Johnson University: PhD in Leadership Studies

The University of Phoenix (which you obviously hate...ironic, since they were a major pioneer in DL/non-traditional education) has a B&M presence in many states.....are they also "nebulous"?

 

My feelings for UOP are no secret. I worked for them, and I've seen what they are like on the inside.

Furthermore, I don't have to like an idea's origins to like a later development of that same idea.

And, to be fair, I think UOPs problems came mostly after lax regulation and going public. When federal restrictions were relaxed and shareholders came into play, UOP became a behemoth of "churn and burn" to get as much money as possible.

They used to have age limits and credit limits in order to apply to their programs. It didn't take long for them to change those policies.

And, yes, the very fact that UOP has a "ground" (I would use this instead of B&M) presence across the country adds to the nebulous nature of the university.

There really isn't a "main" campus from which the other campuses branch. All the sites are pretty much replicas of the other sites, some larger than others. Having 200+ campus locations does that.

If you look at Grand Canyon--you know where the main campus is. Same with Ashford. I'm not necessarily endorsing these schools, but there is a qualitative difference here.

For UOP, the Phoenix campus (I've been there) is mostly a massive collection of call center agents with some space for classes. It's definitely the corporate HQ, but it doesn't really function as a main campus.

 

The Johnson PhD program is new. I am lucky enough to have been accepted into the first cohort beginning in January 2012. I will report on my experiences as time permits.

 

Did you submit your GRE or MAT?

 

I submitted GRE scores.

 

Agreed. It just surprises me to see such vitriol from some folks for programs that do not originate from "traditional" settings. . . however you might define them.

 

Great price but I don't think I know enough about the Bible for this degree.

 

I graduated from Johnson using their traditional classes. It's a great school and they take your education seriously.

I was able to use CLEP/DANTES credits as well as credits from college courses I took 20 years ago.

 

I am looking quite seriously at both schools (TTU and JU). I'd love to hear from anyone who has more information on either program.

 

Jay,

Are you able to share anything that isn't already on the JU web page? How long are the courses? Is it a cohort program? Does the program start just once per year or does it begin each semester?

 

Pugbelly:

The program takes in students twice per year; January and August. It is a cohort model. If you drop out and want to go back, you will have to wait until the next cohort catches up to where you left off. At this point, JU is not intending to become a large PhD program. They will be happy with taking in 30 students per year and being able to provide the support needed to have successful outcomes for students. They are selective in the admissions process. I believe there were 25 applicants and only 15 accepted in the first cohort.

I have found the professors to be very knowledgeable and supportive. However, the classes are fast paced and you write a TON! I mean a TON! Of course, it is a PhD program so you should expect to write; just be prepared. You also read a TON. I suspect I spend 15-18 hours per week on reading, discussion, and papers. I haven't tracked it.

A typical class requires two discussion questions and a paper between 6-9 pages EACH WEEK. Classes are 7 weeks long with a 1-2 week break between courses. You will complete three semesters (Winter, Summer, Fall) for 18 units per year. JU does not have a residency requirement.

The only criticism I have is the course week. Course weeks run Mon-Sat. Your DQ's are due on Tues and Thurs and papers are due on Saturday. This is a little rough since as a working adult you have most time free on the weekends. Although, after the first class you find your pace. Most professors are flexible on the due dates too. I have submitted several papers on Sunday night and only been penalized 1-2 points.

JU has a great online library and they provide you with a RefWORKs account and it is very easy to export your research to RefWORKs from the online library. I also like they do not tack on a bunch of extra or hidden fees. It is $400 per hour and a $200 annual student registration fee. That is it!

The program is new and it is a little bumpy but nothing that has been earth shattering or a show stopper. The program director is constantly asking for feedback to help improve the program for future cohorts.

Finally, there is a significant religious component to the program. So, if you are not willing to tolerate/embrace/respect the religious aspect the program; this program is not for you. I do think the professors do a good job in incorporating both secular and religious authors into the courses. They do not force you to promote or use religious authors over secular material but it is a BIBLE college. I also think they are very interested in making sure the cohorts have a balance of students from church work, academia, and the business/government world.

I hope this helps. Let me know if you need more information.

 

I would do JU over TTU.

JU is regionally accredited and costs about the same as TTU once you add up the tuition, fees, and residency.

JU does not have a residency requirement.

 

Interesting discussion. A couple of quick thoughts: (1) Has it occured to anyone how fallic sounding the degree is with the name? (2) Like it or not, there IS a stigma associated with distance learning only students. They tend to work very well by themselves in roles requiring a self starter/self motivator. Thats the advantage. The stigma is that they cant work well with others in teams.

 

I've lost count of how many online classes I've taught, and DL students are like everyone else....some work well within a team, and some don't. I've had some learning teams that worked fantastic together, and others where I was more of a WWE referee than a teacher.

 

Keep telling yourself that. Maybe it will make it true.

Like it or not, the reality is this: Two candidates, both equal in every quality. One has degrees from regionally accredited bricks and mortar colleges. The other has degrees only from distance learning colleges, all of which are regionally accredited. No other distinction between the two candidates.

This is not a coin flip, and never will be. From time immemorial, it has been understood that much of learning takes place with face discussion and dialogue with faculty and fellow students. Autodidact learning is commendable, but takes place in a vacuum. The diploma mills only added to the problem, turning a mere weakness into a laughing stock. Its been a slog up since then. Yes, its getting better. No, it might not be desirable or ideal. But you really kid yourself if you think its not present. Moreover, you are in denial if you think its invalid.

 

Just for fun, I just called an undergrad friend of mine. He went on to an Ivy league school for a masters, then to the UK to one of the three premier institutions there. He now is the exec director of a research facility at a major Uni in the Northeast. Without coaching, I presented the same scenario. Not only did he reply "campus grad" immediately, he articulated the exact same reason I did: Much of learning is face to face. He said that while learning how to build relationships over the internet isn't impossible, its very difficult.

Distance learning is definitely a viable option. But don't kid yourselves: The bias against it IS very much there in all spheres, not just academia.

 

Not that you mind helping perpetuate it.

 

LOL! Hardly! I'm taking distance learning courses now. However I don't kid myself about reality.

I just saw a headline that 42% of America is overweight. I have a teenage daughter that watches American Idol and the Voice. I will sometimes watch it with her. They frequently have pan shots of the audience. Guess how many are fat? ZERO.

Bias exists. We might not like it, but its there. Some of it is fair, some ain't.