How Much "Real World" Experience before PhD?

[c11m07]

I'm debating about when it makes sense for me to take my next step. I'm still trying to figure out whether an advanced degree in sociology, education, or gender would be the best fit, but I'm leaning toward sociology (of education??). I'm at the initial stages of figuring things out, but I'm trying to conceptualize the time line.

 

I guess I'm wondering my chances of admission at some competitive schools given my situation.

 

B.A. with distinction (double majored in English & Sociology), GPA: 3.87, Phi Beta Kappa

Master of Arts in Teaching, GPA: 3.97

GRE: 165 Verbal (95th%); 160 Quantitative (78%); Writing 5 (93%)

Very strong recommendations

 

I began my first year of full-time teaching at a middle school in August.

 

My main concern is that I didn't do an undergraduate thesis and I don't have any work published. I've written plenty of extended papers, including one based on my original research for a sociological methods class. I wrote a "thesis" of sorts for my MAT, but it was about best practices for teaching Shakespeare, so not as relevant, though the methodology drew on what I'd learned in pursuit of my soc degree (interviewing teachers). I'm currently debating about whether to apply next year, so I'd have two years of teaching under my belt at that point. I guess I'm wondering if it makes sense to wait. I'd have more working experience if I waited longer, which would be relevant if I chose to pursue a degree in education and potentially relevant to a soc degree, but I don't really have an avenue (or the time!) to do original research between now and then anyhow...

 

Thanks for hearing me out! Any advice is much appreciated.

 

 

[Canis]

A PhD in Sociology of Education sounds like exactly what you've been building towards. Maybe ask yourself if you want to work in a university or continue teaching? Are you interested in a research life?

[faculty]

You should certainly be a competitive candidate for any sociology program, especially one with a specialization in education. Worry less about the lack of a thesis or publication (most applicants do not have a publication and many did not write a thesis) and more about discerning what you'd ultimately like to do with the degree. As Canis notes above, there are career options in continuing K-12 teaching, administration, policy, and working in academia. It would be helpful for you to have at least some sense of where you'd ultimately like to end up.

[mybattleship]

Ultimately, I think it's up to you and when you feel the time is right. I will say that during my MA, the students that were older and had more life experience were almost categorically able to manage their time better and were subsequently more successful.

I'd say, take the year off from academia. Hone in a good research project. Read some relevant literature and then start contacting prospective POIs around next August/September.

[michigan girl]

I agree wholeheartedly with everyone has said. Only you can determine when the time is right for you to pursue a PhD. Keep in mind that you don't have to rush if you have further doubts. If your gut feeling is saying that you should wait, then listen since graduate school will always be there for you. However, if you feel that nothing else will make you happy, then apply to doctoral programs.