PhD?

[KharoSc]

Hello,

 

I am considering doing a PhD. What are the pros and cons of doing a PhD? And what would be the best advice you'd give to a MSW student who is considering that path?

 

Thank you

[fuzzylogician]

You might get some replies, but honestly this is such a broad question it's hard to give a full answer without writing pages upon pages. In fact, people have written articles and books on this subject. As a first pass, why do you want to do a PhD? Do you need one for your desired career? Is there a particular research question burning in your veins that you just have to study more? A PhD is a difficult path for those who come in with great conviction and is even worse for those who just stumble into it. There are lots of articles out there about career prospects for PhDs, and most will agree you shouldn't do it unless you need to, or you do it with the realization that you might never get a job relevant to your degree. Beyond that, your post doesn't really reflect any deep thought on your end (you don't even tell us what the subject is you want to do a PhD in!), and I think it's unfair to expect others to do your soul-searching and research for you. 

[juilletmercredi]

I mean, like fuzzy says - I can give you some high-level answers to your questions from my personal perspective/experience, but the pros and cons are going to be different for everyone based upon their field and their personality and desires. For reference, I got my PhD in public health and social psychology, and currently work as a non-academic researcher in technology.

From my perspective, in social work, you'd get a PhD if you wanted a position as a professor of social work, or wanted to do research (either at a university or in another kind of institution/organization), or perhaps if you wanted to go into social work administration if you already have some years of experience (seems either a DSW or a PhD would be good for that). Doctoral social workers also may get higher reimbursement rates if they are providing clinical services, although I am not sure about that. Other than that, I don't really see a reason for a social worker to get a PhD.