Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Program Title:Doctoral Degree Right For Me? Practical Tips and Strategies
ACPA Convention 2015 Building/Room:Tampa Convention Center - Room 7
Date/Time:3/7/15 09:30 AM - 10:30 AM
PresentersDonna Talbot ([email protected])
Western Michigan University, Dept. of Educational Leadership, Research, & Technology: Higher Ed Ph.D.
Ceceilia Parnther ([email protected])
Western Michigan University, Dept. of Educational Leadership, Research, & Technology: Higher Ed Ph.D.
Doctoral student
Focus for Session
Is a Doctoral Degree right for
Me?
Yes
Timing & Self
Preparation
Program Exploration
Type of Program
Program Requiremen
ts
Application Preparatio
n
Requirements
Program “Fit”
Why are you here?
What brought you here today?
Things you hope we will discuss?
To commit or not to commit (to a doc
program)?
The FundamentalsCareer Goals/PathPersonal
Goals/CommitmentsAcademic/Intellectual
Strengths
Once you are ready to commit…consider…
Timing & Self
Preparation
Program Exploration
Application Preparation
Timing & Readiness
TimingCareer trajectoryPersonal life trajectory
ReadinessProfessional experienceAcademic preparationSelf-confidence & efficacy
Self Preparation
Know thyself…
Plan aheadTime line
Prepare yourself (and your partner/family)
Do your “homework”
What’s next?
Program Exploration
Type of Program
Program Requirements
Program Exploration
• Directory of CSP Programs http://www.myacpa.org/commission-professional-preparation-directory-graduate-programs
• NASPA’S web pagehttps://www.naspa.org/careers/graduate/graduate-program-directory
• Baron’s or Peterson’s Guides to....
• M.A. Advisor or mentor in the field
• GradSchools.com or Other online sites
Types of Programs:
Ed.D. or Ph.D.
Emphasis or focus?
Only full-time faculty (#) or are adjunct/practitioners in the classroom?
In person, on-line, hybrid
Typical Program Requirements
Course choices
Statistics courses/research tools
Residency
Comprehensive Exams
• Internship
Dissertation
What’s next?
Application Preparation
Requirements
Program “Fit”
Application Preparation
Apply/interview as if getting into a doctoral program was your next job
Application Requirements
Timing
Professional experience (3-5 years of leadership experience)
GRE scores are usually expected--take them early, take them often
Transcripts/GPA
Application Requirements – cont.
Resume
Letters of reference
Written statement
Interview
Contact the program directly for information
Often two step process: Graduate College and Program
Program “Fit” (Faculty)
Level of involvement with students
Research interests
Professional involvement
Philosophy around practitioners in the classroom
Program “Fit”(Faculty)
Diversity in composition and professional interests
Are the faculty/practitioners going to be able to help you make the connections you will need upon graduation?
Retirement is imminent?
Program “Fit” (Diversity & Environment)
How important is diversity to you? To the program? How do you know this?
Are faculty & students representative of/teaching/valuing diversity?
Does the program support different lifestyles?
Program “Fit”(Environment)
Located in a place you could live for 3-7 years?
Is there a way for you (partner/family) to have community?
Does the program have a good reputation? How old is it? What does it mean?
Program “Fit”(Environment)
Is there a cohort group of doctoral students? How important is this?
Can you attend part-time?
Is there a faculty member with whom you could feel comfortable working closely for an extended period of time?
“CONSUMER RIGHTS” or Expectations for a Doctoral
ProgramAsk about whatever is important
to you
Ask to speak with a current doctoral student
Ask to see recent grads’ dissertations
Ask how dissertation topics are determined
“CONSUMER RIGHTS” continued
Ask what faculty are researching; are there opportunities for you to join in?
What are the opportunities for assistantships/employment and other avenues of learning?
Do full-time, degree-seeking students finish their degrees in a timely fashion (not remaining ABD)?
Between the Lines
If faculty do not know the answers to your questions, are efforts made to find out the answers?
How one is treated in the admissions/interview process may be indicative of your experience in program
