get phd while working full time

Is it possible to earn a PhD while working? The brutal truth

Working alongside your PhD seems like an attractive proposal until you look at all of the different commitments you need to make to actually get a PhD and submit your dissertation. Working part-time may help PhD students financially but it often comes at an academic cost.

It is possible to earn a PhD while working. However, it requires strict time management and can be very complicated. You have to balance any other significant commitments inside and outside of your PhD.

A PhD is typically the equivalent time commitment as a full-time job. The majority of the PhD students I know work at least 40 hours a week. So, trying to get a PhD while working is very time intensive – 80-hour + weeks.

Some students drop down to a part-time PhD in order to balance all of the particular commitments of a PhD program and working hours.

Whether or not you are a part-time PhD student or you are studying your PhD full-time, here are all of the aspects you should consider if you are considering working alongside your PhD research. This is what you need to know if you are considering getting your doctorate while working.

Can you work during a PhD?

Some institutions full-out ban their PhD students from working full-time alongside a full-time research commitment. They want to make sure that you’re working 100% on your PhD because balancing work isn’t easy.

Although it may not be banned in some institutions it is generally expected that students focus on their research and coursework full-time during a PhD and are therefore not typically able to hold down a full-time job.

Some programs may allow for part-time work, but it is generally not recommended as it can interfere with academic progress.

Additionally, many PhD programs offer funding in the form of stipends or fellowships which can help support students financially during their studies.

There are a few things to consider if you are thinking of working during your PhD.

The first is whether or not you will have enough time to dedicate to both your work and your studies. You don’t want your work to suffer because you are spending too much time on your PhD, or vice versa.

Another thing to consider is how working will affect your funding.

If you are receiving PhD funding or a scholarship from an external source, they may have stipulations on whether or not you can work while receiving their funding. Be sure to check with them before taking on any paid work.

Lastly, you will want to make sure that the work you are doing is related to your field of study. Working in a related field can help you with your research by giving you real-world experience that you can apply to your studies.

Even though some institutions allow you to work, should you?

Should you work during your PhD?

Some students feel that they need to work in order to support themselves during their PhD, while others feel that they can focus solely on their studies.

There are pros and cons to both approaches.

Working during your PhD can help you to cover your living expenses and may even allow you to save some money. However, it can also be a distraction from your studies and may make it more difficult to find time to do research.

I know that I wouldn’t be able to balance the pressures of a full-time job with my PhD studies and, therefore, decided to not have any jobs during my first year – this included jobs inside the University such as demonstrating in undergraduate laboratories.

Therefore, it is possible to do a PhD whilst working full-time but you really have to consider the impact of the extra pressures and commitments

. It is much easier to work alongside your PhD if you have a strong research-based masters degree and your job outside of your degree is flexible enough to allow you to attend different academic commitments such as attending seminars, meeting with advisers, and travelling to conferences.

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to work during your PhD is up to you.

Consider your financial situation and how working would impact your studies before making a decision.

It can be difficult to juggle work and study commitments, and you may find yourself feeling overwhelmed and stressed. You may also have less time to socialize and enjoy your student life.

So, it’s important to think carefully about whether working during your PhD is right for you.

What type of work can you do during a PhD? Part time or Full time?

During your PhD there are a number of different options that you could consider if you want to (and you are allowed to) get a job.

I do not recommend working full-time alongside your PhD but, there are some options for part-time work to earn a little bit of money alongside your studies.

Full time work

My recommendation is that you do not try to fit a PhD alongside full-time work. Trying to work full time is asking for trouble.

There will be so many more pressures on you that it will not be a very enjoyable experience.

A PhD requires you to be creative.

Creativity comes from having enough mental space to allow your mind to connect new and interesting ideas together. If you are busy with work you will not have the mental capacity to be able to do this effectively.

Therefore, I recommend that you consider at least dropping down to part-time work if you are insistent on pursuing a PhD alongside employment.

I have seen PhD students complete a PhD part-time supported and partly funded by their current place of employment.

Part time work

If you want to know more about the best PhD student part-time jobs check out my full guide – click here for the full article.

There are a variety of part-time jobs that can easily supplement your income during a PhD.

The best PhD student part-time jobs will have flexible hours, provide you with a reasonable hourly rate, and not distract you from your primary goal of completing your PhD.

I have highlighted in my YouTube video, below, all of the different side hustles that PhD students can try if they need to earn a little bit more money.

The common part-time jobs for PhD students include:

• Hospitality
• Customer service
• University-based jobs – such as tutoring, marking exams, student services and working in laboratories
• Online jobs such as user testing, notetaker, and translating.
• Freelancing. Selling a skill that you have two people on services such as Upwork .

Why Should You Worry About Working During Your PhD

There are a number of reasons why you should worry about working during your PhD.

The most important is balancing workload, the fact that you were extending your time in academia by a significant amount, the increased risk of burnout, and ensuring you have enough resources to keep you going for multiple years.

A PhD is just like a full time job.

Therefore, getting a PhD while working full-time will be incredibly difficult. Both commitments will require at least 40 hours per week each.

Nonetheless, if you are able to have full flexibility on your work schedule and you are capable of distance learning for some part of your PhD it may be much more possible.

Many PhD students struggle with just the commitments of earning a doctorate. Consider working alongside your PhD very carefully.

Time it takes

A PhD will typically take between three and seven years. During this time it is extremely stressful and you need to make sure you’re capable of researching at your best for the entire time.

I have always said that a PhD is a marathon and not a sprint. Adding extra years to your PhD if you need to can be worth it. However, you must consider the amount of time it will take you to get your PhD and the potential return on that investment.

Unless you have a particular career secured or in mind for after your PhD the extra years it takes to complete a doctoral degree part-time are generally not worth it.

Burnout is a real consequence of doing a PhD.

By working alongside your PhD you’ll increase your chances of burnout significantly. This is true even if you like to study.

If you are prone to feelings of being overwhelmed I would stay away from earning a PhD whilst working full or part-time.

Slowly introduce part-time work if you need to once you have settled into the general routine of your PhD.

Tips for Earning Your PhD While Working

Here are a few general tips that may help you if you find yourself having to work alongside your PhD:

Talk to everyone involved

Everyone involved in this process needs to be on board. There will be times when you need to ask favours from your supervisor, colleagues, work supervisor or others.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Whether it’s from your supervisor, colleagues, or friends and family, don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

This is not a sign of weakness, but simply a recognition that we all need assistance from time to time.

Stay Organized and on Track

Find a routine: Try establishing a set schedule for at least most days of the week and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you to stay focused and make the most of your limited time.

Get Involved in the Research Community

Remember to stay in touch with your research community.

Working part-time or full-time can mean that you miss out on the exciting recent advancements and collaboration with people in your field. Make an extra special effort to attend seminars, talks, and networking events to help progress your research and your academic career.

Don’t squirrel yourself away!

Work with your strengths

Know yourself: Be honest about how well you work under pressure and how much free time you realistically have.

If you know that you work better with a tight deadline, then try to structure your work schedule accordingly.

Personally, I need as much free mental space is possible to perform at my best. Just do what is best for you.

Wrapping up

This article has been through everything you need to consider if you are tempted by earning a PhD while working.

Your PhD programme may dictate whether it is possible to work alongside your PhD. Whether or not it is a good idea will be down to you and if you are able to balance an insane amount of commitments and work.

My general recommendation is that you should focus 100% on your PhD journey and although it is definitely possible you’re going to be at risk of burnout.

Combining part-time PhD’s, part-time jobs, and finding a flexible job that will help keep you focused on the primary goal of finishing your dissertation is the most sensible way of working alongside your PhD.

