Overview
A doctoral degree is an academic degree that is awarded to a student once he or she completes the academic requirements set by the post-graduate college. Doctoral degree is the major degree conferred by the universities in the United States. In the United States, online doctorate programs are also offered for working adults and professionals. Some schools that offer doctoral programs are Walden University and Ashord University.
A doctoral degree program requires one to three years of additional college work beyond a master's degree program. The first two years of study provides an advanced technical knowledge in your own field. Students gain specialization in their particular field and they are required to submit a thesis on a topic of their choice. A Ph.D. degree is awarded to them based on their coursework and the doctoral thesis which they need to defend before a panel of experts.
Benefits
The major benefit of a doctoral degree is increased earning power. A person with a doctoral degree is likely to earn more as compared to a candidate with an associate degree, bachelor's degree, or even a master's degree. Many jobs require a person having a doctoral degree. Some of the positions include that of a university professor, researcher, physician, pharmacist, veterinarian, and psychologists.
Costs
The tuition fee for a doctoral degree varies with respect to the school and program you choose. The usual cost ranges between $15,000 and $40,000. Most states offer a sharp reduction in tuition fee for students who attend an in-state school. In case you plan to undertake the program from a university outside your state, you have to account for boarding and lodging facilities as well. The cost of textbooks for a doctoral degree averages to about $100 per course.
Schools
Doctoral degrees are offered by most of the four-year colleges and universities. Some of the well-known schools that offer this program are Walden University and Ashford University. These colleges and universities may also provide online doctorate degree programs.
Tests & Preparation
Schools that offer doctoral degree programs require students to take an advanced degree testing. International applicants should have a good score in the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and/or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). You are also required to take a test based on the type of doctoral program that you choose to attend.
Financial Aid
Students who are admitted for doctoral degree programs from accredited schools are generally eligible for financial aid. This aid usually comes as grants, scholarships or as loans. Grants are normally government provided funds and are based on the financial need of the student. Scholarships are provided based on academic excellence. Rotary Fellowship and Byron Hanke Fellowship are funds which are given to students taking up the doctoral degree. National Humanities Center Fellowship is awarded to applicants who hold a doctoral degree.
