PhD vs. doctorate: key differences explained 

By: The Capella University Editorial Team

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Earning a doctoral degree is one of the biggest commitments you can make in higher education, and the type of doctorate you choose will shape the opportunities it creates.

Given their similarities, many believe that a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and a professional doctorate are the same – but this isn’t the case.

A PhD is a type of doctoral degree that focuses on original research and building new knowledge. Professional or applied doctorates are based on expertise gained directly in professional settings.

If your goal is to expand your influence, take on leadership roles or solve pressing challenges in your field, knowing the difference between a PhD and a professional doctorate is essential. This guide walks through how each doctoral degree works, what sets them apart and how to decide which aligns with your career goals.

So, what is a doctorate vs. a PhD?

Research doctorates and professional doctorates vary in their goals and methodologies.

What is a PhD?

A PhD is the most common type of research doctorate and one of the highest academic degrees available. It’s designed to expand knowledge through original research that contributes new insights to a field.

PhD candidates identify a gap in existing knowledge, develop a research proposal, conduct original studies and present their findings in a written dissertation. The program often concludes with an oral defense before faculty, preparing graduates to pursue career opportunities in academia, research or specialized consulting.

Despite its name, a PhD isn’t limited to philosophy. You can earn one in disciplines such as psychology, business, education and the sciences. Capella University, for instance, offers a PhD in Psychology with specializations in general psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, developmental psychology and educational psychology.

These degrees are recognized for their rigor and the meaningful intellectual contributions graduates make to their fields.

What is an applied or professional doctorate?

Professional doctorates are designed for experienced professionals who seek to transform their professions by making significant breakthroughs in their field. You are expected to apply existing knowledge in the real world and find solutions to pressing issues. This is referred to as applied research.

These programs integrate advanced coursework, case studies and applied research or capstone projects.

For some jobs, like medicine or law, a professional doctorate is required. But many professionals use an applied doctorate program to build credibility, make a greater impact in their industry and pursue leadership roles.

Common professional doctoral degrees include:

• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA): A DBA emphasizes applying advanced business theory to real organizational challenges. Students complete a capstone or applied research project to solve a current business problem.
• Doctor of Education (EdD): The EdD develops leadership skills in educational settings, focusing on improving practice, policy and organizational outcomes through applied research.
• Doctor of Information Technology (DIT): A DIT in information systems prepares professionals to lead innovation and solve IT challenges.
• Doctor of Health Administration (DHA): The DHA builds expertise in health systems management, policy implementation and leadership in healthcare.
• Doctor of Public Health (DrPH): A DrPH prepares professionals to lead evidence-based initiatives and address health disparities in communities at local, national and global levels.

Capella University offers both research and professional doctorate degree programs, so you can become a scholar-practitioner – someone who bridges theory and practice to drive meaningful results in their field. You get a deep understanding of foundational theory and how it directly applies to the needs of your profession. You also learn the skills and knowledge to research, teach, consult and lead.

PhD vs. professional doctorate: differences at a glance

Degree focus

PhD: Contribute new knowledge to the field through theoretical, original research

Professional doctorate: Apply existing knowledge to solve real-world problems and advance the field

Independent research project

PhD: Dissertation that involves original research

Professional doctorate: Capstone that involves practice-based project or applied dissertation

Career path

PhD: People who want to:

• Conduct research
• Consult in specialized fields
• Pursue tenured academic positions
• Pursue careers in policy

Professional doctorate: People who want to:

• Practice directly in the field
• Advance their skills
• Become leaders
• Teach in colleges or universities

Understanding these differences makes it easier to align your degree choice with your long-term career goals

Choosing between a PhD and a doctorate

Ultimately, deciding whether to pursue a PhD or a professional doctorate starts with assessing your career goals, the kind of research that interests you most and how you plan to apply your degree.

Consider a PhD if you:

• Want to pursue a career in academia or research
• Enjoy deep theoretical exploration and independent study
• Aim to contribute original knowledge to your field
• Can commit for a longer time

Consider a professional doctorate if you:

• Are an experienced professional pursuing professional development
• Want to solve practical problems and make a real-world impact
• Prefer applied learning over pure research
• Need a program that fits alongside your profession
• Wish to teach or contribute to academia in a practice-based field

You can also use our doctoral journey guide to help you make an informed decision.

Earn your doctoral degree with Capella

Getting a PhD or a doctorate can lead to highly rewarding careers, but many people struggle with time commitment, cost and the lack of flexibility. An online doctoral program can be the perfect solution for busy adults who want to earn an advanced degree.

Capella University offers online PhD and/or professional doctorate degree programs across many industries, including business, information technology, education and healthcare. Help pursue your professional goals by applying to our programs today.

FAQs

Is it harder to get a PhD or a doctorate?

Neither is universally harder; difficulty depends on your field, program requirements and goals. PhD programs often demand original research, while professional doctorates require applied projects or advanced practical experience.

Which takes longer, PhD or doctorate?

The time it takes to earn a doctoral degree depends on the program structure and final project requirements.

Capella students can choose between an instructor-guided format and FlexPath, a self-paced learning option that allows them to progress at their own speed.

Can you get a PhD without a master’s?

You need a master’s degree to apply to many PhD and professional doctorate programs. But some universities offer direct PhD admissions to talented applicants with an undergraduate degree. However, at this point in time, no PhD programs at Capella University offer this as an option.