What is a PhD called in the US?
The PhD, also known as the Doctor of Philosophy, is a research degree, which is one of the most common types of doctoral degrees, and is awarded to graduates in many different fields. For those asking, “Is a PhD higher than a doctorate?” the answer is simple: no.
A Ph. D., or Doctor of Philosophy, is a high-level degree earned after a period of three or more years of graduate-level study, culminating in the creation, submission, presentation and defense of a research dissertation. The Ph. D.
In answer to the question, “Is a PhD a doctor,” the answer is yes. Both a PhD and a professional doctorate like an EdD earn you the title of “doctor.” But there are differences between the types of doctoral degrees. Learn more about a PhD vs. a professional doctorate below.
PhD students, sometimes called learners, may work through their studies online, on campus or both. A typical PhD program will require students to complete a certain number of credits in coursework and successfully pass qualifying exams. This process is followed by the dissertation research, writing and defense.
A PhD falls under the academic category of doctorates. While a PhD is an academic qualification that's highly theoretical and focussed more on generating new knowledge through scientific research, a professional doctorate on the other hand, is all about putting theory into practice in specific professional settings.
The essential difference between a PhD and a professional doctorate is that the possessor of a PhD has demonstrated the ability to use research skills to create original knowledge that contributes to the research and theory in a field, and a possessor of a professional doctorate has demonstrated the ability to evaluate ...
Throughout much of the academic world, the term Doctor refers to someone who has earned a doctoral degree (highest degree) from a university. This is normally the Doctor of Philosophy, abbreviated PhD (sometimes Ph. D.
The Ethics Committee of the Council decided that the title “Doctor” may be used by the registered medical practitioners in the modern medicine, Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Unani. No other group of workers in the field of medical profession whethernursing or para-medical staff should use the title “Doctor”.
Put a comma followed by the title “Ph. D.” after the name of a person who has earned a Doctor of Philosophy doctoral degree. For example Stacey Childs, Ph. D.
You make the transition from PhD student to PhD candidate after you complete all your coursework and your comprehensive exams (if required). A PhD candidate's sole task is to conduct their research and write their dissertation.
What is another way to say PhD?
doctor's degree | doctor |
---|---|
doctorate | postgraduate degree |
university degree | master's degree |
master's | doctoral degree |
postgrad degree | advanced degree |
Or maybe both are correct I am a PhD. PhD student is also correct. When I was in school, PhD student meant you were enrolled in the PhD program, but PhD candidate usually meant you were writing your thesis or going through defense. "Student" is less formal and more conversational in any case.

Two Types of Doctorate Degrees
There are two major types of doctoral degrees: the research-oriented degree, and the professional application degree (also called an applied doctorate). The difference between the two types of programs may be a bit murkier than you think.
Most college professors have a PhD. The name of the degree comes from the Latin phrase philosophiae doctor, and the "philosophy" part of the name comes from the Greek word philosophia, "love of wisdom."
Anyone with a doctorate can be called 'doctor'. The doctor's degree was a product of the medieval universities; this higher degree simply conferred the right to teach. It could be in law, theology, philosophy or medicine (and other disciplines now).
However, the highest academic qualification in the United States is the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) degree, and as such is the highest academic equivalency possible. Degrees beyond this degree should be addressed in a professional resume or CV.
A PhD is a higher qualification than a master's degree
Because doctorate degrees are one of the highest academic achievements you can earn, they are generally considered superior to master's degrees.