I'm applying to a job that requires a masters degree

It's an online process and the institution has requested I send an information-only copy of my transcript for that masters degree (with the understanding that I supply an official copy if hired).

But, I also have a second masters degree and a PhD.

Should I send those too? I mean, if I send them, the search committee might say, "Oh, oh, 'KansDem' doesn't know how to follow instructions! We shouldn't hire him!" Or, they might think I'm too over qualified.

If I don't send the extra transcripts and am hired, do I eventually provide all official transcripts, thereby risking an accusation of "fraud?" Or would I do well to only provide the one official transcript required for the position?

It's a position in academia, so I would imagine two masters and a PhD might give me an edge over another applicant who has only the one masters. But then, it might be a hindrance. Who knows in this day and age...

Any DUers who have served on college search committees have any advice? :shrug:

Include the one they are interested in but be sure the others are on your resume. If there is an area that serves for comments or the equivalent of a cover letter, specifically mention that you only included what was requested but will be happy to provide documentation for the other degrees upon request.

That sounds like the best plan. :hi:

I could include your suggestion in my cover letter...

put them in, but not right up front

"Additional academic certificates available on request".

...and keeping with other suggestions that I've received. :hi:

For a job in academia, more education is almost certainly going to be better. For a non-academic job, some places might think that you are overqualified and wouldn't work for the same salary as someone with less education. But in academia, they know that money isn't the reason you are applying for the job.

I can't see not following instructions as an issue. Regardless, did they specify you shouldn't send anything other than the transcript for that masters' degree? If not, then you are still following instructions. :-)

This is the first time I've seen this statement in the position opening:

Required Applicant Documents:
Resume or Curriculum Vitae
Cover Letter
Letter of Reference 1
Letter of Reference 2
Masters or Equivalent Transcript

Optional Applicant Documents:
Teaching Philosophy
Letter of Reference 3
Other Document
Doctorate Transcript
Other Transcript
Associate or Equivalent Transcript
Bachelors or Equivalent Transcript

So the "Required Document" would be the one masters and the "Optional Applicant Documents" would be the second masters and the PhD...

I would have thought the second category would have been "Additional Applicant Documents"

I guess I just never thought of my PhD as "optional..." :D

they list them in the optional column (that is weird for an academic teaching position).


Probably the position has a Master's as a minimum - you would think that with all the PHD's out there, that wouldn't be the case... Or is that simply short-hand for, we don't really want to pay you as much as we should. ;)


In any case, good luck!

That's what I'm worried about... This is a community college in California and it has a very well-defined salary schedule. I was thinking if all they wanted was a candidate with one masters degree, why would they hire one with two masters and a doctorate if their salary schedule dictated they would have to pay me more?

I mean, it's kind of a dilemma: Declaring all my academic degrees looks impressive, but it also means they'd have to pay more. And with today's economy, the search committee might opt for the "less expensive" candidate...

Thanks for the "good luck!" :hi:

The pay will be defined by PhD, not multiple degrees, i.e. your highest degree (at least I think so; I'm not in CA). And remember, if it is a deal breaker, they'll deem it so by your CV. So...if your other transcripts handy and reveal good work, send them.

Finally, they may be looking to expand their PhD contact hours via faculty enhancement funding, new state guidelines, etc. On the whole--given academia and that the PdD might well work in your favor--I'd say send.

Best wishes!