University of the Cumberlands EdD: Yeah, I enrolled

Im thinking of applying can you tell me about the foundations skill test as Im week in stats and advice or recommendations on how to prepare for it.

 

I am looking at several programs and the University of the Cumberlands is on my short list. Their Ed.D is in educational leadership, but it seems they call their Ph.D a Ph.D in leadership instead of educational leadership. Considering you complete all of the same requirements for the Ed.D in route to the Ph.D and are simply completing 6 additional credits (non academic statistics/research methods and non academic leadership theory/concepts) and a "more research oriented" dissertation, is it actually a Ph.D in educational eadership?

Are they comparing their Ph.D program to a "pure" Ph.D in leadership (strategic, organizational)? Ultimately, is their Ph.D going to be looked at as educational leadership and more geared to education or leadership in the overall/general sense?

 

I can understand your position and I had similar concerns before enrolling in the University of the Cumberlands. Early on I had some misgivings because it just seemed like the program had a K-12 feel to it. After I had a long discussion with Dr. Vann (Chair of Leadership Studies) I realized that the program is what you make of it. I chose a concentration in the area of business. Any additional electives that I've needed have come from the College of Business. I'm currently in the dissertation phase and I've chosen to focus on the area of organizational development.

I've really enjoyed my time at UC and I think it is a fantastic program. I work in the chemical industry and my company is paying for my doctoral work. I had to go thru much scrutiny to prove the program rigorous and that earning such a credential would be an asset to my organization. My VP of HR signs off on the tuition reimbursement each semester. He has commented that my organization will be "very excited" to read the contents of my dissertation.

Best of luck to you! Look forward to you becoming a Patriot with us at the University of the Cumberlands.

 

To be clear, you are talking about being able to choose the 18 hours of "specialty area content?" You are still completing the 27 educationally centered "core?" And of course the 15 hours of research and the 6 hours beyond for the Ph.D.

I do like the option to choose the specialty, but I wonder if it is still viewed as an educationally centered Ph.D.

 

You are correct. I was referring to the 18 hour specialty area content, but you'd still be responsible for taking the 27 hour Leadership Core, 15 hours in research and the additional 6 hours for the PhD. Each person enrolling in the program must determine for themselves why they are doing the doctoral work. They must also have a clear plan for how obtaining this degree fits into their overall career plan.

I was once told that earning the doctorate is only part of the process. You'll still need to conduct research and be willing to contribute to the body of knowledge for your particular discipline. If that is not your goal....then you'd be advised to consider re-evaluating why you are attempting to earn this credential.

 

My goal is a PhD in leadership (focused on organizational factors), not primarily educational leadership, which is the purpose of the questions. I am not sure how anything I asked about this program specifically led to you questioning my motivation to complete any program... but thank you for the information.

 

Hello, I am strongly considering UC's EdD program, and wanted to ask if anyone here had done the program with a History concentration. If so, what was your experience?

Thanks!

 

Thanks! Sounds like he is just who I should be talking with. Appreciate your help.

 

This has been an outstanding thread Steve and Matt!

Do you happen to know if anyone has done their 18 credit concentration using graduate education credits for teacher continuing education that were received from various colleges?

 

How are people preparing for the comps at University of the Cumberlands? I will be taking my Dissertation Seminar class this Fall, 2018

 

Oh, another question! Did most of you finish your dissertation within the 6 hours required for the Dissertation Courses?

 

Hi Steve,

I found another post of yours that addressed Aspen University. I am searching now for an online EdD degree and have found it very frustrating. Liberty was a "no." Concordia changed their requirements and want me to write a 10-12 page paper to prove I can write. (I consider it busy work) . I read a lot of negative reviews about Walden. I am from the US, but teach in Bangladesh so I need a total online program. Or at least one that is flexible with face to face. Are you still happy with your decision?

thanks,
laurie

 

This may be a dated thread (I apologize in advance), but on the topic of University of the Cumberlands Ed.D programs - just curious to ask if I may please:

- I particularly like how they have 18 Credit Hours of 'Specialty Area' content, such as in English, history, math, psychology, etc. My question is to learn if there are other online colleges and universities offering the same (or similar) 'specialty area content' just so that I have variances in prices to choose from. For instance, the UC noted that their program is about $24k, which is still reasonable compared to doctoral programs, in general. However, if I had choices to 'shop around,' that would be fantastic vs. simply jumping at the first place that I see. I'm interested in comparing not only price, but also 'specialty area content' within other Ed.D programs as well.

Just curious to post and see if I get any bites, feedback, insight, etc. Thank you for your time and hoping to hear back something!

 

The dissertation sequence is actually 12 credits. In Dissertation Seminar you write chapter 2, while in Advanced Research you do chapters 1 and 3. In the last two courses you wrap up chapters 4 and 5.

 

I can't say if other colleges are using the UC model, but I will add that while the tuition for the core courses is about $375/credit, the specialty area tuition was different. I did history for specialty, and the tuition was about $250 per credit or so. Possibly less. Can't really remember. I have heard that Psychology is actually more, but I can't confirm that.

I transferred most of my specialty credits in. If you're interested, check out Western New Mexico University, www.wnmu.edu, and their online graduate certificates. You may be able to complete those and transfer them into UC.

 

Here's a little news story about Cumberlands . . . The most amazing thing is how he managed to become a university president with such a busy musical career.

http://www.wdrb.com/story/32233587/former-university-of-the-cumberlands-president-claims-school-owes-him-nearly-400000-a-year

 

BWA-HA-HA-HA-HA!
Well, it is funny . . .