Psychology at Capella

Hello Simon,
The South African D/L Research PhD would not have increased my marketability in Alabama. The Professor at UNIZUL specifically stated that the degree was not a clinical degree. I am looking at Univ of Stellenbosch and UNISA will have a taught PsyD in 2004, they think. I will try one of these approaches.

As for the PhD in Counseling -- there are two limitations....several insurance companies in AL. specifically Blue Cross are placing EPS - Extended Psychiatric Service riders on their policies and only using institutions that will agree to lesser fees and they want self contained units - psychiatrist and counselors - in one locations. Secondly, insurance companies are beginning, at least in alabama, to only pay PsyD counselors. Go figure.

But, when I walk down the halls at the hospital they still call me Dr. and when the newspaper calls for a quote on a story they quote me as Dr., so the intrinsic value is great. Blessings, Howard.

 

Hi Howard,

From discussions with colleagues in the Northeast a number of Clinical Psychologists are competing fiercely for private clients. In this neck of the woods numerous mental health practitioners exist in all forms resulting in the folding of a number of private practices. This is especially an issue for Social Workers.

Good luck in your pursuit of the S.A. Psychology credential.

Simon

 

Sulla,

I contacted the Florida Psychology licensure board and had a lengthy discussion re: licensure of Organizational Psychologists. In effect, as you previously indicated, Organizational Psychologists are not elgible to be licensed as Psychologists because their doctoral programs are not APA approved. In addition, they are not eligible to refer to themselves as Psychologist in Florida.

Simon

 

Hello, Simon. Thanks for getting back to me on this.
Yes, but I spoke to some I/O consultants here and was informed that most make it well in the industry without a license.

I mean, all I/O professionals that do work in FL do so without one anyways....even those that come from one of the best I/O programs in the country such as the one at USF.

Any additional feedback appreciated,

thanks,
-S

 

I was not aware that Columbia University had an I/O psychology programs, unless you are referring to its social/abnormal psychology concentration.

The curriculum for the I/O program at NYU seems to have only 4 courses in advanced statistics. I believe that their I/O program merged with the social specialization.

But yes, you're right, most top I/O programs have a higher statistical orientation than dl schools. Some of the them require one to take up to six advanced courses in advanced statistics.

I think Capella's program is more oriented towards the organizational side than the industrial (which requires much more statistics). The industrial side might be were the top bucks are.

I think if worse comes to worse one can take additional advanced stats. courses at another school that offers them (such as USF). I'm a Florida resident so the tuition would be really cheap in comparison.

thanks for bringing all this to my attention, Simon.

What exactly are your plans? As far as I recall you are specializing in Clinical?

regards,
-S

 

Sulla: I was not aware that Columbia University had an I/O psychology programs, unless you are referring to its social/abnormal psychology concentration.

Response: I am referring to Columbia University's doctoral program in Social and Organizational psychology.

http://www.tc.edu/programs/Soc-OrgPsych/phd.htm


Sulla:The curriculum for the I/O program at NYU seems to have only 4 courses in advanced statistics. I believe that their I/O program merged with the social specialization.

Response: I have not reviewed the content of their doctoral program recently. However, their graduates are in high demand and command very high salaries.

Sulla: But yes, you're right, most top I/O programs have a higher statistical orientation than dl schools.

Response: The depth and breadth of traditional doctoral programs in I/O such as those noted above are significantly more comprehensive in scope and content than those from DL programs. Most available DL programs lack sufficient organizational analysis related coursework as well as intensive organizational intervention skills training.

Sulla: I think if worse comes to worse one can take additional advanced stats. courses at another school that offers them (such as USF). I'm a Florida resident so the tuition would be really cheap in comparison.

Response: The issue revolves around whether the majority of DL doctoral programs in Organiational Psychology meet the standards and skills required for consultation positions in organizations. Compared to schools as noted above, they don't

 

I'm wondering why you are focusing on the these two schools in particular. Their curriculum differs from that of other traditional programs.

I/O in general commands good income no matter where you look at it. In fact, there are even great openings for bachelors with a specialization in I/O. Masters in I/O are even better but a doctorate is what rules out the competition.
Of course, graduates from the higher schools (such as those from Michigan State University, which is rates as #1 and University of Minnesota) will always have a significant advantage in salaries and positions.

