is a phd in marketing worth it

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Why a Doctorate in Business Administration Is Becoming More Valuable

Sponsor content from upGrad.

At the turn of the 20th century, the world was industrializing at a rapid pace. Businesses were growing larger and more complex, with more employees working in more diversified divisions spread across more geographical boundaries.

As a result, demand grew for people who had special training in managing the general operations of a business, which led to the creation and proliferation of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

More than 100 years later, MBAs have become a commodity that no longer serve organizations’ core needs.

In today’s age of data and information, knowledge has become the most valuable resource. Companies don’t necessarily need more general managers who can assess broad patterns across multiple industries—they need people with deep expertise in specific domains who can analyze data and generate unique insights that lead to better business decisions.

That’s why Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) holders are becoming increasingly valuable in the modern workplace.

DBA is a professional degree representing the highest level of qualification in management. In contrast to an MBA, it takes students on a different path toward acquiring and using business knowledge.

For an MBA, students spend two years taking a broad range of practical courses to learn about several pillars of business—such as accounting, finance, marketing, leadership, operations, strategy, and ethics—to help them become effective leaders across many industries.

By contrast, DBAs spend up to two years studying academic literature across several domains and up to two additional years designing and executing an original research project: a dissertation focused on one domain. The primary goal of a DBA is to produce scholarly individuals who have deep expertise in a field of management.

When seeking executive-level positions, DBAs’ “Dr.” titles are likely to help them stand out from their peers. DBAs can also pursue high-level positions in areas such as consulting by becoming subject-matter experts—or maintain ties with academia as full-time or adjunct professors.

DBAs’ training gives them diverse career options. The academic literature they read gives them expertise in understanding management theories that can help them analyze real-world situations and differentiate the signal from the noise. A DBA specializing in innovation can assess whether newcomers to a market pose a credible threat as a disruptive innovation to an existing company.

Students then learn advanced scientific techniques in quantitative and/or qualitative methodologies, which trains them in analyzing data to generate valid inferences that their organizations can use for decision-making purposes. Rather than relying on gut feel and graphs, DBAs can use powerful techniques such as sampling data to reduce bias, using statistical regressions to identify the strongest factors that influence an outcome, or designing an experiment to gain 100% certainty over the causal relationship between variables.

Finally, DBAs combine their business knowledge with analytical skills to design and execute original research studies, making them the world’s leading experts in particular domains.

DBAs also stand out because they represent only 2% of all people who hold higher degrees in business. In 2021, more than 250,000 students graduated with MBAs or specialist degrees in business; only 5,000 graduated with doctorates.

While a DBA may represent an attractive option that can be highly valuable to organizations today, they are not necessarily recommended for everyone.

To help you determine whether a DBA is right for you, the most important question to ask yourself centers on whether you’re satisfied with the tools and frameworks you use to analyze data and information to make important business decisions. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering where these frameworks come from—or whether there might be a better way to make decisions—consider applying to a DBA program. These programs are designed to channel deep intellectual interests and passions toward producing business knowledge that’s both theoretically novel and practically relevant.

DBA training may help you develop deeper knowledge than an MBA program will while opening doors to more ambitious careers in industry or academia. While MBA degrees are designed to meet the needs of 20th-century businesses, DBAs can help meet the needs of organizations today—and well into the future.

Learn more about how earning a DBA can help you step up your career.

• Harvard Business School →
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• Accounting & Management
• Business Economics
• Health Policy (Management)
• Organizational Behavior
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• Program Requirements

Curriculum & Coursework

Our programs are full-time degree programs which officially begin in August. Students are expected to complete their program in five years. Typically, the first two years are spent on coursework, at the end of which students take a field exam, and then another three years on dissertation research and writing.

The Marketing program draws on computer science, economics, behavioral science, and psychological methods to focus on marketing problems faced by the firm and its management. Through a combination of discipline- and field-based methods, the curriculum enables students to master concepts and research skills directly relevant to business problems. Candidates must come to understand the point of view of practicing managers and be able to bring theory and careful research to bear in illuminating important business problems.

The program requires a minimum of 13 semester-long doctoral courses. Students in the Marketing program are required to complete a year-long discipline sequence typically in microeconomics or psychology. They also complete courses in the areas of machine learning, computer science, statistics, research methods, academic field seminars, and two MBA elective curriculum courses. In addition to HBS courses, students often take courses at other Harvard Schools and MIT.

Research & Dissertation

Students in Marketing begin research in their first year typically by working with a faculty member. By their third and fourth years, most students are launched on a solid research and publication stream. The dissertation may take the form of three publishable papers or one longer dissertation.

Recent examples of doctoral thesis research include: The effects of brand extensions on the value of parent brands; Multi-method examination of the consumption of “knockoffs” of high status brands, and the counter-intuitive positive outcomes for consumer-brand relationships; Competitive analysis of pricing and quality decisions in industries with strictly complimentary products; The psychological effects of pricing, and how these affect consumers and firms; and "Choice amnesia," the motivated forgetting of difficult decisions.

Mengjie "Magie" Cheng

Ta-Wei "David" Huang

“ Finding an advisor who you really click with and who is willing to support your research interests is absolutely key. ”

Current HBS Faculty

• Tomomichi Amano
• Eva Ascarza
• Max H. Bazerman
• David E. Bell
• Alison Wood Brooks
• Julian De Freitas
• Rohit Deshpande
• Anita Elberse
• Sunil Gupta
• Ayelet Israeli
• Leslie K. John
• Elizabeth A. Keenan
• Edward McFowland III
• Navid Mojir
• Das Narayandas
• Michael I. Norton
• V. Kasturi Rangan
• Isamar Troncoso
• Jeremy Yang
• Shunyuan Zhang

Current Marketing Students

• Stuti Agarwal
• Mengjie (Magie) Cheng
• Jingpeng Hong
• Ta-Wei (David) Huang
• Sihan Zhai

Current HBS Faculty & Students by Interest

Recent placement, jimin nam, 2024, byungyeon kim, 2022, emily prinsloo, 2023, ximena garcia-rada, 2021, serena hagerty, 2022, dafna goor, 2020.

• 3 . 01 . 20
• Leaving Academia

Is a PhD Worth It? I Wish I’d Asked These 6 Questions First.

• Posted by: Chris

Updated Nov. 19, 2022

Is a PhD worth it?

Should I get a PhD?

A few people admit to regretting their PhD. Most—myself included — said that they don’t ( I wrote about why in this post ).

But we often say we don’t regret stupid things we’ve done or bad things that happen to us. This means we learned from them, not that we wanted them to happen.

So just because PhDs don’t regret it, doesn’t mean it was worth it.

But if you were to ask, Is a PhD worth it, it’s a different and more complicated question.

When potential PhD students ask me for advice, I hate giving it. I can’t possibly say whether it will be worth it for them. I only know from experience that for some PhDs the answer is no.

In this post, I’ll look at this question from five different directions, five different ways that a PhD could be worth it. Then I give my opinion on each one. You can tell me if I got the right ones of if I’m way off base. So here we go.

This is post contains affiliate links. Thanks for supporting Roostervane!

tl;dr It’s up to you to make it worth it. A PhD can hurt your finances, sink you in debt, and leave you with no clear path to success in some fields. But PhDs statistically earn more than their and have lower unemployment rates. A PhD also gives you a world-class mind, a global network, and a skill set that can go just about anywhere.

Should I Get a PhD?

tl;dr Don’t get a PhD by default. Think it through. Be clear about whether it’s going to help you reach career goals, and don’t expect to be a professor. A few rules of thumb- make sure you know where you want to go and whether a PhD is the ONLY way to get there, make sure it’s FUNDED (trust me), and make sure your program has strong ties into industry and a record of helping its students get there.

1. Is a PhD worth it for your finances?

My guess: Not usually

People waste a lot of their best years living on a grad stipend. To be honest, my money situation was pretty good in grad school. I won a large national grant, I got a ton of extra money in travel grants, and my Canadian province gave me grants for students with dependents. But even with a decent income, I was still in financial limbo–not really building wealth of any sort.

And many students scrape by on very small stipends while they study.

When it comes to entering the marketplace, research from Canada and the United States shows that PhD students eventually out-earn their counterparts with Master’s degrees. It takes PhDs a few years to find their stride, but most of us eventually do fine for earnings if we leave academia. Which is great, and perhaps surprising to many PhDs who think that a barista counter is the only non-academic future they have .

The challenge is not income–it’s time. If you as a PhD grad make marginally more than a Master’s graduate, but they entered the workforce a decade earlier, it takes a long time for even an extra $10,000 a year to catch up. The Master’s grad has had the time to build their net worth and network, perhaps buy a house, pay down debt, invest, and just generally get financially healthy.

While PhDs do fine in earnings in the long run, the opportunity cost of getting the PhD is significant.

The only real way to remedy this—if you’ve done a PhD and accumulating wealth is important to you, is to strategically maximize your earnings and your value in the marketplace to close the wealth gap. This takes education, self-discipline, and creativity, but it is possible.

I tried to calculate the opportunity cost of prolonging entry into the workforce in this post .

2. Is a PhD worth it for your career?

My guess: Impossible to tell

Most of my jobs have given me the perfect opportunity to see exactly where I could be if I’d stopped at a Master’s degree, often working alongside or for those who did and are further ahead. In terms of nuts and bolts of building career experience section on a resume, which is often the most important part, a PhD is rarely worth it. (Some STEM careers do require a PhD.)

However, at the start of my post-graduate educational journey, I was working part-time running teen programs and full time as a landscaper. I had an undergraduate degree. Despite my job and a half, I was still poor. My life had no direction, and had I not begun my Master’s to PhD journey I probably would have stayed there.

The PhD transformed me personally. It did this by developing my skills, or course. But even more so, it taught me that anything is possible. It took a poor kid from a mining town in northern Canada and gave me access to the world. It made my dreams of living abroad come true. I learned that anything is possible. And that will never go away.

It’s changed the course of my life and, subsequently, my career.

It’s impossible for you to know if it’s worth it for your career. But you can build a hell of a career with it.

So it wouldn’t be fair for me to say, “don’t get a PhD.” Because it worked out for me, and for some it does.

But there are a heck of a lot of people who haven’t figured out how to build a career with this thing. Which is one of the reasons Roostervane exists in the first place.

Psst! If you’re looking at doing a PhD because you don’t know where to go next with your career–I see you. Been there. Check out my free PDF guide– How to Build a Great Career with Any Degree.

3. Is a PhD worth it for your personal brand?

My guess: Probably

There’s some debate over whether to put a Dr. or PhD before or after your name. People argue over whether it helps in the non-academic marketplace. Some feel that it just doesn’t translate to whatever their new reality is. Some have been told by some manager somewhere that they’re overqualified and pulled themselves back, sometimes wiping the PhD off their resume altogether.

The truth is, if you have a PhD, the world often won’t know what to do with it. And that’s okay. Well-meaning people won’t understand how you fit into the landscape, and you may have to fight tooth and nail for your place in it. People may tell you they can’t use you, or they might go with what they know—which is someone less qualified and less-educated.

It happens.

But someone with a PhD at the end of their name represents an indomitable leader. So grow your possibilities bigger and keep fighting. And make your personal brand match those three little letters after your name. Do this so that the world around can’t help but see you as a leader. More importantly, do it so that you don’t forget you are.

Should I put “PhD” after my name on LinkedIn?

5 reasons you need to brand yourself

4. Is a PhD worth it for your sense of purpose?

Is getting a PhD worth it? For many people the answer is no.

PhDs are hurting.

If you’ve done one, you know. Remember the sense of meaning and purpose that drew you towards a PhD program? Was it still there at the end? If yours was, you’re lucky. I directed my purpose into getting hired in a tenure-track job, and got very hurt when it didn’t happen.

And people have vastly different experiences within programs.

Some people go through crap. But for them their research is everything and putting up with crap is worth it to feel like they have a sense of purpose. Many PhDs who are drawn into programs chasing a sense of purpose leave deeply wounded and disenchanted, ironically having less purpose when they started.

While new PhDs often talk about the PhD as a path do doing “something meaningful,” those of us who have been through entire programs have often seen too much. We’ve either seen or experienced tremendous loss of self. Some have friends who didn’t make it out the other end of the PhD program.

But there are some PhDs who have a great experience in their programs and feel tremendously fulfilled.

As I reflect on it, I don’t think a sense of purpose is inherently fulfilled or disappointed by a PhD program. There are too many variables.

However, if you’re counting on a PhD program to give you a sense of purpose, I’d be very careful. I’d be even more cautious if purpose for you means “tenure-track professor.” Think broadly about what success means to you and keep an open mind .

5. Is my discipline in demand?

Okay, so you need to know that different disciplines have different experiences. Silicon Valley has fallen in love with some PhDs, and we’re seeing “PhD required” or “PhD preferred” on more and more job postings. So if your PhD is in certain, in-demand subjects… It can be a good decision.

My humanities PhD, on the other hand, was a mistake. I’m 5 years out now, and I’ve learned how to use it and make money with it. That’s the great news. But I’d never recommend that anyone get a PhD in the humanities. Sorry. I really wish I could. It’s usually a waste of years of your life, and you’ll need to figure out how to get a totally unrelated job after anyway.

