I recently started a distance learning Ph.D. program with Old Dominion University (ODU) which is taught through a local higher education center. The courses are physically taught somewhere else then transmitted through a live satellite uplink to my site. I presently work for the government in a science/engineering field which I personally find boring. I have been looking for other jobs in the government and I found one that is in the education field. The education job is in the same grade and pay as I currently have but in a field in which I love. I also have prior experience in the education field which could help me get the education job. For both jobs, a Ph.D. looks good, but is, in a sense, overkill. The Ph.D. from ODU would possibly serve me better if I stay in the science/engineering field. On the other hand, I am also presently taking a course through NCU, toying with the idea of earning a Ph.D. through NCU in education. As far as the government is concerned, both universities are fine since they are both RA. My dilemma... The education job is in another state which means if I get the job I may not be able to finish the ODU program. If I am offered the education job, I would not turn it down since I may not get another opportunity. Just the fact that I am working on a Ph.D. in Education could be the icing on the cake that helps me get the education job. ODU pros: 1) Courses are taught live 2) Cheaper tuition ($284 per credit hour) 3) University has been in existence since 1930 4) Established reputation ODU cons: 1) Doesn't permit moving to new locations (degree program must be completed near one of their satellite sites) 2) Degree subject is more engineering in nature (which isn't as much fun for me) NCU pros: 1) Can complete the program anywhere 2) Degree subject is much more interesting for me NCU cons: 1) More expensive ($475 per credit hour) 2) No live courses 3) University has only been in existence since 1996 with RA in 2003 4) Reputation not yet established Upon the completion of a doctorate, I have no intention of teaching full-time at a university. I am only interested in earning a Ph.D. for two reasons: 1) personal goal and 2) career advancement within the government. My wife thinks that the degree from ODU would serve me better no matter what I do, but if I don’t complete the degree from ODU because of a new job, then I am just wasting my time at ODU. Keep in mind that I do not know of my chances of getting the education job. If you were in my situation; which road would you choose and why?
How about none of the above? Those two are not your only choices. Both New Mexico State (http://distance.nmsu.edu/) and Northern Arizona (http://www.distance.nau.edu/) have DL programs in education as do the following: Capella University Fielding Graduate Institute Liberty University Mississippi State University Nova Southeastern University Oral Roberts University Regent University Touro University International The University of Montana–Missoula Walden University Northern Arizona is about $220/ch and it accepts transfers.
Thank you for the suggestions. Despite the fact that I have been researching my options for the past three years, you managed to give me the names of a few universities that I had not previously considered. The following were ruled out due to their high cost: Capella University Fielding Graduate Institute Walden University The following were ruled out because they do not offer a PhD in education: Liberty University Regent University Nova Southeastern University The following were ruled out because they do not offer a PhD in education via DL: Northern Arizona (new one to me) The University of Montana–Missoula (new one to me) Oral Roberts University (new one to me) Mississippi State University (new one to me) New Mexico State (new one to me) has a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction with a Learning Technologies Emphasis program that sounds interesting but their present Cohort is full. I don't want to be wait-listed indefinitely. I have considered Touro University International in the past but that was at a time when their PhD in Educational Leadership program was full. I still have no reasons to rule out Old Dominion University or Northcentral University. But I will add Touro University International to my list of possibilities. Thanks Mike…you turned my two prong fork into a three prong fork. LOL
<<The following were ruled out because they do not offer a PhD in education: Liberty University Regent University Nova Southeastern University>> Liberty offers a Doctor of Education. Does it have to be a PhD in education? Pug
Re: Four Prongs Adding another prong in my fork...you must like to torment people. Alright...there's another university that I hadn't previously considered but I am going to have to rule this one out. I am still stuck on the three that I mentioned before. Two of which I can take on the road if I get the job.
Since earning a doctorate is a personal goal for me, I would rather earn a PhD simply for those three letters. The difference is merely cosmetic. Ask someone on the street what an MD or a PhD is and they will probably know. Ask them what an EDD, JD, or a DBA is and they'll have no clue.
