The Psychological Debate We All Have with Ourselves

Should I Pursue a Doctor of Philosophy Degree?

Why aren’t two master’s degrees, a Bachelor of Science Degree, and an associate of arts degree enough?

I have thought about pursuing a Ph.D. for the longest time. The first person I spoke with about this pursuit was Frederic Ramon-Ruiz, from my old job. We worked together at the Joint Program Executive Office for Chemical and Biological Defense in Falls Church, VA.

I started there in 2003 and departed in 2010. Frederic graduated with his Ph.D. from Harvard in Political Military Relations, Comparative Politics, International Relation, Defense Issues 1989–1994.

When I asked his opinion about whether I should pursue a Ph.D. or not, he asked, “Well, how will you change the world?” Huh? “How will you change the world,” he said again. He then went on to say, “If you wish to pursue a Ph.D., you should have a clear idea of what you want to do with it.”

What would I do with it? That’s an excellent question and probably a reason why I haven’t moved out on it. In fact, it’s such a good question, it’s one you should ask yourself before you dive into everything required to complete the highest level of academic achievement.

The United States has a high degree of acceptance for academic excellence. Or, at least, it used to. These days, you can find multiple articles online that state how many college degrees are worthless. I completely disagree. I took great pleasure in my academic journey. In fact, let me share a quick story on some events that took place before I ended up going to college.

Storytime

It’s no secret. When I was in high school, I wasn’t the best of students. Academically, I was fine. It was my attitude toward people that could have used an adjustment. When I look back to those days, I am not very proud of who I was, but I also knew that once I got out of high school, I wasn’t going to college. My statement was, “I ain’t NEVER going to school again!”

It’s not that it was out of reach financially. My oldest sister went straight to college out of high school and if I wanted to, I’m sure I could have as well. But I was running the streets. I didn’t have time for school. I didn’t go to high school most of the time.

On the first day of my senior year in high school, I was expelled. The principal told me to get out and never come back. That was day one. I finagled my way back in but went on to get suspended four more times. And of course, each of those suspensions and the expulsion all have separate stories, but that was a long time ago. I’m a changed man now. In fact, think about it. Look at the story I’m writing now…talking about getting a Ph.D.

It was a long road, but I did stick it out and make it until the end. But I knew I had to do something else. So, I joined the military. At the time, I didn’t know what I was going to do, but each Friday night, after I got off work at El Chicos Mexican Restaurant at the Metrocenter, I showered, changed clothes, and headed to the nightclubs. All I spent my money on was clothes, records, and partying. That’s why in my story, Now That I am 59, Here are 10 Things I Would Tell My 19-Year-Old Self, I identify the discussions on how to better use that club money.

So, one day, my sister shows up at the house with this guy who happens to be a Navy recruiter. We talk and the next thing I know, he is inviting me to a house party. I had the time of my life and I thought to myself if this is how they party in the Navy, THEN I’M DOWN!!!

I knew I had to bounce anyway, so the Navy turned out to be a great solution to the dilemma in which I found myself. I knew I needed to leave Jackson, Ms., but I wasn’t sure how I was going to get out. In a story I wrote entitled, The Long and Twisted Journey of How I Became a Published Writer, I tell how I left Jackson and started my long Navy adventure.

I did earn my first degree while I was in the Navy, but it was after I retired that I realized the value higher education would play in my life. In 1988, the year finished my associate’s degree, I had a taste for higher education, but it still took another 20 years, 2008, before I earned another college degree. Then, I finished back-to-back master’s degrees. And that brings me to today. I finished my last master’s degree in 2015 and now, in 2022, I am writing this article, seven years after finishing my last degree.

So, the question remains, should I pursue a Ph.D? At this point in my life, once I retire from my current position, I intend to focus on providing housing to underserved societies. So, I do intend to change the world. Fortunately, I don’t need additional degrees to achieve that goal.

I think what I have earned thus far academically, is enough. Thank you for reading.

About the Author

Julius Evans has a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College, Newport, RI; a Master of Arts degree in Strategic Communication and Leadership from Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ; a Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication and Journalism from City University, Bellevue, WA, and an Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Studies from Central Texas College, Killeen, Texas. He is a 1985 graduate of the Defense Information School (DINFOS) of Print and Electronic Journalism and Advanced Public Affairs. DINFOS was relocated from Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indianapolis, IN, to its current location at Fort George Meade, MD.

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