Is a PhD worth it

No, but do it anyway.

 

As everyone else here has indicated and asked the question... what is your overall objective in pursuing this particular Ph.D.?

My opinion and recommendation is this... a Ph.D. in Educational Administration and Policy is only going to isolate you in administration duties and guidlines in being a principal or a superientent of a local public or private school district.
If you are wanting to get into college and/or university teaching, especially in that particular field - then it may do you some good - may not open a lot doors where as positions are rare.

If you are looking to teaching in a specific area - then consider the field you are directly associated with (aka subject area) - do not take the easy way out...it will haunt you down the line.

If you are directly interested in teaching (at the post-secondary level) individuals who are going to be teachers...then maybe consider a Ed.D., and look towards working in an Education Department. Of course a Ph.D. would always be helpful too... just focus on the direct and related subject area of experience.

From people I know in my state (FL) and district, PhD in Educational Administration and Policy are a dime a dozen around here. Sure in the public school system you will be recognized and awared increase in salary for having a Ph.D. (or an Ed.D.).... but in that specific type of degree - you may (and more than likely) get pressured into becoming an administrator.

Good Luck in whatever you decide.

CHEERS!
J.

 

There are a lot of variables in the question. If $60,000 is what tenure-track assistant professors earn at the school you think would hire you, you will earn a lot more post-tenure. Tenured academics at good schools tend to do well, six figures and other income opportunities besides. But getting there requires a certain kind of rabid commitment, including going full-time to the best school you can get into and publishing. It's not a case of comparing brands and deciding how much you will pay for the upscale school--academia is the toughest job market and a prestigious degree alone will not be enough if it isn't accompanied by a thick CV.

 

To add: one does not decide upon one's field at the Ph.D. level. One instead established his/her niche in the field already chosen. In other words, you can't figure out what you want to be at the application stage. You must figure this out long before. The doctorate is used to establish your place in the field.

 

Well stated.

Roscoe