Help on my PhD choice

[jhungary]

Hi guys, coming kind of hard, I have recently received two offer for PhD Program from 2 separate university in Australia. and I do not know which one I should take. And I only have less than 14 days to accept one and drop the other, so as a last ditch attempt, I am seeking advice here.

The degree are

PhD in Economics at University of Melbourne.

I was accepted (with offer) on their 4 years degree, using my Master in International Business, they are requiring me to finish a second year in master then bridge to year 1 PhD in coursework, and 2 years of research.

PhD in Computer Science and Engineering.at University of New South Wales

I was offered a Conditional Offer to PhD in CompSci and Eng at UNSW, however, since I do not have research nor postgraduate background in Computer Science or Engineering. I have to finish a 1.5 year of MPhil in Research on Computer Science then gain entry to 4 years PhD Research program.

I am torn about the choice........I was a Bachelor degree holder in International Politics. And a Master by coursework with International Business. However, my interest is not in economics or business field, I literally got tricked to do them....(That is a long story)

I like Economics but I am more interested in Computer Science, I have to give up my study in bachelor level to finish the sponsorship with the ROTC. But the 5.5 years is what killing me I am an old guy, I am 35, turning 36 this year, by the time I finish my PhD I would be already 41, and in the end, depending on the course result, I may not get into the PhD Program anyway.

On the other hand, I have already got an offer in Economics, but I have absolutely no idea what PhD in Economics can do, except publish business article........

Any kind help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Gary

 

[Maarkhoor]

PHD
Even though i aint finish school I got a PHD...
--------------------
PhD in Computer Science and Engineering.at University of New South Wales

 

[Hamartia Antidote]

There is a ton more work out there for computer people than for economics people.
If you get laid off and you do computer work that is widely used you can find a new job relatively quickly...usually in most localities of a country (economics may be tied to financial hubs)

Economics may pay more (but that only applies if you have a job).

If you are working in a field you enjoy the day goes by a lot quicker/easier. You don't want a job where you are glancing at your watch (just like when you were in school) wondering when the day will end.

 

[untitled]

What will be your area of research if you opt a for PhD in computer science? What are your future goals then? Corporate job? A startup (you don't need a PhD here), Teaching and research or something else?

 

[ito]

Hi guys, coming kind of hard, I have recently received two offer for PhD Program from 2 separate university in Australia. and I do not know which one I should take. And I only have less than 14 days to accept one and drop the other, so as a last ditch attempt, I am seeking advice here.

The degree are

PhD in Economics at University of Melbourne.

I was accepted (with offer) on their 4 years degree, using my Master in International Business, they are requiring me to finish a second year in master then bridge to year 1 PhD in coursework, and 2 years of research.

PhD in Computer Science and Engineering.at University of New South Wales

I was offered a Conditional Offer to PhD in CompSci and Eng at UNSW, however, since I do not have research nor postgraduate background in Computer Science or Engineering. I have to finish a 1.5 year of MPhil in Research on Computer Science then gain entry to 4 years PhD Research program.

I am torn about the choice........I was a Bachelor degree holder in International Politics. And a Master by coursework with International Business. However, my interest is not in economics or business field, I literally got tricked to do them....(That is a long story)

I like Economics but I am more interested in Computer Science, I have to give up my study in bachelor level to finish the sponsorship with the ROTC. But the 5.5 years is what killing me I am an old guy, I am 35, turning 36 this year, by the time I finish my PhD I would be already 41, and in the end, depending on the course result, I may not get into the PhD Program anyway.

On the other hand, I have already got an offer in Economics, but I have absolutely no idea what PhD in Economics can do, except publish business article........

Any kind help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Gary

Aren't they two so diverse subjects?

PhD's are basically meant for teaching, but now a days lots of corporate too are looking for PhD's. PhD in Computer can get you a good job in a good IT company, while PhD in Economics can be valuable in finance sector but may not be that in demand, unless of course you have previous experience in finance. However PhD in Economics are sought after in organizations such as World Bank, World economic forum and IMF.

In short Job prospects are good with PhD in Computer Science than with PhD in Economics if you are looking to enter corporate.

 

[Roybot]

Comp Science at UNSW is gonna be full of Chinese students

 

[Skull and Bones]

Run, run matey while you still can. The whole system of PhD is a scam to rip you off your valuable fertile years.

On topic, given your past education, I'll suggest you take the PhD in Economics.

 

[jetray]

PhD's are basically meant for teaching, but now a days lots of corporate too are looking for PhD's. PhD in Computer can get you a good job in a good IT company, while PhD in Economics can be valuable in finance sector but may not be that in demand, unless of course you have previous experience in finance. However PhD in Economics are sought after in organizations such as World Bank, World economic forum and IMF.

True

In short Job prospects are good with PhD in Computer Science

Subjective, In comp science fields ppl always look for specific skill set having years of exp. Most of the jobs are not getting filled bcos of this.

Best option is to build on what already is present. As such economics would be the best option. At this age or further down ppl tend to get into management posn.

Dont go by glamour or so called passion for comp science unless you are financially well off. It would long and hard work for some one coming from unrelated stream. Twenty years back it would be ok but now no.
You would need to compete with lot of kids on the block and way the comp science is progressing even full time professionals are hard pressed to keep up with it. By the way they are less jobs in research and more in application. You need to ask the question why some one would select you for a job where you have 5 years of studies vs ppl having (BS+MS+Phd) + tonnes of expn all in comp science. Australia is not the place to study comp science, US is the one.

