Should You Pursue a PhD in Science?

[Tallus Bryne]

"Don't Become a Scientist!"

First of all, I'd like to say that I'm an undergraduate physics student in Florida. I would like to go on to get a PhD in physics, but my knowledge on what to expect after that is quite limited. A friend of mine recently sent me an article written by Jonathan I. Katz, a professor of physics at Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. It is called "Don't Become a Scientist!"(http://wuphys.wustl.edu/~katz/scientist.html ). In the article, Professor Katz not only discourages students from pursuing PhDs in physics but also from pursuing science-focused PhD's in general. To anyone willing to take time to read the article, I would like to hear your opinion on the subject. For those of you who actually have or are attempting to get your PhD, I'd appreciate your point of view on this, especially. I'd rather a realistic perspective over a pessimistic one, and with this author it's hard to discern the realistic from the pessimistic. The best way I know how to achieve this is to seek out the people in this specific position themselves.

 

[ZapperZ]

This has been discussed many times already.

https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=522724

Zz.

 

[atyy]

There have been similar discussions like https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=576359.

I am not a physicist, but am sympathetic to the point of view expressed by Choppy in #4 of that thread. I believe that having lots of PhDs is good because knowledge is power, and experimentation done carefully and correctly is a way of getting knowledge. One can do science outside of academia, of course, eg. in baseball, but academic science is a route. I think having fewer PhDs would make scientists more elite, when one actually wants the opposite, having wide scientific literacy in the public. Again, having a PhD is not the only way to be scientifically literate, but it is a way.

I also recommend twofish-quant's and ParticleGrl's posts.

 

[Vanadium 50]

Since we already have (several) open threads, discussion should go on there.

 

[Matrix0]

I understand the concerns and frustrations expressed in Professor Katz's article. Pursuing a PhD in science is not an easy path, and it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. However, I believe that the decision to pursue a PhD should not be solely based on the opinions of one person, but rather on an individual's own passion, interests, and goals.

Yes, there are challenges and obstacles in the academic world, such as funding issues, intense competition, and the pressure to publish. But these challenges are not unique to the field of science, and they exist in many other professions as well. In fact, I believe that these challenges can also be seen as opportunities for growth and development.

Furthermore, a PhD in science can open up a wide range of career opportunities, both within and outside of academia. It is not just about becoming a professor, but also about using your skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the world. Scientists play a crucial role in addressing global issues such as climate change, disease prevention, and technological advancements.

Ultimately, the decision to pursue a PhD in science should be based on your own passion and drive for the subject. It is a challenging but rewarding journey that can lead to personal and professional growth. So my advice would be to carefully consider your interests and goals, and make an informed decision that is right for you. Do not let one person's opinion discourage you from pursuing your dreams.