Should You Pursue a PhD? Important Questions to Consider

In my last few articles, I’ve been sharing advice that assumes you’re just matriculating into a PhD program and navigating the ropes, or that you’re beginning to pick schools and reach out to faculty as part of the application process.

But the question I hear the most is: Should you get a PhD?

The answer isn’t straightforward. Unlike the near-universal advice to graduate from high school, pursuing a PhD is a decision that depends on multiple factors.

Here are some key questions to ask yourself if you're considering a PhD:

1. Do you enjoy research?

If you’re passionate about research, a PhD might be a great fit. However, if research doesn't excite you, a PhD is likely not the best path.

2. Do you like doing research?

Liking research and enjoying the process of doing research are different. You might appreciate research findings but not want to spend countless hours gathering data and reading. If you do enjoy the process, then a PhD could be for you. Otherwise, consider other advanced degrees, like a DrPH.

3. Do you aspire to become a professor?

If your goal is to teach at the university level, then a PhD is essential (with a few exceptions such as law, architecture, or other fields where the PhD is not a terminal degree). If not, a PhD may not be necessary.

In summary, if you're not interested in research or academia, a PhD might not be the right choice. But if you're passionate about these areas, it could be worth pursuing.

Other Factors to Consider:

If you’re unsure whether you want to become a professor but still enjoy research, here are a few more questions to consider:

• What industry do you want to work in, and what kind of job do you want post-graduation?
• What career trajectory does a PhD offer in your desired industry?
• What is the terminal degree in your field?

In fields like health policy where a PhD is often the highest qualification, obtaining one can be crucial especially if you are competing against professionals with MDs or JDs who also have an MPD, and especially if you're aiming for technical or research-intensive roles.

When I was considering a PhD, I met a public health professional with decades of experience who encouraged me to pursue it. She shared that, despite working in her job similar to someone with a PhD, she wasn't recognized or compensated as such because she "only" held a master's degree, and I sensed that she had regretted not doing the PhD when she was younger.

Admittedly, the PhD world has its own logic. It's like an entry card to a club. Professors will tend to weigh more heavily the reference letters from those with PhDs or who have published in highly reputable academic journals. They will also tend to undervalue the ability of those without PhDs to do high-quality research (and in some cases, there is truth to that). To be fair, a bachelor's or master's degree does not necessarily train in doing research, although it depends on the specific program of interest.

That said, I know a few people with a master's degree as their terminal degree (and one with just a bachelor's degree) who are amazing and brilliant researchers. You may be one of those people who does not need a PhD to be a good researcher. There are no clear cut answers.

My Personal Journey

Perhaps more importantly, you may not want to be a researcher.

Interestingly, I never planned to do a PhD. I was on the fence even as I applied to programs, as I considered other fields or working immediately with my master's degree. But my mentors saw potential in me and encouraged me to apply. Their belief in my research abilities was the push I needed. Without their encouragement, my career path might have been very different. (I do wonder, however, how my life might be different if I had picked a different field, but that's an article for another day!)

However, many succeed in this field with "just" a master’s degree. Those without a PhD often focus on management or strategy rather than technical or research roles. If management is your goal, a PhD may be overkill—an MBA, MPA, or MPH could be more suitable. In that case, focus on getting into the right organizations and roles that allow for professional advancement in management. And in those cases, you really don't need a PhD.

Final Thoughts

The job market is becoming increasingly competitive as more people earn bachelor’s degrees. This makes additional qualifications crucial for standing out. There is some level of "degree inflation" that happens over time. Back in the day, having a master's was even adequate to teach at a university, so expectations and norms for qualifications change over time.

There are also different views on when one should do a PhD. I'm personally of the view that there is some aspect of physical stamina that's required, and so doing a PhD when you're younger is smart. On the other hand, having some experience can help you to be more mature about your personal preferences and make your PhD experience more worthwhile. Sometimes, knowing what you want only comes with age. And there are also people who do PhDs mid-career (an article for another day!)

Bottom Line: Consider your individual background including your undergraduate degree as well as your personal goals to determine if a graduate degree—PhD or otherwise—can help you differentiate yourself in a tightening labor market.

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