TBH, most of the skills I make money with these days I taught myself on Skillshare .

6. Is a PhD worth it for your potential?

My guess: Absolutely

Every human being has unlimited potential, of course. But here’s the thing that really can make your PhD worth it. The PhD can amplify your potential. It gives you a global reach, it gives you a recognizable brand, and it gives you a mind like no other.

One of my heroes is Brené Brown. She’s taken research and transformed the world with it, speaking to everyone from Wall-Street leaders to blue-collar workers about vulnerability, shame, and purpose. She took her PhD and did amazing things with it.

Your potential at the end of your PhD is greater than it has ever been.

The question is, what will you do with that potential?

Many PhD students are held back, not by their potential, but by the fact that they’ve learned to believe that they’re worthless. Your potential is unlimited, but when you are beaten and exhausted, dragging out of a PhD program with barely any self-worth left, it’s very hard to reach your potential. You first need to repair your confidence.

But if you can do that, if you can nurture your confidence and your greatness every day until you begin to believe in yourself again, you can take your potential and do anything you want with it.

So why get a PhD?

Because it symbolizes your limitless potential. If you think strategically about how to put it to work.

PhD Graduates Don’t Need Resumes. They Need a Freaking Vision

By the way… Did you know I wrote a book about building a career with a PhD? You can read the first chapter for free on Amazon.

So if you’re asking me, “should I do a PhD,” I hope this post helps you. Try your best to check your emotion, and weigh the pros and cons.

And at the end of the day, I don’t think that whether a PhD is worth it or not is some fixed-in-stone thing. In fact, it depends on what you do with it.

So why not make it worth it? Work hard on yourself to transform into a leader worthy of the letters after your name, and don’t be afraid to learn how to leverage every asset the PhD gave you.

One of the reasons I took my PhD and launched my own company is that I saw how much more impact I could have and money I could be making as a consultant (perhaps eventually with a few employees). As long as I worked for someone else, I could see that my income would likely be capped. Working for myself was a good way to maximize my output and take control of my income.

It’s up to you to make it worth it. Pick what’s important to you and how the degree helps you get there, and chase it. Keep an open mind about where life will take you, but always be asking yourself how you can make more of it.

Check out the related post- 15 Good, Bad, and Awful Reasons People Go to Grad School. — I Answer the Question, “Should I Go to Grad School?” )

Consulting Secrets 3 – Landing Clients

Photo by Christian Sterk on Unsplash There’s a new type of post buzzing around LinkedIn. I confess, I’ve even made a few.  The post is

You’re Not Good Enough… Yet

Last year, I spent $7k on a business coach. She was fantastic. She helped me through sessions of crafting my ideas to become a “thought

$200/hr Expert? Here’s the Secret!

Photo by David Monje on Unsplash I was listening to Tony Robbins this week. He was talking about being the best.  Tony asks the audience,

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• Is a PhD Worth it?

Written by Mark Bennett

Whether a PhD is worth it or not entirely depends on what you want to get out of it. If you want to enter academia, then you'll likely need a PhD. However, those who don't need the degree for their career still find that doctoral study helps them gain and refine useful skills benefitial to industry.

This page will help you to define the value of a PhD degree and understand how much a PhD is worth (and to who).

PhD careers and employment prospects

One of the first ways you might decide if a PhD is worth it is by working out whether it will improve your career prospects. So, how employable are PhD graduates – and what jobs do they actually do?

You may be surprised how diverse the answers to these questions are.

PhD employment statistics

Data suggests that PhD students are very employable, with the majority finding work or going on to further training (such as a ‘PostDoc’) after graduation.

As you can see from the table below, a PhD can make a difference to your employment prospects when compared with a taught Masters qualification.

For more information and statistics on this, check out our guide to PhD employability .

What's a PostDoc?

A PostDoctoral Fellowship (or 'PostDoc') is often the next step in an academic career, after a PhD. PostDocs are short-term paid positions that usually focus on a specific research project. You can find out more about PostDoctoral projects and opportunities at FindAPostDoc.com

What can you do with a PhD? – typical careers

The modern PhD is a surprisingly versatile qualification that develops a wide range of transferrable skills. Universities also support students within broad doctoral programmes that focus on developing employable PhD graduates.

All of this means that the job market for PhD students is quite diverse.

Many students do go on to careers in higher education, but these include administration and leadership positions as well as academic posts.

Others take their research and teaching expertise into other professions – including secondary and further education, industry or public administration.

What else do PhD graduates do?

A PhD does far more than prepare you for a career in higher education. Read our guide for more information on popular non-academic careers with a PhD – and how to get started with one.

Assessing the value of a PhD to you

Whether a PhD is worth it very much depends on your individual aspirations and plans.

It’s common for students to set out on a PhD with an academic career in mind – inspired by a passion for their subject at undergraduate and Masters level.

There’s nothing wrong with this, but you should also spend a bit of time considering the higher education job market – and learning a little about what an academic career involves.

Our Pulse survey shows that there’s almost an even split between those of you interested in doing a PhD because you want a career in academia, and those of you that aren’t interested in going down the academic route. We dug a little deeper into the survey and around 5% more of those interested in going into academia are interested in Arts and Humanities academic roles. There’s also around a 10% difference between those interested in studying STEM and those interested in AHSS when it comes to subject interest, with STEM being more motivated to study due to subject interest.

The vast majority of university researchers and lecturers in countries like the UK do have a PhD. But that doesn’t mean that the majority of PhD graduates go on to become university researchers and lecturers. In fact, many don’t.

If you are pursuing a PhD as the next step in an academic career, that’s great. Academic work is incredibly rewarding (and potentially very well paid). But it it’s prudent to understand the profession you’re preparing for – and to keep your options open.

Do you want to be an academic?

If you are pursuing a PhD as the next step in an academic career, that’s great. Academic work is incredibly rewarding (and potentially very well paid). But it’s prudent to understand the profession you’re preparing for – and to keep your options open.

Do you have another career in mind?

For some, a PhD is enough to scratch their ‘research itch’ and they decide to take their skills and experience into other careers . Others find that the academic job market is very competitive or that an academic job doesn’t appeal to them. And an increasing number have a completely different career in mind.

The modern PhD is a versatile qualification offering the transferrable skills described above as well as the chance to acquire incredibly advanced expertise.

There are plenty of careers that benefit from the kind of diverse CV a PhD develops. And, even if you want to be an academic, it’s worth thinking about a few of them before you start.

Will funding be available?

PhD fees aren’t actually that high. They’re a lot lower than undergraduate fees and usually less than those for Masters degrees.

But the full cost of a PhD needs to take into account more than just tuition fees. You’ll need to support yourself for at least three more years of study.

That’s three years in which you won’t be earning very much and during which your career development will probably be on hold. So there’s an ‘opportunity cost’ involved in PhD study – the earnings or career progress you might otherwise have made.

The simplest way to offset this is by acquiring funding for your PhD. A range of options are out there, from pre-funded projects to individual scholarships and doctoral loans.

Set aside some time to find out what kind of support might be available for the kind of project you want to complete. Researching research funding may not be exciting, but it could well be worth it.

Are you committed enough to see the project through?

You may decide that a PhD is definitely worth the cost, but will it be worth the hard work?

This may seem like an odd question to include here. Surely your dedication to further study and the value of the qualification you gain are two different things?

Well, not quite. For the simple reason that, whatever the worth of a completed PhD, an uncompleted one is worth a lot less.

It doesn’t matter what you plan to do with your PhD or how much it ends up costing you: if you don’t finish your project you’ll have little to show for whatever time and money you have invested.

That’s not to say that failing to complete a PhD will ruin your life. Some students do exit their programmes early and go on to have productive careers. Some even submit for alternative qualifications such as the MPhil .

But failing to complete a PhD is rarely a desirable or ideal outcome. So go into the process with your eyes open and make sure you know what’s involved. Our advice on doing a PhD is a good place to start.

Transferrable skills – what else does a PhD teach you?

PhDs are highly specialised qualifications. In fact, they’re the most specialised qualifications available. By its very nature every PhD is a unique project, focussing on a topic no one has researched before.

But PhDs aren’t just about specialisation. Successfully completing a three-year research project means developing many more general skills, all of which are highly transferrable.

There are relatively few non-academic careers based on the theological significance of eighteenth-century lyric poetry or the effects of altitude on arboreal biodiversity.

But there are lots of careers out there for self-motivated project managers with excellent organisational skills, experience of public speaking and event planning plus the ability to effectively analyse and communicate large amounts of complex information.

Those people are very employable. And your PhD could make you one of them.

The following are some of the core transferrable skills you’re likely to develop during a PhD.

Project management

This one is fairly obvious, but it’s probably more significant than you give it credit for.

A PhD requires you to complete an extended research project and to do so almost entirely independently. You’ll have support from your supervisor, but the day to day management of your time, resources and objectives is down to you.

You’ll need to assess the demands of specific tasks, plan ahead to ensure the availability of key materials and solve a wide range of problems (both anticipated and unforeseen).

You might also be responsible for managing expenses and keeping your project within the limits set by its own funding – or that of the research group you’re working within.

Even a self-financed PhD involves managing a budget – and potentially securing additional investment for your work.

Professional networking

Successful managing a PhD project can also mean successfully managing your relationships with other people.

You’ll need to maintain a productive relationship with your supervisor and with fellow students within your laboratory, workshop or department.

Looking further afield, you’ll need to identify and connect with researchers working on similar topics at other universities. And, if you present at conferences yourself, you’ll become experienced in sharing information within an expert network and discussing ideas with your professional peers.

It’s also highly likely that you’ll work more closely with other researchers at some point during your PhD. This could be part of a short-term project, or whilst organising a conference or other event (see below).

So don’t be misled by the image of the solitary scholar: collaboration, team-work (and team building) are also important parts of a modern PhD.

Teaching and mentoring

Academic teaching is another part of the typical PhD experience. Most universities provide at least some opportunity for postgraduate researchers to lead classes, demonstrate experiments or mentor undergraduate students.

This is important training for an academic career, but it’s not just limited to work in the university sector.

Teaching experience is obviously useful if you’re interested in working in other branches of education – such as a secondary school or sixth form college. Showing that you can communicate your specialist subject knowledge is a great way to leverage a PhD for these careers.

Academic teaching also tends to involve coursework assessment, feedback and one-to-one tutorials. These skills can transfer out of purely educational contexts as you develop experience in mentoring others and providing leadership.

Publication

Academic publication isn’t part of every PhD, but many students do have the opportunity to author journal articles or produce other records of their research.

This kind of publication is obviously different to ‘commercial’ or ‘popular’ publishing (we’re not suggesting it’s a short-step from a Nature paper to winning the Man Booker Prize). But some of the skills you’ll gain are common to all forms of publication.

Preparing, copy-editing and proofing a professional manuscript is necessary to publication in all contexts: whether you’re authoring a journal article, a novel, an industry whitepaper – or a website.

And proficiency in composing and communicating complex ideas is valuable in many careers – even the ones that don’t actually involve ‘publication.’

Public speaking

You might think it strange to think of PhD research as an opportunity to develop skills in oral communication, but the presentation and discussion of your ideas will play an important role in their development.

The majority of students speak at academic conferences at some point during their doctorates. This is an important means of making the academic community aware of your work and of receiving expert feedback.

In the process you’ll also become a capable public speaker, with the ability to select and shape material for a presentation and the confidence to deliver that presentation professionally and effectively.

And remember, the topic of a presentation isn’t important. It doesn’t matter if you’re speaking about economic history in front of an audience of academics or about market research in front of an audience of clients. Both scenarios require you to present specialist information, effectively, to other specialists.

Event management and organisation

PhD students don’t just speak at conferences: they often have the chance to organise them. This can range from running small seminar events to planning and arranging large international conferences.

The challenges involved in this – booking venues, setting up facilities, advertising, registering, taking care of delegates – aren’t unique to academia. They also crop up in a range of professions where large conferences and events are a regular occurrence – from politics to trade fairs.

Branches of some careers – such as marketing or entertainment – actually focus entirely upon events management.

One of the most valuable skills you gain with a PhD could, quite simply, be the ability to do research.

The task of identifying, managing and analysing large amounts of complex information isn’t simple. Nor is it easy to digest that information and re-present your conclusions in an appropriate and useful format.

As a PhD student, you’re going to become an undisputed expert in doing all of this. Because, if nothing else, your doctorate will make you a professional researcher.

And professional researchers don’t just work in academia. All sorts of careers draw upon these skills, from public administration, government and politics to public relations management, marketing and journalism.

Ready to do a PhD?

Search our project listings to find out what you could be studying.

We've answered some of the most frequently asked questions about PhDs, covering course types, applications, funding and the benefits of further study.

Will a PhD help you get a job or earn a better salary? And what are your career prospects in and outside of academia?

Everything you need to know about part-time and full-time work as a student or recent graduate in the USA.

Everything you need to know about part-time and full-time work in Germany as a student or recent graduate in Germany.

Everything you need to know about working in France during and after your postgraduate degree, including French work visas, job opportunities and popular industries.

