If you’re curious about how to be a good PhD student, this article is a good place to start. As a professor for over 30 years, much of that as a Dissertation Committee Chair, I’ve watched many students navigate the PhD process–some better than others. Here’s my advice for how Read more…
Life of a PhD student? Hell. That about sums it up. Okay, that’s not a very satisfying answer. Nor is it completely true. Life as a PhD student doesn’t always feel like hell. It does sometimes, but it’s also an exhilarating and rewarding time to explore your area of interest Read more…
Is a PhD worth it? That depends on who’s asking. If you’re talking about the educational benefits, the opportunity to make new discoveries, or the chance to make a difference, then the answer is almost always a resounding “yes.” However, if you’re talking about purely economic benefits, the answer is Read more…
You make the transition from PhD student to PhD candidate after you complete all your coursework and your comprehensive exams (if required). A PhD candidate’s sole task is to conduct their research and write their dissertation. In other words, a PhD student is still completing their coursework. They could be Read more…
In the traditional academic model, at least in the United States, you get an undergraduate degree, followed by a master’s degree, and then finish your academic journey by getting a PhD. However, that isn’t the only way. Do you need a master’s degree to get a PhD? The short answer Read more…
A question I’ve gotten a few times: “Can I get a double PhD?” The answer is yes, you can under most circumstances. But why? While there are some exceptional cases, generally I’d discourage people from pursuing a second PhD. Here are some of the reasons why. After I cover those, Read more…
Many people go into the process of getting a doctoral degree with big plans and even bigger dreams. Perhaps you want to do research that will change the world. Maybe your goal is to be a guide for the next generation. Or, you may be planning to show those in Read more…
What to do after finishing your PhD is a surprisingly common challenge for students who have recently graduated. So if you’re asking this question, you’re not alone. After years of hard work and passing on enjoyable opportunities to get your writing done, you have finished your dissertation. This is quite Read more…
Why get a PhD? There are many reasons to get a PhD; some personal, some professional. We are all driven by our own unique needs and desires, and each of us will have different reasons for wanting to pursue a scholarly path. However, considering the cost of a PhD and Read more…
Many people have dreams of getting a PhD and returning to the classroom to guide young students. Others want to complete a doctorate to embark on a career of cutting-edge research. These are admirable reasons to embark on the road towards getting a PhD. However, it’s important to consider the Read more…