Academic Degree Doctoral and PhD Degrees 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'PhD' stand for?
- Doctor of Philosophy (Correct answer)
- Doctor of Physics
- Professional Higher Degree
- Post-graduate High Diploma
Correct answer: Doctor of Philosophy
PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy, the highest academic degree awarded across virtually all disciplines in the US.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a doctoral dissertation?
- To present original research that contributes new knowledge to the field (Correct answer)
- To summarize existing textbooks in the discipline
- To critique a peer's previously published work
- To complete required coursework for graduation
Correct answer: To present original research that contributes new knowledge to the field
A doctoral dissertation is an original research document that adds new, peer-reviewed knowledge to the academic discipline and is the defining requirement of a PhD.
Question 3: What is a dissertation defense in a PhD program?
- An oral examination where the candidate presents and defends their research to a faculty committee (Correct answer)
- A written test taken at the end of the first year
- A public lecture open only to undergraduates
- A mandatory internship presentation
Correct answer: An oral examination where the candidate presents and defends their research to a faculty committee
The dissertation defense is an oral examination in which the doctoral candidate presents their research findings and responds to critical questions from a faculty committee.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes 'comprehensive exams' (comps) in a doctoral program?
- Exams testing broad mastery of the field before advancing to dissertation research (Correct answer)
- Final exams given at the end of every semester
- Entrance exams required for PhD admission
- Annual performance reviews by the department
Correct answer: Exams testing broad mastery of the field before advancing to dissertation research
Comprehensive exams assess whether doctoral students have mastered enough of their field to proceed from coursework to independent dissertation research.
Question 5: What is the difference between a PhD and a professional doctorate such as an EdD?
- PhD emphasizes research and theory; EdD emphasizes applied practice in a profession (Correct answer)
- PhD is shorter than an EdD
- EdD is awarded only in science fields
- There is no meaningful difference between the two degrees
Correct answer: PhD emphasizes research and theory; EdD emphasizes applied practice in a profession
A PhD is research-oriented and prepares graduates for academic careers, while a professional doctorate like the EdD focuses on applying knowledge to professional practice.
Question 6: In the US, what is the average time to complete a PhD degree?
- 5–7 years (Correct answer)
- 1–2 years
- 2–3 years
- 10–12 years
Correct answer: 5–7 years
US doctoral programs typically take between 5 and 7 years to complete, including coursework, qualifying exams, and dissertation research.
Academic Degree Doctoral and PhD Degrees 1
What does 'PhD' stand for?