Everything you need to know about part-time and full-time work in Italy as a student or recent graduate.

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Is it a good time to be getting a PhD? We asked those who’ve done it

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Career Sessions was sponsored by a grant from Inspiring SA ( https://inspiringsa.org.au/ ).

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The number of Australian PhD graduates reached around 10,000 a year in 2019, twice as many as in 2005. However, the number of PhDs has been exceeding the available academic positions since as early as the mid-1990s. In 2020, universities purged around 10% of their workforce due to the pandemic, and many university careers are still vulnerable .

Given these statistics, you might wonder if doing a PhD is still a good idea. Based on our discussions with PhD holders, there are still plenty of very good reasons, which is good news in 2021.

Read more: 2021 is the year Australia's international student crisis really bites

In June 2020 we interviewed 12 PhD holders from multiple disciplines for our podcast Career Sessions to investigate the question: why do a PhD?

Why do a PhD?

The PhD is a mechanism for developing high-level research skills, learning about rigours of science or the development of theory. It sets you up with project management, problem-solving and analytical skills that are meaningful within and beyond academia.

“It just taught me all those transferable skills, project management, and also now starting businesses. I’m amazed at how close starting a business is to doing a science project.” – Dr Andy Stapleton

For our interviewees, the PhD is an opportunity to dive deeply into a topic they are passionate about. They also considered contributing new knowledge to be a privilege. The process taught them to be better thinkers, critical thinkers, and to view the world through new eyes.

“The mental fitness to work at a high level, to be able to think at a high level, to be able to write it […] The topic is less important.” – Dr Gareth Furber

The PhD is a voyage of discovery to a better understanding of how things work. It gives them a credible platform from which their voice can be heard and respected, and they can contribute to change.

“I think it’s definitely like a springboard or something. It launches you into a whole other place and it gives you […] more of a voice. It’s a political act for me. It’s about making change.” – Dr Elizabeth Newnham

The PhD is a tough and sometimes painful journey, but ultimately rewarding. The extraordinary was tempered by frustration, and the experience shaped their lives, increasing self-confidence and leading to new self-awareness.

Read more: PhD completion: an evidence-based guide for students, supervisors and universities

When asked whether they would they do it again, no-one hesitated in saying “yes”.

“You will never stretch your brain in a way that a PhD forces you to.” – Professor Kate Douglas.

The PhD is not necessarily a golden ticket to an academic career, but the experience and skills you develop will be meaningful for your future.

“What I’d done in my PhD gave me a lot broader sense than just my own personal experience. There were a lot of people that have heard me speak and a lot of that’s been informed by the PhD. So it might not be direct, but it’s informed who I am.” – Dr Susan Close

Advice from our guests

Keep both your eyes and your mind open. Pick a topic you are passionate about. Speak to people both within and outside academia to find out where this could lead. Think about whether you actually need a PhD to get to where you want to be.

You’ll have to make some judgement calls about how a PhD can fit into your life.

And find the right supervisor! They are the most important relationship you will have throughout your candidature, and they are a solid reference for what comes next. Finding the right supervisor will always enhance your PhD experience .

Read more: Ten types of PhD supervisor relationships – which is yours?

A PhD isn’t right for everyone. Ask yourself, is it the right time for you and your research interests? Are you resilient? Mental health among PhD students is poor

Our podcast guests have witnessed PhD students’ struggles. The pathway of a PhD candidate is not linear. There are many ups and downs. You will meander in many unplanned directions and often take wrong turns.

When you have completed your PhD, the hard work is really just starting. It is a gateway, but there are a lot of PhDs out there. It is what comes next that really counts.

“It’s a gateway. You’re learning how to do research. But if you really want to be successful afterwards, you need to apply that, and be diligent about that as well, and have a good work ethic.” – Dr Mark Krstic

Read more: 1 in 5 PhD students could drop out. Here are some tips for how to keep going

A PhD in any field is an achievement. Even the most niche topics will contribute knowledge to a field that is important for many people. The reward is intrinsic and only you can identify how doing a PhD will contribute to your life. It gives you a great toolkit to identify the doors that are appropriate for you.

“The first paper was the most exciting thing. […] at that time I thought of papers as like a version of immortality. My name is on something that will last forever. I think this is my legacy.” – Dr Cameron Shearer

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Best Doctorates in Digital Marketing: Top PhD Programs, Career Paths, and Salaries

There is a wide range of digital marketing jobs you can get if you have a doctorate. You can be a professor or researcher in academia or pursue roles in different industries. In this article, we show you the best PhDs in Digital Marketing that you can earn to advance your career. We also provide information on the best digital marketing jobs and salaries for professionals with PhDs in Digital Marketing.

What Is a PhD in Digital Marketing?

A PhD in Digital Marketing is the highest-level academic degree students can get in the field of digital marketing. This program entails more research work than coursework. Typically, doctoral programs take four to five years to complete.

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How to get into a digital marketing phd program: admission requirements.

The admission requirements for a typical PhD in Digital Marketing are an online application for the program and official transcripts from your undergraduate or graduate education. Some schools also require standardized test scores, such as GMAT or GRE. You also need to submit your resume, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.

PhD in Digital Marketing Admission Requirements

• Official academic transcripts
• Test scores (GRE or GMAT)
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose

Digital Marketing PhD Acceptance Rates: How Hard Is It to Get Into a PhD Program in Digital Marketing?

It’s hard to get into a PhD in Digital Marketing program. Acceptance rates for doctorate programs in the marketing field are low. On average, less than 10 percent of prospective students who apply to doctoral programs in digital marketing are admitted because schools only admit a low number of students to these programs every year.

How to Get Into the Best Universities

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Best PhDs in Digital Marketing: In Brief

Best Universities for Digital Marketing PhDs: Where to Get a PhD in Digital Marketing

Some of the best universities for getting a digital marketing PhD are Arizona State University, Duke University, Stanford University, The University of Texas, and University of Pennsylvania. If you’re wondering where to get the best PhDs in Digital Marketing, the following list will help you learn more about the accredited schools that offer doctoral degree programs in marketing.

Arizona State University (ASU) was first founded in 1885 as the Territorial Normal School in Tempe. Offering over 450 graduate degrees in fields such as arts, computing and mathematics, entrepreneurship, and healthcare, ASU welcomes more than 70,000 students every year. It has been recognized by US News & World Report as the most innovative national university . 

PhD in Marketing

ASU’s W. P. Carey School of Business offers a full-time residential Doctoral Degree in Marketing. It’s designed for graduate students who want to pursue research and teaching positions in marketing. Students can choose between consumer behavior, service strategy, and quantitative marketing models specializations to concentrate their digital marketing knowledge.

PhD in Marketing Overview

• Program Length: 5 years
• Acceptance Rate: 5-10%
• Tuition and Fees: $11,720 (in-state base tuition); $23,544 (out-of-state base tuition)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching or research assistantships, loans and other financing options, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

PhD in Marketing Admission Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• GRE or GMAT test scores
• Undergraduate education transcripts
• Proof of English language proficiency (for international students)

Drexel University is a private research university that was founded in 1891. Its LeBow College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. This college offers PhD programs in economics and business, as well as an executive doctorate program in business administration. 

PhD in Business with a Marketing Specialization 

In this full-time PhD program, students can choose between an economics-oriented track and a behaviorally-oriented research track. Development of marketing channel systems is one of the courses where digital marketing can be covered. To graduate, students must complete 45 credits and write and defend a doctoral thesis.

PhD in Business with a Marketing Specialization Overview

• Program Length: 4 years
• Acceptance Rate: 10%
• Tuition and Fees: $0 - All admitted students are considered for research and teaching assistantships which include a full tuition waiver
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Fellowships, teaching and research assistantships, research awards

PhD in Business with a Marketing Specialization Admission Requirements

• Minimum of 3.0 GPA in undergraduate programs and 3.3 GPA in graduate programs
• Transcripts
• GMAT or GRE scores
• Personal statement
• 2 letters of recommendation

Duke University is a private research university that was founded in 1838 in Trinity, North Carolina. The school has more than 80 Graduate School Departments, and over 3,000 graduate students are enrolled in its graduate programs. Duke University’s main goal is to give students the analytical and critical skills they need to succeed in their chosen field of study.

The PhD in Marketing at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business aims to prepare students for successful careers in research and teaching. This program covers digital marketing through the effects of Internet search agents on consumer choice. To graduate from this program, students are required to write and defend a dissertation.

• Acceptance Rate: 11%
• Tuition and Fees: $28,950/semester (years 1-3); $4,000/semester (years 4+)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Tuition grants, research and teaching assistantships
• $95 application fee
• Academic transcripts
• Provide undergraduate GPA
• Statement of purpose essay
• English language proficiency test scores (for non-native speakers)

Georgia State University (GSU) is a public research institution founded in 1913. The university offers more than 150 graduate degree programs across nine different colleges. Innovation is central in GSU’s Graduate Schools, as the US News & World Report named it the second most innovative school in the country . 

GSU’s J. Mack Robinson College of Business prepares students for successful careers inside and outside academia. In this program, students learn to apply combined research and marketing methods to digital marketing. Its curriculum includes 15 hours of research courses, 18 hours of marketing courses, and nine hours of courses in the student’s area of interest. 

• Acceptance Rate: N/A
• Tuition and Fees: $4,776/semester (in state); $15,108/semester (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching and research assistantships, doctoral fellowships
• Online application and $50 application fee
• GMAT scores
• College transcripts
• 3 letters of recommendation
• Immunization records

Harvard University was the first college founded in America in 1636. Its Harvard Business School (HBS) was later established in 1908. HBS is now considered one of the best business schools in the world. It offers doctoral programs in a wide variety of fields, such as accounting, management, economics, organizational behavior, and marketing. 

PhD in Marketing 

HBS offers a full-time Doctoral Degree in Marketing, which requires a minimum of 13 courses, including economics and psychology. Its machine learning, computer science, and statistics courses are useful for digital marketing analysis and application. To graduate, students need to complete a teaching engagement, pass the special exam, and write and defend a dissertation.

• Acceptance Rate: 4%
• Tuition and Fees: $0 (fully funded for 5 years)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Financial aid program, research support
• Online application and $105 application fee
• GRE or GMAT scores

Northwestern University is a private research institution founded in 1851. US News & World Report considers it one of the top 10 national universities in the country . It’s home to over 50 research centers and receives over $890 million annually in sponsored research awards. More than 13,000 students are currently enrolled in its 90 graduate degree programs.

This PhD in Marketing is offered through the Kellogg School of Management. It offers two concentrations in consumer behavior and quantitative marketing. It teaches students to become successful marketing researchers in various areas of marketing, including digital marketing. To earn a doctorate, students must complete 18 courses and maintain a GPA of 3.0. 

• Program Length: 4+ years
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Tuition and Fees: $18,689/quarter (8 or fewer quarters); $4,672/quarter (more than 8 quarters)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Fellowship stipend, teaching and research assistantships, tuition scholarships
• Courses taken form
• 3 recommendation letters
• Proof of English proficiency (for international students)
• Optional writing sample

Founded in 1855, Penn State University is a public land-grant research university with 24 campuses catering to graduate and undergraduate students. The university offers more than 190 graduate degree programs and around 100 graduate certificate programs. Penn State stays on top of the research field with over $1 billion in annual research expenditures.

Penn State’s Smeal College of Business offers PhD in Marketing in three specializations in consumer behavior, marketing management, and marketing models. All three of them provide valuable learnings applicable to digital marketing. The program’s graduation requirements entail the completion of all coursework, a qualifying exam, and a thesis dissertation.

• Program Length: 3+ years
• Acceptance Rate: 15%
• Tuition and Fees: $0 - Admitted students receive a tuition waiver and a monthly stipend guaranteed for five years
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Tuition waiver, monthly stipends, research assistantships, research funding options
• $65 application fee
• GPA and coursework
• GMAT, GRE or TOEFL scores
• Work sample, such as research papers or essays

Stanford University was founded in 1885, but it didn’t open its doors to students until 1891. In 1925, the Stanford Graduate School of Business was created. Its three full-time graduate degree programs are all accredited by the AACSB. Among this school’s faculty, there are five Nobel Prize laureates and five recipients of the John Bates Clark Medal in Economics. 

Students enrolled in this PhD in Marketing degree can choose between two areas of study in behavioral marketing or quantitative marketing. Its coursework for digital marketing include deep learning, machine learning, and consumer behavior. To graduate, students must pass a field exam, submit academic papers, and complete apprenticeships and a dissertation.

• Program Length: 2-3 years
• Acceptance Rate: 3.5%
• Tuition and Fees: $56,487/three quarters (if 11-18 units per quarter); $36,720/three quarters (if 8-10 units per quarter). 
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Fellowships, research and teaching assistantships, professional development grants. All incoming doctoral students in the Marketing PhD program are provided with financial aid for five years.
• Online application
• $125 application fee
• Official transcripts
• 3 letters of reference
• TOEFL score (for international students)

Syracuse University (SU) is a private research university established in 1870. It’s accredited by the Middle State Commission on Higher Education. SU’s graduate school offers more than 193 master’s degrees and 50 doctoral degrees across 13 schools and colleges. Over 1,400 doctoral students are currently enrolled in SU’s PhD programs.

