Key Takeaways
- All PhDs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs. Doctorate is an umbrella term for the highest level of academic achievement, encompassing both research-based degrees like the PhD and applied degrees like the MD, and JD.
- The PhD is built for researchers. According to the American Psychological Association, the PhD is designed for those interested in generating new knowledge through scientific research, making it the degree of choice for those pursuing careers in academia, research institutions, and think tanks.
- The DPS is built for practitioners. The Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) is a terminal degree designed for experienced working professionals who want to apply advanced research to real-world challenges, not produce new theory, but put existing knowledge to work inside organizations and industries.
- Neither degree outranks the other. Both the PhD and the DPS are terminal degrees, meaning each represents the highest level of education attainable in a given field. The difference is purpose, not prestige.
- Doctoral degrees are rare and in demand. Despite growing rapidly since 2000, doctoral degree holders still represent a small fraction of the overall educated workforce, making any doctoral credential a meaningful and distinguished achievement.
- The right degree depends on your goals. If you are drawn to scholarship and original research, the PhD is your path. If you are a seasoned professional looking to lead, influence, and drive change in your field, the DPS may be the better fit.
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What’s the Difference Between a PhD and Doctorate? (DPS Explained)
At first glance, it’s easy to confuse the terms PhD and doctorate. After all, they both represent the pinnacle of the academic experience – often the result of a lifelong pursuit – and those who hold the distinction are often referred to as “doctor.” Yet the differences, subtle as they may be, are noteworthy and require much thought when putting together a plan for your future.
Is a PhD the Same as a Doctorate?
While the terms are closely related, they are not interchangeable. All PhDs are doctorates, but not all doctorates are PhDs. The PhD, also known as the Doctor of Philosophy, is a research degree, which is one of the most common types of doctoral degrees, and is awarded to graduates in many different fields. For those asking, “Is a PhD higher than a doctorate?” the answer is simple: no. A PhD lies within the doctorate category, so one is not better than the other.
According to the American Psychological Association, the PhD is “intended for students interested in generating new knowledge through scientific research (i.e., setting up experiments, collecting data, applying statistical and analytical techniques) and/or gaining teaching experience.”
In other words, the PhD is built around the pursuit of original research, producing knowledge that advances a field rather than applying it. PhD candidates typically spend years developing a highly specialized research question, conducting studies, and contributing findings to academic literature. The degree culminates in a dissertation that is expected to make a measurable contribution to the body of knowledge in a given discipline. For those drawn to university faculty positions, think tanks, or research institutions, the PhD remains the gold standard. It is a degree designed not just to certify expertise, but to produce the next generation of scholars and scientists who will push the boundaries of what is known.
Research-Focused vs. Practice-Focused Doctoral Programs
Not all doctoral degrees are designed with the same goal in mind. While both research-focused and practice-focused programs sit at the highest level of education, they differ significantly in how knowledge is created, applied, and evaluated.
Research-Focused Doctoral Programs
Research-focused doctorates, most notably the PhD, are built around generating new knowledge. These programs are ideal for individuals who want to contribute original research to their field, often with the goal of pursuing careers in academia, research institutions, or thought leadership roles.
Students in these programs:
- Spend several years developing deep expertise in a narrow subject area
- Conduct independent, original research
- Produce a dissertation that contributes new theory or insights to their discipline
- Emphasize methodology, critical analysis, and scholarly writing
The outcome is less about immediate application and more about advancing the field as a whole. Graduates are trained to ask complex questions, design rigorous studies, and push intellectual boundaries.
Practice-Focused Doctoral Programs (Including DPS)
Practice-focused doctorates—such as the Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS)—are designed for experienced professionals who want to apply advanced knowledge directly to real-world challenges. Instead of focusing primarily on theory, these programs emphasize implementation, leadership, and problem-solving within a professional context.
Students in these programs:
- Apply existing research to workplace or industry-specific challenges
- Complete applied research projects instead of traditional dissertations
- Focus on leadership, strategy, and innovation
- Often continue working while earning their degree
The goal is not to create entirely new theory, but to bridge the gap between research and practice—turning knowledge into measurable impact within organizations and industries.
So, Where Does DPS Fit in the PhD vs. Doctorate Debate?
The Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) occupies a unique space in the broader conversation about doctorates. While a PhD focuses on generating new knowledge through original research, a DPS is designed for professionals who want to apply advanced knowledge directly to real-world challenges. It bridges the gap between theory and practice, emphasizing leadership, problem-solving, and measurable impact in professional settings.
The DPS stands out as an applied, practice-oriented option offering the credibility of a terminal degree while focusing on results and professional advancement rather than purely academic research.
