POMONA COLLEGE
Common Questions
Common grad school questions
Why should I get a Ph.D.?
- You love science! If you are a person who asks endless questions, has a thirst for knowledge, and enjoys working in a lab, this is the path for you.
- You want to be an expert in a certain field. If you know that your calling is to find a cure for cancer, then you should obtain a Ph.D. at the top cancer research program.
- If the career you want to pursue requires a Ph.D.. For example, if you want to go into academia, a Ph.D. (and postdoc) is necessary.
- You want to work in applied research or technology and eventually manage your own lab or group. With a Ph.D., you will have more career mobility and will receive a substantially higher salary than your colleagues lacking a Ph.D.
- You are thinking of a professional degree down the road but for now want to stay in academia and research.
Navigation
In this section:
What educational options are available after college?
What is the typical timeline of a Ph.D.?
How do I make myself a competitive and attractive candidate?
When should I go to graduate school?
Do I really get paid to go to graduate school?
Should I contact faculty from programs I am interested in?