A Ph.D. degree is one of the most exceptional academic awards in the world, but what does it really take to call yourself a Doctor of Arts, Science, and Philosophy? How much work is really involved in the program to earn a Ph.D. Degree?
Is a doctoral degree as difficult as everyone says? And most importantly, how long does it take to get one, and will it be worth it in the end? With all of these questions in mind, here is everything you need to know to earn a Ph.D.
You may need to earn a PhD to achieve your career goals. For example, if you want to become a clinical psychologist, this level of study is essential. Many scientific and research positions require doctoral studies. University professors generally must also have a doctoral degree.
Even if a PhD is not a requirement for your desired line of work, it can help you achieve more success. You could be given higher levels of responsibility and you could earn more money. In some fields, those with a PhD earn approximately 30% more than those with a master’s degree.
Table of contents
- Why Should I Do a PhD Degree?
- What are the Benefits of Doing a PhD? Is Getting a PhD Degree Worth it?
- How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD Degree?
- What is the Average Time to Complete PhD by Field of Study?
- Why Does It Take So Long to Finish a Traditional PhD?
- Getting a Full-Time vs. Part-Time PhD Degree
- Getting a PhD Online vs. Campus
- How Hard Is It to Finish a PhD Degree?
- How to Finish Your PhD Faster and in Less Time?
- Do You Need to Have a Master’s Degree to Get a PhD Degree?
- How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD After a Master’s?
- What Is the Easiest PhD to Get?
- Is There Any way I Can Earn my PhD Degree Sooner?
- As an International Student, What Happens When I Finish My PhD?
- PhD Degree FAQs
- In Conclusion
- References
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Why Should I Do a PhD Degree?
People are inspired to complete a PhD for many different reasons. For some, it is the biggest step toward a long and fruitful academic career. For others, a PhD is a great way to deepen your research in a specific area, which can lead to highly innovative and lucrative business solutions. In fact, some of the most revolutionary technologies and companies have emerged as a postdoctoral research project.
For example, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin met during their doctoral studies at Stanford University, while the work of physicists Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov at the University of Manchester led to the discovery of graphene. – a very fine material that is incredibly solid and extremely conductive.
In addition, Geim and Novoselov established professors when they joined the Manchester faculty, but a team of dedicated doctoral students supported their work, which won the Noble Prize for Physics in 2004.
Several students enjoy college life and register for the pleasure of learning. These naturally curious people may not have specific career goals, but a Ph.D. is the best way to satisfy their thirst for knowledge.
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What are the Benefits of Doing a PhD? Is Getting a PhD Degree Worth it?
First, you can call yourself a “doctor,” which is pretty good (although it’s worth keeping quiet if you’re having some kind of medical emergency). Having this title means you can change your title at this bank, with the credit card company, and in your passport.
And if someone asks you why you can call yourself a “Dr” without knowing one end of a scalpel on the other, tell him that the doctor comes from the Latin word for “distinguished professor.” It became a common medical term after doctors had to complete a PhD before becoming licensed doctors.
But besides the prestige and some opportunities to show off, being a “Dr.” College has several practical advantages. For starters, it’s a prerequisite for anyone wanting to build an academic career. And even if you choose not to pursue an academic career, having a Ph.D. on your resume will impress almost all potential employers.
Finally, a PhD is a lot of fun! Obviously, this involves years of hard work, but you will also spend time with people who share your interests and passions. Furthermore, there are many travel possibilities for many PhD students. You could meet at a prestigious conference surrounded by the best experts in your field, or work on a research project in some of the most exotic places in the world.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD Degree?
It depends on where or what you study, but you will have to spend at least three or four years to get a PhD. Most PhD students in the UK take three to four years to complete a PhD, while in the United States, the average time required for students to complete their PhD is 5 -8 years.
It will also depend on the university that awards a doctoral degree. Deadlines also vary considerably from country to country, so international students still need to research long before applying for a PhD abroad.
