A Doctor of Philosophy is the most common degree at the highest academic level awarded after a course of study. PhDs are awarded for programs in the full breadth of academic fields. Because it is an earned research degree, those studying for a PhD are required to produce original research that expands the boundaries of knowledge normally as a dissertation, and a panel of other experts in the field Defends his work in front of him. Completion of a PhD is often a requirement for employment as a university professor, researcher, or scientist in many fields. Individuals who have earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree are in many jurisdictions.