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Why Did You Get (or Why are You Pursuing) Your Ph.D.? (419 hits)

I pursued my Ph.D. because I was told that Black Women didn't get Ph.D.s in science and science-related fields, as if it were impossible. I also got mine because I wasn't allowed to be a part of the larger conversations in my field without the degree. What about you?

Posted By: Dr. S. Maxwell Hines
Sunday, August 17th 2008 at 10:10PM
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For those who chose to pursue a PhD mid-career or late in their careers, how did you make the transition to becoming a full-time student? As I begin my doctoral program next Spring, I'm eager to learn any tips, learnings, or advice you have to offer.

Thanks!
Tuesday, August 19th 2008 at 11:21AM
Alan Ferguson Sr

Now don't you go hijacking my post, Alan, lol. I fit into that category and will be happy to speak with you by email.
Wednesday, August 20th 2008 at 6:55PM
Dr. S. Maxwell Hines

Dear Dr. Hines,

I am so happy that you persevered and received your Ph.D. You have a great deal to contribute to the field, and your knowledge and inspiration serves to encourage others to succeed. Continue to stay positive, and uplift others along this journey. --JH
Saturday, September 6th 2008 at 11:16PM
Dr. Jesse Hargrove

Thank You Dr. Hargrove. Why did you get your Ph.D.?
Sunday, September 7th 2008 at 3:10PM
Dr. S. Maxwell Hines

I got my PhD because I had something to say (as if you couldn't tell that already) and no one ready listens if you don't have initials after your name. Or at least they are more ready to listen when you have solid credentials and a title.

It has been great...and I did it all part-time after work (BS, BA, MBA, MHR, and PhD).

Tuesday, September 9th 2008 at 12:41PM
Dr. Ahmad Glover

Dr. Glover,
I admire people like you who had the stick-to-itiveness to do a degree part time. I did my masters in a year and my Ph.D. in three because that's all the time I had to give to each endeavor. I went to school and took all the classes I could every session, including all three summer sessions and wrote my dissertation when I returned to work in a year. It was taxing but I don't know if I could have stuck with it for many years like I have seen other people do.
Friday, September 12th 2008 at 9:12PM
Dr. S. Maxwell Hines