A doctorate degree should not be taken lightly. It requires years to achieve, and you will spend several years out of the workforce in order to get it. A doctorate degree should boost your career potential enough for it to be worth it.
How long does it take to earn PhD degrees?
Earning your doctorate can take a long time, sometimes up to six or seven years, depending on your program. Science PhD programs might take less time because they have more funding, and you can commit more of your time to research. As you are accepted into programs, ask how long it took past graduates to finish, on average. Also ask about the normal length of time to finish and if financial aid stops after a certain number of years.
How much work does getting a doctorate require?
Plenty. You will have to write a dissertation and defend it. You will also need to take exams along the way. All of this happens on top of your assistantship or whatever part-time job you take if your financial aid package does not adequately cover your living expenses.
Will I have to teach or work part-time?
It depends. Many graduate school financial aid packages will include a year or even several years as a teaching assistant. This is similar to having work-study as an undergrad. As a teaching assistant, you will either teach lower-level courses or teach sections of large courses for professors. If you are studying in the sciences, you will probably earn your keep working in a lab.
What about working part-time outside the school?
If your school is in an expensive area, then you may need to take up an extra job. This work should further your course of study, such as teaching essay-writing to high school students if you are a grad student in English. If you cannot find work that relates to your program, then you may want to reconsider that program. You need to give yourself plenty of time to focus on your studies.
How will a doctorate degree affect me over the long term?
You will be out of the work force for a long time in order to complete your studies, which might set you back in terms of retirement planning. However, if you love what you study and truly could not imagine doing anything else, then you will increase your career satisfaction. You just need to take a hard look at yourself and what you really want out of life before following the doctorate path.
 | As you consider graduate schools, you need to weigh several factors. Grad program rankings are important, but equally important is whether or not graduate school will help you meet your career goals. |
 | Most graduate school scholarships come straight from the schools themselves, which means the hardest part is just getting into the program. By developing a strategy for standing out, you will improve your chances for acceptance and funding. |
 | Is grad school a waste of time? Good question. It all depends on the program you choose, how that program can help your career and whether or not you make the most of the opportunity. |
Online graduate schools offer the benefits of flexible schedules, so you will have an easier time working while studying. Their programs are best suited for those who want to keep working while earning their degrees. |
Graduate school rankings are important. The better the school you get into, the more successful you will be. Or is that entirely true? |
