| A Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D.) is the | | | | program is often referred to as ABD (all but |
| highest degree level of achievement possible in | | | | dissertation). |
| one of many different academic fields. Many | | | | It usually takes about three to four year to |
| people who complete a doctoral program chose | | | | complete the doctoral degree although most |
| to go into research, teaching, or administration. A | | | | people take longer if they are not full-time |
| Ph.D. and Doctor of Education (Ed .D.) both vary | | | | students. Many schools have a requirement that |
| from program to program, and school to school, | | | | the degree must be completed within seven to |
| but the main difference between them is the | | | | eight years. Statistics indicate that many people |
| design and intent of the programs. | | | | start the doctoral degree but do not finish for |
| An Ed.D. program generally prepares practitioners. | | | | various reasons. Some get to the ABD stage and |
| The program would include coursework, | | | | never finish if they get a new job, have increased |
| internships, and independent work in learning and | | | | responsibilities, or a raise at their job. The reasons |
| direction, staff development, supervising, | | | | vary. So, what is the determinant for successful |
| evaluation, and research synthesis. The degree is | | | | completion? |
| awarded to students who have made significant | | | | Motivation is a huge determinant of success! Being |
| contributions to a particular field, especially in the | | | | motivated means that you need to be interested |
| field of research. The main contribution is often a | | | | in the courses and program, keep in touch with |
| research-based doctoral thesis or dissertation that | | | | the instructor, classmates, readings etc and see |
| is defended in front of committee before the | | | | the light at the end of the tunnel. e the pursuit of |
| student can earn the degree. Those who earn the | | | | similar goals. |
| degree generally use the title "doctor" in academic | | | | Goal setting and personal rewards i.e. both intrinsic |
| environments, research, and in publications. To | | | | and extrinsic motivation will keep you going. |
| receive a doctorate in almost all areas of study, a | | | | Adequate planning goals and setting milestones is |
| student must prove that they've successfully | | | | certainly helpful. For example, tell yourself, "I will |
| completed a bachelor's and master's degree, | | | | have completed half my coursework in one year" |
| although requirements may vary by field. | | | | and then create a program of study to help you |
| The Ph.D. program is a research degree and | | | | accomplish that. That will give you a degree of |
| includes coursework, internships, and independent | | | | satisfaction and the energy to keep going. Always |
| work in research designing, data analysis, and | | | | set aside a study place and time with no |
| instructional theory. Ph.D. graduates tend to work | | | | distractions. For example the library, computer lab |
| in universities and research-based environments. | | | | or your study room at home may be the best |
| Therefore a Ph.D. is based on original research | | | | place to concentrate and get work done. |
| while an Ed .D is practice-oriented. As with most | | | | Successful e-learners know how to balance. Don't |
| masters' degree, be sure not to take too long to | | | | forget to surround yourself with positive family, |
| or you will start to lose credit hours. Doctorate | | | | friends, and co-workers who will root for you! |
| programs require the completion of residency | | | | Also don't forget to take time off to relax and |
| requirements (each school will define their | | | | recoup. Do something different and fun from time |
| residency requirements). Candidates are also | | | | to time. That will keep you refreshed. All said and |
| required to work on a dissertation after | | | | done, hard work, determination, discipline gets you |
| completion of the coursework. This phase of the | | | | to the finish line! |