Professional Doctorate and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) study programs are often considered apex in the academic journey of any student. So, students who aspire to have a fulfilling academic experience and delve deeper into their chosen domain opt for these degree courses. However, there is confusion about these courses. If you want to understand the difference and gain other valuable information, let’s get to it.

Key Highlights

·         Professional doctorate vs PhD

·         A quick glance at some key differences

·         Demand for doctoral programs

Professional doctorate vs PhD

A doctoral degree is an umbrella term for all the major doctorate-level study programs. Both professional doctorate and PhD courses fall under this category, and the disparity between these two courses is not too substantial.

PhD study programs focus on original research in your chosen area of specialisation. On the other hand, a professional doctorate degree inclines more toward applied research to tackle contemporary issues facing the world. Now that you know the key difference between the two, you must research the learning outcomes and curriculum of both courses before making a decision.

Which is better?

If your question is which one will offer you a competitive advantage in your academic and professional life, then it depends on your learning goals. In general, one is not better than the other. So, when selecting the course, do a quick self-introspection exercise and thorough research to answer these questions:

·         Do I want to learn more about existing research or understand how the research in this space can be transformed and utilised?

·         What existing skills do I possess, and what skills can I acquire after opting for these courses?

·         Do my current academic qualifications align with professional doctoral programs or PhD?

Take a quick glance at some key differences

Aspects	Professional doctorate	PhD
Focus area	·         The courses are designed to encourage the students to develop expertise. · Although you have to concentrate on theoretical knowledge, you will explore new pathways based on existing theories.	· The study format focuses on creating theories based on the original research.
Some popular areas of specialisation	· Business ·  Psychology · Data Science · Machine Learning · Finance	· Arts and Humanities ·  Economics ·  Maths ·  Engineering ·  Psychology
Approach	· A professional doctorate program is for you if your approach is problem-solving by applying theoretical knowledge.	· If you want to gain deeper insights into theoretical knowledge, PHD is for you.
Basic Eligibility criteria	· You should have completed a master’s degree	· You should have completed a master’s degree
Assessment	· A doctoral study is a scholarly paper you need to prepare to cover your findings in your chosen field.	· A dissertation is an academic report covering the research that you have conducted for your project.
Design	·      It is designed to impart existing research knowledge to encourage you to find real-world solutions.	·  It intends to give deeper insights into the original research and prepares you to present it to an academic audience.
Popular study programs	· Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) · Doctor of Education (EdD) · Doctor of Computer Science	· PhD in Management · PhD in Mechanical Engineering · PhD in Economics

 

Note: Both the study programs require dedication and consistent academic performance. Hence, many universities may require a certain basic percentage or grade in your previous academic year. Please check the minimum scores with your preferred university before applying.

Demand for doctoral programs

Regardless of the degree you choose, whether a PhD or Professional Doctorate program, you will benefit from ever-increasing demand. Since the rigorous coursework of these programs imparts expert knowledge, you can make a perfect head start in your career with these courses.

Some in-demand doctorate-level programs:

·         PhD in Marketing

·         Doctor of Business Administration (DBA), especially in Marketing

·         Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

·         Doctor of Professional Studies - Instructional Design Leadership (DPS)

·         PhD in Education

·         Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA)

So, now you can make a well-informed decision. If a lack of finance is keeping you from pursuing your academic aspirations, student loans cover the major educational expenses of doctoral courses. In fact, at Avanse Financial Services, we offer an education loan that covers the holistic cost of education, including tuition fees, accommodation costs, living expenses, and other education-related expenses. If you have any doubts, please share them with us. We will be happy to partner with you on your academic journey. All the best!