Career questions tagged phd
Should I get my PhD in Sociology or Criminology ?
So I got my bachelors degree in Sociology, with a lot of my research centering injustices within the criminal justice system. I am really interested in analyzing the CJS as an institution and looking at the ways it discriminates against different intersectional identities. I like looking at social justice issues and justice reform. Recently, I have been looking into getting a PhD as I hope to become a professor. I have talked with three professors about this, two sociology professors one english professor, and two of them(the english prof and a soc prof) believe I should pursue a PhD in criminology instead of sociology. They say this because A) sociology is incredibly competitive B) Sociology is being targeted right now under the Trump administration. They say I'll be more marketable if I do Criminology instead. The issue is, I don't want to be tied down to crime. I am incredibly interested in learning about all the issues with the criminal justice system and learning about ways we can fix it and reform our justice system. I find recividism to be very interesting as well, as well as issues in policing. However, I am interested in looking at these things through a sociological lens. I love sociology, I love how diverse it is, and I just feel that is where my heart is. However, I'll be very honest to say my understanding of Criminology is limited to the one entry level criminology course I took in my undergrad. Idk I just don't know what to do, and I'm scared if I pick sociology I'll regret it down the road if I can't find a job being a sociology professor. What should I do???
Laramie
What are the benefits of pursuing a PhD versus a PsyD in psychology #Spring25 ?
I'm a freshman in college, going into my second semester. I've decided to major in psychology. I'm trying to decide if I want to peruse getting a PhD or PsyD.
Keeling
How to choose PhD program, If I aim to become an entrepreneur/startup after my PhD?
I am a PhD Chemistry aspirant. After PhD, I want to become an entrepreneur and build my own startup. But I want to know how to choose the PhD program so that I could achieve my goal of doing a PhD i.e. entrepreneurship
Rahim Yar Khan
How should I prepare for a PhD in Comparative Literature?
My ultimate goal is to be a literature professor, and I want to get my PhD in Comparative Literature after a gap year after undergrad. I contemplate how I can show proficiency in multiple languages or if there are other things I should do to stand out in my grad school application.
San Diego
What can I study my undergrad year before going to law school?
I wanted to study a social science or humanities before going into law but am not too sure what my options are limited to and would like an insight or some information regarding those options. I am looking for something versatile in the job market in case I shift gears in the future and pursue something other than law. #Fall24
San Francisco
Is it possible to get into a career in psychology without getting a PhD?
I am considering going into a psychology career but I don't want to go to extra schooling if it is not necessary.
Elk River
What resources might help a science education postdoc figure out a career change?
I always though I wanted to be a professor, but now that I have a Science Education PhD and am near the end of my postdoc, I find I don't really want to go into traditional academia (At least not with a research component). Unfortunately the schools that are hiring without a research component are hiring adjuncts or VAPs only, which is not sustainable long term. I've never considered what else to do and am seeing a lot of roles that I'm over-educated but underqualified for. I don't know what job hunting resources are out there when you have a PhD but no known/intended career field. I do not care about the money beyond pays-my-rent-food-and-gas, and I'm more than willing and even potentially interested in "downsizing" the career aspirations to a field where I can make a positive community impact that is not necessarily in my field. Are there any programs or coaches that could help me explore what might fit my skills?
Cincinnati
I'm a Research scholar in University of Mumbai. I had completed masters in life sciences specialization in biochemistry, and now I am working as a JRF(Junior Research Fellow) in Project. and at this stage I am Stuck, as soon as the project gets over i have to go for another project or research work. the main question is should i go for PhD or go for Teaching, or in research again which one will be better? My Pov-(I've seen people with PhD were jobless because they did not find any suitable job they often get rejected by recruiter and the reason is overqualification). So, now am quite afraid to pursue PhD but also I don't want to stop myself for learning and earning.
There is no gaps in my academics. and I am very much interested research field. My age is 23.
Mumbai
If I aspire to study neuropsychopharmacology or the effects of addiction on the mind, what extracurriculars/opportunities do you suggest I complete to make me a competitive applicant for graduate school ?
I am currently a rising junior in college
New York
What would be a reason for me to get my doctorate in higher education as opposed to my DNP?
What would be a reason for me to get my doctorate in higher education as opposed to my DNP?
Hammonton
What can I do to get into a fully funded scholarship program in a graduate school and do a PhD with a professor that has an ongoing research interest that he's working on? #spring24
I have a BSc in Mechanical engineering, I graduated with honors and I'm looking forward to working in a research Lab(manufacturing or a design and simulation Lab). I believe that I have talents in Mechanical engineering that can contribute to the world. #spring24
Bamenda
Are M.D./Ph.D. (neuroscience specifically) programs worth it ?
