Earning A Doctorate Degree

More and more consumers are beginning to understand the important role that a college degree can play in their lives. The competition for well paying positions is higher than it has ever been, and many employers are not even willing to consider an applicant who has not been awarded a college diploma. This is especially true for specialized positions in prestigious fields. Many of these positions require not only a four year degree from an accredited university, but a graduate degree as well. The most common type of graduate degree being awarded today is a doctorate degree. These degrees are available in a number of different fields, and they allow students the opportunity to become an expert in their chosen career field. By taking the time to learn how you can earn a doctorate degree you will be able to determine if investing in this type of education makes sense in your own life.   

In order to begin working toward a doctorate degree you must be accepted into a university's doctorate program. Depending on the field in which you choose to work, these doctorate programs can be very competitive. Authorities estimate that only twenty percent of the applicants who apply for admission will be accepted at each school today. This means that you must ensure your application is as flawless as possible in order to increase your odds of being accepted. Admission committees use your grade point average, graduate record examination test scores, and work related experience to determine if you would be an asset to their program. Performing well in school and gaining as much experience as possible will allow you to increase your chances of being accepted into the graduate program of your choice.   

Once you have been accepted into a graduate program you will begin working toward your doctorate degree. Many schools place a significant amount of value on research, so you will begin working on a research project commonly referred to as a dissertation. This dissertation must be defended in front of a panel of academic mentors, so it is important to take this project seriously. Many students find that establishing relationships with the faculty members in their program is helpful when deciding which subject to focus their dissertation on. Having access to a mentor will allow you to learn from their past mistakes, and prevent making large mistakes when drafting your own dissertation.   

In addition to conducting research on a daily basis, you will most likely be required to teach undergraduate courses while you are pursuing a doctorate degree. Many graduate students receive a stipend in exchange for their teaching services, which makes graduate school more affordable. Taking advantage of these teaching opportunities will help you gain valuable experience that can be used when applying for jobs in the future. In addition to the experience you will gain, teaching allows you to gain a better understanding of the information you will use each day. Many graduate students report that teaching undergraduate classes was an enjoyable part of their journey to achieve a doctorate degree.  

Once you successfully complete the requirements needed to earn a doctorate degree you will be able to begin applying for prestigious positions within your specific field. Many new graduates are able to secure employment within the first year following their graduation. Since the average salary for a new graduate with a doctorate degree is around sixty thousand dollars, investing money in your education can pay off in the long run. Taking the time to earn a doctorate degree from an accredited university will allow you to increase your employment options in the future.

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