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

Thank you for visiting Academia Insider.

We are here to help you navigate Academia as painlessly as possible. We are supported by our readers and by visiting you are helping us earn a small amount through ads and affiliate revenue - Thank you!

2024 © Academia Insider

Community Blog

Keep up-to-date on postgraduate related issues with our quick reads written by students, postdocs, professors and industry leaders.

5 Things to Consider Before Doing a PhD While Working

• By Nicholas R.
• August 19, 2020

Those interested in getting a PhD but dreading the several years of no income or a stipend that doesn’t meet their needs may consider a part time or even a full time job. That way, they can gain experience in the field, save up a little money and have a non-academic route they could later make use of. After all, if you’ve already made it to the point where you’re eligible to study at PhD level, you’ve already proven that you have great time management skills and that you can dedicate yourself to your studies, right?…

It might sound like a workable plan to many, but getting a PhD while working might not be as easy as you may think. Take it from many PhD students and postgrads who warn that it a slippery slope from a part time PhD to no PhD at all.

If you decide to go down this route, keep the following considerations in mind to give you the best chance of succeeding.

1. Know Your Programme

Some part time PhD programmes, especially the ones offered by online universities and distance learning schools, are well suited for those who want to work and study at the same time. Some aren’t as rigorous or time-consuming as others, and in some fields, the experience of working in industry through your current career will be a great benefit. A part time PhD will also have a more manageable workload , and supervisors will usually be more experience in providing support to working students. But keep in mind that some PhD part time programmes will not be eligible for financial aid or funding , at which point part time study may no longer be personally worth it.

2. Know Your Job

If your work is related to your field of study and your employers understand and support the requirements of your PhD, you will have a much less stressful few years. Therefore, one of the first things you’ll want to do is to get your employer on your side.

You can go about this by sitting down with them and explaining what your research will be about, how it will benefit your professional development and how it will benefit them as a business. You will also want to reassure them that you’ll be able to remain committed to your job during your studies, as this is likely to be their biggest concern. Don’t just stop at their verbal support, ask your manager to sit down with you to discuss the possibility of funding support, study days and the assignment of a mentor if your workplace has a doctorate holder.

Finding a PhD has never been this easy – search for a PhD by keyword, location or academic area of interest.

3. Know Your Situation

If you have young children, a sick parent, or generally any commitments that require hours of your time, it’s probably best to stay a full time student. If your field requires many publications or relies heavily on being able to network and interact with other researchers, keep in mind that you probably won’t be able to live up to their expectations if you already have work commitments you need to keep up.

4. Know Your Supervisor

Your supervisor should be supportive of the fact that you’re attempting to carry out a PhD whilst working part time rather than seeing it as a hindrance. As is to be expected, part time students generally struggle more than full time ones due to having greater external commitments, less contact time and a longer programme duration (beyond five years). You will want to find a PhD supervisor who is aware of these challenges, and if at all possible, try to get one who has taken this path themselves.

A good supervisor won’t only limit their support to physical help , such as introducing you to other researchers, suggesting relevant literature and facilitating data access, but also to emotional and mental support. A supportive supervisor maintains a good attitude and demonstrates concern for your research project. They should be keen to see you excel, help you refine your research skills and make you feel confident enough to experiment with your research approach and share your work whenever the opportunity presents itself, whether it is at a conference or in your place of work. Although you will be responsible for navigating yourself through your doctorate, a good supervisor will act as your safety net for when you get a little lost.

5. Know Yourself

Even the most organised people aren’t prepared for the workload that comes with a PhD. Make a time chart and be truly honest with yourself about how much time you have in the day, it might not be as much as you would think once you’ve factored everything in. Doing a part time PhD requires about 15-20 hours of commitment per week – will you have 15 hours to spare alongside your job, family and friends and other obligations? If not, then working and studying at the same time will most likely be out of your reach.

These considerations will hopefully put you in a better position to tackle a PhD while working part time (or dare I say it, working full time!). Even still, tackling a several year long PhD programme whilst working is probably one of the hardest things you will do, so if you decide to go down this road, much kudos to you.

PhD stress is real. Learn how to combat it with these 5 tips.

Academic conferences are expensive and it can be tough finding the funds to go; this naturally leads to the question of are academic conferences worth it?

Reference management software solutions offer a powerful way for you to track and manage your academic references. Read our blog post to learn more about what they are and how to use them.

Join thousands of other students and stay up to date with the latest PhD programmes, funding opportunities and advice.

Browse PhDs Now

The unit of analysis refers to the main parameter that you’re investigating in your research project or study.

The scope of the study is defined at the start of the study. It is used by researchers to set the boundaries and limitations within which the research study will be performed.

Dr Anwar gained her PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Helsinki in 2019. She is now pursuing a career within industry and becoming more active in science outreach.

Dr Ilesanmi has a PhD in Applied Biochemistry from the Federal University of Technology Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. He is now a lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry at the Federal University Otuoke, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Join Thousands of Students

How to Pursue a Doctoral Degree While Working Full Time

Balancing a career while pursuing a doctoral degree—or any degree for that matter—is not easy, but it is possible. With the right plan and support system in place, you can achieve your academic goals. Doctoral students learn—through research-based theory and practice—how to address the many challenges encountered across an array of professional fields. While obtaining a doctoral degree, students begin to integrate the practical skills that they are learning into their own professional careers, to ultimately emerge as leaders within their workplace or field.  We recently spoke with a few Endicott College employees—Brittany Potter ’16 M’17, Assistant Dean of Academic Success, Sendy Suazo ’14 M’16, Community Outreach & Recruitment Coordinator, and Ian Menchini, Director, Graduate Enrollment & Advising—who are all currently pursuing their doctoral degrees while working full time. Here’s what they want you to know:

Leverage your everyday work

As you progress through the program, you’ll begin to notice that when you’re at work, you’re actually doing coursework—you’ll be able to relate real life experiences to the theories you’re learning. Recognize that you should be absorbing and taking your professional experiences into your academic assignments, it will be beneficial to your degree and you’ll see the relevance in your work.

Get organized

Understand that you are weaving your doctoral pursuits into your lifestyle.  To figure out how it will fit, create a schedule and find your rhythm. Keep your goals in mind and plan your time strategically to account for coursework, but also for periods of rest.  

Build a support network

You won’t be navigating through your program alone, your family, friends, and coworkers can all help to support you along your journey. Once you’ve identified a support network, determine how those people can assist you. You will be assigned a mentor who will act as a resource for you throughout your program and who will also serve as your dissertation advisor.  Additionally, identify one or two members from your cohort to connect with—whether for assistance on projects or for accountability.

Your research topic

Choose a dissertation topic related to your career and identify a problem of practice within your professional field—your research will focus on how to solve that problem. Your mentor will help you narrow your topic, through concept mapping, continuous research, and further narrowing. S/he will help you figure out how to gather pertinent data and how to apply it to your topic.  If you are unsure about your topic, your mentor will assist you in navigating through your interests to find what topics you are really passionate about.  You’ll actually enjoy conducting research for your program because it's related to what you love to do. Click here  to learn more about Endicott’s doctoral programs. 

You're viewing this site as a domestic an international student

You're a domestic student if you are:

• a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
• an Australian permanent resident, or
• a holder of an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

You're an international student if you are:

• intending to study on a student visa,
• not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand,
• not an Australian permanent resident, or
• a temporary resident (visa status) of Australia.

Can I do a PhD while working?

Study tips Published 31 Mar, 2022  ·  4-minute read

Completing a Doctor of Philosophy requires some serious dedication. But committing all your time to research can leave a significant gap in your income. So, can you work and do a PhD at the same time? Let’s find out.

