Hello All, I am interested in discussing the EdD program offered through NCU with anyone knowledgeable about these programs. In a recent discussion with NCU, I discovered that my MBA would gain admission to NCU's EdD program - but would understandably be limited in transferability. Herein lies my question: in the academic field, how would an EdD be viewed without the M.Ed? Still doing research, Steven King, MBA
Since your MBA would be of "limited transferability" to the EdD, likely you would do the longer 81-credit EdD, with the MEd awarded after the first 30-36 hours.
Come to think of it, our august former Senior Member and lead poster Rich Douglas holds an MBA (National University) and a PhD in Non-Traditional Education (Union Institute).
Steve, I wouldn’t get too concerned about limited transferability. The EdD program requires five fundamental courses (depending on your master’s degree), six specialization courses (if you choose a specialization), and the doctoral research and dissertation. The difference between you and someone with a M.Ed. starting the program is, at most, one course since 10 courses are required regardless of your background. As far as the academic field is concerned, a doctorate is better than a second master’s, but, as noted previously on this forum several times, don’t plan on using an NCU doctorate to gain entrance into FT academia. I’m not saying that it is impossible, but it is, at least at this time, improbable.
Replies appreciated NorthCentral's program is inviting since it would allow jumping into the EdD. Why do you feel that it would be improbable to gain access to FT academia with an NCU EdD? We can move the discussion to email if you prefer... Steven King thekingster
Re: Replies appreciated Simply for the fact that NCU is new, completely online, and won't carry name recognition with it like some B&M universities. Hopefully someday this will change, but the consensus of many FT faculty members on this board is that the mindset of academia is still very traditional and that only doctorates earned in a traditional sense (i.e. FT student for the appropriate number of years, graduate research assistant experience, etc.) hold any value. I have nothing against NCU; in fact I have really enjoyed my experience with NCU so far, but for a DL doctorate to be more meaningful, in the eyes of academia, look into B&M degree programs that also offer DL doctoral degrees
Re: Re: Replies appreciated I appreciate your response...after I read your original post, I did the proper forum searching and read something similarly posted elsewhere. I am as newbie as they come to the education field - I just departed the U.S. Army and I am looking to use Troop To Teachers to change career fields. With that in mind, I am trying to determine what is the most useful academic pursuit at this time. I haven't thoroughly researched opinions about PhD vs. EdD - but if an EdD helps teachers land jobs in administration eventually; or if a church felt that MDiv + EdD was satisfactory for employ - I would be set. Kindly, Steven King, MBA
Re: Re: Re: Replies appreciated Steve, welcome to civilian life. I left the U.S. Army two years ago and I still have days where I want to go back in. I have an AGR packet ready to go but my wife is the one that prevents me from submitting it. I wish I could help you on the utility of each degree for your purpose, but I haven't been involved with the education field since my student teaching experience over, well, let's just say, a few years ago. I do, however, believe than an NCU EdD would be good for someone who plans on eventually moving from teacher to school administrator.
Re: Re: Re: Re: Replies appreciated Thanks! I am still adjusting to civilian life... Steven King, MBA
Re: Re: NCU EdD At a small private university, landing a full time teaching position with any RA doctorate is very possible, if you have some adjunct teaching experience. Dave
Re: Replies appreciated To start, EdDs are a dime a dozen nowadays so you are competing with hundreds of graduates from better name schools. Secondly, NCU is pretty much at the bottom of the scale. You are getting a degree from a business that has RA accreditation but has no presence in the real world in terms of research or name recognition. If full time teaching is your ultimate goal, you are taking a huge risk with NCU as this school has not many graduates teaching full time in the US yet. Things might change in the future but I would go for a more tested product if teaching was my goal. Many faculty members in the US hold degrees from NoVa, Argosy and Walden. I would look into those first as they have a proven record of succesfully placed students in academia.
Re: Re: Re: NCU EdD This is good to know because I may look at this route someday when I retire from my current job. Who knows, maybe by then a degree from NCU will earn more respect from academia.
Re: Re: NCU EdD And if you take it one step further - RD's situation is not is not exactly what most people have in mind when they talk about "in the academic field, how would an EdD be viewed without the M.Ed?".
Re: Re: Replies appreciated I agree - NSU, for example, is only recently starting to see general acceptance. NCU and others are more suitable for people who already have the job and are looking to "move up" the pay scale (my situation). It's being 100% DL is a welcome feature also.
Thanks for the replies... I am still weighing options...have limitedly looked at Walden, Argosy, and Nova. I like the name recognition of Nova (slightly pricy...$594/c.h.). Walden was the big ticket winner - $750/c.h. Given my interest in some type of amalgamation between religious fields and education, Liberty's EdD program is interesting, and cheaper - with limited residency. I appreciate your insight and feedback, Steven King, MBA
I don't see how anyone can say that Ed.D's are a dime a dozen. PhD’s cover a number of fields (English, Math, Science, Business, etc.) The Ed.D. could be just as specialized. If everyone who had an Ed.D. had a major in General Education....I would agree with the dime a dozen statement. However, Ed.D's can be earned in Leadership, Computer Technology, Curriculum Design, Educational Psychology, etc. It is not just a general degree. Duff
That's right, Virginia has both Pat and Jerry! I'm not exactly in Liberty University's target market, but if you're okay with Jerry Falwell, I'd think they'd be near the top of your list. Similarly, have you looked at Regent University and their Doctor of Education program? They're another regionally accredited bible-oriented university with many distance programs, I think Pat Robertson is their chancellor. Their EdD requires one week residencies in each of three summers, which shouldn't be a deal breaker for a serious doctoral student. It's 60 credits @ $620 each, for a total of $37,200, which isn't outrageous. Any interest there? -=Steve=-
Re: That's right, Virginia has both Pat and Jerry! I guess I would aim more at Liberty - although I am familiar with Regent's offerings. I am waiting to see which way my immediate career field swings and then I'll plan appropriately. Liberty is looking better, day after day. Kind regards, Steven King, MBA