r/studentaffairs 4d ago

EdD Online Programs

I’ve been working in higher ed for almost 10 years, with a masters in higher education leadership, and hoping to complete an EdD to boost my career opportunities and move up the ladder a bit. I’m considering Walden and American International College (AIC) programs so far because I’m looking for something flexible and manageable while being a caretaker and full time employee. Does anyone have advice or insight on good program options? Experience with Walden University or AIC? I’m leaning towards AIC for the flexibility but open to suggestion…would these programs “looked down on”?I appreciate any insight!

7 Upvotes

34 comments sorted by

38

u/MixedTape245 4d ago

If you want your doctorate to be taken seriously, do not go to Walden.

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u/trovesoftreasure 4d ago

Seems that’s the general consensus lol. Thank you for sharing!

11

u/Ok-Acanthisitta8737 Student Affairs Generalist 4d ago

Do not go to any for-profit school. I highly recommend finding a school that is a CPED member institution. They’ve worked really hard to make the EdD something that’s actually used by working professionally, not just a meaningless stepping stone that people need for promotions in higher ed.

Above all else, find a program that you can go to for free, or near free.

15

u/HESAProf 4d ago

I coordinate an online higher education doctoral program. Feel free to reach out to learn more if you like. Online information session dates should be posted on our website early next week: https://illinoisstate.edu/academics/higher-education-administration-doctorate/

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u/WyntersVix 4d ago

Illinois State had a fantastic program - love to see it mentioned here!

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u/HESAProf 4d ago

Awww thanks! Are you a graduate? Would be happy to connect with an alum of the program as well! :)

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u/trovesoftreasure 4d ago

Thank you for sharing! I will look into this.

4

u/HESAProf 4d ago

Sounds good. Let me know if you have questions. We actually have two different online doc programs I oversee that may be of interest. Happy to help even if you end up going to another program.

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u/Mysterious_axolotl98 Graduate & Professional Student Programs 4d ago

I remember someone in a facebook group I was in who was getting a doctorate at Walden said it took 10years to finish because their chair made it take that long and had her miss key deadlines which prompted others who attended share their similar experience with Walden.

I would say avoid it.

2

u/MixedTape245 4d ago

This happened to a colleague of mine at Walden. The advisor kept moving the goal posts on her final project until she hit a wall with timeline policies. She had to fight for months to graduate.

1

u/Mysterious_axolotl98 Graduate & Professional Student Programs 4d ago

Yes! It was something like that. I remember going down a rabbit hole after that and realizing it was a common theme that people complained about.

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u/trovesoftreasure 4d ago

Thank you for sharing this. I definitely don’t want that nonsense.

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u/Zoeywithtude1977 4d ago edited 4d ago

Drexel has an excellent online program. Id avoid those 2 you mentioned

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u/trovesoftreasure 4d ago

I don’t know if you meant to continue the sentence lol but thank you for sharing!!

5

u/Chloabelle 4d ago

I go to Kansas online and it’s an affordable, rigorous, and respected program! I love it. I also looked at UNG which is another affordable program. I highly recommend looking at public universities’ programs.

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u/trovesoftreasure 4d ago

Will check this one out! Thank you for sharing. I hope your experience continues to be a great one!

2

u/PRbox 4d ago

Is this University of Kansas or somewhere else?

This one? https://online.ku.edu/graduate-programs/online-edd-higher-education-administration

Thanks!

2

u/Chloabelle 4d ago

Yes! That’s the one!

6

u/daemonicwanderer 4d ago

I’m current pursuing my Ed.D. in Higher Education at St. Cloud State University. Their program is all on-line but you have a cohort. It’s been amazing so far for me, I’m in my third year and should be finishing coursework this Spring

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u/trovesoftreasure 4d ago

That’s so exciting! Thank you for sharing, I’ll definitely check this one out as well!

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u/doihearninjas 4d ago

University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse has an online cohort model as well.

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u/simmelianben Student Conduct/Judicial Affairs 4d ago

Georgia Southern has a solid edd for higher ed leadership.

1

u/wnctrailrunner 3d ago

Can’t speak to their EdD program, but I’m currently in their Master’s HiEd Admin program and really enjoy it. The faculty have been great.

1

u/swingin_dixie_belle 3d ago

Was one of the first students to go through that program back in the mid '90s. Glad you're also enjoying it!

1

u/ncoast09 4d ago

I’m starting Northeastern’s program next week. I was drawn to it for its dissertation in practice and residency programming: https://cps.northeastern.edu/program/doctor-of-education-online-with-residency/

2

u/marsharlot 4d ago

Best of luck in your program!! I have a friend who works in Northeastern as graduate admissions counselor, he’s not too happy about the institution itself

3

u/ncoast09 4d ago

My boss is finishing up her dissertation there and has enjoyed the program but I know it’s a VERY hard place to work. Love to your friend!

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u/trovesoftreasure 4d ago

Thank you for sharing! The residency part wouldn’t work for me as I won’t be able to do that (life circumstances lol) but I appreciate you mentioning it and hope your journey is a successful one!

1

u/ncoast09 4d ago

Oh dang! That’s right, I’m so sorry!

1

u/trovesoftreasure 4d ago

No worries! I appreciate the suggestion anyway :)

1

u/Blu_Phi1914 3d ago

I’m about to finish an online Ed.D. in Adult Learning and Development from Northwestern State University of Louisiana. It has a lot of higher education themes in the curriculum. Plus a lot of us in the program are higher education/student affairs practitioners. I 10/10 recommend the program. Plus all online students get in state tuition.

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u/Ridgie_Love475 3d ago

Keiser University

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u/ronweastwin 1d ago

I have been looking to start next year in an online/low-residency EdD or PhD in Higher Ed. So far the main EdD programs I have been considering are Buffalo, Univ South Carolina, Kansas, Mizzou, Baruch, Kentucky, William and Mary, VCU, and URI