We spoke with two UQ PhD candidates, Chelsea Janke and Sarah Kendall, to get some insights into whether you can get a PhD while working – and how to balance your work with your research.

Can you get a PhD while working?

The simple answer is yes, but we wouldn't exactly recommend it. There’s nothing technically stopping you from continuing to work (at least, to some extent) while you pursue a PhD, but doing a higher degree by research is a big commitment. So, you need to think carefully before you attempt to juggle both.

The more complex answer is that it depends heavily on the type of work you’re doing and how quickly you want to complete your research.

PhD candidates can continue working part time while completing their research. Of course, this depends on the nature of their research and other work.

Keep in mind : some PhD scholarships are only available to full-time candidates and may not allow you to earn more than a certain amount to remain eligible. If you’ve applied or plan to apply for a scholarship, make sure to check the relevant terms.

For  international students , some extra restrictions apply. You can work up to 40 hours per fortnight, but this must not interfere with your full-time study load or your academic performance. Further limitations may apply if you're on an RTP scholarship (maximum 270 working hours per year) or being sponsored by your government.

Doing a PhD while working: full time, part time or casual?

Chelsea is quick to warn us that both working and researching full time is a recipe for disaster.

“A full-time PhD could not be done whilst working full time,” she says.

Doing both part time is feasible, but only if you’re happy to wait a few extra years to see the fruits of your labour.

“I know people who have worked part time and done their PhD part time – usually in the same research group or field,” says Chelsea.

“But keep in mind it took them 7-8 years to finish their PhD; it’s not the most efficient strategy.”

Committing to a full-time PhD while doing some incidental work on the side seems like the most popular approach for candidates, in Chelsea’s experience.

“Most full-time PhD students will pick up some casual work tutoring, marking, helping the lab manager, or assisting other researchers with their work,” she says.

“This means they can do a few hours here and there without their own PhD work being too disrupted.”

Sarah’s circumstances allow her to maintain a part-time job while completing her PhD, though she acknowledges you have to be lucky to be in a position to do so.

“PhD candidates can continue working part time while completing their research; of course, this depends on the nature of their research and other work,” says Sarah.

“Both my research and work are very flexible, and I can complete them whenever suits me.”

Learn about Sarah’s research or read her series about becoming an academic in law .

How to balance work with your PhD

If you plan to work whilst doing your PhD, you will need to manage your time well.

It’s one thing to ask can I do a PhD while working – actually managing to juggle the two is a whole other challenge. Sarah and Chelsea agree that time management is the most important part of making this work.

Sarah suggests keeping a strict schedule to divide your time evenly between your commitments, as this is what works for her.

“I find that I maintain a balance best by setting specific hours to work on my PhD (usually from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday) and then on my other work commitments (usually Saturdays and sometimes a couple of hours before dinner),” she says.

“The hours you set to work on your PhD and other commitments will depend on whether your other work has set hours though, as well as when you work best – you might get some of your best research and writing done at 5am!”

Top tips for working while doing your PhD

• Only do so if you really want/need to and if you know you can manage the dual workloads.
• Tell your boss. Make sure your employer knows about your plans to juggle a PhD with your workload. See if there’s anything they can do to make the journey easier for you. For example, just like Sarah, your employer may be able to provide you the flexibility to complete your work on a schedule that accommodates your research hours.
• Consider a part-time PhD if cutting your hours or quitting your job isn’t a viable option. Yes, it might take longer. But if it means maintaining a comfortable balance between your research and your current career, it might be the best choice for you.
• Chat with your PhD supervisor. They’ve been there and done that, making them a great source of wisdom when it comes to pursuing a PhD while also balancing your other life commitments. You may also have peers currently doing a PhD who can provide some advice.

Haven’t chosen your supervisor yet? Read these tips for finding a suitable academic. It’s also a good idea to be upfront with your supervisor about your intention to work/research part time, as some supervisors prefer to work with full-time PhD candidates.

• Seek casual work at your university and in your field where possible. By keeping your work and research close together (both in terms of location and mindset), you may find it less challenging to keep on top of both.
• Make sure you’re passionate about your PhD topic . If your research just feels like a second job on top of your usual work, you’ll likely burn out before long. When developing your research proposal , make sure your thesis is providing that spark of curiosity that’s going to keep you inspired to follow through with your research – even on nights when you’re drained from work.

Ready to get started? Whether you’re dedicating yourself to a full-time PhD or keeping a balance between research and work, The University of Queensland is ready to support you.

Learn more about completing your PhD at UQ

Share this Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email

Related stories

How to get a PhD scholarship or funding

3-minute read

How long does a PhD take?

How to find a PhD supervisor

5-minute read

Is a PhD worth it?

9-minute read

2024 Best Online PhD Programs for Working Professionals

A growing number of colleges and universities offer online PhD programs for working professionals. These programs have the same level of rigor as traditional PhD programs, but they provide more accessibility and flexible scheduling.

Enrolling in a program designed for working professionals makes balancing academic, work, and family commitments easier.

Editorial Listing ShortCode:

Additionally, these programs can help you advance your career or transition to a new field.

Best Online PhD Programs for Working Professionals

Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.

Chatham University

A DNP in Nursing is available through Chatham University. The program is designed for working nurses who hold a master’s degree. Courses are fully online and are 15 weeks long. A short residency near the end of the program and a clinical are required. There are fall and spring start dates.

Chatham University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University offers multiple PhD programs. The degree in Systems Engineering is entirely online, while Higher Education Leadership and Organizational Learning, Performance and Change are in a hybrid format. Most online courses are in an asynchronous learning format. Courses are semester-based, and there are start dates in the fall and spring.

Colorado State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

National University

National University offers PhD programs with 4 week classes. The school currently offers 12 degree programs, including Instructional Design, Human Resource Management, and Data Science. Most programs are fully online and can typically be completed in 40 months.

National University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission.

Purdue University

Purdue University offers multiple online doctoral programs and degree including Higher Education and Education Leadership & Policy Studies. Both programs are in a hybrid format and require some courses on campus. Campus courses are offered on Saturdays. The program moves with a cohort and offers start dates each fall.

Purdue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Sacred Heart University

A PhD in Social Work is available through Sacred Hearth University. Most courses are in an asynchronous format, and there are short residencies throughout the program. Courses are available part-time and last 14 weeks each. The program’s curriculum is designed to work around various schedules.

Sacred Heart University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Salve Regina University

Salve Regina University offers a PhD in International Relations degree. The program is fully online. To customize the program, 10 courses are selected suited to an area of interest with a dissertation. The program starts in the fall and spring.

Salve Regina is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

University of Central Florida

The University of Central Florida offers multiple PhD programs including Nursing and a BSN to PhD. GRE scores are not required. The programs require 6 to 72 credits. All coursework is fully online and in an asynchronous learning format. Degrees may be completed part-time.

The University of Central Florida is accredited by the Southern Association of Schools and Colleges.

University of Tennessee – Knoxville

A PhD in Industrial Engineering is offered through the University of Tennessee – Knoxville. Courses are online and may be attended synchronously or asynchronously. Courses follow a semester schedule and are offered in the fall, spring, and summer. The programs require 48 to 72 credits.

The University of Tennessee – Knoxville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Walden University

Walden University offers an online PhD in Criminal Justice degree. All coursework is online with 4 on-campus residencies over the course of the program. A track selection is required based on whether the applicant holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice or another field. Accelerated tracks are also available.

Walden is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Western New England University

Western New England University offers a PhD in Engineering Management. The degree can be completed fully online or in a hybrid format. The program is available full-time and part-time. The program requires 10 courses and a dissertation. Courses are 15 weeks long and follow a regular semester schedule.

