Over the years, many prospective students have asked me what doctoral degree is awarded by the Kwangwoon University Graduate School for students enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immersive Convergent Content (실감융합콘텐츠학과).
Because this question comes up repeatedly—and because I have personally seen several students surprised after enrolling—I believe it is worth explaining clearly.
According to the official Kwangwoon University Graduate School admissions brochure, students in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immersive Convergent Content receive the degree:
콘텐츠학박사 (Doctor of Content Studies)
rather than
공학박사 (Doctor of Engineering).
This is different from many engineering departments within the Graduate School, where the awarded doctoral degree is 공학박사.
For many students this distinction may not be important. However, if you intend to pursue a career in engineering research, apply for engineering faculty positions, or work in environments where a Doctor of Engineering is expected, it is worth understanding this distinction before beginning a doctoral program.
The reason this question arises so frequently is that many doctoral students in the program conduct research that is scientific or engineering-oriented. Students are often encouraged to publish in international engineering and scientific journals, participate in technical conferences, and carry out research comparable to that of engineering departments.
In several cases over the years, students have told me they were disappointed to discover only later that the degree awarded upon graduation was Doctor of Content Studies rather than Doctor of Engineering. Because of these experiences, prospective applicants regularly ask me for clarification before deciding whether to apply.
This article is not intended to suggest that one doctoral degree is superior to another. Both degrees have their own academic purpose and value. My intention is simply to ensure that prospective students understand which degree they will receive before investing several years in doctoral study.
Before accepting admission, I recommend asking the Graduate School or the department the following questions:
- What exact degree title will appear on the diploma?
- Why is the doctoral degree classified as Doctor of Content Studies?
- How does the Graduate School define the academic scope of this degree?
- Does the degree have any implications for future engineering faculty appointments or research careers?
- How does the university view doctoral research that is published in engineering and scientific journals while awarding a Doctor of Content Studies degree?
A doctoral program represents a significant investment of time and effort. Before making your decision, be sure you understand not only the research environment and publication expectations, but also the exact degree you will receive upon graduation. An informed decision at the beginning can prevent misunderstandings later.
Note: This article refers specifically to the Kwangwoon University Graduate School and the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immersive Convergent Content (실감융합콘텐츠학과). Degree titles may differ in other graduate schools or departments, and prospective students should always consult the most recent official admissions information before applying.
