10

I wonder is it a good idea to ask for a letter of recommendation from a emeritus professor who I took his course and knows me well?

I was wondering is it bad to get a letter from someone who is not in Academia anymore?

Improve this question

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
17

The best reference is the one that is both honest and based on extensive firsthand knowledge of your qualities. Emeritus status would seem irrelevant to me.

Improve this answer
1
  • 10
    Or perhaps even a positive- someone with emeritus status presumably is experienced and hopefully still has a good reputation. I'd be concerned if the recommender has been retired for a long time and not active since retirement.
    – Brian Borchers
    Nov 19, 2014 at 2:57
1

I think the answer to your question hugely depends on your application and resume.

If you are having advisers who are writing you strong letters of recommendation (for instance, your masters thesis advisers or professors you have worked in their research group and have publications with them), then you will probably do not need a letter from a professor with whom you'd only passed a course.

On the other hand, if you have not worked with a professor, probably your advisers of your thesis, then you really need a letter of recommendation from a professor that knows you and you had passed his course. So that emeritus professor can write a good letter of recommendation for you. Of course, it is better that nothing.

To the best of my knowledge, students usually need two or three letters of recommendation for their PhD applications.

Improve this answer
2
  • Yes. I can get two good letter but I was wondering is it bad to get a letter from someone who is not in Academia anymore?
    – user59419
    Nov 18, 2014 at 22:26
  • 5
    @user59419 Emeritus != "not in academia anymore". Many Emeritus professors are freakingly active in various positions, now that they don't have to teach undergrads and sit through long faculty meetings anymore.
    – xLeitix
    Nov 19, 2014 at 7:31

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .