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PhD top-up programs?
#1
So thinking ahead, my hope is to enroll in the 3 year DSc in Public Safety at Middle Georgia State U. However, as that is a DSc, I am prepared if needs be, to obtain a PhD afterwards to secure an academic posting.
That having been said, are there any relatively cheap online programs designed to provide a PhD to those with an EdD, DSc, or other professional doctorate?
I know of top-up programs for an EdS to finish an EdD, but a top-up PhD after a DSc is something I am not sure of...NA/RA would not matter as the DSc is RA. Main thing here for the PhD would be price and online mode of study.
Associates in: EMS, History, and Philosophy
Certificates in: Military History and Quality Assurance
B.S. in: Emergency Management and Healthcare Admin
M.S. in: Public Safety Administration
Graduate Certificate in: National Security
In Progress: Doctorate and Masters # 2 and 3
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#2
Capitol Technology University allows you transfer 70% of completed doctorate coursework to one of theirs.
https://www.captechu.edu/degrees-and-pro...al-degrees

What do you mean by academic posting? What types of jobs are you interested in that require a PhD?
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#3
The reality is that unless you have a fairly prestigious doctorate, usually from a residential program that provides ample opportunities for teaching experience, and multiple publications along the way to your dissertation, opportunities for academic postings are far, few, and in between. Particularly, if you’re interested in full time, tenure track roles at 4 year colleges and universities. Adjunct work is easy enough to come by, and you could maybe even pull a community college role in the right market. But beyond that, it’s best to do a traditional, funded PhD if you’re interested in a career in academia, and then be prepared to relocate.
Doctor of Healthcare Administration (DHA), Doctor of Ministry (DMin), Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), Master of Arts in Counseling (MA), Master of Arts in Religion (MAR), Master of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Human Resource Management (MHRM), Master of Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics (MFND), Master of Arts in Social Sciences (MA), Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies (BA), Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN), Associate of Science in Healthcare Administration (AS), Associate of Applied Sciences in BOG General Studies (AAS)
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#4
(03-15-2024, 12:22 AM)NotJoeBiden Wrote: Capitol Technology University allows you transfer 70% of completed doctorate coursework to one of theirs.
https://www.captechu.edu/degrees-and-pro...al-degrees

What do you mean by academic posting? What types of jobs are you interested in that require a PhD?

I currently work as a first responder. I'd like to save my back and move into teaching at the university level full time. I have heard that some schools hire PhDs over those with a professional doctorate, due to the research focus.

(03-15-2024, 06:15 AM)DeanLewis Wrote: The reality is that unless you have a fairly prestigious doctorate, usually from a residential program that provides ample opportunities for teaching experience, and multiple publications along the way to your dissertation, opportunities for academic postings are far, few, and in between. Particularly, if you’re interested in full time, tenure track roles at 4 year colleges and universities. Adjunct work is easy enough to come by, and you could maybe even pull a community college role in the right market. But beyond that, it’s best to do a traditional, funded PhD if you’re interested in a career in academia, and then be prepared to relocate.

I have been looking at residential programs, but my wife isn't sold on the idea of selling the house, moving, and living in an apartment for a few years. 

If I could do an in person program PhD, it would be my first choice. Especially if I could get funding.My top choices would  likely be either the PhD in Public Policy at Bloomington, Indiana, the PhD in National Security from Chicago, or the program in conflict studies from Georgetown. I would also love the DDSS offered in Fairfax VA, through Missouri State,  due to the hyper focus on military operations at the strategic level, but that is oriented toward military and government employees that have uncle paying for the classes. As near as I can tell they offer zero funding opportunities.
Associates in: EMS, History, and Philosophy
Certificates in: Military History and Quality Assurance
B.S. in: Emergency Management and Healthcare Admin
M.S. in: Public Safety Administration
Graduate Certificate in: National Security
In Progress: Doctorate and Masters # 2 and 3
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#5
Getting a job as a lecturer, let alone a professor can be very difficult at the University level due to the competition. Most community colleges and university tutoring centers only require a masters to teach, so that is also something to keep in mind.

Have you looked into getting a masters first?
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#6
OP has a masters already, I'm thinking of merging this with the original thread about a doctoral program search here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...lic-Policy

An option for the PhD is a completion program, Walden PhD in Management (Completion), cost is about $20K and you can finish in 1.25 years flat. If you wanted, I would choose to complete the DSc or something first, like a DBA, then 'top it up' with the PhD.
Study.com Offer https://bit.ly/3RTJ3I9
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Pre-Med Online, MSc Biomedical Sciences (Starting Jan 2026)
In Progress: UoPeople BS Health Science

Completed: UMPI BAS & MAOL (2025)
TESU ASNSM Biology, BSBA (ACBSP Accredited 2017)

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#7
(03-15-2024, 10:24 AM)bjcheung77 Wrote: OP has a masters already, I'm thinking of merging this with the original thread about a doctoral program search here: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...lic-Policy

An option for the PhD is a completion program, Walden PhD in Management (Completion), cost is about $20K and you can finish in 1.25 years flat.  If you wanted, I would choose to complete the DSc or something first, like a DBA, then 'top it up' with the PhD.

A doctorate from Walden isn't typically highly looked upon in academia. Degrees from for-profits are notoriously frowned upon in academia. They definitely snub their noses at for-profit colleges. Are there people who've made it work? Yes, but they're far and few between especially when you're looking for tenure track positions which there are so few of and the competition is stiff. Since the OP is seriously considering becoming a professor, they should run far away from for-profit colleges and research people who hold the position they're hoping to find one day. See what degrees they have and from where. Then get into one of those programs. Might even consider connecting with them on LinkedIn and networking a bit.
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  • NotJoeBiden
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#8
True, Walden PhD Completion was just an example. For someone like OP who is going for multiple doctoral degrees, it won't really matter as long as one or more of them are more recognized and has a better reputation, the PhD is more of a personal goal for OP. I would still suggest what I mentioned previously, get the Level 8 UK diploma, get your DBA or DSc, and then do something for the PhD completion, something like an ABD if Walden doesn't fit. I would chose Walden over any Nationally Recognized one...
Study.com Offer https://bit.ly/3RTJ3I9
UPI Study https://www.upistudy.com/?ref=f6bc41

Pre-Med Online, MSc Biomedical Sciences (Starting Jan 2026)
In Progress: UoPeople BS Health Science

Completed: UMPI BAS & MAOL (2025)
TESU ASNSM Biology, BSBA (ACBSP Accredited 2017)

[Image: e7P9EJ4.jpeg]
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#9
As of now, I am planning to begin the Level 8 this summer and have applied to the DSc program at MGSU. . . The question was if I would need a PhD in addition to nab a position in academia.
Associates in: EMS, History, and Philosophy
Certificates in: Military History and Quality Assurance
B.S. in: Emergency Management and Healthcare Admin
M.S. in: Public Safety Administration
Graduate Certificate in: National Security
In Progress: Doctorate and Masters # 2 and 3
[-] The following 1 user Likes FireMedic_Philosopher's post:
  • NotJoeBiden
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#10
(03-15-2024, 07:01 PM)FireMedic_Philosopher Wrote: As of now, I am planning to begin the Level 8 this summer and have applied to the DSc program at MGSU. . . The question was if I would need a PhD in addition to nab a position in academia.


Most likely yes, but sometimes people can be lecturers with just an MS or another form of doctorate. It really depends what role you want. Obviously a professor needs a PhD and most likely a post doc and research experience.


-
Joe the engineer
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