DegreeInfo Doctoral Board!

Wasn't there a third Union doc on this board? I think he got his PhiD in Environmental Studies in 1987 and wrote his dissertation on Cancer Causing Agents in Chesapeake Bay Shellfish. Tony M or something like that?

 

26 year old credits? If they're from your bachelor's and master's degrees, then probably yes. If it's 26 year old doctoral credits, they're probably considered expired by now. Couldn't hurt to try.

 

I agree. While I'm reasonably confident that Degreeinfo participants wouldn't boast mill-'degrees', we can't assume the same thing generally. Besides, it would be kind of interesting to know where all these doctorates are coming from, about what programs are attracting DI readers. I'd be curious to know the major subjects too. Distance-doctorates don't even exist in many/most subjects, so what's everybody studying?

The thing that really strikes me about all this, is the fact that a significant proportion (a majority?) of Degreeinfo's regular participants are either doctors or aspiring-doctors. Considering that the vast majority of DL students never pursue doctorates, that makes this board rather atypical, I think.

That in turn raises the inevitable question why. What motivated everyone to pursue all these doctorates? How are you using (or proposing to use) your degrees? It's years of time and effort and a great deal of money, so what ultimate benefit do you foresee? Is it scholarly interest and growth? (If so, why not read books for free?) Is it job advancement and increased pay? (Doing what?) Is it teaching? (Doctorates don't seem very cost-effective just for adjuncting.)

And finally, what motivated people to enter a distance as opposed to a conventional B&M program?

 

When I first came here (around the year 2000???), I didn't have a Bachelors degree. However, I had already amassed about 30 non-traditional college credits, due to reading Dr. John Bear's book back in 1987. My main goal was to obtain a Bachelors degree by a certain age. I missed that goal by one year. It took me over 20 years to get a 4-year degree and, during that struggle, the thought of getting a Masters or a Doctorate never crossed my mind because I was too busy struggling to get a Bachelors degree!!! I was possessed with the notion that I must get a Bachelors degree!!!

Then I found this forum... and read about all the online possibilities. And I eventually finished a Bachelors degree (while here at this forum). If it weren't for Dr. John Bear's book, coupled with the internet, then I'd never even know about all of the educational opportunities that exist.

The point: I planned on only getting a Bachelors degree, but the knowledge presented at DegreeInfo.com presented the Doctoral possibility, which resulted in me eventually obtaining a regionally accredited non-traditional doctorate.

 

The matter of the fact I set my doctorate goal more than 20 years ago, and I wanted to be in accounting. This option was not available until recently and via dL at least in the US. I can remember when even before the degree info board(altavista) the where quite few or less than a few with a doctorate. And as time changed opportunities has flourish.

Perhaps may it be the "Status Quote" as I mention before I had set the doctorate goal for over 20 years ago. I just did not had the means to do it. To me it does not involve no more time that I would dedicate to watching TV or spending money for unwanted items.

For me is both and I wish it was that simple, is free to read but is not free to play( some jobs required to have a terminal degree). I was able to get my doctorate for a fraction of most people would have pay. This is my frugal point and not my curious one.

To me is more convenience due to time restrictions, other engagements, and of course money saving.

Doing a doctorate is not for everyone, it is very structured and requires lots of discipline, and if you lack of this simple elements and drive this is not for you. A doctorate is like good wine, you need to be patient and if you here to make a quick buck or instant gratification, it definitely would not work for you.



From Dr Bear's book: What do you call a person that finish last in their class? Answer: A doctor!

 

Let's face it: a regionally accredited doctorate is beyond the scope of the vast majority of people. Period. It's a bear.

LOL -- Good point!

 

Totally Agree.

 

For me, it is a goal and just that - a goal. I pay next to nothing since I have tuition assistance. If it was out of pocket I can not say I would be doing it...okay I bet I would. I am doing it to adjunct. It would be less competitive if/when I have a PhD. The ROI is not that great dollar for dollar but the opportunities are greater. My masters cost me (actually my employer) under $7K and I make that back in a semester teaching. My PhD will cost about $25K and I will assume I will make that back in 2-3 years with the "extra" adjunct work I will get because of my PhD. If nothing else I will get a raise of $3K per year for the pay difference of a masters vs. a PhD. Besides all that, it is my hobby. I don't drink, smoke, enjoy watching sports, or have any other hobbies to speak of.

I travel about 60% of the time (in a hotel away from home). If it were not for DL, I would have been able to earn a BS through a weekend program that would have taken 2-3 years. I sometimes travel on Saturday (coming home) or Sunday (for Monday morning meetings) so weekend degree completion programs or weekend MBA's would be difficult.

 

Well, we have to choose somebody else 'cause Dr. Bear is busy with his 2008 Presidential Election Campaign.

URL: http://www.news3online.com/index.php?code=260FW72N1u637Ua8FuQR

 

Has Obama named his new Secretary of Education yet?

 

Why doesn't this thread have a sticky?

 

N.c.u. - D.b.a. 12/9/2008

 

I don't know why but the board is changing to non-caps DBA DBA D B A

 

weird........

 

DR. EARON KAVANAGH
Doctored at University of Tilburg, November 25, 2008

 

Russell has a D.Min. and PhD.

Roscoe

 

My second doctorate is with the University of the Free State, not really a distance education institution but one that recognizes the need and seeks to expand its student base internationally. It is a PhD Theology (Church History). I am also now a Postdoctoral Fellow at McGill University in Montréal in the Faculty of Education. My postdoctoral research is a continuation of Unisa DEd research in ecclesiology and education.

Thanks for remembering me.

Brad

 

Only 1 previous name, but yes, I can be added - thanks for thinking of me !

 

I am aiming to defend May 2009!

 

I am deeply honored that you would list me ahead of Dr. Bear, but I must defer to him because he deserves the first listing. After all, without Dr. Bear, I (and many many others) would still be pursuing an ever elusive and eternally untouchable Bachelors degree!!!

Thank you kindly!