Seeking Ph.D. Program Advice

Hello,

I am in the process of looking for a Ph.D. program, and I am sorry to say it, but I need something that is not going to take over my life. I have a BA and an MA from traditional schools and already have the skill set that I need. Once upon a time, it was my dream to become an academic, but that is no longer the case. I have a family now and they are my top priority. Every minute I spend away from those precious faces is a dagger to my heart - they won't stay that way forever. I hate to say it, but what I need is a credential for my job. I have always been against reducing "education" to a piece of paper, but I am at that point in my life right now. I am just being fully honest - I hope I do not offend anyone. If what I am looking for does not exist, then I guess this option is not for me but if it is out there, I'd like to find it.

In a dream world, this would describe my ideal program:

-Online - preferably no residencies

-Regionally accredited

-Something in psychology or a related field

-Not a diploma mill/total scam - I don't want them screwing with my financial aid

-Something at least semi-respected

-A program that will not take over my life; nothing crazy - I'm talking something I can do at night and still get to bed at a decent hour

If you have any recommendations, I'd really appreciate it. It would be incredibly helpful if you have personal experience with such a program. Please be brutally honest and tell me how much time you are spending per week on your degree.

Thank you for any feedback.

 

For my program (which is nationally accredited), I spend at least 15-20 hours a week. To be honest, the criteria you establish is largely unrealistic. No offense, but it sounds as though you want the degree, but not fully aware of the work or commitment that is required. I have a family and work, yet there are sacrifices that we have made throughout the process. There are many times in which I question if pursuing a doctorate is "worth" the sacrifices being that I do not "need" a doctorate. If it is true as you indicate that you "need the credential" (though I cannot think of too many professions that mandate one have a PhD outside of academia), then expect to do a lot of work and make significant sacrifices. If this is unappealing, then best look elsewhere. Again, not trying to be harsh, but too frequently people cite that they want a degree but do not want to undertake the necessary work. Nonetheless, good luck in your endeavors.

 

I think that the average time requirement mentioned by jmcl is pretty standard. I'd also mention that this is typically true 52 weeks of the year over a period of 4-6 years. If you're interested in talking to some people who've gotten stuck in this process (let's face it, it's a huge amount of work) try looking at this site

PhinisheD

 

Okay, and this was why I asked. I just didn't know if my criteria was realistic or not. In a non-profit, traditional PhD, I realize that what I am looking for is laughable. I should have mentioned that I was a couple of years into a PhD at such a school years ago and my husband is currently pursuing one at this time so I am well aware of the sacrifices and workload required of a typical doctorate degree. I have heard, however, that some schools (for profits) tend to take a different approach. I am not trying to be rude (heck, I am willing to attend if I am able) but a friend of mine once said that "the university of Phoenix is so easy, it's embarrassing." I hate to say it but if I could find this kind of scenario, I'd jump on it. As I stated, my concern is not the education as much as it is the credential. Sad but true. I work for the government. As long as it is from a DOE approved school, they don't really see any degree better or worse than any other. A PhD would put me in the running for the senior executive service, if that answers your question.

I do appreciate your feedback, so thank you!

 

I think any doctorate is going to be a lot of work. Does it have to be a PhD? How are you views on religion? Bakke Graduate University offers a Doctor of Transformational Leadership. It's a Christian university, but my understanding is that they don't take a dogmatic position in their teaching. Nationally accredited, not regional, but they seem to attract a number of psychology majors. It is a shorter program than the PhD and can be completed in about 3 years. They say it can be done in as little as 2, but I'm not sure how practical that would be. It also has a requirement to work at an off site location for a week. One location option is Fresno, CA. The other options are in foreign countries. I know this degree does not meet many of your requirements, but it may allow you to complete the degree in shorter time than a traditional PhD without completely "killing yourself."

 

Thank you very much, Pugbelly. I appreciate this recommendation. No, I am not afraid of religion and will definitely look into it as long as it has the DOE stamp of approval. I know my wish list is a little crazy, but it's just my ideal program; I realize it most likely does not exist.

I appreciate your response!

