Why PhDs are Awarded Without a Grade or Class of Degree

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a research degree awarded primarily based on the completion of original research that contributes new knowledge to a specific field. Unlike undergraduate or master's degrees, PhDs are not assessed through graded assessments like coursework or examinations. This article explores the reasons behind this unique approach to evaluating and awarding a PhD.

Core of a PhD Program: Research

The core of a PhD program revolves around the dissertation or thesis, an extensive piece of original research. The quality and originality of this work, rather than coursework performance, are the main criteria for awarding the degree. PhD candidates engage in extensive research, often involving several years of work and rigorous examination by experts in their field.

Individualized Assessment

Each PhD candidate works on unique research projects that may not be directly comparable to those of other candidates. This individuality makes it challenging to establish a standardized grading system for all candidates. The assessment is, therefore, more qualitative than quantitative, focusing on the candidate's ability to conduct research, analyze data, and contribute new knowledge to the field.

Committee Evaluation

The evaluation of a PhD application typically involves an assessment by a committee of experts in the field. These committees evaluate the dissertation, the candidate's defense (oral defense of their research), and their overall contributions to the academic community. Relying on quantitative grades would not fully capture the complexity and depth of the research and the candidate's ability to contribute to scholarly discourse.

Professional Recognition

The PhD is recognized as a professional qualification that indicates a high level of expertise in a specific area. This professional recognition is more relevant than a numerical or letter grade. Graduates with a PhD are expected to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their field and to lead research projects and scholarly activities.

Academic Tradition

The tradition of awarding PhDs without grades has been established over many years and reflects the emphasis on research and scholarly independence in doctoral education. This tradition emphasizes the importance of original research over consistent academic performance in graded assessments.

Conclusion: The PhD is viewed as a mark of achievement in research capability and scholarly contribution rather than a reflection of graded academic performance. The focus of a PhD program is the completion of a substantial piece of original research, evaluated through qualitative measures and peer reviews, rather than through quantitative grades or standardized assessments.

Additional Information

Commonly, PhD programs do include some form of a grade or honorific. For example, some universities award PhD candidates with honors such as cum laude (with praise), magna cum laude (with great praise), and summa cum laude (with highest praise). These are typically based on the overall performance of the candidate throughout the program, including the quality of their research and success in oral defenses.

In conclusion, the evaluation of a PhD candidate is aimed at assessing their ability to conduct independent research and contribute to the academic community, rather than their academic performance in graded assessments. The individualized nature of PhD work and the professional recognition it provides distinguish it from other degree programs.