What is Phd: Definition and 995 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. Hassan Raza

    Low CGPA for Grad School

    Hi! I want to apply in Grad schools in USA as an international Student. But my cgpa is around 2.69. Most of the graduate school require at least 3.0. But there are some that do not have any minimum cgpa requirement on their website. But people say it's very difficult to get admission. I've not...
  2. R

    Physics Dropping my PhD studies to join industry

    Hello all. I have recently completed my second year of PhD studies in the field of Optics and Photonics and I have decided to drop out of my program. I have lost passion for my project and field and would like to study renewable technologies (solar cells,batteries, fusion...) instead, I still...
  3. Y

    Engineering PhD in Systems Engineering - Impact on Career

    I see some schools offer a PhD in Systems Engineering, even Cornell and BU. Can anyone here who has this degree or know someone who does, can say if it was worth getting or not, and how it impacted their career? What kind of opportunities did it open up for for you? What jobs require the degree...
  4. F

    Programs Postdoc in Particle Physics with a PhD in Nanoscience Nanotechnology

    I already have a PhD in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology and I will start an M.S. in Physics at SJSU next Monday (August 21 2023). I am interested in Particle Physics. A professor at my institution working in the field told me the following "For you, since you already have a PhD, I don’t think it...
  5. amoonaa

    Admissions Can I do PhD in Physics if I have Bachelors in Engineering and 14 years of industry experience?

    I have bachelors degree in electric engineering and masters in engineering management and 14 years of experience in software product development. So no experience in physics at all. Is it possible to do a phd in physics ? Its always been my passion that i now think about pursuing
  6. ForTheBit

    Admissions Getting into a top tier Physics PhD Program with a Masters Degree

    Hello everyone, I graduated a few years ago with a bachelors in aerospace engineering with a 3.2 GPA and a second author on a published research paper. I am currently working as a senior software engineer, but have been considering going back to school for a PhD in Physics. I am planning on...
  7. Astroparticle

    Admissions What are my chances for PhD in physics after my MSc physics?

    Hello, everyone, I have a BSc in physics with a GPA of 3.6 in a 4.0 system. After my BSc, I was working in my country for about 2 years at a research institute, and at that time I didn't truly understand what is research and what I should specialize furthermore in physics, etc. Now, I'm...
  8. F

    Admissions Profile evaluation for astronomy Phd applicant in the fall 2023 cycle

    I will apply for a Ph.D. in Astronomy in the fall of 2023. I want to have a realistic evaluation of my profile to see if I am over-ambitious or not. I think I am out of reach for the "big four" universities. I will donate money to two of them only and will be targeting other top schools...
  9. oliviajohnsonoj

    Physics Should I do a PhD in physics?

    I have done master's in physics and I am not sure if I should also do PHD in physics or not. Can anyone help me out here and highlight the career opportunities there could be after PHD.
  10. C

    "TAing" meaning in PhD programs?

    Hi Everyone, Dose anybody please know what 'TAing' means in this context: 'In general for PhD programs, you should expect to be funded, possibly in exchange for TAing. You shouldn't expect to pay or to take out loans.' Many thanks!
  11. G

    I can't find a PhD in theoretical physics after 6 months of trying

    Hi, I am 25 years old living in EU. I am posting my experience with the objective of getting advice or opinions. I have a bachelor in physics with a thesis on the SM electroweak sector. I have a master again in theoretical physics with a specialization on Hadron Physics ( QFT ). Both of my...
  12. E

    Admissions Applying for PhD despite very weak undergraduate GPA

    Hi everyone, I'll keep it short and to the point. Just as the title say, I'm looking for advice on my situation. I'm very passionate about physics and want nothing more than a career in academia. I went to NYU and graduated with a bachelor's in physics in 2019. Due to various health issues...
  13. M

    Programs PhD in pure Maths and... Physics

    Hello, I'm currently a phd candidate in pure maths, doing research in Ergodic Theory (concerning ergodic convergence theorems). When I started studying Ergodic Theory I ran into Statistical Mechanics and I immediately fell in love. I've started studying physics from scratch. As my current...
  14. PhysPaig

    Admissions Can I cancel a physics PhD visit day, after they've booked my flight?

    Hello everyone! I have a visit day for a school coming up that they booked my hotel and flight for. I was initially interested in the program, but my partner recently received a dream job offer in Boston. I have been offered a spot at two PhD programs there, so I'll likely pick one of those in...
  15. F

    Courses PhD in Physics after getting my MS Physics in the US

    I will start my Master's in Physics next August at San Jose State University. If I decide to start a PhD in Physics once I am done with the Master's, will I still need to take courses at the PhD? Or will I just have to do the research?
  16. nsypgorz

    Advice: Doing grad school abroad and getting a masters instead of PhD

    My background: I live in the US and I graduated last June with my BS in physics. Went to an alright school and was an alright student (3.52 overall GPA, 3.49 major) with minors in math and CS. I did 2 internships, but my first one I basically did nothing, and my second was basically translating...
  17. Vanadium 50

    PhD Qualifying Exams -- Are they being phased out?

