• visiblink@lemmy.sdf.org
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    In Canada, it seems that a lot of departments in my field are purposefully limiting the number of PhD spots available, since there are so few positions for graduates. I wonder if that’s the case elsewhere?

    • Enekk@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      I’m not sure how you feel about the limiting thing, but it is controversial in the US. Some departments do limit, others feel that isn’t fair. Personally, I think we should understand why the academia system is set up the way it is and ask if it makes sense in the modern world.

      • visiblink@lemmy.sdf.org
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        If I was in a department with graduate programs, I would speak and vote against setting limits on that basis. Students should have the freedom to make an informed decision.

        As a graduate student, I was advised that there were no jobs and that there wouldn’t be any for the foreseeable future. That turned out to be incorrect.

        I would support limits based on departmental finances and capacities, which make a lot of sense. But that’s a different issue.