A doctorate (a.k.a Ph.D.) is the highest level of scholarly education one can attain. The coursework usually takes about two years to complete, at which point it’s said that one is “ABD,” which means “all but dissertation.” To complete the doctorate, one must write a book-length paper called a dissertation, containing new research and ideas in the field of study. Once oral exams are passed, and the dissertation has passed committee review, a person earns his or her Ph.D.

Individuals who hold Ph.D.s are expected to work as professors in universities, teaching, publishing, and doing research.