What is a PhD Program Like? | Milestones & Timelines

If you're seeing this video right after it's posted, be sure to check out my livestream on Sunday 2/21!
As part of my series on PhD student advice, so what IS a PhD anyway - what are the components and milestones, and how long does it take to complete a PhD? A brief tour through the structure of a PhD, including:
00:00 Welcome!
00:47 What is a PhD?
04:30 Preliminary/Qualifying Exams
08:13 Dissertation Proposal
11:11 Dissertation Writing
14:00 Dissertation Defense
Additional Resources
+ The Illustrated Guide to a PhD by Matt Might (CC-BY-NC) matt.might.net/articles/phd-sc...
+ Applying to PhD Programs (playlist) • Applying for PhD Programs
+ Advice for New PhD Students • Advice for New PhD Stu...
+ My Dissertation caseyfiesler.com/dissertation
Find Me
+ TikTok / professorcasey
+ Twitter / cfiesler

[@natashagates6280]

I LOVE my PhD program. It’s awesome compared to the masters stage because it’s all about learning everything I’ve ever wanted to know about everything I’m passionate and interested in.

[@Gnina43]

Hi Casey! Thanks for your videos. The information you share is always helpful! I have a PhD admission offer (I am really happy!) and I want to thank you for your work in youtube.

[@talha6680]

Hi Casey! Love your videos, they are a motivation for me and help me answer so many questions. Keep them coming :)

[@Jay-ef2ii]

I like this video from A to Z. Learned a lot. You simplified the process. I am so glad that this was direct. I don't think I would have received this type of information from a local educator (in my area). Ms. Fiesler, you take out the bunny so easy from Out Of The Hat. Yes, I say this with humility but I got accepted into a Ph.D. program. July 19, 2021, Monday.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Congratulations!

[@taura6960]

Thanks for making this video, it’s really helpful!

[@Jubair194]

Great to see more PhD youtubers! We need more like us.

[@wisdomofthecosmos1817]

Hi, professor Fiesler! My name is Holly, and please allow me to show you my utmost gratitude to you, for the information you provide us really light a torch to the people who’s on this uncertain path to PhD, including me. Through your videos, I realize PhD is not just a degree, but an important role that has the responsibility to advance human knowledge in our society. I’m so inspired. I wanna become an economics PhD in the future; after watching your channel, I feel surer and surer that I want to stick to this road. I would love to explore the boundaries of knowledge. Thank you so much for helping us!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Good luck to you!

[@rasu1371]

10:28 i really appreciate the insight made here

[@larissacury7714]

Thank you!

[@so_so_online]

Your videos are so helpful! Could you make a video about choosing between programs in different disciplines? I’ve applied and been accepted to PhD programs in two disciplines and I know the fields are super different but it’s proving to be a hard choice!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I did a video about deciding where to apply that I think would be helpful for this!

[@hamodeykadrya4983]

Hello Casey, thank you for the informative content. I want to ask you, does not having previous publications has a major impact on the phd application? Because i see this section in almost all phd applications, and it feels like you lose some advantage among other candidates if you leave it empty.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Won't lie, it is definitely an advantage, though not having publications is not a dealbreaker. If you haven't seen my videos about applying for PhD programs there's a lot of helpful advice about describing research experience even without publications.

[@elhammahdipour4885]

Thanks an ocean

[@rasu1371]

Hello. I have a proposal defense next month. I have no idea what to expect. Any tips on how to prepare? I’d really appreciate your help Dr. Casey!

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

You know, my best tip would actually be to talk to more senior students in your program about their experiences. I'll do a video about proposals generally soon, but especially in terms of what to expect, it can be quite specific!

[@jhamdan2012]

Is it wise to start the viva voce by saying "here is my work, give me my PhD"?

[@natashagates6280]

My main goal is to become a professor. ❤

[@rasu1371]

Ohhh look at the (pi) earrings 🤭😍

[@fatimaad14]

Hi Casey... you have said that being good at school does not mean you are a good researcher. my question is how can we change the way of thinking from learning to create new stuff. How to get the mentality of a researcher, is it something you can learn??

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

That's a great question, but I'm not sure I know the answer! I actually think it's more about passion for it though. :)

[@Heyu7her3]

I want a sword! 😯

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

haha me too

[@eddieibarra356]

Hi Casey I am planning to work on a master's after I receive my bachelor's, however I can't work on a Ph.d, a master's is the highest I could work I know with a master's I could be a college professor and lecture. The bottom line I want to be a communication professor teaching at a university and a community college.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

Good luck!

[@eddieibarra356]

@@CaseyFieslerPhD Thanks Casey hopefully I become a college professor I can't wait to be a college professor.

[@umeshamedhavi5633]

Hi Casey! Thank you for sharing these valuable opinions with us. You are such a motivator.You are very interesting professor. Can I be your student? Computer Studies specialized and more interested on Human computer Iteraction. I do have a proposal too.

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

If you are interested in the PhD program in my department you are welcome to email me questions.

[@djangowilliams5595]

All followers are now thirsting for a video on snake fight

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

hahaha I will definitely do a dissertation defense video

[@lisajlamb]

What if your chair and committee members are not helpful? I feel like I'm blinded in a dark forest, trying to find my way ...

[@CaseyFieslerPhD]

I recommend talking to the director of the program or someone else who is not your advisor who can help you, if you have problems with your advisor. Though also make sure you've also talked to your advisor first! Do they know you're not getting the help you need?