P.h.D programs

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Daniel J Selsvik, Aug 8, 2019.

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  1. Daniel J Selsvik

    Daniel J Selsvik New Member

    If I have a Masters degree in History what, other than History, would I be eligible to get a P.h.D. in?
     
  2. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Whatever you can negotiate.

    John Bear mentions this issue--negotiation in grad school--a lot in his books. I've always taken it to heart. You can't simply go by the catalog, brochure, or whatever. Decide what you're interested in pursuing and then have discussions with representatives from schools you're interested in.

    You might have to take prerequisites at the undergraduate level or graduate level. You might even have to start as if you don't have a master's degree. But you won't know until you ask.

    Personal story on negotiation: I started my journey to an MBA at what is now Chapman University at one of its sites in San Diego. However, this was interrupted by work after I'd earned 12 s.h. When I could return for more studies, National University seemed a better option, so I transferred. National accepted all 12 credits from Chapman, maxing out my transfer eligibility (according to their catalog and rules). Work intervened again--I earned a commission and returned to active duty--and I was stationed in Sacramento. This allowed me to continue my studies at National. But before I could finish the MBA, I received orders to San Antonio. I would not be able to finish my master's at National from there--distance learning was not an option back then--and I'd already maxed out my transfer credits. (At that point I needed just 4 elective courses to finish.)

    I petitioned for a waiver to the transfer credit limit. National granted it, but only for an MA in Business, not the MBA. (The only material difference between the two degrees was that the MA required 12 courses and the MBA required 15.) I appealed, noting that I was already establishing my footprint in nontraditional higher education, that I was a military officer assigned to education and training, and wouldn't I be a great ambassador for National? The chancellor called me in for an interview. Well, he was a veteran and appreciated my zeal for National. He approved my request. I was able to take classes at Webster University (which had a learning center in San Antonio) and transfer the credits back to National. I was awarded my National University MBA in 1985. That degree made me eligible to apply for Air Force ROTC special duty--I was accepted and got my first choice: San Diego State University. I got to come home and bought a house less than a mile from my high school...and teach at a large state university as an assistant professor. All because I asked--negotiated--for different terms than the catalog stated.

    As it turned out, that was the second-most interesting negotiation I would undertake for grad school. For that one, I got a little assistance from that John Bear guy I mentioned before. You should read his book. I'm a big fan of one he co-wrote with his wife, How to Repair Food. Or the latest version of his book on earning college degrees at a distance. That one needs to be updated. Hmmm....
     
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I basically agree with Rich although I'd say it a bit differently. I'd say that you've asked the wrong question. Instead of asking "What would I be allowed to study?" and then proceeding to try to fit yourself into that (probably) poorly fitting outfit, you should be asking "What am I most interested in studying?" and then figure out what you need to do to get yourself admitted. While we're at it, there's an even more basic question that you might want to have a very clear answer to . . . "Why do I want a PhD at all?" What's the goal?
     
  4. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    I've seen so many Ph.D.s that only require a master's degree in any field. The better question though is, why do you want a Ph.D.? What field(s) of study interests you?
     
  5. Jahaza

    Jahaza Active Member

    Different countries' systems are different in the U.S. in most fields you can be admitted to a Ph.D. program with just a bachelor's degree (not even neccesarily in the same field). Depending on the program, having a Master's degree in the same field as the Ph.D. might get you advanced standing or it might not!
     
  6. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    Dear Mr. Selsvik Thanks for the kind words. Since doctoral-level admissions decisions are made (formally or informally) at the departmental level, I stand by my suggestion that it makes sense to (try to) establish communication with a faculty member. (Dear Professor Hingledorf. I've read and admired your papers on Invertebrate Economics, and I am intrigued with the possibility of pursuing my Ph.D. at Jimjam University. Permit me to tell you a bit about . . . "

    Random House (which bought Ten Speed Press) owns the rights to my books (education, cooking, and complaining series), and is apparently still (after quite a few years) mulling over which ones to keep, resurrect, or dump. I am not holding my breath.

    Incidentally, what does the "h." in P.h.D. stand for?
     
    SteveFoerster likes this.
  7. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    It stands for "Hey, what's with the extra period?"
     
  8. Daniel J Selsvik

    Daniel J Selsvik New Member

    Haha! It was a typo. I just now noticed I did that! Thank you for pointing that out. Ph.D.**
     
  9. Pugbelly2

    Pugbelly2 Member

    Leadership.
     
  10. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  11. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

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