Math How many hours a week are involved in a phd in pure mathematics?

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Obtaining a Ph.D. typically requires a commitment comparable to a full-time job, often exceeding 40 hours per week. Graduate students usually receive stipends and tuition waivers, which serve as compensation for their research and teaching responsibilities. The workload can vary significantly based on individual definitions of "work," including teaching, research, and related academic activities. Many students find it challenging to maintain a consistent 40-hour work week, with some reporting that quality of work improves when they focus on the task rather than counting hours. Additionally, stamina levels can fluctuate, particularly when learning new concepts. The experience may also differ based on the country in which the Ph.D. is pursued, influencing perceptions of workload and time commitment. Overall, the Ph.D. journey demands significant dedication and can encompass a wide range of academic responsibilities.
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there is no need to count the hours. it is upto your potential that how many hours you can spend
 
In general, to obtain a Ph.D. you have to put in time similar to a full-time job, perhaps even more so, if you want to finish in a reasonable amount of time.
 
Choppy said:
In general, to obtain a Ph.D. you have to put in time similar to a full-time job, perhaps even more so, if you want to finish in a reasonable amount of time.

This is true. Generally on a Ph.D. track (in the sciences, engineering, math and even other degree programs) you are paid a stipend and receive tuition waivers... think of this monetary benefit as a salary that you get for working full-time on your research and teaching obligations... and if you think the monetary compensation is low, also remember that it's helping you along the path to a credential (your degree) and giving you valuable experience.
 
Most PhD demand a huge amount of commitment.

I would guess anywhere between 40 and 80 hrs a week.
 
Personally, I found it hard to work 40 hours a week on my PhD, depending on what you count as "work". For example, does teaching count as work? or reading about only very obliquely related topics for fun? or preparing to give a seminar that really isn't necessary for your project? or drifting off to think about my project while I'm supposed to be listening to someone in conversation? or messing around with a dubious possibility when I'm trying to solve some problem?

I have tried to keep track and force myself to work "full-time" hours, but this invariably left me feeling really exhausted and didn't help much. I was generally pretty happy if I did four hours per day of work on my actual project, and that was if I was working conscientiously. I found the quality of work is better when you're not counting the time go by.

Also, I find when I'm learning something new, I have really low stamina. Once I've got the hang of something, I can work for hours and hours.

It might depend on which country you are doing your PhD in though. When people talk about working really long hours I always wonder what they were doing.
 
Tiger99 said:
Personally, I found it hard to work 40 hours a week on my PhD, depending on what you count as "work".

I would consider everything that encompasses your position as a graduate student in the university.

That includes: taking classes, teaching, tutoring, reading, homework, research, preparing for seminars, talking to professors and attending colloquiums.
 

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