Committe on Social Thought

Colleges & Universities University of Chicago
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<p>I know this question is more suited for the graduate school forum, but I posted this same thing there already and I thought I would cover all the bases…</p>

<p>I’ve just discovered a PhD-granting body at the University of Chicago known as the ‘Committee on Social Thought’ and I was wondering: what are some of the advantages and disadvantages of doing a PhD at an interdisciplinary program like this versus a more traditional history or philosophy PhD elsewhere? And I know UChicago’s reputation looms large, but do you think a degree from CST would help with job placement, hinder it, or make no difference? I’m more than willing to consider jobs outside academia, too. I was browsing their placement record and noticed that one of their graduates is a culture critic for the NY Times.</p>

<p>Extra info: I’m double majoring in classics and philosophy and, if I do decide to go into a PhD program, it would probably be in history or religious studies.
I read through their website and the breadth of study definitely appeals to me. I even found a mock exam— it looked challenging, but fun too. I’m not even close to applying yet, but this looks like a unique opportunity that I’ll have to give some serious thought.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

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<p>I would only consider an interdiciplinary PhD if I knew exactly what I wanted to study. Otherwise it seems like it has the potential to become a ‘black hole’ experience where there is no exit.</p>

<p>Having said that, I don’t know anything about the Chicago program other than they seem to have a particularly distinguished faculty.</p>

<p>Did any of that faculty get an interdiciplinary PhD? When I think of the value of a PhD, it is more a matter of ‘depth’ rather than ‘bredth of study.’ Also, I don’t think that a PhD is going to be of any use, in and of itself, if you want to do something like become the culture critic for the NYT.</p>

<p>Just my thoughts. For the right person, it might be perfect.</p>

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<p>Social Thought is extraordinarily well regarded in academia, and the professors in Social Thought are among the best. It, and other PhDs–as LAV said, are of little use in the practical world. </p>

<p>This is really something you should be talking about with professors you’re close to and people at your career office.</p>