Scholarship is an important part of professional development. Lately I have been grappling with an inner desire to get a PhD that is driven by some unknown thing. In this post I am going to talk about that desire and speculate on why I feel like I need to do a PhD.
The Need
There are many reasons that a PhD would be a good idea for me in my career.
- As professors working within a college system there is an increasing need to engage in research activities. A PhD prepares students to engage in research.
- People often assume that I have my PhD because I teach research.
- Academic credentials like a PhD adds credibility to the research and educational materials I produce.
Credibility
Some people think that credibility is not a concern, but others I have talked to agree with me. What do you think?
Here are a few of my experiences and observations that have led me to think I need a PhD to be seen as credible.
- I have been told that I do not have the credentials to contribute as an editor of an academic journal even though I am published and teach students how to critique research.
- When I get emails inviting me to submit publications or present at events they almost always assume I have a PhD.
- Grant applications and other similar opportunities have a PhD listed as criteria.
- Most academic job postings ask for a PhD.
- Without a PhD I feel disadvantaged.
The Barriers
- I have 4 kids aged 1 to 15. Children require a lot of time and attention.
- There is no real incentive where I work to obtain a PhD. (That is an entirely separate post)
- Money … PhDs are expensive! (So are kids)
- Many PhDs I have looked at require an in-person residency, which is not practical with 4 children and a husband in another city.
Conclusions
At some point I will get my PhD. When? Who knows.
I think about it all the time. If I can find a program without a residency that has scholarships I would do it now. For now the search continues.
Why? I am still not sure what is driving me, but I think it boils down to credibility as a professional.
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