I'm currently a high school senior. I already committed to a college and I'll be majoring in neurobiology but I wanted to get some advice from others to see if an M.D./Ph.D. program after undergrad is the way to go (or if just getting an M.D. is better) so that I can start preparing for it. I know I want to become a neurosurgeon and that I definitely do want to do research before residency.
American Canyon
Dietitian Questions
Hello! I really want to do something in the medical field, and one of my options is to become a dietitian. My questions are: 1. Can I get a PhD for it? 2. If so, what are the differences between a regular dietitian and a dietitian with a PhD (e.g., difference in salary, difference in what they do, etc.)? Thank you!
Lynnwood
What are the steps I need to take to become a professor in chemistry ?
How do I go about be on top of my academic career
Los Angeles
I'm considering pursuing a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction in the USA. What career opportunities could this open up for me? I need some guidance to make an informed decision.
What are the career prospects for a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction in the USA, considering my background? I hold an MSc in Social Work and a BSc in Psychology of Education. How does this compare to pursuing a PhD in Social Work? Which option would be better, and why? My primary concern is securing a well-paying job upon graduation, whether in academia or in practice.
Florida
Master's or PhD for Marine Biologist?
Hi! I am currently pursuing my Bachelor's in Biology. I am also conducting water conservation undergrad research and conducting my own research projects is something I really enjoy. Ultimately, I want my graduate degree in Marine Biology and to conduct hands on research on coral reefs. I have been going back and forth between getting my Master's or PhD in Marine Biology after the completion of my Bachelors. I definitely want to end with a degree higher than Bachelor's. Is having my Master's or PhD after undergrad more beneficial for this field?
Womelsdorf
What is thr pay for accountants ?
Thank you for reading this help me review my question
Anchorage
In terms of applying to graduate school, would my chances for admission be higher with a Master's degree?
I am a psychology major and graduating in the Fall of 2025. I've been looking to clinical psychology PhD programs, but some programs don't require a Master's degree for admission. However, I don't know if that would make me less competitive when applying. If I could avoid 2-3 additional years of paying for school I would love that, but I don't know if my chances would be better with more schooling. Any advice would be great!
Berkeley
How can I do PHD from Oxford?
I finished my MBA in finance and want to do PHD from Oxford University.
United States
Where should I get A career advisor?
Am looking for a career advisor anywhere
New YorkHow much money?
I'm planning on going to college for my PhD in psychology and am wondering if anyone can give an estimate of student loans this would give me. Thank you!
Elk River
Are doctorate degrees that aren't PhDs taken seriously at all in academia?
e.g. the Doctor of Education (EdD), clinical doctorates for different disciplines
Melbourne VIC
What would you advise a college senior applying for a Master's or PhD in International Relations immediately after undergrad Is it better to work first? If yes, what jobs in the international relations field pay decently? Personally, I am interested in global politics (especially with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa), foreign policy, research, and diplomacy.
I am rising senior majoring in International Relations with a minor in Economics. I've been thinking about the Think Tank world because I like doing research but I also like the idea of the foreign service (I still struggle with learning French). I would love to do diplomatic work, maybe more in the political side of things. Sorry if this is all over the place.
WashingtonHow many years of education and training did it take to become a psychologist?
I would like to earn a PhD when I go to college in 2024, so what would I have to do, specifically, to reach that level?
Ashburn
I am an undergraduate student in my second year I didn't do so well last semester and my gpa dropped to a 2.1, can you give me some advice as to how to prepare for grad school? Is it too late for me?
How do I prepare myself for a PhD at MIT, or other Ivy league or top schools in the world's? Should I also get my masters before my PhD program and will that shorten or extend how long my doctorate program will be? I am also planning to get a master before the PhD though since it isn't that close I still wanted to hear an opinion from an expert. I am currently a computer science student at Florida polytechnic university if that helps as well. FYI: I plan to do better this upcoming semester and hopefully raise my GPA close to a 3.0 by the end of either the fall or spring. And I plan to start getting some research opportunities with professors.
United States
How good of an idea is it to work on your doctorate at the same time as being an adjunct professor?
I'm a high school senior and aspiring linguistics major who intends to become a professor and obtain their PhD. I've heard about adjunct professorship and that while it is very important to become a tenured professor, it's as time-intensive as tenured professorship with significantly less pay. Would these two goals at the same time be too overwhelming or hard to balance? I'd like to hear professional opinions!
Martinez