, I am mechanical engineering MSc student. My undergrad gpa is 2.68/4 and my master gpa is 3.79/4. I would like to apply for PhD in USA to modest universities (not top one)Do you think my master gpa will offset my undergraduate gpa if i get good scores from...
  46. Marlon Mazola

    Admissions Plasma Physics PhD program admission

    Hello, I'm new so I couldn't find a spot to put this in. I was wondering what's the minimum GPA for a plasma physics grad program especially fusion, I don't want good schools, I just want something that is enough to take me further. The thing is I dropped the ball hard my first year of college...
  47. P

    Schools How to know a graduate program's strength?

    So, I've heard that rankings do matter if you want to go to academia; however, I've also heard that a PhD from the University of Hawaii in observational astronomy will be more valuable than one from MIT. So, where can I find universities' rankings by program (for example, cosmology or...
  48. Utilite

    Schools What advice can be given to a troubled mechanical engineering student in Turkey?

    Hello, I have a friend and she is very troubled. She is studying mechanical engineering in Turkey's top 10 to 15th university. She wants to change her school but she needs to study for the university exams again which steals one year of her life. She believes that graduating from her school...
  49. B

    Programs Transferring Math PhD Programs?

    Math grad student here. I'm currently finishing up my first year in a PhD program, and I based on my experiences so far I can definitely say graduate school is something I want to continue. I spent my first year taking courses in preparation for prelims rather than doing research, but I did well...
  50. S

    Physics Outlook after PhD in computational soft-matter physics

    Hey everybody, I am at the end of my Master's degree (Europe) and I am considering doing a PhD. My master thesis topic was mostly about a simulation in quantum optics. I find the field of quantum optics interesting and quantum physics in general fascinating, but it's definitely not where I want...
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