Please advise on my PhD

Hi Everyone!

I need some advices on my Ph.D degree in Management. Well, I have discovered the program at Lancaster University - School of Management Ph.D in Management. I have gathered more details about the program, and I like the fact that they responded my request immediately (at least within 5 hours). The school reputation with ranking #6 in UK among other academic institutions and triple business accredited agencies.

I was accepted to Capella University's Ph.D in Organizations & Management. The current enrollment starts on January 10, 2010. After looking carefully about the program, the price tag seems to be more than I thought. I thought the academic colloquium is FREE, but I just found that $1,500 each for 3 of them plus travels during the courses phrase.

I don't think I can kill two birds with one stone at Georgetown University and Capella University as the same time by using the VA Post 9/11 benefit. Therefore, I might end up paying the entire program at Capella University out of my pocket.

Should I defer my enrollment at Capella University, and applying to Lancaster University? The program at Lancaster University is based on 80,000 word research (dissertation) and oral exam. The tuition is about $8,200.00 per year for 4 years, and plus travel expenses.

Name recognition: Lancaster University
Price Tag: Equal, but VA might pay half at Capella University

What are other comparison between of these two? Any other input is really appreciated.

 

While this is true "The school reputation with ranking #6 in UK among other academic institutions and triple business accredited agencies.", I would have a concern that many US company's might not feel comfortable with a UK degree. I guess the first question might be: what do you plan to do with it?

 

Dr. Randell,

I plan to use my Ph.D for consulting, high management position, and possible for side teaching job. I am not really interested in full-time teaching, at least not at this time.

 

Gut check only (I am looking at UK schools for MSc FWIW) but -- given that you'll do fine work at either -- it seems Lancaster might stand out a bit more?

Phillip

 

Stand out in a positive or negative way?

 

I know next to nothing about the university but the surrounding countryside is beautiful with the Pennines, North Yorkshire Moors, and the lake District all within easy reach. I used to spend lots of time cycling, hiking, and camping in these areas. So if you decide to go with Lancaster then make sure you add some time for sightseeing.

 

I doubt that one could get through a Capella PhD for under 70K. Technically possible, but the reality might be difficult to attain.

 

Sorry, long day, assumed mind reading on the part of others. Stand out good.

Phillip

 

Is tha how much a Capella PhD cost? Kennesaw State University has a DBA that is AACSB (requires several residencies) for $90K. If I had to chose, I would go with KSU and pay the extra $20K. Then again, I live in the SE so I could drive to KSU in about 7 hours.

 

Here is what I breakout Capella University's Ph.D price tag. The program requires 72 quarter credits after 48 transferred credits. It typically requires:

- 8 quarters (2 years for course works, $4,485/each) = $ 35,880.00
- 4 quarters (1 year for dissertation, $3,945/each) = $15,780.00
- 3 Colloquiums ($1,500/each plus $1,500 travel expenses) = $ 9,000.00
Totals: $60,660.00 plus textbooks and tuition increase in 3 years.

So, it would be in the $70K range.

Well, I registered 3 courses....all my courses were dropped except the first course. Then I called several times to complain about the registration, they added 1 more course. They informed me that they would not recommend to take 3 courses as the same time; which most people cannot handle in 10 weeks.

 

The opposite is likely more plausible. Otherwise there are serious issues with American businesses. A PHD from Lancaster with a strong US MBA should be a competitive advantage for employment in any US MNCs.

 

I about spit my coffee out with that price. Since you are going to Georgetown, I assume you are somewhat local to the DC area? For the cost of your two options isn't there something local that would be less or just as much with better name recognition? GWU, GMU, American University, Old Dominion, Johns Hopkins, UMCP, etc.? Is there a way to transition your Georgetown work you have completed so far into a PhD there? I realize you have probably done your due diligence looking into programs locally, but the $70K for Capella would not seem the have the ROI for you with the GU MPS on your resume. Just a thought.

 

Yes, sir....I have looked into the program at GWU, American, University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins are in the $90K range. Just leaves off George Mason University; but my friend applied for part-time, he was rejected.

 

I figured you had looked, but I had to ask. Don't let the rejection of a friend disuade you from applying to GMU if you are interested in the school.

I am such a dork when it comes to education, every time I visit DC the thing that fascinates me more often than not is the number of great schools that I could go to if I lived in the area. If it were me, I would spend the extra $20K to go to one the better schools for name recognition alone if my choices were Capella and a foreign university that I would have to continually explain to people why I went there.

Could you use GI Bill at any of the above schools? I am not sure of what your available "free time" is in addition to your studies, but one great thing about many of those schools and their location is that there are numerous opportunities to defray some of the costs through internships, as a research assitant, teaching assitant, etc. Adjunct work would be a good fit as well - one course at a time while you are in a program over two years would pay the $20K difference.

Not trying to insult you as I know you have put an extensive amount of thought into this already. I know Capella is a decent school and a workable option for many, but $70K seems very high for what you get on the backside, especially compared to the options available to you locally.

 

One other thing - I am curious about your Georgetown MPS. Great school and great degree. How far are you into the program? Have you considered stopping where you are at in the MPS, forgoing the MPS and entering a GU - DLS program instead? You may be able to transfer some of the MPS courses you have already taken.

http://scs.georgetown.edu/departments/6/doctor-of-liberal-studies

To be eligible for a Doctor of Liberal Studies degree, candidates must earn 36 credits of coursework, pass both the written and oral sections of the comprehensive examinations, and successfully complete and defend a doctoral thesis. Six to nine hours of transfer credit or advanced standing may be awarded as determined by the director of Liberal Studies in consultation with the director of Doctoral Studies. Such credits must be from graduate-level academic work completed at Georgetown or other approved universities. Of the 36 credits, 12 credits come from four required foundational courses. Students may select the remaining 24 credits from Liberal Studies courses developed for the Doctor of Liberal Studies program, other Liberal Studies courses, selected graduate courses from other departments at Georgetown, and directed reading/tutorial courses.


$1,036 per credit hour for the DLS x 36 credits = $37,296 (- whatever you can transfer within GU)

Just a thought, but you could still keep the same area of specialization you are completing in the MPS and earn a GU - DLS for a fraction of the price of your other options.

 

I am certain you are not interested but it makes NCU look like a "bargain" at ~$36K with the recent price increase! I just had to say it....sorry :yikes:

 

Well, keep shopping around and ending up no where. I just stick with Capella University, still have 2 years of Post 9/11 GI Bill. I am looking for 2 1/2 years to complete! Wish me luck!!!!:blindfold:

Thanks all for the advices!!!

 

The total cost of NCU is now $44k (excluding books), not $36k. Their new per course tuition starting in January is $2200. Their PhD in business requires 20 courses. Even if one pays their present tuition charge, those hidden fees will still add up to about $40k. So they raised their tuition by $4k starting January. I'm sure you feel good knowing you're done with them, and don't have to worry about those tuition increases anymore.:yikes:

 

Makes you want to go with a DETC degree at these prices.....Cal University (DETC) at only $250 per a credit hour.

We always say that RA is the gold standerd well they have.........The DETC Platinum Standard | California InterContinental University