Phd Definition and 1000 Threads

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. L

    Programs Pursuing PHD in BioPhysics - An Undergraduate Student's Journey

    PHD in BioPhysics... To tell you guys a little bit about myself, I am an undergraduate student at an average university (like in your top 70 for undergraduate programs). By the time I will be 22, I will have graduated with 2 masters (one in math, one in physics), three majors (math, physics...
  2. P

    What Are Some Potential Research Topics Related to the Equivalence Principle?

    Hello everyone, I'm currently finishing my major in Physics and I'm contemplating to take a phd in theoretical physics. I don't really know how the process goes. I asked my supervisor (of my major thesis) and he suggested a bunch of professors and post-docs whose work might be of my interest...
  3. T

    Continue with my AM PhD program or go into patent law?

    I'm beginning my second year in my PhD program. I had to fight very hard to make it to the second year, as my program condenses the normal two year masters sequence that would make up the beginning of other programs into one year. They were also very eager to cut students using prelims, so the...
  4. V

    To pursue a PhD in NE with materials specialization

    I am an undergraduate student in nuclear engineering, and I want to pursue a PhD in nuclear materials. I have research background in materials corrosion, but my undergraduate university doesn't have courses on materials science for nuclear engineering students. I have noticed that many...
  5. S

    Programs Looking for Math PhD Recommendations

    Hello, I'm sure none of you have ever seen a recommendation request here before. :) I'm in a bit of an odd situation; I went to a good technical school a few years ago as an engineering major but left without finishing for personal reasons, mostly due to severe depression. My degree was...
  6. R

    Programs Moving directly to Phd after 4 year bachelors

    Hey I'm currently an undergraduate Physics student in my third year. I wish to continue on with Physics and complete a Phd Preferably I'd like to avoid doing a masters, I've looked at a lot of threads on here and the general consensus is that with a three year bachelors (like the ones in...
  7. W

    Admissions Sudden Second Thoughts on Applying for Math PhD

    Today I received my mgre subject test scores and had a complete panic attack. I knew they weren't going to be phenomenal, but they were definitely worse than expected. I have a severe problem taking standardized tests, and I knew this long before I took the exam. I know I am more capable than...
  8. N

    Programs After a Phd in Theoretical Physics

    Call me crazy, but am I right in thinking that people with a Phd in Theoretical Physics could take up a position in a university as an experimentalist? Is it a strange thing for a theorist to do? Or is it not that black and white? Is it more of a blur? Would theorists be viewed just as capable...
  9. D

    Programs Starting a PhD in the spring, a predicament I'm facing

    I am looking for some academic career advice from someone more experienced than myself. I apologize for the length but I'm in a real bind. There was a school which I really wanted to attend for my mathematics PhD. Call it "A". Relevant: "A" is on the east coast. "A" was accepting spring...
  10. Doofy

    Faced with the first decision during my PhD?

    I'm 1 year into my PhD, in HEP physics and without going into specifics, my time has been spent doing computer simulations. From the start of my PhD there was the option to do some actual hardware work, and while this did sound interesting, I never really got started on it. My simulation work...
  11. C

    Programs How Competitive Are Chemical Physics PhD Programs?

    For those of you who have experience with these programs, I have some questions. How competitive are they generally? They don't seem like they get a lot of applicants. Is it a bad idea to ONLY apply to chemical physics programs as a chemistry major? There are 5 schools I know of with chemical...
  12. C

    Programs Is It Possible to Overcome Disappointment and Lack of Results in a PhD Journey?

    Hello everybody! I'm now in the second half of my PhD program, with 2 more years to go, and nothing to show for it. Sure, I've written two papers (which got zero citations), but the only good thing I can say about these papers, is that they are not the worst papers ever written...
  13. N

    Programs Should I go against my PhD supervisor and do what I want?

    I am just starting my phd. I am self funded so I chose my supervisor. He's working on a related area to what I want but not quite the same. I am trying to decide my phd direction right now. I want to work on something very new, very fundamental, probably unrealistic for a phd. But I want to try...
  14. B

    Programs Can a Pure Math undergrad get into an Applied Math PhD program?

    I want to get my undergraduate in Pure math (I've taken and will take some additional CS courses). My question is, would I still be a competitive candidate for a PhD program in computational biology? (mathematical modelling of biological/behavioral/social systems) or should I really get my...
  15. G

    Can I Succeed in a PhD with a Short Attention Span?

    Hi everyone, I'm finally finishing my Master's in theoretical physics. These past two years reminded me of how easily I become excited and lose interest. My thesis is on computer simulations which also helped further develop my programming skills (I do love programming). As super exciting as...
  16. G

    Math Applied math vs. statistics PhD - job prospects

    Applied math vs. statistics PhD -- job prospects I'm a math major considering pursuit of a PhD in applied math or stats when I graduate. I'm trying to ascertain the job prospects in these fields. Can anyone provide some information on how readily jobs are available in industry and academia in...
  17. V

    Programs Is a Background in Materials Science Essential for a PhD in Nuclear Materials?

