Hi,

It seems that it depends on the discipline. There are research fields, such as computer science in which the material ages very quickly, probably withing 3-5 years, or mathematics , a field in which sometimes 50 years old PhDs are still relevant.

Hi Phillip,

Agree with Avishag. It depends on context. Data itself, as a 'rule of thumb' is regarded out-of-date after 5-years where researchers are continuing to engage in the area - and update/challenge it. However, if your findings are 'seminal' - then the time period lasts much longer. One of my specialist areas, for instance, is Social Learning Theory - back from the 70s - and you can keep taking it back to, for instance, Pavlov's work. The original theory/thesis survives the test of time - as does the thesis.

Thank you Avishag and Dean. I should have thought of this angle. I feel it is a good perspective. I appreciate 'seminal' work but did not want to compound the question. It is valuable to now be noted in this chain for new readers. And yes, a volatile field would indeed keep one on their toes. My '5/10/15' idea is based on my field of chiropractic however the challenge in this discpline it certainly not rapid change. I am doing my second PhD in the discipline to address this stasis of thought. My journey is enriched by conversations such as this. Thank you again.

Hi,

It mostly depends on the research field and focus. Some research field are updated every year so if your PhD is on such then, it can be out of date within two years.

I think the word out of date is a bit ambiquos though because a PhD will always be referred to as one of the stepping stones to where the research focus is at any particular time.

Hello Olusola, thank you for your profound thought on 'stepping stone'. It makes me appreciate a PhD is a journey, not a destination.

Hi, I think its more subjective to individual because with Phd the main goal shouldn't be to complete an assigned set of courses as in an undergraduate program, but to develop significant path you want to follow at the end of your PhD program, as you will be judged on your research, not on how well you did in your courses. Graduate courses tend to be designed to allow you to take away what you will find useful to your research more than to drill a rigid set of facts and techniques into your brain. Hence if you continually research on contemporary issue to improve life, then your Phd will never be outdated, (due to continues updating) but if you intend not to research continuously, beside any discipline it will be outdated before you even graduate!!!