Professors from Stan State’s English department, Jamiee Cook, Ashley Sarpoong, Matthew Moberely and Jesse Wolfe hosted an informational meeting for students considering pursuing a Ph.D.
The meeting focused on the different motivations and benefits associated with pursuing graduate degrees. It was emphasized that this decision is largely impacted by career goals and is a requirement for certain pathways.
For those interested in becoming tenured professors at universities, they typically need both a master’s and a doctoral degree. Those who are interested in teaching at community colleges will require at least a master’s degree.
This informational session was available for all majors, but was specifically specialized for students in the humanities department.
It was highlighted by the professors that graduate degrees in English can open doors to opportunities in industries. Positions discussed included corporate sectors such as technology and communications.
Matthew Moberely, professor and advisor for the English department, spoke about community building, time commitment and choosing the right degree path.
“Do you need a Ph.D. or master’s program badly enough to entertain programs that will not fully fund you?” Moberely asked, prompting students to reflect on their goals and readiness for the demands of graduate school.
He noted that master’s programs typically take two to three years to complete, while Ph.D. programs may last five to seven years or more.
The session discussed what students should keep in mind when considering this pathway, and then transitioned into how students can prepare for furthering their degree.
To help students with this, Moberely recommended several practical steps: Creating a personal application timeline, contacting graduate coordinators for information and visiting potential schools.
He also encouraged students to refine their writing samples through multiple rounds of feedback and to understand the difference between a personal statement and a statement of purpose.
Financial considerations were another major topic. Professor Jamiee Cook cautioned students about the challenges of the job market and the financial realities of graduate school.
“You need to know that if you go in, and you know you have to take out $35,000 per year, you will be one of 300 or 400 other applications for a job,” Cook said, noting that even after completing graduate programs, it can take years to secure a tenure-track position.
Overall, professors from the English department highlighted the dos and don’ts for taking on graduate school and how to decide if this is the right path for students considering taking their education to the next level.
For more information, students can reach out to their academic advisor to receive more tailored information for their specific journey.