    Hi, everyone! I am undergraduate student from China. I am applying to pursue a PhD degree in United States next year. I am interested in nuclear materials, but the problem is that my home school offers little course on materials science. I am affraid that students of materials science may be...
  18. K

    Programs Can I PhD in astronomy with an electronics engg degree?

    Hi, I am currently studying electronics engineering in India and I plan to start applying for the fall 2013 semester within the next 2-3 weeks. I am pursuing a Masters' and PhD in astronomy and I will apply for the same. However, if I do not get an admit for this course from the universities I...
  19. A

    Starting PhD: Academic Career or Other Possibilities?

    Hello, I'm about to start a PhD and I know I want to do it because I really enjoy studying science, plus I'm going to stay in the school where I did got MSc, so I know the lab and know the people who work there and I know that if I work well I can publish quite bit and I know the research is...
  20. F

    Admissions Is a master's degree harmful for a us student applying for phd programs?

    I am currently a us student in undergraduate math and physics, doing well in courses, having taken graduate courses in both areas, and have finished degree requirements for both math and physics during my second year in undergrad, but I stayed for one more year anyway. So, now, its my third...
  21. M

    Exploring Graduate School Admissions for ME PhD Programs

    I'm applying to graduate school in ME, and I am just curious, if I am not accepted to a PhD program right away, will any (most, all, none?) admissions councils pass on my application to the masters program, after which I may work towards becoming a PhD candidate?
  22. C

    LaTeX How can I change the format of a LaTeX template for a PhD thesis to b5?

    Hi, I would use LaTeX template for PhD thesis http://openwetware.org/wiki/LaTeX_template_for_PhD_thesis but I can not convert it to b5 format :( could somebody help me ? Nina
  23. M

    Want to pursue phd in chem e; 3.5 GPA

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  24. A

    Programs BS Mathematics to Phd Quantum Mechanics?

    Dear friends, I'm presently a junior math undergraduate, and my ultimate goal is to do my master's/PhD work in quantum mechanics, specifically exploring possibilities of temporal superposition for advanced quantum computing. The question is if it is doable to go from a bachelors in...
  25. S

    Programs Too Old for Math PHD? - Get Advice Here!

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  26. I

    Schools How much does your PhD university count?

    Hi, I am a student in theoretical/fundamental physics that finished his masters couple of weeks ago. I'm still looking for a PhD starting asap. I am quite interested in an opened position at a UK top 10-15 university, the project seems interesting enough to invest 3 years in it. But I have...
  27. S

    Programs Does one commonly get a masters degree before a phd

    If you were getting a PhD in either pure math or physics, with the intention of becoming a professor, does one first need to get a masters degree before their PhD, is it different for the two fields?
  28. A

    Python PhD to Finance with just Python?

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  29. G

    PhD in U.K.? How is it done? How much does it cost?

    My spouse was offered permanent employment in the UK for a position that would start next year. I'm currently in a Physics PhD program here in the US. I already have my Masters degree, but only recently have begun research in earnest (up until now, I was taking the core courses required of...
  30. S

    Programs UK PhD Advice: How To Pursue a PhD with a 2:2 BSc

    Hi I'm not new to the forums and a long time lurker. I've currently been teaching College level Physics since graduating from my BSc in Physics 5 years ago. When an Uni, I was unsure of myself and what I wanted to do in the future, and with very little work and effort (with was all due to my...
  31. F

    Programs Is it beneficial to have joint advisors in a PhD program?

    I'm curious if anyone has any experience working for two advisers, particularly in two different fields. In my case, I'd focus on synthesizing materials in a chem lab (that focuses on synthesis) and then working in a EE/physics lab that would focus on characterizing said material, in particular...
  32. J

    Should I Pursue a PhD in Math or Statistics Given My Background in Probability?

    I'm a graduate student at MSU getting my M.S. statistics right now. The department I'm in is the "Department of Statistics & Probability" and the majority of the courses I've taken have actually been probability related. I'm applying to PhD programs right now, and my interest is more in...
  33. S

    Programs Career after PhD: How is the situation in Particle Physics compared to Condensed Mat?

    Hi everyone, I've just finished my bachelors degree and started grad school. I'm having a really hard time deciding if I want to head into Experimental Particle Physics oder Experimental Solid State Physics for my PhD. I've had a little practical experience in both fields, and I really...
  34. V

    Schools Best college for PhD in A&A in India?