Economics adds to your existing qualifications, may be you can become president of some bank/institution one day.

 

[Kyusuibu Honbu]

Hi guys, coming kind of hard, I have recently received two offer for PhD Program from 2 separate university in Australia. and I do not know which one I should take. And I only have less than 14 days to accept one and drop the other, so as a last ditch attempt, I am seeking advice here.

The degree are

PhD in Economics at University of Melbourne.

I was accepted (with offer) on their 4 years degree, using my Master in International Business, they are requiring me to finish a second year in master then bridge to year 1 PhD in coursework, and 2 years of research.

PhD in Computer Science and Engineering.at University of New South Wales

I was offered a Conditional Offer to PhD in CompSci and Eng at UNSW, however, since I do not have research nor postgraduate background in Computer Science or Engineering. I have to finish a 1.5 year of MPhil in Research on Computer Science then gain entry to 4 years PhD Research program.

I am torn about the choice........I was a Bachelor degree holder in International Politics. And a Master by coursework with International Business. However, my interest is not in economics or business field, I literally got tricked to do them....(That is a long story)

I like Economics but I am more interested in Computer Science, I have to give up my study in bachelor level to finish the sponsorship with the ROTC. But the 5.5 years is what killing me I am an old guy, I am 35, turning 36 this year, by the time I finish my PhD I would be already 41, and in the end, depending on the course result, I may not get into the PhD Program anyway.

On the other hand, I have already got an offer in Economics, but I have absolutely no idea what PhD in Economics can do, except publish business article........

Any kind help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Gary

Gary,

I would recommend Ph.D. in Computer Science, specifically a research concentration in Network Security
It is one of the areas of research you can purse as per program website:

Research Areas - myCSE

UNSW has a specific research center for this field.

Australian Centre for Cyber Security | UNSW Canberra

And given you military background, the research area of cyber warfare might appeal to you even more

Research Briefing: ADF Cyber War Readiness | Australian Centre for Cyber Security | UNSW Canberra

If possible, contact UNSW program directors and ask them if its feasible to do your postgraduate Masters in cyber security, there 3 very good 1 year programs in this area:

Cyber Security
Master of Cyber Security (8628)
Master of Cyber Security Operations (8629)
Master of Cyber Security, Strategy and Diplomacy (8631)

Given your intelligence background, hence with Govt clearances you will be in good demand to serve not only private sector clients but Govt research projects as well.

I forsee large demand for Cybersecurity research in Australia as long as it copies USA and UK cyber security strategies.

PS: I am bit biased towards UNSW and Cyber Security, as I myself have got an admit there to pursue masters in Cyber Sec

 

[Roybot]

Gary,

I would recommend Ph.D. in Computer Science, specifically a research concentration in Network Security
It is one of the areas of research you can purse as per program website:

Research Areas - myCSE

UNSW has a specific research center for this field.

Australian Centre for Cyber Security | UNSW Canberra

And given you military background, the research area of cyber warfare might appeal to you even more

Research Briefing: ADF Cyber War Readiness | Australian Centre for Cyber Security | UNSW Canberra

If possible, contact UNSW program directors and ask them if its feasible to do your postgraduate Masters in cyber security, there 3 very good 1 year programs in this area:



Given your intelligence background, hence with Govt clearances you will be in good demand to serve not only private sector clients but Govt research projects as well.

I forsee large demand for Cybersecurity research in Australia as long as it copies USA and UK cyber security strategies.

PS: I am bit biased towards UNSW and Cyber Security, as I myself have got an admit there to pursue masters in Cyber Sec

Courses at UNSW Canberra are only open for ADF personnel.

You are joining UNSW?

 

[Kyusuibu Honbu]

Courses at UNSW Canberra are only open for ADF personnel.

Wonder how I got an admit for one of their programs

You are joining UNSW?

Its a backup option.

First priority American universities.

 

[ito]

True

Subjective, In comp science fields ppl always look for specific skill set having years of exp. Most of the jobs are not getting filled bcos of this.

Best option is to build on what already is present. As such economics would be the best option. At this age or further down ppl tend to get into management posn.

Dont go by glamour or so called passion for comp science unless you are financially well off. It would long and hard work for some one coming from unrelated stream. Twenty years back it would be ok but now no.
You would need to compete with lot of kids on the block and way the comp science is progressing even full time professionals are hard pressed to keep up with it. By the way they are less jobs in research and more in application. You need to ask the question why some one would select you for a job where you have 5 years of studies vs ppl having (BS+MS+Phd) + tonnes of expn all in comp science. Australia is not the place to study comp science, US is the one.

Economics adds to your existing qualifications, may be you can become president of some bank/institution one day.

There are very few corporate jobs in economics, while you have score of IT companies and in my opinion there is always more opportunities for PhD's in computer science than in economics.

Finance - the applied side of economics - do have great requirement for PhD's in quantitative areas especially in the area of derivative pricing, financial engineering and risk management, but the downside is age. Finance industry believe in catching you young and moulding. Once you have crossed 35, entering finance is very hard unless you have worked in finance industry before.

 

[Skull and Bones]

First priority American universities.

Which universities are you applying, let me know. I did my Masters from University at Buffalo, and not doing PhD at the University of Utah.

 

[pak-marine]

Computer sciences

 

[V. Makarov]

Im no expert on this but PHDing in economics is going to be quite beneficial...they pay economists alot! plus you have this history with this feild.