Many people use the terms doctorate degree and PhD as if they mean the same thing. While they are closely related, they are not identical.
A doctorate degree is a broad category that includes the highest level of academic degrees. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is just one type of doctorate.
Understanding the difference can help you:
- Choose the right educational path for your career goals
- Set realistic expectations for time, cost, and workload
- Understand how each path may impact job opportunities and salary potential
In this guide, you’ll learn how doctorate degrees and PhDs compare, what each one involves, and how to decide which option aligns with your goals.
What Is a Doctorate Degree?
A doctorate degree is the highest level of academic degree you can earn. It represents advanced expertise in a specific field and usually requires several years of study beyond a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Doctorate as an umbrella term
“Doctorate” is not one specific degree. Instead, it includes multiple types of advanced degrees, such as:
- Research doctorates
- Focus on generating new knowledge through research
- Often centered around theory, data, and academic publishing
- Example: PhD programs
- Professional doctorates
- Focus on applying knowledge to real-world settings
- Often designed for working professionals aiming for leadership roles
- Example: EdD, DBA, PsyD, DNP
Common fields that offer doctorate degrees
Doctorate programs exist across many industries and disciplines, including:
- Education – leadership roles in schools, districts, or higher education
- Business – executive leadership, consulting, organizational strategy
- Healthcare – advanced clinical practice and healthcare leadership
- Psychology – clinical practice or applied psychological services
Each field may offer either a research-focused or practice-focused doctorate depending on career outcomes.
What Is a PhD?
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a specific type of doctorate degree focused on original research and advancing knowledge in a particular subject area.
Core focus of a PhD
PhD programs are built around deep research and typically include:
- Conducting original research in a chosen field
- Analyzing existing theories and data
- Contributing new insights or findings to the discipline
- Writing and defending a dissertation
The dissertation is usually the most important part of a PhD program and requires independent research under faculty guidance.
Common academic disciplines for PhD programs
PhDs are most commonly found in traditional academic and research-focused fields such as:
- Sciences – biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science
- Humanities – history, literature, philosophy, languages
- Social sciences – psychology, sociology, economics, political science
Key characteristic of a PhD
A defining feature of a PhD is its emphasis on original research. The goal is not just to apply existing knowledge, but to expand what is known in the field.
This is why PhD graduates often pursue careers in:
- Academia (teaching and research roles)
- Research institutions
- Policy or think tank organizations
- Specialized industry research roles
Online Universities Offering Doctorate Degrees
Many accredited universities now offer online doctorate programs, including both PhD (research-focused) and professional doctorates (like EdD, DBA, and DNP). These programs are designed for working professionals who want flexibility while advancing their education.
Below are some well-known schools offering online doctoral degrees and some of the programs each school offers.
University of Florida
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- PhD programs (select online or hybrid options depending on discipline)
- Educational leadership and healthcare-focused doctorates
Arizona State University
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- PhD in Learning, Literacies, and Technologies (online/hybrid options)
- PhD in educational leadership-related fields
- Various interdisciplinary doctoral programs
Arizona State University is widely known for its large selection of online graduate and doctoral programs across education and research fields.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education Policy / Leadership (online options available)
- Select doctoral-level programs with hybrid formats
University of Southern California (USC)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT – hybrid formats)
- Other professional doctorate programs in health and education
Liberty University
- PhD in Psychology (various specializations)
- PhD in Education-related fields
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Ministry (DMin)
- Other education, leadership, and behavioral science doctorates
Walden University
- PhD in Psychology (multiple specializations)
- PhD in Education
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Public Health (DrPH)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Capella University
- PhD in Psychology
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Doctor of Information Technology (DIT)
- Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Select PhD programs offered in hybrid or low-residency formats
Colorado Technical University
- Doctor of Management (DM)
- Doctor of Computer Science (DCS)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
Doctorate Degree vs PhD: Key Differences
While both a doctorate degree and a PhD represent advanced academic achievement, they are not the same thing. The differences mainly come down to scope, purpose, career direction, and program structure.
The simplest way to understand the difference is:
- A doctorate degree is the overall category of the highest academic degree
- A PhD is one specific type of doctorate
Think of “doctorate” as the umbrella term, and PhD as one of the options under it.
Other types of doctorates (like EdD, DBA, or PsyD) fall under the same category but serve different goals.
Purpose and Focus
The purpose of each path is often what sets them apart the most.
