University of New England Ed.D.

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Rob Coates, Aug 20, 2004.

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  1. Rob Coates

    Rob Coates New Member

    Does anyone have any info. on the University Of New England (the Aussie one) and their Ed.D.? I did a search of this forum but couldn't find much. I couldn't determine from their web site if the program is 100% distance or has some residency.
     
  2. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    It has been a couple of years since I made the rounds of the Australian universities and so I don't know what is currently on the U of New England website. In general, however, I have found that it is very difficult to get an Australianuniversity to tell you up front that you will never have to visit the campus. I suggest that you look at the requirements regarding presence at and contributions to the departmental graduate seminars. This is often a good barometer of residency expectations. Otherwise, ask them directly.
    Jack
     
  3. Migara

    Migara member

    All I can say is Uni of New England programs on distance learning are free of residency requirements.
    www.une.edu.au


    Migara
     
  4. DebTormey

    DebTormey New Member

    From the above link:

    "...A wide range of UNE's units are offered entirely online..."

    is a long way from being the same as the degree offered entirely online.
     
  5. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    Yes, you are probably right about the Bachelors level and Masters level programs, but I believe that in this case you are wrong. I say this because the doctoral level programs are not DL programs per se. They are research oriented, dissertation-only doctoral degree programs. Some people have been able to successfully negotiate this into a 100% non-residential degree but this is far from the norm. Most universities, most departments will require doctoral students to be on campus, so that they might engage in various activities (meeting with their advisor, graduate seminars, etc.) a certain minimum number of times per year (maybe one or two). When you're done adding up the airfare, the accomodations, time away from work/home/family, etc. I'd say that you begin to wonder if going outside the US makes sense (for a US resident, of course). If, on the other hand, you can get written assurance (pleasepleaseplease get it in writing) that you won't have to travel to Australia then it may be your best deal. In any case, good luck.
    Jack
     
  6. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    Having made the above post I figured that I'd take the next step and point out a very important fact , mostly for the newbies.
    Distance Learning degree programs are NOT, by definition, 100% non-residential in nature, especially on the graduate level. There are manymanymany DL programs that have some sort of residency requirement. At the risk of appearing to shill for the Bears Guide, this is something that is explicitly spelled out in their descriptions of the many programs available. You can not assume that because a program is taught primarily online or through some other DL means that your presence on campus will NEVER be required. This is especially true of non-US doctoral programs. I do not believe that you will find any UK or OZ doctoral program that states in it's basic program description that you will NEVER have to come to campus. Any there any exceptions? I don't know. I don't keep up with every program offered through every school. Help me out here guys, are there any exceptions? Regardless of the existence of any exceptions, my point is that you need to make specific inquiry on this topic BEFORE you apply to the program. Sheffield/Pretoria/Melbourne or wherever may be a great city but I'm not sure I want to spend all that money, plus my entire years vacation, going to grad seminars. In the end it might be the same cost to go to Nova or Argosy or one of the other EdD programs around.
    Good hunting,
    Jack
     
  7. Rob Coates

    Rob Coates New Member

    Jack;
    Thanks for the information. Very useful and helpful. I had checked into the Ed.D. at Edith Cowen and contacted a couple of students from the US who are in the program. I do think the Edith Cowen program is 100% distance but the sequence of courses did not match my interests and needs. Therefore, I'm checking out other Aussie programs. I think you're right however, that if even short residencies are required the cost goes up to the point where one might as well be looking at a US program like NCU. I'd apply to the NCU Ph.D. in psychology but just can't afford $24,000 tuition and still eat and pay mortgage. Of course there's UNISA but I just don't think there's a 100,000 word dissertation in me.
     
  8. PJFrench

    PJFrench member

    Not necessarily ... it depends, and at present the preferred situation is initial attendance for one unit, but I understand that this may change. On line and distance education with UNE does not mean the whole degree requirement in many cases.

    This EdD is very similar to a US Doctorate and contrary to another comment in this thread is NOT a full research doctorate by thesis as such. It comprises some research based coursework [last check 4 units of 12-15K each] as well as a pure research component [around 40-60K]. The total work done in several cases I am aware of exceeds the requirements for a research based PhD. Other Universities out here may present an easier/less onerous route.

    P J French
    BEd MEd MAcc [UNE]
     
  9. PJFrench

    PJFrench member

    Not necessarily ... it depends, and at present the preferred situation is initial attendance for one unit, but I understand that this may change. On line and distance education with UNE does not mean the whole degree requirement in many cases.

    This EdD is very similar to a US Doctorate and contrary to another comment in this thread is NOT a full research doctorate by thesis as such. It comprises some research based coursework [last check 4 units of 12-15K each] as well as a pure research component [around 40-60K]. The total work done in several cases I am aware of exceeds the requirements for a research based PhD. Other Universities out here may present an easier/less onerous route.

    P J French
    BEd MEd MAcc [UNE]
     
  10. obecve

    obecve New Member

    If your challenge is cost, you may want to check some of your in-state insitutions. You may find that there are some part time programs or programs that offer evening and weekend courses. Often times these programs are designed for working educators to make the next leap professionally. They might not exist, but it would be worth a few phone calls. Not everything about a program is on the web page or in the catalog, sometimes a local professor can help you figure an alternative. Programs to check include educational psychology, educational leadership, curriculum and instructions, adult education, and higher education.
     
  11. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Dr. French has always been a valuable source on information regarding UNE. It is his contention that earning a degree there--any degree, really--is a rigorous process. I'm sure he's right.
     
  12. turtle

    turtle New Member

    I am currently investigating UNI as one of my options after I complete my MA. There is definitley a residency requirment. If my information is correct there are two residency programs which they have set back to back so there is a short stay in Australia.

    I have found them to be very responsive to requests for infomation. The "Doctor of Education Directory" that you can order from them on line.
     
  13. turtle

    turtle New Member

    The need to proofread is always present. My opening line should read "currently investigating UNE". I will be more cautious in the future.
     

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