[ySteeK]

You don't need a PhD to push the boundaries. You need a PhD to make others believe you pushed the boundaries!

[mr_mitm]

You got it backwards. You need to push the boundaries to get a PhD.

[amelius]

Push the boundaries but not actually move them.

[brulard]

Maybe at the worlds best universities. For sure not at an average one.

[bdangubic]

you should read some PhD dissertations outside of top schools /s :)

[dyauspitr]

Yes, because so many contemporary breakthroughs have come from some guy in his garage.