    [Mentor Note -- this thread is split off the previous thread: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/are-physicists-good-in-every-branch-of-physics.1049445/ ] To get a PhD, you need to pass something called a qualifying exam, which covers all of physics. I do high energy, but there were...
  18. B

    Courses I want a PhD in Physics, having a Bachelor in math

    I know that I need to satisfy the core requirements for a Bachelor's in physics and I have the ability and desire to do it. I live in California.. Here, and I believe almost everywhere, public universities do not allowe enrollment in a second Bachelor's, even online. Private universities are...
  19. VVS2000

    Physics Choice of specialization for Quantum Chromodynamics PhD?

    I am entering into the 2nd year of my masters and I plan to do my phd in quantum chromodynamics. So for my specialization, would it be helpful if I choose nuclear and particle physics or quantum field theory?
  20. J

    Admissions Applying to PhD programs after a few years out of academia

    So I graduated in 2019 from a smaller state university with 2 honors BAs in physics and applied math. 3.83 GPA, all A's in my 400 level classes, few years of computational research and some independent honors projects, and I was involved with tutoring, TA'ing, led the SPS chapter, etc. Didn't do...
  21. L

    Admissions Academics gap: Looking for 2nd M.Sc Physics degree or a PhD Physics?

    Hi everyone, I finished M.Sc Physics by "Research" at a UK university during the academic year of 2015. I am an international student from India. As I did not do well in my oral presentation defending my M.Sc thesis (but it was not worst), as a result, I got a pass degree. Before the day or...
  22. decisivedove

    Admissions Should I apply to Physics PhD programs?

    Hi, I am a senior at a large research public university in the US (UC Davis). I really want to go to grad school but I am not sure if I should apply this year. I am only 19 years old (I graduated high school with an associates in physics) so this is only my second real year of college and I...
  23. DannyLouis888

    Physics Apply for a post doc with different topics from my PhD projects?

    Hi everyone! How can I apply for a post-doc that is in a different field from my current PhD topic? I.e. I would like to make a transition. However, I need to learn how to say and justify that I am competent in the fields I have rarely touched. In addition, I have yet to publish at the moment...
  24. Q

    Programs I am doing a BME PhD, and hope to transfer to medical physics

    Hi All, I am currently a third-year Ph.D. student working on PET image processing and tracer kinetic modeling, and about to graduate in two years. After three years study, I developed a high interest in clinical-related projects and found medical physics path is very suitable for me. I wish...
  25. beethovenscroissant

    Admissions Climbing my way to a Physics PhD 10 years after a Philosophy BA

    Hi all! It's been a decade since I graduated with a bachelor's in philosophy. I went to an ivy planning double major with physics, but I ultimately dropped the latter after my introductory courses and graduated with a poor GPA (2.7). To save you the sob story, I basically had no ability to cope...
  26. Azerack

    Admissions Safety School Programs for a Physics PhD

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  27. A

    Your advice to first-year PhD students

    What advice would you give a first-year PhD student in physics? Another question: If you could go back and do your PhD again, what would you do differently/better?
  28. R

    Physics Does a datascience job help in applying for PhD or physics scholarship

    I have a math degree and currently pursuing a BS in physics, I've been offered a job as a data scientist with occasional machine learning stuff. 1) Would this be helpful for my career in physics? If yes then how? (I'm aware that machine learning is being used in various areas of physics, but...
  29. Y

    Programs Help Understanding the PhD Application Process

    So if I'm understanding correctly, companies provide grants to universities to conduct certain research. The professors oversee the grants and have PhD student help contribute to the research under that grant. Based on this, it seems that PhD students don't conduct research "any question" they...
  30. user366312

    Admissions European PhD Application Rules: Incomplete Degree Programs from Poland

    I already have an MSc from outside the EU. But, I also have an incomplete CS degree from Poland which I dropped out of. European Ph.D. schools often ask for a CV, not "all the transcript from all the attended programs" as they ask in North America. Therefore, can I skip the information...
  31. E

    Programs Distance/Remote Masters in Computer Science while working before PhD

    Hi all, I just finished my undergrad degree in CS. I did reasonably well and would like to pursue a PhD at some point in the next 6 years, however I am not ready to do so immediately. I have taken a job as a software engineer and intend to work there for a year or two to save up some money. I...
  32. CyclicAvatar

    PhD in condensed matter theory or theoretical cosmology

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  33. robertya1027

    I cannot see myself doing a PhD

    I posted a lot of times on reddit, because I don't think I can survive a PhD
  34. J

    Physics Easiest Physics PhD fields to get into in the US?