Western New England University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.

Online PhD Programs for Working Professionals

Colleges offer online doctorate programs for working professionals in a broad range of disciplines. There are many factors to consider when choosing a program, including the potential career outcomes and the curriculum.

Here are some of the most popular online Ph.D programs. Select the program that most interests you to jump to that section of the guide:

• Online PhD in Business
• Online PhD in Computer Science
• Online PhD in Criminal Justice
• Online PhD in Education
• Online PhD in Engineering
• Online PhD in English
• Online PhD in Nursing
• Online PhD in Psychology
• Online PhD in Public Health
• Online PhD in Social Work

The online programs that are  best for you will depend on your personal interests and professional goals.

PhD in Business Program

You can learn the ins and outs of the corporate world with a PhD in Business. This degree covers advanced topics like econometrics, management science, organizational behavior, and price theory. You’ll also research issues affecting corporations and the economy.

Graduates often apply their skills as professors of accounting, business, marketing, and other disciplines. They can also secure positions as business consultants, qualitative research analysts, senior data scientists, and more.

PhD in Computer Science

If you want to study and develop the latest technology, you might consider a PhD in Computer Science. You’ll take courses in subjects like computer architecture, intelligent systems, machine learning, and social computing.

Additionally, you’ll learn how to use empirical algorithmics, statistics, quantitative methods, and other tools to conduct research. Current professionals often work as college professors, computer and information research scientists, and computer systems engineers.

PhD in Criminal Justice

A PhD in Criminal Justice enables you to research complex issues impacting the criminal justice and legal systems. The curriculum typically includes topics like criminal justice policy, intelligence analysis, and contemporary criminological theory.

People who earn a PhD in Criminal Justice tend to pursue careers in academia, government entities, and law enforcement agencies. For instance, graduates may become fraud investigators, policy analysts, and researchers.

PhD in Education

If you want to research the science of learning, you might be interested in a PhD in Education. You can study subjects like applied linguistics, educational psychology, and special education. This degree also teaches you how to generate original scholarship on pedagogical approaches, theories, and issues.

A PhD in Education prepares graduates for academic and research careers. You might consider becoming a college professor, an educational research scientist, or a senior education administrator.

PhD in Engineering

You can expand your knowledge of advanced engineering approaches and theories with a PhD in Engineering. Programs often offer concentrations in areas like biomedical engineering, electrical engineering, and fluid and thermal systems.

You may also study research methods like data analysis and computational modeling. This degree can unlock careers in academia and the private sector. Current professionals work as consultants, innovation managers, research and development engineers, and professors.

PhD in English

A PhD in English might align with your interests if you’re passionate about literature and writing. This degree focuses on producing original analyses of books, films, and other media.

You may have the opportunity to take courses like composition theory, film theory, and Victorian literature. Graduates can use this degree to pursue careers as college professors, editors, high school English teachers, public relations specialists, and technical writers.

PhD in Nursing

A PhD in Nursing helps prepare you to conduct innovative research in clinical practice, healthcare policies, and nursing science.

Coursework may cover subjects like the evolution of nursing science, grant writing, and the role of the nurse scientist. You can also learn how to design experiments and use qualitative and quantitative research methods.

Many graduates apply their knowledge and research skills as clinical educators, healthcare consultants, and nurse scientists.

PhD in Psychology

A PhD in Psychology can deepen your understanding of human behavior, psychological processes, and mental disorders.

You can take courses like affective science, cognitive neuroscience, and statistical methods for behavioral sciences. You may also learn how to conduct ethical experiments with human subjects.

Current professionals frequently pursue careers as academic researchers, counseling psychologists, industrial-organizational psychologists, and neuropsychologists. Additionally, some graduates become professors.

PhD in Public Health

If you want to promote equity in healthcare, you might consider a PhD in Public Health. This degree helps prepare you to research challenges and policies affecting healthcare access and delivery.

Courses may address topics like environmental health, health concerns for women and newborns, and public health informatics. A PhD in Public Health helps prepare students for careers as health equity officers, nurse managers, and research scientists.

PhD in Social Work

If you want to research issues in social welfare, you may be interested in a PhD in Social Work. You can take courses like data management, human development in context, and public service and social change.

You’ll also learn how to apply social work theories and research methods to study challenges in the field. A PhD in Social Work can help unlock careers like community program administrator and field researcher.

PhD Careers & Salaries

People who earn PhDs can pursue careers in academia, government agencies, and a wide range of industries.

Many graduates use their degrees to become professors at colleges and universities. These professionals teach courses in their discipline and mentor students. They also create and publish ground-breaking research in their areas of specialty.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics , here are the median salaries of careers often pursued by people with PhDs.

Government agencies also hire many people with PhDs. You might qualify for a career as a policy analyst or research associate.

The government also offers niche positions in specific fields. For instance, a graduate with a PhD in Criminal Justice could become an FBI agent, while someone with a PhD in Public Health could pursue a career as a health policy specialist.

Additionally, many graduates use their PhDs to become consultants for businesses, colleges, and other organizations.

Online PhD Degrees Admissions Requirements

The admissions criteria for remote PhD programs vary by college and discipline. It’s beneficial to research each school’s requirements ahead of time to ensure you meet the criteria.

Here are a few standard application materials you may be asked to provide:

• Personal statement
• CV or resume
• Letters of recommendation
• Official transcripts from previous postsecondary institutions
• Writing sample

You may also be required to submit GRE or GMAT scores, but many colleges have eliminated this requirement or made it optional.

Online Ph.D Programs Accreditation

As you research online doctorate programs, it’s essential to research each institution’s accreditation status. Regional accreditation is a mark of excellence that colleges and universities earn if they meet rigorous educational and ethical standards.

An external accrediting organization evaluates each school based on its curriculum, faculty credentials, and other criteria. Many employers hold PhDs from accredited institutions in high regard because they know graduates have received an excellent education. Also, it’s necessary to attend an accredited school to qualify for certain financial aid opportunities.

Online Doctoral Programs Financial Aid and Scholarships

Many doctoral students apply for financial aid to help pay for their remote PhD programs. PhD programs often offer full or partial funding packages that may include a stipend, tuition waivers, and other benefits. Many funding packages require students to work part-time as a research or teaching assistant for the department.

Additionally, you may qualify for grants, work-study programs, or student loans from the federal government. You can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for these federal aid opportunities. Your college’s financial aid office can likely direct you to additional resources.

What Can You Do with a Doctorate Degree?

A doctorate degree can unlock many fulfilling and potentially lucrative career opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median usual weekly earnings for people with doctoral degrees is $1,909. Many graduates use their advanced expertise and research abilities to pursue academic careers. They often qualify for positions as college professors and researchers in their chosen disciplines.

Current professionals also work in advanced positions in the private sector. For instance, graduates with PhDs in Business often work as chief executives or management consultants, while people with PhDs in Nursing frequently become nurse educators.

Should I Get a PhD Online?

As you might expect, online Ph.D programs tend to be demanding and require significant dedication. Here are a few signs that an online doctoral program might be right for you:

• You’re passionate about your chosen discipline and want to develop greater expertise.
• You need a PhD to achieve your career aspirations.
• You want to produce and disseminate revolutionary research.
• You have strong critical thinking and time management skills.
• You’re interested in teaching and mentoring students.
• You thrive when you can learn and complete work independently.

An online PhD or online doctorates could be a strategic choice if you fit these criteria.

Can You Get a PhD Online While Working Full Time?

