<p>When I attended MIT, there was no difference between PhD and ScD. You could choose which one you wanted to receive. I checked the grad website from my department (MechE) and that still has not changed. “Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Science (ScD), which differs in name only” [MIT</a> MechE - Academic Programs - Graduate Programs](<a href=“http://meche.mit.edu/academic/graduate/]MIT”>Education: Graduate | MIT Department of Mechanical Engineering)</p>