Name

Rebecca Miske

School

University of California, Irvine

Degree Program

First year PhD student in Education with a specialization in Learning, Cognition and Development

Previous Degrees

Bachelor of Arts in Spanish with a minor in Education, Schooling and Society from the University of Notre Dame, 2003

Research Interests

Achievement motivation; employee engagement; the link between endurance sports and academic achievement

Advisor

Anne Marie Conley

Advisor’s Research Focus

Math and science motivation

Hobbies

Outdoor activities, marathon running, road-biking, hiking, backpacking, traveling, camping, reading, watching movies

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

To be honest, I did not apply to many PhD programs. I basically applied to education programs at 3 different schools and University of California, Irvine seemed like the best fit in terms of practicality. The other 2 schools were either too far away or too prestigious.

In order to help make my decision, I corresponded with an advisor at Stanford University who was conducting motivation-based research, which is something I am interested in doing as well. Being in touch with her helped me to refine my interests and decide which programs would have faculty who are interested in the same areas as I am.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

In order to prepare for graduate school, I spoke with many people who have known me well to get advice. For example, I talked with one of my education professors at University of Notre Dame as well as my boss from work.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, my application required GRE test scores. In order to prepare, I purchased a study book and read it from front to back. I also took all of the practice exams provided within the book. GRE scores are important because they are an indication of whether or not students can handle the heavy workload of a PhD program.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I talked about my personal and professional background and how my past experiences have shaped my desire to pursue an advanced degree in education. I also discussed what I hoped to achieve in the program and why University of California, Irvine’s PhD program in education was a good match for my interests.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

For my letters of recommendation, I chose 3 mentors from different areas of my life. I selected the head of my education program at the University of Notre Dame, a family friend and my current boss at the education company I work for.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in education?

I would tell a student who is considering applying to graduate school in education to determine the type of research being conducted in the program. It is important that students find a program that is aligned with their research interests.

In addition, I would recommend that a student establish a connection with a faculty member doing research in their area of interest before applying to the program. Students need to connect with a professor who has a suitable research background, so they can receive mentorship and advice during their PhD program. Otherwise, students will feel overwhelmed and alone in the dissertation process.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

The PhD program in education at University of California, Irvine typically takes students 5 years to complete, although this can vary depending on personal motivation levels.

During the first 2 years, students focus on taking general coursework, while the last 3 years are devoted to teaching at the university level. During each year, students are required to complete a project ranging from a poster presentation to designing a curriculum to dissertation work. Coursework is usually directly applicable to students’ career goals. For example, the second and third papers that students complete usually get published.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

My dissertation research will focus on how people become motivated to succeed in an academic program, a job or life in general. I am specifically interested in seeing if there is a connection between professional or academic achievement and participation in endurance sports.

I became interested in achievement motivation through my life experiences as a marathon runner. In fact, I’ve met a lot of people who excel in the business world or classroom environment and are also avid runners.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your dissertation?

Because I am still in the early stage of researching and narrowing down my topic, I am not sure what the entire process will entail. I am considering partnering with a local organization that works with second or third graders who are training for marathons. I think it could be very helpful to study what they are doing there.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

Although I haven’t met with my advisor as much as I would like, she serves as a useful tool in my education. She helps me stay focused on my studies and informs me of academic opportunities and current research being conducted.

I would highly recommend that students contact their advisor frequently in order to gain the most benefit from them. I think it is a great idea to set up a weekly meeting with your advisor.

How does a PhD program differ from undergraduate study?

The main difference between a PhD program and undergraduate study is the practicality of class material. In my opinion, some of my classes at the bachelors level had more of a practical application, whereas the classes I am taking right now as a PhD student focus on applied theories.

Another difference is class expectations. A PhD program demands an insane amount of outside classwork. I am often analyzing and synthesizing class materials and attending voluntary labs in my free time. On the other hand, I felt like I could finish my work and still have a life during my undergraduate study.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your PhD program cost?

The PhD program in education at University of California, Irvine costs about $15,000 to $20,000 per year.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my education through a fellowship for the first 3 years. After that, I might have to secure a graduate research or teaching assistant position if my fellowship does not continue.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in education?

My time commitments for a PhD in education are intense. I spend about 10 hours per week in class and 20 hours per week completing homework. On top of that, I attend research presentations and voluntary labs as well as join different reading groups to get to know the faculty better. When I do have free time, I like to spend time outside either running or riding my bike.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has affected my personal life because I have less time to devote to activities outside of school work. It can be difficult to maintain a healthy balance, but I am getting better at time management strategies. I think younger students who are straight out of their undergraduate studies have the most trouble balancing their lives because they tend to overbook themselves with grad school commitments.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In the next 5 years, I am not sure where I will be. Right now, I am having some doubts about my program and am trying to work through some of those issues.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in education?

I would advise a prospective PhD student in education to gain practical experience in the field, maybe through an internship, volunteer activity or research opportunity, before enrolling in a program. This will help students develop a very specific reason for wanting to enter a PhD program.

In addition, I would remind students that a PhD in education requires good time management skills in order to balance all of the obligations of a PhD program. Students need to remember that a PhD program is a marathon, not a sprint so they need to develop sustainable habits that will get them through the program.