Yes, you can get a PhD online or a doctoral degree while working full time. Many remote PhD programs offer synchronous evening courses and asynchronous classes to accommodate the schedules of busy working professionals. These options provide maximum convenience and flexibility.

On the other hand, many students find completing the shortest PhD programs challenging while working full-time. Accelerated 1 year online doctoral programs enable students to finish their degrees quickly, but they typically require intensive full-time study. As a result, current professionals who want to continue working full-time often choose more extended programs to increase their likelihood of success.

How many PhD programs should you apply to ? The general advice from experts is to consider applying to a range of 4 to 6 PhD programs. This allows you ample time to dedicate to meticulously crafting strong and tailored applications for each institution.

Can You Get a PhD Without a Masters Degree?

The admissions criteria for online PhD programs vary by university. Many doctoral programs only accept applicants who hold a masters degree in a relevant field.

But, some PhD programs admit students who have only earned a bachelor’s degree. These students may have the option to earn a master’s degree during their studies or proceed directly to their PhD. Remote PhD programs may also consider applicants without a master’s degree who have extensive work experience in the field or have completed graduate-level coursework.

Are There Fully Funded Online PhD Programs?

Yes, there are fully funded online PhD programs . These programs cover most educational expenses, such as tuition. Additionally, they typically provide living stipends, health insurance, and other benefits. Fully funded programs may still require students to pay for miscellaneous expenses, such as student fees and textbooks.

Many fully funded PhD programs require students to work part-time in exchange for their tuition waiver and stipend. For instance, students may assist faculty with research projects or teach undergraduate courses. These commitments can help students develop new skills and strengthen their CVs.

Is a Part Time PhD Worth It?

Yes, a part time PhD is worth it for many working professionals. Part-time programs provide flexible course options and opportunities for independent research. As a result, this type of degree is the easiest PhD to get if you have a busy schedule or numerous personal and work commitments.

Additionally, earning a PhD part time can allow you to apply your new skills in the workplace immediately. For instance, you might learn a new theoretical approach in class and use it to solve a problem at your job. This practical application of knowledge can help you learn more efficiently.

Getting Your Ph.D. Degree Online

An online PhD program enables you to gain new skills and generate original scholarship in your field. You can study advanced theoretical concepts, design experiments, and learn the latest research methodologies.

Many remote PhD programs cater to working professionals by offering online classes and funding opportunities. Also, some colleges offer 1 year PhD programs online that can significantly accelerate your educational journey.

If you’re ready to advance your career and immerse yourself in research, you can get started by exploring accredited remote PhD programs in your field.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

How to juggle a full-time job and a part-time PhD

My PhD and my business career are not connected and they are both demanding. But I’ve found there are benefits to my double life

I took a while to tell my colleagues that I was studying for a PhD in my spare time. I was concerned that they might question my ability to balance a full-time (and full-on) career with doctoral studies in a topic completely unrelated to the industry I work in.

But I began to realise that, although the topic I am exploring is not directly connected, the skills I am acquiring are hugely valuable. The process has given me new perspectives and added value in ways I had not expected.

My approach to innovation has evolved, for example, as I apply academic questioning and analysis to business problems. I have completely refined my prioritisation skills. And mentoring graduates and helping them to realise their potential has inspired me to solidify my own thinking about progression.

Studying part-time for a doctorate can be a lonely experience; I have met only a small number of people in the same position. What’s more, there isn’t a huge amount of advice on the topic, so here are lessons I have learned about managing it so far:

Choose a topic that you love

Your choice of subject has to be so appealing that you can keep yourself motivated for the duration of your studies, in the face of the stresses and strains of work. This project may take six years (or more), so it needs a topic that you can’t leave alone. I’ve come to realise that much of a PhD is just getting through it, proving to yourself that you can persist and keep going.

Find the right supervisor and the right programme

Before you begin, it’s important to spend a significant amount of time finding the right supervisor – someone who can appreciate and support your approach. They will need to understand your priorities and your study pattern, which is likely to involve short bursts of activity. Look for someone experienced and who can understand your end goals. You are CEO of your project, so choose your supervisory team well, just as you would do in business.

Set the ground rules

Agree the minimum face-to-face and remote contact required with your supervisor. Document a clear plan of work and activities to reassure people around you – your supervisor and your colleagues – that you are in control.

Take real holidays

Much of the leave I take from work is focused on catching up on studying, but a break away from everything helps to clear the mind and restore the balance between work, study, home, family and friends.

Accept support

Help is there if you look for it and are open to receive it. Once I started being more open about what I was doing, the support I received from my colleagues hugely increased.

Only do what you need to

Accept that you cannot do everything. If your studies are not intended to further your career, you don’t have to give papers, or participate in teaching unless you want to. You need to be clear about the reasons for pursuing your studies. If it is not for a career in academia, then why put yourself under that extra pressure?

Value yourself

Work out how your studies will make you different – value the unique perspective they will enable you to bring to your organisation. Being able to articulate the extra benefits that you bring to your role may be useful if you need leniency around working hours or have to ask for study leave. There are more options than ever before to study remotely or part-time. Pursuing something that you are really interested in can be intensely fulfilling and help you to move towards a rounded and holistic approach to life.

Join the higher education network for more comment, analysis and job opportunities, direct to your inbox. Follow us on Twitter @gdnhighered . And if you have an idea for a story, please read our guidelines and email your pitch to us at [email protected]

• University careers
• Universities
• Higher education

Comments (…)

Most viewed.

A Doctoral Program for Full-time Employees

Work is done at company

Creates opportunities for employee growth and advancement

Research projects are designed collaboratively to satisfy company and university interests

Protects the company's intellectual property and confidentiality needs

There are three parallel processes that must be completed to become an Industry PhD student

• The Northeastern University Industry/Experiential PhD Program is an academic degree program offered by Northeastern to qualified individuals who obtain advanced-entry admission and wish to pursue their PhD degree while continuing to work full time.
• To participate in the program, the student’s employer must execute the attached Program Agreement and pay an annual administrative fee, which covers tuition and certain fees.
• Permitting the student/employee to continue working full-time, and to engage in use- inspired research that is aligned to the employer’s business. In most cases, this research will take place at the employer’s site.
• Allowing the employer to retain all intellectual property developed in the course of the student’s research, in accordance with its internal company policies.
• Including an individual designated by the employer to serve on the student’s dissertation committee as an “industry advisor” and to monitor the student’s research progress.
• The attached template has been carefully drafted with the input of several industry partners to address the employer’s business needs while protecting the integrity of the degree program, the validity of the student’s research, and the university’s accreditation status.
• Because this is a Northeastern University academic program, the material terms of the Program Agreement are not negotiable. If the employer has specific operational requirements that need to be addressed by written agreement, the employer may submit an addendum to the Program Agreement, which the university will consider in good faith. However, any terms that seek to change the fundamental operation or academic components of the program or the obligations of the parties will not be accepted.

For more on the program, please fill out our form or contact Dr. Jason Sidman .

Masters Compare - Find your perfect masters course.

• Living as a Postgraduate student

Working and studying for a PhD at the same time

Share this article.

• Facebook Sharer
• Twitter Sharer
• LinkedIn Sharer

Explore other topics

• Funding a Postgraduate course
• Popular masters degree subjects
• Student Wellbeing
• Studying a Postgraduate degree
• Finding a PhD or Masters Course

Think Postgrad

Frequently asked questions.

In short, yes, you can work while studying for your PhD.

The hard part to juggle is finding the time to do both. You may find that part-time study is more flexible for you but it takes longer to complete. An excellent way to combine work and study is to get a job within the university you are studying at.

Check out other sources of support for PhD Students .