What Does a DPS Student Study? (DPS Explained)
The Doctor of Professional Studies is designed for experienced practitioners who want to apply advanced research and theory directly to the challenges they face in their field. Rather than pursuing knowledge for its own sake, DPS students study how to use knowledge, translating complex concepts into strategies, solutions, and leadership decisions.
While specific curricula vary by institution and concentration, DPS programs typically emphasize several core aspects, including research, skill preparation for the workforce, and executive leadership. Students learn how to conduct applied research, evaluate existing literature, and design studies that address practical problems within their profession. The focus is on research that informs action, not just academic or theoretical discourse. Many DPS programs explore how organizations function, how change is managed, and how leaders can drive meaningful outcomes. Students examine frameworks and case studies drawn from their own industries.
At the doctoral level, practitioners are expected to lead with integrity. DPS coursework often includes a deep examination of ethical responsibilities, professional standards, and the broader societal impact of decisions made at the leadership level. Depending on the program, students may concentrate in areas such as organizational effectiveness, performance psychology, education, and human services leadership, tailoring their studies to the specific demands of their career. Taken together, DPS coursework is less about becoming a researcher and more about becoming a more effective, evidence-driven leader. Students bring years of professional experience into the classroom and leave with the analytical tools and scholarly foundation to act on that experience at the highest level.
What Does a PhD Student Study?
Despite the name, a PhD student doesn’t spend all their time studying philosophy, and very rarely are they aspiring to be professional philosophers. Rather, the emphasis is on scientific research and the new knowledge that you can bring to your field of expertise. There are dozens of PhDs offered at colleges and universities worldwide. PhDs often fall into categories that include:
- Business and Management
- Commerce
- Education
- Engineering
- Humanities
- Law
- Science
Bottom line: A PhD program will train you to think like a researcher and approach problem-solving in new and different ways. Throughout your college tenure, you’ll examine the changes in your field of interest and challenge yourself to answer questions that include:
- How are those changes affecting current research in my field?
- How are those changes affecting policy decisions and leadership?
- How are those changes evolving in my field of interest?
What Is a Doctorate?
A doctorate, or doctoral degree, is an umbrella term for many degrees at the height of the academic ladder. Doctoral degrees fall under two categories, and here is where the confusion often lies.
The first category, Research (also referred to as Academic) includes, among others:
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
- Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)
- Doctor of Education (EdD)
- Doctor of Theology (ThD)
The second category, Applied (also referred to as Professional) includes, among others:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Optometry (OD)
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
- Juris Doctor (JD)
As you can see, applied doctorates are generally paired with very specific careers – medical doctors, optometrists, psychologists, and law professionals.
Bottom line: As the PhD is more academic, research-focused, and heavy on theory, an applied doctoral degree is intended for you to master a subject in both theory and practice.
Can a PhD Be Called a Doctor?
Yes. Anyone who has earned a doctoral degree can accurately refer to themselves as “doctor.” The word simply reflects completion of a doctorate, whether that degree is a PhD, EdD, DBA, DPA, PsyD, DMA, or another doctoral credential. Where people get confused is that the title “doctor” does not mean the same thing in every setting. A medical doctor is a physician trained to diagnose illness, treat patients, and provide medical care. A person with an academic or professional doctorate has earned the highest level of education in a field of study or practice, but is not necessarily a physician. So, the clearest way to think about it is this: all physicians are doctors, but not all doctors are physicians. In everyday life, context matters. In a hospital, most people will assume “doctor” means a medical doctor. In a university, research, or professional setting, “doctor” may refer to someone who has earned a doctorate in education, psychology, business, human services, or another discipline. The title is valid in both cases. The difference is not whether someone has the right to use it. The difference is what kind of doctorate they hold.
What Is a Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS)?
A Doctor of Professional Studies (DPS) is a terminal doctoral degree designed for experienced working professionals who want to deepen their expertise and apply advanced research to real-world challenges in their field. Unlike many traditional academic doctorates, which often focus primarily on theory and scholarly research, the DPS emphasizes applied learning, leadership, and practical problem-solving within professional environments.
According to the International Journal of Doctoral Studies, professional doctorates such as the DPS are designed for practitioners who use research to address practical problems in their professions rather than focusing solely on theoretical knowledge. These programs typically integrate academic study with workplace experience. They allow students to conduct research that directly impacts their industry, organization, or community.
DPS Coursework
A Doctor of Professional Studies program generally includes advanced coursework in areas such as leadership, research methods, and strategic decision-making, followed by a major applied research project or dissertation. Rather than producing purely theoretical scholarship, this final project often focuses on developing solutions to real organizational or industry challenges.
The degree is often pursued by mid-career or senior professionals who want to strengthen their leadership capabilities, influence industry practices, or transition into high-level consulting, executive leadership, or academic roles focused on professional practice. Fields that commonly offer Doctor of Professional Studies degrees include organizational effectiveness, performance psychology, education, and human services leadership.
What’s the Difference Between a PhD and a Doctor of Professional Studies?
At first glance, the PhD and the Doctor of Professional Studies can seem interchangeable; both are terminal degrees, both demand years of rigorous study, and both confer the title of "Doctor." But the distinction between them is more meaningful than most people realize, and it comes down to a fundamental question: are you trying to generate knowledge or apply it?
Because the Doctor of Professional Studies is considered a professional doctorate, it differs somewhat from a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). While both are doctoral-level credentials and require significant research, a PhD typically prepares graduates for careers in academia and research institutions. A Doctor of Professional Studies, by contrast, is designed to help professionals apply research findings to the workplace to improve practices, policies, and systems within their field.
Researchers at Discover PhDs captured this difference with striking clarity: "If the traditional PhD degree is intended to develop professional researchers, then professional doctorate degrees appear to be designed to develop researching professionals."
That single statement reframes the entire conversation. A PhD produces scholars, people trained to ask original questions, design studies, and contribute new theory to a field. A Doctor of Professional Studies, by contrast, produces practitioners equipped with scholarly tools. The Doctor of Professional Studies graduate does not abandon research; they wield it differently. Rather than producing knowledge for the academy, they use existing knowledge to solve real problems inside real organizations.
This distinction matters especially for mid- and late-career professionals who already have deep expertise in their field. The PhD asks you to step back from practice and into a laboratory or library. The Doctor of Professional Studies meets you where you are, whether that’s in the boardroom, the clinic, the classroom, or the field, and gives you a doctoral-level framework to lead more effectively from that position.
Neither degree is superior to the other. They simply answer different callings.
In short, the Doctor of Professional Studies combines rigorous doctoral-level study with applied research, enabling experienced professionals to develop evidence-based solutions and drive meaningful change in their industries.
Doctoral Degrees Are in Demand
Whether you are pursuing a PhD, PsyD, MD, or JD, your decision to take your education to the next level puts you in elite company. As reported in Forbes, a 2024 survey conducted by the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics, indicates U.S. colleges and universities conferring doctoral degrees is at an all-time high, with a 3.1% increase year over year since 2020.
So, what’s pushing these high achievers to pursue PhDs, PsyDs, and MDs? It’s a love of lifelong learning and a passion for their chosen profession, plus all the benefits that come with advanced degrees.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is a Doctor of Professional Studies the Same as a PhD?
A: No, a Doctor of Professional Studies is not the Same as a PhD. Though both are terminal doctoral degrees that earn you the title of "Doctor," they serve different purposes. A PhD is designed for those pursuing original academic research, while a DPS is designed for experienced professionals who want to apply advanced knowledge to real-world challenges in their field.
Q: Is a Doctor of Professional Studies a Real Doctorate?
A: Yes. A Doctor of Professional Studies is a real doctorate. A DPS is a legitimate, accredited terminal degree recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It requires the same level of academic rigor as a PhD and culminates in a terminal degree.
Q: Can I Be Called "Doctor" with a Doctor of Professional Studies?
A: Yes. Graduates of a Doctor of Professional Studies program have earned a doctoral-level degree and may use the title "Dr."
Q: Is a PhD Higher than a Doctor of Professional Studies?
A: No. Both degrees sit at the same level of the academic ladder—the terminal degree. One is not superior to the other; they simply prepare graduates for different career paths.
Q: Who Should Pursue a Doctor of Professional Studies Instead of a PhD?
A: The Doctor of Professional Studies is best suited for experienced career professionals who want to deepen their expertise, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and apply research directly to the challenges they face in their organization or industry. If your goal is to publish original theory or pursue a university research position, a PhD may be the better fit.
Q: How Long Does It Take to Earn a Doctor of Professional Studies?
A: Program length varies by institution, but most DPS programs are designed to be completed in 2.5 to 3 years. Because they are built for working professionals, many programs offer flexible or hybrid formats that allow students to continue working full-time while earning their degree.
Q: What Fields Offer a Doctor of Professional Studies Degree?
A: Doctor of Professional Studies programs are commonly offered in a variety of fields such as organizational effectiveness, performance psychology, education, and human services leadership, though availability varies by institution.
Your Path to the Pinnacle of Education
You know that a college education serves as the foundation for your professional future, but a doctoral degree is a big commitment. Before you make the decision, arm yourself with as much information as possible and ask yourself if you have the time and the passion to pursue what will be a life-changing degree. Choosing between a PhD and other doctoral degrees depends on your career goals—research, leadership, or professional practice. If you’re ready for that change, put together your questions and contact an advisor at UAGC today.