 

Thank you very much, Kizmet. I am definitely interested in talking to others who have gotten "stuck." Getting stuck is exactly what I am trying to avoid, which is why I came here for advice so thanks for the heads-up. To be clear, I am not afraid of hard work or sacrifice (my master's degree was so rigorous that it just about put me in the funny farm - and I'd do it again). I can sacrifice all day and all night for years and I could still be a happy person. I can't ask my kids to do that, though. They're innocent in this. My husband is in a difficult Ph.D. program and that's about as much academic rigor as this family can handle for the time being.

Thanks again!

 

I replied to this comment a few hours ago and I do not see that it stuck. I am writing this as a test to see if something went wrong.

 

I clicked "reply with quote" to respond to the above comments, but for some reason, they aren't posting so I will reply here. Apologies if they show up later and what I say here is redundant.

Jmcl

I am very appreciative of your response. It is important for me to know the amount of time per week that I could expect to spend in a for-profit Ph.D. program, so you have given me some valuable information. I apologize for being another person who "cites" that I want a degree without doing the work. You are actually correct, in this case, unfortunately. I should have mentioned that I was a few years into a Ph.D. at a state university when I got married and my husband's job transferred us to D.C., so I am very well aware of the sacrifices that must be made in order to earn a traditional doctorate degree. Furthermore, my husband (in his 40s) is earning the credential himself at a prestigious university (no, we are not academic snobs; it is the only school that offers a Ph.D. in his field) so I can also attest to the sacrifice that a spouse makes when her husband is in graduate school.

You ask if I truly need a Ph.D. and you state that outside of academia, it is unlikely that I do. I will explain. My husband and I are both federal agents. A Ph.D. makes a federal employee eligible for the senior executive service (directors of departments and agencies). Our employer also does not differentiate between schools. As long as an institution is DOE approved, as far as they are concerned, there isn't much of a difference between the University of Phoenix and Brown. To be fair, I am sure that a hiring manager would consider the difference, but the government itself does not.

I realize that my criteria is largely unrealistic, but I thought I'd ask anyway. To my credit, I have never attended a for-profit school (no, I do not think I am above it, hence my interest in learning more here). Based on what I have heard and read, and let's just be honest, these schools have a reputation of setting a lower bar for their students - like it or not; so in my defense, I'm just basing my questions off of what I have heard and read. I have a good friend who earned her BA at UoP and she often jokes about the lack of difficulty of her degree. When she says the word, "degree," she draws quotes in the air. Please do not take this the wrong way, I am just stating what I have been told. My point is that since a Ph.D. would help me climb the career ladder, regardless of the institution from which it is earned, why not find out if I can attend a school that is not going to kill me or punish my children? Why not? I DO think that for-profits have their place, and I think that place is for people who want to better themselves or need the credential, yet do not wish to have a career in academia. I am not calling these schools stupid or useless, I am just saying that they have reputation of being more flexible for families and careers.

As I stated in my response to Kismet, I am 100% fine with sacrificing my time, sleep and money, to its fullest, to earn a degree. I am not afraid of hard work, BELIEVE me. However, my children are already having to give up time with their father thanks to his busy schedule. I am not going to force them to do the same with me. At some point you have to draw a line based on your personal circumstances. If an easy program does not exist, fine. This option is not for me, then. I thought I'd ask, though. Again, why not?

Pug belly,

Thank you for your response. I am not afraid of religion and will look into the program you mentioned. I do realize that my wish list is a tall order and it is highly unlikely that I'll find anything that fits my criteria, but I reasoned that I might as well reach for the ideal and then see what happens. Thank you very much for your help!

 

please note this sticky thread:

http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/35100-new-users-ask-where-did-my-posts-go.html

 

Bakke Graduate University is accredited by TRACS, which is an approved accrediter by both DoE and CHEA. I am going to pursue the Doctor of Transformational Leadership from Bakke at some point. I absolutely LOVE the program. I just can't find any time at all in my schedule right now...but soon.

 

I think everyone sufficiently covered some of the key elements here. If your degree is regionally accredited it is at least "semi-respected" at least in any circle that cares about accreditation. If it is nationally accredited, well, your mileage may vary. BUT, you've also made it clear that your situation may make you a decent candidate for someone who would benefit from an NA degree.

California Southern University offers a DBA, a PSyD and a JD (though I'm sure we could all have a good, solid argument over whether a JD is a "doctorate"). They are regionally accredited, online, reasonably affordable, they don't participate in Federal Financial Aid (but you should still be able to use government TA).

