EdD @ Northeastern vs. PhD @ CSPP

Hi all - This is my first time posting here, although I have followed several threads and read all that I could find on these two schools in the archives.

I am looking to decide between attending Northeastern's EdD program in Organizational Leadership vs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's PhD program in Organizational Leadership. They are both hybrid programs requiring similar residencies. Currently, I'm working as a school counselor in NYS but work in an area where I do not have many B&M campus opportunities.

My professional goals would likely take one of two routes: Leadership in Public Ed or Private schools, which an EdD seems sufficient for; or Leadership in Higher Ed (Dean of Students, Director of Student Life, etc.) and potentially teaching one or two classes in the education field (I don't think I am interested in seeking tenure track college or university teaching positions).

CSPP is significantly more expensive but I am curious if people feel that the PhD, overtime, would allow for more versatility than the EdD. Any input on which program might have a better reputation or allow for more options over time?

Thanks in advance for any input!
Ryan

 

Ryan,

The Northeastern University Ed.D. is awarded by the College of Professional Studies vs. education (likely a plus), whereas, the Chicago School of Professional Psychology Ph.D. is offered via their department of organizational leadership (a better plus IMO). And agree or not, there is still perception that colleges of education often have (unwarranted) reputations of being academically light, and this reputation will influence the Ed.D. perception. In that the primary duty of colleges of education is to train teachers and regrettably teaching is viewed (by too many IMO), as a lowed ranked profession in the U.S. This contributes to the lower standing of colleges of education and consequently the Ed.D.

Throughout the years, the Ed.D. has been referred to as the “watered-down” /diluted version of the Ph.D. Among some crowds, the Ed.D. has never been, or will be regarded with the equal level of acceptance and/or reputation as the Ph.D. And in general, professional degrees are predisposed to not to hold up as well alongside the Ph.D. (e.g., researcher vs. practitioner-oriented) … external the M.D.

Note: If your future professional objective is within the public education arena, then the Ed.D. should offer sufficient utility.

Disclosure: The above is merely offered as consideration/s. The actual academic rigors in emphasis, structure and strategy between the two (Ph.D. /Ed.D.) degree programs likely differ minimally, if at all. Nonetheless, perception is real to the perceiver … whether the perception being factual or not.