Thursday, 26 December 2013

How to Get a PhD

Going Through the Process of Earning a PhD Obtaining Skills You'll Need to Earn a PhD

Edited by Mike, Chris Hadley, Twoscompany, Colby! and 9 others

A PhD, short for doctor of philosophy, is the top academic degree. It represents a mastering of one's field of study and entitles the person who earns it to be addressed with the honorific "Doctor." Earning a PhD requires a considerable amount of work is not for everyone, but if it is for you, here is how to get a PhD.

EditPart 1 of 2: Going Through the Process of Earning a PhD

1
Consider if getting a PhD is right for you. PhD careers are mostly careers in research. As a PhD, you may secure a position as a college or university professor, a researcher in a government or industrial laboratory, a consultant, or an independent practitioner. If you have the curiosity to explore a subject in depth and the tenacity to do so for many years, applying for a graduate PhD program may be for you. If you are simply seeking wealth or the status of being seen as smarter than everyone else, applying for a PhD program is most likely not the best direction for you.
- See the section "Skills You'll Need to Earn a PhD" for advice on what it takes to see a doctoral program through to completion.
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2
Complete your undergraduate education. You will need a solid record of coursework from a reputable university that shows potential for both advanced coursework and independent research. Your undergraduate degree will be in the field in which you plan to earn a PhD, although this is not a requirement. While not necessary, the following are a good idea while you are an undergraduate:
- Obtain research experience in the field you will likely be attending graduate school. Try to publish several articles in the professional literature and deliver several professional conference presentations as an undergraduate. This will most likely help you obtain needed skills, give you extra exposure to your field, and help you to demonstrate that you will be successful in your field.
- Become very involved in your academic department's club or honor society if one exists. If not, speak with your advisor or department chair about starting one.
- Speak to graduate students and faculty about their experiences; many will be happy to let you know about the advantages and disadvantages of studying for and obtaining a Ph.D.
- Find one or more faculty members who will mentor you, guide your development, and assist you in finding the right program for you. A good way to develop a relationship with a professor is to take multiple classes with her and join her lab. Most professors are more than happy to work with a talented student who shows a sincere interest in their work.
3
Apply for admission to a graduate school. Although some people obtain an honours degree, higher degree by diploma or master's degree before applying to a Ph.D. program, most Ph.D. students apply directly for a Ph.D. program without completing an honours degree, higher diploma or master's degree. Doctoral programs are based on research in the PhD candidate's field of study. They often begin with a thorough investigation of the existing body of knowledge on a subject to define specific questions that can be answered through original research. You will need to send the following items with your application:
- Your undergraduate and graduate transcripts
- A curriculum vitae (CV) or resume
- Letters of recommendation from people familiar with your work who also know what the program you are applying to is looking for. Often, your undergraduate and graduate professors and advisers will have a better handle on the specific information the admissions committee wants than would a supervisor from outside the academic world.
- A statement of purpose, describing what you have already done and what you hope to accomplish in your doctoral research, who you hope to work with as your research supervisor and the reasons you want to work with that person. Your research program should be in an area that has not been previously researched.
- You may or may not also have to take a written exam as you did when entering graduate school, depending on the college or university you're applying to. These can include the Graduate Records Exam or another test.
4
Choose an academic advisor and committee. You want an advisor familiar with your area of research who can direct you when needed and have resources and connections you can draw on. Tenured professors have access to more grant money, equipment, and connections, while non-tenured professors are more personally available. You can compensate for the disadvantages of one professor by choosing both tenured and non-tenured professors for your advisory committee, provided they are all versed in your field of research.
- Your proposed academic advisor/research supervisor should be named in your statement of purpose, with the reasons you want to work with that person. Those reasons should show that you know something about that person's background and why he or she would make an effective advisor.
5
Try to get a teaching or research assistantship. Any of these assistantships will help pay your way through the years of your doctoral program, with the research assistantship directly funding your research. Initially, you may be doing more of the research grant work, but you should progress to self-directed research.
6
Complete requisite coursework and, most likely, an intensive comprehensive examination covering your entire field of study.
7
Prepare a doctoral dissertation/thesis. Your doctoral dissertation is a written document that should flow from your statement of purpose and have a subject that forms the basis for your years of research. You will present the dissertation in writing to the faculty and be examined orally on the contents of your work.

EditPart 2 of 2: Obtaining Skills You'll Need to Earn a PhD

1
Display initiative. While professors, in a doctoral program, lead your undergraduate classes, you direct your research with the assistance of your advisor. It is up to you to get the work done.
2
Be tenacious. Your research program and dissertation may take anywhere from two to six years to complete, on average. You have to be prepared to commit the time and then commit it.
3
Plan and organize your work. Decide what tasks are most important at any given time and give them priority, relegating less important tasks for later. Break large jobs down into smaller manageable tasks that you can complete and move on to the next task.
4
Adapt to opportunities and challenges. During the time you spend working on your doctorate, you will face both obstacles to completing your research, such as lack of laboratory access, and opportunities, such as new grants or faculty members. How you incorporate the opportunities and work around the challenges will have an impact on your success.
5
Work well with others. No matter how smart you may be, you will need the help of others in your research, particularly the support staff. You also need to keep your advisory committee regularly updated on your progress.
6
Communicate effectively. You need to present yourself and your work well both orally and in writing to earn recognition as a PhD candidate and a researcher. You need to deliver your main point quickly and your overall presentation or paper with confidence.
7
Keep a sense of perspective. While your research and dissertation are your primary focus during your doctoral studies, take some time. Because you will spend several years to earn your doctorate, you need to take care of your physical and mental health, eat right, and make time to exercise regularly. So when you finish your work, it does not finish you.
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