I like to think of the distinctions among the three degrees
(typically) awarded as being:
Bachelor - introduction to the world of ideas, where the focus is on
preparation for professional practice
Master - participation in the world of ideas, where an individual can do
further investigation into something of particular interest and begin a
relationship with those organizations/conferences/journals which enrich
and disseminate ideas in a particular field
Doctorate - contribution to the world of ideas, where an individual
develop and refine their insights into a generalizable concept which is
then disseminated by the channels discoverd at the masters level
On the issue of PHDs not being prepared to exercise their skills in an
industrial setting, I would say that, for design, that is the purpose of
the Bachelors degree and should be judged as such. One should not need
a masters to practice design.
On the academic side, these three tiers work together providing models for
each other and can develop into a culture which provides insights for all
levels. The Doctorate is also the terminal degree for teaching in most
disciplines - so the culture of academia sees it as pro forma. Those
fields that have different nomenclature have to protect themselves with
strong advocates who can communicate the nature of their field to their
upper administration. Personally, I view this a difficult and needless
struggle if there is the capability to develop a doctorate program [not
usually the case I imagine] which should be a win-win situation.
Once the number of PHDs in circulation reach a certain level of
availability the forces exerted to require one for teaching will probably
be unstoppable. This is simply the culture of the academic world. Another
facet of that culture is that tenure (at research institutions - those
most likely to develop doctorate design programs) only comes to those with
'real' research', which means peer-reviewed and funded at a substantial
level -- which is only really accomplished by having the experience of a
doctoral education.
I also have a more compact (and rural) academic model which says:
Bachelor - we feed you (I don't mean this in the empty vessel way)
Master - you learn to grow food
Doctorate - you feed others
I find that resonates better, sometimes.
best,
- John Jay Miller
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-> http://excalibur.dril.sarc.msstate.edu/jmiller
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