If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been thinking about taking the next step in your academic or professional journey. Maybe you’re at a crossroads, asking yourself whether a doctoral degree is the right move. It’s a major commitment, but one that can open doors, deepen your expertise, and position you to make a meaningful impact in your field.
For centuries, the doctorate has represented the highest level of academic achievement: a mark of deep mastery in a subject. It’s a path few take and even fewer complete. The road can be long and demanding, requiring resilience, focus, and a strong sense of purpose. That’s why it’s important to understand your “why” before getting started.
People pursue doctoral degrees for all kinds of reasons. Some are driven by a passion for advancing knowledge in their field. Others are motivated by career advancement, leadership goals, or simply a love of learning. Where do you fall on that spectrum?
In this article, we’ll explore the two main types of doctoral degrees and what they can lead to. We’ll break down the top five reasons people choose to pursue a doctorate, explain why those motivations matter, and help you reflect on whether a doctoral program is the right fit for you. By the end, you should have a clearer sense of where you stand, and what comes next.
What is a Doctorate Degree?
A doctorate is the highest academic degree one can earn, representing the peak of educational achievement in a given field. The term has evolved from its medieval European origins, when it signified a license to teach Latin at universities, into a modern credential that opens doors across industries. As of 2019, only 41% of doctorate holders went into academia at all as of 2019. The rest have found rewarding roles in healthcare, business, government, and other sectors.
While the terms “doctorate” and “PhD” are often used interchangeably, they’re not exactly the same. A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is one type of doctorate, but not the only one. “Doctorate” is a broader category that includes both PhDs and professional doctorates. While all PhDs are doctorates, not all doctorates are PhDs.
PhD programs focus on theoretical research and academic inquiry. They’re designed to develop new knowledge and typically lead to careers in research or higher education. PhD candidates complete a dissertation based on original research and defend it before a committee.
Professional doctorates, on the other hand, emphasize the practical application of knowledge in real-world settings. Degrees like the EdD, DBA, and DNP are designed for experienced professionals aiming to lead, innovate, and solve problems in fields such as education, business, and healthcare. These programs often culminate in a capstone project or applied study instead of a traditional dissertation.
Top Reasons to Pursue a Doctorate Degree
People pursue doctoral degrees for different reasons. Internal motivations, like a passion for learning or a desire to make a meaningful contribution, can provide personal fulfillment and help you stay committed through challenges. External motivations, such as career advancement or higher earning potential, offer clear, tangible rewards.
Both are valid. Whether you’re driven by curiosity or career goals, knowing your reasons can help you stay focused and make informed choices along the way. Understanding the differences between certain motivations can help you clarify your goals and determine if a doctorate is the right path for you.
1. Career Advancement and Job Security
Has your degree taken you as far as you can go in your career, but you find yourself wanting more? Many top-level roles in academia, research, and industry require or prefer a doctoral degree. Having this advanced level of education and expertise spells out opportunities for leadership roles or prestigious positions in various fields.
For those looking to transition into a different role, doctorate holders often have a competitive edge. This degree can position you as a subject matter expert, which is useful for breaking into specialized fields where advanced knowledge is essential. In competitive job markets, this could be the difference between getting your dream job or settling for a position that doesn’t allow you to reach your potential.
Job stability in this economy is becoming more important. Industries such as education, healthcare, and technology increasingly seek doctorate-level expertise, providing job security for highly skilled individuals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has found that “more education means less unemployment.” A doctoral degree could be a strategic move for future-proofing your career.
2. Increased Earning Potential
Legendary business magnate Warren Buffett once said, “The more you learn, the more you earn.” This holds true for doctorate holders, as they typically earn higher salaries than those with only master’s or bachelor’s degrees; fields like research, data science, and healthcare offer six-figure salaries for doctoral-level professionals.
As industries continue to evolve, employers are increasingly looking for experts with specialized knowledge in order to compete in the global economy. Doctoral graduates offer advanced skills in critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and strong research abilities, making them invaluable assets. This expertise often leads to high-demand roles that command top dollar.
While doctoral programs can be costly, the potential for higher lifetime earnings makes it a worthwhile investment for many. If you consider the potential financial growth, the initial time and money you invest in a doctorate degree can pay off significantly throughout your career.
