Why do so many get their doctorate when it isnt needed?

I've been wondering why so many go on to get their doctorate when they dont need it for their jobs? I suppose if you have the extra cash laying around and want the satisfaction of knowing you did it, then ok. But SO many people I know are going on to get doctorate degrees in un-necessary fields. For example, do you REALLY need a DBA? I just dont understand why so many people feel their educational experience isnt complete unless they have that extra degree. Other than being an actual doctor, psychologist, etc.. where the jobs require it, WHY do so many feel they are necessary?

 

It's hard for you to understand how others might have different values than yourself.

 

For some it's vanity, wanting the title of doctor and recognition of an expert. For others, it's an additional step that others in their industry aren't taking yet in the race to get ahead. And for others, it's a milestone, a process by which they've conducted research and contributed to the greater knowledge of mankind.

I imagine for many it's all 3 at some point. I've kicked aroung the idea of pursuing a doctorate after finishing my MBA, but a lot of that is going to depend on my health and whether or not I'm sick and tired of academia. I personally have been going to school for 10 years now. And while taking courses on the employer's dime to stay current is appealing, the thought of going through another program for the sake of resume fodder is just mind numbing.

 

The answer is simple, they have their own reasons. We have never walked in each others' journey; therefore, you do not know the reason. Honestly, sometimes I don't know why Dr. Truckie and Dr. Randell want to continue for their Master degrees after Doctorates, but that is their own business. As for me, I do not need a Doctorate if I choose to do what I am doing. However, I believe that I can continue to move on better career with better credentials. Therefore, I take the advantage of my remaining Post 9/11 GI Bill to earn my Doctorate. My estimate that I will spend about $8,000.00 out of pocket for my Doctorate at Colorado Technical University.

 

I wanted to take a few marketing classes. After the marketing classes and the transfer classes from my MS-ITM, I only needed 3 more classes for my MBA in Marketing (Capstone, Accounting, and Strategic Management) - it was a no brainer!

As far as why I got my PhD - because I wanted to, it was a challenge. I wanted to see if I could do it and it would also help with adjunct gigs. My PhD only cost be about $3K out of pocket.

 

Well, for me, it's necessary if I want to advance in university administration. A bachelor's degree can sometimes get you in the door (it did for me), and a master's degree can help you go up (it did for me), but a doctoral degree is usually necessary to make it to the highest levels. I don't imagine I will ever be a university president, but my realistic career goal is to make it to the VP level. For most VP positions (except for finance), a doctoral degree is usually expected.

 

This.

It was a value judgment in the guise of a question; classic troll behavior.

 

No it wasnt. It was a genuine question. Feel free to not answer it if you dont like it. But I was genuinely wondering why someone who DOES NOT need a doctorate degree would feel they needed to go on and get one. I wasnt saying people are wrong for it. But I know several people that feel their schooling just isnt complete without it, even though it will not benefit them in their career. A guy I know is actually getting his doctorate in game design. Really? Why? It wont make a bit of difference. He said he knew it wouldnt but felt that since its available he should do it. WHY does someone feel they should do it just cause its available? Thats what Im getting at. Its not saying someone is wrong or that I think they shouldnt do it just because I think its a waste. Im asking WHY do some people feel its a NECESSARY thing to do, even when there's no real benefit to them.

 

People would go for their DBA because they want it. Just to show that it could be done.

 

First you have to define "need". My "needs" are different from yours. Maybe my need is for validation, adjunct options, the cool feeling of making reservations as Dr & Mrs 1234, being a stuck up ass and thinking I am better then other,...who knows.

 

Because lots of people like collecting things. Some people collect antiques. Some people collect books. Some people collect cars. Some people collect degrees. Okay?

 

LOL Ok, if you say so. Seems like a waste to collect degrees. Im all for enriching your mind, expanding horizons, all that. But to collect actual degrees? Not sure about that one.

 

I would agree with this.

 

Quick with the accusations, I see. It was a simple question. Something Im curious about. Looks like I ruffled your feathers.

 

I can agree with this. Im just wondering why someone would spend the time and money "just to see if they can do it". And not everyone can pay for their classes themselves. A good number of people use financial aid to get their doctorates. I just cant see spending that kind of time and money, accruing that kind of debt, just because. If it wont directly help you, why bother?

 

Define "help". You are making assumptions of putting everyones needs and hopes in the same box. It is the same as assuming that everyone that gets a PhD wants a full time tenure track position at a university. I spend the time and money ($3K out of pocket) to "just to see if they can do it". I wonder why people would spend time and money doing things like watching sports/going to sporting events, drinking, fishing, etc. Who am I do judge their hobbies? Can education not be a hobby?

As far as debt, many do it with little to no debt. All of my education cost something $10K out of pocket spread out 10 years. No debt - no loans.

 

By help I mean, if one is using student loans or some other kind of loan to pay for school and they are getting a doctorate for no other reason then because they want it, WHY? In a perfect world I'd love a doctorate. But I dont have the luxury of time and money to do it just because I want it. It would have no bearing on my career, wouldnt give me a better position, better pay, etc... Thats what Im referring to. For those that CANNOT pay for their classes on their own, why would getting a doctorate seem like a good idea if it will do nothing to help them in their careers?

 

I have no idea!

 

Excellent point!