Hi Karen, Glenn, Professor Giard, and colleagues on the list,
Thanks for your discussion on the necessity of PhD for lectureship. As a ABD
(done by next May), I want to join the discussion because I've been
struggling myself to rationalize my choice of going back to school.
First of all, PhD IS important when it comes to research and study for
numerous reasons. To me, the most important part of my PhD study is that it
allows me to build a broad knowledge base beyond my design practices, learn
how to write as an academic, do research in a way that is universally
accepted as rigorous scientific research, and polish my teaching skills. PhD
puts you on the same level as academics from other disciplines, you can
communicate and cooperate with them (mostly PhDs) using the same language. I
have a MFA and was teaching before, but I'd definitely be a lot less
confident about the academic system and my teaching had I not pursued a PhD
(that could also be caused by my jumping across cultures and different
educational systems).
I have to admit that the PhD experience is drastically different from my
practice. Through the process, you really discover a lot to write about,
which makes writing grants and academic papers a lot easier. Although it's
difficult, you don't have to stop your design practice during the pursuit of
PhD. Doing PhD is to release your creativity in some other areas that you
didn't have a chance to experience. I have to agree with Glenn though that
keeping a balance of research and hands-on practice is extremely important
in design doctorate. Unfortunately, that will always be a trade-off. Some
benefit tremendously from PhD, some were slowed down in their professional
practice but still more or less benefit from this process.
Just my 2 cents : )
Cheers!
Tao Huang
PhD Candidate
Architecture & Design
College of Architecture & Urban Planning
Virginia Tech
Homepage: http://filebox.vt.edu/users/taohuang/index.htm
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