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What is the difference between a PhD and a professional doctorate?
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The primary distinction between a PhD and a professional doctorate is the amount of research involved. A PhD involves a deep dive into a specific area, usually culminating in an original research project that produces novel insights and advances knowledge in that area. A professional doctorate typically involves more course-based study and the mastery of authoritative knowledge in an area, such as business or education. While the PhD involves research, it is often of a more theoretical nature than the practice-oriented inquiry that characterizes professional doctorates.