Know how to choose between Pro Doctorate and Ph.D

Introduction

Differences Between a Professional Doctorate and a Ph.D

A Ph.D. is suitable for those who want to pursue a career in academic research and teaching, while a Professional Doctorate is suitable for those who want to apply knowledge in practical settings and take on leadership roles.

Ph.D (Doctor of Philosophy):
  1. Main Objective: Focuses on academic research and theory, aiming to create new knowledge and contribute to a specific research field.
  2. Curriculum: Involves extensive research, writing a dissertation, and frequently publishing academic papers.
  3. Career Opportunities: Suitable for research positions, teaching at universities, research institutes, or academic organizations.
  4. Completion Time: Typically takes around 3-5 years.
Professional Doctorate:
  1. Main Objective: Focuses on applying knowledge and research to practical professional settings, aiming to solve real-world problems within the specific industry.
  2. Curriculum: Includes specialized courses, practical projects, and a dissertation related to specific professional issues.
  3. Career Opportunities: Suitable for leadership and management positions in companies, non-profit organizations, or government agencies.
  4. Completion Time: Typically takes around 2-5 years.
Commonalities:
  • Both are the highest degrees in the higher education system.
  • Require significant commitment of time and effort.
  • Both require a final dissertation or project to complete the program.

This table will show the differentiation of Professional Doctorate and Doctor of Philosophy in details:

No.CriteriaPhDProfessional Doctorate
1NameDoctor of Philosophy in [majors]Doctor of Business Administration, Doctor of [majors]
2ClassificationDoctorateProfessional Doctorate
3Level Level 8 EQFLevel 8 EQF
4Years of traningFrom 3 to 5 yearsFrom 2 to 5 years
5Learning and research goalsForming a new theoretical frameworkForming a new theoretical framework or applied solutions
6Publish paper in ISI/SCOPUSEncouraged Must have or Encouraged
7Subject requirementsresearch-intensive subjectsResearch-intensive subjects and/or Compulsory doctoral-level subjects
8Thesis RequirementsHigh level of academic and theoryHigh level of application content
9Recognition after graduationDoctoral (Dr.)Doctoral (Dr.)
10DegreesDoctor of Philosophy in [majors]Doctor of Business Administration; Doctor of Education; Doctor of [majors]
11CareerTeaching, ResearchingTeaching, Managing, Researching
12Academic Development PathwayPost Doctoral ProgramsPh.D & Post Doctoral Programs

Specialty
Know how to choose between Pro Doctorate and Ph.D
Degrees
Doctorate
Certificates & awards
DBA, EDD, Ph.D