Applying to a non-profit PhD program from a for-profit Masters

Hi all,

I am an American, and I work as an English teacher in South East Asia at an international school. I love teaching in international schools overseas, and I will probably do this for the next 30 years until I retire.

My educational background is as follows:

• Undergraduate degree in History from a local regionally accredited not-for profit school.
• Graduate certificate of Education from a local regionally accredited not-for profit school.
• M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction from an online for profit, regionally accredited school. (American College of Education)
• Graduate certificate in English (18 credit hours) from online for profit, regionally accredited school. (American College of Education). - In progress

I'm considering applying for Old Dominion University's PhD in English when I have completed my graduate certificate in English. My reasons for doing this are:

1. to be a more competitive applicant for the best international schools in the world
2. to adjunct online as an English teacher for universities/community colleges
3. personal interest and passion in English Literature as a subject

My questions:

• Do non-profit colleges look down on graduate degrees obtained by regionally accredited for-profit colleges?
• Are there any other doctoral programs in English you'd recommend?

My grades in all my graduate work, including my graduate certificate of education are very good, so that might help.

Any insights would be appreciated, thank you!

 

No, non-profit colleges will not look down on graduate degrees obtained through regionally accredited for-profit colleges. Usually, they are looking at your work experiences, the previous academic studies...a college accreditation is what they need. Besides Old Dominion University's online program, there is no other college or university offering a Doctorate in English that I am aware of. However, there are EdD programs with a concentration in English as Second Language and other areas include Doctorate in Communications.

Indiana University - EdD in Literacy, Culture, and Language Education
Texas Tech University - Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction focusing on Language Diversity and Literacy Studies
Murray State University - Doctor of Arts in English Pedagogy
Liberty University and Regent University offers Doctorate in Communication

 

I don't think they do. I know people who graduated from for-profit schools for their master's and went on to earn their doctorate at non-profit schools, such as Nova Southeastern, Liberty, and Northeastern.

 

Also, you might want to take a look at the University of London Ph.D. in English offered by the School of Advanced Study. It is a researched-based Doctorate degree, so you have to provide a research proposal part of your admission including the dissertation/thesis topic.

 

I don't know of any schools that have a published policy about not accepting graduates of for-profit schools.

You may or may not see your application unfavorably reviewed on that basis, but you'll never know it.

I don't think there is evidence either way regarding this question. A lack of evidence is not evidence, of course.

Doctoral study--including admissions--is highly negotiable. Consider posing your first question to admissions officials at schools that draw your interest.

You might also considering turning to ACE for insight about, and support of, your quest.

 

Another option: St John's University in New Yok offers a 100% online PhD in Literacy (https://www.stjohns.edu/academics/programs/literacy-doctor-philosophy) with a specialization in TESOL and Bilingual Education. They're nonprofit and regionally accredited (RA) by Middle States. It's housed in their faculty of education but it might be a good fit with your English teaching. $1305 a credit x 42 credits = 54,810.