Ph.D., and Doctor of Philosophy, is the most prestigious degree in existence. The average amount of time required to earn a Ph.D. is 5 years, but the degree's financial payoff is huge. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, professionals with doctorates earn approximately $37,265 more each year than workers with bachelor's degrees.

The doctoral degree or the PHD Degree is the highest academic credential it is possible to earn. Whether it's a research Ph.D. (DPhil to the Brits), a D.A. (Doctor of Arts), or some other variant, the doctorate degree typically requires four to six years of additional study beyond the master's level. To get a doctoral degree the graduate student must complete a course of education, do original research and write a publishable thesis or dissertation. Not surprisingly, only one in 100 Americans call themselves "doctor." so, a doctorate commands respect.

As the doctorate is an elite degree, program accreditation is a serious concern. Even the United States government has been taken in by diploma mills posing as legitimate advanced degree-granting institution. The prospective student should carefully assess the credentials of any university college before committing to a lengthy and difficult program of doctoral study. Any school or college offering a quick and easy Ph.D. shouldn't be taken seriously, and it certainly shouldn't get any of the student's hard-earned money.

Accredited programs of study can grant a meaningful doctorate, an advanced degree that is recognized by professional organizations, board of licensure, and potential employers. Both the degree-granting university and its accrediting agencies must be carefully checked with the U.S. Department of Education