There are many reasons to earn a PhD. The potential to command a higher income often outweighs the high cost of obtaining the degree. Earning a PhD allows you to explore a subject you love, acquire more knowledge and meet students and professors with interests similar to your own.
A Ph.D. in history takes an average of eight years, according to the National Opinion Research Center. This time is almost evenly split between coursework and dissertation work, with about four years on each. The major reason why students spend this considerable time and effort is that it allows them to obtain a permanent academic position in history. It also equips them for many nonacademic work opportunities by teaching highly transferable skills.
Earning a doctorate requires years of study. In fact, according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the average doctoral degree program lasts for six years beyond college, but you may need more time than that. Writing and literature are related programs, but those seeking a doctorate in creative writing follow a different track than literature students. Instead of a scholarly thesis and dissertation, creative writing students focus on creative writing in fine arts programs.
A PhD Degree, or Doctor of Philosophy degree, is the pinnacle of academic achievement. It means that you have achieved a level of expertise in your field that few others can match. While one of the most difficult of advanced degrees to attain, it is a excellent start to a career in research or academics. Here are some tips to help you earn a PhD.
Earning a PhD is a big step in higher education and an accomplishment that many people dream of. Because advanced degrees require an extensive amount of classwork and research hours, getting a PhD can often turn into a pursuit of 6 years or more. If you want to get your PhD quickly and start advancing your career, read on to learn how to stay on track.
Economists work in industry, the federal government, financial institutions and for organizations that mange or influence national economic growth strategies. A PhD will also qualify you to teach in a university. You can enter an Economics PhD program directly from undergraduate school or after a few years of work. It is helpful to have an undergraduate major in economics or statistics.
The student earning a doctorate in chemistry must be proficient in biochemistry, organic, physical, analytical and organic chemistry. The doctoral program is demanding and requires devotion and dedication to research. When comparing universities consider faculty achievements, stipends, residencies, cost and teaching opportunities.
The Doctorate of Physics program is challenging and requires years of dedication. Before deciding on a university, consider faculty achievements and areas of studies available, as well as costs, stipends and residencies.
The minimum requirements for a doctorate in Pharmacy depend on the university you attend, but most require an undergraduate degree in chemistry, biology or pharmacy. Pharmacy programs are competitive and have limited openings so you must plan and apply early.
Political scientists provide us with insight into group behavior, government, power and politics. The study of political science requires a good grasp of history and the subtleties of human behavior that ultimately shape the relations between individuals and the government and among governments. A PhD in political science is good preparation for teaching at the university level and for working in government or organizations that help citizens understand and influence the political process.
A doctorate in Public Administration prepares you to manage city, state or federal government agencies, hold political office or teach at a university. Some people with PhDs in Public Administration elect to direct think tanks, public policy or non-profit organizations. Career prospects for PhD holders recently become even brighter and more flexible since many major corporations recognized the value of the rigorous research training that these degrees require.
The PhD in Management is a business degree for students who want to develop a broad background in management. Generally, completion of this degree prepares you to teach at the university level, do research, or work as a management consultant. All of these career options are flexible and lucrative enough to make the investment worthwhile.
It takes about 5 years to complete a doctorate degree in business. Graduate studies can be challenging, but they improve your long-term career opportunities. Business school Ph.D. graduates work in private industry, consulting, research and academia, where they command higher starting salaries than Master's in Business Administration MBA degree graduates do. Read on to learn more.
The PhD in finance is an excellent choice for people who are interested in university teaching careers. Some PhD holders work in research, think tanks or public policy organizations. Job opportunities in this area are plentiful, even in corporations and non-profit organizations. You can enter a PhD program directly from undergraduate school, after working for a few years or after completing a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) degree.
The PhD in accounting prepares you to teach, conduct advanced research or manage the accounting operations of government, corporate and non-profit entities. Of course, if you are suited to entrepreneurship, this degree can provide a stepping-stone for your own business as an auditor or competitor to the Big Eight accounting firms, as well. Recession-proof your career with the highest degree available in this prestigious field. Read on to learn how.
Getting your doctorate in special education opens doors in academic teaching, research center administration and public sector supervisory positions. Expect to learn about administrative and supervisory procedures, research and statistics in special education. Your doctoral program, however, centers around your dissertation, which should contribute valuable research or a practical application.
When making the decision to earn a doctorate in art education, you must consider the time and determination it will take, your level of dedication to the field and of course, the cost of the doctorate program.
A doctorate degree in the performing arts is the pinnacle of study for those who want to attain highest knowledge and skill in music, the theater, opera, acting and related fields. The degree is offered by prestigious universities such as NYU's Steinhardt School of Music and Performing Arts in New York and many other renowned universities.
A doctorate in statistics can lead to a promising career as a professor, researcher or government official. Graduate work in statistics can also prepare a student for a career in business. A PhD in statistics may seem like a daunting task, but your achievement will be rewarded by a technically sophisticated career and a deep understanding of probability theory, data analysis, modeling and methodologies.
Most students pursuing a doctorate degree plan to become a professor or researcher in the field in which they earn the doctorate degree. In most colleges of business, marketing is a possible degree for those wanting to become an expert on the 4 P's of marketing which are product, price, place and promotion.
The academic specialization you pursue will determine the institution you will attend and the curriculum required to earn a PhD in Psychology. The license requirements for counseling psychologists differ by state and you should have a thorough understanding of these requirements before beginning the PhD program. The academic requirements vary by field of psychological study. so research these as well.
You must have a bachelor's degree before entering any PhD program, including the PhD of a Communications program. Most universities will require a Master's degree, though the field of study does not need to be in communications. Having a Master's in communication can decrease the duration of the PhD program, as some master's coursework can be used in place of courses geared to bring the undergraduate up to graduate standards.
The PhD program in Information Systems generally requires undergraduate studies in computers, programming or information systems. To earn a doctorate in Information Systems you must have familiarity with statistics and quantitative analysis and still maintain a creative flair. This program demands long hours and the ability to stay focused and avoid burn out.
Earning a Doctorate in Elementary Education will take a lot of determination on your part. You will be writing a dissertation that will consume a major part of your life until it is finished. Follow these steps to get your advanced degree started.
The PhD in Philosophy will take an average of 3 to 4 full-time years, or 4 to 8 half-time years to complete. Most institutions prefer that PhD candidates dedicate themselves to their studies and research, and so most offer stipends and fellowships. In return for the fellowship or stipend, the PhD candidate will often work as a research or teaching assistant at the institution.