Northcentral University's credibility and marketability

I am considering this program for MSed in Leadership for Higher education for administration postion's. I have spent 6 years as adjunct faculty to five institutions and would like to move into administration and looking for a good program that will enable that change of direction. I am looking for information on how NCU degrees are perceived for employment at Higher educational institutions. I know a number of people who have degree's from Capella U and are working at other H.E. institutions, however, I have not heard of NCU grads. I am sure they are out there but when I asked NCU they just gave me a stock answer about being RA and they do not keep those types of stats. As we all know RA does not mean the school has a favorable credibility in the work place automatically. Any insights anyone can give me would be helpful.

 

As someone who works in higher education, I wouldn't recommend pursuing this degree.

I assume that you already have a master's degree, so the next step is for you to find a position. Most of the time people start out at entry level positions in administration. Perhaps you could find a position in the business office, student affairs, or enrollment. Then if you do well, you might want to consider doctoral work in education later down the line.

If you want to go the academic administration route, you need a terminal degree in a discipline, and the track would generally go: faculty--->chair---->dean---->provost.

That being said, I can see no benefit for an MS in Education if you already have a master's unless the degree is from a well-known institution.

And Maniac Craniac, when dealing with higher education, being unknown doesn't necessarily help you. Higher education is rife with snobbery and elitism. You really have to know your "niche." For instance, my undergraduate degree in ministry and my graduate studies at Liberty can help me in conservative evangelical circles in higher education, but they would likely torpedo my resume in secular higher education.

The problem with for-profit/non-traditional degrees in higher education is that they do not tend to open doors to a new career. The primary use is for advancement when you are already employed (for instance, if you work at a community college in administration and want to advance). In for-profit and non-traditional sectors within higher education, a higher education credential usually isn't necessary. For traditional settings, a non-traditional degree isn't likely to help all that much.

 

Traditional universities historically do not respect online degrees. I agree that you should avoid NCU. It offers a great program, but a degree from this is likely to be an hindrance for your career plans in higher education. You should find a state school that offers an online master's program, there are a number out there. Cal State Long Beach offers a program as well as many other schools. These should find more acceptance in the higher ed world, however, if your transcripts from a state school mention that your degree is earned online you could still face trouble.

The thing you have going for you, and it's potent, is the fact that you already have experience working as an adjunct. It is possible that this fact will overcome the stigma of having a master's earned online. But nobody can tell you this for sure, you would have to try it to find out. A lot depends on the value you can offer to employers.

 

thanks I appreciate the insights. The issue: my masters is from a B&M school, however it is in ministry. I have interviewed for jobs, however many say I did not get the job because I did not have all the experience they would like or that I do not have a Master in Ed which they would like to see. I can not afford a Doctoral degree at this time. It was recommended that I look for a decent M ed. I have tried the entry level positions but do not get anywhere because either a Med or MBA or undergraduate in those areas is wanted. In this crazy climate vocationally I am just trying to figure out the best options to find a full time role in H.Ed. I have gone to conferences, faculty development, written curriculum, etc to deepen my resume. I guess I will have to keep trying doors and see what opens. I will look further to other programs that I may be able to consider. Thanks to all for their insights. I will not close any doors at this time, but be open to listen and continue to research. Any further gems of wisdom one may have I am open to it.

 

The OP had me thinking about all my friends that are working in higher ed administration. You pretty much nailed it. ALL of them started with the position first, pretty low level (maybe making 25K - 30k a year), and then pursused a masters or doctorate in higher ed at they school they worked for to move up.

 

My answer to the OP: LinkedIn.

I can't vouch for the applicability of NCU degrees to academic posts, BUT what I can say is that NCU graduates, at least on the West Coast, seem to do quite well career-wise. I say, like I would lately recommend with most other school-shopping, search on the school name at LinkedIn and see how their alumni are doing. It can be quite eye-opening.

Also note-- this isn't an endorsement of the school, but my observation from the perspective of professional networking. YMMV.

 

While I am not happy about most things posted on another DL forum, someone there has posted, without attribution, a summary of a long and interesting report by a noted educational scholar*, which I believe is all true. It is the 3rd posting at Beware of Northcentral
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* Not me. Had nothing to do with it, although I am correctly quoted in it.

 

From what I've seen in academia, making the jump from adjunct to administration would be extremely difficult. You need to get your foot in the door with a full-time position first. That could be teaching, student services, etc.

The tool I used to get my first full-time teaching position was the master list of community colleges maintained by UT-Austin:

U.S. Community Colleges, by State

I literally went to every CC's website and applied for every teaching position I was qualified for. You may need to do the same to get your 1st FT Higher Ed position. It's a very competitive market - and you need education and experience.

Good luck!

 

Awesome Shawn, I didn't know about that list. I now have it bookmarked for future reference.

 

I would also start with this school - Home Page - Florida Keys Community College Who would not want to live there?

 

Aside from hurricanes, humidity and sweltering heat, it's a paradise. But it looks like an awesome campus.

 

I applied for a position teaching MCSE (Microsoft cert) classes years ago and it was at Grand Cayman Community College. I had a dive vacation planned and I just wanted the interview to try to write off the trip as a business expense....they never called.

 

LOL. I wonder if Argosy needs anyone at their campus in Hawaii? I could teach surfology 101. Yes!

 

Go for it!

 

Cowabunga Dude!