PhDr. and PhD compared
A side-by-side look at both doctoral degrees: admission requirements, course content, duration, and how each academic title may be used.
PhDr. and PhD: two doctoral degrees, two different paths
Both a PhDr. and a PhD can enhance your professional and social standing. They can lead to career advancement opportunities with greater recognition, responsibility, and higher income. Nevertheless, there are distinct differences between the two degrees.
PhDr. and PhD are doctoral degrees that are assigned to different Bologna classifications and may therefore be used differently. This causes confusion, but it does not protect against legal action under higher education law in the event of unlawful use of a title. Below, we compare the two doctoral degrees PhDr. and PhD.
The PhDr. is a part time continuing education program, while the PhD is considered an academic research qualification.
PhDr.
A PhDr. can be completed with a consecutive master’s degree (bachelor’s and master’s) with 120 ECTS credits in the field of economics and management, or an equivalent diploma.
The program places particular emphasis on practical research. The PhDr. distance learning program can be completed after a minimum study period of 12 months and is ideal for continuing education alongside work.
The PhDr. is a rigorous examination procedure, the so called minor doctorate, assigned to the second level of the Bologna classification. The PhDr. degree is placed before the name. This academic degree is internationally recognized. In Austria, the use and registration of the title is permitted under Sec. 88 UG.
PhD
A PhD is a doctoral degree awarded for scientific research work. The scientific quality of the work is the sole criterion for assessment; new scientific findings must be independently developed as part of the PhD program.
This degree can be completed after a bachelor’s or master’s degree at the second Bologna level. A PhD program usually lasts at least three years and is completed full time in most cases.
The PhD (philosophiae doctor) is the actual doctoral degree and is therefore internationally recognized, assigned to the third level of the Bologna classification. In Germany the degree can be used as the title Dr., while in Austria only the use of PhD after the name is permitted.
PhDr. vs. PhD at a glance
The Bologna classification: the difference between PhDr. and PhD
At the beginning of the 2000s, there was widespread uncertainty about the value of foreign university degrees. This led to the introduction of the Bologna classification, which divides academic degrees into three levels and determines how the various academic degrees may be used.
The following classification applies to Austria and Germany, among others, although there are differences here too. Other countries may not yet have completed the transition process to standardize higher education degrees through the Bologna classification, so there may be differences.
The first academic degree corresponds to the bachelor’s degree. A degree at this level qualifies the holder to pursue a master’s degree.
The second level includes, for example, master’s degrees, Magister degrees, and Diplom-Ingenieur degrees. These diploma or master’s degree programs also qualify graduates to pursue doctoral studies. The PhDr. is also classified in this category, which entitles holders in Austria to apply for A level positions.
Only third level doctoral degrees may be referred to as Dr. This includes the traditional doctorate or PhD. These degrees require an independent scientific contribution.
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Apply now for the PhDr. distance learning program. Start at any time, independent of semester dates, and complete your doctorate alongside your career.
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Structure, content, and admission
Are you interested in a PhDr. distance learning program? Find out more about the program structure, course content, and our partner university here.
Your contact person for the PhDr. and PaedDr. distance learning programs
Robert Lang, Course Advisor, is happy to answer your questions about the PhDr. and PaedDr. distance learning programs.