Embarking upon a PhD................ maybe!

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by thequietman, Aug 8, 2017.

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  1. thequietman

    thequietman Member

    I have an opportunity to get a place on a PhD program but to be honest it kinda terrifies me. I really don't where how to start my application and what proposal I should make as the topic for my thesis.

    I have looked online for help but there is very little to help me prepare for this. I know quite a few of you here have undertaken and achieved their PhD and I wonder could you give me some advice, pointers or web pages to assist me.

    Many thanks in advance.

    thequietman
     
  2. newsongs

    newsongs Active Member

    Naturally, you'll need to add some specifics about your background, career goals and motivation for the degree and your chosen field of study. Congratulations on your future endeavor and desire.
     
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    You sound like someone who was unexpectedly invited to go skydiving - - - you weren't thinking about doing it, not really sure if you want to do it, are not really sure what's involved, are not really sure of the focus, etc. It's not really clear to me why you're even considering this "opportunity." Did someone give you a coupon?
     
  4. thequietman

    thequietman Member

    LOL :) It seems that way doesn't it. I never really considered doing a PhD. I just wanted to get my masters and stop. Now that I have the masters, it seems the next logical step. But as you point out, do I really want to get into all that work/time and effort? I at least want to explore the possibility, hence asking for advice on here.
     
  5. thequietman

    thequietman Member

    thanks. currently teaching humanities and social sciences but would like to pursue education. Background is not that impressive academically. Bachelors from an unaccredited institution, however accepted into an accredited MBA. Career goals are to secure a long term career with my Uni and to get a salary bump. Field would be education if possible but masters is in Bus Admin & Management. I suppose I could settle but something is driving me on. I am unsure if I want to pursue a PhD to be honest more out of fear of the unknown.
     
  6. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Well, maybe you'll do it and maybe you won't but if you decide against it, it shouldn't be because you're afraid. It's not a good way to make decisions or to live your life. Don't be fear-based. So the next step is to learn more so that the unknown becomes better known. You could start by reading these threads

    Education, Teaching and related degrees

    The nice thing about Education degrees is that they applicable to many situations/goals. There is a nice selection of online/DL doctoral programs both in the US and elsewhere. You should think about costs and how much you can afford. You should think about time and how much you can afford and you should think about a focus or specialization because at some point you'll need to write a dissertation or doctoral project. So read the threads, look at the school websites and, if it's available, look at the biographies of the doctoral students and instructors. As you become more familiar with the whole picture you'll find yourself either being drawn in of asking "Who the hell would do something crazy like this." Also, we have a number of members working on doctoral degrees as various schools. I'm sure they'd be happy to discuss their general experiences as a PhD candidate. In any case, good luck.
     
  7. dlbb

    dlbb Active Member

    I would absolutely go for it! At worst, you may grow weary and drop out. All you would have lost would be time and money. However, the more time and energy you get invested in the degree, the stronger you conviction to finish will be. If you are already teaching at the university level, I am sure you will have sufficient motivation to carry you through, as you will day by day be faced with reasons to continue on. The sooner you get started, the sooner you will have that pay bump you want.

    Here is some good reading material:
    https://www.google.com/search?q=applying+to+phd+programs&oq=applying+to+ph.&gs_l=psy-ab.3.0.0i10k1l4.3915182.3917411.0.3918910.15.12.0.0.0.0.196.1400.0j9.9.0....0...1.1.64.psy-ab..6.9.1398...0j35i39k1j0i67k1j0i131k1j0i20k1.3shHjlSwOgg

    I would read through some of those and then apply to whatever programs you are interested in.
     
  8. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Oh, is that all?
     
  9. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    Paraphrasing the wisdom of Dear Abby:

    Reader: "I have the chance to pursue a PhD program, but it could take five years. I'm 43 years old, so by the time I finish, I could be 48."
    Abby: And how old will you be in five years if you don't do it?
     
  10. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    48 with less grey hair...
     
  11. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    I get color cammo so I don't have gray.
     

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