Doctorate Facts for Kids

A doctorate is the highest academic degree you can earn from a university. It shows that someone is an expert in their field. People who earn a doctorate are often called "Doctor." This special degree usually means they have done a lot of advanced study and original research.

What is a Doctorate?
- Types of Doctorates
  - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
  - Professional Doctorates
- Honorary Doctorates
History of Doctorates
- First Ph.D. in the United States
What Do Doctors Do?
Images for kids
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What is a Doctorate?

A doctorate is a very advanced university degree. It is given to students who have finished a long period of study and research. To earn a doctorate, students usually have to write a major research paper called a dissertation or thesis. This paper shows their new discoveries or ideas in their chosen subject.

Types of Doctorates

There are different kinds of doctorates, depending on the field of study.

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

The most common type of doctorate is the Ph.D.. This degree is for people who want to do research or teach at universities. Ph.D. students spend many years studying and working on their research. They must write a long dissertation that adds new knowledge to their field.

Professional Doctorates

Some doctorates are professional degrees. This means they prepare people for specific jobs.

Doctor of Medicine (M.D.): This degree is for people who want to become medical doctors and treat patients.
Juris Doctor (J.D.): This degree is for people who want to become lawyers and practice law.

Honorary Doctorates

Sometimes, universities give out honorary doctorates. These are special degrees given to famous people who have made important contributions to society. They don't have to study or write a dissertation to receive an honorary doctorate. It's a way for the university to honor their achievements.

History of Doctorates

The idea of a doctorate started in medieval universities in Europe. In the past, a "doctor" was someone who was allowed to teach at a university. The first doctorates were in law, medicine, and theology (the study of religion).

First Ph.D. in the United States

In the United States, the first Ph.D. degree was given out in 1861. This happened at Yale University. Since then, many universities in the U.S. and around the world have offered Ph.D. programs.

What Do Doctors Do?

People with doctorates often work in many different fields.

Many become professors at universities, teaching students and doing research.
Others work as scientists in labs, discovering new things.
Some become researchers in companies, developing new products or technologies.
Medical doctors and lawyers use their doctorates to help people in their communities.

Earning a doctorate is a big achievement. It shows a deep understanding and dedication to a specific area of knowledge.

Images for kids

A special gown worn by someone with a Ph.D. at Cambridge University.
American academic doctors gather before a graduation ceremony at Brigham Young University (April 2008). Their gowns have three velvet bands on the sleeve.
The cover of the thesis written by Claude Bernard to earn his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1843.
An old ceremony where a special hat called a biretta is given to a new doctor at Complutense University.
Friends traditionally honored a new doctor by painting a victor symbol on walls, like this one on the Seville Cathedral.
Yale University awarded the first Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in the United States in 1861.