Applying for Online PhD Computer Science Programs? Know the Basics.
Not the “basics” of computer science of course–hopefully you’re well beyond the basics, if you’re thinking about your PhD! No, I mean the basics of the application process.
Do you really want to enter a PhD program? Understand what a PhD entails.
You hear “PhD” and you think… what? Status. Reputation. Money? Okay, a PhD does come with status and reputation, and it can mean more career options–but it’s a huge commitment. An online PhD computer science program is, essentially, a 5-7 year research project, one that’s incredibly in depth. You’ll be an expert–not just an “expert” in the way we casually toss the word around, but as in “you’ll know more about your specific research than anyone else in the world.”
Getting a PhD is Much Different from Undergrad Study, or Even Master’s Degree Study
When we said “research project” up there, that’s what we meant. You’ll take no more, and maybe much fewer than 10 actual classes during your online PhD computer science program. What will you be doing the rest of the time? Research, research, and… more research. Oh, and writing about your research.
Will Your PhD Actually Further Your Career?
Well, that depends on what your career goals are, of course! Do you want to use your online PhD computer science expertise to go to work in a research university, or to conduct research to solve quandaries in the field of computer science? Then absolutely, of course it will.
However, getting a PhD is hardly a guarantee of making a ton of money–and it’s definitely not a way to guarantee more money for less work. Your master’s might have meant a hefty raise, and a less labor intensive job, but an online PhD computer science program won’t. You will, however, have the satisfaction of learning, and the career–if it’s what you want–of solving problems no one else can.