PhD and DPhill differences

Regardless of British qualifications, where EdD is certainly lower than PhD, I remain to see any significant difference in the standing of *American* EdDs and PhDs except that the former is more specialized.

 

Some corrections

The DPhil designation at University of York in the UK has now been dropped (last year I think) in favour of PhD. The last graduating students were allowed to choose whether they wanted PhD or DPhil. I think the only remaining universities using DPhil (where it means the same as PhD) are: Oxford, Sussex, Buckingham and Ulster. All the academics I know who hold a DPhil have used PhD if they have gone to work abroad because people just didn't understand the DPhil designation.

The ThD (Doctor of Theology) is a new 'invention' in the UK and is not equal to a DD. The DD can be an earned or honorary degree. As an earned degree it is regarded as a 'higher doctorate'. The ThD has now been introduced by one or two British universities (Birmingham as an example) as a professional doctorate akin to the DBA, EdD et al. The PhD remains as the premier doctorate (or first doctorate) to distinguish it from a higher doctorate! All getting out of hand in my view! AJJ

 

Re: Some corrections

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The ThD in some USA schools (eg The Master's Seminary) requires 3-5 years to complete which includes several competency exams four languages, coursework, and a dissertation. Its duration seems not out of line with the USA PhD until one realizes that entrance is based on a USA type of ThM not the lower MA degree. The former master's requires much more.

The USA type ThM, a master's degree, at my alma mater requires at a minimum four years of full time grad work, two languages, thesis, comprehensive exam and includes often the MDiv, a three year masters. That is why in some USA accredited schools the ThM significantly reduces the work needed to get the PhD. EG, Baptist Bible Seminary in Pa. , a very attractive, though cost prohibitive to me, program states, "The PhD will be significantly shorter (by 37 hrs) for those holding a ThM."

In contrast, it is my understanding that the ThM in some UK type programs might be obtained in two years and ThD work, at times only a thesis, predicated on that. Certainly, were this true, there is uneveness between some USA ThD programs and some UK type programs.

My experience is a mix. I have the four year USA ThM but am doing a dissertation only ThD. Both programs are academic, not "professional." This latter will take me , IF all goes well, about three years of full time study to do. Fortunately I'm mostly retired. As the ThM took four years full time coursework (in my case eight years part time) and thesis on campus I will have at least seven years full time (equivalent) in my doctorate if I finish.

That seems fairly substantial to me. Possibly it is the equal of the UK DD in expectations?

 

DD

Not really Bill. The DD in the UK, when acquired as an earned degree, is usually only taken/achieved by top academic scholars/theologians who are the leaders in their field in terms of scholarship. It has nothing to do with hours put in but original scholaship of the highest international standard. The new Archbishop of Canterbury has a doctorate and a DD (earned). The emminent New Testament scholar (now deceased), Professor Alan Richardson got a DD (from Oxford I think) on the basis of all his scholarly published work.

Best of luck with all your studies!

AJJ

 

AJJ

I think I understand now, thanks. And thanks for your good wishes!