After obtaining a university degree, the highest degree is the doctorate.
The doctorate is the highest academic degree that can be obtained in most fields of study. This degree, also known as Ph.D. (from the Latin Philosophiæ Doctor or Doctor of Philosophy), requires the completion of original research and the presentation of a doctoral thesis that represents a contribution to knowledge or significant advances in a specific discipline.
Types of doctorates: careers
There are several types of doctorates, each with a specific focus and requirements. The main ones are described below:
Doctor of Science (DSc)
An advanced degree in fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, and other natural sciences. This degree is often awarded to researchers who already have a PhD and have made significant, published contributions to their field of study .
Doctor of Letters (DLitt)
It is awarded in recognition of outstanding academic achievements in the humanities, including literature, history and cultural studies. This degree can be awarded both for original research and for a distinguished career in teaching and scholarly publishing.
Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.)
It is designed for professionals who want to apply educational theory and research to school practice and administration. This program typically includes a significant practical component and is aimed at improving educational practice in various organizations.
Doctorate in Engineering (Eng.D.)
It focuses on applied research and innovation in the field of engineering. It is often done in collaboration with industry and is intended to develop practical solutions to complex problems in engineering.
Doctorate in Humanities (DHum)
It recognizes research and academic work in areas such as philosophy, history, literature and other fields related to the study of the human condition. This title is awarded to those who have made significant and original contributions to the humanities.
Doctor of Jurisprudence (SJD)
Also known as Doctorate in Legal Sciences, it is the most advanced degree in the field of law. It is aimed at those who wish to carry out academic research in law and usually requires the preparation of a thesis that contributes new knowledge to the legal field.
The main requirement of the doctorate is usually the presentation of a thesis.
Doctorate in Philosophy (Ph.D.)
It is the most common type of doctorate and covers a wide range of disciplines, from the natural and social sciences to the humanities. This program focuses on academic research and requires the completion and defense of a thesis based on original research.
Doctorate in Psychology (Psy.D.)
It focuses on the professional practice of clinical psychology and counseling. Unlike the Ph.D. in psychology, which focuses on research, the Psy.D. prepares graduates to work directly with patients in clinical settings .
Doctorate in Business (DBA)
Designed for business professionals who want to apply advanced theory to business practice. This degree combines academic research with the development of practical solutions to business problems.
Doctorate in Social Sciences (DSS)
It is awarded to those who have conducted significant research in fields such as sociology, anthropology, economics, and other disciplines related to the study of society and human behavior.
Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA)
It is a specialized qualification that recognizes excellence in artistic disciplines, such as music, theatre, visual arts and other creative art forms. DFA programs include both the creation of a significant work of art and the production of a written dissertation that explores theoretical or critical aspects of the work.
General classification
Beyond the fields of study, we can talk about a second classification of the doctorate according to criteria such as time intensity and organization.
Full-time PhD
An intensive program that requires the student's complete dedication to their studies and research. It usually lasts between 3 and 5 years and allows the student to focus fully on their research, attending doctoral seminars, academic conferences and collaborating closely with their supervisor and other researchers. It is ideal for those who can commit full time and wish to complete their PhD in a shorter time frame .
Part-time PhD
Designed for those who cannot dedicate all their time to their studies due to work, family or other commitments. It allows students to work on their research at a more flexible pace , extending the duration of the PhD often by 5-7 years or more. It is a popular option for professionals who want to earn this degree while continuing to work.
Joint PhD
A program that is carried out in collaboration between two or more academic institutions . Students in a joint PhD conduct their research under the supervision of academics from both institutions and typically spend time at each. It promotes international cooperation and offers students the opportunity to benefit from the resources and expertise of multiple universities.
Executive Ph.D.
Designed specifically for professionals with experience in fields such as business, administration and management. It combines academic research with professional practice and is structured to accommodate executives' work schedules . Executive PhDs typically focus on the application of theory to business practice and may include a short doctoral residency, intensive modules and online learning.
For those who have reduced time availability, there are programs such as the online doctorate.
Online PhD
It allows students to carry out their doctoral studies through digital platforms, offering greater flexibility in terms of location and schedules. This type of program is ideal for those who need to balance their studies with other responsibilities, such as work or family. The academic and research requirements are equivalent to those of a traditional doctorate.
Honorary doctorate
An honorary degree awarded by a university to individuals who have made significant contributions to a specific field or to society in general, without having met the traditional academic requirements for a doctorate. This recognition celebrates exceptional achievements in areas such as the arts, literature, science, politics or public service.
Industrial PhD
A program that is carried out in collaboration with industry and is designed to address practical and applied problems in a business or industrial environment. Students work on research projects that are relevant to industry and often combine their time between the university and a sponsoring company. Promotes innovation and knowledge transfer between academia and industry.
Doctorate by compendium of publications
It allows students to earn a doctorate by submitting a body of published work instead of a traditional thesis. These should form a coherent body of research that contributes significantly to knowledge in their field. This type of PhD is common among academics who have already published extensively in peer-reviewed journals.
Professional PhD
It combines academic research with advanced practice in a specific professional field. Unlike the Ph.D., which focuses on theoretical research, the professional doctorate is aimed at the practical application of knowledge in areas such as medicine, education, business and law. Examples include the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.), and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA).