The Proper Way to Fund a PhD Degree: A Guide for Aspiring Doctoral Students
Introduction
The pursuit of a PhD degree is an ambitious endeavor, often accompanied by a quest for proper funding. Unlike undergraduate studies, PhD programs are more specialized and demanding, requiring a full-time commitment of about five years. Although scholarships and grants are available, they may not always provide the support needed. This article aims to provide insights into the appropriate ways to fund a PhD, including the benefits of working as a graduate assistant and the importance of scrutinizing your program's funding practices.
Funding PhD Programs
Doctoral study at research universities in the USA is often fully funded, allowing students to work as teaching or research assistants while pursuing their degrees. This approach not only reduces financial strain but also offers a practical and educational experience. Offering a monthly stipend, these assistant roles enable students to focus on their research while gaining valuable teaching or mentoring experience.
However, some programs may offer part-time options where doctoral students are funded through their employers' tuition benefits. This arrangement allows students to balance work and studies, making the doctoral journey more manageable.
The Dilemma: Self-Funding vs. Scholarships and Grants
Self-funding your PhD might seem like a wise choice, as it avoids the burden of repaying loans or waiting to secure a grant. A friend of mine achieved this by saving up while working full-time, a strategy that took four years but resulted in no financial debt. However, while self-funding offers independence, it should not be the default choice. The university should be responsible for funding the doctoral program, especially as these programs are structured to pay students in exchange for labor.
Program Funding Practices and Ethical Concerns
Proper funding of PhD programs involves transparency and integrity. Students must be aware of the funding and assistantship conditions provided by their institutions. Unscrupulous faculty and administrators may engage in unethical practices such as withholding promised stipends or manipulating requirements. This section highlights a few instances of such issues:
In one instance, a PhD program at Wright State University in Fairborn, Ohio, provided a misleading stipend. Students were initially told they would receive a certain amount but were later receiving a significantly lower stipend due to unanticipated funding shortfalls. The advisor, Kevin Bennett, is accused of deliberately misleading students to pocket the differential funding. This behavior is not limited to one program but has been reported across multiple institutions, including Fordham.
The programs at these institutions were often scams, with arbitrary and changing requirements, and the content of the courses was of questionable value. Students were made to attend summer school and work in low-paying jobs, only to fail again for the same reason. Professors would dismiss students' concerns, and the software, such as outdated LISREL, was used to instill financial worries. The reward for completion was a degree that might as well have been worthless.
Conclusion and Advice
Proper funding for a PhD should come from the university, not the student. Self-funding might be an option but should be a last resort. Faculty and administrators should be transparent and ethical in their funding practices, ensuring that doctoral students receive the stipends and assistantships they are promised. Scrutinize the reputation of the program and the behavior of the faculty before committing to a PhD. If you encounter ethical or financial issues, do not hesitate to seek support from your institution’s administration or, if necessary, external organizations.
By understanding the proper funding practices and ethical considerations, you can pursue your PhD with confidence and clarity.