Education · 1 of 4
The path
One of the longest training paths on this site: roughly 8 to 16 years after high school.
- 1
High school
Grades 11 and 12
Strong grades and a subject you could read about for fun. Nothing else is required yet.
- 2
Bachelor's degree
3 to 4 years
Grades matter here. So does getting into a professor's lab or research project as an undergraduate.
- 3
Master's degree
1 to 2 years
Some fields let strong students go straight to a doctorate instead.
- 4
Doctorate
4 to 6 years
Original research, a long dissertation, and teaching as a TA (teaching assistant). You are paid a modest stipend while you do it.
- 5
Postdoc, then the job market
0 to 4 years
Short research contracts while you apply. Many applicants for each posting is normal, and you go where the job is.