Where to get Doctoral degree in public health or psychology

Discussion in 'Nursing and medical-related degrees' started by tenbsmith, Nov 15, 2002.

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  1. tenbsmith

    tenbsmith New Member

    Family man with MA in psychology from State University. Has full time job in public health setting actively invovled in quality of life research, publications etc. Has family with two kids. Needs degree to legitimize experience and round out education. Will have no probelm creating dissertation from current research projects.

    Most likely to want to end up working in public health research in federal or state government. Possibly in academic setting.

    From what I've read so far seems like a U.K. Research degree might be best. But I'd prefer to find an accredited school in the USA.

    Welcome all suggestions.
     
  2. dwkelly2

    dwkelly2 New Member

    Based on the information provided, it is not clear what type of program you are looking for in public health. There are several types available, certificate. masters. and doctoral. Are you able to relocate or is distance learning the only option. Johns Hopkins and George Washington University have excellent programs in Public Health that have distance learning components available. Other programs like Loma Linda and Walden provide valid credentials as well. Of course there are many other choices available.
     
  3. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    There's only one DL PhD program in Public Health that I am aware of and it is at the University of Melbourne. The prospect of a PhD in Psychology raises lots and lots of questions such as, "What branch of psychology?" "Do you need a licese?" and on and on. You'll have to say more if you want more.
    Jack
     
  4. Guest

    Guest Guest

    Touro University International has a PhD in Health Sciences that (according to my understanding) can be tailored somewhat. It is Regionally Accredited & a relatively low number of credits (40???).

    North
     
  5. Steve King

    Steve King Member

    Johns Hopkins University and George Washington University's Master of Public Health (MPH) distance learning programs are both pretty competitive. When I looked at both of these programs a couple of years ago, it seemed to me that they were more interested in MD's and medical students than a "regular Joe." I was accepted to GW's program and since I am a part-time instructor at GW I was quoted the discounted tuition rate (50% off!). It was still very expensive. My employer at the time wouldn't agree to reimburse me for the program so I never enrolled.

    Since then, I have enrolled in Touro's PhD in Health Sciences program. The tuition is great compared to the brick and mortar schools in my area. North is quite right; Touro's program is 40 credit hours and well worth a look. For someone with a busy schedule and other responsibilities, Touro is an excellent choice.

    Steve
     
  6. tenbsmith

    tenbsmith New Member

    To clarify a few things.
    -I am interested in Doctoral Degrees only PhD, DPH. I already have Masters degree and do not need another.
    -If I were to get a PhD in psych I'd pursue a research degree (non-clinical, no license required). Probably in Health Psychology. Possibly in Organizational, Community, or Methods.
    -I am a survey researcher, Public Health and psychology are the first two fields that come to mind. There are programs out there on survey research methods and/or statistics that I would also consider.
    -I cannot relocate (Wife and I have jobs, and two kids in school) so distance learning is the only option. Though I could definitely travel at times during the year and perhaps spend a summer on campus.

    The two places I've looked at so far are Tuoro and Capella. (I just wish these places could get better sounding names sounds like an australian beer and a coffee drink). Both are interesting. Tuoro's program does not match my interests that well, but looks quicker and less expensive. Capella matches pretty well with the Health Psycholgy PhD. Other suggestions?

    I'm also going to look at Fielding Institute.

    Do Loma Linda or George Washington U offer distance options? All else being equal I'd prefer a university like this. I look into Walden further at a later date. A quick look at U. Melbourne did not reveal info on distance learning, and it did not appear this was supported.

    Tuoro is $22,000 and Capella $28,000 (and that's if they approve maximum transfer credits). In looking for a less expensive approach and consider that at this point in my career I'd prefer to skip course work and get straight on to writing a dissertation, I start thinking of reserach degrees through UK schools.

    However if that is just as expensive, does not include REgional Accreditation, and/or requires me to fly to the UK, I might as well stick with US offerings.

    Finally, I'm still not clear how important accreditation is to me. Given my career objectives.

    One other point about the UK schools. John Roberts stated,
    "Oh one very important thing I forgot to mention, in the UK Supervisors/Profs and the examination team love to screw you around at the time your ready to present (it happens a lot) and quite a few Ph.D candidates in the UK end up presenting at continental universities in Belgium, Holland & Germany since it's hassle free."
    If someone could clarify what he meant by this it would be great. Overall, it pushes me towards getting a degree from somewhere I can get to without having to travel internationally. If difficulties arise, there's nothing better than getting face-to-face to work out a solution. Another reason to stay within the USA.