PhD in Business Administration with a Marketing Major

SU offers a PhD in Business Administration with a Marketing Major through the Whitman School of Management. It has two areas of specialization, analytical modeling and empirical analysis, for quantitative marketing. Students need to earn 72 credits to complete this program. Other graduation requirements include submitting three research papers and a thesis.

PhD in Business Administration with a Marketing Major Overview

• Tuition and Fees: $1,802/credit hour
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Tuition waivers, yearly stipends, grants, fellowships, awards, teaching and research assistantships 

PhD in Business Administration with a Marketing Major Admission Requirements

• Recommendation letters

University of Arizona is a public land-grant research university founded in 1885. It offers more than 150 master’s degree programs and over 100 doctoral programs in a wide variety of fields. The university is known for its heavy investments in research and development, spending over $700 million in recent years.

The university’s Eller College of Management offers a full-time PhD in Marketing that prepares students for research-heavy and academic roles. Strategy, marketing models, and consumer psychology are some of the courses useful for a digital marketing career. The program’s coursework has 36 units in marketing, nine units in a minor subject, and 18 units of dissertation credits.

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• Program Length: 4-5 years
• Tuition and Fees: $14,600/academic year (in state); $34,800/academic year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Teaching or research associateship
• $90 application fee
• TOEFL or IELTS scores (for international students)

University of California-Berkeley (UC Berkeley) was founded in 1868. At present, more than 5,000 graduate students are enrolled at UC Berkeley’s wide variety of doctoral degrees. The US News & World Report named UC Berkeley as the fourth-best global university in the country.

UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business offers an interdisciplinary doctoral marketing program with two areas of research in consumer behavior and quantitative marketing. Both tracks require taking courses in buyer behavior and choice modeling or marketing strategy. To get this degree, students need to pass an oral qualification exam and write and defend a dissertation.

• Acceptance Rate: 9%
• Tuition and Fees: $14,442/academic year (in state); $29,238/academic year (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Financial aid, scholarships, fellowships
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
• Minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• $120 application fee
• GMAT or GRE test scores

University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is an Ivy League research university founded in 1740. The Wharton School was established as UPenn’s first business school in 1881. The Wharton School offers nine graduate programs of study in various areas, including finance, management, and marketing. Currently, around 13,000 graduate students are enrolled in UPenn.

This interdisciplinary doctoral program in marketing offers a consumer behavior track and a quantitative track. Data analysis and research methods are some of the program’s courses, which can be best applied to digital marketing. To graduate, students need to complete a dissertation and at least 15 graduate-level course units.

• Acceptance Rate: 3%
• Tuition and Fees: $37,678/full program
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Financial aid awards, fellowships
• $80 application fee
• Official transcripts and academic history
• Personal statement essay

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is a public research university founded in 1969. Over 900 students are currently enrolled in the university’s doctoral degrees. UTSA is home to 32 research centers and institutes and offers a wide range of well-funded research partnerships.

UTSA offers its doctoral degree through Carlos Alvarez College of Business. This degree requires a minimum of 84 credits for students who previously obtained a bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 66 credits for those with a master’s degree. Its courses that are useful for digital marketing include strategy research and experimental design.

• Tuition and Fees: $575/credit hour (in state); $1,572/credit hour (out of state)
• PhD Funding Opportunities: Annual stipends, research assistantships
• $50 application fee
• Personal statement of academic goals and interests

Can You Get a PhD in Digital Marketing Online?

Yes, you can get a PhD in Digital Marketing online. Northcentral University and Atlantic International University are some of the schools that offer online doctoral marketing degrees. You can also get a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Marketing online. A DBA program focuses more on practical marketing applications, while a PhD program is designed for research and academic-oriented positions.

Best Online PhD Programs in Digital Marketing

How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD in Digital Marketing?

It takes four to five years to get a PhD in Digital Marketing. Typically, students dedicate the first two or three years to completing the required coursework. During their second and third years, students are expected to complete a field exam. This exam measures their depth of knowledge and comprehension of the marketing field.

During the program’s remaining years, students must focus their efforts on research activities, a dissertation, and any additional graduation requirements. Such requirements can be to complete research or teaching assistantships. They can also be to submit academic papers to accredited publications and to participate in seminars.

Is a PhD in Digital Marketing Hard?

Yes, a PhD in Digital Marketing is hard. The average completion time of a PhD in Digital Marketing is between four and five years. The majority of doctoral degrees are full-time programs. This means that working outside while pursuing your degree won’t be possible. You’ll have to rely on funding options such as research assistantships to support yourself while you are studying.

A doctorate can also be hard because of the program’s coursework and graduation requirements, which will require a lot of hard work and dedication. In general, students have to complete courses in advanced digital marketing topics, as well as courses in complex disciplines like statistics. They also have to complete the program’s dissertation requirements.

How Much Does It Cost to Get a PhD in Digital Marketing?

It costs approximately $12,171 per year to get a PhD in Digital Marketing at a public institution, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The tuition for a doctoral degree at a private university can cost between $14,208 and $27,776 per year.

Many universities offer affordable graduate tuition rates. An example is Georgia State University, where in-state students pay $4,776 per semester, and out-of-state students pay $15,108 per semester. Moreover, there are plenty of funding opportunities for digital marketing PhD students.

How to Pay for a PhD in Digital Marketing: PhD Funding Options

The PhD funding options that full-time students can use to pay for a PhD in Digital Marketing are tuition waivers, fellowships, research assistantships, and teaching assistantships. Most schools also offer PhD students plenty of financial aid options to reduce their expenses. Some schools even provide stipends to help students with other living costs.

Best Online Master’s Degrees

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What Is the Difference Between a Digital Marketing Master’s Degree and PhD?

The difference between a digital marketing master’s degree and a PhD is the job outlook for graduates. Master’s degree programs are great for career advancement because they teach the necessary skills for various executive positions in the marketing field. PhDs are terminal degree programs designed to prepare students mostly for careers in academia.

Doctoral degrees are a necessity in a range of job roles in the academic field, such as college professor or tenure researcher. Doctorate programs take approximately five years to complete, while master’s degrees can be completed in only two years. Because of this, getting a PhD in Digital Marketing will give you more advanced knowledge of the marketing field.

Master’s vs PhD in Digital Marketing Job Outlook

Digital marketing professionals with a PhD have advanced skills and knowledge for academic positions in postsecondary education. This field has a job outlook of 12 percent . Professionals with a master’s degree can strive for a wide variety of digital marketing jobs across different industries. For example, market research analysts have a 22 percent job outlook .

Difference in Salary for Digital Marketing Master’s vs PhD

While a digital marketer with a Master’s Degree can get a median annual income of $93,000 , the average PhD in Digital Marketing salary is $106,000 per year based on PayScale data. This pay disparity exists because of the advanced skills and knowledge that a PhD graduate can offer in digital marketing roles.

Related Digital Marketing Degrees

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Why You Should Get a PhD in Digital Marketing

You should get a PhD in Digital Marketing because it’ll give you a proper knowledge of advanced topics and crucial research skills needed for various digital marketing jobs. Apart from gaining expertise, PhD graduates also enjoy low unemployment rates, higher salaries, and networking opportunities. Below, we discuss in detail the reasons for getting a PhD in Digital Marketing.

Reasons for Getting a PhD in Digital Marketing

• Lower unemployment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, marketing professionals with a PhD have a lower unemployment rate at 2.5 percent than those with a master’s or bachelor’s degree. This can be partially because pursuing doctoral degrees make it easier for graduates to land digital marketing jobs in the academic field.
• Advanced knowledge. A PhD in Digital Marketing will give you advanced skills and knowledge. With this degree, you’ll also learn quantitative and qualitative research methods that are necessary for landing higher-paying digital marketing jobs in any field.
• Higher salary. Most companies tend to pay employees with higher education and experience more money. By earning a PhD in Digital Marketing, you’ll be able to make an annual salary of $106,000 or more, depending on your professional experience and where you work.
• Networking opportunities. A digital marketing PhD will give you plenty of opportunities to grow your professional network. Not only will you have the opportunity to meet other students with similar interests and passions, but you can also attend conferences and seminars. These events are where you can connect with experts from all over the world.

Getting a PhD in Digital Marketing: Digital Marketing PhD Coursework

Getting a PhD in Digital Marketing is a matter of completing the required course load and any other graduation requirements. The typical PhD coursework is broken down into core digital marketing courses, courses in other disciplines, and courses focused on research or how to prepare for your dissertation. Below are a few examples of the courses that students must take.

Consumer Behavior

Consumer behavior studies are the psychological and behavioral processes that influence people’s choices when buying or consuming products and services. With this course, graduate students will better understand how cultural and psychological variables tend to influence the behavior of consumers. They’ll uncover how this can be used for effective marketing strategies.

Introduction to Econometrics

Econometrics is a discipline that combines mathematical and statistical methodologies in order to quantify economic phenomena. With this course, students will learn how to use regression methods, such as nonparametric and linear regressions, to quantify and interpret relevant data. This is useful for students that want to pursue careers in digital marketing research.

Qualitative Research Methods

In digital marketing, qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data to understand phenomena that are useful in market research. With this course, PhD students will learn how to use qualitative research methods to gather data that can help in understanding all the factors and variables that influence consumers’ decisions.

Quantitative Marketing

Qualitative research is the process of collecting and analyzing numerical data. It’s a crucial step in statistical analysis. In this course, students will learn how to quantify and analyze the data gathered from surveys and polls answered by a target audience. This will help students draw insights based on the data gathered from market research focus groups.

Statistical Inference

Statistical inference refers to the process of deducing facts about a specific group of the population based on statistical data. This course will provide digital marketing students the skills necessary for working with statistical data. The use of statistical methods, such as statistical inference, is common in the marketing field, so it’s a crucial skill for digital marketers to learn.

Best Master’s Degrees

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How to Get a PhD in Digital Marketing: Doctoral Program Requirements

To graduate, PhD students have to complete the doctoral program requirements. Common graduation requirements include completing the required coursework, completing the necessary teaching or researching requirements, and writing and defending a dissertation. Finishing these requirements is how to get a PhD in Digital Marketing.

Doctorate programs require students to complete the necessary coursework, as well as a minimum number of credits. Core courses include digital marketing courses and research methods courses. The coursework is meant to be finished in the first two years of the program. Students might be required to maintain a minimum GPA throughout their coursework.

Once students complete the required coursework, they are required to pass an exam meant to assess the depth of their comprehension of topics covered in the first years of the program. It’s also meant to measure the depth of advanced knowledge they learned through completing the required coursework. This examination can be a written exam or an oral examination.

PhD students are required to complete research requirements. These requirements include working as research assistants and completing a set number of hours or classes of teaching. You might also need to participate in research assistantships under experienced faculty members, participate in seminars and colloquia, and submit your research to academic journals. 

Teaching apprenticeship requirements can mean working as teaching assistants (TAs) during a set time frame from the total length of the program. Alternatively, you might need to complete a teaching engagement during a semester or a full academic year. This is a great opportunity for students who want to pursue teaching careers.

To get a PhD in Digital Marketing, you’ll have to write and defend a dissertation. Dissertations are where students show that they’re able to conduct independent research and present it in a well-organized manner. Dissertation requirements include writing a dissertation, presenting a dissertation proposal, choosing a doctoral dissertation committee, and defending the final dissertation.

Potential Careers With a Digital Marketing Degree

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PhD in Digital Marketing Salary and Job Outlook

The typical salary for marketing experts with a PhD is over $100,000 per year. There are plenty of job opportunities for PhD graduates, both in business and in the academic field. On average, there are more than 200,000 job openings for digital marketers with a PhD every year. Most marketing professions are expected to grow between eight and 14 percent in the next decade.

What Can You Do With a PhD in Digital Marketing?

With a PhD in Digital Marketing, you can apply to various senior-level positions in marketing or academia. Once you get your degree, you’ll have the skills and knowledge necessary to work in positions such as marketing manager, postsecondary education teacher, market research analyst, and public relations manager.

Best Jobs with a PhD in Digital Marketing

• College Professor
• Marketing Manager
• Market Research Analyst
• Public Relations Manager
• Postsecondary Education Administrator

What Is the Average Salary for a PhD in Digital Marketing?

The average annual salary for a PhD in Digital Marketing is $106,000. This salary varies depending on the specific digital media marketing field a professional decides to focus on. For example, digital marketers working in an academic environment earn an average of $96,910 per year. Marketing experts who work in marketing management earn $133,380 per year.

Highest-Paying Digital Marketing Jobs for PhD Grads

Best Digital Marketing Jobs with a Doctorate

The best digital marketing jobs with a doctorate are marketing manager, public relations manager, postsecondary education administrator, college professor, and market research analyst. These jobs require an advanced education degree because they need experts who know digital marketing trends very well and know how to apply research methods.

In this section, we discuss an overview of the best digital marketing jobs with a doctorate. We also provide details on the salary, job outlook, and highest-paying states.

Marketing managers plan effective marketing campaigns and evaluate promotional campaigns of businesses. These professionals possess leadership skills and advanced knowledge of advertising principles needed for identifying potential target markets for a specific product or service. They create promotional campaigns for target markets. 

