A Doctor of Philosophy PhD , DPhil ; Latin : philosophiae doctor or doctor in philosophia [ 1 ] is a terminal degree that usually denotes the highest level of academic achievement in a given discipline and is awarded following a course of graduate study and original research. The name of the degree is most often abbreviated PhD or, at times, as Ph. PhDs are awarded for programs across the whole breadth of academic fields.
Since it is an earned research degree, those studying for a PhD are required to produce original research that expands the boundaries of knowledge, normally in the form of a dissertation , and, in some cases, defend their work before a panel of other experts in the field.
In many fields, the completion of a PhD is typically required for employment as a university professor , researcher, or scientist.
In the context of the Doctor of Philosophy and other similarly titled degrees, the term "philosophy" does not refer to the field or academic discipline of philosophy , but is used in a broader sense in accordance with its original Greek meaning, which is "love of wisdom".
A PhD candidate must submit a project, thesis , or dissertation often consisting of a body of original academic research , which is in principle worthy of publication in a peer-reviewed journal. In the European University Association defined the "Salzburg Principles", 10 basic principles for third-cycle degrees doctorates within the Bologna Process.
