How Is a PhD Right For Me
For students who love school, enrolling in doctoral school might seem like a natural next step in the educational process. And, depending on what your goals are, a doctoral degree can be a great way to advance your career.
With programs lasting an average of seven years, doctoral programs are a serious commitment. Before you jump in head first, read on for a sense of what doctoral school is all about (and if it’s right for you).
What does PhD stand for?
PhD stands for Doctor of Philosophy, and it’s the highest degree you can obtain in most fields. Doctoral candidates earn a PhD in their chosen field, be it English, comparative literature, or psychology.
What does doctoral school entail?
What your program would entail depends on what subject you pursue. A PhD in Spanish, for example, would have different requirements than a PhD in chemistry. In general, a PhD will require a combination of coursework, comprehensive exams, and a dissertation.
What careers can benefit from a PhD?
There are some careers that only require an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. There are other careers, however, that require a doctoral degree as a minimum, or that require a doctoral degree for career advancement. Here’s a look at the professions that benefit most from a doctoral degree:
1. Business
Having a PhD in Business Administration or Management can help you reach the top of the corporate ladder, of become a business professor.
2. Computer Science
Some of the highest ranking (and most well-paid) computer and software engineers have their PhDs.
3. Education
If you want to be a school administrator, principal, and or education school professor, you’ll need an Ed.D (or Doctor of Education). These programs focus on education on administration and educational theory to prepare students for the challenges they’ll face as school administrators.
4. Health Services
If you’re looking to the booming health care industry, a PhD will allow you to work at the upper management levels of this field.
5. Medicine
This is the standard degree held by all physicians. After getting a Bachelor’s degree, students receive an MD from a four-year medical school. They must also complete an internship and residency program before they’ll be out on their own.
6. Law
The JD, or Doctor of Jurisprudence, is the degree received by lawyers after they complete a three-year law program.
7. Nursing
For nurses who want to become nursing professors, or for those who want to reach the highest levels of nursing administration, a PhD is critical.
8. Psychology
To become a practicing psychologist, you must have a doctorate in psychology.
9. Public Health
If you want to work in the field that protects the health of all citizens and communities, a PhD will help you reach the top levels of the public health industry.
10. Public Policy
If you want to be involved in policies and changes that affect your city, your state, and the nation, a PhD in public policy might be right for you.
Will you benefit from a PhD?
If you are looking into one of the careers listed above, the answer is yes. A doctorate degree can also be helpful if you plan on reaching the uppermost levels of your chosen field, or if you plan on teaching. A nurse who wants to eventually become a hospital administrator or a nursing professor, for example, would do well to earn a PhD.
If you don’t plan on going into teaching, research, administration or policy-making, however, a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree might suffice. And, because doctorate school is expensive and time-consuming, you’ll need to consider if it will provide a significant enough return on your time and financial investment.
How will you pay for it?
Many programs offer PhD students the opportunity to teach undergraduates or assist in faculty research while they study. In return, they receive tuition remission and a stipend.
Doctorate school can be costly, so in addition to teaching or research, students may apply for a mixture of scholarships, grants, financial aid and other funding.
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