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From the Middle Ages to the Modern Era: How did the PhD become the highest academic degree?
In academia, the doctoral degree (PhD) is regarded as the highest degree, and its origin and evolution are important symbols of academic achievement and educational change. The development history of this degree can be traced back to medieval Europe. As the education system has evolved, its meaning and value have also changed.
A doctoral degree not only marks an individual's academic achievement, but also reflects institutional and cultural changes.
Degree system in the Middle Ages
In medieval Europe, academic study was concentrated in four academies: the academy of arts, the academy of theology, the academy of medicine, and the academy of law. These colleges offer degrees at multiple levels, including bachelor's and doctoral degrees. Initially, the title of "Doctor" was used almost as a formality and did not require the submission of original research results. After a long period of study and examinations, a degree is awarded.
Educational Reform in Germany
With the implementation of educational reforms in Germany in the 17th century, the doctoral degree began to gain a new definition in the education field. In the 18th century, the establishment and development of the University of Berlin reshaped the status of the Faculty of Philosophy and began to require students to submit research papers as a prerequisite for obtaining a doctorate.
"Originally the degree was the German equivalent of a master's degree, but as the education system changed it began to take on greater academic responsibility."
This change attracted many students from the United States and set a precedent for the introduction of doctoral degrees in American higher education. In 1861, Yale University first awarded doctoral degrees and quickly attracted other top universities to join.
PhD History in the UK
Research degrees began to appear in the UK in the late 19th century, when the University of Cambridge and the University of London also introduced doctoral degrees. By 1917, the current doctoral degree system was officially established and quickly became popular among students. The advanced degrees of the past, such as Doctor of Science and Doctor of Literature, still exist, but they are no longer mainstream.
"With the popularity of higher degrees, the doctoral degree has become an important symbol in the academic world."
PhD in the United States
In the United States, doctoral degrees became commonplace beginning in the 19th century. As colleges and universities attach more and more importance to graduate education, many universities have begun to establish graduate schools and award doctoral degrees. By the beginning of the 20th century, universities such as Washington and Harvard had established large-scale graduate programs and began to train doctoral students independently.
"A doctorate is no longer just a continuation of academic years, but an important recognition of an individual's academic contribution."
The contemporary significance of the doctoral degree
Today, a doctoral degree has become a basic requirement for recruiting professors and researchers in many higher education institutions. In North America, more and more universities and research institutions require candidates to have a doctoral degree, and even consider this as one of the important indicators for measuring school rankings.
Challenges and Criticisms of the Doctoral Degree
Despite the importance of a PhD, it has its critics. Research has found that many advanced degree holders feel dissatisfied in the job market or even feel they are not as fulfilled as they expected. Moreover, doctoral students may need to incur huge tuition debts in the process of obtaining their degrees, which puts pressure on their future career development.
"Balancing finances and careers is always an important but difficult proposition when pursuing a degree."
In today's globalized society, a PhD degree still symbolizes high academic achievement and pushes the boundaries of knowledge. However, it still faces many practical challenges and criticisms, which triggers our deep reflection on academic education and professional needs. In this rapidly changing environment, do you think the value of the PhD will continue to grow, or will it be challenged by other emerging degrees?
