Doctorate Degree Programs in Social Sciences

This article reviews some of the Doctorate Degree Programs choices for social science majors.

A doctorate degree program is the highest educational program that you can undertake in the social science field. This field provides a large arrangement of different careers to choose from. Some of the most popular specialization in social sciences are:

• Social Work
• Education
• Psychology
• Human Services
• Public Policy and Administration.

There are many typical doctorate degree programs that students may choose from. These different doctorate degree programs are:

• PhD: Doctor of Philosophy
• PsyD: Doctor of Psychology
• EdS: Education Specialist Degree
• DPA: Doctor of Public Administration

Doctorate Degree Programs – Different Types

As stated above there are many different specializations and different degree programs to accommodate each of those specializations.

PhD or DPA: These are considered the research degrees.

A PhD degree program is one of the first degree programs that students think of when considering doctorate degree programs. A PhD program helps to prepare the student for a career as an academic, instructor, or researcher. Students in PhD degree programs focus on one issue at a time and research to solve the issue.

PhD Specializations: A few of the most popular specializations are listed below

• Geography
• Anthropology
• Sociology
• Public Policy and Administration
• Economics
• Public Safety Management
• Social Work and Human Services
• Psychology and Behavioral Science

A DPA is a heavily based research degree that prepares students to work with public policy and to work as policy experts with other private and public organizations, universities, nonprofits, and government agencies.

DPA Specializations: A few of the most popular specializations are listed below

• Public Management
• Economics
• International Relations
• Public Policy and Administration
• Environmental and Health Policy
• Public Budgeting and Finances

PsyD and EdS: These are considered intermediate Doctoral Degree Programs. These degrees are similar to PhD degrees except that the focus of the degree is entirely different. These degrees are not considered as advanced as PhD or other research doctorate degrees. They are received as higher than a master’s.

A PsyD is a Doctor in Psychology this degree is oriented towards clinical environments, schools, and psychologist who intend to practice instead of worry with research. This is a new degree type that started being endorsed in the early 1970’s.

PsyD Specializations: A few of the most popular specializations are listed below

• School Counseling
• Educational Psychology
• Conflict Resolution and Mediation

An EdS is focused more on educational settings such as schools and universities. It is intended for counselors who continue to work instead of focus on research.

EdS Specializations: A few of the most popular specializations are listed below

• Special Education
• Educational Psychology
• School Counselling

The Different Formats of Education

Most of these Doctorate Degree Programs and PhD degree programs are offered at universities all around the world. Because of the increase in demand for these specific programs many universities have begun to offer distance learning opportunities for students around the world. These distance learning or online degree programs offer the same rigorous course work that traditional doctorate programs offer except they come with additional flexibility options to help accommodate to any students schedule.