“First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.” – Epictetus
I was recently asked, “I read about the Doctor of Health Ed and agree it sounds like an interesting program. What do you plan on doing with this degree and do you see this degree as interchangeable with an EdD for your future goals?” I thought I may as well answer here.
For several years I have wanted to set up a distance learning university that is primarily available to students in the developing world. I believe that I already have the skill set to do this, I’ve worked in a variety of staff and now administrative positions in higher education, I’ve taught courses online, and I have an advanced degree in Educational Technology Leadership. However, I also recognize that one of the cornerstones of any new educational institution is credibility, and rightly or wrongly, I believe that a doctoral degree is necessary to carry that sort of credibility, and that this program is a good route to it.
More than that long term goal, however, this program is also letting me do better at the job I already have. My program is in health education, but the coursework is the same as one would expect in a straight higher education management program. The health aspect is solely in the research one does to complete the dissertation aspect, and while that’s not directly related to my current position, the university where I work does have a number of health profession programs, and I work with them pretty closely, so there’s also a synergy there.
I suppose that also answers the question about whether I consider it interchangeable for a Doctor of Education program (EdD). In a way it’s better, because many EdD programs are specifically meant for K-12 public school administrators, and I’m happy for it not to be confused with that. I am also not at all sorry that my resume will reflect a level of expertise with health issues in addition to education and technology.
All that said, I realize that no program is good for everything. Had I been interested in a tenure track faculty position, this program probably wouldn’t have been a great choice. But for my particular goals, I think it’s very well suited.
Continue on to Part II.