Can I Do Double PhD? Double Doctorate and Two PhDs Explained

You may have heard of people completing a double degree, or having two masters. Would that be possible for PhD? Can I do double PhD?

You can do double PhD, but it is rather rare. This is because a single PhD alone is a challenge, and is often enough to establish expertise in the subject. Double PhD also means double the time, financial stress, meaning less are keen to do that. 

In this post, we discuss if a double PhD is possible, and if it is sensible. If you are keen to do it, we also explore how you can get about the process.

Can I Do Double PhD?

In short, you can. However, it is uncommon, and things are rather muddled if you go deeper.

Pursuing a PhD is a monumental task, often seen as the pinnacle of academic achievement. Yet, the idea of enrolling for a second PhD stirs mixed feelings in academia. 

Some opt for a double doctorate to bridge disciplines, becoming interdisciplinary scholars who can navigate multiple fields with ease.

Here, we are talking about two separate PhD degrees, not dual/joint PhD degrees some university awards for a single research.

Consider the journey of a researcher aiming to meld insights from neuroscience and public health. Their first PhD in neuroscience lays the groundwork. But to truly impact public health, they see value in a second PhD.

This blend of expertise allows for novel research that could lead to groundbreaking discoveries. It’s akin to having a foot in two worlds, with the ability to see and solve problems from a unique vantage point.

Yet, the road to two PhDs is fraught with challenges. Admission to a second doctoral program isn’t guaranteed, even with a PhD under your belt.

Prospective students must demonstrate not just academic prowess but a compelling reason to pursue another doctorate. Faculty often question the need for a second PhD unless it’s for a distinct, interdisciplinary career path.

There’s also the lifestyle aspect. PhD students often live on modest stipends, making the financial strain of a second PhD a significant consideration.

The term ‘permanent student’ might sound appealing to some, but the realities of delayed entry into the full-time job market and the potential for overqualification can be daunting.

Yet, for those driven by an insatiable curiosity and the desire to make a mark across disciplines, a second PhD can be a rewarding path.

Collaborating across departments, they can forge new connections and insights, contributing to academia in ways a single PhD might not allow. It’s a rare and challenging journey, but for the right individual, it can be incredibly fulfilling.

How Do You Do Double PhD?

Doing a double PhD is similar to regular PhD, you decide on your research, find a place and supervisor, complete your registration, and start your study. 

Ask Yourself: Do You Need A Double PhD?

However, start with assessing your motivation and end goals. Why do you need two PhDs?

• Is it to deepen your expertise in interconnected fields, or
• to forge a new path in an interdisciplinary area? 

Understanding your ‘why’ will guide your journey and help you articulate your vision to advisors and admission committees.

Research Suitable University and Supervisor

Once your goals are clear, research becomes crucial. You need to identify universities that not only offer PhD programs in your chosen disciplines but also support interdisciplinary research.

This is where you can really dive into the specifics of each program, understanding the coursework, research opportunities, and the faculty’s openness to guiding a student through multiple doctoral degrees.

Next, securing an advisor or mentor in each department is vital. These advisors will be your navigators, helping you bridge the gap between disciplines and ensuring your research is cohesive and impactful.

They can also provide insider insights and help you tailor your dissertation to reflect a truly interdisciplinary approach.

Submit An Compelling Application

Admission to a second PhD program while completing or after having completed the first requires a compelling application.

It’s not just about academic transcripts; your application must convey a clear vision of how the two PhDs will complement each other and contribute to the field.

This is where you highlight your unique perspective and the potential for groundbreaking discoveries that a dual doctorate can facilitate.

Throughout your journey, collaboration is key. Engaging with faculty and peers across departments will enrich your research and open up new avenues of inquiry. This multidisciplinary approach can lead to innovative solutions and contributions to your fields of study.

Pros & Cons Of Having Double PhD

If you are thinking about a double PhD, consider these pros and cons below as you make your decision:

Is It Necessary To Do A Double PhD?

Deciding whether to pursue a second PhD involves a deep reflection on your career goals and the nature of your academic interests. It’s rare in academia to find professors or researchers with two PhDs.

The rarity is not because it’s unachievable, but because one doctorate usually suffices for establishing expertise and credibility in a field.

The necessity of a double doctorate hinges on very specific career paths or interdisciplinary ambitions that cannot be fulfilled through a single PhD program.

For example, someone passionate about creating solutions at the intersection of technology and environmental science might find that a single PhD limits their ability to deeply understand and innovate across these disciplines.

In such cases, a second PhD in a complementary field can provide the breadth and depth of knowledge needed to make significant contributions.

However, this path is not without its challenges. The financial, mental, and time investments are considerable, and the academic community often debates the practicality of such endeavors.

Moreover, the evolving nature of doctoral programs now allows for more interdisciplinary research within a single PhD, reducing the need for a second.

Universities are increasingly encouraging cross-departmental collaboration, enabling students to tailor their research projects to span multiple disciplines without the need for an additional degree.

In this context, the decision to pursue a second PhD should be carefully weighed against the opportunities to specialize and collaborate within existing doctoral frameworks.

Two Doctoral Degrees: Possible But May Not Be Needed

Pursuing a double PhD is a unique path that offers unparalleled interdisciplinary expertise and career opportunities but comes with significant challenges. It requires a clear understanding of your goals, immense dedication, and a willingness to navigate the complexities of academia.

While not necessary for everyone, for those driven by a deep passion for multiple disciplines, it can be a rewarding journey. Ultimately, the decision should be based on personal ambition, academic interests, and the strategic value of dual doctoral degrees.