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I want a PHD

W

Wilycoder

Bluelighter
Joined
Jul 9, 2005
Messages
159
Here's a little background:
I graduated with a BS in Computer Science back in May 2006.

I was largely bored with my classes. This was mostly due to a heavy consumption of pot during my undergrad days. I was able to stop smoking long enough to graduate.

I had to take classes like Calc I,II,III, Physics I & II, Bio, Chem, etc...

Some classes I had to take multiple times. The point is, if I stay off the weed, I can easily pass those types of courses.

However, in my last year of uni, I discovered 3D graphics, a very specific subset of computer science. I am utterly fascinated with this topic. Since graduating, I have entered the private sector. I've had no problems finding a job doing 3D graphics. At my current job, I've been there for two months and I already got a raise.

However, I long for more education. I feel nowhere near my full potential. I've learned that there are lots of people in the industry that aren't that good at graphics, or they don't share the same passion as I do for them. I really feel its why God put me on this earth.

So my question to BL is, what are my chances of getting a PHD? My pot-induced final GPA when I graduated was a 2.6. Less than stellar.

Can I study real hard for the GRE and ace that test? I mean if I do get a great GRE score, will my poor GPA be overlooked?

Also, I doubt my GPA will permit me any scholarships, so I guess more loans would be needed?

Is a PHD out of the question right now? Would I have to get a masters first?
 
I can relate to your story because I fooled around back in college but didn't really get into stuff till I was well into my 30s. I went back at 39 and got my Master's in History of Art at 40! I don't think it's ever too late as long as you're determined enough to focus on your goals. It sounds like you are.

I'd also love to do a PHD in architectural history about a specific 18th century architect who hasn't been that well covered. Whether I'll actually get around to it is anyone's guess because I don't have your drive. But it's a wonderful thing to aim for. Perhaps take things one step at a time. Go for a Master's and then see how you feel if you want to take it further. Best of luck and Happy 2007!
 
That's awesome that you have found your calling. If you can easily pass classes like the ones you mentioned, the GRE won't be a problem. I would say go for it!
 
It's taken me 9 years straight to get my PhD, and that includes the start of my undergraduate degree through to the completion of the doctorate. It's one of the greatest things I will ever achieve in my life. However, you need to ask yourself why you want to get one. I only did it because my undergrad degree (psychology) was useless unless I at least did a Masters, so I figured if I was going to spend 2-3 years doing that I may as well do a doctorate for an extra year. I now work in research/academia and a PhD would have been something I would have had to do eventually.

You have an undergrad degree already, in which case it's probably going to be easier for your journey. IMO I'd start with a Masters are see how you fall into that. I had a really wierd acceptance into my degree, and my whole candidature was completely different to any other PhD student I know, so I wont try and offer advice based on my 4 years. But remember, that's the time frame you'll be looking at. And once you start it's going to be a monkey on your back to get it done.

But it's well worth it and good luck in advance. If the willingness is there then you're already on the right path :D
 
Yeah, the willingness tackle it is the first step. Grad schools look at a lot, not just your GPA. They'll look at how you did in those classes that relate to the program. I say take the GRE's, then look for a school you'd like to be at for at least 1-2 years (masters), if not 3-5 (PhD).
 
>>If you can easily pass classes like the ones you mentioned, the GRE won't be a problem. >>

do your grades show progressive improvement? This matters...
I would suggest that you study hard for the GRE. This will heavily affect your score.

ebola
 
A PhD may not be the best thing for you to do for your career at the moment. It is an awesome thing to do and looks great, but employers generally look at work experience as a much more positive thing than a PhD.

A PhD is pretty much required if you want to go into academia... you can get by without it, but you will hit a promotion ceiling relatively quickly without it.

A PhD may not be the answer to your calling for more education.

For me personally, I kinda fell into mine, and am starting my 4th year this year... it's going along fine and I enjoy it, but commercially out in the real world, 4 years gaining experience as an engineer in industry would be valued MUCH MUCH more highly.

In your situation you seem to have found a bit of a niche. This is a good thing :)

What I'd recommend is staying employed where you are (or if something better comes up go with that!) while doing maybe a Masters program part time to gain the extra academic credentials while still gaining the professional experience.

This is because you may find that after 3-4 years of intense in-depth study into one facet of 3-D graphics, that the industry has changed significantly and your skills are outdated, and you basically have gained a PhD, but no raise potential at a job.

CB :)
 
CB, thanks for the advice.

However, I am not seeking a PHD as a means to a pay raise. It wasn't money that drove me to computer science. It's simply my calling in life, its what I do :\
 
I'd like to reiterate that if you love it and want to do research in it and have the freedom to come up with new ideas and persue them on your own (or with your own group), a Ph.D. is definitely worth thinking about. Also, in chemistry (and possibly comp. sci.) you can switch to a masters after a year or so if you really don't like it.
 
I would say that a PhD isn't going to get you much in the way of a pay raise in that field. For most professions, the earnings aren't going to get much higher with a PhD versus a Masters.
The only places a PhD will get you going are mainly academia and medical professions, perhaps also psych and sociology.
It seems that you would be best advised to get your Masters and then find a good job. Experience will get you the rest of the money you desire in time.

Unless of course you wanted to combine 3D Graphics with some sort of medical knowledge, which I think has great potential for the future. In which case you would pursue graduate work in that field.
 
If you really want to pursue a PhD, you could try taking a few courses at your local college/university to improve your GPA. This will show the admissions committee that you're serious about school. And if you excel in the courses, you could probably ask the professors for recommendation letters.
 
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