Applying for Ph.D./Ed.D. with a Ph.D.?

[phil-grad]

I've not seen anything about this or a similar issue yet, but here's my question: I'm in the last days of writing my dissertation in philosophy at a top research university, on a subject touching on issues of developmental psychology and conceptual learning. I had originally thought about pursuing the law after my degree -- it was never for the sake of being an academic philosopher -- but my dissertation research has led me to think I should consider instead the Ph.D./Ed.D. in educational psychology. (I'll add this, before someone leaps on it: the law was one way I thought about dirtying my hands in policy, but, now that I've looked it over again, a Ed.D. might make far more sense, for my interests and the cost.)

Anyway, I wonder if anyone has some idea whether (1) it would be any disadvantage, or perhaps an advantage, to have this sort of research experience (in the humanities, that is); and (2) just having a Ph.D. already might in itself pose a disadvantage of some kind? I can imagine that both could be strikes against an applicant in my position, but it's only conjecture.

[ZeChocMoose]

What do you ultimately hope to do? If you want to pursue administration, I would recommend getting a job in higher ed and then working your way up. I don't think getting a second doctorate degree is going to improve your chances of landing a job unless you hope to be an educational psychology professor.

In terms of applying to a doctorate program with a doctorate, I do think it puts you at a disadvantage unless it is very clear how the two will relate. When I sat on my admissions committee as a master's student, there were a couple candidates with doctorates that applied to the higher ed PhD program. They were not admitted-- mostly because they did not have a clear idea of how pursuing this new doctorate will help them with their educational and professional goals.

Personally before pursuing another doctorate degree, I would make sure that I could not reach my goals with my first doctorate degree.

Also side note for the EdD. Typically, the degree is a part-time program for working professionals. There are a few exceptions to this, but most EdD programs do not fund their students as they assume the students' employers will be helping out.

Edited October 20, 2011 by ZeChocMoose