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What is a Ph.D?

Overview: Hybrid EPET June 2018

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Graduate studies are different...

Link URL: http://www.gradhacker.org/wp-content/uploads/Combine-1024x473.png Used under CC copyright

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Difference between Ph.D. and Masters degrees

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M.A.

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  • Emphasizes: professional education
  • Consume and appreciate research
  • Complete coursework to complete the degree
  • Program is clearly paced on clearly defined path

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Ph.D.

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  • Emphasizes: training researchers and future academics
  • Produce research/lead the field
  • Complete apprenticeship & dissertation to complete degree
  • Program largely self-paced on uncertain, self-directed path

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Ph.D. vs. Ed.D

  • Ph.D. is research oriented; Ed.D is a professional degree*
  • In practice, there is very little difference (Nelson & Coorough, 1994)
  • Initiatives addressing confusion are underway

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*NSF currently recognizes the Ed.D. as a research degree

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Ph.D in pictures

http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures/

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