I've been thinking about my educational journey so far, and I have decided (finally) not to complete the Ed.D. at Liberty. My coursework at LU has been ok thus far except for the statistics class, but I feel like the EdD simply isn't going to be of interest. My interests do not lie in K-12, and the LU program is more slanted for K-12 educators. I would like to know what everyone's thoughts are on pursuing a PhD at a for-profit like Capella. A few bits of information: 1) I work in non-traditional, Christian higher education. My role is in student services with adult students in an accelerated evening program. 2) I do not aspire to an "academic" role. My ultimate goal would be to be a VP or Director of a non-traditional division or an adult education program. I would also be perfectly happy in a community college. 3) My CV screams "evangelical Christian" due to my BA in Ministry and my MA from Liberty. I know that this will limit me, but I have no intention to break out of the circles in which I reside. 4) I would like to focus more on the psychological elements of education and the learning process as opposed to the higher education administration elements. Educational psychology, perhaps? Would a for-profit PhD be advisable in these circumstances?
I think given your goals, which are perfectly reasonable and reachable, a Ph.D. from a for-profit school is not going to be a negative thing, provided it's from a RA school. Once in awhile, I'll go to a random school's website and check out the credentials of the faculty & administration, and as long as it's not a top-tier school, I see quite a few DL for-profit schools represented, especially at community colleges.
It will limit you in some areas and it will be of great value in the area of your greatest interest. "Fear not..." My personal opinion of Capella: Great program that is sometimes seen on the vita of B&M professors. Very expensive though. I looked into it and decided that I would not be able to get through for less than $80K.
Hate to be an ass (well why not) but didn't you say that you would rather see Liberty go out of business then turn into a for-profit school some time ago? If that is your opinion of for-profits, why entertain the thought of getting a PhD from one?
Primarily it's a matter of availability. My work schedule makes it impossible to do anything other than an online or hybrid doctorate, so I'm just checking out my options. Also, I realize that not all for-profits are created equal. That being said, I wouldn't want LU to turn into a for-profit because I'm definitely not a fan of the conversion of non-profit schools into for-profit entities. To me, at least, that serves as such a shift in mission that a change from non-profit to for-profit status is undesirable. I will admit, however, that my statement was rash and not well-reasoned.
When I went with NCU, I traveled 75-85% of the time so any residency was off the table (sure to lead to divorce if I had a residency) so you make the best decision you can with the information and options you have. Shop around, there are alot of fairly priced PhDs - even if a "for-profit" title is tied to them. Best of luck.
I think that in the right circumstances - a PhD from a for profit can work. Exhibit 1, my former supervisor: Gateway Community and Technical College - Urban Also, while a for-profit is pricy, under the right circumstances, you can have your loan forgiven after 10 years: http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/attachments/siteresources/LoanForgivenessv4.pdf As always, the PhD is just part of the picture, your experiences are valuable as well. Since you state that you are interested in the learning process, if you are currently working in Higher Ed, try to become involved in the assessment process at your school. IMHO, my work with program outcomes and assessment at my former community college was a major factor in making the jump from a community college to a small University. Take your time and choose the right school. Good luck. Shawn
Obviously not-for-profit, but given your career goals, you might want to check out the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, which offers the Ed.D. or Ph.D. in Higher Education; Doctorate in Educational Leadership Higher Education | Online Worldwide | U. Of Nebraska
Worth looking at. The PhD does require 6 units in residence; a check might be needed to see if the same requirement has been introduced for the EdD. Admission is very competitive, but the LU EdD units might boost the application a bit. Good luck!
Not for-profits excepting Walden, but: Lamar University: EdD in Higher Ed (New Program and 100% online) Green light for online Ed.D. program - Lamar University Texas Tech University: EdD in Higher Ed concentration in CC Administration (1-week summer residencies x 3) Doctor of Education in Higher Education :: University College :: Texas Tech University University of Memphis: online EdD in Higher Education (requires 1-week summer residencies). eCampus :: Ed.D. in Higher Education :: University of Memphis Walden: EdD in Higher Ed and Adult Learning (one 3-day F2F residency) Ed.D. Higher Education and Adult Learning - Walden University University of Liverpool: EdD in Higher Ed (100% online) Higher Education (Online) (EdD) - University of Liverpool in Coop. with Laureate Online Education - United Kingdom - PhDportal.eu Doctor of Education - Higher Education - Laureate Online Education & University of Liverpool - Online Masters Degrees
I'm not going to bother with the UNL program, although it would be a wonderful opportunity. I've looked at it before, but it is far too competitive for me to stand a realistic chance. I only have a few years of experience in higher education, and my MA was earned online. I would honestly rather save the money on the application paperwork!
In that there’s no constructive difference/s between the Ph.D. in education and the Ed.D; I’d pursue the non-profit Ed.D. (e.g., with a state or B&M private university) over a virtual university awarded degree (Ph.D /Ed.D)— in my view (whether for- or non-profit), is still essentially considered lower tier anyway within industry.
Hi there, Lesley University, based out of Boston, is a regionally accredited university, ranked #82 US Illinois Best Colleges for 2010. If you are interested in the following degree: Educational Studies, Specialization in Adult Learning, PhD, please let me know. I can refer you over. Thanks! Robyn
That's a false dichotomy, but even for the sake of argument I would need to know accreditation statuses, tuition rates, residency requirements, school history, and curricular requirements.
It's actually not a false dichotomy. I'm not saying these are the only options. I'm just asking for general opinions, given some basic information. I will say, however, that RA is a must.
