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Independent Study PhD?

Hello: I'm looking at an independent study PhD that is facilitated through Northcentral University. The program is regionally accredited and is highly attractive to me because it is 'self-directed'. The purpose of the PhD is to either expand into my current organization (very large healthcare support services company) into high level training and development &/or to start my own consulting firm.

I currently hold an MBA with an HR Management emphasis from a brick and mortar school. I'm looking for feedback regarding the idea of such a PhD program. I am not looking at pursuing the PhD to teach academics, although it 'could' come about I suppose...but it is not the purpose of my PhD.

With my current employer, I will not be able to grow unless I continue to relocate. Thus, starting - and staying - at a B/M school for a PhD is impractical; again, adding attractiveness to the independent study program.

I would also like to continue working for my current employer as I know opportunities are always available for growth. Also, I can't just 'leave' the company. Due to tuition reimbursements, relocation bonuses, etc, to avoid financial penalty, I have to stay with the company 2 years AFTER the receipt of such funds...so if I left today, it would cost me over $15,000 due to the past money received.

Thanks for any feedback you may have.

1 Answer

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  • 8 years ago
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    The first issue is whether your current organization will accept for purposes of your advancement a degree from a proprietary university.

    The second issue is whether this degree would help you start your own firm. In addition to credibility issues with potential clients based on the school's proprietary nature, nothing on its website about its master's programs looks promising for there to be faculty which is skilled and interested in mentoring someone in a Ph.D. in consulting.

    Although US News does rank this university, at least at lower degree levels, it ranks well below the top thirty, and being in the top thirty is generally an important criterion of respect for business programs.

    If you have a basis to be reasonably certain that a Ph.D. will help you achieve your career goals, which I find questionable, I respectfully suggest that you keep going with your search for an appropriate university.

    Source(s): Ibid.
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