I don't know exactly what you mean by lack of sufficient organizational analysis related coursework. You are not making fair comparisons. Of course the programs from the top ten schools are going to be way above not only of dl schools, but also above that of MOST traditional schools. You are not giving me examples of average traditional I/O programs. Your only focus is in the top programs in the country.

Just because a school is not ranked up there does not mean that they it does not have a good solid program.

I like the curriculum at Capella above the other DL schools. And many of the courses are congruent with those at traditional schools. True, they don't have such a strong statistical focus (one can take extra stats courses in the elective section if necessary). Yet, like I said, their focus is more on the organizational side which I think they do have sufficient organizational (don't confuse it with industrial) coursework.
http://www.capella.edu/aspscripts/schools/psychology/ind_org_phd.asp .

I believe they have about 19 courses required. University of Central Florida's has about 13 (

http://psychology.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fpegasus.cc.ucf.edu%2F%257Epsych%2Fgrad.html)

Rice university has about 17 courses before the dissertation.

(http://psychology.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ruf.rice.edu%2F%7Epsyc%2F),

All share similar coursework in the I/O specialization such as motivation, leadership, motivation and performance, etc. etc.

Again, you're comparing a dl program vs. some of the best traditional I/O programs in the country. And again, you mention *most* dl programs in I/O. I'm talking about Capella's program.
What you say above depends on what position in I/O you are working in and the experience you have in the field and your level of education (bachelors, masters or doctorate), and of course, which school you got the education. Doctorates in I/O are not always required, but they are preferable.

Then again, after reviewing numerous traditional curriculums I find that some schools have a stronger stats orientation than others and vice versa. For example, USF's I/O program requires about 6 courses of statistical work (USF's program is ranked #7 in the country. Above that of NY and even Columbia I believe), yet Rice's curriculum only requires 3 statistical courses for the doctorate program.

Personally I already have an masters and have taken numerous stats courses at USF, so I don't see the problem in taking more stats courses through them if I need to (assuming that I joined Capella's PhD program).
I like their curriculum and find that most of their specialization courses and core courses are about the same with other traditional schools. Except, of course, in the stats orientation.

 

Sulla: I'm wondering why you are focusing on the these two schools in particular. Their curriculum differs from that of other traditional programs.

Response: First of all, calm down. No one is focusing on these two schools but am solely using them as examples. Please, sit down, take a deep breath and relax.

Sulla: I/O in general commands good income no matter where you look at it. In fact, there are even great openings for bachelors with a specialization in I/O.


Response: A BA degree with a specialization does not result in GREAT OPENINGS. Yes, there are jobs available but everything is relative.

Sulla: Masters in I/O are even better but a doctorate is what rules out the competition.

Response: Obviously.

Sulla: Of course, graduates from the higher schools (such as those from Michigan State University, which is rates as #1 and University of Minnesota) will always have a significant advantage in salaries and positions.

Response: So, whats your point? You just went bonkers when I used two schools as examples than you present the schools above as your examples. Are you OK?


Sulla:I don't know exactly what you mean by lack of sufficient organizational analysis related coursework. You are not making fair comparisons.

Response: My friend, if you were to compare the curriculum of any traditional doctoral program in I/O to that of the majority of DL doctorate programs, one would observe the obvious differences. If you don't perceive the difference there is nothing to say but go back, do your homework, and present us with a comparison of a traditional versus DL doctoral program so that we can assist you in seeing the significant difference in course content and how prospective employers may perceive the difference.

Sulla: Of course the programs from the top ten schools are going to be way above not only of dl schools, but also above that of MOST traditional schools. You are not giving me examples of average traditional I/O programs. Your only focus is in the top programs in the country.

Response: Your'e being defensive. Cool down, take a deep breath and think before you talk. I previously provided you with the website for the Society of I/O Psychology. Please corroborate for yourself the difference in curriculum and coursework of many of the doctoral programs they list and then compare the depth and breath of their offerings with that of the DL programs.

Sulla:Just because a school is not ranked up there does not mean that they it does not have a good solid program.

Response: Who said otherwise! Your'e reading between the lines and inferring what I did not state. I presented two schools that I was familiar with. That is all. So if you wish to have a dialogue with me do so from a rational and accurate position or I will not respond in the future.

Sulla:I like the curriculum at Capella above the other DL schools. And many of the courses are congruent with those at traditional schools.

