JD, EJD, PhD - Thoughts on My Set of Circumstances

What I have heard from university professors and PhD holders that it is considered poor practice to earn all your degrees at one school. So your "potential negative" comment perhaps correct if that is your context.

 

Would that apply if your bachelor's, master's and doctorate were all from Harvard (or some other Ivy)?

 

Much, much less, I think. I think this sort of bias is usually relative, not absolute.

But even from the most prestigious school, the fact would still be there if someone really wanted to find something with which to try to knock the person down.

 

That is very true. I would really like a doctorate. Though a JD is not equivalent to the PhD, they are both doctorates. I suppose I could be open to a Master of Laws and a PhD, but that's even more course work...and additional two years. Hmmm......

 

Yes, that is precisely my context. I think it has more to do with perception that reality, but when I see resumes where all earned degrees are from the same school, I'm left with a little bit of a negative. When I see resumes that have earned degrees from 2 or 3 schools, I instantly think, "well rounded, diversified, able to succeed in multiple environments."

 

These programs actually look awesome, but they are all, obviously, relevant to Scotland or the UK. It serves no purpose, for example, to learn about their constitution or property law. To bad.

 

It isn't necessarily "poor practice"-- a better description might be "non-ideal" practice.

In the "non-ideal" sense, yes, it would.

Nobody would suggest that (for example) BA, MA, PhD (Harvard) is "poor".

However, some people might suggest that (for example) BA (Princeton), MA (Oxford), PhD (Harvard) is better.
And if the second example is better, then it follows that the first example is "non-ideal".

 

Pugbelly2,

I’m putting my 2 cents worth here. Please note that I haven’t done DL yet but am in the process of applying to a DL doctorate program. Also, I haven’t read any of the above posts so I can give you my unbiased opinion. I’m new here so I’m sure there are many posters that know the ins and outs of DL programs.

Here are the programs selected for you as a knee-jerk reaction to your query:

(1) Tennessee Temple University (PhD in Leadership)

(2) Taft Law (Executive JD)

You’re set with your career and I understand that because I’m a mid-career professional. And, you need that little something to help you make sure things are running right with your business plus add a credential to let the public and clients know they have a solid person at the helm. Hmmm . . .

Pugbelly2, I’d say go with the business track in the Tennessee Temple University PhD in Leadership. Why? Quite simply, I think you’ll get fewer questions, or no questions, about this credential and you like the Christian aspect to their instruction. You’ll get some questions with the EJD although I too find it attractive and useful for your business.

Again, just my 2 cents. Hope I made things easier but in these soul searching situations, I suspect I may have made it more difficult. Now I’m off to read what the other folks wrote.

Best –

Boethius

 

Thank you. Your thoughts are much appreciated.

 

I have taken classes in the non-bar JD program at Taft and I am in the PhD program at Johnson University. I have enjoyed both schools and have no criticisms of either. Although, I love the law and how it makes one think, I actually find the PhD coursework to have more utility in my profession than the JD. I manage a large public agency and developing my leadership skills has paid off tremendously for me. Both programs are going to be rigourous and time consuming; so pick your poision.

In the end, I chose the PhD route becuase it will have a much wider utility than the "Executive" JD (IMHO). Johnson's PhD is RA, it is interdisciplinary, and directly relevant to my profession. At the end of my PhD program, I will have made a contribution to the field of leadership by way of my dissertation too. I too considered TTU but Johnson won because it has no residency requirement, (TTU requires one week on campus) and is RA. Johnson's program is not easy and does have a religious bend to it; although not overly dogmatic. The professors and fellow students have been excellent very supportive. IMHO, you could not ask for a better program in terms of content and price if leadership is your field of choice to study.

I wish you luck in your decision. If you go with Johnson, you better apply quick, the cohorts fill up fast. If you want more info on Johnson's program, you can PM me.

 

Jay,

Thank you a million times over. What are the chances of finding someone who has direct experience with both Taft and Johnson, and indirect familiarity with TTU????

You mentioned that TTU is RA. I believe you intended to say NA (TRACS), which is why you selected Johnson, which is in fact RA (SACS I think).

In my case, I think the "EJD" would provide more utility in the business setting, but the PhD would provide more utility in the personal setting, especially long term, while also providing a punch in the business realm.

I appreciate all of the feedback that everyone has provided. I am 99% sure I'll go with the PhD...it's just a matter of school selection. After the PhD, if I have any brain cells left, I can always go back and take some law courses, or pursue the JSM trough a school like TJSL (24 credits, 1 year, ABA, but expensive).

 

The M.A. in Legal Studies from the University of Illinois Springfield is a compelling choice for non-bar education in the subject. Note the in-state tuition for all!

 

Very nice option indeed.

 

In name only though …

If you decide for the research doctorate (contrary to the ABA Council Statement “…that the J.D. be considered as being equivalent to the Ph.D. for educational employment purposes.”) … the standalone professional J.D. law degree, as you know, (in contrast to the terminal (research), predominantly U.S. awarded, Doctor of Juridical Science /Doctor of Laws (J.S.D. /S.J.D.) law degree) will not realize that goal. As well … the J.S.D. /S.J.D. are earned subsequent to the initial professional training in law degree/s (LL.B. or J.D.) and the first graduate-level training in law (LL.M.)).

The very best regarding your decision to toward either the research doctorate or professional doctorate undertaking.

 

Yes, I know the JD is equal to the PhD only in name and I appreciate the thorough nature of your post. I am leaning very heavily toward the PhD.

 

In reading your postings … the research doctorate route seem to be your first-choice; again, the best with your academic endeavor/s.

:unitedstates: