If you are interested in pursuing a career in engineering, the first question that pops up in your mind is: Should I apply for the doctorate of engineering (EngD) or PhD engineering? Choosing between these two programs is important for your career as it affects your professional development. Comparing the Doctor of Engineering vs. PhD program can help you make the right decision.
PhD involves a traditional research-based study that focuses on acquiring high-level knowledge through experimentation, while the doctorate of engineering emphasises polishing problem-solving skills within the industry setting.
Understanding the key differences between these degrees can help you to make informed decisions for your career. This article will assist you in choosing the right degree. Let’s get started.
Doctor of Engineering Vs PhD – 8 Major Differences
Doctor of Engineering vs PhD engineering, both equip you with cutting-edge research skills. In addition to this, you have to write a dissertation for both degrees which is the most challenging part. However, in both cases you have an opportunity to order your dissertation online from a reliable company so that your degree will not be affected.
Despite the common dissertation requirement, there are noticeable differences between them. Here, we shall discuss the key differences between these doctorate programs that help you choose the right career path.
Points to Remember:
- PhD in engineering is a four-year program, while a doctorate in engineering can be completed in two years.
- PhD is an academically oriented degree, while EngD is a professional-oriented degree.
- No industry experience is required for the involvement in PhD, whereas 5-8 years’ experience is necessary for EngD.
1. Degree Type
PhD in engineering aims to gather new knowledge through extensive research. In this degree type, students contribute to the engineering world by publishing their work in peer-reviewed journals. Moreover, this degree program is four to six years long and involves significant research work, including completing research projects.
On the contrary, a doctor of engineering focuses on solving research problems in the engineering industry. Further, this is a professionally oriented degree which facilitates students to excel in the engineering industry.
2. Application Process
Doctor of Engineering vs PhD: are you thinking about which program you can get involved in easily? Both degrees have their own set of challenges and benefits. To get admission to PhD engineering, you need a master’s degree and have to talk with the faculty research advisor. After the admission date closes, the admission committee evaluate the applications on a rolling basis.
On the other hand, to be involved in an engineering doctorate you need a practicum sponsor for your industry practice. Furthermore, like the PhD program, the application for this program is evaluated after the application deadline.
3. Industry Involvement
For the PhD program, there is no requirement for industry involvement; however, students can optionally be involved in the industry and complete their research work. Additionally, there is no minimum experience requirement to pursue this degree.
Conversely, students need 5 years’ experience along with a master’s degree and 8 years long experience without a master’s degree for EngD. With this, they need ongoing industry experience while getting admission to this program.
4. Coursework
The coursework for PhD program comprises advanced topics related to engineering, advanced mathematics, applied physics, and other science-related. The core purpose of these subjects is to prepare students for industry research work.
In contrast, coursework for the engineering doctorate is more focused on developing students’ professional skills. These advanced, practiced-oriented subjects aim to enhance technical and management skills to empower students to perform key roles in industry.
5. Career Trajectories
When you compare a doctorate of engineering vs PhD, then you will get to know that a PhD degree is academically oriented based on theoretical research work. After completing this degree, you can pursue a career in academia or any research organisation.
An engineering doctorate requires professional skills so the students can directly engage with the industry. The degree holders of this program usually play leadership roles in the engineering industry or provide technical consultancy in engineering firms.
6. Research Activities
There are three stages of research required for the doctorate.
- Theory-based Research
- Applied Engineering Research
- System Engineering Practice
For a PhD in engineering, you only need to conduct theory-based research and applied engineering research; there is no room for engineering practice. In contrast, for the doctorate of engineering, you need to conduct applied engineering research while practising system engineering.
7. Project Work
For the completion of PhD in engineering, you have to spend a lot of time conducting original research work. With this, you have to write a comprehensive dissertation to make a significant contribution to the engineering industry. No doubt, writing a thesis can be a difficult task for you. You can avail yourself of the services of PhD dissertation writers to create a successful research document.
On the contrary, the doctorate of engineering requires project work that focuses on solving real-world problems. Furthermore, this degree involves a capstone project that demonstrates the importance of engineering principles in solving real-world problems.
8. Accreditation
Accreditation verifies that the degree program meets certain industry standards that are essential for the particular academic recognition. When you compare the Doctor of Engineering vs PhD program, you will learn that the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) is the prime accreditation body for both degrees.
Moreover, holding a degree from a well-known accreditation body will increase students’ academic prospects and help them compete in rigorous industry competition.
Is Dr. Ing Equivalent to PhD?
Yes, Dr.Ing (Doktoringenieur), also known as Doktor der Ingenieurwissenschaften, is equivalent to the PhD program. It is a German engineering doctorate program that focuses on natural science and scientific engineering. Don’t mix this degree with Dr.Ing, which signifies that the holder earned both degrees: a doctorate and an engineering degree.
Is an EngD a Doctor?
EngD is a doctoral degree in engineering. It is the highest qualification that someone can achieve in the field. So, if a student has completed his doctoral degree in engineering, he would be addressed as a Doctor.
Conclusion
When you are thinking of pursuing a career in the engineering field, it is important to place a Doctor of Engineering vs PhD, and compare these degrees. When you know the difference between these programs, then it will be easy for you to make an informed decision about your career. Despite the differences, you have to write a dissertation to earn a degree in these fields, which can be a challenging task. If you feel stuck at some point, you must not forget to seek UK-based PhD dissertation writing services from professionals, friends, and professors.
The key difference between these degrees is that a PhD focuses on gathering new knowledge solely by conducting research, whereas a doctorate of engineering requires the development of leadership skills with the help of industry involvement. Furthermore, there is a difference between their admission processes, career trajectories, coursework, and research activities that you must take into account.
