Harrison Middleton University

Nope, that's the one I'm in, which we design ourselves, it's entirely HMU's. As I vaguely recall, the degree program with Adler-Aquinas was a bachelor's and pretty structured, designed by them, with the usual requirements and electives. But they were still distance learning in format.

Sorry if anyone is disappointed but as another poster said, my original mention was a while ago. I assume there wasn't enough interest or the partnership didn't work out. We students didn't get any notice, at least not the HMU degree students.

I'm determined to finish before I die! These folks at HMU are very tough and exacting. Yikes ....
:bigeyes2:

 

I notice that this thread started a long time ago...but is still active. So I'll pose my question here:

How have you found the DA program from HMU? Did we ever settle the question of accreditation? Is the DA program accredited?

I was looking at both the EdD and DAR. While I would prefer the EdD for recognition, I think that the DAR is actually more in line with my goals. I am looking for an accredited doctoral program that uses courses and comprehensive exams. This seems to fit the bill. I also like that it is structured around the 'Great Conversation' since much of my own interactions with educators and students is with those who study these texts.

Bottom line is do you recommend the DAR program at HMU? Once you complete it, will you be considered a 'Doctor'?

 

I can answer a few of your questions but I'm only in the master's program. All of HMU's college degree programs are NA. I know from the stats that most enrollees are in one of the doctorate programs and very few are in the masters' programs. Yes, once you complete a DA (I'm not sure what the DAR is) you'll earn your PhD.

Many people don't think much of NA degrees but I don't care since mine is for personal enrichment only. If you've never done distance learning, vs. online or B&M, you might find the program difficult to complete. It's very different and tough.

Folks, chime in with advice!
oke:

 

Sorry, I wrote DAR but meant just a DA. I suppose the DAR would be the Doctor of Arts in Religion. I am interested in the philosophy and religion program, which is probably why I wrote that.

Thank you for your thoughts! I am intrigued by the HMU program and format. Better than half of my ThM has been via distance and/or modular courses. I think I would be able to schedule time for readings and I enjoy writing so that wouldn't be a big problem.

So you would say that the DA program is worth the money ($350 per credit)? Are DETC schools worth that amount of money?

Thanks, again, for your thoughts and I look forward to others who might chime in!

 

I'd have to defer to others who are in RA doctoral programs, but I know my MA is very inexpensive compared to other MA in Liberal Studies that I've washed out from. I enrolled in 2008, so my per-unit cost is still $275 and will be until I complete the program. I haven't found many other MAs in Liberal Studies for that low cost, but the only comparisons I've experienced have been with online programs, which have been more expensive per credit unit or course.

Anyone, what do you think of the $350/credit? I suppose you also need to be certain how you'll use the NA doctorate. Being in the Master's program at HMU leaves me in awe of anyone who undertakes the doctoral program!

 

To be quite honest, I plan to use it doing the exact same thing I am doing right now - pastoring. The difference is that I would also like to be really good at researching and writing. I would like to write journal articles and, hopefully, books one day. I *could* see myself teaching at some point if that door opened but not until I am done being useful at the local level. And to be honest, I would probably get a job teaching - in a seminary - on the basis of my other degrees (and an accredited D.Min if I decide to do that down the road).

I just don't want a doctoral program - that is going to cost $350 a credit - to be discredited from the word go. That's all.

Thanks for your help!

 

Thanks for asking, Ted. Coming along very well; planning to complete my final project in April.

 

[QUOTE

I just don't want a doctoral program - that is going to cost $350 a credit - to be discredited from the word go. That's all.

Thanks for your help![/QUOTE]

In another thread I asked about info concerning their MA program because I was thinking about doing it to turn some other credits into a degree. I am really glad I looked into the program because I discovered the Great Books of the Western World! A handsome set now sits on my bookshelf.

I am to the conclusion that the degree itself would do nothing to further my career (almost have another professional Masters)...and like others on the board, it would be more for self-growth than for any discernable professional interest.

I would LOVE to do the program but cannot justify spending the $$$. I have been thinking about doing an APU MPA or MBA instead. Quite a jump!

 

Look to South Africa for affordable, respectable degree programs, especially if it's a self-growth thing. Best of luck.

 

Harrison Middleton University DA

I recently (April 2013) completed the Doctor of Arts program at HMU. I believe I was HMU's first DA graduate. I would be happy to answer any questions for those curious about the program.

Alan Pew
D.A. Harrison Middleton University, 2013
M.A. California State University, Dominguez Hills, 1999
B.S. Christopher Newport College, 1980
A.A. Gloucester County College, 1978

 

Hi Alan P.,

Congrats (belatedly) to you. I'm truly in awe! I know how demanding HMU is about their writing/essays, I can't imagine getting through a dissertation. I'll barely be able to finish my final two course and a master's thesis. Yikes.

I washed out of CSUDH's external degree in Humanities/Music History -- about 3/4 through I couldn't take them any more. So you're doubly awesome!


