A PhD student is a learner who is enrolled in a doctoral degree program, and a PhD candidate is a learner who has completed major program requirements and is primarily focused on completing and defending a dissertation. The exact requirements for candidacy can vary by institution and program.
Note that universities may define doctoral candidacy differently. Some institutions require qualifying exams before candidacy, while others use different milestones. At GCU, doctoral students begin their dissertations while they are still completing coursework. Because the dissertation process is integrated into the coursework, learners can start working on their research sooner.
What Is a PhD Student?
A PhD student is someone who has enrolled in a doctoral degree program. These students, often called learners, may work through their coursework online, on campus or both. Requirements vary by institution, but doctoral students generally complete coursework, engage in research and work toward program milestones that may include dissertation-related activities. At some universities, students may also complete qualifying exams.
The main difference between a PhD student vs. candidate is that the student is still working through the coursework. They have not yet completed the milestones their institution requires for candidacy. Depending on the program, this may include coursework completion, research benchmarks, comprehensive reviews or other academic requirements.
It’s sometimes thought that earning a doctoral degree predominantly involves writing a doctoral dissertation or conducting experiments. Those activities are self-paced, as learners are responsible for establishing goals, priorities and schedules.
However, like other students, doctoral students attend classes on a regular basis, either online or in person and they are responsible for completing assignments and meeting program requirements. In other words, doctoral students do have a set structure that defines their education and dictates their schedule.
What Is a PhD Candidate?
A PhD candidate is someone who has completed the major requirements established by their doctoral program and has advanced to the dissertation phase of the degree. Once this milestone is reached, the individual attains the unofficial status of All But Dissertation (ABD).
Doctoral students typically look forward to becoming doctoral candidates because they will finally have a chance to dig deep into their original research and begin developing their dissertation under the guidance of the advisors on their committee.
This period of transition can also be difficult for doctoral candidates. The structure is now self-paced, and self-motivation is critical. However, doctoral candidates will continue to check in with their advisors at regular intervals to discuss their progress and seek mentorship.
Not everyone finds it easy to adjust to a far less structured academic environment. It requires both self-discipline and intrinsic motivation. One effective way to keep yourself on track is to choose a dissertation topic that will continue to interest you throughout the entirety of the dissertation process.
When Do You Become a PhD Candidate?
The point at which a doctoral learner becomes a candidate varies by institution. At some universities, candidacy is granted after completing coursework and other program requirements, while some institutions may also require qualifying or comprehensive examinations. Other programs use different benchmarks to indicate readiness for dissertation work.
Regardless of the specific requirements, candidacy generally marks a transition from structured coursework to a greater emphasis on independent research and scholarly contribution. Candidates typically work closely with faculty advisors and committee members as they refine their research focus and advance their dissertation.
What PhD Candidacy Means in Practice
When you achieve PhD candidacy, most formal coursework requirements have been completed, allowing candidates to devote more time to research, writing and dissertation development.
Now, you’ll focus on your research. You’ll spend your days reviewing the existing literature, refining your research methodologies, conducting your research and analyzing your results. You’ll spend a great deal of time writing your dissertation, and then you’ll exhaustively review, revise and proofread it. Finally, you’ll prepare for your dissertation defense.
Doctoral Student vs. Doctoral Candidate
The main difference between a doctoral student vs. doctoral candidate lies in where the learner is on their academic journey toward earning a doctorate. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that the PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy degree, is only one example of a doctoral degree, and not all doctoral students and candidates are PhD students and candidates.
There are two main categories of doctoral degrees: academic and professional. The PhD is an example of an academic doctoral degree because it focuses on research. In contrast, the Doctor of Medicine (MD) is a professional degree, as is the Juris Doctor (JD). These degrees are earned in medical school and law school, respectively.
Other types of doctoral programs include:
Although research-focused doctoral degrees include significant research requirements and a dissertation, program structures vary among institutions. Instead, some professional doctorates include a capstone course, which typically involves completing an extensive project that is not the same as a dissertation.
This raises the question: Do other types of doctoral learners differentiate between being a student vs. candidate? It depends. In some programs and at some institutions, it may be considered acceptable to refer to oneself as a candidate after completing coursework but before finishing a capstone project.
In some cases, learners might refer to themselves as students or candidates interchangeably, particularly if the program lacks a capstone project or similar component. It’s generally best to defer to the customs of the institution and the specific program.
Is a PhD Candidate a Doctor?
No, a PhD candidate is not a doctor. Completed major doctoral program requirements, they have not completed and defended their dissertation successfully. This means they have not yet earned the degree.
How To Use PhD Student and PhD Candidate Correctly
You can use PhD student or doctoral student while progressing through your program requirements. Once you have met your institution's requirements for candidacy and advanced to the dissertation phase, you may refer to yourself as a PhD candidate.
Common Misunderstandings About PhD Candidacy
It’s commonly thought that PhD candidacy means that the degree will definitely be conferred. In actuality, it’s entirely possible to reach candidacy, but never earn the degree. This can happen if the student fails to complete their research and dissertation.
Earn Your PhD From Grand Canyon University
GCU’s College of Doctoral Studies integrates the dissertation process directly into the coursework, meaning our doctoral students can start their research and dissertation sooner. Our doctoral learners can also benefit from required on-campus residencies, which provide opportunities for mentorship and research presentation.
Explore our doctoral degrees, which include the Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Performance Psychology degree and the Doctor of Philosophy in General Psychology: Industrial and Organizational Psychology program.
Contribute to Your Field
Add to the body of knowledge in your field through doctoral research and scholarship. Earn your PhD at GCU.