PhD programs:
- Focus on original research
- Designed to expand academic knowledge in a field
- Often aligned with university-level teaching and research careers
Professional doctorate programs:
- Focus on applying knowledge in real-world settings
- Emphasize leadership and advanced practice
- Designed for professionals working in their field while advancing into higher roles
Career Paths
The type of doctorate you choose often influences the kind of career you pursue afterward.
Common PhD career paths:
- University professor or lecturer
- Research scientist
- Academic or institutional researcher
- Policy or think tank researcher
Common professional doctorate career paths:
- Healthcare leadership roles (such as clinical directors or administrators)
- Business executive or senior management roles
- Applied industry leadership positions in fields like education, psychology, or public service
Dissertation vs Applied Project
Another key difference is the type of final research requirement.
PhD programs:
- Require a traditional dissertation
- Focus on theoretical research and original contributions to academic knowledge
- Often involve designing and conducting long-term research studies
Professional doctorate programs:
- Typically include an applied research project instead of a traditional dissertation
- Focus on solving real-world problems in a professional setting
- Emphasize practical outcomes that can be used directly in the workplace
Time to Completion
Both paths require a significant time investment, but timelines can vary.
- PhD programs: typically take about 5 – 7 years to complete
- Professional doctorates: usually range from 3 – 6 years, depending on the program and whether the student is studying full-time or part-time
Time to completion also depends on factors like research progress, dissertation requirements, and whether the student is working while enrolled.
Types of Doctorate Degrees (Beyond the PhD)
A PhD is just one type of doctorate. Many other doctorate degrees are designed for specific careers, especially in leadership or applied professional fields. These programs focus less on academic research and more on real-world application.
Below are some of the most common types of doctorate degrees beyond the PhD.
Doctor of Education (EdD)
The Doctor of Education (EdD) is designed for professionals working in education who want to move into leadership roles.
Common focus areas:
- School or district leadership
- Higher education administration
- Curriculum development
- Educational policy and reform
Typical careers:
- School superintendent
- College or university administrator
- Education policy leader
The EdD emphasizes applying research to solve real problems in education systems.
Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
The Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) is focused on advanced business practice and leadership and is the highest level degree in business administration that you can achieve.
Common focus areas:
- Organizational strategy
- Business leadership and decision-making
- Applied business research
- Management and consulting
Typical careers:
- Executive leadership roles (CEO, COO, etc.)
- Senior management positions
- Business consultant or advisor
Unlike a PhD in business, which is more research-focused, a DBA is designed for professionals working in the business world.
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
The Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) is a professional doctorate for those pursuing clinical psychology careers.
Common focus areas:
- Clinical practice
- Psychological assessment and treatment
- Therapy and counseling
Typical careers:
- Licensed clinical psychologist
- Mental health clinician
- Private practice psychologist
A PsyD focuses more on hands-on clinical work than academic research, compared to a PhD in psychology.
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) is the highest practice-based degree in nursing.
Common focus areas:
- Advanced clinical practice
- Healthcare leadership
- Patient care systems improvement
- Evidence-based practice in nursing
Typical careers:
- Nurse practitioner (advanced roles)
- Clinical nurse leader
- Healthcare administrator or director of nursing
The DNP is designed for nurses who want to move into advanced clinical or leadership positions rather than research roles.
Juris Doctor (JD)
The Juris Doctor (JD) is the primary law degree in the United States and is required to become a licensed attorney.
Important clarification:
- The JD is considered a professional doctorate, not a research doctorate like a PhD
- It focuses on legal practice rather than academic research
Common focus areas:
- Constitutional law
- Criminal law
- Corporate law
- Civil litigation
Typical careers:
- Attorney or lawyer
- Corporate counsel
- Judge (with additional experience and qualifications)
- Legal consultant
While it is technically a doctorate-level degree, it is structured differently from both PhDs and other professional doctorates.
Admissions Requirements Comparison
Doctorate programs and PhD programs often look similar on the surface, but the admissions requirements can vary quite a bit depending on the type of degree and the school.
Below is a breakdown of what you can typically expect.
Master’s Degree Requirements
Most doctorate and PhD programs require applicants to already hold a master’s degree, but this is not always the case.
Common patterns:
- Many PhD programs prefer or require a master’s degree in a related field
- Some programs allow students to apply directly after a bachelor’s degree (often called “direct-entry PhD programs”)
- Professional doctorates may require a master’s, but some accept strong candidates with a bachelor’s plus experience
Requirements can vary widely by program and discipline.
GRE / GMAT Expectations
Standardized tests are becoming less common, but they are still required or recommended in some programs.