Highly technical subjects such as physics often require years of research, meaning some PhD students study for up to eight years before obtaining “Dr” status. The same is true for psychology, where students have to spend long periods in medical settings. (https://modtreks.com)
And if you are interested in a PhD in architecture, you will be there for the long haul. A PhD in architecture lasts for ten years! The biological sciences generally require the least amount of time.
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What is the Average Time to Complete PhD by Field of Study?
Students in certain disciplines generally take much longer to complete their PhD than students in other fields.
If you study in the following scientific fields, you are more likely to graduate on campus in seven years or less:
- Physical: on average, five years
- Psychology: on average, from five to seven years
On the other hand, if your field of study is more related to the humanities, your campus study program may take longer:
- History – eight years on average
- English – eight years on average
- Education – on average, 13 years
These are the traditional figures. There are ways to finish faster.
Why Does It Take So Long to Finish a Traditional PhD?
Some schools require PhD students to take around 40 classes, a traditional campus environment that can take years. After completing the course, you must write and defend your thesis. The thesis process can only take several years. This is one reason that makes any PhD program takes so much time.
However, if the process of getting a doctoral degree means much more to you than the degree itself, then you can go for the online format.
Online doctoral programs can help shorten the doctoral process to three to four years. Fewer credit hours may be required and lessons can be delivered in an expedited format.
Schools focusing on fast PhD programs can also offer thesis advisors to guide students through this phase effectively. Alternatively, some universities allow students to complete short projects that take less than dissertations.
Getting a Full-Time vs. Part-Time PhD Degree
Given the enormous commitment to completing a PhD, many students opt for part-time study. Most part-time PhD degrees are in education, medicine, social science, and veterinary science. It usually takes six to eight years to complete, but there are many benefits to taking the long road to your PhD.
Part-time students study 20 to 30 hours a week, leaving plenty of time to work or raise a young family. It is also the best option if you are learning for pleasure rather than having a specific career goal. A full-time PhD can be a stressful experience: tight deadlines and demanding supervisors can be fun for those who appreciate a more relaxed approach to learning.
Getting a PhD Online vs. Campus
Online education has changed the options for students to earn a PhD. Today, aspiring students can attend classes on a college campus or online.
Traditional programs may require you to move to the university campus and attend school full-time. On average, it takes just over eight years to complete these programs. The advantages of choosing an online school to obtain a PhD degree include the following:
It is the Fastest Process
Eight-week intensive courses can help you finish your course load earlier. You can complete your full program in three to four years, sometimes even less.
Saves Cost
Completing your PhD studies online is faster, and that can mean paying less tuition.
Fully Flexible
Not having to move to campus or attend class at set times allows you to work your studies on your schedule.
Have the Same Status
Online programs are as rigorous as campus programs. As long as your university is accredited, your degree will be as valuable as a university degree.
How Hard Is It to Finish a PhD Degree?
Doctoral studies are difficult. This should not be surprising; If PhDs were easy to obtain, almost all college graduates would end up with a PhD behind their name.
About 50% of students who start a PhD program do not finish. Many withdrew within two years of starting. Another large part surrenders upon reaching the thesis phase.
Although all doctoral programs are difficult, the flexible nature of online programs can help you succeed. Choosing a track that does not require a thesis can also help.
How to Finish Your PhD Faster and in Less Time?
While you can’t earn a Ph.D. overnight, you shouldn’t have to spend most of your working years completing the Ph.D. The following tips to speed up the PhD process can help you complete your studies faster than the average PhD student.
Use what you already know
Each school requires a minimum number of credit hours that you must earn to earn your degree. To help you reach this threshold, some schools will allow you to transfer credits from other doctoral programs. Universities can also accredit you with your professional experience. Reducing the burden on your class can save you time and money.
Look for Short Classes
One of the best ways to speed up the graduation process is through accelerated course schedules. Every eight weeks a new series of lessons will begin. Over the course of a year, there may be five different sessions during which you can take courses.
