I need some opinions regarding PhD choice as I am thinking of pursuing a second doctorate. The reason is because of new role I have taken on as an Ethics consultant. I have the requirements already for the role, but wish to expand them. The below degrees are all RA (which they need to be for what I am doing), and will fulfill the requirements I desire. While these are from religious institutions, that is not a requirement. Also, I would be open to any other programs I may not be aware of. So the three I have found without breaking the bank: Liberty University has a PhD in Practical Theology that would allow focus in ethics. Con: I don't care for Liberty's reputation and have been glad to keep them off my resume in the past. Pro: Their price combining their block tuition and my employers tuition assistance program would mean I would only pay half price out of pocket for the degree, making them the cheapest of the bunch. Kairos University allows a focus on ethics in their program. Con: I am unclear about the stability of this school as it seems to be a conglomeration of other schools. I could not find enrollment numbers. Pro: I could focus more on my direct inquiry interests and their monthly tuition structure is the second best price. Columbia International University has a PhD in Practical Theology that can focus on Moral Theology, which would be close enough for my needs. Pro: Probably the best name value of the bunch. Con: Would be the most expensive and require an additional 12 credit hours of leveling work.
The Society of Christian Ethics has a list that may be helpful. MBTS has a PhD in theology w/ an emphasis on ethics. SBTS has a PhD in ethics and public theology.
If you do a PhD at a univesity, that school will be a part of your identity--good or bad--for the rest of your life. That might matter more than some of the other factors one might consider, like curricular content, residency, cost, etc.
I'm not sure if this will totally align with your goals, but St Thomas University has an online PhD in Ethical Leadership. At $720 a credit, they're not the cheapest option.
How about Eastern University's Ph.D. in Professional Practice? It requires only 45 credits if you have a degree in Theology. $450 per credit ($480, including fees).
"Professional Practice" is an odd term to get a PhD in, but the program structure is nice, as is the price and reputation. I'll look into it a bit more. Thanks.
Also, if you are looking for a British Research Ph.D., the University of Birmingham offers a Ph.D. in Global Ethics. It is prestigious. Tuition: £ 14,763 (UK); £ 67,800 (US) Ranking: #12 UK, #80 Global
ROI on a second doctorate in ethics does not sound worth it. Likely some sort of certificate would have the same effect in the private sector.
I agree unless your first Ph.D. is not accredited. It would be best to go for an Executive Education Certificate from the University of Oxford, Harvard University, Yale University, University of Cambridge, Stanford University, etc.
Schools like Liberty can work for you as much as against you when it comes to its reputation. Liberty is polarizing for sure, but if your circle consists of evangelical Christians, or even a broader set of Christianity outside of Mormonism and Catholicism, Liberty could be a great choice. You mentioned Practical Theology so you are obviously already in one of these circles and have done some undergrad and/or grad work in Theology or Biblical Studies. Where did you do your grad degree and what was the major? Can you provide a little bit if context regarding your professional circles, clients, and desired clients? And can you shed some light on your first doctorate, why you believe it us inadequate for your desired situation, and why the 2nd doctorate must be RA for a consulting role?
My first doctorate was a DMin, which combined with my masters (which was a degree in theology from a seminary) I wouldn't say it is inadequate for my role, but I am considering strengthening it with a PhD. I'll try to provide some more context, sorry if I am vague as I try to not mix my online and "real" life too much. My context is in healthcare. I work for a large multiple-hospital medical system that spans 4 counties. While some of these are religious based facilities, many are not and even those that are religious are generally secular-ish in operation. I have other professional certifications regarding medical ethics that have allowed me to be in the position I have, and honestly the DMin did help some too. This consulting is as a dedicated employee of the system, and not an independent consultant with multiple clients. The reason for it needing to be RA is that is what my employer considers legitimate for listing as a credential. Plus, as my other degrees are all RA I do have a bias for them as I like to maximize utility and while non-RA can be cheaper, sometimes it is not significantly so. I personally don't look down on non-RA in any sort of snobbish way, I adjunct for a non-RA school, but for me and my context they won't work.
If you are willing to consider an Ed.D there may be more opportunities for less costs. Would that fit your requirements?
Thanks for all of the context. Of the 3 possibilities you initially mentioned I would probably go the Liberty route, but I like Liberty a lot. I don't agree with some of the politics leftover from Falwell, but it's a solid school that isn't going anywhere. All 3 are solid choices in my opinion. They're all credible, RA institutions. Go with the one that has the program that most interests you. Degrees are too much work, too much money, and take way too much of your time for you not to love the program.
Given your background and work location, I am wondering if a PhD level certificate or "Post Doc" program might be cheaper/faster/ more prestigious. You can find one in ethics or counseling fairly easily.