Response: So when are you beginning the program? The majority of folks obtaining doctoral degrees from DL schools in I/O either are currently employed in the field and wish to strengthen their professional portfolios, may currently be engaged in academia or wish to become consultants. There isn't any internship as part of many of the DL I/O programs but of the majority of traditional programs.

Sulla: True, they don't have such a strong statistical focus (one can take extra stats courses in the elective section if necessary). Yet, like I said, their focus is more on the organizational side which I think they do have sufficient organizational (don't confuse it with industrial) coursework.

Response: No one is confusing anything. I know exactly what they offer and for the individual with the right background it is the degree to go for. It is not geared for everyone interested in entering this profession.

Sulla: Again, you're comparing a dl program vs. some of the best traditional I/O programs in the country. And again, you mention *most* dl programs in I/O. I'm talking about Capella's program.
What you say above depends on what position in I/O you are working in and the experience you have in the field and your level of education (bachelors, masters or doctorate), and of course, which school you got the education. Doctorates in I/O are not always required, but they are preferable.

Response: Have you checked with employers in this field regarding what they think? Once again, if you wish to have dialogue do so. If you wish to engage in shouting matches than let us end the discussion now!

Sulla:Then again, after reviewing numerous traditional curriculums I find that some schools have a stronger stats orientation than others and vice versa. For example, USF's I/O program requires about 6 courses of statistical work (USF's program is ranked #7 in the country. Above that of NY and even Columbia I believe), yet Rice's curriculum only requires 3 statistical courses for the doctorate program.

Response: Sulla, once aain when are you beginning the doctoral program. I will be the first to congratulate you. Your'e going in circles. I am clear as to my direction so now it is your turn.

Sullaersonally I already have an masters and have taken numerous stats courses at USF, so I don't see the problem in taking more stats courses through them if I need to (assuming that I joined Capella's PhD program).
I like their curriculum and find that most of their specialization courses and core courses are about the same with other traditional schools. Except, of course, in the stats orientation. [/B]

Sulla: Capella has a very good program. It is not for everyone. I wish you the best. However, I am not here to engage in gross misunderstandings and misperceptions on your part. If you want to have a nondefensive dialogue I will oblige you. If you want to play hardball, the game is over,

 

As an addendum to my previous posting, I randomly selected a traditional curiculum from a doctoral program in I/O at the George Washington University as a contrast to a number of DL programs offered in this discipline. The following courses are a part of that curriculum:

1) Exploratory & multivariate Data Analysis

2) Advanced statistical modeling and analysis

3) Development of Psychometric instruments

4) Psychological research methods and procedures

5) Evaluation research

6) Decision making models

7) Advanced readings and research

8) Practicums and externships are also required

It is important to note that the admission criteria to enter this program is quite high and competitive as it is for the majority of traditional doctoral programs in I/O. High scores on the verbal and quantative parts of the GRE are common as are GPA's of 3.7 and above.

Graduates from these programs are very highly skilled and command very high salaries for their advanced analytical and scientific methodological training.

This is not meant to imply that DL programs are not viable but that they do not provide the same level of rigorous academic education and training that one would receive in the majority of traditional schools. Yes, the DL models are interesting and for certain professionals can be rewarding and result in progression in their careers. However, if I were a young guy seeking to enter this field, the traditional route would be the way to go.

 

I asked because from over 100 I/O traditional programs, you compare the average dl program to that of two big name schools.

Who said anything about great openings? Is this what you are looking for with your degree?

My point is that I was already aware that graduate from top schools in I/O or any other field will almost always have the best openings available. I got the impression that you felt that I was not aware of this.

I already compared three to four schools for you. In fact, I found that the amount of graduate at Capella seems to have more courses to take than the average traditional program. DON'T GET ME WRONG HERE, I did not say that Capella's program is better! ok?

I know for a fact that Capella's program makesyou work your ass off. You just come across as someone who thinks that a dl degre is really a walk in the park.
they both have different strengths, and I al already aware of how potential employers see the difference. Traditional programs most often have students who have close to none experience in the field. A lot of dl students already have experience and have better understanding of the field that traditional students do, even you said it yourself in one of your paragraphs, so I don't consider them any less than the smart top gre student with little background experience. In fact, dl students continue to work during the course of the entire program (which surpasses the experience from a one year internship). Of course, there are exceptions to the rule.

Yes. Of course there are many other variables to consider. Some include which industry you worked for (many in the tech world are favoring dl degrees more than before), who you know, level of experience, etc. However, I have not done a survey all over the country of course, but, once again, I don't know what all the fuss is about. I don't think I ever said that dl degree will be as attractive to an employer as a traditional degree. I get the impression that you think I'm looking for the big bucks and think that the dl is an immediate I/O degree is a ticket in. Relax, we are not talking RA vs. state approved here.
BTWI'm not engaging in shouting matches. I am not interested in that, I simply do not completely agree with all of your statements.

I already compared some curriculums and found that their coursework don't differ as much overall to the traditional program. I'm not going in circles, I'm just expressing my opinion.
If you chose to see it that way, then go ahead...
and btw, no, I'm not starting any program yet.

And, I do have the GPA, unfortunately I don't want to spend the next 5 years redoing another masters that I don't think I need.

I know your opinions are well intended and I'm sorry if I offended in any way. We can end it here.

BTW I already know the requirements for the traditional I/O programs.

-S

 

Sulla: I asked because from over 100 I/O traditional programs, you compare the average dl program to that of two big name schools.

Response: What is your problem? I clearly indicated my rationale for mentioning the two schools and yet you continue to press the issue. Once again, are you feeling OK?

Sulla: Who said anything about great openings? Is this what you are looking for with your degree?

Response: YOU DID! Read your previous posting re: BA degrees with specialization in I/O leading to "great jobs". Your words, not mine?

Sulla: My point is that I was already aware that graduate from top schools in I/O or any other field will almost always have the best openings available. I got the impression that you felt that I was not aware of this.

Response: As i stated previously and accurately , you are defensive. Your'e impressions that I did not know that you are aware of certain information is based on your own doubts, not anything emanating forom me. BTW, it is not only the top schools that result in the "best openings available", but lesser known traditional doctoral programs as well.

Sulla:I already compared three to four schools for you.

Response: Let's get something clear. You are not comparing or doing anything for me but for yourself. You are the one struggling with the issue otherwise you would make a a commitment to your decision to attend the DL doctoral program. What you are engaging in is an exercise in defensiveness.

Sulla: In fact, I found that the amount of graduate at Capella seems to have more courses to take than the average traditional program. DON'T GET ME WRONG HERE, I did not say that Capella's program is better! ok?

Response: You are barking up the wrong tree. It is not the number of courses offered but the substantiveness of the curriculum, the instructors, and the students. On all threee accounts traditional programs in I/O are on a totally diffferent level than those offered by DL programs.

Using your example, Rice University, review the high level of admissions criteria and the low acceptance rates for their I/O Ph.D program and compare it to any similar DL program. The very nature of I/O doctorates is that they require a very high degree of analytical and quantitative skills and that is why traditional programs only admit so few students who are on par with this requirement. You are only fooling yourself to believe that similarity in course titles and volume is commensurate with substantiveness of content.

Sulla:I know for a fact that Capella's program makesyou work your ass off. You just come across as someone who thinks that a dl degre is really a walk in the park.

Response: You are demonstrating the sophomoric thinking that sometimes plagues these forums. You also have a proclivity to project your own beliefs onto others. None of my previous postings state anything regarding the amount of work required by any DL school. In fact, I clearly indicated that Capella's program was very good, but not for everyone. When a poster such as yourself begins to mispercieve what another poster has stated, there is no point in continuining the dialogue.

Sulla: they both have different strengths, and I al already aware of how potential employers see the difference. Traditional programs most often have students who have close to none experience in the field. A lot of dl students already have experience and have better understanding of the field that traditional students do, even you said it yourself in one of your paragraphs, so I don't consider them any less than the smart top gre student with little background experience. In fact, dl students continue to work during the course of the entire program (which surpasses the experience from a one year internship). Of course, there are exceptions to the rule.


Response: You are off course. The traditional and DL doctoral programs are geared for different audiences revolving around a number of factors. DLprograms in I/O obviously have a place and are terrific for certain individuals who fit the criteria I noted in my previous posting. However, in the vast majority of cases, the education one would receive in a traditional program is going to be quite a bit more demanding on a number of levels than from a DL program. That is why the criteria for admission to the traditional programs is so stringent in order to enhance the chances for students to successfully complete their doctoral studies.

