A question for those who are familiar with the German educational system: Which title in your opinion is more internationally recognized- while getting a doctoral degree in biology/medicine: :
1. PhD title, with grad school
or
2. the German equivalent: Doktor der Naturwissenschaften; Dr.rer.nat
Thanks a lot in advance!
Best, Alaa
Well I just had to look up what rer.nat meant so I would say from an international perspect PhD is far more familiar outside of Europe
David Glen Popovich Thanks a lot for your answer! Yes, this is what I settled on. Best regards, Alaa
the same goes for me too, I have to google Dr.rer.nat to understand and although I find this very interesting it's not very known internationally.
one has to understand the genesis of all those earned research degree. Before WWII Europe had science in its zenith. The doctoral degree in Germany is briefed as Dr.rer.nat. ( Doctor der Naturwissenschaften) meaning Doctor of Natural Science. In France such degree is called Dr.es.Sc.( meaning state doctorate of France or Doctor of Science). All these German or French degree have grades like A, B or C . In contrast in UK one can have a research degree named as Doctor of Philosophy ,popularly abbreviated as Ph.D.or D.Phil. ( the rivalary between Oxford and Cambridge). Of course UK has a higher degree called D.Sc. ( Doctor od Science ) . When USA emmerged to control science it is the only PhD that has been introduced. Yet some Institute like MIT still name its research degree as Sc.D. Now if one likes to get the degree as PhD in Germany and if such alternative is availble compared with the exclusive Dr.rer.nat. it is the choice as educational community knows very well the varied nomenclature . If one feels to retain the old lebel and the option is available then one can opt the exclusive Dr.rer.nat. as that is uniquely reflects the degree earned from Germany and some adjoining countries like Austria etc. If one feels that in a remote country which has just started modern education, PhD could be opted as that is now versatile and not distinguishable its origin till the candidate writes in bracket the name of the university or country .
I personally preferred the Dr.rer.nat. Since Germany is a nation with a very long tradition in science, I really think there is something special in getting a truly german degree.
But well, at the end nobody cares about the exact degree you get. All that matters is that it is equivalent to a PhD. You will sign as Dr. XXX anyway.
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