I've spent the past year or so looking at DL doctoral programs. I've looked at South African programs, Australian programs, UK programs and of course programs here in the U.S. As part of my search, I would often suggest to a couple of my graduate professors what schools I was considering. I did this because I wanted to see how they would view the degree for one interested in adjunct teaching. Here's a general idea: Non-US Schools: Sure, if it's Oxford or something of that caliber. UNISA did not seem to fare so well in their perception. US Schools: Non-traditional programs like Walden and Union did not fare so well in their perception. State Universities or large private universities that are NOT DL only institutions fared better. Of course, all of this is highly subjective. Professors at another school may view it entirely different. In the final analysis, I decided that the best utility may come from schools that are brick and mortar institutions that offer DL programs. I am preparing to apply to one such institution (still have to take the GRE) and see how it goes. Has anyone found in similarities in your experience?
I'd have to admit that the process by which I have selected an institution at which to conduct doctoral research has been impacted by similar concerns. I've wanted to land at an institution that enjoys wide-ranging respect within my academic community (broadly speaking, the "theological" disciplines). Because I've been guided in part by this concern, I've been able to eliminate a number of possible institutions. My saying this isn't meant to imply any snobbery; I've simply wanted to strive for the best, so that I could be assured of the quality of my academic experience, and so that I could be confident that my investment of time, energy, money, prayer, and blood would result in the attainment of an academic credential with optimal utility. In the University of Stellenbosch, my desire has been fulfilled. The Stellenbosch faculty of theology enjoys a first-rate reputation throughout the world. Its graduates hold positions at a number of institutions here in the states, and its lecturers are requested to serve as guest lecturers in various corners of the globe. The Stellenbosch faculty of theology enjoys formal ties to other leading theological faculties, including Princeton Seminary, Columbia Theological Seminary, Louvain, Tubingen, and (very soon) Free University of Amsterdam. At one time, I was giving serious consideration to applying for doctoral study at another respected South African faculty of theology where a leading scholar had volunteered to supervise my research. However, I chose Stellenbosch, instead. Recently, I crossed paths with the son of that same scholar, himself a PhD student at Princeton Seminary. When I told him about my decision, he stated that I had absolutely made the right choice. Furthermore, because of the affiliation that I am forming with Stellenbosch, and because of the particular scholar under whom I will be engaging in research, I am finding all sorts of scholars here in the States to be taking an interest in my work (something that most likely would not have been the case under other circumstances!). Now, granted, the Stellenbosch DTh isn't strictly a DL program (in fact, you won't ever find Stellenbosch using this terminology with reference to its own degrees). It likely is going to entail some significant residency on my part. But, for someone looking for a largely non-resident doctoral program, I think I've struck gold! Cory Seibel
Your search and conclusions parrallels mine. I ended up in the Colorado State program for exactly the same reasons you discussed.
It is interesting to note that others have had similar experiences. I really gave serious thought to UNISA and also spoke at length with a professor who is a graduate of a UK university but now serves on the faculty of a local university. I am looking at the University of Nebraska's Educational Leadership and Administration program (UNL). Of course, now I just have to write a high powered goal statement, plus get some decent GRE scores and other little things here and there. In short, I have to get accepted. We'll see what happens.
It is true that academics are likely to have a "higher" perception of a program from a "brick and mortar" campus, lke UNL, which has a good reputation overall and a lot of DL experience. Touro, Jones & Capella, like any other institution will have its reputation solidified by its successful graduates. We in stodgy old academia take a bit longer than industry to accept innovations as "normal" Tony Piña School of Education, California State University, San Bernardino & School of Education, La Sierra University
David: I feel the same as you and I have spoken with many professors as well. They do seem to have many reservations when it comes to distance learning Ph.D.'s or Professional degrees. 8 years from now though, it could be a completely different situation. I think UNL is a perfect fit for myself as well but I refuse to take the GRE, GMAT, or MAT. I have never felt that an entrance exam reflects my ability as a student. If you looked at my SAT's you would never believe that I graduated from college with honors. I actually emailed the head person of UNL's distance Ed.D. and asked him if the GRE could be waived and told him I wanted to write my dissertation on entrance test requirements and propose a theory that they did not serve a substancial purpose. He emailed me back and told me that I posed a very interesting question/statement but that they could not waive the test. On that note, I wish you the best and hope you do well. Duff
The vast majority of RA brick and mortar universities will not waive the GRE or other admission exams due to their being required by their accrediting agencies and other standards. In fact, many universities review a number of criteria in addition to entrance examinations, and usually do not place the majority of weight on the admission test, especially in the case of applicants with career and life experience. In terms of relevance and acceptability of DL degrees vs brick and mortar, no easy solution fits all. That is why these discussion forums are such a valuable medium to assist individuals in making the most relevant educational choice based on their unique needs and goals.
This may be off topic... To me, it would seem logical to question the teaching ability -- but not the academic research abilitiy -- of a DL degree holder who has never been inside a classroom in a brick and mortar setting. For that reason, I think balance is in order: Get DL degrees but also study in an actual classroom. Of course, there are always exceptions. Sort of like Tom Cruise in "A Few Good Men." As an attorney, he'd never been inside a courtroom, as he always settled outside court. But consider what happened when he finally arrived. I suspect holders of DL degrees, in some cases, could do likewise in their first classroom experience Roscoe
David as Roscoe and the other posters have pointed out the best solution is always the mix between both Bricks & DL. Other postings on this site have dealt with similar issues related to of course different fields, however the terminal objectives of your Doctorate really determines which route you choose. For example, if your going back to the classroom to teach after you finish, then acceptance of the DL by Brick & Morter or other Universities would look closely at you before allowing you to teach higher levels, and it probably wont happen. If your already a practising professional, with clients, then the DL route is the way to go. As a Doctor no matter if its DL or standard Bricks, you will be able to practice (having completed in your field the research, practicum and any clinical requirements) to be an expert called upon in your field. Ideally, time & money not being an issue go for the place where you want to be and that serves the reaseach/coursework that fits. Good Luck with the decision. J.R (ic)
Point Well Taken I am in agreement with you. In a sense, I'm "selling out" by taking the GRE. I honestly feel it is no true measurement of a person's potential to do successful graduate work. Since I want to do that program though, I decided to go ahead and take it. On an interesting note, Admiral Barry Black, Chief of Naval Chaplains (with oversight for chaplains in the US Navy, Marines and Coast Guard) once told a graduating class that some people predicted that he would never have much success based upon his poor GRE scores. Well, Admiral Black went on to earn three masters degrees and two doctorates. His first star was given by President Clinton and his second by President Bush.
Other Considerations Simon, UNL tells me that the GRE scores are but one of the factors they consider. They don't have a minimum score one must have on the General Test. However, they did provide the average score of those admitted. In addition, they consider one's previous academic experience, letters of reference, personal goal statement etc. I'm not thrilled that I have to take the GRE, but I guess I'll just have to hold my nose as I do it.
