Doctorate degrees, also called Ph.D.s, are offered by both public and independent colleges. However, most of these institutions are midsize to large. Large, public universities usually offer a variety of fields in which to earn a doctorate. The length of time to complete a doctorate can vary greatly, from three years to possibly eight years. Professional degrees may be offered by independent and public institutions that vary in size.
Some colleges specialize in one field, such as law.
Others offer a large variety of professional degrees, such as veterinary science, medicine and social work. Many of these career fields also require certification upon finishing the degree in order to work in the career field. Often the certification requires passing either a state or national exam. Once you have an idea of the kind of degree and college you want to attend, you will want to visit different campuses to make sure you choose the best school for you. To help you learn more about a college when you visit, use the worksheet that follows.