Carole

 

Hi Alan - Thanks for posting. Maybe you could give us a bit of a narrative of your experience with HMU. Your area of study, the dissertation process, etc. People are often interested in such things as the customer services aspects of the school, the responsiveness, etc. the workload, hours per week required, contact with supervisors and other students, etc. Anything along those line I'm sure would be helpful for people who might be contemplating enrollment. Thanks and congratulations on your accomplishments.

 

Harrison Middleton University DA

I originally enrolled in the EdD program at HMU in 2007. I switched to the DA program shortly after it was approved by the DETC, mainly because I liked the increased flexibility the DA program offered. My area of study was Social Science with a focus on criminal behavior and penology. My Capstone Project involved exploring the availability, participation and enhancement of rehabilitative educational opportunities for incarcerated veterans at East Jersey State Prison in New Jersey. The staff and tutors at HMU were extremely responsive, helpful and available throughout my program. The former Dean of Graduate Studies, Chad Redwing, was a pleasure to work with. He was particularly helpful at the beginning of my program when my uncertainty and anxiety were at their highest level. His replacement, Deborah Deacon, has been equally as responsive and available. She has been a true guide and mentor. She not only maintained contact throughout my program, but has even maintained it following my graduation. A few weeks ago she contacted me in reference to an honor that the university offered me. Then, within the past week, she contacted me about another opportunity she thought I might be interested in.
The number of hours required per week would seem, to me, to vary between students and course requirements. The study hours required per week also varied depending on where I was in my program. Studying and preparing for discussions became somewhat easier as I became familiar with the process as I moved further along in my studies. Students are allowed 16 weeks to complete a course but I can say that none of my courses took me more than 12-13 weeks to complete. That time period included the time needed to schedule and prepare for the required discussion for each segment of the course. I had little contact with other students during my studies, but I understand the University may be trying to increase communications utilizing social and other electronic avenues. I know shortly before I graduated they began to offer a series of quarterly discussions where anyone, student or non-student, could participate in the unique shared inquiry method in discussing specified works which varied for each discussion. These quarterly discussions are often led by HMU doctoral students and would be a great way for someone who is curious about HMU's programs to get a first-hand experience in the process.
I retired midway through my program so I am not utilizing my degree professionally, but I can say that my DA studies have enabled me to be more open-minded and analytical in my volunteer leadership work with the American Red Cross and the local Hurricane Sandy Long Term Recovery Group. Additionally, my program final project provided me relationships and networking useful in my continuing work with incarcerated veterans. As an added bonus, the DA credential has seemed to result in an increase in credibility among those I interact with during these activities. While the HMU material and methodology may not be everybody's "cup of tea," I will close with saying that I am extremely happy and satisfied with my decision to pursue and earn their Doctor of Arts degree.

 

Thank you Steve....

 

Thank you Carole. The Capstone Project, while involved, was not as overwhelmingly terrible as I thought it would be. I chose to do an applied project with incarcerated veterans at one of our (New Jersey) state prisons. As a veteran and former NJDOC civilian employee, this project was especially meaningful. The biggest problem I experienced in the project was dealing with all the government bureaucracy. While I never met my "co-graduate" Dr. Gary Lockard, the information indicated about him on the HMU website seems to indicate that he did a more traditional dissertation for his Capstone. I have been in contact with two other current DA students who are both employed as college instructors. They each have decided to create two freshman level courses for their colleges as their Capstone Project. It was this flexibility that actually caused me to switch from the EdD program to the DA program.

Good luck in your remaining studies at HMU and don't let your fears about the Capstone Project prevent you from continuing. If you find something that you are really passionate about for your thesis and for a future DA project, the obstacles you encounter will be minor annoyances. And the feeling of accomplishment will be worth it and oh so sweet.

 

Thanks for the wonderful narrative of your academic journey, and double thanks for the encouragement. I just noticed your first name and last name initial are the same as my husband's -- Alan P. Irrelevant but curious.

Anyway, I'm retired also so this was a way to keep my mind from dwindling into the black hole of nothingness. Religion/philosophy have proven to be tough subjects to "master," so to speak!

Please keep posting if you are planning to continue your project with the incarcerated veterans. Thank you for your service to our country.
:hug:

 

That is fantastic! I've recently started the Ed.D. program at California Coast University, desiring and having funds available for a second doctorate. My other choice was the D.A. with HMU. Congratulations. How much time did you find invested into the phone discussions with the mentors? I think that is a great part of their program but I'm curious about that.

 

The phone conversations were each scheduled for one hour. Each course was broken down into four segments with a discussion at the end of each segment. The discussions were based on interpretive questions which were based on the readings of each segment and submitted to the tutor by the student. There was also typically two passages submitted by the student for more detailed, critical analysis. After the first few discussions I found it prudent to highlight sections in the readings which could be ripe for interpretive question and/or critical analysis. I do have to say that the discussions were the highlight of my studies, outside of the Capstone Project. The opportunity to discuss and sometimes debate another learned person about issues or ideas presented in the readings was stimulating and thought provoking. I was particularly surprised to see how many of the issues and ideas presented in some of the most ancient writings are still relevant in today's world.

Thank you for your congratulatory remarks and good luck in your program at CCU!

 

Do theses from HMU doctorate programs get published?