doctoral degree

USAGE SUMMARY

"doctoral degree" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a degree that is awarded upon completion of specialized study beyond the bachelor's level of education, usually a PhD. For example, "Once I earn my doctoral degree, I plan to pursue a career in research."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Some research positions require a doctoral degree.

Independent

Doctoral degree convocation.

Columbia University

Mr. Plecki, who has a doctoral degree, lost his job.

The New York Times

I went to Princeton for my doctoral degree.

The New York Times

He received his doctoral degree from the Johns Hopkins University.

The New York Times

Bowdoin College awarded her an honorary doctoral degree.

The New York Times

Dr. Deubler continued her studies, getting a doctoral degree.

The New York Times

The first doctoral degree was awarded in 1923.

Encyclopedia Britannica

You recently earned a doctoral degree in psychology from Cambridge.

The New York Times - Books

She received a doctoral degree in psychology from Harvard.

The New York Times

Read more about Doctoral degree requirements.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about academic achievements, use "doctoral degree" to clearly specify the level of education attained. It's especially useful in formal contexts or when differentiating from other types of degrees.

Common error

Avoid using "doctoral degree" interchangeably with the title "Doctor". A "doctoral degree" is the qualification, while "Doctor" is the title used before a person's name after they have earned that degree.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "doctoral degree" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or the complement of a preposition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. For example, one might "earn a doctoral degree" or "apply for a program leading to a doctoral degree".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

35%

News & Media

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "doctoral degree" is a grammatically correct and very common term used to describe an advanced academic qualification. As Ludwig AI confirms, it accurately refers to the degree awarded after completing specialized study beyond a bachelor's degree. It's most frequently found in academic, news, and scientific contexts. While alternatives like "doctorate" or "PhD" exist, "doctoral degree" provides clarity and formality, particularly in professional writing. Ensure you're using it to describe the degree itself, not as a title, to avoid common writing errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

doctorate

This is a shorter, more concise term referring to the same qualification.

phd

This is a common abbreviation for Doctor of Philosophy, the most common type of doctoral degree.

doctorate degree

This is a slightly redundant but acceptable variation that emphasizes the degree aspect.

research doctorate

Emphasizes the research component of the doctoral program.

terminal degree

This term refers to the highest degree attainable in a specific field.

doctoral qualification

Replaces "degree" with a more formal synonym.

highest academic degree

Highlights the high level of education achieved.

advanced degree

This is a broader term that includes master's degrees and other postgraduate qualifications.

postgraduate degree

A general term for any degree pursued after a bachelor's degree.

completion of doctoral studies

Focuses on the process of finishing the doctoral program rather than the degree itself.

FAQs

How is "doctoral degree" used in a sentence?

You can use "doctoral degree" to describe the qualification someone holds, for example, "She earned her "doctoral degree" in biology from Harvard."

What's the difference between "doctoral degree" and "doctorate"?

"Doctoral degree" is a more explicit term, whereas "doctorate" is a shortened version referring to the same academic qualification. Both are acceptable, but "doctoral degree" may be preferred in formal contexts.

Is "doctorate degree" redundant?

The phrase "doctorate degree" could be considered slightly redundant, as "doctorate" already implies a degree. However, it is still grammatically correct and commonly used.

What are some other types of degrees that fall under postgraduate qualifications?

Besides a "doctoral degree", postgraduate qualifications include "master's degree"s, postgraduate diplomas, and postgraduate certificates.