Doctor of Philosophy facts for kids
A Doctor of Philosophy (often called a PhD or DPhil) is a special degree you can earn from a university. It's usually the highest degree someone can get in many subjects. Think of it as the top level of education in a specific field.
People can get PhDs in many different areas. This includes subjects like literature, philosophy, history, science, mathematics, and engineering. Some PhDs, like those in Canon Law, have been around for a very long time. Others, like the PhD in Computer Science, are newer, starting in the 1970s and 1980s.
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What You Need to Study for a PhD
To start a PhD program, you usually need to have finished other university degrees first. This often means you need a Bachelor's degree or a master's degree. Your previous degree should be related to the PhD you want to study.
For example, if you want a PhD in Theater, you would likely need a master's degree. This could be a Master of Arts (MA) in Theater, English Literature, or a similar subject.
How a PhD Program Works
A PhD degree usually takes about three to six years to finish if you study full-time. Sometimes, you might not need a master's degree before starting. Many PhD programs begin with a few years of advanced classes.
Courses and Exams
After taking these courses, PhD students take special exams. These exams test how much the student knows about their chosen subject. Passing these exams shows you are ready for the next step.
Original Research and Dissertation
Once the exams are passed, students start their own original research. This means they study something new that hasn't been researched before. The result of this research is a very long report called a dissertation (or a "thesis").
Some PhD programs also ask students to pass exams in other languages. For example, they might need to know French or German. Many PhD students also help teach younger university students. They might also help professors with their research during their studies.
Why a PhD is Important for Teaching
The requirements for teaching at a university can be different depending on the subject and country. In many fields, especially in science, a PhD is needed to become a university professor.
However, some famous professors in the past did not have advanced degrees. This is less common today. In some creative fields, like printmaking or graphic design, there is no PhD. For these subjects, a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree is often the highest degree. A person with an MFA can become a university professor in these art fields.
Images for kids
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A group of new PhD graduates with their professors
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A new PhD graduate from the University of Birmingham, wearing a doctor's bonnet, shakes hands with the Chancellor
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A Yale University PhD diploma from 1861.
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A South African PhD graduate (on right, wearing ceremonial gown)
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PhD gown, University of Cambridge
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PhD SPbSU certificate
See also
In Spanish: Doctor en Filosofía para niños
