Definitions for "Doctor of Philosophy"
a doctorate awarded for original contributions to knowledge
a higher degree by research, awarded for completion of a course in which the research training component, culminating in the presentation of a thesis, constitutes the major emphasis.
Traditionally a research program completed in three or four years of full-time study Some PhD programs now offer a limited coursework component PhD programs enable you to undertake substantial, original research conducted under expert academic supervision You submit a thesis report to earn a PhD