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Adventurer
Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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 Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 5:51 am Post subject: Do you think it's worth getting a doctorate? |
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| I am considering applying for a doctorate. I know it takes about 5 years or so to get it. Is anyone thinking of applying for one? What are the prospects in terms of getting a decent job with a doctorate in the social sciences? |
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globusmonkey
Joined: 19 Aug 2011
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Mon Nov 14, 2011 8:57 am Post subject: |
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| The best way to see what your prospects are is to look in the Chronicle of Higher Education, where all the university jobs are listed. For any of the humanities or "soft" sciences, the market has been and continues to be pretty bad. Most universities have switched to adjunct faculty in the last two decades, since it is much cheaper for them (no retirement or benefits, usually) and they can get rid of you whenever they like There are jobs outside of the academic setting, but a doctorate is not usually required. Don't get me wrong, it can be a plus, but your outlay costs for the degree won't be recouped very quickly if you end up at a non-profit. I would look into a few Master's/Doctoral programs at universities you may want to attend, and ask their academic advisers about post-graduation hiring stats. Also, a lot of your ability to get hired post-doc depends on your specialization and how great the demand is for people in that field. Do a good amount of research and if you are still intellectually stimulated by pushing your education further, then go for it. |
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Adventurer
Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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| Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 4:46 am Post subject: |
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| globusmonkey wrote: |
| The best way to see what your prospects are is to look in the Chronicle of Higher Education, where all the university jobs are listed. For any of the humanities or "soft" sciences, the market has been and continues to be pretty bad. Most universities have switched to adjunct faculty in the last two decades, since it is much cheaper for them (no retirement or benefits, usually) and they can get rid of you whenever they like There are jobs outside of the academic setting, but a doctorate is not usually required. Don't get me wrong, it can be a plus, but your outlay costs for the degree won't be recouped very quickly if you end up at a non-profit. I would look into a few Master's/Doctoral programs at universities you may want to attend, and ask their academic advisers about post-graduation hiring stats. Also, a lot of your ability to get hired post-doc depends on your specialization and how great the demand is for people in that field. Do a good amount of research and if you are still intellectually stimulated by pushing your education further, then go for it. |
It would be a doctorate in Near Eastern studies. I can speak English, French, and a dialect of Arabic. I don't speak Turkish yet, just a few phrases. I do know the region and have lived there before. I do have an M.A., but it's not related to that subject. It's an M.A. in TESOL with a minor in French studies. I have a decent, well-paying job in South Korea, and I'm wondering if I would be taking a major risk going into a Ph.D. program since, as you said, they tend to higher adjuncts, and having benefits is important.
On the other hand, finding good employment in the US with an M.A. in TESOL is not necessarily lucrative, it seems. |
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Draz
Joined: 27 Jun 2007
Location: Land of Morning Clam
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| Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2011 10:41 pm Post subject: |
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| Adventurer wrote: |
On the other hand, finding good employment in the US with an M.A. in TESOL is not necessarily lucrative, it seems. |
You shouldn't get a PhD in social sciences if you're doing it because you want to make more money. |
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Adventurer
Joined: 28 Jan 2006
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| Posted: Sun Nov 20, 2011 6:46 am Post subject: |
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| Draz wrote: |
| Adventurer wrote: |
On the other hand, finding good employment in the US with an M.A. in TESOL is not necessarily lucrative, it seems. |
You shouldn't get a PhD in social sciences if you're doing it because you want to make more money. |
Near Eastern studies might be worthwhile since Arabic is in decent demand, but I am not sure about the trade-offs. |
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