Doctorate and Master

The Technical Opinion CES/CFE nº 977 (1965), whose rapporteur was Newton Sucupira, provides the conceptual basis for the definition of stricto sensu studies – academic masters and doctorates. The text below provides a current synthesis of the document.

The following characteristics must be present in these degrees: to have as their core, the academic and scientific research nature. Even when applied to a professional degree, scientific goal is essential. Master and doctorate programs are essential parts of the university system and are necessary tools for the achievement of university goals. Therefore, the document establishes that beyond "immediate practical interests, graduate studies aim to offer the appropriate environment and adequate resources for independent scientific research to be carried out and where spontaneous creative of the highest forms of university culture can be stated”.  There are three practical objectives that justify the necessity of high-level programs of masters and doctorates:

1. Qualification of professionals in order to meet the demand of all levels of education, ensuring, at the same time, constant improvement of the system;  
2.  To promote scientific research development through appropriate training of researchers;
3.  Ensure effective training for skilled workers and technicians and high-level knowledge workers to meet national development needs in all sectors.

At that time, consultants had already considered innovation as fundamental to country's development, just as they consider it today. The emphasis on innovation in masters and doctorates programs is expressed by one of the goals established in the document: "to qualify our own scientists and technologists especially considering that the expansion of Brazilian industry requires an increasing number of skilled and creative professionals, capable of developing new techniques and processes and whose standards go beyond undergraduate studies."

In order to guarantee the quality of Master’s and Doctorate programs, operational criteria and regulations are necessary to direct and control their implementation and development. Accreditation, recognition and re-accreditation of master's and doctorate programs are granted through the results of evaluation and monitoring conducted by CAPES as established by the legislation – Resolution CNE/CES nº 1/2001, amended by Resolution CNE/CES nº 24/2002.