Advancing the Field: The Pros of Pursuing a Doctorate Degree
Some view the pursuit of a doctorate as the ultimate contribution to education and furthering the knowledge that we have access to. Indeed, it requires a significant commitment in time, research, funds, and effort from the individual and their chosen institution. For those considering taking the plunge into pursuing a doctorate, understanding what it entails, the different types, benefits, and any personal factors influencing decision-making is critical in coming to a worthwhile conclusion.
What is a Doctorate?
If you think about tertiary education like a pyramid, with higher levels indicating more rigorous and difficult study, then you’d start with a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree at the bottom, then build with a Master’s until you reach the academic peak of a Doctorate. It often requires the creation of original contributions to the studied field, and the defense of a dissertation or similar research project in front of academic heavyweights. This would be backed by years of rigorous study and research, all while completing capstone subjects with associated examinations.
None of this is easy or quick. Doctoral programs can take between four to eight years to finish, depending on the discipline and the individual’s pace of progress. For some research positions in scientific fields, individuals may undertake part-time Doctorate study, but this results in a longer time horizon for completion.
Types of Doctorate Degrees
Doctorates can be split between two distinct categories. Firstly, we have the academic Doctorate, which is a “research degree that requires a dissertation”, according to Coursera. One of the most popular academic Doctorates is the Doctor of Philosophy or PhD. The Doctor of Philosophy emphasizes research and theory and primarily focuses on contributing original knowledge to the chosen field of study. This isn’t just limited to the study of philosophy, however, PhDs can be undertaken in many fields, such as any of the sciences or humanities. Students undertaking these degrees look to gain employment in academia or research institutions - it’s an extension of tertiary study to the nth degree. There’s more than the PhD on offer, too: the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), a Doctorate in Organizational Leadership, the Doctor of Fine Arts (DFA), or the Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) are other fields that focus on original contributions.
Then, we have the professional Doctorates. The most obvious in this category is the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), where most people will encounter doctors in their day-to-day lives. The Juris Doctor (JD) is the academic equivalent for students who did not undertake undergraduate law study. These degrees are tailored for practical application in specific fields that require an in-depth knowledge of their field. After all, if you’re seeing a doctor or hiring a lawyer, you want to make sure that they know what they’re talking about because the consequences of an uninformed opinion or mistake in these fields can be extremely severe.
Benefits of Earning a Doctorate Degree
Earning a Doctorate sets you apart from the crowd. Whatever your field, it can show employers that you worked diligently for many years to advance your understanding of a particular part of it, or in the case of a professional Doctorate, are well on your way to understanding what it means to be a doctor, lawyer, or dentist. If you’re looking to become a university professor or senior researcher, you’ll often be expected to have a Doctorate in your field. It should go without saying that becoming a medical doctor in any sense will require a Doctorate, as the name implies.
On average, those who hold Doctorates earn more than those with Master’s or Bachelor’s degrees. The number is significant, with the American Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating the annual earnings of a Doctorate holder to eclipse Bachelor's holders by over $30,000 per year. If money isn’t your motivator, that’s fine. Holding a Doctorate establishes you as an expert - even the title of “Dr.” alone opens doorways with the weight it carries in social and professional environments.
Thinking more broadly about your impact on the world around you, Doctorate programs allow you to engage deeply with your chosen field, and contribute to discoveries and innovations that can help solve global issues. If you’re an economist, for example, conducting research into how we can alter our reliance on fossil fuels at an economic level could be useful for the transition to net zero that has been on the lips of many in the past few years. Your work can have an impact, and it can be a measurable one if your dissertation gets published in journals that other experts read.
Is a Doctorate Right For You?
This is where it gets personal. With its many costs, a Doctorate offers an equal amount of benefits, so it is truly up to the individual whether they believe their goals and circumstances align with the incredible commitment required to be called a doctor. If you’re in a field that can support you while you study, it can be a great way to advance your career while maintaining your interest and passion for your field. However, if it’s more of a passion project, think carefully about whether passion will carry you through years of the most rigorous study of your academic career. Think about the program, institution, and your potential advisor: what is the department like? Will you be on a short leash for your dissertation topic, if you have one? Do you have any connections that that particular university? These are all questions you should ask before taking the plunge.
Earning a Doctorate is difficult, but it is also rewarding. Even the simple things like receiving an email to one “Dr.” rather than any other salutation is a constant reminder of your sacrifice and contribution to your field. You must carefully consider all aspects of your academic and personal life, and think about whether a Doctorate aligns with where you see yourself in five years. Remember, your vision for the future is shaped by your actions today, so think carefully and act accordingly.