* Doctoral Student: This is a broader term encompassing anyone enrolled in a doctoral program. Their responsibilities focus on fulfilling the program's requirements, which may include coursework, comprehensive exams, research proposals, preliminary research, and potentially some teaching or assisting duties. They are *working towards* candidacy. There's no formal recognition of being at a specific stage beyond general progress checks.
* Doctoral Candidate: This term signifies that a doctoral student has successfully completed the program's pre-dissertation requirements. They've passed comprehensive exams (or equivalent), demonstrated sufficient research skills, and have a formally approved dissertation proposal. Their primary responsibility shifts heavily to conducting dissertation research, writing their dissertation, and defending it. They are actively *working on their dissertation* and are in the final stages of completing the degree.
In short:
| Feature | Doctoral Student | Doctoral Candidate |
|-----------------|-------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------|
| Status | Enrolled in the doctoral program; working toward candidacy | Officially advanced to candidacy; working on dissertation |
| Primary Focus | Coursework, preliminary research, qualifying exams | Dissertation research and writing |
| Responsibilities | Fulfilling all program requirements, including pre-candidacy milestones | Completing the dissertation and defense |
While the exact requirements vary across universities and programs, the core difference boils down to whether the individual has met the pre-dissertation requirements and been formally advanced to candidacy. Once a student is a candidate, the focus narrows dramatically to the dissertation.