What Does 'PhD' Stand For?

PhD is the common abbreviation for a Doctor of Philosophy degree, which can also be called a doctorate at times. PhDs are the highest academic degree you can earn. Despite the emphasis on philosophy in its name, PhDs can be held in any academic discipline, such as the sciences, humanities, and arts.

Students typically pursue a PhD when they're interested in an academic or research career, or if they want to take their education as far as it can go. Still, they typically must first earn their master's degree before pursuing this terminal degree. Learn more about what's involved in earning your PhD and the benefits of doing so. Afterward, explore master's degrees in in-demand areas, such as data science and business, available through Coursera.

What is a PhD? 

A PhD is the terminal academic degree for many fields in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, and arts. Earning a PhD demonstrates your mastery of a specialized area within the field you're studying. For example, earning your PhD in political science means you have deep knowledge of the field itself as well as specialized knowledge of a more focused area, such as twentieth-century US politics.  

Education requirements for a PhD 

While requirements differ by university, obtaining your PhD requires first earning your bachelor’s degree and then your master’s degree before you can begin applying to doctoral programs. However, some programs are available that combine the master’s degree with the PhD so that you spend less time earning both. 

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PhD program requirements

PhD programs follow a very specific timeline that includes completing advanced coursework, studying for and successfully passing a comprehensive exam, and writing and defending a dissertation.

A PhD comprehensive exam is a major milestone in a doctoral program where you'll demonstrate mastery of their field's core knowledge through written tests, oral examinations, or both. These exams typically occur after completing coursework but before beginning dissertation research.

Once you have successfully passed your comprehensive exams, you’re typically considered “all but dissertation” or ABD, which signals that you’ve finished everything in your doctoral program except your dissertation. A dissertation is a lengthy, original research project that represents the culmination of your PhD studies. It typically involves conducting new research, analyzing findings, and presenting a significant contribution to your academic field, which must be defended before a committee of experts.

Let's break down the general PhD timeline:

• Years one and two: Take classes to develop advanced knowledge in your subject area. 

• Year three: Study for and successfully pass your comprehensive exams. 

• Years four and five: Research, write, and defend your dissertation. 

How long does a PhD take and how much does it cost?

A PhD program's length will depend on your university and the area you're studying, but generally it can take between four and seven years to complete this degree. Beyond the coursework you'll need to complete, writing a dissertation is often credited with adding to the length of time it takes to complete a PhD program.

PhDs tend to be among the more expensive degrees you can earn. The average amount of education debt a PhD holder has after their program in the US is $84,540, though the total cost of your program can be offset by scholarships, teaching assistantships, and other financial support [1].

Application requirements for a PhD

PhD programs expect you to meet several requirements before enrolling. Here are some examples of common requirements:

• Have an undergraduate degree, usually with at least a 3.0 overall GPA.

• Have a master’s degree, unless you're applying to a combined program.

• Take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and achieve a minimum score.

• Submit a sample of your academic writing.

• Submit your CV.

• Provide letters of recommendation, which should ideally come from academic faculty members who can speak to your research or intellectual abilities.

Requirements differ by program and school, so take time to become familiar with the entry requirements of universities where you’re interested in applying.

If a program is interested in you based on your application, you may have to complete an interview. The university representatives who interview you will look at your motivation, how prepared you are, and how suitable you are for acceptance into the doctoral degree program.

PhDs vs. other terminal degrees

A PhD is not the only kind of terminal degree you can earn. Two other types of terminal degrees exist that tend to be more career-focused.

• Professional doctorates: Professional doctorates require students to apply some professional experience toward researching a solution to a practical problem. If you have significant experience in a professional field, such as business administration or public health, you might pursue a professional doctorate because you can use your knowledge and expertise more concretely. 

• Professional degrees: A professional degree is the PhD equivalent for certain professions, like for a medical doctor, dentist, or lawyer. Whereas a PhD tends to promote a historical and theoretical education, a professional degree emphasizes a practical education because it’s designed for you to begin working in medicine or law after you graduate and pass additional licensing requirements. 

Honorary PhD degrees

Honorary PhDs are conferred upon people who've made significant contributions to a field or society at large without formally attending a PhD program. Some celebrity examples include:

Taylor Swift has received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts from New York University for her musical achievements.

Oprah Winfrey has received honorary PhDs from Princeton, Howard University, Duke University, and Harvard for her philanthropic and business achievements.

4 benefits of earning your PhD 

There are a number of reasons why you might want to pursue your PhD.  

1. Become an expert.

People who obtain PhDs have the highest possible education in their field. As such, they're often considered to be genuine experts in that subject matter. You may feel a tremendous amount of personal satisfaction from having achieved this level of mastery.

2. Contribute original research. 

Adding to the knowledge of a particular field is no small feat. When you write your dissertation, you will have the opportunity to make a valuable original contribution that either expands people’s understanding of a subject or brings an entirely new perspective to it.

3. Broaden your job opportunities.

Earning a PhD could qualify you to work in academia or research, but it may also increase your qualifications—or help you stand out—for jobs that do not necessarily require a PhD. Holding a PhD may convey to employers that you’re knowledgeable, hardworking, and disciplined because of what it takes to earn the degree. 

4. Increase your salary potential.

On average, people with PhDs can potentially make more than those with undergraduate degrees, depending on your profession. The median weekly earnings of a person with a PhD in the United States is $2,109 compared to $1,493 for bachelor's degree holders [2]. 

Careers that typically require a PhD

A PhD is an academic credential necessary to teach at the university level or conduct high-level research in a number of fields, such as the life and social sciences. The following careers typically require a doctorate:

• Research associate

• Research scientist 

• Assistant professor 

• Dean of students

Careers where a PhD may help you advance 

While the careers listed below generally require a master’s degree, earning your PhD may help you qualify for more advanced roles within the profession—or help you develop more specialized knowledge to succeed in your career.  

• Historian

• Anthropologist 

• Statistician 

• Economist 

• Linguist 

• Political scientist 

• Psychologist 

Explore master's degrees on Coursera

If you're contemplating getting your PhD and have not yet earned your master’s, there are a number of remotely-friendly master's degrees from prestigious institutions available through Coursera. Explore degrees in high-growth areas, such as computer science, business, management, or public health. Work toward your degree at your own pace from anywhere with an internet connection.