Pursuing PhD @ 50+

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Completely different take here.

I’m 66. Ten years ago I earned a doctorate (not PhD, more on this below) and it was a great decision.

I’m a historian. I’ve presented papers at many conferences, been a consultant, been a guest speaker on cruise ships, and thoroughly enjoyed it all. Hopefully I’ll have an essay in a published volume in a year or so, and a book out in a few years.

Riffing off of many of the comments here, let me make some full disclosures.

First – I didn’t go into debt, and had no expectation of earning any money. This was all about learning and enjoying it.

Secondly – I found the right program: Georgetown’s “Liberal Studies” program. They offer (or did when I went) both MA and doctoral degrees. But the doctoral degree is “doctor in liberal studies” and not PhD. That was because the “real” scholars at Georgetown couldn’t wrap their heads around it. But it hasn’t made any difference to me. I tell people I have “a doctorate,” but every single time I am introduced to an audience, I get described as having “a PhD.” Whatever.

Thirdly – the people I went through the program with were all my age-ish – meaning in their 40s-50s-60s. I’d say that more than half were recovering lawyers or MBAs. They wanted to exercise other muscles. And – this is important – the learning really started when they realized they had to let go of their old “tools” and start learning new ones. When you can do this in adulthood you are onto something.

Bottom line – go for it! And enjoy.

This seems like a really smart take on it. I did a traditional PhD in my 20s. I wouldn’t go down that track again now in my 50s. But this sounds perfect for this stage of life.

[Anonymous]

I did a PhD late 30s to early 40s and am now early 50s. I am very glad I did it but as others have noted, it was brutal. I would have happily dropped out if I could, but I had to finish in order for it to be over.
All that would be true at any age though. There's no reason not to do it in your 50s. As one person advised me when I thought I'd be potentially too old for my program, "In 5 years you'll be 5 years older. You can be 5 years older with a PhD... or not."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had a family member who did this- many states have free tuition for retirees over a certain age.

In Maryland, it’s free tuition for retirees age 60+ at state funded colleges. If the grad student has funding through one of these types of programs, then the faculty advisor will not need to use precious grant funds to support them.

https://www.registrar.umd.edu/current/registration/golden-id.html

Go Boomers! Take all the money from future generations!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Completely different take here.

I’m 66. Ten years ago I earned a doctorate (not PhD, more on this below) and it was a great decision.

I’m a historian. I’ve presented papers at many conferences, been a consultant, been a guest speaker on cruise ships, and thoroughly enjoyed it all. Hopefully I’ll have an essay in a published volume in a year or so, and a book out in a few years.

Riffing off of many of the comments here, let me make some full disclosures.

First – I didn’t go into debt, and had no expectation of earning any money. This was all about learning and enjoying it.

Secondly – I found the right program: Georgetown’s “Liberal Studies” program. They offer (or did when I went) both MA and doctoral degrees. But the doctoral degree is “doctor in liberal studies” and not PhD. That was because the “real” scholars at Georgetown couldn’t wrap their heads around it. But it hasn’t made any difference to me. I tell people I have “a doctorate,” but every single time I am introduced to an audience, I get described as having “a PhD.” Whatever.

Thirdly – the people I went through the program with were all my age-ish – meaning in their 40s-50s-60s. I’d say that more than half were recovering lawyers or MBAs. They wanted to exercise other muscles. And – this is important – the learning really started when they realized they had to let go of their old “tools” and start learning new ones. When you can do this in adulthood you are onto something.

Bottom line – go for it! And enjoy.

Where you a historian before your DLS?

What thesis projects did you and your classmates do?

[Anonymous]

I’m a historian. I’ve presented papers at many conferences, been a consultant, been a guest speaker on cruise ships, and thoroughly enjoyed it all. Hopefully I’ll have an essay in a published volume in a year or so, and a book out in a few years.