• Average Salary: $133,380
• Job Outlook: 10% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 316,800
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, California

Public relations managers create content, such as press releases, articles, draft speeches, and images for a company to reach its target audience. They also analyze the audience’s perspective of a business and create digital marketing strategies to shape or improve the business’s overall image.

• Salary with a Digital Marketing PhD: $119,860
• Job Outlook: 13% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 89,000
• Highest-Paying States: District of Columbia, Virginia, New York

Postsecondary education administrators oversee student services, academics, and sometimes, faculty research at private and public colleges and universities. These professionals need to have interpersonal, problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. They also need experience in administrative settings to perform their job.

• Salary with a Digital Marketing PhD: $96,910
• Job Outlook: 8% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 178,800
• Highest-Paying States: New York, New Jersey, Delaware

College professors or postsecondary teachers in the digital marketing field develop outlines and syllabi for the courses they teach. They also plan individual lessons and assess their student’s progress through various assignments. 

• Salary with a Digital Marketing PhD: $79,640
• Job Outlook: 12% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 1,276,900
• Highest-Paying States: California, Rhode Island, New Hampshire

Market research analysts have a vast knowledge of quantitative and qualitative research methods that are widely used in the marketing field. They also have the analytical skills required for interpreting complex data. Their main responsibility consists of evaluating the market conditions and determining the potential sales of a product or service.

• Average Salary: $63,920
• Job Outlook: 14% job growth from 2020 to 2030
• Number of Jobs: 740,900
• Highest-Paying States: Washington, Delaware, New York

Is a PhD in Digital Marketing Worth It?

Yes, a PhD in Digital Marketing is worth it because it provides more employment opportunities and a higher annual salary. With a doctoral degree, you can apply for academic positions, such as post-secondary education teacher or researcher. You can also apply in various industries as a marketing manager, public relations manager, or market research analyst.

Additional Reading About Digital Marketing

[query_class_embed] https://careerkarma.com/blog/digital-marketing-best-practices/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/trends-in-digital-marketing/ https://careerkarma.com/blog/digital-marketing-tools-everyone-needs/

PhD in Digital Marketing FAQ

Yes, you can get a PhD in Digital Marketing online. The best PhDs in Digital Marketing with a fully online format are offered by Northcentral University, Washington State University, and Trident University International. Liberty University offers online DBA programs, which have more hands-on experience than a traditional PhD in Marketing.

You should get a PhD in Digital Marketing because it’ll give you’ll learn in-demand skills and knowledge in marketing and research methods. Getting a PhD will not only ensure you earn a high annual income, but it’ll raise your chances of finding a good and rewarding job.

The digital marketing jobs that require a PhD are teaching and research positions in the academic field. If you want to pursue a career in academia, you must get a doctoral degree. While other digital marketing jobs might not require doctoral education, having a PhD will make you stand out from other candidates with a master’s or bachelor’s degree.

Yes, digital marketing is a good career choice. Digital marketers are one of the most in-demand professionals in marketing and advertising. Becoming a digital marketer will open a wide range of careers in business. The average salary of a digital marketing expert is approximately $50,000 per year, and the average PhD in Digital Marketing salary is over $100,000 per year.

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The Pros and Cons of Getting a PhD

Getting a doctorate is a decision that will impact both your personal and professional life for many years to come. In this blog, we explore the benefits and drawbacks of attaining a doctoral degree, aiming to provide you with an unbiased view to help you make an informed decision.

Why Consider A PhD?

The benefits of a phd.

When it comes to enhancing your knowledge and contributing to your chosen field, few pathways can match the depth of a PhD. The benefits of a PhD extend beyond mere academic gains – they permeate each dimension of your professional enhancement.

1. Mastery in Your Field A PhD equips you with comprehensive knowledge about a specific area, amplifying your analytical, critical thinking and research skills to a level far beyond what a bachelor’s or a master’s degree could offer.

2. Opportunity for Ground-breaking Research As a PhD student, your primary role is to create new knowledge. The sense of fulfillment derived from contributing something novel to your field can be incredibly rewarding.

3. Networking Opportunities During your PhD program, you'll attend conferences and seminars, presenting you with opportunities to mingle with like-minded individuals, renowned academics and industry professionals, expanding your professional network substantially.

4. Enhanced Career Prospects With a PhD, a broader horizon of career opportunities opens up. You become a university professor, a leader in research organizations, or even a policy-maker influencing critical decisions in your field.

Practical Reasons to Get a Doctorate Degree

1. Societal Impact PhD holders can influence policy, promoting changes that positively impact society at various levels.

2. Teaching Opportunities For those passionate about educating others and impacting future generations, a Doctorate degree is often a prerequisite for higher-level academic positions.

3. Potential Higher Earnings A direct benefit of a PhD is the possibility of higher earnings over the course of your career, although this can vary considerably depending on the field.

The Flip Side: Challenges of a PhD 

Just like any significant endeavor, getting a doctorate comes with its fair share of challenges.

The Cons of a PhD

1. Time and Financial Commitment A typical PhD can take 4-7 years to complete. Not only does this require a substantial investment of your time, it can also strain your finances. While scholarships and stipends may alleviate some costs, there is the foregone income to consider as well.

2. Pressures and Stress Levels The demands of a PhD — meticulous research, endless writing and frequent presentations — are often high. The intense pressure can lead to stress and burnout.

3. Work-Life Balance The long hours often required to complete a PhD can lead to a blurring of lines between work and personal life.

Practical Disadvantages of a Doctorate Degree

1. Over-Qualification Depending on your field, you might find potential employers outside academia who view you as overqualified, thus narrowing your pool of job opportunities.

2. Limited Practical Experience Dependent largely on theoretical work, a PhD sometimes lags in offering industry-specific training, which some employers may seek.

3. Opportunity Costs You should consider alternative achievements you might forego during the years spent on your PhD. This includes work experience, career progression, or even personal life events.

Making an Informed Decision: PhD or Not?

Deciding whether or not a PhD is worth it for you is a deeply personal decision, highly dependent on your long-term career goals and current life situation.

Evaluate your reasons to get a doctorate degree. 

• Are you genuinely passionate about research?
• How essential is a PhD for your career aspirations?
• Are you ready for the financial implications?

Have you considered the opportunity cost? 

Seeking advice from PhD holders, mentors, and career advisors can offer valuable insights in answering these questions.

The decision to pursue a PhD is undoubtedly complex and multifaceted. It requires careful consideration of both the benefits of a doctorate degree and its potential disadvantages. Ultimately, though, it is a personal decision. What is very clear is this: when used as a stepping stone for specific career goals, a PhD can be an exceptionally powerful tool.

learn more about what it takes to get a PhD

Explore our guide How to Get a PhD: A Guide to Choosing and Applying to PhD Programs. 

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Phd in marketing: requirements, salary, jobs, & career growth, what is phd in marketing.

A PhD in Marketing is a doctoral degree that focuses on advanced marketing research and theoretical expertise. It is usually intended to prepare students for employment in academics as well as research and development in both the private and governmental sectors.

Marketing research methods, customer behavior, brand management, marketing strategy, and other related topics are typically covered in the program. Students will also be required to do independent research and write a dissertation that adds to the field’s understanding.

How much money do people make with a PhD in Marketing?

According to PayScale, the average income for a marketing professor with a PhD in the United States is roughly $95,000 per year. However, salaries can range from around $60,000 to over $150,000 per year, depending on location and type of institution.

According to Glassdoor, marketing research directors with a PhD can make an average of roughly $118,000 per year, while marketing directors with a PhD can earn an average of around $145,000 per year.

What is expected job growth with PhD in Marketing?

Individuals with a PhD in Marketing may experience different levels of job growth depending on the specific career path they choose. However, the overall job outlook for marketing professionals with advanced degrees is favorable.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of market research analysts and marketing specialists, which includes those with advanced degrees, is expected to expand 18% between 2020 and 2030, substantially faster than the average for all occupations.

This expansion is being driven by businesses’ increasing use of data and market research to strengthen their marketing strategies and remain competitive in the marketplace.

What can you do with a PhD in Marketing?

A PhD in Marketing can lead to a number of professional opportunities in academia, research, and the business sector. Following are some possible job paths for persons having a PhD in Marketing:

1. Marketing professor: With a PhD in Marketing, you can work as a marketing professor at a university or college. You will be in charge of teaching marketing courses, doing research, and producing scholarly articles.

2. Marketing researcher: As a marketing researcher, you will conduct research studies and evaluate data to assist firms in better understanding their target markets and improving their marketing strategy.

3. Marketing consultant: You will collaborate with businesses and organizations to develop and implement marketing strategies to promote their products or services as a marketing consultant.

4. Marketing manager: With a PhD in Marketing, you can work in a range of businesses as a marketing manager. You will be in charge of creating and executing marketing initiatives, managing a team of marketing specialists, and evaluating data to determine the efficiency of marketing efforts.

5. Brand manager: As a brand manager, you will be in charge of designing and managing a product or service’s brand identity. Developing marketing campaigns, doing market research, and supervising the creative production of marketing materials are all examples of what this entails.

6. Market research director: As a market research director, you will be in charge of supervising a team of market research analysts as well as conducting research studies to assist firms in better understanding their target markets.

What are the requirements for a PhD in Marketing?

The specific requirements for obtaining a PhD in Marketing can vary depending on the institution and program, but generally, the following are common requirements:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree: Applicants to most PhD programs in Marketing must have a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Although it is not usually required, certain schools may accept applicants with a Master’s degree in a related discipline.

2. Academic Transcripts: Applicants are usually expected to present certified transcripts of their undergraduate and graduate education, which demonstrate their academic performance and achievement.

3. Statement of Purpose: Applicants are typically expected to provide a personal statement or statement of purpose detailing their research interests, academic ambitions, and reason for pursuing a PhD in Marketing.

4. Standardized Test Scores: Applicants to many PhD programs may be required to submit scores from standardized tests such as the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other related assessments.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Applicants to PhD programs in Marketing are frequently required to provide letters of recommendation from academic or professional sources who may speak to the applicant’s academic talents, research potential, and eligibility for a PhD program.

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How long does it take to get a phd in marketing.

The length of time it takes to finish a PhD in Marketing depends on a variety of factors, including program requirements, the student’s research topic, and the amount of time spent to the program. A PhD in Marketing typically takes four to six years to complete.

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Do you need a masters in marketing to get a phd in marketing.

While a master’s degree in marketing is advantageous, it is not always required to pursue a PhD in Marketing.

Students with a bachelor’s degree in a similar discipline, such as business, economics, or psychology, may be admitted to some PhD programs in marketing.

Some PhD programs, on the other hand, may have specific requirements or prerequisites that students must meet before being admitted.

Completing particular coursework in marketing or similar subjects, as well as having research experience or publications in marketing or a related field, may be required.

What are the Best PhD in Marketing Degree programs?

1. kellogg school of management at northwestern university 2. wharton school of the university of pennsylvania 3. sloan school of management at massachusetts institute of technology (mit) 4. stanford graduate school of business at stanford university 5. haas school of business at the university of california, berkeley 6. ross school of business at the university of michigan 7. marshall school of business at the university of southern california 8. mccombs school of business at the university of texas at austin 9. fuqua school of business at duke university 10. tepper school of business at carnegie mellon university, leave a comment cancel reply.

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Is a PhD Worth It? The Pros and Cons of Getting a Doctorate

To get a PhD or not to get a PhD? That is the question.

Valerie David

Lifestyle and Career Expert

Reviewed by Hayley Ramsey

Entering the job market for the first time can be a stressful experience, especially if you don't feel completely prepared. When deciding how to take those first steps toward your ultimate career , and how to give yourself a chance at the best jobs, you may find yourself asking: “Should I do a PhD?”.

While academics looking forward to a life of learning may consider this a no-brainer, there are important factors for everyone to consider. Finances, job prospects and quality of life issues can greatly affect the success of furthering your education.

To help you decide if the time and effort of a PhD is worth it, here are the major benefits and disadvantages of getting that doctorate.

After four or more years of intellectual pursuits, adding a PhD may seem like overkill. Before you make your choice, let's look at all the benefits that are exclusive to earning the most advanced degree.

1. You can contribute new knowledge to the world

Embarking on a PhD programme means delving into your preferred subject in a much deeper way than you have in any of your previous studies. The beauty of this advanced degree is that it allows you to sail in uncharted waters. Your goal is to find new information, draw new conclusions and, hopefully, make a significant contribution to your field.

Your intensive research, travel, collaboration and study will lead you on an unpredictable path to telling a story that no one has heard before. For some students, this pursuit of knowledge and discovery is enough to make all the hard work of earning a PhD worth it.

2. You'll have access to more prestigious jobs

One of the key benefits of a PhD is that it opens doors to careers at the highest levels. This can include leadership positions in science and engineering, government roles in economics and political science, and prestigious teaching posts for English and arts majors. Even if an advanced degree isn't required for the job you want, that PhD can give you an extra air of authority in your field and an edge over other candidates.

Another obvious upside to continuing your postgraduate studies is that landing these powerful positions can lead to large financial rewards. Some areas of study, like medicine and the law, tend to be more lucrative, but it can also depend on the type of job. For example, a university professor or researcher post can pay well for a wide variety of disciplines. Check out sites like the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the National Careers Service to investigate potential salaries.

3. Employers look for candidates with your superior writing skills

A study arranged by the National Commission on Writing discovered that blue-chip businesses (long-standing companies with stable stock growth) are spending more than $3 billion a year on remedial writing course for current employees. This includes staff with undergraduate degrees.

So, when a hiring manager peruses your résumé and sees that you've earned a PhD, they'll know immediately that you've spent years honing your skills at compiling research, organizing mountains of data and writing about your results in a cohesive and persuasive way. This will clearly set you apart from your competition, while landing your dream job will prove that pursuing that advanced degree was worth it.

4. You'll improve on all your soft skills

While pursuing your undergraduate degree, you likely noticed that you were learning more than just the subject matter taught in each class. Completing your studies also required time management skills , focus and problem solving .

Getting a doctorate degree requires even more of the soft skills that employers look for in applicants . Your intensive study and finished thesis should lead to improvements in your problem solving, critical thinking , patience and adaptability . These desirable skills won't just help you land a job but also excel in whatever career you choose to pursue .

5. You'll collect an extensive network of professional colleagues

When weighing the pros and cons of earning a PhD, consider all the professional contacts you'll make during the course of your studies. Working closely with professors, department heads, experts in your field, as well as fellow researchers, helps you develop an important resource. This network of colleagues can provide continual assistance with references, job leads, career advice and collaboration.

6. You can wait for a more favorable job market

Job prospects may not look that promising when you've completed your undergraduate degree, or even after you've been in the workforce for a few years. While there's no guarantee things will improve after a delay, some students may appreciate the benefit of a steady graduate assistant salary while they work on enhancing their résumé with a doctorate.

If you couldn't get a good internship during or after your undergrad studies, the PhD work also gives you the time to build that professional network . These contacts could prove to be the key to breaking into a specialized or highly competitive field.

You may still be thinking about all that time and commitment and wondering, “Is a PhD worth it?”. While there are always positive results from improving your education, there are some downsides to getting your doctorate.

1. It's expensive

This is a substantial factor for many students when weighing the merits of pursuing a PhD versus entering the job market right away. If you already have student loans , continuing your education will just increase your burden and add substantial pressure when you eventually begin your job search.

If cost is a concern, investigate graduate assistant jobs that help with expenses. Some programmes offer tuition assistance in return for teaching or research work. For those who already work full time and are hoping a PhD will help them advance in their career, consider keeping that job and pursuing your studies on a part-time basis.

2. Getting a PhD can be a lonely experience

Despite your interactions with professors and other students, pursuing a doctoral degree is ultimately a solitary pursuit. Your thesis topic is unique to you, and you'll spend a lot of time alone doing research and writing. Your social life can suffer, especially if you're also working in addition to your studies.

Career experts often talk about the necessity of work-life balance for physical and mental health, and this is just as important for PhD students as anyone else. It may take you a little longer to complete your degree, but it's worth taking the time to visit family and hang out with your friends. These positive interactions can help you stay motivated through the most tedious parts of your work.

3. You'll experience extreme stress and frustration

Pursuing a PhD may seem like a noble and interesting endeavor, and extended life as a student can appear more attractive than wading into the job market. You must be aware, however, that getting a doctorate can be a very stressful and frustrating experience.

A topic that seemed intriguing at first may not live up to years of scrutiny, causing boredom at best or requiring a complete thesis change at worst. Not all programmes are well-run, either, and you may have a supervisor who is too critical, offers poor advice or is just unavailable and unhelpful.

The difficulties of a PhD programme lead to rather substantial dropout rates. In the US alone, only 57% of PhD students obtained their degree within a decade of enrolling. If you want to be in the successful half of those stats, take extra time to review your choice of supervisor and topic focus. Ask every professor you have for advice on making the right decisions and talk with current graduate students to see what their experience has been.

4. There may be limited job openings

While getting a PhD can qualify you for better and higher-paying jobs , it can also put you in a position where you're competing for an extremely limited number of job openings. This is especially true of university jobs, where the number of advanced degree graduates far outpaces the need for full-time instructors, researchers and administrators.

Earning your PhD with a very obscure thesis in a niche speciality can also limit your options. When there are only a handful of jobs that suit your expertise, and they're already occupied, it can make you feel that your doctorate was a waste of time. Consider the job market before you make decisions about getting another degree. If you're determined to study in a niche area, think ahead of time about related fields or industries where your knowledge and skills will also prove useful to employers.

5. There may be little to no financial reward

While most studies concur that having a PhD increases your income potential substantially over the lifetime of your career, it's not a guarantee of job security or a financial windfall. A study by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) found that 5 years after earning their doctorates , 45% of grads in Germany were still on temporary contracts and 13% ended up in lowly occupations.

Other European countries, including Slovakia, Belgium and Spain, had similar results. In the US, in fields like engineering, the difference in pay scales between employees with a master's degree and a PhD was a mere 7%. When that small bump in salary is weighed against the amount of debt taken on in order to get your degree, you may decide it's not worth it.

6. You could lose out on valuable job experience

New forms of technology continue to change how organizations operate, and those changes can happen fast. If you've already spent several years in school, toiling away in solitary study of obscure subjects can cause you to fall further behind in learning the skills you'll actually need for a future career.

Before you invest in getting a PhD, research your chosen field and learn which type of degree will give you the most value. Many scientific, financial and computing careers rely more on skills acquired on the job, rather than in coursework that can quickly become outdated.

Questions to ask yourself

You’ve listed out the pros and cons, but that still may not be enough to help make your decision. When it comes to a life-altering change like getting a doctorate, it’s okay to take enough time to ask yourself specific questions to ensure you’re making the right move. Consider asking yourself the following:

• Why do I want to get a PhD?
• Do I have the pre-requisites to move forward to a PhD?
• What are my strengths and limitations?
• Am I financially prepared?
• Am I mentally prepared?
• How will this affect my relationship with my family or friends?
• Where will I study?
• What am I trying to achieve?
• What jobs will be available to me after I get my PhD?
• Are there other options or avenues to consider?

Unfortunately, you may not have the answer to every one of these questions, because let’s face it, you don’t know what you don’t know. You might not know how it will affect your relationship with family or friends, but why not ask them? Reach out to those closest to you and see how you pursuing this degree could trickle down to them and allow that to play into your decision. Evaluate the answers to these questions and use it to help you make an educated decision on your future moving forward.

The best PhD degrees

If you’ve weighed out the pros and cons, asked all the important questions, and now you’re set on getting your PhD, congratulations! To help you along the way, let’s look at a list of the most valuable PhD programs to start you on your way to this degree.

• Criminal Justice
• Engineering
• Cybersecurity
• Business Administration

These fields are rapidly growing and are among the highest-paying doctorate degrees in 2022 , so they might be worth considering as you start your journey.

Key takeaways

Pursuing your PhD requires an incredible amount of commitment, and it's important to take the necessary time to make the decision. As you’re evaluating a doctorate degree, remember the following:

• Evaluate the pros and cons list right from the beginning to ensure you’re weighing out both sides of the coin.
• Ask yourself the necessary questions. A doctorate degree commitment can affect more than just you, so be sure you’re factoring that into your decision.
• Review specifically which PhD would be best for you and your field progression.
• Research your chosen field carefully and evaluate the job market before you finalize your degree choice.
• Once you’ve selected your degree, stay focused and stay driven. It’s going to be a hard few years, but it will be worth the work!

Who knows, this may prompt you to move on to postgraduate study — never stop achieving!

Have you decided to pursue your PhD, or are you still considering your options? Join us in the comments below and let us know what’s stopping or encouraging you from getting a PhD.

Originally published on July 24, 2019. Updated by Shalie Reich.

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Is a PhD Worth It? Should I Do a PhD?

It’s been almost a year since I was officially awarded my PhD. How time flies! I figure now is a good time to reflect on the PhD and answer some of life’s big questions. Is a PhD worth it? Does having a PhD help your future job prospects? Am I pleased that I did a PhD and would I recommend that you do a PhD?

In this post I’ll walk through some of the main points to consider. We’ll touch on some pros and cons, explore the influence it could have on your career and finally attempt to answer the ultimate question. Is a PhD worth it?

Before we get into the details, if you’re considering applying for a PhD you may also want to check out a few other posts I’ve written:

• How Hard is a PhD?
• How Much Work is a PhD?
• How Much Does a PhD Student Earn? Comparing a PhD Stipend to Grad Salaries
• Characteristics of a Researcher

Are you seated comfortably? Great! Then we’ll begin.

The Pros and Cons of PhDs

When I have a difficult decision to make I like to write a pros and cons list. So let’s start by breaking down the good and bad sides of getting a PhD. Although I’ve tried to stay objective, do take into account that I have completed a PhD and enjoyed my project a lot!

These lists certainly aren’t exhaustive, so be sure to let me know if you can think of any other points to add!

The Good Parts: Reasons to Do a PhD

Life as a phd student.

• You get to work on something really interesting . Very few people outside of academia get to dive so deep into topics they enjoy. Plus, by conducting cutting edge research you’re contributing knowledge to a field.
• It can be fun! For example: solving challenges, building things, setting up collaborations and going to conferences.
• Being a PhD student can be a fantastic opportunity for personal growth : from giving presentations and thinking critically through to making the most of being a student such as trying new sports.
• You are getting paid to be a student : I mean come on, that’s pretty good! Flexible hours, socialising and getting paid to learn can all be perks. Do make sure you consciously make the most of it!

Life As A PhD Graduate

• The main one: Having a PhD may open doors . For certain fields, such as academia itself, a PhD may be a necesity. Whilst in others having a PhD can help demonstrate expertise or competency, opening doors or helping you to leapfrog to higher positions. Your mileage may vary!
• You survived a PhD: this accomplishment can be a big confidence booster .
• You’ve got a doctorate and you can use the title Dr. Certainly not enough justification on it’s own to do a PhD, but for some people it helps!

The Bad Parts: Potential Reasons Not to Do a PhD

• It can be tough to complete a PhD! There are lots of challenges . Unless you’re careful and take good care of yourself it can take a mental and physical toll on your well being.
• A PhD can be lonely ( though doesn’t have to be ), and PhD supervisors aren’t always as supportive as you’d like them to be.
• Additionally, in particular now during the pandemic, you might not be able to get as much support from your supervisor, see your peers or even access the equipment and technical support as easily as in normal times.
• You might find that having a PhD may not bring the riches you were expecting . Have a certain career you’re looking to pursue? Consider trying to find out whether or not having a PhD actually helps.
• Getting a job with a PhD can still be tough . Let’s say you want to go for a career where having a PhD is required, even once you’ve got a PhD it might not be easy to find employment. Case in point are academic positions.
• Even though you’ve put in the work you may want to use your Dr title sparingly , it certain industries a PhD may be seen as pretencious. Also, use your title sparingly to avoid getting mistaken for a medic (unless of course you’re one of them too!)

Is a PhD Good For Your Career?

If you’re wondering “Should I do a PhD?”, part of your motivation for considering gaining a PhD may be your career prospects. Therefore I want to now dive deeper into whether or not a PhD could help with future employment.

It is difficult to give definitive answers because whether or not a PhD helps will ultimately depend a lot upon what kind of career you’re hoping to have. Anyway, let’s discuss a few specific questions.

Does a PhD Help You Get a Job?

For certain industries having a PhD may either be a requirement or a strong positive.

Some professions may require a PhD such as academia or research in certain industries like pharma. Others will see your qualification as evidence that you’re competent which could give you an edge. Of course if you’re aiming to go into a career using similar skills to your PhD then you’ll stand a better chance of your future employer appreciating the PhD.

In contrast, for other roles your PhD may not be much help in securing a job. Having a PhD may not be valued and instead your time may be better spent getting experience in a job. Even so, a PhD likely won’t have been completely useless.

When I worked at an engineering consultancy the recruitment team suggested that four years of a PhD would be considered comparable to two or three years of experience in industry. In those instances, the employer may actively prefer candidates who spent those years gaining experience on the job but still appreciates the value of a PhD.

Conclusion: Sometimes a PhD will help you get a job, othertimes it wont. Not all employers may appreciate your PhD though few employers will actively mark you down for having a PhD.

Does a PhD Increase Salary? Will it Allow You to Start at a Higher Level?

This question is very much relates to the previous one so my answer will sound slightly similar.

It’ll ultimately depend upon whether or not the industry and company value the skills or knowledge you’ve gained throughout your PhD.

I want to say from the start that none of us PhD-holders should feel entitled and above certain types of position in every profession just for having a PhD. Not all fields will appreciate your PhD and it may offer no advantage. It is better to realise this now.

Some professions will appreciate that with a PhD you’ll have developed a certain detail-orientated mindset, specialised knowledge or skills that are worth paying more for. Even if the position doesn’t really demand a PhD, it is sometimes the case that having someone with a PhD in that position is a useful badge for the company to wave at customers or competitors. Under these circumstances PhD-holders may by default be offered slightly higher starting positions than other new-starters will lower degree qualifications.

