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[higheredguy]

I am currently working in higher education in a mid/high level position at a private university in the south. I don't want to leave my post to get a full-blown PhD, but I want/need to get a doctorate. My goal is to be VP of Student Life. I have done a bit of research and the school I that I believe aligns the most with what I want is The University of Alabama. They offer an executive cohort program (EdD in Higher Education Administration) that requires you come to campus one weekend a month. The first six semesters are courses and the last three are dissertation. Here are my questions:

Am I making the right choice to get an EdD?

Is the University of Alabama a respectable school?   

[higheredguy]

Should I have asked a different question? Did I commit a cardinal sin of the fora? Can someone tell me why there are no posts on my thread?

[scampster]

Should I have asked a different question? Did I commit a cardinal sin of the fora? Can someone tell me why there are no posts on my thread?

Don't take it personally. You asked a really specific question and the answer is probably that none of the people who are on here regularly know much about the EdD program at Alabama.

[_touchedbyanoodle_]

Well, it's spring break for a number of posters...

Also, people tend to s*** on the EdD around here, so they may be staying away out of kindness.

If the EdD is what is required for the job you want, then yup, go for it. An EdD is definitely geared toward administration, whereas the PhD is research oriented. You seem to be pretty clear about wanting to pursue the former.

I know nothing of the program you've chosen, though, so I can't comment on your second question (which is likely the case for 99% of forumites).

[voxprincipalis]

Also, people tend to s*** on the EdD around here, so they may be staying away out of kindness.

This.

I know nothing of the program you've chosen, though, so I can't comment on your second question (which is likely the case for 99% of forumites).

And this.

It also might get more responses if moved to the Administrative Track forum; although OP is asking about a graduate program, the intent seems to be to move up in the administrative ladder. If others think it should be moved, I or another member-mod would be happy to do so.

VP

[msparticularity]

The program at the U of Alabama is quite decent. They are an RU/VH, their graduate programs in education are ranked at #79 by U.S. News right now, and actually their research people (who are housed in the same department as Ed Psych) are truly outstanding--especially their qual guy. Cohort programs for administrative degrees are generally well-thought-of, and do indeed work well for people like yourself who are already professionals in the relevant field. I believe that despite the fact that this is a minimum-residency degree it will be regarded as a genuine credential on the market--although as usual it is important to keep in mind that it is remarkably difficult to move upward in prestige/ranking from one's doctoral institution when it comes to employment.

[larryc]

Also, people tend to s*** on the EdD around here

Hah. And I am sometimes among their number, when the EdD is being presented as something equivalent to the PhD. However you seem well-informed about what you are getting into and it sounds like an EdD is the right fit for what you want out of your career. So yes the degree is probably the right choice.

[higheredguy]

I want appreciate the comments so far. I am in the boat of people that do not believe the EdD is better or equal to a PhD, it's just different. I honestly have little desire to do a grand amount of research. My goal is administration. I want to help organize things within the university. I do appreciate the insight given. I never really considered the fact that the school I get my degree from sets my ceiling career wise. I know this is probably for a different thread indeed, so I won't dabble in that idea.

Any other thoughts or views on my graduate school choice?

Thanks!

[chronanon]

Here are my questions:

Am I making the right choice to get an EdD?

Maybe.  If you're already in a mid to high level position, you're probably not going to need the doctorate as a credential to get a VP position in student affairs.  An M.Ed. in student affairs (if you don't already have one) would probably serve you better than and Ed.D. in administration.  Keep in mind an administration major will have a minimum of that fluffy student affairs identity development BS.  It will have in its place much more BS on law, finance, IT, enrollment management, human resources, and fundraising (and leadership, the worst of it all).  If your heart is set on understanding what makes each snowflake special, a degree in admin will be an interminable drag.

Is the University of Alabama a respectable school?   

Respectable enough if it meets your needs, which you seem to think it does.  If you want a sparkly reputation school in the southeast on your resume, go to Vandy or Georgia.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Don't do it unless you think you'd love research using methods from psych, sociology, and economics with higher education as your context realm.  Don't do it if your identity is just caught up in having a Ph.D.  Of course, that's a catch-22, because if your identity is caught up in it, you won't be able to stop yourself.  And pleeeeeeeease don't do it if you're going to come back 5 years later and b*tch about how the Ed.D.s don't get no respect from the Ph.D.s. 

[higheredguy]

@chronanon I appreciate your insight. At my school a doctorate is preferred/a necessity to receive a VP post. I do very much want to engulf myself in the leadership of the university. This is not a popular decision with some academics, but I do not plan or intend on leaving the university I work for.

I do plan to pursue the EdD at Alabama. This should help with the move up in position. I have NO intention of coming back in 3 years to rant about how my degree is better or equal to a PhD. The truth is, the degrees are different. The EdD is much more practical application driven and less research driven. Though Alabama is making some changes to the program, the research is still nowhere close to a PhD. I'm okay with that. Someone has to give a practical use to all of the research PhD students do.

(BTW: That last line was a joke and should be considered that way)

[higheredguy]

I want to thank everyone for their comments. I got the letter of acceptance in the mail. I am going to start the program this fall and I look forward to giving advice or answering questions to/from anyone who has them regarding the EdD in Higher Education Administration.

[wk1202]

I am researching UA's Ed D program and found your posts.
I would be very curious to hear how it is going for me...
I am going to pursue the same program next year.

Look forward to your updates.

Thank you!

[samspade]

The University of Alabama is ALWAYS the right choice.

[higheredguy]

I am researching UA's Ed D program and found your posts.
I would be very curious to hear how it is going for me...
I am going to pursue the same program next year.

Look forward to your updates.

Thank you!

I am so happy I chose Alabama. The faculty are incredible and the cohort is very impressive. I have zero regrets about choosing this program.

[aandsdean]

I am researching UA's Ed D program and found your posts.
I would be very curious to hear how it is going for me...
I am going to pursue the same program next year.

Look forward to your updates.

Thank you!

I am so happy I chose Alabama. The faculty are incredible and the cohort is very impressive. I have zero regrets about choosing this program.

Good luck with your program.

I work with quite a few people in our student affairs division who are working through the comparable program at our proximate land grant university, and it appears to be working for them.  I occasionally meet with a class when they visit our campus, and the students appear engaged and always ask good questions.  For your purpose--and for theirs--it seems like the right course of acton.