Can there be alternative means to earn a PhD and teach Anthro? - Biological/Molecular

[mutualist007]

I have an undergraduate background in Anthro and I am working on a dual Masters in Public Health and Anthropology. I do not think the fully funded and bonded PhD path is for me (starting family and work) unless I get lucky and find a place close to family that has a lab and also has great funding. In lieu of that I am interested in part-time residency programs either outside the US or in the US if they are offered.

 

Here are the alternative options I am considering:

 

1. Enroll in a research based, minimal coursework (for weak areas not previously covered and relevant to research) program abroad or US, part time resident and from distance.

2. Find a program that allows students work full time off-campus and attend school part time.

3. Get a funded PhD in something else (Genetic Epidemiology) and then hope that I may can get a teaching job in Anthropology or work and teach adjunct.

 

Do programs exist that allow student's these options?

 

Will I be competitive or have a chance teaching Anthropology if I end up with a closely related degree outside Anthropology like Public Health or Bio?

 

 

Thanks!

[sje]

I'm confused about number three on your list. Why would you get a PhD in another field? And, more importantly, why would getting a PhD in genetic epidemiology be more attractive to you than getting one in biological anthropology, especially if you want to teach anthro?

[mutualist007]

I'm confused about number three on your list. Why would you get a PhD in another field? And, more importantly, why would getting a PhD in genetic epidemiology be more attractive to you than getting one in biological anthropology, especially if you want to teach anthro?

 

 

Option 3 is really just a last chance, last resort option. I would choose that if that was the only way I could meet my income and life needs. I am really hoping to find a combination of 1&2

[mutualist007]

^BUMP^

 

My guess is that no part-time PhD programs exist. I have heard that some places do not mind accepting students who are working. 

[mutualist007]

^bump^

 

I know its early, but maybe there is someone else out there who wants to tag on to this post. I'm looking for other ways and means to work on a PhD but I also want to start working. What may be more realistic is if there are PhD programs with lesser stipends but tuition waivers that will allow their students to work.

[AKJen]

From what I know of my bioanth cohort mates, their work is much more dependent upon being attached to a lab than some of the other subdisciplines.  It's much more like a traditional bench science degree, especially with molecular work, so I'm not sure it's something that could be done part time, unless your other job is at a lab where you have some time to devote to your own research.  But if you're looking for that, you might as well bite the bullet and do the full time degree.

 

I don't think part time residency programs (or at least reputable ones that would lead to you finding a job afterward) exist in the way you are hoping. One of the biggest problem with anthro programs is the very long average time to degree; that time would be compounded greatly (and often is) by insufficient funding that necessitates part time work.  If the goal is to get work, a part time residency program is only going to make you delay your start longer.

 

Another benefit to being attached to a lab full time is that your own research is bound to be pretty expensive; having an advisor who can help with the costs of analysis and materials is key to being able to finish your dissertation.

 

Have you looked at programs close to your family?  

Edited June 23, 2013 by jennyb

[mutualist007]

 

 

Have you looked at programs close to your family?  

 

Thank you so much for your useful input JennyB. I apologize for the late reply.

Distance would be the issue. I have located a few within 6 hours of where I live now but I haven't made contacts with professors there yet. I've got a lot of issues that confound my decision making, including the family situation, but also my desire to be seen as a working professional instead of being a student who does part time work - but that's part of the sacrifice.

 

I prefer to do more traditional lab work or work in human population genetics and maybe biomedicine at the population level. So I began to consider entering a Human Biology and Genetics program if I can do more background.

 

With that in mind, I've considered putting off the completion of my MPH until I get into a PHD program so that I can make use of the time and get the MPH along the way. That means that next year I would focus on more Biology lab classes. I took Molecular Biology last year along with Biostats and plan to work through the Genetics courses if funding allows.