Job Discussion Forums

Hansen · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 737 Location: central China

How much does a Ph.D cost?
How much am I going to make because I have a Ph.D?

The best way to get a Ph.D is to be employed and sponsored by your employer. If you self sponsor, you should have some solid connections for future employment.

To get a Ph.D with a view to prospering in China is, well.....the work of a sha gua.

ssean · Joined: 17 Oct 2004 Posts: 23 Location: new zealand

I am currently doing a phd in philosophy in the school of education, it will use empirical data so that means going out doing the research myself, considering methodology, methods, instruments etc. If nothing else I will come away with a much firmer understanding of empirical research which can be applied in all fields. Is there much emphasis on empirical research in the humanities and arts in the unis in China?

Jayray · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 373 Location: Back East

If you go the public uni route, unless you teach at an upper tier school, I seriously doubt that anyone will even try to differentiate between a legitimate Ph.D degree from a rag purchased from Abdul's School of Life and Print Shop in Dubai.

I am sure that there are western holders of legitimate Ph.Ds in China, but I haven't met any of them.

Zero · Joined: 08 Sep 2004 Posts: 1402

Some of the joint-venture programs with Western universities value a PhD. I think a master's degree and Western college-level teaching experience are the requirements, actually, but they need to be in a field relevant to the one the program focuses on. As far as I know, they tend to revolve around business. I think an MBA is valuable in these circumstances.

I was in touch with one such program where the instructors start at about 20,000 RMB/month (and free housing/utilities) and get raises from there. I was told that in order to be considered, I could go get an MBA and some level of teaching experience in a U.S. college or university. I thought about doing just that, pursuing an MBA online, but then worried that it was a lot of effort to go to for one specific job, because I don't have much use for an MBA otherwise. What if the program ends? What if my contract were cut?

Hansen · Joined: 13 Oct 2008 Posts: 737 Location: central China

I've had doings with two legitimate doctoral degree holders. One used to post on this board. The first place he landed treated him quite poorly. He left without completing the contract.

From what I understand, if he is still here, he is doing well, having established a popular website. The other gentleman is teaching in his chosen field.

Even though his uni is what some might describe as third tier, he is quite happy with the treatment he receives. From what I was told, they treat foreign teachers exceptionally well. He has been compensated for his advanced degree and has a good relationship with the administration.

Sometimes the less prestigious places do treat FTs better.

Chris_Crossley

Molson · Joined: 01 May 2009 Posts: 137 Location: China

The Great Wall of Whiner · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 4946 Location: Blabbing

Jayray · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 373 Location: Back East

As a side note: the phrase is "cut the muster", not "cut the mustard". It comes from the military term "muster." When one "cuts the muster" he passes inspection.

Jayray · Joined: 28 Feb 2009 Posts: 373 Location: Back East

As a side note: the phrase is "cut the muster", not "cut the mustard". It comes from the military term "muster." When one "cuts the muster" he passes inspection.