| A Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) is the highest | | | | program is often referred to as ABD (all but |
| degree level of achievement possible in one of many | | | | dissertation). |
| different academic fields. Many people who complete | | | | It usually takes about three to four year to complete |
| a doctoral program chose to go into research, | | | | the doctoral degree although most people take |
| teaching, or administration. A Ph.D. and Doctor of | | | | longer if they are not full-time students. Many schools |
| Education (Ed .D.) both vary from program to | | | | have a requirement that the degree must be |
| program, and school to school, but the main | | | | completed within seven to eight years. Statistics |
| difference between them is the design and intent of | | | | indicate that many people start the doctoral degree |
| the programs. | | | | but do not finish for various reasons. Some get to |
| An Ed.D. program generally prepares practitioners. | | | | the ABD stage and never finish if they get a new |
| The program would include coursework, internships, | | | | job, have increased responsibilities, or a raise at their |
| and independent work in learning and direction, staff | | | | job. The reasons vary. So, what is the determinant |
| development, supervising, evaluation, and research | | | | for successful completion? |
| synthesis. The degree is awarded to students who | | | | Motivation is a huge determinant of success! Being |
| have made significant contributions to a particular | | | | motivated means that you need to be interested in |
| field, especially in the field of research. The main | | | | the courses and program, keep in touch with the |
| contribution is often a research-based doctoral thesis | | | | instructor, classmates, readings etc and see the light |
| or dissertation that is defended in front of | | | | at the end of the tunnel. e the pursuit of similar goals. |
| committee before the student can earn the degree. | | | | Goal setting and personal rewards i.e. both intrinsic |
| Those who earn the degree generally use the title | | | | and extrinsic motivation will keep you going. |
| "doctor" in academic environments, research, and in | | | | Adequate planning goals and setting milestones is |
| publications. To receive a doctorate in almost all areas | | | | certainly helpful. For example, tell yourself, "I will have |
| of study, a student must prove that they've | | | | completed half my coursework in one year" and then |
| successfully completed a bachelor's and master's | | | | create a program of study to help you accomplish |
| degree, although requirements may vary by field. | | | | that. That will give you a degree of satisfaction and |
| The Ph.D. program is a research degree and includes | | | | the energy to keep going. Always set aside a study |
| coursework, internships, and independent work in | | | | place and time with no distractions. For example the |
| research designing, data analysis, and instructional | | | | library, computer lab or your study room at home |
| theory. Ph.D. graduates tend to work in universities | | | | may be the best place to concentrate and get work |
| and research-based environments. Therefore a Ph.D. | | | | done. |
| is based on original research while an Ed .D is | | | | Successful e-learners know how to balance. Don't |
| practice-oriented. As with most masters' degree, be | | | | forget to surround yourself with positive family, |
| sure not to take too long to or you will start to lose | | | | friends, and co-workers who will root for you! Also |
| credit hours. Doctorate programs require the | | | | don't forget to take time off to relax and recoup. Do |
| completion of residency requirements (each school | | | | something different and fun from time to time. That |
| will define their residency requirements). Candidates | | | | will keep you refreshed. All said and done, hard work, |
| are also required to work on a dissertation after | | | | determination, discipline gets you to the finish line! |
| completion of the coursework. This phase of the | | | | |