I am planning to take PhD program next year, so could anyone let me know the step to take PhD program, is it difficult to finished it? Do we start the research on the first year? or we need to do coursework and then continue to find a topic for the research?
Anyone, need, preparation, Program, Step, take, tell
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#1 by eri on September 8, 2010 - 12:58 am
It probably depends on the program. In my program, the first two years are mostly coursework with some research on the side, which you can start as soon as you get there – if you know who you want to work with and have contacted them about starting a research project. Otherwise, it could take a few semesters (but you should spend your summers doing research, so hopefully you would have found an adviser by then). Most programs have a qualifying exam you take sometime in your first two years, and you might spend several months doing nothing but studying for this exam – most programs require you to pass it before considering you a real PhD student. Research you do before that typically goes towards your masters degree, and it’s always a good idea to earn one just in case something interrupts your PhD research.
#2 by ??????? on September 8, 2010 - 1:34 am
A doctoral program includes many components that may overlap, but the components will be presented as discrete experiences here. About 2 years of course work is required (e.g., 9 credits for each of 4-5 semesters), with an emphasis on course work in an individual’s area of interest and course work in research design and statistics. Supported research experiences co-occur with this course work and can include required individual research projects, research experiences on the advisor’s funded research program, and rotations through the labs of various faculty members.
When course work and required research experiences are completed, PhD students typically complete some sort of examination experience, often referred to as a qualifying examination. The format of this exam varies greatly across universities, but the purpose remains the same-examination of the student’s knowledge and expertise in his or her chosen areas of interest. The examination may be written as well as oral.
Once the qualifying examination is completed successfully, the student advances to “doctoral candidate” status. The doctoral candidate then completes a dissertation, which is an independent, original research study focused on a critical question within the field. Satisfactory completion of the dissertation includes an oral defense of the dissertation to a committee of typically five faculty members.