<p>Boneh3ad, you are 100% correct. I thought a Ph.D. was the final step in the education process; thankfully, I was informed Ph.D.s are just a “special designation” that allows you to work on certain types of projects. Basically, if one wants to do basic scientific/academic research, one obtains a Ph.D.</p>
<p>It’s like becoming a lawyer. You need a J.D. to work as a lawyer but the J.D. is not necessary to work within the legal system (you may be a paralegal, police officer, etc.).</p>