doctor's degree

[/ˈdɑːktərz dɪˈɡriː/]
nounpl: doctor's degrees
doutorado
1. The highest academic degree awarded by universities, typically requiring original research and a dissertation
She earned her doctor's degree in molecular biology from Harvard University.
Ela obteve seu doutorado em biologia molecular pela Universidade de Harvard.
2. An advanced postgraduate qualification that demonstrates expertise in a specific field of study
A doctor's degree usually takes 4-7 years to complete after earning a bachelor's degree.
Um doutorado geralmente leva 4-7 anos para ser concluído após obter um bacharelado.
In the United States, a doctor's degree (particularly a PhD) is considered the terminal degree in most academic fields and is essential for university teaching positions. In Brazil, the doutorado is similarly valued in academic and research contexts. The term 'doctor' in this context refers to the academic qualification, not a medical doctor (médico).
Synonyms / Sinônimos
doctoral degreePhDdoctorateadvanced degree
Antonyms / Antônimos
bachelor's degreeassociate's degreehigh school diploma

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
doutorado
Standard term used throughout Brazil for doctoral-level education
Portugal
doutoramento
Preferred term in Portugal, though doutorado is also understood
USA Academic
doctor's degree / doctoral degree
Commonly used in official academic contexts and institutional documents

Related Words

dissertationthesispostgraduateacademiamaster's degreePhD candidate

Related Idioms & Phrases

earn/obtain a doctor's degree
pursue a doctor's degree
hold a doctor's degree
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