Walden Ed.D vs Capella Ed.D

You may finish. Bravo if you do. Still, you haven't convinced me that you need it enough to finish it.

I'm not comfortable with you pinning the label of "dummy" on yourself (by the way, thanks for spelling the word dummy correctly, which I didn't do), because I don't think you are.

Still, you have not yet finished something you don't need, so what will happen in the future?

I get concerned when I see others on this board aimlessly pouring money into a project they obviously don't have the grit and determination (possibly smarts) to finish; that might look dumb to an observer (e.g., me).

 

For fixed length degrees such as the J.D. and most masters degrees, I would agree with my esteemed colleague, Vinicio, and you!

 

One comment - I am happy to say I have put about $2K or $3K into the PhD, the rest was tuition assistance money from my employer. As far as finishing, I hope to say I am done by March 2010. As far as it being something I need - I "need" it more now then I did when I started due to the adjunct positions. A PhD is an instant raise.

 

I would not say I do not need one, first of all there is the administrator pay jump I will get from having a doctorate, since I am an administrator for a K to 12 school district. The other thing is that I am an adjunct for several online universities, so pay jump there. I am also a consultant for two universities for development of online programs and for companies that want to do their training in house, if anything a doctorate adds more to my credentials. I am also in the process of working on a book about instructional technology. So the doctorate would give me raises in pay and the return on the investment is tremendous in my case.

 

I would not say I do not need one, first of all there is the administrator pay jump I will get from having a doctorate, since I am an administrator for a K to 12 school district. The other thing is that I am an adjunct for several online universities, so pay jump there. I am also a consultant for two universities for development of online programs and for companies that want to do their training in house, if anything a doctorate adds more to my credentials. I am also in the process of working on a book about instructional technology. So the doctorate would give me raises in pay and the return on the investment is tremendous in my case.


I don't know that you need to justify yourself or your reasons for getting a doctorate. It's your choice to make, and personally, if you want it and have the money, do it! Good luck.

I can't figure out the negativity that this thread has taken. I don't get it. When I joined this forum, my idea was that degreeinfo was a place for support...either through ideas or information about new and exciting distance learning opportunities or through CONSTRUCTIVE advice. Since you decided to embark upon a doctoral degree, you don't need to justify your decision to anybody. It's your decision, and I, for one, certainly support anyone's decision to continue their education.

And what's all the "return on investment" (ROI) stuff? In the business world, okay. But in pursuing degrees, like in climbing Everest, if the degree's there, and you want to do it, by all means, do it! Does everything in life we do have to have a return on investment? What about learning for the sake of learning? Or a degree for the sake of getting one? Must there always be a monetary return of some sort to make the effort worthwhile?

Sorry for the rant...very unlike me, but I couldn't resist. Take my two cents for what they're worth!

basrsu

 

Well said...

 

I crossed NCU off my list because they don't participate in the federal student aid program, and they no longer accept NA degrees for admission into their programs.

Thanks for the suggestion anyhow...

 

Of course one needs to justify onesself and one's reasons for getting a doctorate. One can only get a doctorate if Dave Wagner clears it and decides that you need one.

 

I think everyone is entitled to their own views on education, I do value learning and learning about new things is important, but I know why I am pursuing a doctorate and I stick by those reasons. I tend to look at things from a business angle, due to the amount of time and money being poured into my doctorate. I would like to see it pay off in the long run. If I thought obtaining a doctorate would have a negative affect on my professional life, then I would not pursue one. You have some good points basrsu by the way.

 

Get more Dave Wagner! lol

Mr. Wagner does make some excellent points about reasons for pursuing a doctorate -- or not pursuing one.

 

Doctoral Programs

Hi All:

Just wanted to weigh in on this thread. I want to complete my Ed.s/Ed.D for three main reasons:

1) I love new challenges and using my brain. The Ed.D has become the "white elephant" in the corner for me and now, if I don't do it, it will always be there.

2) My school district is very insular and the one thing that trumps nepotism is a doctorate. When I do arrive at a place in my life where I've ready to advance to a district position, I'll need the Ed.d to do so.

and...

3) I think it is really cool to earn a formal title.

Good luck Eddie, do what feels right to you!

Ian

PS- (Just finished course #6 on my Ed.S from Northwestern State. Two more courses to go before beginning the research project and finishing the degree.)

 

I suppose if the individuals in question could articulate a reason of sufficient magnitude to earn a doctorate, they would...

 

LOL. Now, that's funny...!

 

I chose Walden

Well, after much deliberation, I chose to pursue the Ed.D in Higher Education and Adult Learning at Walden. I will post from time to time to tell you about my Walden experience. I am praying that all goes well!

 

May God bless your endeavor. However, since you haven't articulated a ministry of scholarship or teaching, don't be surprised if you are distracted by more important work that He sets before you... Goal and goal; what is the goal?!