There are several benefits to both full time and part time PhD study. It can be extremely difficult to juggle a full time postgraduate position alongside working. It’s not called full-time for nothing! This is intensive but you can complete a full time PhD faster than it’s part-time equivalent.

Studying for a PhD is a big commitment, either full time for 3-4 years or part-time for generally 6-7 years. If you want, or need, to be working and studying for PhD this could have an impact on your study: here are some of the things you may find it helpful to think about before starting your PhD.

Is funding for a PhD in the UK enough to live on?

If you are fortunate enough to have full funding for your PhD, your studentship should cover both fees and living expenses and be tax-free. The stipend levels for students studying for a PhD in the UK is set by UK research councils for their own studentships, and this is followed by Universities for their own studentships. These will provide enough to live on and not to have to be working and studying for a PhD.

If you are looking for PhD Funding, you can search for your ideal studentship from the many opportunities we have listed on Postgraduate Studentships. We have a section for Charities and Trusts who are set up to support students looking to get additional financial help with their studies.

How much work is included in a Graduate Teaching Assistantship?

Some PhD studentships are called Graduate Teaching Assistantships – this means that you will be teaching for a certain number of hours in each academic year and this is part of the conditions of the studentship. It is advisable to find out exactly how this works with the University advertising the opportunity. Will you receive separate payments or is this part of the studentship? How many hours will it involve and how will that relate to your PhD? Will you receive training?

If you are considering an academic career, there may be some advantage in getting some initial experience. However you may also struggle with working and studying for a PhD at the same time.

Should I study my PhD full-time or part-time if I need to work?

If you need to work and study, it’s important to think about how you will manage that. Can you study full-time and work at the same time and if so how much work can you do? A full-time PhD is regarded as a full-time commitment. So anything other than a supplementary job for a few hours per week is challenging. Some students start with a full-time PhD and then move to studying the PhD part-time. So you would need to discuss this with your university first.

Planning to study a part-time PhD takes longer overall but it may also give you the time to do your PhD and to make the money you need. If you do decide to study part-time you may already have a job that will allow you to have flexible hours. Think also about part time work in a field that relates to your study. If you need to look for a job that will help you do your PhD, your University is likely to have temporary or part-time jobs that students can apply for on campus – most universities have a database of these jobs for students so you can find out in advance what the pay rates are and if that would be enough.

Universities also have a range of part-time jobs which may be administrative or involve working in labs. If you apply for one of these jobs, especially in your own department, it’s important to make sure you work out how you will manage this. This way, you're prepared for when you are working on your PhD and when you are working on your job.

What if I am an International Student?

If you are an international student in the UK there will be restrictions on how many hours you can work. The UK Government has made some improvements to this. There are more opportunities now to study and work in the UK .

Talking to your University about your options

Your university wants you to succeed at your PhD. It has experienced students working whilst studying and works and what doesn’t. If you are planning to work whilst studying it’s a good idea to talk to your department. These questions may form part of your application process because your Supervisor will want to make sure you have the means to conduct your research as well as support yourself.

Many students study for a PhD and work for at least part of the time and complete their PhD successfully. If you look at the options beforehand, you can plan what works best for you. This way you can get the most from your PhD whilst working at the same time.

Looking for PhD Funding? There are a wide range of study funding opportunities for intending PhD students on PostgraduateStudentships

Receive Email Updates of the latest PhD and Masters opportunities and funding from PostgraduateStudentships and MastersCompare .

• Advertisers
• Cookie Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Sorry! You need to sign up

Sign up to Postgraduate Studentships

Sign up to compare masters

Opportunity added!

Thanks for making your selection. Click below to view your list.

Course Added

Thanks for making your selection. Click below to view your comparisons.

Think Postgrad Ltd 2008-2024 Website By Parachute

• Solar Eclipse 2024

What Happens if It’s Cloudy During an Eclipse?

T oday, crowds will flock into cities like Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Dallas for a chance to view a total solar eclipse, a rare event which occurs when the moon completely covers the sun for a few short minutes.

There is one factor that could complicate the experience for eclipse watchers: clouds. Cloudy skies are known to dull the effects of total eclipses, making them less dramatic. That could spoil a celestial event people in the U.S. won’t get to see again for two decades.

Read More : Why These Passengers Are Flying up to 30 Hours to See Four Minutes of the Eclipse

But that doesn’t mean you should give up altogether if the area you plan on viewing the eclipse from has a cloudy weather forecast. 

Here’s what happens if the eclipse occurs on a cloudy day—and how to try to maximize your viewing experience.

What to expect during a cloudy total solar eclipse

“If you are under the clouds, it’s still going to get dark,” says veteran solar eclipse traveler and expert Patricia Reiff. Reiff is a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University, and over the course of her career she has seen 20 eclipses. 

Reiff says that she has been “clouded out” from seeing a planned eclipse three times, and that while the effects of the eclipse are dulled when there are clouds, there still may be interesting things for viewers to observe. “You can still experience the eclipse with your skin because it will be cooler and the winds are going to change,” she says. “You can still experience it with your ears because the birds might change their roosting songs. You might experience it with your eyes because the dogs and other animals are lying down and acting as though it’s the evening.”

Read More : How Animals and Nature React to an Eclipse

Carolyn Addison, the head of product at the Black Tomato, a travel company that designs solar eclipse trips, agrees. “If clouds are present, the eclipse will still be evident and it should still be incredible to experience, with a dramatic change in the atmosphere when the daylight darkens to night, the temperature noticeably drops, and with it, birds and other typically vocal wildlife become quiet, changing to their nighttime behavior. It’s intriguingly eerie and a unique event to witness,” she said via email.

If it’s just an overcast or partly cloudy day, Reiff still recommends making the journey, since lighter clouds have a tendency to thin out as totality starts due to the way the sunlight is scattered. “It adds to the suspense,” says Reiff. “There were several times when it was raining that morning and we didn’t think we would see it, but the cirrus clouds became more transparent as totality approached because of the scattered sunlight, and just as totality approached it cleared.”

That said, Reiff says the ability to view an eclipse during cloudy weather depends on the extent of the clouds. “If there’s widespread thunderclouds, I’m going to stay where I am,” she says. “Only if you can see through the clouds will you get the experience of the solar corona and the true experience of totality.”

Read More : Where to Find Solar Eclipse Glasses—And Spot Fake Ones

How to reduce the chances of encountering clouds

There are ways to minimize the chances of encountering cloudy skies with enough planning. One useful thing eclipse watchers can do is have a backup plan if the place from which they intend to view the eclipse is cloudy.

By now, weather forecasts provided by local media stations should be fairly accurate, so you should have some idea if the place you plan on going will have clear skies. Approximately 24-48 hours before the eclipse starts, the weather forecasts will be accurate enough for you to make a decision about which places near you within the path of totality will have the best weather, says Reiss. It’s best to keep your plans flexible until then if your goal is to view totality under clear skies.

More Must-Reads From TIME

• Exclusive: Google Workers Revolt Over $1.2 Billion Contract With Israel
• Jane Fonda Champions Climate Action for Every Generation
• Stop Looking for Your Forever Home
• The Sympathizer Counters 50 Years of Hollywood Vietnam War Narratives
• The Bliss of Seeing the Eclipse From Cleveland
• Hormonal Birth Control Doesn’t Deserve Its Bad Reputation
• The Best TV Shows to Watch on Peacock
• Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time

Contact us at [email protected]

What happened Thursday and Friday at the 2024 Masters

Day two at the Masters

It was a windy, gusty Friday at Augusta National for the second round of the Masters.

It's a three-way tie atop the leaderboard heading into the weekend with Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau and Max Homa all at 6-under-par.