3. Personal and Intellectual Fulfillment
Prospective students looking to deepen their knowledge and expertise will find that doctoral studies provide a unique opportunity to gain a specialized understanding of whatever field they’re passionate about. The intellectual challenge is both stimulating and enriching. Engaging in original research, thesis work, and scholarly debate can be extremely fulfilling for those enthusiastic about learning and growing.
The doctoral journey is also a path to self-discovery. Many students find the process of overcoming academic challenges, conducting research, and defending a thesis enhances their confidence, resilience, and personal growth. In the end, they emerge as more knowledgeable and capable individuals.
These types of intrinsic motivation are positively associated with persistence, increasing the likelihood of candidates successfully completing the program. This is an important reason to choose your program carefully, making sure it aligns with your inner goals.
4. Contributions to Original Research and Knowledge
Working toward a doctorate offers a unique opportunity to conduct original research in an area you’re passionate about. PhD candidates often design and carry out studies that drive progress in areas like science, technology, medicine, social sciences, and the humanities.
There are countless examples of PhD students making groundbreaking contributions. One well-known case is John Nash, whose PhD thesis introduced the “Nash equilibrium”—a concept that later earned him a Nobel Prize in Economics.
Doctoral programs also give students the chance to establish themselves as experts. Publishing in peer-reviewed journals, presenting at academic conferences, and collaborating with others in the field help build credibility and open doors for future research or career opportunities.
5. Leadership Opportunities
Do your ambitions lie in taking on leadership roles? Great leaders are passionate, adaptable, empathetic, and they strive for wisdom. A good doctoral program cultivates these qualities and prepares graduates to become visionary thinkers and effective decision-makers.
If you’re planning a career in academia, a PhD can open doors to roles like professor, dean, or department head. In these positions, you’ll lead programs, mentor future scholars, and help shape the academic landscape.
Professional doctorates in fields like business, technology, and healthcare often lead to executive or leadership roles where research skills, strategic thinking, and discipline are essential. These degrees prepare graduates to drive progress and lead innovation within their industries.
Doctoral graduates can also find fulfilling careers in policy and the public sector. Whether working as policy advisors or consultants, they contribute to decisions in areas like public health, education reform, and economic development—making a lasting impact on their communities.
Common Fields that Require or Value Doctorate Degrees
There are many career options available for doctoral graduates. Fields that require or prioritize hiring individuals with doctorate degrees can be broadly categorized into four main areas, each with specific job roles. These include:
- Academia and Research: University faculty, research scientists, and academic leaders
- Healthcare: Clinical psychologists, advanced nurse practitioners, epidemiologists, and healthcare administrators
- Business and Industry: Corporate executives, data scientists, and business consultants
- Public Policy and Government: Policy analysts, public health officials, and government advisors
Should You Pursue a Doctorate Degree?
Just like any other major life decision, you should do some self-reflection and decide if this aligns with your long-term goals. Pursuing a doctorate means intense pressure, long hours, and emotional and financial challenges. However, the rewards are immense if you make it through the program. You will enjoy the fruits of personal growth, mastery in your field, and the opportunity to make a significant impact through your work.
The ideal candidate will have a strong commitment to research, a passion for their field, and clear career or personal goals aligned with advanced study. If earning a doctorate is a serious consideration, you should interrogate your motivations and ask yourself some probing questions.
Here are a few key questions to consider as you evaluate this decision:
- Why do you feel drawn to pursue a doctorate? How would this degree help you reach your deeply held goals?
- Are you willing to make temporary sacrifices in your work-life balance, financial security, and personal time to pursue this degree?
- Do you have enough grit and resilience to overcome challenges and setbacks?
- How will you manage any relationships or commitments that will be impacted?
- How do you plan on financing the costs of a doctoral program?
- What opportunities would a degree open up for you, and are they worth the investment?
Try to answer these questions openly and honestly. They should give you a good idea if working towards a doctorate is the right decision for you.
Conclusion
A doctorate could be considered a high-risk, high-reward endeavor. It typically involves investing a significant amount of time, money, and mental energy, all with no guarantee of landing your dream job. However, successfully completing a program can lead to overall career advancement, an increased earning potential, personal and intellectual fulfillment, the chance to contribute original research to your field, and leadership opportunities.
If you do a little soul-searching and ask yourself the right questions, you can figure out if this investment is right for you now. The journey is long and challenging, but it could end up being the best choice you’ve ever made for yourself.
This content has been reviewed and approved by the National University Editorial Advisory Board. Learn more about our editorial process.
