Between financial obligations, work, and family, it’s easy to start talking yourself out of investing the time and resources to return to school for a PhD degree. Or perhaps you’re questioning or doubting yourself: Can I do it? Do I even need a doctoral degree?
The fact is, there are a lot of reasons why earning a PhD is worth it.
A PhD Elevates Your Credentials
PhDs are terminal degrees and, as the pinnacle of education, they are highly respected by your peers as well as across society. That’s why we call those who’ve earned their PhD “Dr.” The honorific notes the importance of the educational achievement, and it signifies that those who hold a PhD possess a level of knowledge well above the common person’s level.
A PhD Positions You to Advance Human Knowledge
Of course, a PhD is about much more than earning people’s respect. It’s about participating in the discovery of new knowledge that can help make a difference in your community or perhaps around the world. As a doctoral candidate, you will research and write a dissertation focused on an area you are passionate about that hasn’t been fully researched. Once you graduate, you’ll have gained the skills necessary to continue to uncover new knowledge and advance our overall understanding of our lives, the world, and our systems.
A PhD Can Help You Go Further in Your Career
All types of doctoral degrees can position you to be a leader in your field because organizations need employees who not only have in-depth knowledge of their field, but also are capable of studying and understanding complex problems and systems. Indeed, many of the top positions at universities, think tanks, nonprofit research groups, and even government agencies are filled by people with PhDs. The fact that graduates with PhDs so often work in top positions is one of the reasons why holding a doctorate or professional degree can help you earn over 50% more than those with a master’s degree.*
A PhD Is More Convenient to Earn than Ever Before
Online education has revolutionized the way you can earn a PhD. Where campus-based programs require you to live close to a university, online doctoral programs let you earn your degree from home or anywhere else you have internet access. That means, no matter where you live or what your life situation is, you have the opportunity to earn a doctorate.
Additionally, online learning is designed with a level of flexibility that’s uncommon at most campus-based programs. Instead of requiring you to attend classes at a specific day, time, and place, online PhD programs allow you to attend classes and take care of coursework whenever it fits your life best each week, giving you the flexibility you need to continue working full time while earning your degree.
Earning a PhD can be one of the best choices you can make. And thanks to online learning, making that choice is more convenient than ever before.
Walden University is an accredited institution offering PhD degree programs online. Expand your career options and earn your degree in a convenient, flexible format that fits your busy life.
*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupations That Need More Education for Entry Are Projected to Grow Faster, on the internet at www.bls.gov/emp/ep_table_education_summary.htm.
Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, www.hlcommission.org.