DeChambeau, who was the 18-hole leader, shot a second-round 73. He is searching for his second major championship this weekend.

Scheffler shot even par in his second round. The 2022 Masters champion is also searching for his second major after victories at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and the Players Championship.

Then there's Homa, who continued his brilliant play after his first round Thursday was suspended due to darkness. After playing 23 holes Friday, Homa shot a second-round 71, putting himself in contention to win his first major.

Tiger Woods shot a second-round 72 and made a record 24th cut at the Masters. Woods also played 23 holes on Friday after completing his first round in the morning.

Follow live coverage of the third round here.

⛳ Follow The Athletic 's golf coverage

Leaderboard:

T1: Scheffler -6 (72)

T1: Homa -6 (71)

T1: DeChambeau -6 (73)

4: Højgaard -4 (73)

T5: Davis -3 (72)

T5: Morikawa -3 (70)

T24. Woods +1 (72)

Third-round tee times

Third-round tee times for the Masters are out.

Tiger Woods is teeing off at 12:45 p.m. ET with Tyrrell Hatton.

Below are the final Saturday groupings:

2:05 p.m. ET: Cameron Young/Tommy Fleetwood

2:15 p.m. ET: Ludvig Åberg/Matthieu Pavon

2:25 p.m. ET: Cameron Davis/Collin Morikawa

2:35 p.m. ET: Scottie Scheffler/Nicolai Højgaard

2:45 p.m. ET: Max Homa/Bryson DeChambeau

Read the full Saturday tee times here .

Finally, here's the link for our live coverage of the third round .

See you there.

Advertisement

How Neal Shipley claimed Masters low amateur honors: ‘A little bit of grit’

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Neal Shipley wasn’t raised in a golf family. But he did grow up with a family that loved golf.

The Sunday afternoon of the 2004 PGA Championship was all it took for the Ohio State graduate student — the only amateur to make the cut at this week’s Masters — to fish his dad’s neglected golf clubs out of a closet and give this humbling game a lifelong shot.

“Me and my dad were on our couch,” Shipley said on Friday after finishing 36 holes at Augusta National in 3-over and making the cut by three shots. “And Vijay Singh won. The next day I took my dad’s golf clubs, which were dusty and probably never used, and started swinging around. I decided to get my own little set, and it took off from there.”

Shipley wasn’t just hooked, he was adamant. As an elementary schooler, he told anyone in his hometown of Mt. Lebanon, Penn. that he intended to become a professional golfer. In the second grade, he took his bag to school for “show and tell.” Shipley’s class ventured outdoors at recess to watch him launch drivers into the schoolyard. He was a regular at his local junior league. Shipley’s family eventually decided to join St. Clair Country Club, so he could properly hone his craft.

“We joined a country club so that he’d have a place to play,” says his father, also named Neal Shipley, “But we’re not country club people.”

Twenty years later, Shipley will play the weekend at the 88th Masters at a firm and fast Augusta National after being invited as the 2023 U.S. Amateur runner-up. He’s tied for 30th, hanging right in there with legends of the game, including 61-year-old Singh, who sits at 4-over, one stroke behind the 23-year-old on the leaderboard through 36 holes.

Round of the day: Ludvig Åberg

(Photo: David Cannon / Getty Images)

Ludvig Åberg shot the round of the day Friday with a second-round 69.

The last player to have the round of the day at the Masters — no ties — in his Masters Tournament debut was Smylie Kaufman in 2016 (69 in round three).

History of world No. 1 holding 36-hole lead at Masters

Since the OWGR began in 1986, this will be the fourth time the reigning No. 1 has held the 36-hole lead at the Masters.

1996 Greg Norman — led by four (finished 2nd)

2020 Dustin Johnson — co-led (won)

2022 Scottie Scheffler — led by five (won)

2024 Scottie Scheffler — co-leader

A challenging scoring day at Augusta

Today (75.08) was the highest field scoring average in round two of The Masters since 2007, and just the fourth time in the last 30 years the field averaged higher than 75 in the second round.

Who missed the cut?

The wind was punishing Friday, seemingly eliminating stars in a matter of seconds with one blowup hole being enough to derail a round. Double bogey became a common score to see, like reigning Open Champion Brian Harman (+9) finishing his first round Friday morning by going triple-bogey, double-bogey, double-bogey.

Maybe the most painful missed cut was Justin Thomas. The two-time major winner was even par with four holes to go, but he double-bogeyed 15 and 16, bogeyed 17 and double-bogeyed 18 to miss the cut by losing seven shots in four holes.

Viktor Hovland was one of the best players in the world six months ago, but his fascinating, strange struggles continue as Hovland went from 4-under early Thursday to shooting an 81 in round two to drop to 8-over and miss out on the weekend.

Others to miss the cut include three-time major winner Jordan Spieth (+9), Wyndham Clark (+7), Sam Burns (+9) and Dustin Johnson (+13).

Masters Round 2 takeaways: Scheffler, DeChambeau, Homa share 36-hole lead

LIV has 8 make the cut

DeChambeau is certainly doing most of the heavy lifting for the LIV field as he sits at 6-under for the co-lead, but LIV brought 13 golfers to the Masters and eight made the cut. It might not be looking like the same success as three golfers finishing top four last year, yet multiple players are still in the mix.

DataGolf gives DeChambeau a 23 percent chance of winning the Masters, while Cam Smith sits at 1-under par at the halfway point. Smith is one of the better players at Augusta, with four top-10s here in the last five years. Patrick Reed, another Masters expert who won the green jacket in 2018, is T16 at even par.

Other LIV golfers to make the cut include Brooks Koepka (+2), Tyrell Hatton (+2), Joaquin Niemann (+4), Phil Mickelson (+4) and Jon Rahm (+5). Rahm, the defending Masters champ, shot 76 in round two to take himself out of contention but still made the cut. Meanwhile, 2020 Masters champ Dustin Johnson missed out at 13-over.

DeChambeau in lead with new custom-made irons

One of the stories of the tournament has been not just DeChambeau’s impressive play — where he co-leads at 6-under par — but also his fascinating switch to a new set of custom-made, 3D-printed irons that were only approved by the USGA this week.

The approval was down to the wire, with DeChambeau receiving feedback last week they’d be non-conforming due to too sharp of groove edges. He didn’t receive full approval of the set made by a company called Avoda until early Tuesday morning. Despite the Masters being 48 hours away, he switched to them immediately and felt comfortable by the end of Wednesday. Thursday, he shot a first-round 65 for the solo lead.

“They have just got a different curvature on the face than other equipment,” Dechambeau explained. “Most equipment is flat. These have a different curvature on the face that allows me to have my mis-hits to go a little straighter sometimes.”

DeChambeau has had the idea for these irons since 2020, and when asked if he couldn’t find a manufacturer to make them he only said: “I’m not going to speak much more on that but I’ve had this idea for a long, long time.”

The set is one of a kind, with DeChambeu confirming there is no backup set. He said they’re holding up well, but if anything did happen to them he would switch back to his Ping i330s that he’s been using since July. It’s worth noting that since July, DeChambeau has had two LIV wins and four straight top-10s.

Scheffler shoots second-round 72

(Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images)

After a tricky day at Augusta National, Scottie Scheffler is atop the leaderboard at the Masters.

He shot a second-round 72 with three birdies and three bogeys.

Scheffler is in a three-way tie atop the leaderboard with Bryson DeChambeau and Max Homa.

JT misses the cut

Justin Thomas will once again miss the cut at the Masters due to an abysmal back nine. The two-time major champion finished double-double-bogey-double to shoot a back nine 42, carding a 7-over 79 for his second round. Thomas suffered a very similar fate last year at Augusta National, when he came in with four bogeys and a double to miss the weekend, playing in a torrential downpour.

