Trouble communicating with my advisor.

[TheLostExploration]

I’m in my first year as a PhD student. As an undergrad and masters student I had pre-planned my entire schedule. I could look at my schedule and know exactly what class I would be taking in any given semester in the future all the way until graduation. As a PhD student I am noticing that I could plan all of my coursework in advance but noticed that many classes were unavailable. When I ask my advisor he informs me that you will have no problems. I always get the same reply. No problems. But I am having problems. I can’t register because of certain special permissions and I don’t see certain class offerings that I need for my specialization. And yet, I receive answers from my advisor such as “you won’t have any problems” or “thanks for reminding me” or “those classes are available”. I mean, this is very conflicting for me. 

Should I relax? Should I be more assertive? If I am more assertive in demanding responses I feel this may hurt my progress within my program. I mean, these professors are the one’s who decide my grades and when I graduate. Any advice would be much appreciated.

[rising_star]

I would relax. Pestering your advisor isn't going to do anything to change what doctoral courses are offered and when. What I learned in my grad programs (MA & PhD) is that there's a lot up in the air about who will be teaching grad courses and in which semester, in no small part because faculty can buy out their teaching with major research grants, which then requires a lot of reshuffling of the teaching schedule. 

Are these specific courses that you have to take to graduate or courses that you'd like to take? If it's the former, then they will definitely be offered at some point or you'll be offered substitute courses to take. If it's the latter, consider that you may just need to learn whatever it is on your own, rather than relying on coursework to learn the material.

[TheLostExploration]

Thanks. This is comforting. Just what I needed to hear.

[bhr]

 

I'll add in that, in many cases, you advisor/committee can authorize substitutions at their convenience/what they think is best for you. I would try to get your whole committee, if not just your advisor, to meet, with an agenda of addressing what you've taken, what you should take, ect.

 

[St Andrews Lynx]

In our Dept, any coursework queries are handled by the grad program administrators. I would take your concerns & questions to them, rather than involving your advisor. They're the ones who usually know best! They can also give out special permission numbers for our classes. 

Try asking one of your fellow grad students who is in your area of research but a few years ahead. How did they navigate the coursework?