* Doctor of Science (DSc or ScD): This is a higher doctorate often awarded based on significant post-doctoral achievements and publications rather than a dissertation. It's often considered equivalent to a Ph.D., sometimes even surpassing it in prestige depending on the institution and field.
* Doctor of Medicine (MD): While a professional degree focused on practice, the MD degree involves extensive research and training, often comparable in rigor to a Ph.D. in a relevant biological science. However, the focus and application differ significantly.
* Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM): Similar to an MD, this professional doctorate demands extensive study and often research components, but its practical application differs considerably from a research-focused Ph.D.
* Doctor of Engineering (DEng or Dr.Eng): A research-focused doctorate typically requiring a significant contribution to the field, comparable in depth to a Ph.D. in Engineering.
* Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in different fields: Even within the Ph.D. framework, the rigor and required expertise vary greatly by discipline. A Ph.D. in theoretical physics is not directly comparable in its application to a Ph.D. in education, for example, despite both being Ph.Ds.
It's crucial to understand that direct equivalence is rarely claimed. The comparison depends on context—a hiring committee in academia might consider a DSc highly equivalent to a PhD, but a hospital might not consider a Ph.D. in astrophysics comparable to an MD for a physician role. The specific skills, knowledge, and experience gained will always be the determining factor in assessing the relative value of different doctorates.