Which Doctoral Program Do You Prefer?

I suppose it depends on the major. I would think that in general Nova & Touro would have an edge because they are bricks & mortar. However, there are so many factors such as cost, major, residencies, etc.

North

 

I also wish to add that we should not rely so much on these frivolous polls. Union Institute and University is a good school with solid reputation. I will choose UI&U over some of the schools in "me again's" shortlist in a second without bothering to have a second thought about my decision. Another very good school is Fielding. Touro, Capella, and Nova received the most votes perhaps because many students and alumni of these universities post on this board. They did not receive the most votes because they are the best three DL institutions. Touro received the most votes because many Touro students post here not because it is actually the best. I hope that "me again" or anybody will not take the result of this poll serious.

Ph.D. (candidate)
NSU

 

Acually, I voted for Nova. I have said before that for a school that has a reputation as a distance learning institution, they are quite comprehensive. What can you NOT become through a degree program at Nova?

 

Schools acceptability in traditional universities

Whatever we non-traditionalist may think, the traditionalist academicians in charge generally do not consider these schools on par with their schools, and thus do not quite often give us equal consideration in hiring to teach.

 

I wasn't referring to Nova specifically. I was only trying to say that UI&U and Fielding should have done better than the other two schools in the shortlist if the poll is not a jocular one. I also voted for Nova.

 

None. Union looks the best out of this group, but even it has its limitations.

 

It is said it is not where you go to school

but what you do with it. Maybe, but is the playing field level if a graduate with a Ph.D. from ones in the poll?

 

No, I would not base a decision to enroll in a school based on this type of poll. However, this poll has influenced my perception of what others think about certain schools, particularly Capella, which has scored remarkably high. Conversely, Argosy has scored pretty low in this poll, but I am probably going to enroll in their doctoral program.

I am probably going to enroll in Argosy's doctoral program because they have a brick and morter campus in my city.

Today we had lunch with our professor who, by the way, is a graduate of Nova's doctoral program. He said that it doesn't really matter which doctoral program a person graduates from, as long as it is regionally accredited. That really got me to thinking...

 

Me Again,

That is a very interesting comment from a University of South Florida Professor.

Regarding his employment status, is he an adjunct or a full time professor at the University of South Florida?

 

He is an adjunct professor.

 

Additional choices?

All of the above schools have some strengths. Union I&U is an interesting concept but they seem to be mostly an expensive credentialing service and all they actually teach is a few seminars of limited interest. Capella sounds very good but their tuition is way out of reach for me. North Central as of a few weeks ago was saying they'll cap the tuition at current level for those who start now, but now their tune is that you have to pay IN FULL to keep tuition at current level. (Has anyone heard differently?) Walden has some good faculty but I haven't heard enough persuasive reasons to go there. I am now looking into foreign Ph.D. programs. Perhaps a poll could be conducted on those?

This is a great board. I am impressed with the quality of comments. Compliments to the moderators.

 

Re: Additional choices?

I was told the same thing several weeks ago. They certainly can't guarantee to me that they will receive accreditation; why would I want to send them all of my money up-front? I wonder how many people take them up on this offer.

That might be interesting, but I always hate to see people choose their school based on a poll like this. As you know, people have a very wide variety of reasons for pursuing a degree. What's best for one person is often not so great for another.

 

Why TUI if you voted for NSU

Hi DCross,

Just curious, you are enrolled in TUI and voted for NSU. Any reason(s) prevented you from enrolling in NSU?

Eli

 

I'm having a change of heart again.

Now I'm leaning towards Capella because they have a Ph.D in human services with a concentration in criminal justice.

They charge $3300 per quarter and they are on the quarter system (not the semester system). The student is allowed to take up to 12 directed-study credits each quarter and he may take an unlimited number of independent-study credits each quarter. Classes are offered as either directed-study or independent-study, based on the preferance of the student.

While Capella is extraordinarily expensive, they will also accept up to 48 (?) credits from a previously completed masters degree, as long as the classes can be used towards the major. Thus, the cost can be brought down a little bit. Or maybe a lot.

 

capella independent study

I was informed by the school 6 months ago that independent study was no longer allowed. I inquired for a student.

 

In searching for the right school to attend can be a very difficult chore. I think that the most important thing that you should do is to select the right school that meets your career/personal objectives. "This is just an advice."


Good Luck in your search!

 

Re: capella independent study

I just got of the phone this morning with a Capella representative who said that they offer directed-study (online courses) and independent-study. Maybe they only offer it at the graduate level?

 

capella independent study

This was graduate school in Human Services. Defined as using a mentor and mail, fax, and email not in a class with other learners. Of course, could have changed in last 6 months.

 

Re: Why TUI if you voted for NSU

I like everything about Nova, but TUI nonres got me. I like the idea that Nova has such a comprensive offering. But I am falling in love with TUI more and more everyday.

 

independent study vs. online directed study

I wondered what the difference was between the two. Your post gives me more understanding.