Work on your Thesis throughout the Program
Traditionally, thesis work begins after the class portion of your studies is completed. Quick doctoral programs can allow you to start the thesis process while taking other courses. This approach, known as an integrated dissertation, can reduce the likelihood of you giving up before completing your final project. It can also speed up your doctoral chronology.
Ask for Help
Lack of support may lead some PhD students to give up. On the other hand, having a good support system can help you move forward and finish your program faster. Build a team of family, friends, and college mentors who can encourage, guide, and help you when you feel overwhelmed by school.
Do You Need to Have a Master’s Degree to Get a PhD Degree?
Many schools consider a master’s degree to be an essential prerequisite for admission to a PhD degree. If you don’t already have a master’s degree, a doctoral program may allow you to earn a master’s degree and a PhD for less time and money than it would take to earn them separately.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD After a Master’s?
The decision to earn a PhD degree after earning your master’s degree is a difficult one. A PhD is a great emotional, mental, and financial degree, hence you need to be equipped for it. It takes 3-4 years to complete your PhD degree after yor Masters degree.
However, you may be able to complete your PhD program in three to four years if you opt for an accelerated online program. On average, traditional doctoral programs on campus take about eight years.
What Is the Easiest PhD to Get?
All doctoral programs are demanding, but you will have the best time if you select a program that meets your interests and career goals. The flexibility of online studies can help make your PhD program seem less restrictive. Also, summary projects are sometimes easier than writing dissertations.
If earning a PhD in a short period of time is important to you, consider the many benefits online programs can offer. In a few years, you can put the letters “PhD” at the end of your name.
Is There Any way I Can Earn my PhD Degree Sooner?
A small group of students completes their doctorate in two years, while a few elite students can complete it in 12 months. It’s hard to overstate how rare and impressive it is, but it’s still possible.
Building a strong academic resume before you begin is the key to an accelerated doctorate. Publishing your work in magazines as a master’s student is one of the best ways to alert teachers to your academic qualities.
And if you manage to become a Dr in two years or less, you will find yourself in a very illustrious company. Professor Stephen Wolfram graduated from particle physics at the California Institute of Technology after spending less than a year on campus.
He was only 20 years old and had left Oxford with only 17 because the lectures were not difficult enough! And his later achievements demonstrate that it was not only due to the arrogance of the young. Then he created a whole new computer programming language and revolutionary algebra and artificial intelligence theories.
As an International Student, What Happens When I Finish My PhD?
Many universities have implemented extension programs designed to help international students stay in the country after the approval of their final thesis. These extensions help new graduates find a job or continue their academic careers. They usually last up to 12 months, after which you must make additional arrangements to stay in your host country.
Universities generally sponsor these extension programs; you must meet specific criteria before applying. Again, this varies depending on where you study, so talk to the person administering the program for more information.
PhD Degree FAQs
Generally, it will take 3.5 to 6 or even seven years full-time to complete a PhD. A university may stipulate a 3 to 5 years for the completion time, but students may apply for an extension with accepted excuses. However, online programs make it even faster.
The decision to earn a PhD degree after earning your master’s degree is a difficult one. A PhD is a great emotional, mental, and financial degree, hence you need to be equipped for it. It takes 3-4 years to complete your PhD degree after yor Masters degree.
Some schools require PhD students to take around 40 classes, which can take years in a traditional campus environment. After completing the course, you must write and defend your thesis. The thesis process can only take several years. This is one reason that makes any PhD program takes so much time.
Doctoral studies are difficult. This should not be surprising; If PhDs were easy to obtain, almost all college graduates would end up with a PhD behind their name. Although all doctoral programs are challenging, the flexible nature of online programs can help you succeed. Choosing a track that does not require a thesis can also help.
In Conclusion
It doesn’t matter how long it takes to get a doctoral degree; what really matters is the joy afterward. However, there are better ways to earn a PhD without spending the whole time studying.
References
- mydegreeguide.com – How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?
- phdstudies.com – How Many Years Does it Take to Complete a PhD?
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