A doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) is the highest academic degree available in most disciplines. Completing a Ph.D. requires years of study, as well as original research in the student's field.
A Ph.D. requires conducting original research.
Admission
Most Ph.D. programs require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Many require a master's degree.
Entrance Exam
In addition to a bachelor's degree, many Ph.D. programs require satisfactory scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) for admission. The test assesses verbal, mathematical and analytical reasoning skills.
Courses
To receive a Ph.D., students must first master the subject they are studying. They must complete required courses, as well as read a large volume of material from books and scholarly journals.
Final Exam
Many Ph.D. programs require students to pass a written test to demonstrate their mastery of their subject area.
Dissertation
Ph.D. students must contribute to their area of study by completing a dissertation of original research.
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