Lindsay P. answered • 10/03/20
Tutor
New to Wyzant
Ivy League Admission Counselor
Pursuing a doctorate degree is a big decision. PhDs consist of classes, exams, writing a dissertation and defending that dissertation. This requires years of intense study. The question of whether this is worth doing can ultimately only be answered by you.
However, here are some things to consider:
- Is it required in your field?
- What educational requirements are listed for your career of choice? Does the salary range increase with a doctorate?
- Is research and academia something I enjoy?
- Do I enjoy writing? Do I enjoy research? Am I okay with receiving feedback regularly?
- Am I prepared for this type of commitment?
- In graduate school, you will read up to 1,000 pages a week, have numerous papers to write that require original theses, will need to take courses, take level exams, and teach all while simultaneously reading, researching and writing your own dissertation. This requires an intense time commitment. Remember, most doctoral candidates receive funding and school is their full time job.
