I'm at a crossroads: Bail out with an EdS or stick with it for an EdD?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by SurfDoctor, Nov 4, 2011.

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  1. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I was about to sign up for classes for the spring and realized that I have only one more class and I will have completed the requirements for the EdS at Liberty. I told myself that I would make the final decision at this point of whether to finish the EdD or take the escape hatch and bail out with an EdS degree. Liberty offers that option.

    I am having such a blast doing this, plus I have a cool idea for a dissertation, that I think I will take the plunge and go for the EdD. However, there are no guarantees that a doctorate will make me an extra dime, so I am soul searching to be sure I want to do this. My out-of-pocket cost is really low, though; probably around $10K when all is said and done.

    Any advice?
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 5, 2011
  2. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Can you bail at anytime with an EdS? If you did walk away now, would you have that nagging voice in your head saying, "...you should have gone for it...stupid..."? My guess is the answer is yes to the second question :lew:

    If you are enjoying it and always have the chance to get that EdS, I say go for it!
     
  3. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    It only makes sense to bail before you complete any classes that do not apply to the EdS, but you could technically bail at any time
    How did you know about the voices in my head? :crazy:
     
  4. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    I'm going through these same thoughts, although I'm not as far along as you are.
     
  5. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Why not temporarily bail with the Ed.S., take a short break, and if you're still feeling it go for the Ed.D. later?

    That's essentially what I did....I could have shaved significant time off my doctoral program if I didn't go for the second Master's first, but I wanted the "consolation prize", just in case something happened where I didn't complete the doctorate.
     
  6. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Allow me to rephrase your question:

    On your dying day, when your life flashes before your eyes, will you be more proud that you finished your doctorate or that you saved $10,000?

    Or, what could you do with $10,000 that you consider more worthwhile than finishing the doctorate?
     
  7. ryoder

    ryoder New Member

    Its not only the 10K, but the hours invested in the EdD that should be taken into account. If you pay yourself $25 per hour for your coursework, how much have you paid yourself by the time you are done? $10k, $20k, $30k?
    I think about this whenever I do anything.

    That being said, if you bail out with an EdS, do you think you will be back here 6 months from now looking for another doctorate program? My guess is that yes, you will.
     
  8. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Are these mutually exclusive propositions? Can you take the EdS now and still continue toward your EdD as if you hadn't? If so, I'd do that.
     
  9. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    At LU, the EdS requires a capstone course that does not apply to the EdD. This appears to be the only difference between EdS, EdD and going for the EdD alone.
     
  10. Shawn Ambrose

    Shawn Ambrose New Member

    If it were me, I'd spend the 10K and go for the doctorate.

    While looking at ROI is important - there is the intangible value of dong something you enjoy. Good luck!

    Shawn
     
  11. major56

    major56 Active Member

    On that day … I wouldn’t consider that either will be of importance. :scratchchin:
     
  12. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    You are right, it is a considerable investment of time. I am finding that I am enjoying the process very much, in fact, there is really not much else I would rather do with my time. It is fascinating and not an undue strain, in fact, I would almost call it a recreation. (almost, not quite though)
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 4, 2011
  13. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Therefore, don't do it and don't not do it :thinking:
     
  14. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Well....let's see what you think when you hit the dissertation phase and have a million re-writes :laughing:
     
  15. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Yea, that will probably be painful, frustrating and discouraging. But by then it will be too late to bail out. I like to do research and to write but I know the effort will increase by several orders of magnitude on the dissertation.

    You are my role model for hanging in there.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 4, 2011
  16. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    You idea is not un-good.:fing02:
     
  17. gonenomad

    gonenomad New Member

    Get the EdD,

    I got my EdD in Science Education almost six years ago. I get 750 dollars extra a year for having the degree. The degree hasn't helped me professionally in economic terms; or, in terms of promotion. Indeed, I am still a physics teacher at a public high school. What the EdD has given me is something that very few of my colleagues have. That is the realization that I completed what is the highest degree in my profession. In addition, the process of writing the dissertation is character forming. Many people have tried and failed. It's my own little ego boost when I am having a bad day.

    If you are still enjoying the program; then, I say go for it. Have fun. Make sure you like your dissertation topic now. Chances are you won't at the end of the process. I am really glad I finished my EdD; even if most people don't know I have the degree.
     
  18. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Then I take it you don't make the kids call your "Dr. ..." You sound a lot like me; I don't expect any huge increase in pay or promotion, although it is possible to land a different job or maybe supplement my current teaching job with something that applies to the doctorate. I'm doing it mostly because I love the subject, enjoy the process and, as you said "That is the realization that I completed what is the highest degree in my profession." Thanks for your comments.
     
  19. gonenomad

    gonenomad New Member

    Almost everyone in the school calls me Mr. A few of my colleagues have realized that I have the degree; but, it isn't something I advertise. I am not even sure if my principal knows that I have the degree.
     
  20. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Then you are more modest than me. I'll probably find some way to "accidentally" mention it every chance I get. In fact, people are always asking me at work what degree I'm going for and I gladly tell them. So now I'm under pressure to finish or face embarrassment.
     

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