Pursuing 2 PhDs Simultaneously: Questions and Advice Needed

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and implications of pursuing two PhDs simultaneously, specifically in physics and electrical engineering. Participants explore various aspects including academic policies, personal motivations, and potential challenges associated with managing dual doctoral programs.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to pursue a second PhD in electrical engineering, citing coursework overlap and support from their current advisor, while seeking advice on how to approach this ambition.
  • Concerns are raised by several participants regarding the practicality and feasibility of simultaneously completing two PhDs, with one stating it "doesn't even make sense" and another questioning the necessity of such a pursuit.
  • Another participant mentions a case of a scholar who successfully obtained two PhDs in related fields, suggesting that while rare, it is possible.
  • Several participants emphasize the significant time commitment required for a PhD, implying that managing two could be unrealistic due to the demands of each program.
  • Questions are posed about academic policies, such as whether credits can overlap between the two programs and the potential impact on funding and departmental politics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on the feasibility of pursuing two PhDs simultaneously, with some expressing skepticism about the practicality and necessity of such an endeavor, while at least one participant acknowledges that it is possible based on a specific example.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight uncertainties regarding institutional policies on dual PhD programs, the potential for overlapping coursework, and the expected time commitment, but do not resolve these issues.

kesdiq
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Hello.

I am in the Physics PhD program and thinking of of doing another PhD in electrical engineering. There is some overlap in our coursework and i have taken 2 electrical engineering class this semester.

This is my first semester in the department and my advisor likes me a lot.
I have not expressed my ambitions in fear of offending my department since they have given me a generous stipend to work on a research project.

TO make it worse, I asked around and never heard of anyone in my school who has done 2 PhDs at one time.
How do I initiate this?

a) how do i talk to my advisor? i have to submit my plan of study in about 1 year's time and wonder how should be planning for this. once the POS is submitted, any changes have be approved by the dean. hence, i need to reveal my ambitions before a year is up.

b) will I be able to use some classes for the credits for both programs? how do i go about starting 2 PhD?

c) how much extra time must i expect to spend on the EE phd? i am thinking 1 more extra year for the dissertation.

d) what are some difficulties i am expected to encounter?

e) will I have to deal with the politics from the graduate advisory committee?

f) will the department try to remove my funding?
I will really really appreciate any opinions. I have tried searching many places but didn't get any information.
Thanks Katherine
 
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It won't happen, it doesn't even make sense to do it.
 
Through my searches in google I found only one scholar (so far) who did get two PhDs pretty much at the same time from two different places in different departments, though her speciality in both seems to be the same, quantum computation.

I do wonder how she pulled that off and still be sane (or is she?).
So it's possible.
 
This is a very worrying thread, since it is clear that you have no idea what a PhD involves. I don't see why anyone would want, or need, to do two PhD's, let alone at the same time.
 
You're probably not even allowed to, notwithstanding the total infeasibility of the proposition in the first place just due to the number of hours in the day (assuming you like to sleep).
 
fss said:
You're probably not even allowed to, notwithstanding the total infeasibility of the proposition in the first place just due to the number of hours in the day (assuming you need to sleep).

Fixed :approve:
 

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