Welcome to this comprehensive article on understanding the real difference between a PhD student and a PhD candidate. Both terms denote stages in a doctoral journey, but they imply different responsibilities, expectations, and milestones.
A PhD student is in the initial stages of their doctoral journey, undertaking coursework and preparing for exams. A PhD candidate, having passed these exams, focuses on original research and writing a dissertation.
As someone who is enrolled in a doctoral program, or considering earning a doctorate degree, it’s crucial to comprehend the clear difference between these roles.
We’ll discuss everything from the process of becoming a PhD student to transitioning into a PhD candidate, the completion of coursework, the significance of qualifying exams, and the transition to dissertation research.
Your advisor may not even tell you this!
Our aim is to provide clarity and insight into these significant milestones of the doctoral journey and help you navigate your path to earning a PhD with confidence.
So, let’s dive into the world of doctoral programs and demystify the difference between a PhD student and a PhD candidate.
In a hurry? A typical PhD journey – Student to candidate
Here is a table highlighting the key differences between a candidate and student in a PhD program:
| PhD Student | PhD Candidate | |
|---|---|---|
| Stage | Beginning of PhD journey | Advanced stage of PhD journey |
| Coursework | Undertaking required courses | Coursework is typically completed |
| Examinations | Preparing for qualifying exams | Qualifying exams completed |
| Research | Participating in or learning about research | Focused on independent dissertation research |
| Thesis/Dissertation | Not yet started | Actively working on, or has completed |
| Objective | Completing courses and passing exams | Completing and defending dissertation |
| Status | Not yet proven ability to contribute original research to the field | Has proven ability to contribute original research to the field |
What Is a PhD Student?
A PhD student is someone who has been accepted into a doctoral program and is in the initial stages of their journey towards obtaining a PhD degree. During this phase, the PhD student undertakes courses to develop comprehensive knowledge and skills within their chosen field. These courses often extend for about two years and require maintaining a certain minimum grade.
PhD students also participate in various academic activities such as teaching assignments, seminars, workshops, and initial stages of research.
They are expected to demonstrate high academic performance and the potential to contribute to their area of study.
Moreover, PhD students work on formulating a viable research proposal or topic for their thesis or dissertation.
Before becoming a PhD candidate, they are required to pass qualifying or comprehensive exams that test their understanding and the depth of knowledge in their field. The stress and effort involved in this phase serve as the transition point to becoming a PhD candidate.
What Is a PhD Candidate?
A PhD candidate is an individual who has advanced beyond the initial stages of a doctoral program and demonstrated their potential to contribute original and high-quality research to their field. The transition from a PhD student to a PhD candidate typically occurs after the completion of coursework and successful passing of comprehensive or qualifying exams.
These exams are rigorous evaluations that test the candidate’s depth of knowledge, research skills, and capacity to articulate and defend their ideas. They may include written and oral components, and in some cases, the submission of a research proposal or the first chapter of a thesis.
As a PhD candidate, the focus shifts from coursework to independent research, specifically the production of a doctoral dissertation or thesis. This work is intended to be a substantial and original contribution to their field of study. PhD candidates also commonly engage in teaching or other professional activities within their academic communities.
PhD Candidate vs Student: What Are the Differences?
A PhD student and a PhD candidate are different stages in the journey towards earning a doctorate degree. As a PhD student, you’re at the start of this journey, having been accepted into a program and undertaking courses to gain in-depth knowledge of your field.
This stage typically involves a blend of coursework, research, and teaching responsibilities, with the primary goal being to complete required courses and maintain a satisfactory grade average.
Transition to the status of a PhD candidate occurs upon completing coursework and successfully passing a comprehensive or qualifying examination.
This examination assesses the depth of your knowledge, your research abilities, and your capacity to contribute original ideas to your field. The transition from student to candidate signifies that you have demonstrated a readiness to produce independent, high-quality research.
As a PhD candidate, you are now focused on research and working towards your dissertation or thesis, the original contribution to your field that you’ve proven capable of providing.
The process concludes once you have successfully defended your thesis to a committee. In summary, a PhD student is preparing for their academic journey, while a PhD candidate is actively navigating it.
Is becoming a PhD candidate a big deal?
Becoming a PhD candidate is a big deal! Pursuing a PhD is a long and challenging journey that requires discipline, dedication and hard work.
A PhD candidate must conduct original research, publish papers in academic journals, and defend their dissertation before a panel of experts. It takes years of commitment and sacrifice to earn a PhD, but the rewards are often worth it.
As a PhD holder, one gains prestige, respect, and career opportunities that would otherwise not be available.
PhD graduates can become professors, researchers, consultants, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, among other things.
Pursuing a PhD is more than just a personal achievement. It contributes to the advancement of knowledge in one’s field, and it often translates into tangible benefits for society, such as new technologies, products, and services.
Wrapping up – stages of doctoral and PhD candidacy
Understanding the journey from being a doctoral student to becoming a PhD candidate is crucial in successfully navigating a doctoral program.
The clear differences lie in the progression of responsibilities, academic milestones, and demonstrated ability to contribute original research in your field. Initially, as a PhD student, you are enrolled in a doctoral program, completing required coursework and prepping for comprehensive exams.
The transformation into a PhD candidate happens post the successful passing of these exams, marking your readiness for independent research and dissertation writing. Earning a doctorate isn’t just about personal achievement, but also about societal contributions through the advancement of knowledge.
Remember, becoming a PhD candidate is indeed a big deal, a testament to dedication, hard work and intellectual prowess. Your journey is unique and filled with learning that goes beyond books, setting you on a path of lifelong intellectual exploration and impact.