You don't have to have a PhD to do all that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went for psychology but never finished my dissertation because life/kids got in the way. It’s a huge regret. I am still close friends with my classmates. There was no backstabbing at all. These are weird comments. Decades later in my early 50s I’m thinking of going back because I want to work as a clinical psychologist. However I have to start the PhD all over. I’ve been home for 20 years with kids and can see working for 20 after graduating. I wouldn’t assume someone older is doing it for a hobby or has nothing to contribute. The big obstacle is getting academic references 20-25 years out of school.

A close friend went back to school at almost 50, got a PhD and is now a therapist. She loves her work. She was an attorney for 25 years before she went to grad school. She's almost 70 now and has no regrets. She has a full practice, and will be able to work until she's in her 90s or later, as long as her health holds out.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I went for psychology but never finished my dissertation because life/kids got in the way. It’s a huge regret. I am still close friends with my classmates. There was no backstabbing at all. These are weird comments. Decades later in my early 50s I’m thinking of going back because I want to work as a clinical psychologist. However I have to start the PhD all over. I’ve been home for 20 years with kids and can see working for 20 after graduating. I wouldn’t assume someone older is doing it for a hobby or has nothing to contribute. The big obstacle is getting academic references 20-25 years out of school.

A close friend went back to school at almost 50, got a PhD and is now a therapist. She loves her work. She was an attorney for 25 years before she went to grad school. She's almost 70 now and has no regrets. She has a full practice, and will be able to work until she's in her 90s or later, as long as her health holds out.

How is a PhD related to being a therapist?

[Anonymous]

A Ph.D Psychologist has more career paths.

People seem very down on older folks taking away places in PhD programs from younger people who will " have longer careers." Well, too bad. If a person can meet the non-trivial admission requirements, can self-fund and enjoys the process, go for it. Maybe they will decide it's not for them, maybe their dissertation will be publishable. Getting a tenure track job not likely, but there are many other paths. Plus there is the joy of learning and accomplishment.
And in many fields, journals desk reject papers from nonPhDs and conferences aren't impressed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A Ph.D Psychologist has more career paths.

People seem very down on older folks taking away places in PhD programs from younger people who will " have longer careers." Well, too bad. If a person can meet the non-trivial admission requirements, can self-fund and enjoys the process, go for it. Maybe they will decide it's not for them, maybe their dissertation will be publishable. Getting a tenure track job not likely, but there are many other paths. Plus there is the joy of learning and accomplishment.
And in many fields, journals desk reject papers from nonPhDs and conferences aren't impressed.

I guess your self-indulgence and entitlement trumps all other considerations.

You're a boomer, aren't you?

[Anonymous]

If someone meets the academic admission requirements, has funding, and can do the work, then what is your issue? Taking a spot from someone less qualified but younger who may have a longer career?
Would you say that if a 25 year old had a shorter life expectancy due to illness?
What about a 25 year old who can't hack the work and fails out or quits with a Masters or ABD? They took someone's spot.
What about a 25 year old who finishes, realizes they hate their field and drop out into industry in a year or few? They took someone's spot who might feel joy in their field for years and decades of accomplishment.
Love,
Boomer married to PhD in 5th decade of research and peer-reviewed publication. If he'd started at 50 he'd have had 20+ years by now...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:A Ph.D Psychologist has more career paths.

People seem very down on older folks taking away places in PhD programs from younger people who will " have longer careers." Well, too bad. If a person can meet the non-trivial admission requirements, can self-fund and enjoys the process, go for it. Maybe they will decide it's not for them, maybe their dissertation will be publishable. Getting a tenure track job not likely, but there are many other paths. Plus there is the joy of learning and accomplishment.
And in many fields, journals desk reject papers from nonPhDs and conferences aren't impressed.

I guess your self-indulgence and entitlement trumps all other considerations.

You're a boomer, aren't you?

Hu? The PP stipulated that they are self-funding ... In other words, they're helping fund an institution. Can't follow your logic here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Completely different take here.

I’m 66. Ten years ago I earned a doctorate (not PhD, more on this below) and it was a great decision.

I’m a historian. I’ve presented papers at many conferences, been a consultant, been a guest speaker on cruise ships, and thoroughly enjoyed it all. Hopefully I’ll have an essay in a published volume in a year or so, and a book out in a few years.

