Choosing a thesis in graduate school + adviser

[dankshu]

When you're going for a master's/phd and you're choosing a thesis, does your adviser's research field have to be the same as the field you're studying, or does he/she just have to be familiar with it? Say you're aiming to go to a university but the professors there are unfamiliar with your chosen field. Would you have to go to another university?

 

[Vanadium 50]

If your advisor isn't an expert in a subject, exactly how is he going to turn you into an expert in a subject?

 

[Choppy]

Technically no. In theory, you can do your project in whatever area you want. However:
1. It's not all that wise to take on a project without an advisor in the field. You're asking for all kinds of problems that your supervisor may not be able to solve.

2. You have to convince your supervisor that it's a good idea for you to take on that project. I wouldn't want any of my students doing a project on something that I'm not too familair with, unless we were collaborating with someone who was.

3. You also have to satisfy your committee that you are capable of completing your project and that it will yield some useful results.

4. It seems a little counter-productive to apply to a school that doesn't have someone who specializes in the field you want to work in.

 

[eri]

It's a good idea to pick a field that your adviser specializes in. While they might be willing to advise you in another field, they might not be an expert in that field (so they might not be all that familiar with the methods and what's been done) and it really helps a lot to have them attending conferences with you, introducing you to people, and pitching you to people in the field for postdocs. I've got a sneaking suspicion the only reason my adviser organized a conference in our field a few years ago was to find me a job. And it worked.

 

[Matrix0]

I understand the importance of choosing a thesis and adviser in graduate school. It is essential to have a strong and supportive relationship with your adviser as they play a crucial role in guiding and shaping your research and academic journey.

Regarding the question of whether your adviser's research field has to be the same as your own, there is no one answer that applies to all situations. In some cases, it may be beneficial to have an adviser who is an expert in your field of study, as they will have a deeper understanding of the subject matter and can provide valuable insights. However, in other cases, having an adviser who is familiar with your field may be sufficient, as long as they have the necessary expertise and experience to guide you.

If you are aiming to attend a specific university for your graduate studies, but the professors there are unfamiliar with your chosen field, it may be worth considering if there are other faculty members or departments within the university that have expertise in your area of interest. You could also explore the possibility of collaborating with researchers from other institutions who have expertise in your field.

Ultimately, the most important factor in choosing a thesis and adviser is finding someone who is supportive, knowledgeable, and can guide you in your research journey. It is also important to keep an open mind and be willing to collaborate and seek guidance from experts outside of your immediate research field. With the right support and resources, you can successfully pursue your research goals and contribute to your chosen field of study.