About Ph.D.
A Ph.D. program is a research-oriented program and is the highest level of degree that one can earn. People who are keen on learning and delving deeper into their domain opt for this program. Most of the time, a Ph.D. is opted for to focus on academic professions such as lectureships and teaching.
The Ph.D. can become rather mythical. Do they only apply to geniuses? Do you need to make an amazing discovery? Does the degree entitle you to the title of “academic”? And are advanced degrees in research just available to those who desire to work in academia?
What exactly is needed to obtain a Ph.D., then? A Ph.D. is a degree in pure research, in contrast to the majority of Master’s programs (or all undergraduate programs). But it doesn’t mean you’ll just be cooped up in a lab or library for years. In actuality, the modern Ph.D. is a broad and complex degree with a variety of components, including navigating the difference between full-time or part-time Ph.D.
Typical Ph.D. tasks include:
- Conducting a review of the literature.
- Carrying out unique research and compiling your findings.
- Creating a thesis that summarises your findings.
- Writing your dissertation when your thesis is finished.
- Oral viva exam in which you defend your thesis.
Ways to do a Ph.D. and their duration
There are two ways in which one can pursue a Ph.D. degree. It can be taken up either full-time or part-time. Some students have other obligations than just continuing with their studies, and a part-time Ph.D. program works best for them. The credibility of both degrees is the same, it is just that the part-time degree takes a little longer than the full-time one. A standard doctoral degree may take between three and five years, whereas a part-time Ph.D. can take between six and eight years.
Opting for a part-time Ph.D. gives the student the flexibility of time that a working professional seeks. It is very convenient for professionals to manage their studies with this program as the classes are mostly on weekends or after office hours. Further, we will discuss the pros and cons of both full-time and part-time Ph.D. programs for a clearer understanding of the same.
Full-time Ph.D. pros and cons
A full-time Ph.D. will take around three to five years, and you will be expected to indulge in a lot of research and reading. You will be spending long hours with your books and notes and will delve deeper into the subject matter. Mentioned below are the pros and cons of a full-time Ph.D. program.
Pros:
- A full-time Ph.D. program allows one to spend more time researching and offers a better understanding of the subject.
- Students are in close contact with faculties, especially their mentors, and thus have the opportunity to clear their doubts more frequently.
- Offers better accessibility to the facilities on campus, like the labs and library.
- This program allows you to finish your program quicker.
- The degree holds a little more value.
Cons:
- Does not allow you to earn all those years that you are enrolled in the program.
- Calls for a lot of time.
- The program becomes too expensive to bear.
- Loneliness, stress, and frustration hit you as you see your friends earning and moving forward in life.
Part-time Ph.D. pros and cons
A part-time Ph.D. could take six to eight years to complete. This way of pursuing your Ph.D. program offers room to do many other things than just the program. Usually, professionals who have other commitments in life opt for a part-time Ph.D. Most of the top universities offer the part-time Ph.D. program to fit the needs of working professionals.
Pros:
- One can earn while one learns, and there is no financial crunch.
- There is no career break.
- Offers the flexibility that a working professional seeks.
- Costs much lesser than the full-time program.
Cons:
- A disconnect between the faculty and students can happen sometimes.
- Cant use the campus amenities to the fullest.
- Lasts longer than the usual program.
- The credibility of the program is always lesser than the full-time program.
Ph.D. at Chitkara University
Most of the top universities offer Ph.D. programs for students. The same is the case with Chitkara University. Chitkara University offers a quality education that helps students chase their dreams fully equipped with all the required skills to excel. The university offers a Ph.D. in almost all areas of study, like management, engineering, health science, media studies, architecture, education, art, and more. The doctoral program at Chitkara is curated to make the students master the domain and be fit to deal with any real work issues while on the job. The unmatched faculties make the journey of doctorate students easier by being approachable and offering an extra helping hand to those who need it. The rich library and the international collaborations offer the students boundless learning and exposure. Be a part of Chitkara University and build a rewarding career for yourself.