Sulla:Yes. Of course there are many other variables to consider. Some include which industry you worked for (many in the tech world are favoring dl degrees more than before), who you know, level of experience, etc. However, I have not done a survey all over the country of course, but, once again, I don't know what all the fuss is about.

Response: No one is causing a fuss but yourself! I was merely pointing out some distinct contrasts between the programs and you went into this defensive rampage to prove an untenable position. These programs may look alike but they are more dissimilar than they appear.

Sulla: I don't think I ever said that dl degree will be as attractive to an employer as a traditional degree. I get the impression that you think I'm looking for the big bucks and think that the dl is an immediate I/O degree is a ticket in. Relax, we are not talking RA vs. state approved here.

Response: There you go again, inferring that I think that you are "looking for the big bucks" and "think that the Dl is an immediate I/O degree"! These thoughts are emanating from you, not me.

Sulla; BTWI'm not engaging in shouting matches. I am not interested in that, I simply do not completely agree with all of your statements.

Response: It's not that you are disagreeing with my statements but that you are diffuse and not focusing on the actual differences between these degrees that transcends the similarity in the title and number of their courses. You are also misinterpeting and misperceiving my intentions all over the place.

Sulla:I already compared some curriculums and found that their coursework don't differ as much overall to the traditional program. I'm not going in circles, I'm just expressing my opinion.
If you chose to see it that way, then go ahead...
and btw, no, I'm not starting any program yet.

Response: You are definitely expressing your opnion as well as stating mine! You are going around in circles and, as I thought, with all of your adamancy, have not "started any program yet". Well bro, you are so convinced as to your opinion there should be no need for further discussion. Please let us know when you will be commencing the DL I/o doctoral program so that we can congratulate you.

Sulla: And, I do have the GPA, unfortunately I don't want to spend the next 5 years redoing another masters that I don't think I need.

Rsponse: You have the gpa for what and in what discipline? Please don't respond to me.

Sulla:I know your opinions are well intended and I'm sorry if I offended in any way. We can end it here.

Response: It's not a matter of well intended but of being well informed. You are shooting for the stars but obviously do not have familiarity with the discipline of I/O or the actual real world requirements in this field. Yes you have conducted some research but to what end?

Sulla: BTW I already know the requirements for the traditional I/O programs.

Response: Well then your path is clear and we will be hearing from you shortly as to your starting the DL program in I/O. Please, Sulla, although I wish you well, this "discussion" is going nowhere and it would be best to end it here.

Good luck!

 

Please, if you cannot take someone else's opinion then I do agree that we should stop this. I already said we should stop this discussion.

So if I'm not in a program I don't have the right to express my opinion? Obviously you are no I/O professional yourself.

Again, you accuse me of misinterpreting you yet I feel the same way about you. Sounds to me like I pushed your buttons and you continue to be offended.

Its funny that you talk like you know it all when you are not even doing an I/O degree yourself, and only recently you found out that APA does not accredit I/O degrees.

I don' t mean to reinforce this childish I-know-more behavior, and I do feel offended by your last post.

Yes, now let me know when you finish your dl degree so I can congratulate you too! I wish you the very best as well!

don't bother to reply, I will not read your reply,

best wishes always on your conquest of your dl degree!

-S

 

Sulla: Please, if you cannot take someone else's opinion then I do agree that we should stop this. I already said we should stop this discussion.

Response: It is not your opinion that is the problem but your tendency to present it as fact rather for what it is, your assumptions and impressions. In effect, you have not substantiated the majority of your statements. In relation to my responses, you merely "skip" over them without critically thinking and responding to the significant issues I have brought to your attention.

Sulla: So if I'm not in a program I don't have the right to express my opinion? Obviously you are no I/O professional yourself.

Response: You have a right to state whatever you wish. However, it is obvious from your "positions" that you overlook the realities and primary issues that are pivotal to presenting meaningful and cogent perspectives that reinfoce a meaningful position and dialogue.

Response: gain, you accuse me of misinterpreting you yet I feelthe same way about you. Sounds to me like I pushed your buttons and you continue to be offended.

