There are1,561 doctoral programs in nursing and medicine alone listed on the Gradschools.com website as of 2011. These are typically professional doctoral degrees and include Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Nursing Practice qualifications. They are designed to prepare students for clinical work and leadership roles. Programs typically require 72 credit hours. There are also more than a thousand health care and public health doctoral topics listed, many of which are research degrees in which people work to design, produce and implement solutions for health care in the U.S.
Education doctoral programs include areas such as library and information sciences, special and gifted education, education policy and adult education. Students may focus on topics such as educational leadership or research or administration. Students either graduate as a doctor of education (Ed.D) or doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.). An education doctoral program typically requires students to complete 15 post-master's classes, a research-based dissertation and an examination. Teachers with doctorate degrees generally earn significantly more than those without and hold higher positions in educational institutions.
Math and sciences form the basis of knowledge of engineering students working towards a doctor of philosophy qualification. Areas of specialty include civil, mechanical, petroleum, computer and electrical engineering. Between 36 and 72 credits are required depending on the school. Course work includes classes in the students specialty area, quantitative research and a written, research-based dissertation. Graduates typically work as professors at research universities, start their own companies or find positions in industry.
Professional biomedical scientists are the "engine room of modern medicine" according to the Institute of Biomedical Sciences. Their role is to diagnose disease by analyzing patients' fluids and tissue samples. Doctoral degree specialization options include biochemistry, molecular biology, cancer biology and gene therapy. Gradschools.com lists 427 different programs nationwide.
Although completion time varies depending on the school, expect to spend between three and five years earning this doctoral degree. There are hundreds of different specialty options for psychology graduate students, including forensic, holistic, sports and educational psychology, but it is also possible to complete a general psychology degree (Psy.D). Clinical psychology is a popular specialization combining research and practical clinical experience. Students are trained to work with trauma sufferers and those with severe mental illness.