A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is a type of doctorate degree awarded by universities in many countries. The degree has been awarded by European universities since the Medieval era and it is awarded by institutions around the world as of 2016. PhDs are awarded for a wide range of programs in the sciences (e.g., biology, physics, mathematics, etc.) and humanities (e.g., history, English literature, musicology, etc.). The PhD is a terminal degree in many fields. The completion of a PhD is a requirement for employment as a university professor or researcher in many fields. A clear distinction is made between an "earned doctorate", which is awarded for completion of a course of study and thesis or dissertation and an "honorary doctorate", which is an honorary title granted by a university to a successful or notable person.