Getting an advanced degree is a proud moment
Doctoral degrees are the highest level of academic performance granted by universities. Randall S. Hansen in the article "Considering Graduate School? Answer These Five Questions Before You Decide" says "deciding to seek one or more graduate degrees is a major commitment of time and money; a decision not to take lightly." Despite the major financial and time cost, data from the U.S. Bureau of Statistics indicates that doctoral degrees pay off in terms of lifetime earnings. It is crucial to do thorough research before making any commitment towards a doctoral program.
Instructions
Background on Doctorates
1. Compile a list of the different types of doctorates available. Most people are aware of PhD and MD degrees, but these are other doctoral degrees: Ed.D (Doctor of Education), JD (Doctor of Jurisprudence), DD (Doctor of Divinity) , DDS (Doctor of Dental Science) and DPH (Doctor of Public Health)
2. Compare the estimated completion time for different degrees. Examples include: PHD: four to five years; EdD: three to five years; M.D.: four to 10 years after a Bachelor's; DD: five to seven years after a Bachelor's. These are only estimates, as program structures and delivery methods vary.
3. Calculate costs for different programs. Tuition is one factor, but geographic location, living costs, completion time and financial support all affect the bottom line. The cost for a PhD is approximately $50,000 to $100,000 (not counting lost earnings while in the program).
4. Classify programs according to delivery methods. Many programs are moving to online delivery (at least in part). Programs requiring full-time study on campus are expensive, but online programs allow full or part-time work while studying.
Personal Data
5. Outline your career goals in writing. This process helps to clarify goals and to create a personal commitment towards them.
6. Make a list of what is required to reach each goal. This can help identify attainable goals.
7. Determine if a doctorate will help you achieve your goals. Sometimes a doctorate is essential but it may be just beneficial, or even superfluous.
8. Do a cost-benefit analysis where you compare costs to complete the doctorate versus expected returns.
Decisions on Programs
9. Determine the type of doctorate you want.
10. Identify critical factors to consider. These may relate to geographic location, cost, length of program, delivery method, and financial support available.
11. Make a list of institutions which offer the doctoral program you want.
12. Eliminate programs which do not match up with your critical factors.
13. Prioritize the remaining list of programs. You will make applications based on this prioritized list.
Tags: after Bachelor, commitment towards, completion time, critical factors, delivery methods, doctoral degrees