earn a PhD

Hmmm…I’ve been thinking about the professional doctorate as an alternative to the PhD – mainly because it doesn’t have such a big research component and is aligned to my profession. BUT there are pros and cons.

Pro – it’s aligned to my work, directly applicable, smaller research component.
Cons – more expensive, makes me an expert in one field only, doesn’t make me an expert in research which has a much wider reach.

Overall, I’ve decided to stay away from the professional doctorate – if I decide to lecture or tutor down the track, I will need a PhD to demonstrate proficiency in research.
What do others think? Have you had similar thoughts?

Darn it…this is a challenge…
I spoke to my prospective supervisor who confirmed his embarassment – the university offers coursework Masters degrees (which I completed in 2011), but no pathway into a research program in the same field.

So here’s the plan…he is working with another guy like me, and is talking to the University about this gap. He will recommend that the University offer a place based on a couple of co-requisite units to be completed prior to the first ‘gateway’ checkpoint in about 2 years time. The co-requisite units are post grad certificate classes in research Methods.

It would make me research-ready by my first checkpoint, and give me a heavier course load for the first year. But…eeeeh, bring it on!

Lesson of the Day? If you want to head in the PhD direction, make sure you have a research component to your bachelor (Honors) or Masters.

I’ve taken the first baby step…prepared a 500 word proposal and started trawling through the University’s list of potential supervisors. Looking forward to it!