Definition

Noun: - Doctor of Philosophy: An advanced academic degree, the highest level of university degree awarded for graduate study. It typically requires several years of study beyond a bachelor's or master's degree, original research, and the submission and defense of a dissertation (a long, detailed thesis on a specific subject).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She earned her Ph.D. in molecular biology from Harvard University.
  • The job posting requires candidates to hold a Ph.D. in economics or a related field.
  • After six years of dedicated research, he was finally awarded his Ph.D.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a Ph.D. in [subject]": To possess a doctorate degree in a specific academic discipline.
  • He has a Ph.D. in medieval history, making him an expert on the topic.
• "Ph.D. candidate" or "doctoral candidate": A student who has completed required coursework and is working on their dissertation research but has not yet been awarded the degree.
  • She is a Ph.D. candidate in the department of linguistics.

Variants and Related Words

• Doctorate (n): A general term for the highest university degree; a Ph.D. is one type of doctorate.
  • He spent a decade completing his doctorate.
• Dissertation (n): The lengthy, original research paper required to earn a Ph.D.
  • Her Ph.D. dissertation was published as a book.

Synonyms

• Doctoral degree: The formal term for the highest academic degree.
• Doctorate: A synonym for a doctoral degree.

Related Phrases

• "ABD" (All But Dissertation): An informal term for a student who has completed all Ph.D. requirements except the dissertation.
  • He's been ABD for two years while finishing his research.

Noun

1. a doctorate usually based on at least 3 years graduate study and a dissertation; the highest degree awarded graduate study