To play devil’s advocate, you could be spending those 3-4 (or more) years progressing in the job. Let’s look at a few concrete examples.

PhD Graduate Salaries in Academia

Let’s cut to the chase: currently as a postdoc at a decent university my salary is £33,787, which isn’t great. With a PhD there is potential to possibly climb the academic ladder but it’s certainly not easy. If I were still working in London I’d be earning more, and if I were speficially still working at Imperial in London I’d be earning a lot more. Browse Imperial’s pay scales here . But how much is it possible to earn with a PhD compared to not having one?

For comparison to research staff with and without PhDs:

As of 2023 research assistants (so a member of staff conducting research but with no PhD) at Imperial earn £38,194 – £ 4 1,388 and postdoctoral research associates earn £43,093 – £50,834 . Not only do you earn £5000 or more a year higher with a PhD, but without a PhD you simply can’t progress up the ladder to research fellow or tenure track positions.

Therefore in academia it pays to have a PhD, not just for the extra cash but for the potential to progress your career.

PhD Graduate Salaries in Industry

For jobs in industry, it is difficult to give a definitive answer since the variety of jobs are so wide ranging.

Certain industries will greatly reward PhD-holders with higher salaries than those without PhDs. Again it ultimately depends on how valuable your skills are. I’ve known PhD holders to do very well going into banking, science consultancy, technology and such forth.

You might not necessarily earn more money with a PhD in industry, but it might open more doors to switch industries or try new things. This doesn’t necessarily mean gaining a higher salary: I have known PhD-holders to go for graduate schemes which are open to grads with bachelors or masters degrees. Perhaps there is an argument that you’re more employable and therefore it encourages you to make more risky career moves which someone with fewer qualifications may make?

You can of course also use your PhD skills to start your own company. Compensation at a start-up varies wildly, especially if you’re a founder so it is hardly worth discussing. One example I can’t resist though is Magic Pony. The company was co-founded by a Imperial PhD graduate who applied expertise from his PhD to another domain. He sold the company two years later to Twitter for $150 million . Yes, including this example is of course taking cherry-picking to the extreme! The point stands though that you can potentially pick up some very lucrative skills during your PhD.

Conclusion: Like the previous question, not all industries will reward your PhD. Depending on what you want to go and do afterward your PhD, it isn’t always worth doing a PhD just for career progression. For professions that don’t specifically value a PhD (which is likely the majority of them!) don’t expect for your PhD to necessarily be your ticket to a higher position in the organisation.

Is a PhD Worth it?

What is “it”.

When we’re asking the question “is a PhD worth it?” it is a good idea to touch on what “it” actually is. What exactly are PhD students sacrificing in gaining a PhD? Here is my take:

• Time . 3-5 (more more) years of your life. For more see my post: how long a PhD takes .
• Energy. There is no doubt that a PhD can be mentally and physically draining, often more so than typical grad jobs. Not many of us PhD students often stick to normal office hours, though I do encourage you to !
• Money. Thankfully most of us, at least in STEM, are on funded PhD projects with tax free stipends. You can also earn some money on the side quite easily and without paying tax for a while. Even so, over the course of a PhD you are realistically likely to earn more in a grad job. For more details on how PhD stipends compare to grad salaries read my full analysis .
• Potential loss of opportunities . If you weren’t doing a PhD, what else could you be doing? As a side note, if you do go on to do a PhD, do make sure you to take advantage of the opportunities as a PhD student !

When a PhD Could Be Worth It

1. passion for a topic and sheer joy of research.

The contribution you make to progressing research is valuable in it’s own right. If you enjoy research, can get funding and are passionate about a subject by all means go and do the PhD and I doubt you’ll regret it.

2. Learning skills

If there is something really specific you want to spend three year or more years learning then a PhD can be a great opportunity. They’re also great for building soft skills such as independence, team work, presenting and making decisions.

Do be aware though that PhD projects can and do evolve so you can’t always guarantee your project will pan out as expected.

If there is the option to go into a career without a PhD I’d bet that in a lot of cases you’d learn more, faster, and with better support in industry. The speed of academic research can be painstakingly slow. There are upsides to learning skills in academia though, such as freedom and the low amount of responsibility for things outside your project and of course if you’re interested in something which hasn’t yet reached industry.

3. Helping with your career

See the section further up the page, this only applies for certain jobs. It is rare though that having a PhD would actively look bad on your CV.

When a PhD May Not Be Worth It

1. just because you can’t find another job.

Doing a PhD simply because you can’t find a job isn’t a great reason for starting one. In these circumstances having a PhD likely isn’t worth it.

2. Badge collecting

Tempted by a PhD simply to have a doctorate, or to out-do someone? Not only may you struggle with motivation but you likely won’t find the experience particularly satisfying. Sure, it can be the icing on the cake but I reckon you could lose interest pretty quickly if it is your only motivation for gaining a PhD.

Do I Feel That My Own PhD Was Worth It?

When I finished my undergrad I’d been tempted by a PhD but I wasn’t exactly sure about it. Largely I was worried about picking the wrong topic.

I spent a bit of time apprehensively applying, never being sure how I’d find the experience. Now that I’ve finished it I’m very pleased to have got my PhD!

Here are my main reasons:

• I enjoyed the research and felt relatively well fulfilled with the outcomes
• Having the opportunity to learn lots of some new things was great, and felt like time well spent
• I made new friends and generally enjoyed my time at the university
• Since I’d been interested in research and doing a PhD for so long, I feel like if I’d not done it I’d be left wondering about it and potentially end up regretting it.

In Summary, Is a PhD Worth It?

I’ve interviewed many PhD students and graduates and asked each one of them whether the PhD was worth it . The resounding answer is yes! Now of course there is some selection bias but even an interviewee who had dropped out of their PhD said that the experience had been valueable.

If you’ve got this far in the post and are still a little on the fence about whether or not a PhD is worth it, my advice is to look at the bigger picture. In comparison to your lifetime as a whole, a PhD doesn’t really take long:

People graduating now likely won’t retire until they’re in their 70s: what is 3-4 years out of a half century long career?

So Should I Do a PhD?

Whether a PhD is worth all the time and energy ultimately comes down to why you’re doing one in the first place.

There are many great reasons for wanting to do a PhD, from the sheer enjoyment of a subject through to wanting to open up new career opportunities.

Nevertheless, it is worth pointing out that practically every PhD student encounters difficult periods. Unsurprisingly, completing a PhD can be challenging and mentally draining. You’ll want to ensure you’re able to remind yourself of all the reasons why it is worth it to provide motivation to continue.

If you’re interested, here were my own reasons for wanting a PhD.

Why I decided to pursue a PhD

Saying that, if you’re interested in doing a PhD I think you should at least apply. I can’t think of any circumstances where having a PhD would be a hindrance.

It can take a while to find the right project (with funding ) so I suggest submitting some applications and see how they go. If you get interesting job offers in the meantime you don’t need to commit to the PhD. Even if you start the PhD and find you don’t enjoy it, there is no shame in leaving and you can often still walk away with a master’s degree.

My advice is that if you’re at all tempted by a PhD: go for it!

I hope this post helped you to understand if a PhD is worth it for you personally. If it is then best of luck with your application!

Considering doing a PhD? I have lots of other posts covering everything about funding , how much PhD students earn , choosing a project and the interview process through to many posts about what the life of a PhD student and graduate is like . Be sure to subscribe below!

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4 Comments on “Is a PhD Worth It? Should I Do a PhD?”

Hi Thanks for the post . I have been struggling to make a decision regarding doing a PhD or doing a second masters . I’m currently doing an msc civil engineering online (because of covid) so for my research I am not able to conduct lab experiments. Therefore my research is more of a literature review / inductive research. So I feel I’ll be at a disadvantage if I were to apply for a phd program especially at high ranking universities like oxford , imperial etc What are your thoughts?

Hey Esther,

I completely appreciate that it’s not an ideal situation at the moment so thanks for reaching out, it’s a great question. A few thoughts I have:

• If you are already tempted by a PhD and would do a second masters simply to gain lab experience, there is no harm in applying for the PhD now. At the very least I suggest considering reaching out to potential supervisors to discuss the situation with them. The universities realise that current applicants won’t have been able to gain as much research experience as normal over the last year. Practical lab experience has halted for so many people so don’t let it put you off applying!

• If you don’t get in on the first go, I don’t believe it looks bad to apply again with more experience. I applied for PhDs for three years, it doesn’t need to take this long but the point is that there’s not much reason to give it a go this year and stand a chance of getting accepted.

• Although we can be optimistic, even if you were to do a second masters it may not be guaranteed that you can gain as much lab experience as you’d like during it: even more reason to start the ball rolling now.

I hope that helps, let me know if you’d like any other further advice.

Best of luck. 🙂

Funny, every one i have talked to as well as myself when we asked ourselves and others whether the PhD was worth it is a resounding ‘No.’

I guess it comes down to a Blue or Red Pill, LoL.

Hi Joe, thanks for sharing this. I’ve spent enough time on the PhD subreddit to see many other people who haven’t had good experiences either! On the flipside many people do have positive experiences, myself included. There is perhaps an element of luck as to what your research environment turns out to be like which could somewhat dictate the PhD experience, but ultimately I do think that answering whether or not a PhD has been worth it really depends a lot on why someone is pursuing a PhD in the first place. I’m keen to make sure people don’t have unrealistic expectations for what it could bring them. I really welcome hearing about different experiences and if you’d fancy sharing your perspective for the PhD profiles series I’d love to hear from you.

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Is Marketing A Good Major? Everything You Need To Know

Updated: Jan 5, 2024, 2:14am

Is a marketing degree worth it? If you’re wondering whether marketing is a good major, it’s important to understand that marketing is an essential component of every business. Companies rely on marketing strategies as they develop marketing plans, determine pricing for their products, implement advertising campaigns and gather analytical information to evaluate their sales and marketing efforts.

If you choose a marketing major as you plan your career path, you open yourself up to a variety of excellent career options that allow you to help businesses grow and increase their sales.

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What Can You Do With a Marketing Major?

Students who major in marketing learn how to evaluate consumers’ needs and problems and provide products and services to meet those needs.

Marketing majors can choose from many career paths in areas like sales, customer relations, brand management, advertising, market research and similar fields. All successful businesses use marketing strategies, so marketing careers exist in all types of industries.

What you can do with a marketing major depends on the exact degree and career path you choose. This article discusses degree types and job opportunities for marketing majors.

Degree Options for Marketing Majors

Each school sets its own credit and coursework requirements, so these details may vary depending on which university you choose. As you research programs, make sure to check on each prospective school’s requirements. The following section details available degrees for marketing majors.

Bachelor’s in Marketing

A Bachelor of Science in marketing builds foundational knowledge and skills that graduates can use in marketing careers or related fields.

In this degree program, you learn how to understand consumer behavior, conduct market research, develop brand management strategies, improve communication skills, create marketing plans and develop digital marketing strategies.

A bachelor’s degree in marketing takes four years to complete if you study full time. Bachelor’s degrees in marketing typically require around 120 credits and include general education, business core and major courses. Below are courses you may take as you earn a bachelor’s in marketing.

• Advertising and promotion
• Digital marketing
• Strategic brand management
• Consumer behavior
• Marketing research
• Principles of management
• Business and economics statistics
• Business law and ethics
• Macroeconomics
• Microeconomics

You may also have the option to choose a concentration that corresponds to your own interests, such as:

• Graphic design
• Social media marketing
• Public relations

Bachelor’s in Business With a Concentration in Marketing

Rather than a bachelor’s in marketing, some schools offer a business bachelor’s with a concentration in marketing. This program features more business-focused major courses, plus marketing concentration courses. This degree is a good option if you plan to manage or own a business because it provides both business and marketing knowledge.

As with any other bachelor’s degree, business majors need to complete about 120 credits of coursework. It should take about four years to complete this degree if you study full time.

Since this is a business degree with a marketing concentration rather than a marketing degree, coursework combines business and marketing courses. Business courses you might take in this degree program include:

• Business finance
• Business law
• Information systems
• International business
• Business logistics management
• Business statistics

Business majors who concentrate in marketing may take more general marketing courses in subjects such as advertising, consumer analysis and behavior, sales management and marketing management.

Master’s in Marketing

A master’s degree in marketing offers a deep dive into complex marketing subjects. It focuses on understanding consumer behavior, marketing strategies, brand development and international marketing.

If you have a bachelor’s degree in marketing and want to build on your existing knowledge, a master’s in marketing is the natural next step. Completing a master’s in marketing should take one to two years of full-time study to complete. These programs typically require around 30 credits of coursework.

Below are some common courses for a master’s degree in marketing.

• Marketing fundamentals
• Statistics for marketing
• Marketing communications, advertising and social media
• Pricing strategies
• Marketing plan development
• Brand management
• Digital marketing strategy
• Quantitative analysis

Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Marketing

An M.B.A. in marketing provides a business-focused education that features marketing coursework. M.B.A. in marketing students develop skills and build knowledge in leadership, operational organization and business management. They also learn the foundations of marketing.

