Does obtaining a Ph.D in your field matter?

[LadyDread2010]

I've often thought about whether or not get my Ph.d in Information Systems later on ,or just stop and get my Master's. I have a friend who is a Ph.D candidate,and she tells me that it's quite difficult,but worth it. Naturally,if you have a Ph.d...the assumption is that you're a college professor,but it all depends on what your field is. Since my field is technology,I can do pretty much what I want.

What do you think? Does obtaining a Doctoral degree really matter?

[jubilance1922]

It depends on what you want to do with it. You have to be honest with yourself.

I am a chemist, and straight out of undergrad I entered a PhD program, intent on getting my PhD in chemistry and eventually becoming a professor. Hated it, wasn't ready, left with a MS and got a job.

At my first professional conference, I spoke to a PhD chemist who had 30+ years in the industry, and I explained to him my dilemma about finishing the PhD or staying industry.

His advice was "Figure out what you really want your career to be about. If you want to be a technical expert and stay on the technical track, get the PhD. If you want to move up in management, get an MBA instead."

Talk to some folks in your field, I'm sure they can give you good perspective.

[LadyDread2010]

Do you regret not getting your PhD? Since I'm in the technology field,my specialty will be in information security and networks. I want my research to be used for business and government purposes.

Originally Posted by jubilance1922

It depends on what you want to do with it. You have to be honest with yourself.

I am a chemist, and straight out of undergrad I entered a PhD program, intent on getting my PhD in chemistry and eventually becoming a professor. Hated it, wasn't ready, left with a MS and got a job.

At my first professional conference, I spoke to a PhD chemist who had 30+ years in the industry, and I explained to him my dilemma about finishing the PhD or staying industry.

His advice was "Figure out what you really want your career to be about. If you want to be a technical expert and stay on the technical track, get the PhD. If you want to move up in management, get an MBA instead."

Talk to some folks in your field, I'm sure they can give you good perspective.

[AOII Angel]

Originally Posted by LadyDread2010

Do you regret not getting your PhD? Since I'm in the technology field,my speciality will be in information security and networks. I want my research to be used for business and government purposes.

Sounds like you need a PhD to me. If you want to do research and have your findings be used to determine public policy, you need those important letters behind your name. If you wanted to just go out and get any old job in your field, the PhD would probably be overkill. Of course, the advanced degree in my field (MD) is absolutely necessary!

[LadyDread2010]

I also believe that the path to a PhD requires a lot of strength,discipline and money. If I'm lucky,I can get my future employers to pay for it. I also have another question...should you obtain your grad degrees online or in person? Because I know that my schedule will be quite hectic...I'll get my degrees online.

Originally Posted by AOII Angel

Sounds like you need a PhD to me. If you want to do research and have your findings be used to determine public policy, you need those important letters behind your name. If you wanted to just go out and get any old job in your field, the PhD would probably be overkill. Of course, the advanced degree in my field (MD) is absolutely necessary!

[KSUViolet06]

In my particular field (counseling), it doesn't really, unless you want to get into teaching at a college/university.

If you're looking to make the jump into Clinical Psych or something, it's necessary.

[KSigkid]

Originally Posted by LadyDread2010

I also believe that the path to a PhD requires a lot of strength,discipline and money. If I'm lucky,I can get my future employers to pay for it. I also have another question...should you obtain your grad degrees online or in person? Because I know that my schedule will be quite hectic...I'll get my degrees online.

I would imagine that it wouldn't be worth the money to do it online - if you're going to do it, do it in person.

A PhD is a LOT of work - you're going to have to either make the time to get the PhD, or pursue other avenues.

I'm not trying to be rude, but in most cases, the online degree is a shortcut that won't prepare you sufficiently.

ETA: As far as whether it's worth it, you have to look at your field, your career goals, and make the decision. You may want to talk to some of your college professors to get some perspective.