Riffing off of many of the comments here, let me make some full disclosures.

First – I didn’t go into debt, and had no expectation of earning any money. This was all about learning and enjoying it.

Secondly – I found the right program: Georgetown’s “Liberal Studies” program. They offer (or did when I went) both MA and doctoral degrees. But the doctoral degree is “doctor in liberal studies” and not PhD. That was because the “real” scholars at Georgetown couldn’t wrap their heads around it. But it hasn’t made any difference to me. I tell people I have “a doctorate,” but every single time I am introduced to an audience, I get described as having “a PhD.” Whatever.

Thirdly – the people I went through the program with were all my age-ish – meaning in their 40s-50s-60s. I’d say that more than half were recovering lawyers or MBAs. They wanted to exercise other muscles. And – this is important – the learning really started when they realized they had to let go of their old “tools” and start learning new ones. When you can do this in adulthood you are onto something.

Bottom line – go for it! And enjoy.

Recovering 50-something lawyer who looked closely at the Georgetown's "Liberal Studies" doctorate program you discuss here when I considered going back to school for a Phd. With all due respect, this is not remotely like a PhD program. There isn't going to be the same rigor in a program where people are not expected to contribute significantly to a particular field of study. Also, the program is an obvious cash cow. It doesn't train true scholars, it rakes in tuition to support students in other programs by providing a vanity experience/degree. I'm glad you enjoyed it. But that's what it is.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Student loan payments on federal loans are income based, so you needn’t worry so much about the debt. Obviously consider your overall financial burden and whether you’ve got kids to support and for how long. But if it fits your situation, then why not?

This is your one life. There are plenty of worse ways to spend your time and money than pursuing intellectual growth. I’m 52 and I’d go back to school for a PhD in a heartbeat if I could afford to. I lament that I pursued a JD instead of a PhD way back when.

I’m guessing your question might be more about what the dynamic is DC area PhD programs for older students? I haven’t experienced it myself, but I would venture a guess that especially in the DC area there are plenty of midlife folks taking graduate level courses at the various universities.

Stupidest statement ever. Cleary written by someone who has never had to pay back a student loan.

Ha! I’m in midlife and still paying on a mortgage sized student loan debt.

Try again lol.

[Anonymous]

Do what makes you happy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Completely different take here.

I’m 66. Ten years ago I earned a doctorate (not PhD, more on this below) and it was a great decision.

I’m a historian. I’ve presented papers at many conferences, been a consultant, been a guest speaker on cruise ships, and thoroughly enjoyed it all. Hopefully I’ll have an essay in a published volume in a year or so, and a book out in a few years.

Riffing off of many of the comments here, let me make some full disclosures.

First – I didn’t go into debt, and had no expectation of earning any money. This was all about learning and enjoying it.

Secondly – I found the right program: Georgetown’s “Liberal Studies” program. They offer (or did when I went) both MA and doctoral degrees. But the doctoral degree is “doctor in liberal studies” and not PhD. That was because the “real” scholars at Georgetown couldn’t wrap their heads around it. But it hasn’t made any difference to me. I tell people I have “a doctorate,” but every single time I am introduced to an audience, I get described as having “a PhD.” Whatever.

Thirdly – the people I went through the program with were all my age-ish – meaning in their 40s-50s-60s. I’d say that more than half were recovering lawyers or MBAs. They wanted to exercise other muscles. And – this is important – the learning really started when they realized they had to let go of their old “tools” and start learning new ones. When you can do this in adulthood you are onto something.

Bottom line – go for it! And enjoy.

Recovering 50-something lawyer who looked closely at the Georgetown's "Liberal Studies" doctorate program you discuss here when I considered going back to school for a Phd. With all due respect, this is not remotely like a PhD program. There isn't going to be the same rigor in a program where people are not expected to contribute significantly to a particular field of study. Also, the program is an obvious cash cow. It doesn't train true scholars, it rakes in tuition to support students in other programs by providing a vanity experience/degree. I'm glad you enjoyed it. But that's what it is.

What kind of program did you attend?