Dilemma; What would you do?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by jayncali73, May 19, 2011.

Loading...
  1. jayncali73

    jayncali73 New Member

    Hello all.....

    here again trying to sort out what I want to do on my doctoral journey.

    I have been accepted into the PhD program at Indiana Tech, the Ed.D Org Leadership at Pepperdine and still waiting for Valdosta U.

    Pepperdine is expensive but has better name recognition. However, it is an Ed.D vs a PhD. Is the better name recognition enough to overcome the EdD vs Phd debate? Is a PhD from a "no name school" better than an EdD from a top ranked school?

    Which one would you pick?

    Thanks in advance for your opinions.
     
  2. Sauron

    Sauron New Member

    Go top ranked in my opinion. Less to explain and you can continue on to a more rigorous program at the same school or another top ranked school.
     
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    It depends partly on how you want to use the degree. Do you just need a check mark in a box so that you can get a raise or be in line for a promotion? If so I'd go to the program that has the lowest cost. Also please remember that the higher ranked school does not necessarily have the higher ranked program. On the doctoral level it frequently has more to do with your specific doctoral advisor and their reputation in the field. Overall I'd go to the least expensive school. The ROI will be better and since it's an RA program thee's no need to explain anything.
     
  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Perhaps the general public better recognizes a PhD, but anyone who will actually matter won't care what degree nomenclature your doctorate uses. They're effectively the same thing.

    -=Steve=-
     
  5. Fortunato

    Fortunato Member

    If you're paying your own freight, you need to maximize your ROI. The way you do that is by selecting the program that gives you the best balance between new and better opportunities going forward and the opportunity costs of obtaining the degree. A Pepperdine EdD might open more doors later down the road, but if the cost of that is so high that you'll be paying off student loans till you die, it might not be worth it. On the other hand, you might be able to pay off the Indiana Tech program out of pocket as you go, but if you can't get a job after graduation, then does that even matter?

    My advice to you: speak to people who have completed both programs, see how they managed to accelerate their career (or not), and compare notes. Talk with the university placement office and see how many of their grads end up in new positions 3, 6, and 12 months out. If they don't have this info, run away screaming.

    I've gone both ways in my distance ed career - the cheap (but still RA) school for my undergrad, and the prestigous, high-dollar option for my MBA. I got a lot out of both experiences, and both moved my career forward greatly. However, the difference is that when it was me writing the checks, I chose the cheaper program. My employer paid for my MBA.

    Whichever way you decide to go, study hard, network your butt off, and get the most out of your program. You're investing in yourself, and you don't want that money to go to waste. Best of luck in selecting and starting your doctorate program!
     
  6. DetAntMPS

    DetAntMPS New Member

    If you can earn a Ed.D from Pepperdine you go to Pepperdine. Just my thoughts.
     
  7. AUTiger00

    AUTiger00 New Member

    Not to derail the thread, but do you mind if I ask what industry you work in? My assumption is you're a relatively young guy so I'm impressed your company dropped $100k for that MBA program. You must be a hell of an asset to them.
     
  8. Psydoc

    Psydoc New Member

    And, is you spell out "Doctorate from _____________" who knows or cares whether it is a PhD, EdD or DBA. The real question is not what we think but what you want. If you can afford what you want go for it; if not try to want what you can afford.
     
  9. truckie270

    truckie270 New Member

    I appreciate your dilemma Jay. I think my experience in the VSU DPA was a good one and the program is solid. With that being said, my main motivations in choosing VSU was the affordability of the program and the fact that they are a B&M state school with a NASPAA accredited PA department. If I could have afforded a Doctoral program in my areas of interest at a school that was closer to me (West Coast) with a better name recognition I would have went that route regardless of the degree title. If Pepperdine would have been a financially-viable option for me I would have gone there and not looked back. However, I have already paid for my VSU DPA with the increased opportunities that have presented themselves to me as a result of having it.
     

Share This Page