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areas to specialize in

Grad Life

By BFD
Posted Wed Sep 27, 2006 at 06:37:46 AM PDT

How can a potential grad student find an area they would like to specialize in before they begin applying to schools?

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I've read that some grad students end up switching their areas of study during grad school for lack of interest and even for monetary reasons (ex. One pure math grad student told me they switched from pure to applied because of the lack of teaching jobs in academia and the lure of a higher salary in industry). I'd imagine that one should talk to as many people as possible about this and even begin reading some professional journals for the potential area they'd like to specialize in. I've began to do this but it just seems that at times the more people I talk to the more confused I get. Any thoughts?

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areas to specialize in | 4 comments (4 topical, 0 hidden)

[new] Don't worry (none / 0) (#1)
by JHamblin on Sun Oct 01, 2006 at 08:04:31 PM PDT

I wouldn't worry about it. When I went to grad school, every took courses from 3 of the 5 main areas of specialty. I went in thinking I would be a logic student, but after a taking a bad logic course and a great algebra course, I switched to algebra. Unlike many disciplines, you usually won't choose your thesis advisor until the 2nd or 3rd year, so the first year is intended for you to learn more about the main areas and figure out which one is for you. Good luck!

applied vs. pure by BFD, 11/19/2006 17:16:57 PDT (none / 0)

[new] I know a lot of Grad Students (none / 0) (#2)
by greenmonkey on Tue Nov 07, 2006 at 07:28:52 AM PDT

I know a lot of Grad Students who start specializing in one field, then switching to another after a year. But if time, or money, is a problem and cannot be wasted, I suggest you try reading about your intended field of expertise first. This will help you greatly in deciding what to choose and give you some foresight as to what to expect. Another thing to consider, is the financial gains you expect to reap after grad school. If specializing in one field will prove to be more financially rewarding than another, then go for the field that brings home the bacon. But, if you are truly dedicated to your craft and have no interest in the financial gains, then I suggest following your heart as to what your brain desires.

[new] Re (none / 0) (#3)
by Isura on Wed Nov 08, 2006 at 09:48:07 PM PDT

I've spoken to several of my profs, and they say that knowing a research area ahead of time really helps. They will then be in a better position to suggest schools and potential thesis advisors for you. A lot of admissions decisions boil down to choosing people that will fit well with the current department. Now, this doesn't apply as much to the very best schools (ie Harvard, Princeton, etc in pure math), but I've heard it matters at slightly weaker schools. Some departments may not have enough advisors to support your research (small faculty in the area, or the faculty in your area are already committed to several current students). I think finding a great thesis advisor is much more important than simply going for a name school. But conversely, going to a name school with a big faculty gives you more options if you're undecided on a field of specialization. I'm currently studying in Canada, and doing a master's to figure out what I like (it's standard here for even PhD students to first do a masters). Consider doing a masters, or some undergraduate research (or atleast some independent study outside of course work). Talk to a prof and mention that you are kind of interested in area X and that you'd like recommendations on a study plan. Many will be happy to suggest books, articles and even help you when you get stuck. Your profs will know a lot more about the ins and outs of getting a good graduate education; utilize them.

areas to specialize in | 4 comments (4 topical, 0 hidden)

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