Doctoral Degree Programs
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Graduates who enroll in doctoral degree programs are expected to complete requirements within three to seven years, during which time candidates should have reached the epitome of academic or professional achievement. By the time an individual completes a doctoral program, he or she should be qualified or licensed to teach, as the Latin term, "licentia docendi" implies. The prerequisites for earning a doctorate in most fields requires completion of a master's level program; and doctoral candidates are considered to have mastered an above average knowledge of a chosen field in order to teach others. Whether the field of specialization is law, science, religion, geography, math, or fine arts, doctoral degree programs prepare students to become qualified to not only teach what has been taught to them, but also to develop new theories and vistas of understanding which have never or rarely been introduced into academia. In that respect, doctoral candidates are pioneers, movers and shakers of the academic community, who challenge the dusty and dank hypotheses of yesterday and formulate new modes of thinking for tomorrow.
These learned men and women have spent years in undergraduate school building a foundation in the rudiments of biology, math, physics, or some other academic field of study, under the tutelage of others. After completing four years of coursework as an undergrad, most candidates complete another two to four years in graduate school, delving into an even greater level of comprehension and applying complex concepts and principles. Some grad students are even hired as teaching fellows, further developing an ability to analytically impart complex concepts and principles while assisting senior faculty with research. All of this advanced education, ongoing research, and part time teaching equips candidates enrolled in doctoral degree programs to prepare an academic dissertation or thesis regarding an aspect of a major field of study. The dissertation is considered to represent a culmination of years of education and investigative research which demonstrates not only a depth of understanding, but also a command of scientific, academic, or quantitative principles to qualify candidates as experts. Doctoral candidates who excel in academic research are usually required to publish findings in scientific or social journals, which are peer-reviewed. Because dissertations and research findings are mainly philosophical in nature, candidates will earn what is commonly titled a Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy degree.
In the United States, doctoral degree programs vary according to the field of study. Of course, most candidates have already completed bachelor's and master's degree programs. However, the next four to six years depends largely on the type of doctor they will eventually become. While degrees are awarded for distinction for scientific or academic research, credentials awarded to individuals who have potential to excel in a specific profession are called professional doctorate degrees. Lawyers, medical doctors, pharmacists, engineers, dentists, veterinarians, musicians, and theologians all fall into the category of professional doctors. Attorneys may qualify for the title of Juris Doctor (JD), those in the medical profession practice under the title of M.D., and veterinarians' shingles include MVDr. No matter what type of doctor graduates will eventually be named, there is one name that carries more prestige and power than any other: the Name of Jesus Christ. "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus ever knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:9-11).
Not every university or college offers doctoral degree programs. Postgraduates can usually find programs for terminal degrees in the nation's premier teaching universities located in major cities. Many of these institutions are home to major hospitals where medical degree candidates can practice as residents under the tutelage of renowned physicians. Residency programs provide hands-on application of principles learned after years of classroom study, where residents shadow instructors from patient bedsides to surgical wards and gain invaluable experience discovering how to practice medicine. Other institutions which offer doctoral degree programs house prestigious law schools, distinguished colleges of art, or world class research labs where students can gain invaluable information under the oversight of highly acclaimed attorneys, artists, or scientists who have made contributions not only to the university as faculty members, but also to society as a whole. In this respect, graduate studies leading to a doctorate are part of a discipleship program through which students can glean from master educators and hopefully, inherit a legacy of knowledge, wisdom and understanding.
Residency programs for research doctoral candidates usually consist of one full year on-campus as a full-time student, usually working alongside tenured professors. Other doctoral degree programs also provide extensive practical application as a prerequisite for credentialing. Admission to doctoral degree programs is subject to the approval of the Head Deans of the schools to which graduate students apply. Postgraduate applicants usually must submit requests to pursue the doctorate degree in a chosen field of study. Once approved, master's degree credits from an accredited university or college are transferred, provided students have earned acceptable grade point averages in previous coursework. After admission, students are required to submit a plan of study indicating the areas of specialized research which will be pursued, especially in the case of research doctorate degrees. Before being awarded a terminal degree, doctoral candidates must pass a preliminary examination, submit a dissertation for review, and successfully pass a final examination. After what seems like an eternity, a man or woman who has worked diligently to pursue the dream of a lifetime has finally earned the coveted title of doctor.
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