How Valuable is a PhD by Dissertation?
I was fortunate to have completed my PhD (dissertation only) in 2.5 years; however, this is very rare. Typically, students complete their doctorate in 3–5 years, with some up to 7 years. Therefore, it’s great to set aggressive graduation goals, but also be realistic and prepare for the possibility that it may take longer to complete your dissertation and PhD.
The value of a doctorate differs for each individual, but here’s some areas to consider, that may apply to you:
Here are some of the pros covered. Are there others? Let Dr. Lonny know!
Company-sponsored educational benefit. No/low cost.
Career. Promotion or new job along with increased earnings/income.
Prestige. Being recognized as “Dr.” the rest of your life.
Self-Actualization. Fulfilling a life-long dream.
For further discussion:
Company-sponsored educational benefit. No/low cost. Many professionals work for a company that offers tuition aid/assistance as a way to improve employee skills, promotion, and retention. This was true for my employer (before switching careers to online teaching and coaching) and I was able to take full advantage of the opportunity by paying a minimal amount out-of-pocket (although I needed to pass courses for re-imbursement). Unfortunately, according to Berman (2018), approximately 90% of mid- to large employers offer some type of educational assistance; however, only 10% of employees take advantage of this benefit. Have you checked your employee benefits? If offered, financial assistance may make your decision to pursue a doctorate much easier.
Career. Promotion or new job along with increased earnings/income. Earning a doctorate provides the highest earning potential over any other degree, with potential side benefits of security and career flexibility (What Are the Benefits of Earning a Doctorate?, 2019). For me, earning my PhD allowed me to leave my corporate job (after learning that my job was going out-of-state), and switch to teaching at online universities. The career switch also improved flexibility to the point that my motto/criteria for accepting job opportunities became “I will only accept jobs that I can do from a cruise ship”. While this may sound fun, yet simplistic, it really has worked well for me. 😊
Prestige. Being recognized as "Dr." the rest of your life. According to Segesten (2012),
Harking back to a time when these diplomas were reserved for a minuscule segment of the population, the doctoral degree is a seen as a prestige marker, the recognition of one's exceptional talents and the certificate of belonging to the intellectual elite. The non-material rewards that a PhD is supposed to bring, at least theoretically, are connected to social standing; PhDs can be used as a vehicle for upwards social mobility, and for the fulfilment of personal and family ambitions.
While intangible, there is a certain pride and self-esteem that comes with both completing a doctorate, as well as the title earned, whether PhD, EdD, DBA, and others, but in all cases, Dr. When students and clients ask what to call me, I joke (not really though) that they can call me anything as long as it begins with “Dr.” 😊 What is your primary reason for earning a doctorate? Is prestige one reason?
Knowledge and Self-Actualization. Fulfilling a life-long dream and/or transforming from practitioner to scholar. Again, according to Segesten (2012), “PhD students are those with a high degree of personal motivation that stems from their natural curiosity and love of intellectual pursuits.” Possibly the greatest outcome and realization of my own doctoral achievement was the recognition that I had become more scholarly and able to critically analyze research, as well as construct knowledge via my own research of reliable and peer-reviewed sources. I’ve received similar feedback from many mentees during their oral defense – reflecting on they doctoral journey and achievement.
In conclusion, there are many reasons for completing a PhD, but also many reasons not to, which were not covered here. Carefully consider your own personal reasons for or against a PhD (doctorate), along with setting realistic and achievable expectations for completion.
Interested in hiring a dissertation coach or editor? Contact Dr. Lonny today at help@mydissertation.coach, along with a copy of your current dissertation (if acailable) for an initial assessment and quote.
MY DISSERTATION COACH
My Dissertation Coach offers doctoral students comprehensive dissertation coaching, consultation, expertise, and resources. Dr. Lonny focuses on the dissertation fundamentals, to serve doctoral level candidates towards successful fulfillment of their terminal degree through individualized 1-on-1 dissertation coaching/mentoring. Dr. Lawrence (Lonny) R. Ness has significant experience in successfully overseeing and guiding doctoral research candidates from topic selection to final dissertation oral defense, and all steps in-between. Click HERE for more information…
ABOUT DR. LONNY
Dr. Lonny is a senior dissertation coach and chair with many years of experience at multiple online universities, as well as through personal consulting engagements, with over 80 graduated doctoral mentees. Dr. Lonny is qualified to walk you through your doctoral journey once you’ve decided to take the plunge! If interested, please complete the inquiry and/or contact form to let Dr. Lonny know that you would like to speak further about your desire to partner with a professional coach towards doctoral degree completion – or any phase/aspect of the process thereof. Dr. Lonny can be reached directly via email at drness@dissertation101.com or help@mydissertation.coach