    Hello, I am ready to apply to grad schools and would like to have a few insurance schools just in case. What are the easiest physics fields (biophysics,nuclear physics...etc) to get into a PhD for? Regards,
  35. jedishrfu

    Edward O. Wilson Renowned PhD Biologist, The Ant Man, has died at 92

    https://apnews.com/article/edward-o-wilson-dead-biologist-bc3d64fceb5200dd88d67187ef2a5cee
  36. D

    Physics Changing my physics subfield between Master's and PhD

    Hello, dear all. Currently I'm studying MSc in physics hoping to do PhD soon after my graduation. I did my bachelor in Quantum Electrodynamics, and before starting my MSc in physics, I was working as a research assistant in experimental HEP lab, and I thought I wanted to explore other subfields...
  37. H

    Programs What are my chances at Physics PhD programs in the USA?

    I have a 3.29 in the major, research experience in my last year and should be published in the spring. Good recommendations… I’m so stressed…. Kicking myself is an understatement. I just want to get into a respected school, doesn’t have to be a top tier school obviously… just something respected...
  38. Astronuc

    Other Never too late Man earns PhD in Physics at 89

    Manfred Steiner always wanted a Ph.D. in physics. He finally earned it at 89 https://www.npr.org/2021/11/07/1052005447/brown-university-89-phd-physics-dream?
  39. C

    Math From math PhD to space industry - possible?

    Hello everybody, I am currently in the middle of my PhD in mathematics. In the beginning of the program I was quite sure that I would stay in academia, however it is becoming more and more clear to me that I want to go into industry once I am finished. During the last weeks I have started to...
  40. J

    Do I take these PhD red flags seriously?

    Hello, I am looking at an interesting PhD. However there seem to be a few small redflags: -Previous guy in a similar position left after 2-years. I asked them why, they said he didn't like having "too many projects at the same time" or something. But didn't give me a clear explanation. I found...
  41. leephys009

    Physics Do endowed research positions exist in physics like Terrence Tao has?

    For example, Terrence Tao has an endowed research position where he is able (paid to) through grants and school salary to do whatever research he wants. Tao does research in pure and applied math. This is rare of course, but I haven’t been able to find any information on this in physics...
  42. S

    P.hD in Physics/Astrophysics: Benefits & Challenges After 30

    Hello Everyone, I was looking for some expert/experienced advice on if earning a P.hD, specifically in Physics/Astrophysics is worth it. Whenever I search for the answer, I always find people mentioning the challenges of it. But no one really talks about the drawback or benefits of earning a...
  43. A

    Admissions Exemplar astronomy PhD personal statement (UK)

    I applied for a couple of PhD positions in astronomy last year but was unsuccessful. This year I hope to improve on my application and secure a position. So with that in mind, does anyone have any exemplar PhD personal statements for astronomy, or maybe physics in general?
  44. A

    Admissions Asking my prospective PhD supervisor about funding status

    Hello, A professor has accepted me in his group as a Ph.D. student based on an admission interview. At the end of the interview, he discussed with me how he would fund my Ph.D. He said that he has enough funding to provide me with a salary through 3 or 4 years of my Ph.D. program. He said also...
  45. D

    Courses Physics education PhD then MSc Physics

    Hi, I am currently a physics teacher at secondary school level (high school). I have been offered to do a PhD in physics education in an area of research that interests me and relates to physics teaching. I am aware that physics education PhDs might not open up as many career opportunities...
  46. Lyra

    Programs Exploring a Career in Medical Physics: Advice from PhD Physicists

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  47. T

    Admissions Letter of reference/recommendation for a PhD

    Hi, I am planning to request some letters of recommendation for a PhD theoretical physics application. Could you please adivse on specific elements that will make the perfect letter with the best chance of getting offers. For instance is could be about my soft skills, my undergrad grades and...
  48. T

    Programs PhD Theoretical Physics - Part 2

    Hello, I have several questions around the application process as well as the organization. 1. Are you aware of any reference website centralizing PhD offers by countries? 2.When it comes to the organization/management/ supervision of a PhD program, I wonder if there are differences by...
  49. Carolus_Rex

    Admissions Where To do my PHD in Physics?

    Okay Background First. I am an undergrad student from india. I want to pursue physics as career ( yeah i know i am being particularly vague here, due to the fact i am still in my first year and haven't really decided on my particular preference under the branch of physics). So I have a...
  50. PhysPaig

    Admissions Feeling down, did I mess up my future?

    Hello everyone, I'm currently a physics undergraduate that just completed her second year of college. I love working physics problems and have always been passionate about going into physics research. My plan is to graduate and then go to a great/top grad school for my PhD that would allow me...
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