Ever too old to enter Academia?

[Merlin Coryell]

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In speaking with a Ph D. part-time instructor who also works full-time in high schools, I was warned about possible difficulties of obtaining my Ph D. at too high an age to be considered for many tenure track positions with universities.

He said this was a major reason he decided to stay with public schools and instruct at universities part time when he received his degree, as institutions would want to hire someone who they would be able to get 20+ years of research and teaching service out of, and those who get their doctorates in later years may be looked over for such positions against younger, equally qualified applicants.

Is there much truth to this in general and in relation to the field of Psychology? At my current track of where I am in life, I am planning to complete my masters by age 30-32 and my Ph D. by 36-37 at the latest. Is that really terribly old for someone interested in a career in academia over clinical settings?

 

[PsychGirl7]

I only have anecdotal evidence, but I don't think you need to worry about your age. You really won't be very old when you get your degree. I know a tenured professor who didn't get her PhD until she was 40. You will need to be a competitive candidate, just like everyone else, but I don't think it will work against you.

 

[QClinician]

I doubt it. I am currently in a doctoral program where students start anywhere from 23 years old to 50. If its something you are serious about, I wouldn't let age deter you at all.

 

[TenaciousGirl]

I doubt it. I am currently in a doctoral program where students start anywhere from 23 years old to 50. If its something you are serious about, I wouldn't let age deter you at all.

+1, same here.

There are people who become physicians at this age. I don't see it as a problem, but if it's something you're really worried about try asking someone who has the type of job you eventually want.

 

[deleted176373]

Is there much truth to this in general and in relation to the field of Psychology? At my current track of where I am in life, I am planning to complete my masters by age 30-32 and my Ph D. by 36-37 at the latest. Is that really terribly old for someone interested in a career in academia over clinical settings?

You won't be too far out of the norm for academia, you'll be on the older edge, but that can work for you as much as against you. Most important is the quality and quantity of publications that you generate. You'll need to be a little more focused in this regard to help jump start your career, but like I said, you're in the target age group still. Remember young Ph.D.'s are pushing 30, so 6 years is no big deal.

Now in my case, Ph.D. at 44, I would not be too old, but closing in on it. You need to be able to show a possible 20 year productive career, optimally more like 30, but still you're in that window. If you have the passion, go for it!

Mark

 

[Silverbelle]

I would not be TOO worried about this. One of my most influential professors graduated with her PhD in psych (also had a PhD in Stats) when she was 50! She is now in a great tenure-track position!

 

[PHinisheD]

I wouldn't worry about it. I work with a professor who finished his PhD in his late 30's, and he's a total bad-ass with lots of funding. My sense is that what counts above all is your ability to publish prolifically and bring in grant money.

 

[ClinPsycMasters]

Decide if you would still be happy doing research/clinical work after you get your PhD. There are no guarantees.

 

[futureapppsy2]

My PI got her PhD in her early fourties, spent about 10 years as a full time clinician, and then became a full time, ultra-productive researcher, serving as the director of a mid-sized research institute at a large, top-ranked med school for several years and then moving on to her current position a full-time researcher at university-affiliated research institute.

In short, no. And also, my PI absolutely amazes me. 😀

 

[jadastwin]

Hi Merlin. I am so happy you asked this question. I am in my late 40s and began to wonder if my age would be a factor in my shall we say, reinventing myself. I am also happy to see such great response to age not being a factor in Clinical Psychology. It appears the news is good based on the positive feedback from this wonderful panel 🙂. With that I'm going full steam ahead!!

In speaking with a Ph D. part-time instructor who also works full-time in high schools, I was warned about possible difficulties of obtaining my Ph D. at too high an age to be considered for many tenure track positions with universities.

He said this was a major reason he decided to stay with public schools and instruct at universities part time when he received his degree, as institutions would want to hire someone who they would be able to get 20+ years of research and teaching service out of, and those who get their doctorates in later years may be looked over for such positions against younger, equally qualified applicants.

Is there much truth to this in general and in relation to the field of Psychology? At my current track of where I am in life, I am planning to complete my masters by age 30-32 and my Ph D. by 36-37 at the latest. Is that really terribly old for someone interested in a career in academia over clinical settings?

 

[berlin81]

This is a good question to ask since I think it relates to how reputable colleges/universities view an applicant's age. Although I think that age is generally not considered a factor, it does depend on what you want to do once you get your doctorate.

If you're looking at clinical work, I think that many doctoral programs would like to know more about your past work experience. I know that some programs (especially PsyD programs) really like having applicants that are experienced with real-world programs as it could accent one's ability to establish positive rapport.

If you have looking at doing more research, I don't think that age would matter much. However some traditional programs (based on my experience) are "set in their ways" and might not want to bring in people that have had eclectic/real world life experiences. Sadly, I have run into this issue when trying to get into a research based program. But now I am focused on clinical work and it has been a far better experience than I imagined.