PhD programs:
- GRE is sometimes required, especially in:
- Economics
- Engineering
- Natural sciences
- Some programs have moved to “test optional” admissions
Professional doctorates:
- GMAT may be required for some DBA or business-related programs
- Many EdD, DNP, and PsyD programs no longer require standardized tests
In general, test requirements are declining, but they still matter for some schools and competitive programs.
Work Experience Requirements
Work experience tends to matter more for professional doctorate programs than for PhDs.
PhD programs:
- Work experience is not always required
- Research experience (such as working in a lab or assisting faculty) is often more important
Professional doctorates:
- Usually require several years of professional experience
- Often expect applicants to already be working in the field
- Example: teachers applying for an EdD or nurses applying for a DNP
This reflects the applied, career-focused nature of these programs.
Research Proposal Expectations (PhD Programs)
One of the biggest differences in admissions is the emphasis on research planning for PhD applicants.
PhD applicants may need to submit:
- A research proposal or statement of research interest
- A description of intended research topics
- Alignment with faculty research areas
- Writing samples (in some fields)
Admissions committees look closely at:
- Whether the applicant’s research interests fit the program
- Whether faculty are available to supervise the proposed work
- The applicant’s ability to conduct independent research
Professional doctorate programs:
- Typically do not require a formal research proposal at the time of application
- Focus more on professional goals and leadership experience instead
Cost and Return on Investment (ROI)
Doctorate programs can be a significant financial investment, but costs and potential returns vary widely depending on the type of program and career path.
Tuition Ranges for Doctorate Programs
The cost of earning a doctorate depends on the school, program type, and whether you study full-time or part-time.
General ranges:
- PhD programs:
- Tuition often ranges from $20,000 to $60,000+ per year at many universities
- Some top programs fully fund students (see below)
- Professional doctorates (EdD, DBA, PsyD, DNP):
- Commonly range from $30,000 to $120,000+ total program cost
- Private universities tend to be on the higher end
Online programs may reduce some costs, but tuition is often similar to on-campus options.
Funding Opportunities
Funding looks very different depending on whether you choose a PhD or a professional doctorate.
PhD funding options:
- Teaching assistantships (TA roles)
- Research assistantships (RA roles)
- Tuition waivers or reductions
- Monthly stipends for living expenses at many schools
In many cases, PhD students pay little to no tuition if fully funded.
Professional doctorate funding options:
- Employer tuition reimbursement (common in education and healthcare)
- Scholarships or grants (less common than PhD funding)
- Loans or out-of-pocket payment are more typical
Professional doctorate programs are more likely to be self-funded.
ROI Considerations Based on Career Path
Return on investment for a doctorate depends heavily on your career goals.
PhD ROI considerations:
- Strongest ROI in academia or research careers
- Required for many professor and research positions
- Salary potential varies widely depending on field and role
- Can take longer to see financial return due to time spent in school
Professional doctorate ROI considerations:
- Often leads to salary increases within existing careers
- Can support promotions into leadership or executive roles
- ROI is usually tied to advancement in a current industry rather than switching fields
In general, ROI is highest when the degree aligns closely with a clear career outcome.
Online vs On-Campus Doctorate Programs
Doctorate education has expanded significantly online, making advanced degrees more accessible for working professionals.
Growth of Online Doctoral Programs
More universities now offer fully online or partially online doctorate programs, especially in fields like:
- Education (EdD)
- Business (DBA)
- Healthcare leadership (DNP)
- Psychology (some PsyD programs)
Online delivery has made it possible for more students to pursue doctoral education without relocating or leaving their jobs.
Flexibility for Working Professionals
One of the main reasons students choose online doctorate programs is flexibility.
Benefits include:
- Ability to continue working full-time
- Asynchronous coursework in many programs
- Less need to relocate or commute
- Opportunity to apply learning directly to current job roles
This structure is especially helpful for mid-career professionals who want to advance without stepping away from their careers.
Hybrid Models
Many doctorate programs now use a hybrid format, combining online learning with limited in-person requirements.
Common hybrid features:
- Online coursework throughout most of the program
- Occasional on-campus residencies or intensives
- In-person dissertation or research workshops
- Networking opportunities with faculty and peers
Hybrid programs aim to balance flexibility with the benefits of face-to-face academic engagement.
Common Misconceptions about PhDs and Doctorate Degrees
There’s a lot of confusion around doctorate degrees and PhDs. Here are a few common misunderstandings that can make it harder to choose the right path.
