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[shannonm76]

i've got six years from two different positions (one working with prospects and the current one is on the admissions side) and thinking long term. I've got a Bachelors and looking at whether I should get a Masters (either Public Policy or Higher Education) then, go and get the Ph.D. What would you suggest?

[cj405]

What other options are you considering besides getting an MA then a PhD?

Actually, let me back up.  You are thinking long term... about what exactly?

[shannonm76]

Yes, i'm thinking long term. there is a possibility at my current school to work towards an MA as a discount rate but they don't have Higher Education or Educational Leadership. They do have a Masters in  Public Policy and then, was thinking maybe from there going on to get a PhD in Ed leadership. I'd like to work up to the adm level and have the education.

[cj405]

Moving up in the administrative track can mean many things.  For some positions, an MA/MPP might be the only degree you need, and for others, a PhD would be necessary.  I assume you've done research and have determined that a PhD is necessary for the types of jobs you ultimately want? 

If so, look at the PhD programs that you have in mind and do some research as to how relevant public policy is to those degrees.  Will many/most of the credits from your master's program satisfy requirements for the PhD? Is a master's degree a requirement for entry into the PhD program?  If the answer is yes to either of those questions, then getting the master's degree first probably makes good sense.  If only a few of the classes from the public policy program will count towards the PhD, you could probably just take those specific classes as a non-degree seeking student at your current institution.  That way you'd avoid spending time and money on credits that won't mean much in the long run.

If you can do the PhD program without the master's degree and if none or only a few of those credits will count, then don't do it. 

I can certainly imagine that public policy would be helpful and useful in educational leadership, but I'm not on the admissions committee.

[shannonm76]

Thanks so much for your help.

Ultimately, I'd like to be a Director of Admissions or Assistant Vice Provost/President of Admissions; basically an Administrator within the Enrollment Management umbrella. I've noticed in the research that I've begun that most at the minimum require the Masters which is not an issue because I want to get one. Thanks for your advice in regards to the programs and doing non-degree.Thanks for the good questions that I need to consider as I continue to research and in taking the next steps. I appreciate it.

[brixton]

If you're interested in admissions/enrollment management, it would never be "president" -- more vice president, or vice- something else (provost, chancellor, choose your mysterious academic title that will mystify the general public when you say that is what you do.)  MA will be helpful, Ed.D can't hurt, but really, in admissions, the most important is experience and  measurable success.  I've seen people with BAs, who are in top leadership roles in admissions because they are really good at getting the discount rate down, and bringing students in -- those are the numbers that will get a president's attention more than titles.  (Admissions and Foundation are two areas were results are super measurable, and so super important!)

[shannonm76]

thank you for the encouragement. I was just putting the titles out there of the positions that I aspire too and their current titles that i see that colleagues have. i've been encouraged by colleagues here that it would be a good thing to at least have a Masters if looking to eventually be in an Administrator role. I just want to be wise in regards to the decisions that making towards that path.

[dale1]

My suggestion is to be very strategic and cautious about this choice.  Higher Education/Student Affairs and Public Policy degrees are not twins - quite different cultures, values, and career paths.

If you want to do admissions or development, an MBA seems to be a reasonable choice.  You'd have options in the public or private higher education and other sectors.  The value of a MPP or MS in Higher Ed/Student Affairs is much more limited in terms of career fields.  I have a M.S.Ed in Student Affairs and I have one career path - a college administrator.  That's pretty much it.  MPP may get you a little further in terms of government or nonprofit work, but it's still a limited field.

If you want admissions or development, you're going to have to have practical on the ground work experience; the degree is necessary but it's not going to get you the job if you don't have "scoreboard," a record of success.

[cj405]

Having a degree in public policy does not preclude you from having a career in higher ed. administration.  And as I read it, one of the major draws of that program is that she could get reduced tuition.  I think it is worth looking into. 

[dale1]

CJ:

I think that's true, it's not a dealbreaker.  I admit to limited experience, but I think the case is going to be harder to make that you can transition into higher ed with that program versus one in business or higher ed/student affairs. 

Perhaps that's $.02 worth!

[cj405]

True, but she won't be transitioning in; she is already in.  Ideally, the master's degree will help her move up, and I think it could (as in, maybe).  OP needs to do the research.  I know one higher-up in my department with an MPP, so here this would probably fly.  (Side note: she came to our department from development, which I think it an odd path because we are firmly a student services department). Her and your MMV, of course.

If her school had either of the degrees you mentioned, the choice would be much easier.

[helpful]

Speaking from my experience with administrators, I think the OP also needs interpersonal skills. It is all well and good to have a degree in public policy, but as an admin type you will be dealing with real human beings who develop and implement such policies.

[cj405]

Interpersonal skills are important.  I've met plenty of administrators, faculty members, food service employees, bus drivers, etc. who would benefit from better interpersonal skills. 

[shannonm76]

thanks for the feedback. the financial cost is a great factor in regards to the masters degree and been told that it really didn't matter what the masters was in; and the MPP would allow for both education, non-profit, and government. i'm currently working in the admissions department (4th year) at this school; 2 yrs at previous school but on the Prospect management side. i want to stay in higher education and eventually to be in the administrator role; ideally within an admissions side. I can get the MPP for $3600 with the reduced tuition rate which is a huge factor as I really do not want to be taking out more loans at this point. I thought having the MPP would help to move up and then, if I could down the line see about the Ed.D degree. i'm just trying to be wise. I have 6 yrs experience and BA; and in the past took two classes at Grad level.

[csaosomeday]

The question of what degree is determined by what future you see.  You suggested that you are looking to stay on the admissions/enrollment side of things.  If so, you are already in the door and will be using the degree to check off a box, rather than to make someone give you a chance.  Which degree matters less than having the graduate degree.  What I would suggest is two-fold:
* Talk to people in the jobs you want.  Find out not only what their paths were (experience and degree) and what they know of the larger field.
* Look at doctoral programs and what they require.  If you really want an Ed.D. in higher ed admin but they require a masters in a related field, find out what "related" means.  If doing the MPP means that you'll have to take 30 more credits at the doctoral level, you aren't actually saving anything -- just delaying your costs.

Finally, I'd suggest that much of this depends upon how quickly you want to move up to a job where the masters is required.  If it is a truly long term venture (5 to 10 years) then jumping into a degree you don't really want just because it is discounted isn't worth it.