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OT: Getting your Phd.
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Yes this is off topic. It may belong in my room but I want lots of info and a lot of people stay away from the flame pit like it was their in-laws.

I am gunning for a Phd. in History. I might be 80 before I get it but I want it. So how does the sytem work to get one? Do you specailize in one part of history or is that something you do after you get it? Anything else I need to know?

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.
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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]
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So how does the sytem work to get one?

I think generally you start with an undergraduate degree.








"People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world."
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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]
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Your questions seem awfully broad. Do you have an undergrad or masters in history?
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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [Nipsy] [ In reply to ]
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I am working on the undergrad with plans on the Masters. I ask because I was wondering if I need to trim back on my personal studies of Nepoleon and the air war during world war two and just focus on school.

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.
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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]
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If your personal studies are getting in the way of the undergrad plans, put them off. If they're not, who cares?








"People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world."
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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [vitus979] [ In reply to ]
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I have limited brain power and if I understand correctly my Phd work will be done in a field I choose. The use of tatical air support over Europe during WWII for example. If I continue to dive into that it will help me with my Phd. If I am wrong I would rather spend the time on what will help me with my Phd work.

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.
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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]
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Seriously, Tibbs- one step at a time.








"People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world."
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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]
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hey tibbs, i'd suggest focusing on the bachelor's degree right now, while for fun on the side reading the wwII tactical stuff. i think that'd easier for me in the long run. from talking w/ my friends who have completed PhD's, they would just assume never read anything thing else about their speciality after the 4 years of PhD work. i also think you may not have to get a masters degree, but can just go straight to a PhD. it is my understanding tha tPdD work can be very specific.
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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [vitus979] [ In reply to ]
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Hey I am just planning. It takes a lot of planning for me to get things done and I am more in a gee whiz phase of wondering right now.

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.
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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]
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Hey I am just planning.

Planning is fine. I'm all for planning. "I'm going to school for an undergrad degree, and then I plan on eventually getting a Phd." Cool.

But there isn't much sense in jiggering your personal interests all up right now because of those plans. Do what you need to do to get good grades and get the undergrad degree. Outside of that, read what interests you.








"People think it must be fun to be a super genius, but they don't realize how hard it is to put up with all the idiots in the world."
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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]
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I think the process is pretty straightforward - concentrate on undergrad studies, do well, then do well on the GRE. Find history Masters programs which appeal to you, apply, then go and pursue through the Ph.D, assuming you find a field you like which hasn't been completely plumbed, and an advisor you can tolerate.

Otherwise, good luck. It's like a total of 7-9 years of school, in all likelihood.


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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [tinynoggin] [ In reply to ]
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Good points.

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.
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Re: OT: Getting your Phd. [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]
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I have a Ph.D. in history (French) and I can tell you that the advice above is pretty much on the mark. First major in history as an undergraduate, do well, decide what area you want to specialize in, what kinds of historical questions interest you, then take the GREs and apply to a Masters program and eventually a Ph.d. program. Getting the degree typically requires doing original archival research and writing a several hundred page dissertation. From start to finish (from undergrad to Ph.D.) it takes a good 10+ years. Unless you are planning on teaching, it is perhaps not the best way to spend 10 years. But I guess it is a personal choice in the end.
Last edited by: rundhc: Oct 31, 05 13:03
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