Is the EdS worth pursuing on the way to the Ed.D.?

Discussion in 'Education, Teaching and related degrees' started by StefanM, Jun 9, 2011.

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  1. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    I will be starting my trek toward the EdD at Liberty this summer. In order to complete the EdS on the way to the EdD, I will be required to take one additional course. The cost is about $1500, plus books.

    I anticipate that I could finish the EdS by spring 2012 or summer 2012 (depending on intensive scheduling). The EdD would likely take another 2 years (a year of course work + a year of dissertation).

    The additional course will not apply to the EdD at LU. All other courses would apply.

    My question is this: is it worth bothering with the EdS?

    Another important point is that the EdS wouldn't necessarily be a "bail out" degree in passing, but I could always switch to the EdS down the road and take the EdS capstone course to take the degree if I decided not to finish the EdD.

    My thoughts are this:

    Pros: additional credential in about a year, personal satisfaction

    Cons: additional cost, additional work that will not apply to the EdD

    Jury's still out: I'm not sure what options the credential would give me in the meantime. I will not receive a salary increase based on the credential. I could likely even obtain a promotion with my MA only, if a position became available. I don't see this as likely, as I was just promoted (effective July 1), so another promotion in the next 3 years doesn't seem altogether likely.

    I'm in my mid-twenties, and I work in student services in higher education, if this helps.
     
  2. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    I think so. You only pay for one more class and you get a second degree. Plus, it offers a nifty way to bail out half way if you decide not to go for the doctorate. I'll personally finish the EdS at Liberty around Christmas and will then have to make the decision. I plan to go for the EdD, but it's nice to know I can bail if things change.

    Monetarily, it may not pay off for you because it will likely not affect your pay. Many teachers go for the EdS to get that automatic bump in the pay scale.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 9, 2011
  3. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    Wow. Didn't you just start? You are a trail-blazer!

    $1,500 is a lot of money, so it is a lot to think about. I can tell you that in my case, I am very happy that I got my AA along the way to the Bachelors, even though when all is said and done it will have been on my resume for less than a year before it is "replaced." It's nice, as you are accomplishing a bigger goal, to just have SOMETHING to show for being part of the way done. Also, you have the comfort of knowing that even if your path is delayed or even permanently cut short, you still have that SOMETHING as opposed to a bunch of empty credits.

    In your case, SurfDoctor may be a great example. Get the Ed.S, then do some soul-searching. Even if you feel 100% sure that you will go on to the Ed.D, you may feel comfortable, having finished one degree, giving yourself a little bit of time to see if you are satisfied with the time/effort/degree and feel no need to continue.

    Just a thought, anyway, from a Maniac who most certainly will never be in your position :veryhappy:
     
  4. Ruble

    Ruble New Member

    I was in the same boat as you. I have enough GI Bill left to complete my Ed.D. so the Ed.S. question came up. For me, as a teacher, it's pretty much a no brainer as the Ed.S. will lead to an increase in pay for two years and cover the $750.00 I'm out for EDUC 718. By taking 718 you have a good shot at getting published (and learn a great deal about the process as well), further adding to your credentials.
     
  5. SurfDoctor

    SurfDoctor Moderator

    Not really a trailblazer. I'm stacking up a few courses this summer because I don't have to teach during summer break. If I don't take quite as heavy of a load this fall, it may be March before I'm done with the EdS.

    MC, with your unique skill set, you seem more successful than many who have gotten much higher degrees. I may be ignorant here, but it seems like you don't really need more degrees and they would be just for fun or the satisfaction of achievement for you.
     
  6. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    :eek:fftopic: :sorry:

    :notworthy: One way or the other, I can't wait to celebrate with you!

    Wow, what incredible praise! I'm flattered.

    The degrees in my signature will likely help me very much in my career, if only as a way to bargain for higher pay rates, but it would also permit me to work in locations that require a Bachelor's degree. It might also put me in a good position to get into the management end of the field, not that I want to, but at least the option would be there. SHH on this one, but in just a couple of years I might just be a better candidate for my boss' position than she is. SHH, I emphasize :wink1:

    As much as I enjoy learning, I have really been able to define the shape of my nerdiness through the process of this degree. I don't see myself spending any more time/money than to accomplish the goals in my signature. I love learning, but I much prefer the flexibility, frugality and the personal pride I take in the autodidactic approach. I have a backload of personal study projects I want to undertake when I am done: languages, literature, linguistics, logic, mastery of certain board games, competitive memory training, mental arithmetic, natural and social sciences... and only the rest of my natural life to find a way to fit it all in!
     
  7. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    So have you completed EDUC 718? In terms of submitting the article for publication, what kind of study is expected? Does it need to go through the IRB like the dissertation, or is there some other process?
     
  8. major56

    major56 Active Member

    StefanM,

    Seemingly, the Ed.S. would be of little or no real tangible benefit. However, as a personal satisfaction credential … perhaps so. I certainly can’t speak for the post-master specialist degree value in California, but in Texas, likely very little to mostly none. To my knowledge, no universities in Texas, excepting Baylor University (e.g., Ed.S. in School Psychology) even offer an Ed.S. degree option, which would appear to be an indication to its industry demand and/or perceived value, at least in Texas. A post-master degree in Texas is considered to be at the doctorial level only.
     
  9. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    The second degree doesn't seem to mean that much after the doctorate, though. Once I have the EdD, the EdS won't really matter, especially due to the fact that they would both be from the same school.

    Also, even if I am declared Ed.D., I would still take the EdS courses. If I decided to bail out later, I would only need to take the EDUC 718 class to complete the EdS.
     
  10. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    It's more common in this area of the country. I live in TN, and we have a decent presence of the Ed.S. degree in this area. My boss has one, the faculty member next door has one (and an EdD, but they are from different schools), and I believe a few of our adjunct faculty have EdS degrees.
     
  11. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    One thing I have thought about: Pursuing the EdS from LU then attempting to finish the EdD elsewhere.

    Does anyone know of good EdD options that will recognize a good portion of the EdS? Eating a few credits might be worth the advantage of diversifying the CV.
     
  12. Ruble

    Ruble New Member

    No IRB necessary, the article is more of a synthesis of other sources into a topic of your interest. It must be a publishable manuscript and the professor currently teaching the course is very particular, which works just fine as long as you know APA. I am currently enrolled in 718 and 746 and will attend 730 as an on campus intensive this July. I transferred in 15 hours which will all apply to my Ed.D. but I could only apply 6 to the Ed.S.
     
  13. Maniac Craniac

    Maniac Craniac Moderator Staff Member

    It sounds like you already know what you want to do, and you have a very good "out" in case you change your mind later. Either way, you are, as I remember John Bear once saying "between a pillow and a soft place." :yup:
     
  14. StefanM

    StefanM New Member

    I am torn, though. The idea of a publishable manuscript from EDUC 718 is appealing.
     
  15. Ruble

    Ruble New Member

    I shot you a PM Stefan.
     
  16. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    In a word, yesh.....
     

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