    Best college for PhD in A&A in India?? Hi All, I am planning to apply for my PhD in Astronomy and Astrophysics in India. I have the following colleges as options. Can you help me in ordering the colleges based on their expertise in the field, Infrastructure etc.. My options are...
  35. Einj

    Programs Can I Apply for a PhD Before Completing My Degree?

    Hi all. I have a question about PhD application. I'm from Italy but I'd like to take a PhD abroad. In my country the physics degree is divided in 3 years + 2 years. At the end of the whole 5 years course we get a degree equivalent to a Master degree. My question is: I was looking, for...
  36. F

    Programs Can I skip my masters and go on to getting my PhD in Physics?

    I am currently a sophomore in college majoring in Physics. I was wondering after my undergraduate can I skip my Masters and move onto my PhD ,if so how much of a risk would it be? I honestly don't want to end up teaching as a career ,but rather be researching instead. All I really know right now...
  37. K

    Programs Medical Physics: Masters or PhD?

    Medical Physics: Masters or PhD?? I am currently a Nuclear Engineering Masters student planning to graduate in May 2013. I am now applying to both Masters and PhD Medical Physics programs, however I am not exactly sure which route to take. Is it worth going for the PhD if I plan to do clinical...
  38. P

    Programs Masters before Phd in Mathematics -bad idea?

    Masters before Phd in Mathematics --bad idea? Hi all, I am a senior at a regional campus of a large state university in the US. I have always thought that since I love math (and I do really love learning and doing math), that love of the subject would be enough to propel me through a PhD...
  39. A

    Physics Physics Grad Looking for European Industry Work: Companies to Apply To

    (Put in a lot of context, and post is long now. Question and TL;DR are at the bottom!) Recently finished my PhD in Physics: X-ray spectroscopy of transition-metal crystals, a lot of soft X-ray synchrotron and solid state science, vacuum science etc. I knew after a few months of starting the...
  40. E

    Programs Costs/Benefits of doing a PhD in another country (as an American citizen)

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  41. N

    Programs Odds of getting into Nuclear PhD program at MIT

    I was wondering if anyone could give me any advice/past experiences about applying to the MIT phD nuclear engineering program. Any advice would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
  42. N

    Engineering Best Corrosion engineering Phd programs

    Like the title of this thread suggests, I am wondering which Phd programs are the best in terms of corrosion engineering.
  43. N

    Engineering Wondering which Engineering PhD would be best suited for industrial work.

    Hello forum. I recently graduated with a masters in nuclear engineering and have been trying to apply to jobs with no success. I am starting to wonder if I should go back to school for an engineering/STEM Phd, and if I do, which industries are really hiring? Now I completely understand that...
  44. S

    Programs Math PHD Program Suggestions (Probability)

    Hi everyone, I'm currently in the midst of applying to graduate schools and I am looking for advice any where I can seem to find it. Could anyone suggest schools that I should be applying to on the basis of my interests and the strength of my application? Undergraduate School: Top 10...
  45. H

    Admissions Applying for Medical Physics Phd

    Hi all, I am just looking for some help in applying for a medical physics Phd, preferably in the area of Radiation Therapy. A bit of background: I have a B.A. in Physics and a M.Sc. in Medical Physics from Trinity College Dublin. I also have two years experience as a part II clinical...
  46. A

    Engineering Maths PhD after majoring in mechanical engineering

    Is that possible? Because I am much more interested to do a PhD in Mathematics than Mechanical Engineering...
  47. A

    Scope of PhD for a Mathemacian in Nuclear Engineering

    I have completed my graduation in Mathematics and enrolled myself in a MS course in Nuclear Engineering. I have intended to have a PhD or MPhil. Is there is any scope for students of mathematics to research in any topics grounded on mathematics in Nuclear Engineering? Please suggest me!
  48. N

    Engineering Navigating a PhD in Mechanical Engineering: Industry Opportunities & Salaries

    Hello, I'm currently a master's student in mechanical engineering, only for about 2 weeks now. I can say that my adviser would really like me to pursue a PhD under him, though he doesn't tell me that explicitly maybe because he doesn't want to seem like he's enforcing it on me. He would much...
  49. G

    Advice for Deciding a Science Career in Energy Field from PhD Holders

    What's Your Advice? Hey all. Ill be graduating HS this winter and was deciding what to major in. Obviously engineering and pharmacy are my parents first choice when they start suggesting majors. I would say my mom leans more towards pharmacy. Anyway I wanted to create this post for a...
  50. D

    Programs Where should I apply? PhD in Applied Mathematics

    Hello, I am currently in my final year at a California State University majoring in Mathematics (Applied track) and minoring in computer science. I've begun lurking forums such as the physics to figure out what sort of programs I am qualified to apply for, and what be good opportunities as well...
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