Considering Doctoral Programs Today

Answer 1

re are a variety of reasons for pursuing doctoral studies. First and foremost, the Doctorate Degree is the terminal (that is, final) degree in academic work, and is required for anyone considering College and University level teaching in the modern world. Whereas it was once possible to be a serious candidate for College level teaching without a Ph.D., those days are largely over. Community Colleges may still accept a Masters Degree for teaching, especially in those fields where a Ph.D. is not considered absolutely essential (such as in Fine Arts, where the MFA, Masters in Find Arts, is often considered quite acceptable).

Besides entering the academic world, some consider a Ph.D. to be an important professional goal. Modern consultants may wish to be able to offer their intellectual experience through earning the highest academic degree as part of what they offer to potential clients. Ministers, for example, also may consider a Doctoral Degree to be competitive even in the market for positions in the clergy!

However, it is important to consider many other aspects of doing doctoral work other than professional advantages. It is rarely discussed, for example, that doctoral work is quite intense, involving long hours of reading, writing, and study. Such a commitment can often be costly in personal and family relations. It is entirely necessary to be rather narrowly focused at this level of study - and some family members may find your absence difficult to deal with - whether you are physically absent (library?) or simply having your mind always on your work!

The secret is this - doctoral work is usually exhilarating for the student - they are deeply engaged in a subject that they are usually fascinated with. Doctoral level work means that you are seeking to make an original and new contribution to your field of study! Doctoral research is intense and focused - but it takes patience, commitment, and an understanding family. Anyone trying to enter doctoral work while working another job should seriously consider the implications of the time commitment. The number of students who begin doctoral work, but never finish, can be discouraging. Therefore, one must take a good measure of your level of commitment, your need for the degree for your professional goals, and your personal and family situation before seriously pursuing the possibilites for this level of intellectual exploration.