While many big names struggled on Friday afternoon on a firm, fast and brutally windy Augusta, Thomas's implosion feels particularly notable, especially in the wake of his recent split with his longtime caddie Jim "Bones" Mackay.

Thomas missed the cut in three of the four majors last season and hoped 2024 would serve as a sort of blank slate. So far, his PGA Tour results have shown signs of hope (he has four top-12s this season) but is Thomas still in the midst of his major championship slump?

Tiger compared to the field average

(Photo: Ben Jared/PGA TOUR via Getty Images)

Tiger Woods beat the field average in each of the first two rounds. Today was the 80th time in his Masters career he's shot a score better than the field that day.

Highest percentage of rounds beating field in Masters history (min. 30 rounds):

Lloyd Mangrum, 81.7 percent

Tiger Woods, 81.6 percent

Ben Hogan, 79.6 percent

Hovland falls to 8-over-par

Viktor Hovland is now 8-over but he's still having a very good week because all golf clothing discourse is now solely about Jason Day/Malbon.

Max Homa is finally having his Masters breakthrough

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Max Homa walked up to the beginning of the most famous three holes in golf, alone, unconcerned with the legend behind him. Unconcerned with the surroundings or the stage.

Back on the 10th green, Tiger Woods and Jason Day took their time reading putts and finishing the hole. But Homa had his par. He had his co-lead at the Masters. So for a full two minutes, Homa walked ahead, up the hill to the start of Amen Corner.

This time was going to be different. This time, he was going to worry about himself.

He thought back to his journal scribblings from Thursday night, a habit he’s been focusing on the past year. He writes what he’s grateful for and mental goals for the day. And on Thursday night he wrote a simple mantra.

However good I am is however good I am.

Read more about Homa's second-round performance here .

Rahm back-to-back birdies

Jon Rahm, the reigning Masters champion, had a double bogey on the 14th hole.

That brought him to 6-over, below the cut line.

How did Rahm respond?

With back-to-back birdies on 15 and 16. His birdie on 16 was well below the hole on the green.

Rahm is 4-over-par and currently inside the cut line. Can he hang on to make the weekend?

Zach Johnson responds to apparent profanity toward patrons: 'That's laughable'

Zach Johnson responded to his apparent profanity toward patrons on the par-3 12th.

"That I swore at the patrons? That's laughable," Johnson said. "That's completely laughable. I can't hear the patrons, number one. Number two, I just made a triple bogey on the 12th hole that evidently is going to make me miss the cut, which at the time I knew was pretty sensitive in the sense that I needed to keep making pars.

"If I've said anything, which I'm not going to deny, especially if it's on camera, one, I apologize, and two, it was fully directed towards myself entirely because I can't hear anything behind me. Does that make sense?"

Scheffler bogeys 13 after finding water

Scottie Scheffler entered the 13th hole with a one-shot lead at the Masters. He left it in a three-way tie with Max Homa and Bryson DeChambeau after putting an aggressive second shot into Rae's Creek. His nice chip from the drop gave him a chance to save par, but he just barely missed the putt to ultimately bogey the hole. Some might call it slight karma after Scheffler caught a lucky break on 13 yesterday.

He hit a similar approach that fell short in round one but that time it miraculously stayed up on the hill above the creek. He was able to chip up and still birdie the hole. Now, he enters the final five holes at even par for the round.

Tyrrell Hatton criticizes pace of play

(Photo: Warren Little/Getty Images)

Englishman Tyrell Hatton criticized the pace of play in the group in front of him at the Masters on Friday, a group that included LIV teammate Patrick Reed in addition to Sungjae Im and Kurt Kitayama.

"Yeah, the lads in front have been so slow," Hatton said. "It's pretty poor from the officials that it took 32 holes to put them on the clock. Yesterday they'd lost a hole and a half, and then they weren't any better even this morning, and then for the second round they were just brutal. Fine for them; they're not waiting on any shot that they hit. But for us, we stood in the fairway, we stood on the tee. It was really hard to get a rhythm, so it was disappointing that it took 32 holes for an official to go, oh, we've put the group in front on the clock."

Hatton said he said something to a rules official on the eighth hole when his group had to wait to hit on 8 because the group ahead was still putting on the green. He said he knew that group was the culprit because the group two ahead was already teeing off on the 10th hole.

"It's a small field. It's not hard to really keep up with the group in front. I understand if you've had a tough hole, but when it's just like every hole, then it's a bit more frustrating."

DeChambeau shoots 73

(Photo: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Bryson DeChambeau shoots a second-round 73.

An up and down back nine for DeChambeau who recorded three bogeys and two birdies.

He also had the content moment of the day when he carried a direction sign with his bare hand.

DeChambeau is currently at 6-under-par and tied with Max Homa.

Scottie Scheffler is the solo leader at 7-under-par.

Howling winds at Augusta

The winds are howling at Augusta National.

Gary Woodland's ball at the par-3 16th moved down the green from its original spot.

Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and Xander Schauffele had an extra wait at the par-4 11th.

A difficult conclusion to this second round ahead.

Advertisement

Supported by

Can’t Find Eclipse Glasses? Here’s What to Do.

You can watch a projection of the eclipse using some common household items.

• Share full article

By Katrina Miller

Follow our live updates on the total solar eclipse .

Reliable paper-framed glasses are by far the most popular option for safely watching the total solar eclipse on Monday. But they’ve gotten more difficult to find in some places ahead of the event.

If you’ve checked everywhere — your local planetarium, public library and even online — fear not: There is still a way to watch the eclipse safely, using items around the house. Here are a few options.

Use your hands

Palms up, position one hand over the other at a 90-degree angle. Open your fingers slightly in a waffle pattern, and allow sunlight to stream through the spaces onto the ground, or another surface. During the eclipse, you will see a projection of the moon obscuring the surface of the sun.

This method works with anything with holes, such as a straw hat, a strainer, a cheese grater or even a perforated spoon. You will also notice this effect when light from the partially eclipsed sun streams through leaves on a tree.

Set up a cardstock screen

For this option, you need a couple of white index cards or two sheets of cardstock paper. First, punch a small hole in the middle of one of the cards using a thumbtack or a pin.

Then, facing away from the sun, allow light to stream through this pinhole. Position the second card underneath to function as a screen. Adjust the spacing between the two cards to make the projection of the sun larger or smaller.

Make a box projector

If you’re up for a bit of crafting, you can make a more sophisticated pinhole projector . Start with a cardboard box — empty cereal boxes are often used, but you can use a larger box, too. You’ll also need scissors, white paper, tape, aluminum foil and a pin or thumbtack.

Cut the piece of paper to fit the inside bottom of the cardboard box to act as a screen. Use tape to hold it in place.

On the top of the box, cut two rectangular holes on either side. (The middle should be left intact — you can use tape to secure this if needed.)

Tape a piece of aluminum foil over one of the rectangular cutouts. Punch a tiny hole in the middle of the foil with the tack or pin. The other cutout will serve as a view hole.

With your back to the sun, position the foil side of the box over your shoulder, letting light stream through the pinhole. An image of the sun will project onto the screen at the bottom of the box, which you can see through the view hole. A bigger box will create a bigger image.

Enjoy the show through any of these makeshift pinholes. And remember, during totality, you can view the sun directly with your naked eye. But you should stop looking at the sun as soon as it reappears.

Katrina Miller is a science reporting fellow for The Times. She recently earned her Ph.D. in particle physics from the University of Chicago. More about Katrina Miller