NCU v. Walden for PhD in Education?

I've searched until I'm blind to find out the differences between NCU and Walden in terms of their reputation and credibility, but all I'm finding is opinions of disgruntled former students. If money isn't a huge issue, which of these institutions has the best doctoral program for education? I'm leaning towards a PhD rather than an EdD, but I could be persuaded otherwise.

 

Walden is the more established program, so it and Capella have had much more time (and more graduates) to establish a reputation than NCU. The utility of the degree really depends on what you want to do with it. These degrees tend to be most successful for mid-career professionals who are looking for promotion or for adjunct teaching.

Regarding the title of the degree (PhD vs. EdD), I would pick your area of emphasis first. If both degrees are offered, the PhD would likely be your first choice.

 

If you want to study largely on your own, NCU will permit that. If you want to join an academic community, Walden will require that.

 

Enquiring minds want to know...

How does Walden require a student to join an academic community? What do you mean?

 

Perhaps this is referring to the residency modality of Walden!

 

Yes, that crossed my mind too, but I want to hear it from the horses mouth.

 

I guess, a proper clarification is in order from the originator(s).

 

I haven't checked the numbers but I'm guessing that NCU would be noticably less expensive than Walden.

 

Way lower!

 

I'm currently a faculty member at Ouachita Technical College in Malvern, Arkansas, and I'm wanting my doctorate mostly for personal satisfaction--I doubt there's much advancement in my future at OTC, but I don't want to leave here because I love the college. I'm specifically looking for a degree in higher education, preferably with a curriculum and instruction emphasis rather than a leadership emphasis. Does that make one of the two colleges the more obvious choice?

As far as becoming a member of the academic community, are you talking about the mode of the classes? It's my understanding that NCU is basically self-study whereas Walden is more of a traditional classroom/cohort experience (albeit online).

 

I'm guessing that you're right. Also, I'm guessing that Walden has one or two mandatory residency periods per year. Maybe that's the "community" part. It's great if you can afford it (obviously many can).

 

Walden's doctoal emphases tend to lead toward leadership, rather than curriculum & instruction. Both Northcentral and Capella offer online doctorates in curriculum & instruction.