Changing PhD programme/re-entering the same one

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Mirko13, Dec 12, 2009.

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  1. Mirko13

    Mirko13 New Member

    Hello everyone! :)

    A bit of background. I'm currently enrolled in a Phd Programme in Political Science. However, due to the fact that I have failed a Comprehensive Exam, I will be asked to withdraw from the programme. Teaching, conducting research and writing are a couple of my passions. I have tried only the research part at some point, only to realize that the teaching part is missing. Although I was disappointed at first and a part of me still is, I have also started to see it as an opportunity in trying other things out and to learn what else is out there.

    After reflecting on various options, I have come up with a few options/ideas and if possible I would like to get some input/feedback on some or all of them.

    Option 1:
    Leave the PhD behind me and go into Education and become a high school teacher. Given my educational background, I would have enough history courses to have one teachable subject. However, to apply to the programme I would need to fulfill a few undergraduate course requirements.

    I have also thought about pursuing a degree in Curriculum studies.

    Option 2:
    Re-apply to the same programme/department and apply with the intention of completing the missing field of concentration and essentially continue the programme and complete the one missing comprehensive exam.

    Option 3:
    Apply to a new programme (History) at the same university. From the information that I have gathered thus far, I would need to start over again as the courses I have taken would not count towards the History degree, and of course History has its own set of comprehensive exams.

    The advantage staying at the same university would be that some professors know me well and I could continue working with my current supervisor.

    Option 4:
    Leave academics/teaching all together and perhaps pursue a career in research within government, a non-profit organization, a community organization, etc...

    As I am looking for a job at the moment, I have started to look through the job adds for researchers and policy analysts. Now, should I be successful in obtaining a full time position, part of me is leaning towards giving that a try as it would fit with 'learning about other options or career choices'.

    Thank you!
     
  2. KariS

    KariS New Member

    Item 1: Can you convert the work you have done into another masters so you do not lose everything?

    Item 2: Have you tried challenging the withdrawal? As Dr. Bear has oft stated, at the graduate level the "rules" can be changed by the professors.
     
  3. Mirko13

    Mirko13 New Member

    As for the first item, I have not given thought to the idea of converting the work I have already done into another masters. I would need to look into that and see if that would be a possibility.

    As for the second item, I was advised that a challenge to the requirement to withdraw would in all likelihood fail given that the entire examination committee was in agreement. In my conversations with a couple of professors, it became clear that these are the rules/policies and there are no provisions for continuing the programme after having failed a comprehensive exam. Moreover, I was told by one faculty member that academics is not my strength and I should do something else, which I find to be odd as we all know that academics involves a lot more than just comprehensive exams. Basically all the work/research/teaching that I did, does not count towards the potential of being an academic.

    I have done Nevertheless, I have the support from a couple of professors to apply to a new PhD programme and/or re-apply.

    Is there anyone, who found himself/herself in a similar situation or has experienced something similar?
     
  4. foobar

    foobar Member

    It is common for programs to award a Masters degree to a student who has failed comps as a "consolation prize." Ask nicely and there shouldn't be a problem. In fact, I have a faint recollection that this was the original purpose of a Master's degree.

    I personally would not try to "get back in" the program, or try to get into a different program without really understanding what has happened here.

    I don't know you, your background, your interactions with faculty in your departments, or your academic performance. I can tell you that right or wrong, the grading of the comprehensive exam is a VERY subjective process and that factors outside of your answers to the exam questions enter into the grading process more often than not. If a committee feels that you don't have what it takes to be an academic, it is unlikely that you will pass without writing one heck of an impressive comp.

    Some serious self-reflection is in order here. Were the professors supporting a re-application to the program on the exam committee? Are they just trying to let you down easy? Was departmental or other politics a factor?
    Have you discussed your situation with other students in your program?

    If you were to apply to a new program, how would you explain your apparent failure in your last program? You cannot reapply or apply to a new program until you have a credible answer to this question.
     
  5. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    I would go for Option 2. If that's not possible, take your MA and find a good dissertation-only PhD in Political Science.
     
  6. major56

    major56 Active Member

    I’d agree with Ted’s option (2)…
     
  7. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    What school are you attending?
    and/or
    Is this a DL or B&M doctorate?

    Just curious,
    Thanks.
     
  8. edowave

    edowave Active Member

    If they won't even let you retake your comps, than I hate to say it, but you are done at this university, if not in academia altogether. Don't even bother reapplying to another department. They gave you the academic kiss of death.

    The same thing happened to someone I knew. He couldn't even get into another university. As soon as the university he applied to found out he was in a PhD program, they contacted his former chair for a reference and.....well you can guess it wasn't good.

    I would try to get a Masters out of this and leave. Option 1 or 4.
     

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