This is a question that is asked a lot. That is not surprising because doctorates are similar in content
and structure. So just in case people ask you what is the difference in doctoral degrees here is an
answer you can provide.
First of all, to earn a doctoral degree, you need to first earn a Bachelor’s. From there most people
elect to earn a Masters’. However, you can also go straight to a Doctorate.
A PhD and a Professional Doctorate are different in the functionality:
The PhD has an academic focus. PhD students/candidates focus on developing original
research on a topic or body of work. The research degree prepares students with skills
necessary to conduct research in academic, governmental, and business fields.
Here is a brief list of the many research degrees:
 PhD – Doctor of Philosophy
 DA – Doctor of Arts
 DBA – Doctor of Business Administration
 JCD – Doctor of Cannon Law
 Deng, DESc, DES – Doctor of Engineering or Engineering Science
 EdD – Doctor of Education
 DFA – Doctor of Fine Arts
 DMA – Doctor of Musical Arts
 ThD – Doctor of Theology
 DS,ScD – Doctor of Science
 DNSc – Doctor of Nursing Science
 DMA – Doctor of Musical Arts
 JSD,SJD – Doctor of Juridical Science
The Professional Doctorate has a professional focus. Professional Doctorate
students/candidates contribute research and data to existing problems in their professional
field, which is often referred to as Applied Research.
Professional Doctorate students study the necessary information for their field to meet specific
academic and license requirements for the desired profession and for state exams.
Here’s a brief list of the many Applied Research Professional Doctorates:
 DAOM – Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
 DPT – Doctor of Physical Therapy
 Dr.AP – Doctor of Anesthesia Practice
 D.Arch. – Doctor of Architecture
 D.A.T. – Doctor of Athletic Training
 Au.D – Doctor of Audiology
 D.B.H. – Doctor of Behavioral
 D.Chem. – Doctor of Chemistry
 D.C. – Doctor of Chiropractic
 D.C.L. – Doctor of Civil Law
 D.D. – Doctor of Divinity
 D.M.D. – Doctor of Dental Medicine
 D.H.A. – Doctor of Health Administration
 DPH – Doctor of Public Health
 DSS – Doctor of Social Science
For a comprehensive list of doctorate degrees check out https://www.uopeople.edu