Which one is more respected . I went to Liberty for my MA, and now I am in Walden for my PhD . I am thinking of about switching back to Liberty but I am not sure .
I think "respect" is in the eye of the beholder. What do you want to do with your degree(s)? I believe that distance learning is causing all of academia to be more of an accepted way of earning a degree. With each day that passes, I think people are less worried about respect, etc ... as long as the degree is accredited. As you see the schools I have attended below, I can say that people, especially my employers, have looked favorably simply because they were accredited. You may just need to see which program is best for YOU and not worry so much about what other people think.
There are no guarantees for anyone ... do what is right for you. I think if your choices include Liberty and Walden, you are OK. Very, very few schools will guarantee a job when you get out. Maybe Ivy League stuff. That's it. Just do what you need to do for yourself.
You have to do the cost/benefit on this because Walden is quite a bit more expensive than Liberty. However, Liberty has a certain religious connotation that some people will judge you for, right or wrong. Once people realize 'Liberty = Falwell's school', you may be painted with that brush. On the other hand, you may not mind or think Walden's tuition premium is worth that.
Agreed ... although I'm keeping Liberty in mind for the future if I decide to do a PhD, and think that today it is a good school, the Falwell association may rub some people the wrong way. On the other hand, others may see Walden and think "oh, it's just an online school". So, it kinda could go both ways. If you're planning on working in a Christian environment (church, para-church ministry, etc) then I'd say go with Liberty. If not, stick with Walden.
Thanks for all the advice, I am going to try to get to Liberty . I was talking to them and they helped me look at the price difference . I know some people my look at a Christan school oddly , but I would not really want to work with those people anywho.
I would like to add that Liberty's Ph.D. is in Counseling not Psychology. You might consider that a picky argument but when it comes to teaching at secular schools sometimes it is requested that you have a Ph.D. in Psychology. I would recommend you also look at Regent U. Also keep in mind that as far is qualifying for licensure you would probably qualify for a masters level license not for a "psychologist" license.
Liberty's religious background could open doors as well... Falwell, Baptist, high moral fiber, evangelical... Walden's background could close doors... Thoreau, ponds, ants, transcendentalism...
IS there a different from being getting a licensure in as a psychologist or a Counselor. Also see that you are a professor, with out getting to personal, is the money you make doing that wroth the extra money that Walden cost ? Lastly you have a practice of your own ... how would I began to get one of those . This is SO hard I do not know what to do.
You seem to be on the were I really want to be in a few years . So if you do not mind I have a few questions for you. Ok so please help me understand his right, if I get a counseling PhD. There would be fewer jobs open to me? That stinks, when I look at the cost of Liberty VS Walden I was floored by the difference . Now I really need to think about what I should do . I think I am going to stay at Walden for this term and than think about what I need to do in the mean time. Is being a professor good money, like would I be able to get something better than a Jeep and be able to afford rent just making what a professor makes ? You also said that there is a different between counseling and psychology is there that much of a difference and if I do get a PhD in Counseling to you think like 30 hours of psychology along with that will be what I need to work at colleges. I also saw that you have your own practice, if I wanted to do that as well where would I begin? Lastly you said that I would be only able to get a license as a counselor and not in psychology does that matter as well. I am just trying to see if paying more now well help me in the long run.
I am a PhD student at LU. If I weren't 1/3 of the way through, I would probably switch. The degree is in counseling, not psychology or counseling/psychology. You will not be eligible for a license as a psychologist. You are eligible for a license as a licensed professional counselor - but only if you were anyway; the degree doesn't really relate to that. As far as billing insurance, you're reimbursed at the same rate as a masters level LPC. The tuition "appears" lower but includes lot of fees. Even off-campus and online students have to pay transportation and lab fees, etc. It isn't a bad program - they're trying to grow it and accepting just about everyone. But for $30,000+ you'll have to decide what you want the degree for.
Licensed Professional Counselor. Varies somewhat by state. Usually 60+ hours of masters instuction in counseling (some states are 48 hours) followed by practicum hours, internship hours, conferred degree. Then 2+ years under clinical supervision and a state (or national) exam. In most states, its required to be LPC (or LMHC or a few other crazy titles in a few states) in order to practice independently.
