Alex Adams' Doctoral Experiences
Last Updated in 2024
What is it like being a doctoral student? After completing my master's program online eight years earlier, I realized I wanted a more interactive experience for my PhD, so I opted for a face-to-face program. I started in the Fall of 2019, but many of my classes transitioned to remote learning due to the pandemic. After two years as a doctoral student and Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA), I secured a full-time PETE (Physical Education Teacher Education) position at a local university, allowing me to finish my last two years while working full-time. My journey has been anything but typical. I was the only student in my cohort specializing in PE, with the others focused on public health and exercise science. At 33, I was among the oldest students, bringing practical experience and balancing family responsibilities. Despite these challenges, I had exceptional mentors and advisors who provided me with numerous teaching opportunities, particularly as the small program size and COVID-19 adjustments required more hands-on involvement. Although I did not engage extensively in research beyond my dissertation, I did lead one significant project. This study was nice because my mentor tailored the project to my research interest.
What are my classes like? My PETE classes were conducted as one-on-one independent studies, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I would read a paper or chapter and then discuss it with my advisors, who tailored assignments to my needs. Early on, I struggled with receiving feedback on my writing quality, but this constructive criticism ultimately made me a better scholar. My non-PETE classes, such as research methods and college of education electives, were larger but still allowed for meaningful conversations. Being the sole PE student, I often brought a unique perspective and advocated for our profession.
What are comprehensive exams like? I was given 6-8 hours over three days to complete three written preliminary exams, each designed by a professor and tailored to me. The first exam focused on research methodology and data analysis, the second on PETE programs, clinical supervision, and systematic observations, and the third on writing a research prospectus and literature review. Following the written exams, my committee conducted an oral exam via Zoom to clarify my responses. I spent weeks studying and was understandably nervous, but the preparation paid off.
What are dissertations like? I completed my dissertation while working full-time at another university. Initially, I planned to conduct research in K-12 schools, but for convenience, I used my own university students. The project evolved significantly, partly to meet my committee's expectations and partly due to my own practical adjustments. My advice is to be adaptable and align your coursework with your dissertation project. Many of my coursework papers and my literature review were directly beneficial for my dissertation. Choosing the right committee members is crucial; a mix of perspectives can be helpful, but too many can complicate the process. Sometimes, you'll undertake tasks outside your initial plan, which can enhance your project or reinforce your decisions.
What is an assistantship? My assistantship covered all my coursework and provided a modest stipend of $1000 a month, although I still had to pay for parking. Not every PETE program offers assistantships, but those that do provide invaluable hands-on experience. If you aim to work in higher education, understanding the behind-the-scenes workings is crucial.
What is an assistantship workload like? I was expected to work at least 20 hours a week in addition to my courses, but it often felt like more. I volunteered for any class I could assist with, taking 6-9 units each semester and leading at least one class. I also formally assisted with one other class and informally with 2-3 more each semester.
Can I work part-time outside of university and still pursue a degree? Is it feasible? I wouldn't recommend it. Without an assistantship, it might be feasible, but you could miss out on valuable research and teaching opportunities. Commit fully to your future and volunteer for as many projects and teaching roles as possible. I did work as an edTPA scorer, which complemented my role in advising and teaching students. This remote work with Pearson allowed me to grade profiles at my convenience.
Advice? Align your program or assistantship to be either research or teaching-focused. You might not know this until you start, but ask if it is possible. To be clear, you should do both, but figure out if you want more research-focused or practical teaching experience from your doctoral assistantship. Find out what your professors are known for research. If you pick a dissertation topic that doesn't align with their area of expertise, they will not be able to help you.
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