Does anyone think that it's worth it to transfer doctoral programs in my situation?

Would greatly appreciate anyone's opinion.

I recently got accepted into the ACE Ed.D program for leadership and I did want to ask others who might be more informed what they would most likely do if they were in my position. I also just want to mention that I know it seems strange to be asking questions about transferring to different schools only after just having gotten accepted, but I would really like feedback from other people on this. I don't plan on transferring (assuming that I even go that route) for some time.

I got into the Ed D program like I mentioned and I am in my third week of their one credit orientation program. As proud as I am on my accomplishment there are several factors about the school that have me a little concerned. First the program was just launched not even a year ago so it hasn't gotten any recognition whether positive or negative. Secondly, it is purely online (no physical campus.) I am not saying anything negative about online universities so please no one get offended. It's just that depending on one's goals, a online doctorate with a physical campus may look more attractive to potential employers. Thirdly, the Ed.D program is in "leadership" not "educational leadership." There are many teachers in the program and having a degree in "leadership" would benefit me as a teacher tremendously, however there are also business owners, and other people in non-educational professions going for this degree.

On the plus side to ACE, it is very cheap for an RA school. I pay 303 per doctoral credit since I received a 10,000 dollar grant. The faculty seems very well distinguished. And the online courses seem to be very state of the art in terms of software. ( I know that some people have complained about this very issue when attending online programs. NCU being a primary example.)

I have been very interested in the University of the Cumberlands. I didn't know about the school until very recently. It has a campus. It is RA. It will end up costing me about the same since it's four credits less that ACE in the Ed.D.

The most important thing is that the program is titled "educational leadership" My goal is to go into higher administration on the secondary level. Would anyone in my case feel that having that distinction in their doctoral degree would be so crucial that they would be committed to transitioning from one program to another?

Thanks. Any input would be appreciated.

 

sorry..mods please delete one of these trheads that I started.

 

There is no significant difference between the two:
- Doctor of Education, specialization in leadership
- Doctor of Education, specialization in educational leadership

If you're really looking for a deal-breaker, then look at the attrition rate for doctoral graduation rates. The 100% online regionally accredited doctoral program that I was in had an 85% attrition rate e.g. only 15% of those who enrolled were awarded doctorates (for that particular year). It's highly unlikely that either of your school choices will disclose the graduation rates, but it could be a variable to consider, if you could find the statistics.

 

Thank you both for your info. There is no graduation rate/attrition rate yet at ACE because the Ed.D program was just launched not even a year ago.

The reason I asked about transferring is because in my way of thinking the point of earning a doctorate is to concentrate on a highly specialized area of interest. And I can understand how the difference between the two would be viewed by many as extremely marginal at the very most.

Perhaps it would be better simply to stay in ACE until the end. I 100% commit myself to finishing the program.

 

Concur, and with Steve, too.

There are certainly differences in the two curricula, but this is a distinction without a real difference. What will most define your doctoral experience--by far--is your dissertation. The research you do will be a large part of what you become.

As for the degree titles, I think there might be a difference. The first connotes the teaching of leadership. The second is about leading education. That's different. It would be a good idea to look at each program, however. (Which, obviously, I did not do.)