Why Capella University?

If you prefer Sullivan, why not just take the GRE? That seems like a very small hurdle to stand in the way of something you want and something that is such a huge decision.

 

Since you're working on your second master's degree, Sullivan may waive the GRE requirement. Many graduate programs at B & M schools do require GRE or GMAT (I thought GRE would have been a requirement for admission into SME considering that I have visited their site is search of a Telecommunications master's degree program awhile ago, and I think I saw GRE as a requirement). However, some do waive that requirement upon taking other factors into consideration.

Also, since Sullivan does not explicitly state that a potential graduate student MUST have GRE before admitted into their PhD program (that's how I understand it from the admission requirement page located here), I would just inquire first, and then if GRE is a MUST requirement, then you can make other decisions based on your specific situation. I'm sure Dr. Pina will shed more light on whether the PhD program does require a GRE/GMAT or not.

Investing in a doctoral program is a big deal. The enormous time commitment, financial resources, and other personal sacrifices suggests that decisions must be carefully considered. Otherwise, making a hasty choice can leave you hating yourself upon program completion, or having to hide that degree sometimes (depending on where it might be useful). Further, considering the fact that by the time you finish your Capella PhD, several B & M schools may also start to offer an equivalent doctoral degree online or through a combination of DL modalities that are convenient to students warrant diligence in program choice.

 

I applied to Sullivan and sent in my transcripts. However, I am still waiting for someone to contact me to follow-up and see if I can qualify for admission.

 

We will accept GRE or GMAT scores, but if you have a strong graduate academic record, they are not mandatory for admission into the program.

 

Really? I'm so sorry. Please send me a PM and I'll make sure that you are connected with the right person.

 

Tekman:

Considering Regent but not attending. I know a few Regent grads and they are great people. I had a professor at South U from Regent's PhD program and he was awesome!! However, I am considering Capella and Sullivan U right now.....

 

Just to add to your confusion...What about Nova?

 

Dr. Piña,

According to Capella University's Ph.D in Organization & Management's curriculum 12 courses (48 credits); and there are 13 courses (52 credits) for electives.

Dr. Randell:

I am not good at taking the standard exam; therefore, I avoid it. Also, Nova Southeastern University requires GRE with GPA is less than 3.25.

As much as I love Lancaster University's (UK) Ph.D in Management; but the VA doesn't fund international distance learning. I have requested the information at Sullivan University to find out with I can GRE waiver.

 

Jay,

Good luck with your application at Sullivan University. According to Dr. Pina's reply, I don't think I have a chance. My SMU's record is not that good...only enough for graduation. Therefore, it would be easy for me at Capella University. However, let me know if you happen to go to Capella University 'cause maybe we can be a study mate or classmate throughout the program.

 

Tekman:

If you think you want to do the PhD program @ Sullivan then I would not rule anything out. Apply (or call) and let them tell you no. You might be surprised. The fact you have two master's degrees may be enough experience to demonstrate "proficiency in verbal, written, quantitative, and critical reasoning skills" to get you accepted. I am putting my transition to Capella on hold until I hear from Sullivan. I would rather have a degree from a B&M school even if the school is more "career oriented" than pure online. It is one reason I was attracted to South University too. According to their online application, Sullivan locks in your tuition while your in the program too. This can translate into some savings and allow you to predict the real cost of the program.

I wish you luck and I encourage you to apply. Maybe we can be classmates??

 

Hi. One question for you... What is the graduation rate of doctoral students admitted to those doctoral programs? You can use that rate to estimate the probability that your degree will be conferred.

 

PM has been sent. I am still interested in learning more about your program.........

 

Jay,

I am trying to get more information from Sullivan University's program admission requirement. So far, I have bad experience with their customer services. I inquired the information on the weekend; and was told somebody is going to contact me on Monday. I was waiting until on Tuesday, and I was told to contact them directly. After the making several phone calls, my calls was hung-up without any responses. I also contacted Nova Southeastern University, and nobody called me at all.

Well, I have submitted my application with Capella University. I know Capella University is restrictly distance learning, but I have Southern Methodist University and Georgetown University for my Master degrees for backup. Therefore, I don't see any problem...especially I have no desire to be full-time teaching.

Dave Wagner,

I couldn't find any statistical date for graduation anywhere. However, I assume Capella University has more successful Doctoral graduates than any other institutions. The reason I am saying that because I found more Capella University graduates on Google.Com, which compares to NCU, Walden, Argosy, and etc.

 

The EdD-Reading and Literacy looks promising.

Great decision, OP. Have fun and learn as much as you can.

 

I am having the same difficulties in getting anyone to respond to my inquiries or application at Sullivan. It does seem odd; I applied for their Master's program a couple years ago and the level of customer service was outstanding. It looks like I may just give Capella a try and see if I like it. At least they will talk to me!

 

Tekman & Jay,

Heads will roll!! Tekman, could you please PM me and let me know with whom you spoke. I will personally make sure that this does not continue to happen. Somebody should have gotten back to you within two days.

Tekman: You are corrrect that Capella had more doctoral graduates than Northcentral, Walden, Argosy and TUI combined. In fact, you could probably throw in Phoenix's doctoratal grads and you still may not overtake Capella.

 

Phoenix's doctoral grads--I couldn't edit the post.

 

Without knowing the number of students enrolled and graduates it is difficult to make this judgment. What if Capella had 10,000 students and 1,000 graduates (10%) vs. Walden with 1,000 students and 300graduates (30%)? While the shear number of Capella graduates are higher (more hits in Google) the percentage is lower. By the way, these numbers were just made up to make a point.

 

Experts (e.g., Tony) have repeatedly quoted that 75% of all doctoral students who are admitted to these programs don't graduate with their degree. That is 75 out of a 100 students don't graduate; that is an enormous human cost but it gets even worse than that...

My own guess based on reading stories over the last 15 years is that the number is more like 90% of all online doctoral students who are admitted, pay large percentages of their degree tuition and then don't graduate. I don't have a lot of concrete evidence of the exact doctoral student kill percentage above 75% but it has to be much higher than 75% at these online schools, because of the enormous intake virtual classrooms offer.

And, ironically, many of the best and brightest drop out (or are forced out) of these "highly competitive" programs because they can perform simple arithmetic and don't have process addictions for teaching, learning, or narcissism. They realize they can get about 48% payback at the casino. Nine to 1 odds against are very poor.

Of course, there is a simple way to get the data on doctoral students who are admitted but not graduated; the schools themselves need to publish the data. State legislation should require it. The schools have the numbers and most certainly have a target doctoral student kill percentage they are shooting for.

I said all that to say that I get concerned when I see people saying that they want to be an astronaut. Then they enroll in an astronaut training school that doesn't have any astronauts, rockets, or even an airplane. The "instructors" take the students up in a chartered aircraft and push them out without a parachute. When the student (i.e., victim) splats on the ground, the "instructors" turn to one another and say, "These students are not committed to becoming astronauts... Next. Well done, Brother!"