I am currently considering applying for a PhD program in the 2025-2026 application cycle and was curious which field or subfield I should be looking at for my research interests, which I have listed below.
Neo-Confucianism/Societal Values impact on planning practices and development patterns
Comparative analysis between good planning practices in Asia and Europe and how they can be implemented in a US context.
Focus on Development Patterns and Public/Active Transportation
Environmental Justice in developing countries with informal settlements
Colonization and its impact on development patterns and transportation
Another concern I have is that I do not have much research experience since I was so focused on getting a job and had not considered whether academia was something that I wanted to pursue. As of now, I have had an RA position, but I was not able to stay on the project because the PI did not have enough funding to keep me on. I have also presented one of my research papers I completed for one of my courses in the International Urban Freight Conference.
Are you independently wealthy? Would your life always feel incomplete without achieving this goal?
If you answered no to either of the above, don’t do it.
There is a VERY low ROI on PhDs in the humanities and social sciences, along with the huge opportunity cost of sacrificing 5-8 years of a career where you could be earning money and promotions, rather than spending money (even if funded there are usually living expenses beyond your stipend) on a degree that likely won’t increase your future earning potential.
There are very few jobs in academia for humanities and social sciences, and many of the ones that do exist are lecturer and adjunct position for very low pay and with little job security. So be realistic about the job market that awaits you there, too. And outside of academia, you generally do not need a PhD for most jobs in this field. A masters might be helpful and a good investment, if you can afford it (masters degrees are usually unfunded), but a PhD usually does little.
@cjpak314 - If you can do your PhD in a department that is ranked in the top 5 in the country, or, better yet, the world, AND you are thinking of a faculty career, then maybe, perhaps. The best degree in Urban Planning is a Masters degree, so you should go for one of those.
Yes, it’s pretty brutal out there for anybody looking to find a job in Urban Planning, geography, etc, which requires a PhD AND has any level of job security.
I fully share the concerns expressed in previous responses.
There is one other thing that is also bothering me. I will admit that you are looking to do a PhD in an area that I am not particularly familiar with. However, PhD’s are generally quite specialized. I think that you should have a relatively focused idea on what you want to work on before you start one. Your initial post does not look all that focused to me.
I am wondering whether it would make more sense to get a job for a year or two or three, and then go for a PhD. I do know a few people who have done this (although in different fields compared what what you are interested in).