Working While Attending Graduate School

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the feasibility of working while attending graduate school, specifically in the context of pursuing a Ph.D. in Physics. Participants explore the balance between academic responsibilities and employment, considering both part-time and full-time work options.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to know if it is feasible to work while pursuing a graduate degree.
  • Another participant suggests that part-time work may be possible, but full-time work would likely be unmanageable due to the workload of graduate studies.
  • A participant notes that Ph.D. students in physics in the USA typically receive financial support through assistantships or fellowships, which may cover basic living expenses.
  • It is mentioned that unless there is a significant need for additional income, attempting to work while pursuing a Ph.D. may not be advisable, as the demands of the program are substantial.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility of working while in graduate school, with some suggesting part-time work may be manageable while others caution against it due to the intensity of the Ph.D. program.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not provide specific details on the workload expectations for graduate students or the nature of financial support available, leaving some assumptions about these factors unaddressed.

KMcFadden
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I'll be finishing my AA in December and transferring to a four year university in January. I currently work full time and will be doing so while working towards my Bachelor's (majoring in Physics and minoring in Computer Science). What I would like to know is if it is possible (feasible) to work while attending graduate school.
 
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From the reading that I did, it's possible to work /part-time/ full time would be impossible though. Just the amount of work.
 
What degree and field are you planning to do in graduate school? Ph.D. students in physics (in the USA) normally receive financial support in the form of a research or teaching assistantship, or even a fellowship if they're very good. It's enough money for a no-frills lifestyle for one person.
 
jtbell said:
What degree and field are you planning to do in graduate school? Ph.D. students in physics (in the USA) normally receive financial support in the form of a research or teaching assistantship, or even a fellowship if they're very good. It's enough money for a no-frills lifestyle for one person.

I plan on getting my Ph.D in Physics. I haven't decided yet what I plan to specialize in, though.
 
KMcFadden said:
I plan on getting my Ph.D in Physics. I haven't decided yet what I plan to specialize in, though.

Unless there is some important reason you need extra income beyond the stipend offered for graduate school, it seems a bad idea to try. A physics PhD is already beyond a full time job.
 
Thanks for the replies.
 

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