How Does a Ph.D. Program Work?
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Coursework
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There are two things you must do to earn a Ph.D. First, you must master the subject matter. Second, you must contribute to the body of knowledge through your own research. Mastering the subject matter begins once after you've been admitted to a Ph.D. program. Your first step is to complete the required coursework. This may consume the first 2 to 3 years of your doctoral studies. Required courses often involve a heavy amount of reading, giving you a solid grasp of the body of knowledge in your field of study. So be prepared to read and digest large quantities of material. Reading will include not only textbooks, but also scholarly journals in your field of study. Other courses will focus on research methods, preparing you to conduct independent research of your own--something you will be expected to do when you begin work on your dissertation.
Qualifying Exam
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Many Ph.D. programs require their students to demonstrate their mastery of the subject matter in their field of study by successfully passing a comprehensive examination. As with the coursework, you should expect to read and synthesize a large amount of material to prepare yourself for this lengthy exam. Some programs require students to complete a second comprehensive exam that tests research skills.
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Research
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While mastering your subject matter, you should also prepare to conduct research of your own. Many Ph.D. students get involved with university research projects, assisting tenured faculty members with their research. You also can get research experience by writing research papers for presentation at academic conferences or submission to peer-reviewed scholarly journals.
Dissertation
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Once you've mastered your field of study through reading, coursework, and comprehensive examinations, your next step is to contribute to that body of knowledge through your own research. To complete your Ph.D., you will conduct your own research and present the results in a formal written document known as a thesis or dissertation. You will work closely with a faculty member in your field, who will advise you and monitor your progress. After completing your dissertation, you will present your research findings to a panel of faculty members. This presentation is an oral examination in which you will defend your work as faculty members question your findings and methodology.
Considerations
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A Ph.D. program is rigorous and demanding. Intellectual capability alone will not guarantee success. Successful completion of a Ph.D. requires dedication and commitment. It can take 4 to 6 years to complete the degree. The process is demanding, but many Ph.D. students find the experience a rewarding one.
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