Thanks for the response, guys. I am still terrified, but do feel a tiny bit better. :-/

So last night, I attended orientation for the program I am beginning next week, a PhD in Public Policy that I will be attending part-time at a relatively well regarded university. (2 courses this term, while working full-time.)

To make a long story short, I am a director at the university I will be attending. I feel that I need to obtain a doctorate to stay in higher ed admin, and move ahead. I decided on a PhD at a relatively well regarded school instead of an EdD/etc because I felt I would overall get more respect from it and the time would be better spent.

That said, orientation mortified me. Stories of studying for 6 months straight for comps, taking 1.5 years to get the PROPOSAL for a dissertation written, etc. The sheer time commitment.

Am I insane? Should I go and do an EdD that would be, in theory, faster and relatively easier?