“All doctorates are PhDs”
This is one of the most common misconceptions.
- A PhD is just one type of doctorate
- The term “doctorate degree” includes many different programs, such as:
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
In short, all PhDs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs.
“PhDs earn more than all other doctorates”
This is not always the case.
- Salary depends more on career field, role, and experience than degree title alone
- In some fields, professional doctorates lead to higher-paying leadership roles than PhD roles
- For example:
- A healthcare executive with a DNP may earn more than an academic PhD researcher
- A DBA graduate in a senior leadership role may out-earn many PhD holders in academia
The degree itself is only one part of earning potential.
“Doctorates are only for academia”
This is outdated thinking.
- While PhDs are often tied to academic and research careers, many doctorate degrees are designed for industry roles
- Professional doctorates are built specifically for:
- Leadership positions
- Advanced clinical practice
- Executive and management roles
- Applied problem-solving in real-world settings
Today, most doctorate graduates work outside of traditional academic roles.
How to Choose the Right Path
Choosing between a PhD and another type of doctorate comes down to your goals, interests, and how you want to use the degree in your career.
Self-Assessment Questions
Before deciding, it helps to think through a few key questions:
1. Do you want research or practice?
- Choose a PhD if you enjoy research, data, and exploring new ideas
- Choose a professional doctorate if you prefer applying knowledge in real-world settings
2. Do you want academia or industry?
- PhD → more aligned with universities, research institutions, and teaching roles
- Professional doctorates → more aligned with business, healthcare, education leadership, and industry roles
3. Are you willing to commit 5–7 years?
- PhD programs often require a long-term commitment with heavy research demands
- Some professional doctorates can be completed in less time and may offer more flexibility for working professionals
Checklist to Help You Decide Which Education Path is Right For You
Use this quick checklist to guide your decision:
A PhD may be the right fit if you:
- Want a career in academia or research
- Enjoy independent, long-term research projects
- Are interested in becoming a professor or research scientist
- Want to contribute new knowledge to a field
A professional doctorate may be the right fit if you:
- Want to move into leadership or executive roles
- Prefer applying research to real-world problems
- Are already working in your field and want to advance
- Want a doctorate that supports career growth in industry
FAQs About PhDs and Doctorate Degrees
Is a PhD higher than a doctorate?
No. A PhD is a type of doctorate degree.
- “Doctorate” is the umbrella category
- A PhD is one specific doctorate focused on research and academics
So neither is “higher” than the other; they are related, but not separate levels.
Can you get a doctorate without a master’s degree?
Yes, in some cases.
- Some PhD programs allow direct entry from a bachelor’s degree, especially in the sciences and engineering
- Many professional doctorate programs may require a master’s, but not all do
- Requirements vary widely by school and program
Always check the specific admissions requirements for the program you’re interested in.
Is a PhD required to be a professor?
Not always, but it depends on the type of institution and role.
- Research universities: PhD is typically required
- Community colleges: a master’s degree may be enough in some cases
- Teaching-focused roles: some professional doctorates (like an EdD) may qualify depending on the subject
In most traditional academic research roles, a PhD is the standard expectation.
What is the easiest doctorate to get?
There is no true “easy” doctorate.
However, some programs may feel more manageable depending on your background:
- Programs aligned with your current career (e.g., EdD for educators, DNP for nurses) may feel more practical
- Professional doctorates may be less theoretical than PhDs
- Program structure, support, and time commitment vary widely
All doctorate-level programs require a significant amount of time, focus, and effort.
How hard is a PhD compared to a professional doctorate?
Both are challenging, but in different ways.
PhD programs:
- Heavy focus on independent research
- Long timeline with uncertainty in research outcomes
- Requires strong academic writing and analytical skills
Professional doctorates:
- Focus on applying knowledge in real-world settings
- Often easier to connect directly to existing work experience
- Still requires advanced study, but usually more structured and practice-based
The difficulty depends more on your strengths and goals than the degree itself.
Takeaways
While “doctorate degree” and “PhD” are often used interchangeably, they are not the same thing:
- A doctorate degree is the highest level of academic degree (also known as a terminal degree) and includes multiple types of programs
- A PhD is a specific type of doctorate focused on research and academic knowledge creation
- Other doctorate degrees, like EdD, DBA, PsyD, and DNP, are designed for applied, professional, or leadership-focused careers
Each path serves a different purpose, and neither is better than the other – they simply lead to different outcomes.
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