    PS. Please excuse multiple edits.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 18, 2002
  7. tenbsmith

    tenbsmith New Member

    Looked at Fielding Institute today, but that looks too expensive. ~15,000 a year, for 4 years.

    I was really hoping my previous post would elicit more responses, so I guess this is a bit of a bump.
     
  8. Financial Aid Dude

    Financial Aid Dude New Member

    I believe the Univesity of Phoenix was approved to offer a doctorate in public health (as well as education and business). The program will start sometime in 2003.
     
  9. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    Part of the problem is that you seem to be presenting some contradictory information. First you say that you want to go American but can't afford 15K per year. This will be a problem because the legitimate US programs are not cheap. Then you say that you're not sure that RA means that much to you but your initial posting says that you want to "...legitimize your experience and round out your education..." things that a non-RA degree will not do (IMHO). You don't care if it's Psych or Public Health or whatever, "as long as I get to put the old 'PhD' after my name." Sorry for the sarcasm but it sounds like you really aren't sure what you want. Anyway, the English language degrees are generally found in the USA, Britain, Australia and South Africa (listed in order of most expensive to least expensive). Try these:
    Walden
    Saybrook
    CIIS
    Pacifica
    U of Kent at Canterbury
    U of Luton
    Charles Sturt
    U of Melbourne
    U of Tasmania
    UNISA
    Good luck,
    Jack
     
  10. Tom

    Tom New Member

    Take a look at Argosy's Psy.D. programs.

    http://www.argosyu.edu/programsbyarea.asp?page=programs&area=school&schoolname='School%20of%20Psychology%20and%20Behavioral%20Sciences'&id=1
     
  11. tenbsmith

    tenbsmith New Member

    Jack Tracey (JT): Part of the problem is that you seem to be presenting some contradictory information.

    I tried to cover too many topics in one short post.

    JT: First you say that you want to go American but can't afford 15K per year. This will be a problem because the legitimate US programs are not cheap.

    Ideally, I'd go to an RA North American school for legitimacy and the ability to meet with representatives in person. Practically, I cannot afford $15,000 a year for 4 years to do that. I wish cost were no object, but I have a wife and two kids to consider. There do appear to be North American RA schools offering PhDs in psychology at a better price. Complete degree at Capella for ~$28,000, at Tuoro for ~$22,000. I'm sure others have dealt with this issue and I hoped to get feedback on what the possibilities are. The lead on Tuoro was helpful.

    JT: Then you say that you're not sure that RA means that much to you but your initial posting says that you want to "...legitimize your experience and round out your education..." things that a non-RA degree will not do (IMHO).

    I was hoping to start a dialogue on this (maybe the acceditation forum is better for this discusion). From a knowledge, ability, and understanding standpoint I'm equal to the PhDs who are my peers at work (everyone else where I work who has my title has a PhD). In fact, I surpass some. Primarily I need the credential, and I need it for two reasons. 1) At my current job, completion of a PhD would be accompanied by an increase in salary. 2) When applying for future jobs my lack of a PhD is really going to hurt me. I will be filtered out by HR departments before I get to the eyes of those who will see my value.

    A research PhD from a reputable but not necessarily RA UK university seems like a reasonable solution. My current job offers ample learning opportunities. I report directly to a very senior researcher who is acting as a mentor to me, so I learn a lot. I'd really like to find a place that would credit me with what I've learned on the job (e.g., stratified random sampling, survey design, quality of life assessment, program evaluation).
    My understanding is that a research degree from a UK university would allow me to maximize the leverage of my work environment. Can anyone suggest other ways to do this?

    I plan to ask my mentor what profs he knows in the UK that he thinks might be willing to sponsor me.
    Can you could do a distance research PhD at any UK university provided you could find a faculty sponsor?


    JT: You don't care if it's Psych or Public Health or whatever, "as long as I get to put the old 'PhD' after my name." Sorry for the sarcasm but it sounds like you really aren't sure what you want.

    I know what I want to do. The area of research I work in overlaps psychology and public health. Luminaries in the field come from both disciplines. The methodology is survey research. I know what I'd do my dissertation on and what areas of knowledge I would like to improve. Both could be fit into either degree.

    JT: the English language degrees are generally found in the USA, Britain, Australia and South Africa (listed in order of most expensive to least expensive).

    Given what I've heard about Australiz and South Africa, and the difficulty of getting there should need arise, I think I'll stick to UK/USA.

