Since its early American inception in the mid 19th century, the Ph.D. has been the hallmark of American higher education. It has become the capstone for a multitude of disciplines and professional education, overshadowing other degree programs. Yet it has not been above controversy. Recent discussions of its purpose vis-a-vis teaching and professional endeavors have continued a long tradition of examining graduate education. This selective, annotated bibliography offers an entree to the Ph.D. phenomenon. Of interest to administrators, educators, and scholars, the volume covers the history, research, and evolution of the Ph.D.

An introductory essay offers an historical overview and sets the degree within the context of contemporary research. The following chapters provide annotated entries on publications covering issues surrounding the Ph.D. Organized into four sections, the entries cover the controversies, critical studies, and purpose of the Ph.D. degree for science and technology, the social sciences, and the humanities disciplines. The entries introduce such topics as acculturation, completion rates, funding, requirements, and structure of the Ph.D.