Doctoral and PhD Degrees Flashcards
6 cards from real Academic Degree practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Doctoral and PhD Degrees flashcards as text
What is a 'postdoctoral fellowship' (postdoc)?
Answer: Temporary research position taken after earning a PhD to gain additional experience
A postdoctoral fellowship is a short-term research appointment that PhD graduates pursue to build their publication record and compete for faculty positions.
What is the role of a dissertation committee in a doctoral program?
Answer: To guide, evaluate, and approve the doctoral student's research and dissertation
The dissertation committee, chaired by the faculty advisor, oversees the doctoral student's research design, progress, and final dissertation approval.
Which of the following is a common funding source for US doctoral students?
Answer: Graduate teaching or research assistantships with tuition waivers
Many US PhD programs fund students through teaching or research assistantships that cover tuition and provide a stipend in exchange for academic work.
What is 'academic tenure' that many PhD graduates pursue?
Answer: Permanent faculty employment status awarded after a probationary review period
Tenure is a form of permanent academic employment that protects faculty's right to academic freedom after a rigorous multi-year probationary evaluation.
What does 'IRB approval' refer to in doctoral research?
Answer: Institutional Review Board approval for research involving human subjects
IRB approval is required by law for any academic research involving human participants to ensure ethical treatment, privacy, and informed consent.
In a doctoral program, what is 'advancing to candidacy'?
Answer: Passing qualifying exams and being formally approved to work on the dissertation
Advancing to candidacy means the student has completed coursework, passed qualifying exams, and is officially authorized to focus on their dissertation.