• The National Science Foundation reported that American universities awarded nearly 49,000 research doctorates in 2008----the sixth consecutive annual increase since 2002. Doctoral degrees represent the highest level of achievement in many academic fields, and prepare men and women for entry into certain professions. Earning a doctorate requires a huge investment of time and money, but the effort can be rewarding.
  
  

Professional Entry

• For some professions----law and medicine, in particular----a doctorate degree is needed for entry into these fields. Becoming a lawyer requires a basic law degree, known as a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. The degree requires about 3 years of study beyond the bachelor's degree. Becoming a physician, dentist or veterinarian requires a doctorate from an accredited medical, dental, or veterinary school. A doctorate in a medical field----Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.)----generally requires 4 years of study beyond the 4-year college degree.
  
  

University Teaching

• Many recipients of doctoral degrees pursue academic careers, teaching and conducting research at colleges and universities. Becoming a university professor requires a doctoral degree, generally known as a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from an accredited university in the field in which the person wants to teach. Each year, universities across the country award doctoral degrees in the physical sciences, engineering, liberal arts and humanities, social sciences, education, business administration, and other disciplines. Requirements for the doctorate vary, but in general, students must complete a program of required coursework and read a large volume of material to master the subject matter in their field of study. Then they must contribute to the body of knowledge by conducting original research of their own and presenting the results in a written dissertation.
  
  

Professional Advancement

• In some professions, a doctorate may provide an avenue to career advancement. Recipients of doctoral degrees in the science and engineering fields may find additional opportunities in industry, research, and consulting. Educators who earn doctorate degrees often advance to careers in school administration as principals, district administrators, or even school system superintendents. Some recipients of doctoral degrees provide consulting services and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.
  
  

Research Careers

• Some recipients of doctoral degrees embark on research careers in government, industry, and non-profit organizations. Social science Ph.D.s, for example, may work in policy analysis or evaluation research for government agencies or research organizations known as "think-tanks." Recipients of doctoral degrees in business, finance, economics or related fields may work as researchers for banking and investment firms, or for government agencies.