Doctorate degree programs are offered at hundreds, if not thousands of public and private universities, making finding the right doctorate degree program a challenge. It's important to do your research and have an understanding of your goals before deciding on a school.

Types of Degrees

Doctorate degrees typically require you to complete between two and three years of academic study following graduation from a bachelor's or master's degree program. The type of doctorate degree pursued will usually dictate the length of time needed to obtain the degree.

Admission Requirements

Obtaining a bachelor's degree or master's degree is typically required before you can enroll in a doctorate degree program. A strong academic background, involvement in extracurricular activities and organizations, and work experience related to the doctorate degree are also highly valued and will help applicants gain acceptance into their desired school. Each school has its own specific requirements, making it important for you to explore several options before deciding on a school.

Career Opportunities After Earning A Doctorate Degree

With a doctorate degree in hand, graduates can pursue a career in management or consulting in whatever field their studies were concentrated on. They may also choose to pursue a career in academia as a professor or researcher in their specific field. The opportunities after earning a doctorate degree are often limited only by one's imagination.

Post Graduate Salary Information

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupations that typically require workers to have a doctorate degree include Postsecondary teachers, who had a median salary of $119,964 in 2025 ¹, Lawyers, who had a median salary of $159,670 in 2025 ², and Physical Therapists, who had a median salary of $102,760 in 2025. ³

Note that the average salary varies widely not only depending on career chosen, but on geographical location and employer. Conditions in your area may vary.

References

1. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
3. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

• Careers associated with these educational opportunities often require additional degrees and certifications not offered as part of the educational opportunities presented by this website.
• Information based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.