The American College of Education has a fairly low cost Doctor of Education in Leadership. They are also RA and, despite being for-profit (like CSU), also does not participate in Federal Financial aid. This also reduces the likelihood that you're going to see either school being pulled before a congressional committee any time soon.

Bakke, as mentioned, is certainly an option (and a kind of nifty option, I might add). If you're OK with non-RA schools (like Bakke) then you might also consider the University of Management and Technology (DBA), Aspen University (EdD) and a slew of other schools. However, the above RA options are comparable in price to the NA options and you don't run into any potential issues regarding accreditation down the road.

Consider that you may get certified SES qualified but never obtain an SES position. But, maybe something at the state level would entice you away (depending upon your longterm objectives). But in many state governments, it's "RA or the highway."

Just some food for thought.

 

Does it have to be a PhD or would other doctorates work? Check out the following programs. Some might be of interest to you (all programs are online and are regionally accredited):

Online PhD in Psychology, Psychology PhD Programs Online | Northcentral University

Doctor of Psychology Degree | PsyD Degree - California Southern University

Doctor of Philosophy in Human Services

Doctor of Psychology

Degree Programs | Online Degree | Grand Canyon University (PhD in General Psychology w/ choice of four areas of emphasis)

Online PsyD Degree Programs - Capella University

https://www.waldenu.edu/doctoral/phd-in-psychology

http://www.thechicagoschool.edu/Online/Our_Programs/Online_PhD_in_Business_Psychology_Consulting_Track

If an EdD (Doctor of Education) will work, there are TONS of online options (though not in Psychology, per se). Many programs may be completed in three years.

http://www.thechicagoschool.edu/Online/Our_Programs/Online_EdD_in_Educational_Psychology_and_Technology

 

Thank you very much for this information; it is helpful! I believe that the school DOES have to be regionally accredited for the government to recognize its legitimacy. Unfortunately, the government isn't very willing to offer tuition assistance these days. They have programs set up for them but the do not fund them. They tell you to turn to your individual departments and beg them to piece meal you a couple hundred dollars here and there (I realize I am fortunate to have my job and am not complaining, just stating a fact). I will likely be using some financial aid as well as paying for some tuition out-of-pocket. One thing that scares me is that I've read nightmare stories of for-profits messing with people's financial aid and getting them into serious trouble. I am really hoping to get some feedback from people who have attended these schools. I'd love to know if everything went smoothly.

Thank you again for your help! I am looking into all of the links you posted!

 

Wow; this is a helpful list, Japhy! Thank you! I will investigate all of these links. Do you happen to attend any of these schools? If so, what has your experience been? Would you recommend them personally?

Thanks again!!

 

Would you elaborate on your hours/week? Are you talking about the research, or required classes, both or . . . ?

 

The federal government recognizes national accreditation. The many state governments differ with regard to recognition.

 

jhp- IRT to your question, it is a combination of reading, research, and writing. The program is extremely writing intensive. The preponderance of time is spent researching and reading in preparation for the required writing assignments. Just to clarify, each course consists of four modules. Each module requires four 4-5 page essays. It is necessary to conduct research in order to write the essays. In the end one produces some 70-80 pages of research-driven writing at the conclusion of each course. I have some criticism about this format, but so it goes. I hope that helps clarifies.

 

I'm interested in hearing your criticisms, and what instead you might prefer.

 

Something in the psychology field? How about MA Military Psychology frpm Adler U? hOW ABOUT pHdS IN pSYCHOLOGY FROM BOTH wALDEN AND cAPELLA, TWO WELL KNOWN SCHOOLS IN THE gREAT sTAYTES OF mn AND wi? How about PhDs in Counseling from those two really good tv preacher scholls in the Great State of VA? hOW ABOUT A pSYd in I/O PSYCHOLOGY FROM the Ybiversity of the Rockies? How about PhDs in General Psych form NCU and Grand Canyon University, two really good online schools from the Grand Canyon State? How about we head due east to the Great State of Texas and get an MEd in Ed Psych at TAMU College Sytateion and EdD in Ed Psych fromTAMU Commerce? Sorry i'm running out of ideas foe you. I gotta go to bed now so ni cam wake up at the crack of dawn around 6am. Thanx, bye!