doctorate
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈdɑktɝət// UK //dˈɒktəɹˌeɪt// doc·tor·ate
n. the highest academic degree you can earn, usually after studying for several years and writing a long research paper.
n. an advanced academic degree awarded by a university, typically requiring original research and a dissertation.
She earned her doctorate in biology last year.
He spent three extra years at university to complete his doctorate in history.
The university requires candidates to defend their doctoral thesis before a panel of experts before the degree is conferred.
From Latin doctōrātus.