Earning an M.B.A. in marketing is a great option if you already have several years of work experience and want to advance your career. An M.B.A. in marketing teaches students how to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world settings in the business world and understand marketing principles that affect businesses.

In most cases, it takes about two years to earn an M.B.A. in marketing, but some accelerated programs allow learners to complete their coursework in as little as one year. In addition to in-person programs, some universities offer full-time and part-time online programs. Others offer degrees that combine in-person and distance learning, so timelines vary based on the option you choose.

M.B.A. in marketing programs typically require about 30 credits of coursework, which includes business-related courses and marketing courses. Typical courses include:

• Foundations of marketing
• Accounting and financial analysis
• Marketing strategy
• Consumer behavior and research
• Business ethics
• Market research methods
• Social media in business
• Marketing analytics

Marketing Careers and Job Growth

We sourced the below salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and Payscale .

Advertising, Promotions and Marketing Managers

Median Annual Salary: $138,730 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +6% Job Description: Advertising, promotions and marketing managers promote their organizations, boost sales, generate media interest, implement marketing campaigns, determine product pricing and analyze market research data.

Market Research Analyst

Median Annual Salary: $68,230 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +13% Job Description: Market research analysts gather and analyze data about consumer preferences and buying behavior to determine the types of products or services consumers want and what they are willing to pay for them.

Sales Manager

Median Annual Salary: $130,600 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +4% Job Description: Sales managers oversee sales teams, set goals, analyze data, develop projections and create strategies for improving sales performance.

Brand Manager

Average Annual Salary: Around $78,000 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +6% (advertising, promotions and marketing managers) Job Description: Brand managers promote and increase public exposure for specific brands within their organizations. This work may include developing branding strategies, publicizing new trademarks and conducting market research on consumers’ perceptions of brands.

Public Relations Specialist

Median Annual Salary: $67,440 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +6% Job Description: Public relations specialists develop strategies to promote a positive public image for organizations, individuals or groups. Typical responsibilities include writing press releases, acting as a liaison with the media, writing speeches and evaluating advertising campaigns.

Public Relations Manager

Median Annual Salary: $129,430 Projected Job Growth (2022-2032): +6% Job Description: Public relations managers develop and implement plans to enhance the public image of their organizations, clients or groups. This may include directing activities to promote corporate identity, determining target audiences and how to reach them effectively, communicating with the public and stakeholders, writing press releases and developing marketing campaigns.

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Sheryl Grey is a freelance writer who specializes in creating content related to education, aging and senior living, and real estate. She is also a copywriter who helps businesses grow through expert website copywriting, branding and content creation. Sheryl holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications from Indiana University South Bend, and she received her teacher certification training through Bethel University’s Transition to Teaching program.

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How to Get a PhD in Psychology (10 Steps)

A PhD in Psychology is the ultimate degree—a symbol of your commitment to the discipline and a representation of your knowledge and skills. Held by top-tier researchers, instructors in higher education, and clinical practitioners alike, a clinical psychology PhD may help you and the people and organizations you might one day serve. 1

While the benefits of a PhD in Psychology may be clear to you, how to go about earning this doctorate degree might feel confusing—until now.

Here’s how to get a PhD in Psychology, what to expect in a doctoral degree program, and what you might gain from obtaining one.

Start Your Journey

Step 1: Understand the PhD Path

A PhD, or Doctor of Philosophy, in Psychology is one of two of the highest degrees in the field of psychology. (The other is a PsyD , or Doctor of Psychology, a doctorate degree created in the 1970s to prepare students specifically for the rigors of working in clinical settings.) 2 A clinical psychology PhD may enable you to work in a variety of environments and a range of roles.

As such, earning this degree is an involved, immersive, and often exciting process that’s composed of: 3

• Statistics and methods
• Assessments 
• Clinical treatments

Coursework in a PhD program now frequently integrates discussions on psychology and technology , examining how digital advancements are transforming therapeutic methods and research techniques.

• Research – Research makes up the majority of the work you’ll do as a PhD student. Typically under the guidance of your mentor/dissertation advisor, you’ll delve into a topic of your choosing within the field. Examples of clinical psychology research topics include examining the effects of social media on teen suicide rates or the influence of childhood trauma on adult substance use disorder. Along the way, you’ll refine specific research skills: collecting and analyzing data, working with subjects/participating, and demonstrating your results.
• Clinical practicum and internships – Earning a PhD in Psychology also entails hands-on training in clinical practicums and/or internships. Generally speaking, you’ll perform an unpaid practicum for two years, followed by a one-year paid, clinical internship. 5 Precisely how you will fulfill this will depend on the program you choose, the opportunities within your community, and your concentration. A few examples include observing a clinical psychologist at a private practice, working with students at a university center, or conducting intakes at a substance abuse facility.
• Dissertation – Your dissertation is among the most important elements of your PhD program and the key to completing your degree. It serves several purposes: it illustrates your fluency in conducting research, demonstrates the knowledge you’ve gained in your PhD program, and adds an original contribution to existing psychology literature. 6

Step 2: Research Potential Programs

Finding the right PhD in Psychology program is paramount to your success. Researching potential programs is also one of the more thrilling aspects of pursuing a doctorate, but it needs to be approached strategically and mindfully. To that end, search for programs that, like the doctoral programs in psychology at Alliant International University, have received accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA). 7

Accreditation essentially serves as a seal of approval and demonstrates to future employers, the general public, and licensing boards that you have the scientific knowledge required to work in the world of psychology.

Additionally, you may want to zero in on programs that:

• Feature faculty members who are at the top of their field and whose research interests reflect your own 8
• Offer the area of specialization you want to focus on, whether it’s clinical health psychology, multicultural community-clinical psychology, or family/child and couple psychology
• Promote work-life balance through online instruction, or a hybrid of online and in-person instruction and training
• Have a high attrition rate

Further, if you do opt for a program that demands in-person attendance and training, be sure that it’s geographically feasible for you. The cost of living in the area should also be factored into your decision. Lastly, if you’re an undergrad or just finishing up your master’s, consider asking the professors you trust and admire for program recommendations. 9

Step 3: Prepare Your Application

Application and admission requirements vary by institution. That said, most programs ask for: 10

• A completed application (along with the application fee)
• Official transcripts from your bachelor’s and/or master’s program with required credits
• CV or resume
• Letters of recommendation

Depending on the program you’ve selected, you may also need to submit GRE scores. Importantly, nearly all programs require a personal statement—a topic we’ll look at in more depth below. While a PhD equips you for high-level research and academic positions, you might wonder if you can be a clinical psychologist with a master's . Although possible, a PhD significantly broadens your professional scope.

Step 4: Gain Relevant Experience

Not only will obtaining relevant experience help strengthen your application package but it will also help you gain invaluable insights into the industry. It might also assist you in choosing a specialization, such as working one-on-one with trauma survivors or dedicating your professional life to neuropsychology research.

Fortunately, there are dozens of ways to get the type of experience that will help your application stand out from the competition: 11

• Research assistantships
• Volunteering at a mental health clinic
• Shadowing a clinical psychologist or substance abuse counselor
• Working for a crisis hotline

Keep in mind that some PhD in Psychology programs require a minimum amount of relevant experience before you can apply. In fact, the Association for Psychological Science (APS) asserts that doctoral applicants usually accrue two to three years of research experience before applying to graduate school. 12 All of this emphasizes the importance of conducting thorough research on your schools of interest.

Step 5: Submit Strong Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation are a crucial component of your doctoral application. In fact, some state that your letters of recommendation are more important to the decision process than grades. 13

Usually, they’re written by former professors and/or former employers or psychology professionals you’ve interned for or shadowed.

Be sure to request letters of recommendation from those with whom you have a visible track record. In addition, request letters well ahead of your application deadline, even as much as a year in advance of when you think you’ll start applying for your doctoral program.

Talk to Our Advisors

Step 6: Craft a Compelling Personal Statement

Almost every doctorate in psychology program requires a personal statement. As one of the most critical elements of your application (some indicate that it’s more important than your GRE scores and GPA), it should describe, in detail, your: 14

• Interest in the particular program you’re applying to and why
• Academic and research objectives
• Research and field experience and how they align with the particular program
• Intended area of specialization

Experts consulted by the APA also advise against using three things in your personal statement: humor, hyperbole, and “hard luck,” such as describing the obstacles you’ve overcome.

Step 7: Ace the Interview

Happen to receive an interview offer? Congratulations—your application clearly stood out!

The interview process may start with what’s known as a pre-interview, or a brief conversation to evaluate your fit with the program and department. 15 This may be followed by an on-campus interview that asks basic questions, such as the impact you hope your PhD project has and why you believe you’re the right candidate, as well as more precise questions prompted by your specific experience. 16

One of the best ways to make a solid, lasting impression is to create a bulleted list of your research interests. Practicing answers to the questions you anticipate ahead of time can also help ensure a smoother dialogue. And remember: you’ll be interviewing for the program, too.

Step 8: Consider Funding Options

The financial assistance you may receive will likely be an enormous determining factor in the program you choose. As discussed, funding may arrive in the form of:

• Grants 
• Scholarships
• Tuition remission
• Employer tuition reimbursement

Alliant International University, for example, has several forms of funding options available to doctoral candidates—those listed above, as well as fellowship assistantships .

Step 9: Plan Your Coursework and Dissertation

Once you’re accepted into a program, you should select your area of specialization, plot out your coursework, and choose your dissertation topic.

The APA notes that doctoral candidates should ideally land on a dissertation topic within the first year or two of their program. 17 Why? Because it will give your program enhanced focus and a guiding theme.

To jumpstart your thinking:

• Consult with instructors who are active in cutting-edge psychology research 
• Assess your topic’s viability and manageability (and if it will serve as an original contribution to existing research)
• Pinpoint the problems and questions you foresee and how you will approach them

Above all, be sure to choose a topic that will sustain your interest and excitement throughout the duration of your program. Earning a PhD in Psychology is a time-intensive commitment. Four to six years is about how long it takes to get a psychology PhD, but it varies by person based on how they balance their personal schedules with coursework, research, and clinical training.

Step 10: Engage in Professional Development Opportunities

One of the biggest benefits of obtaining a PhD in Psychology? The connections you may be able to make, such as through your internship and clinical practicum, as well as psychology conferences and seminars.

Yet, some of the strongest relationships you build might be right inside your program. And this brings us to our final piece of advice: consider choosing a program that features a warm and supportive faculty and a diverse collection of students who will motivate you throughout your academic journey—and beyond.

Your Path Begins Here

At Alliant International University, our PhD in Clinical Psychology program features a faculty that will challenge you in the best possible way alongside a nurturing, engaging learning environment.

Enrich your knowledge and prepare to make a lasting difference in the field of psychology. Apply today and start your journey.

Sources: 

• “What Can You Do with a Doctorate in Psychology?” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, March 18, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/jobs-with-a-doctorate-in-psycholog… ;
• Cherry, Kendra. “PsyD vs. Phd in Psychology: Which Is Right for You?” Verywell Mind, October 27, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-a-psyd-2795135.  
• “Psychology Doctorate Phd Defined: Explore Academic, Internship and Research Requirements for a Psychology Phd.” Psychologist, March 24, 2021. https://www.psychologist-license.com/types-of-psychologists/psychologist-doctorate-phd/.  
• “Daily Activities of a Clinical Psychology Phd Student.” Simply Mental Health, November 13, 2022. https://simplymentalhealth.ca/2022/11/13/daily-activities-of-a-clinical-psychology-phd-student/.  
• “Internships and Practicums.” Psychology.org | Psychology’s Comprehensive Online Resource, April 10, 2024. https://www.psychology.org/resources/internships-and-practicums/.  
• Herbert, Robyn S, Spencer C Evans, Jessy Guler, and Michael C Roberts. “Predictors of Dissertation Publication in Clinical and Counseling Psychology.” Training and education in professional psychology, November 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9635593 .
•  “APA-Accredited Programs.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs#.  
• “Choosing a Graduate Program.” Association for Psychological Science - APS. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.psychologicalscience.org/members/apssc/undergraduate_update/summer-2011/choosing-a-graduate-program.  
• “Clinch Your Graduate School Acceptance.” American Psychological Association. Accessed April 21, 2024. https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2007/11/cover-acceptance.  
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A reddit for the science behind effective communications and the art of persuasion. What works, what doesn't, and why.

Is a PhD in Communications worth it these days? What jobs could I get with one outside of Academia with one?

Hi all, so I (24m) am currently in grad school getting my Master of Advanced Study in Film and Media and my original dream was always to get a PhD in Film so that I could adjunct or be a professor of practice in between working on sets, especially in the event that my film career goes nowhere.

I love cinema and I have an associate degree in film studies and a bachelors degree in film and production.

I can't find much information online because everyone is typically very negative and mean when it comes to anything related to academia and everyone and their grandma insists on not getting a PhD but I can't see myself not finishing my education and I really want to contribute to my field academically.

I'm moving to Georgia this summer and the only two schools with PhD related to Film are UGA and georgia state university. All four of the programs on my list are in communications and I'm wondering what jobs I could get with a PhD in communications outside of academia and film set work with a PhD in communications? I read on another thread I could get government jobs? What kind of jobs should I be researching?