A doctorate degree is the highest level of academic study. It can lead to advanced research, university teaching, clinical practice, leadership roles, or specialized professional careers, depending on the type of doctorate you choose.
TL;DR
A doctorate is the highest postgraduate degree and may be research-based, practice-based, or honorary.
A PhD is one type of doctorate, but not every doctorate is a PhD.
Many doctoral programs take several years to complete, especially when coursework, exams, and a dissertation are required.
The right doctorate depends on your goal: research, university teaching, licensure, executive leadership, or advanced practice.
Table of Contents
What is a doctorate degree?
A doctorate degree, also called a doctoral degree, is the highest level of academic qualification in higher education. It is designed for students and professionals who want advanced expertise in a specific field, whether that means conducting original research, developing leadership-level practice, or qualifying for licensed professional work.
In simple terms, a doctorate goes beyond a master’s degree in depth, specialization, and academic or professional expectations. Depending on the program, students may complete coursework, exams, a dissertation, a capstone project, clinical training, or supervised practice.
Important: the exact structure of a doctorate depends on the country, the university, and the field of study. A research-focused doctorate does not work the same way as a professional or clinical doctorate.
Is a doctorate the same as a PhD?
Not exactly. A PhD is one of the most well-known types of doctorate, but it is not the only one. That means every PhD is a doctorate, but not every doctorate is a PhD.
A PhD usually focuses on original research, theory development, and scholarly contribution. Other doctorates may focus more on professional practice, applied leadership, clinical preparation, or industry-based problem solving.
| Feature | PhD | Other Doctorates |
|---|---|---|
| Main focus | Original research and theory | Applied practice, leadership, clinical work, or advanced professional preparation |
| Final requirement | Usually a dissertation | May be a dissertation, capstone, project, residency, or supervised practice |
| Typical path | Academic, research, university teaching | Professional advancement, clinical work, executive leadership, specialized practice |
What types of doctorate degrees are there?
1) Research doctorates
These programs are built around original academic or scholarly work. Students usually complete advanced coursework, qualifying exams, and a dissertation or equivalent research project.
Examples: PhD, EdD, DBA, DMA, DSc.
2) Professional doctorates
These programs prepare students for high-level professional practice, licensure, or applied leadership. They are often more practice-oriented than research doctorates.
Examples: MD, JD, PharmD, DPT, PsyD, DNP, DDS.
3) Other doctorates
This category includes doctoral titles that do not fit neatly into the research or professional-practice definitions used by some higher education systems.
Example: honorary doctorates awarded as recognition rather than as a standard academic program.
Do you need a master’s degree to start a doctorate?
Not always. In some universities and countries, students enter a doctoral program after completing a master’s degree. In others, they may be admitted directly after a strong bachelor’s degree, especially in structured or integrated doctoral pathways.
That is why it is better to say that doctoral admission requirements vary. A program may expect previous graduate study, research experience, strong academic results, recommendation letters, a statement of purpose, and a proposed research area or professional objective.
- Some doctoral programs require a completed master’s degree.
- Some admit students directly from a bachelor’s degree.
- Professional doctorates may also require work experience, licensure prerequisites, or clinical background.
How many credits and years does a doctorate degree usually take?
There is no single universal number. Doctoral credits and timelines vary by institution, subject, enrollment status, and whether the student enters after a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.
In many cases, doctoral study includes a mix of coursework, examinations, research milestones, and a final dissertation, project, or supervised practice requirement. Full-time research doctorates often take several years, while professional doctorates may follow a more structured practice-based format.
If you enter after a bachelor’s degree
Programs are often longer because they include more coursework before the advanced research or practice phase.
If you enter after a master’s degree
The timeline may be shorter because part of the graduate preparation has already been completed.
If you study part-time
Completion time can increase, especially in professional doctorates designed for working adults.
Common doctorate degrees
These are some of the most common doctoral degrees students may come across:
Doctor of Philosophy
Doctor of Education
Doctor of Business Administration
Doctor of Psychology
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Juris Doctor
Doctor of Medicine
Doctor of Pharmacy
Doctor of Musical Arts
Is a doctorate degree right for you?
A doctorate makes sense if you need the highest level of academic or professional preparation in your field. It can be a strong path for research careers, university teaching, executive leadership, advanced clinical practice, or professions that require doctoral-level credentials.
However, it is also a major commitment. Before choosing a doctorate, it helps to think about your career goal, the type of work you want to do, the time required, the cost, and whether you need a research doctorate or a professional doctorate.
A simple rule
Choose a research doctorate if you want to create new knowledge. Choose a professional doctorate if you want to apply advanced knowledge at the highest level of practice.
Related postgraduate guides
Doctorate degree FAQs
Is a doctorate higher than a master’s degree?
Yes. A doctorate is a more advanced postgraduate qualification than a master’s degree.
Is every doctorate a PhD?
No. A PhD is a type of doctorate, but there are also professional doctorates such as the JD, MD, DPT, PsyD, and PharmD.
Do you always need a master’s degree first?
No. Some universities require a master’s degree, while others admit students directly after a bachelor’s degree.
How long does a doctorate degree take?
It varies. The total time depends on the program structure, field of study, previous qualifications, and whether you study full-time or part-time.
What is the main difference between a research doctorate and a professional doctorate?
A research doctorate focuses on creating original knowledge, while a professional doctorate focuses more on advanced practice, leadership, or licensure in a professional field.
What can you do with a doctorate degree?
Depending on the type of doctorate, you may pursue research, university teaching, executive roles, advanced clinical practice, or specialized professional positions.