One of the more interesting developments in Michigan has been the
development of two ph.d. programs in history at the time when the job
market was so pitiful. This happened despite my own departments deep
criticism of both of these programs (the state requires that the various
depts review their proposals) they came on line. This in a state where
the graduates will have to go out against U of MIchigan, MSU, and Wanye
State grads for almost every job.
Mr. Gellis makes some good points here on this issue. I do think a
doctoral education is its own reward but inevitably, because of the
training that is given, the graduate aspires to academic life, and joins
the vase pool of the underemployed or unemployed ph.ds. This is a
fundamental dissersive.
sean farrell moran
oakland university