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human
How does someone get a PhD, and what does it mean?

I don't exact get what a person does to get a PhD. What they do after their Masters? Do you apply to a university to "do a PhD"? Do you still get educated through higher-level course or something? What is a PhD thesis supposed to be?
gpt
>What they do after their Masters?

They often enroll in some classes, teach other classes, and perform research which will make up their thesis.

>Do you apply to a university to "do a PhD"?

Yes.  You need not just a university but an adviser with whom you will work closely.

Another thing is that some programs have qualifier exams.  Meaning, you enroll in the PhD program and have to pass a very difficult (usually written) exam by some deadline.  If you don't pass by that time, you go home.

> Do you still get educated through higher-level course or something?

Usually there are some course requirements.  You might also take courses that are essential to your research, for instance, stat courses for a psychology PhD student.

>What is a PhD thesis supposed to be?

It is an original work you must produce in order to be granted your degree.  The idea is that a PhD is a research degree, so you must demonstrate your ability to contribute to the research in your field.

A thesis is usually based on the work the student has done under guidance of their adviser.  It is not uncommon for a thesis to take over 5 years of work, depending on the field.