    PS. Checking the U of Phoenix web site I see no mention of PhD or DPH programs.

    PPS. Wow, spent a long time on that post. Could say more, but must return to the tasks at hand.
     
  12. tenbsmith

    tenbsmith New Member

    Re: Re: Where to get Doctoral degree in public health or psychology

    Originally posted by Tom: Take a look at Argosy's Psy.D. programs.


    I'm research oriented, so not interested in in PsyD in clinical, but thanks for the thoughts.
     
  13. Christopher Green

    Christopher Green New Member

    Shot in the dark...

    I'm wondering if you have considered some of the "PhD by publication" options in Bear's guide (I think the various schools that offered this service were scattered all over).

    Honestly, I have no idea if it would work for you, but it sounds like you are ready to burst at the seams with your ideas. I don't know how those are done, but that option may or may not give you as much control over the process as those done by "research."

    Chris
     
  14. Bao

    Bao Member

  15. tenbsmith

    tenbsmith New Member

    Allright. Theres no avoiding it. I'm not sure what the "PhD by Publication" is all about, but it sounds interesting. Anybody who can elucidate?

    My wife is beginning an evening MBA this Spring, should take a year and a half. I'll be waiting until that is done to start my PhD. My current thinking is I don't want to buy a Bear's Guide until then b/c I want the most up to date info when I apply.

    I'll keep my eye on Northcentral. If they become accredited they are a contender. Looks like the dissertation from them would be ~$15,000. They have Health psych. Once I get closer I'm going to talk to profs at these places and look for a place with profs who have similar research interests.

    I'm also going to look into some possible creative solutions with local universities. An interdisciplinary PhD or something like that. I'm still in touch with a prof at the school I got my masters from, so I'll talk to her about any creative options that might exist.
     
  16. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Expect the price at Northcentral to go up after accreditation--a lot. Just as it did after candidacy. It is not clear whether or not students already in the pipeline will receive some sort of break from the increase.
     
  17. Howard

    Howard New Member

    Bao,
    I am not sure what your slant is here.....most, if not all, PhD's in psychology require a dissertation. The only dissertation only schools, as have been mentioned, are UK, Aussie, and SA schools. Northcentral seems to be in line with the requirments at Capella, however, some don't think that a PhD from Northcentral will be that well regarded.

    For those who think the total cost of the PhD at Capella is $28,000 may I suggest that you refigure. This is approximately the tuition for 2 years of study. Add the books, the seminars, the travel, the motels and you can get out for about $40,000 if you can complete the degree in exactly 2 years. Hope I didn't bust too many bubbles.
     
  18. tenbsmith

    tenbsmith New Member

    I came up with 28,000 based on the idea of taking 3 years of classes and transferring 50 credits from my Masters. It included the cost of the seminars, but not flights, motels, and books. It would definitely cost more the 28k, but I would think it could be done for well under 40. You've been there, so I'll definitely put your figure in my notes.

    More important to me, how did you like? What is the utility of the degree now that you have it? And what area did you specialize in?
     
  19. Bao

    Bao Member

    Hello Howard:

    I agree with you that the requirements for the PhD's in psychology at Northcentral to be in line with the requirements at Capella. I also agree with Rich that NCU's tuition will probably increase after accreditation. I, however, do not know how well regarded of the psychology program at Northcentral since it is too new and is not accredited by APA.

    Best regards
     
  20. Howard

    Howard New Member

    Bao,
    The program at Capella is not APA accredited either. It is, however, a very sound program run by some heavy weights in the field of psychology.

    My Ph.D. is in Human Services, with a concentration in Professional Counseling. Not as powerful as I would like it to be but none-the-less they call me Dr. If I were starting over I would either spend the extra time, effort, money at an APA approved program or saved a lot of money with the same amount of time and effort at either UK, Aussie, or SA.

    The $28,000 for three years tuition????? No, No, the tuition is about $1,000 per month x 36 months is $36,000. This is JUST tuition. Books about $100. per course, minimum. Two focused seminars at a minimum of $1,000 each (tuition, room, meals, travel) and the two week focused seminar --- another $2,000/$2,500. What are we up to ----- a ton of money. So do your homework in advance and cut all the corners you can. Like tacking on a focused seminar either before or after (or both, if possible) at the extended seminar. Until the Psych. program is APA approved I think it is going to be a hard sell.....the masters in counseling allows for licensure but the Ph.D, IMHO (to many dollars too late) adds no utility to the masters.
     

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