Ask Alex: Getting a Communication Ph.D.

Ask Alex: Getting a Communication Ph.D.:
Should I go for a Ph.D.?

Well, first of all, that’s probably the wrong question. The right question is: “Should I pursue a Ph.D.?” and the answer I will always give is “no.”

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Alex speaks the truth. 99% of the time the answer is no. I tell my students that there is only one ‘yes’ and that is this: “You cannot imagine being who you are without a ph.d.” that is… if there is something about your life’s work, whatever that may be, that will necessitate you to identify yourself as a ph.d. then, you should get one. If there are research questions or topics that you must work on… for instance, you might need to pursue a ph.d. …. but perhaps you don’t.