Response: You obviously misinterpreted my statements. The difference is that I am not misinterpreting your statements but am merely responding and pointing out the obvious erroneous assumptions you present as fact. What I have stated can be corroborated through a number of sources. If you were capable of engaging in a meaningful and nondefensive dialogue, I would have provided you with the unbiased resources to confirm my statements.

What you have presented is based on your overlooking or negating salient information that is critical to understanding the obvious dicrepancies between these doctoral programs. Yes, you pushed the buttons but you fail to acknowledge how defensive you have responded to my attempts to clarify the realities and facts relating to these programs.

Sulla: Its funny that you talk like you know it all when you are not even doing an I/O degree yourself, and only recently you found out that APA does not accredit I/O degrees.

Response: One thing is certain. I wish you the best.

Sulla; I don' t mean to reinforce this childish I-know-more behavior, and I do feel offended by your last post.

Response: When one engages in discussions such as the ones in this forum one would be better positioned to stick to relevant facts that can be corroborated. You have not done that but presented statements based on a singular perspective that you did not convincingly substantiate to any degree. No one offended you but your tendency to not be accessible to others perspectives resulted in your feeling offended when I presented uncontestable distinctions between traditional and DL programs. So it important to review your contribution and role to any offfence you may have experienced.

Sulla:Yes, now let me know when you finish your dl degree so I can congratulate you too! I wish you the very best as well!

Response: Thank you!

Response: don't bother to reply, I will not read your reply,
best wishes always on your conquest of your dl degree!

Response: I'm certain you will read it and am looking forward to the day you will commence any doctoral program and inform us of such.

 

There are obvious differences between traditional and DL doctoral programs in I/O as follows:

1) The admissions criteria of traditional I/O doctoral programs is signifcantly more difficult than for DL programs. GRE scores over 650 in quantitative, verbal and analytical parts of this exam are common as is a GPA of 3.7 and over. In contrast, the majority of pure DL programs require a 3.0 GPA and no GRE scores. Therefore, only a minority of applicants for the traditional doctoral programs are accepted in this discipline whereas numerous students are accepted in the DL programs.

2) The rationale for the stringent admission requirements of traditional I/O doctoral programs is that it is oriented towards the development of very highly skilled analytical and research oriented practitioners. Significant numbers of courses are quantative and analytic in nature and quite frankly the average level of student accepted into these programs is functioning academically in the superior range. By primarily accepting students with outstanding academic potential, their chances of successfully completing the doctoral program is significantly enhanced.

3) Although the courses of traditional and DL programs may seem similar by title, in actuality the tradtional courses are generally more difficult, rigorous and comprehensive . Moreover, there is a de-emphasis in DL programs on the analytic and quantitative aspects of this specialization. In fact, a number of DL I/O programs being offered appear to be significanlty more weighted towards the organizational psychology aspects of this specialization than quantitative and anaytical.

4) As previously noted, the majority of individuals attracted to DL I/O doctoral programs are mid-career professionals seeking to enhance their professional portfolios; Academics who need to obtain a doctorate in order to attain tenure or seniortiy in a university or college context; Or Consultants who wish to have the professional clout that is associated with being referred to as "Doctor" that may result in their attracting new clients.

5) Many of the DL doctoral programs do not require practicums or externships as an intrinsic part of their doctoral prgorams. The majority of traditional programs do have this requirement which assists the student in integrating their coursework with learning experiences in real life contexts.

6) The professors and faculty of many traditional doctoral programs in I/O are selected due to their strong research orientation and publications in the field as well as their professional accomplishments. Generally, this heavy research orientation and level of professional publications is not found to the same degree in faculty in the majority of DL I/O programs.

7) Based on the the rigorous level of training and skills developed in traditional I/O doctoral programs, a significant number of graduates from these programs are eagerly sought out by various corporations and industires. They possess the exceptional skill sets in the areas enumerated above and are compensated very well for their potential contributions to organizations as consultants.

8) The bottomline is that DL regionally accredited doctoral programs definitely have a place and value for individuals as noted above. A doctorate in this field from a DL program can potentially augment one's professional identity, result in tenure or promotion and potentially result in increased income. However, one should be clear that the career and professional outcomes from completing a DL program in I/O may not be commensurate with that of a traditional doctoral program.

It is not a matter of which program, traditional or distance, is better but the individual goals and objectives of the student. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are intrinsic differences in a number of areas of these programs, as enumerated above, and that one program may be more congruent with one's professional goals than the other.