Related Clues:

• Many a prof.
• Due date for many bills
• Winning position
• Before anything else
• Paramount
• Deg. above a master's
• Advanced degree: Abbr.
• Thesis defender's prize, maybe
• Opposite of 36-Across
• One who's given the third degree?
• Professor's deg.
• Prof's credential
• The third degree?
• Significant degree?
• Ahead of the rest