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07-31-2008, 04:49 PM
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Should I got for my PHD?
Ok, here is my rundown of education and my career as well...
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Music Education. I recently got my masters in Educational Administration. I get pay bumps of about $1,500-$2,000 for each move on the payscale. Masters + 15 Graduate Credits Masters + 30 Graduate Credits Masters + 45 Graduate Credits PHD When school starts in the fall, I will be on the Master's + 15. I have the choice of taking random graduate classes that do not end up getting me a degree...or I can actively work on my PHD - which will be more expensive, but at least I will end up with a PHD. Problem is...I don't really even know what I would want my PHD in... Hmmm... 
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07-31-2008, 04:58 PM
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what is the cost of the phd? If the increment is 2k, but it costs 30k, taking 15 years to recoup the cost does not seem worth it.
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08-01-2008, 03:10 AM
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Jim, that is my thought. It really depends...but I think your estimate is about right. I also get $4,000 from my district each year to go to school...but that would mean that it would take me FOREVER to get the degree.
Also, I am going into my 5th year teaching and I am 27.
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08-01-2008, 04:15 AM
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Would you be interested in moving into school administration? Many of those jobs (especially at the higher levels) will pay significantly more than being a hands-on teacher. My grandfather became a school superintendent, and found that a PhD was pretty important in order to advance in that arena. I would recommend looking into the different types of PhD available to you, determining what sort of career path they could put you on, and thinking about what your long-term dreams are.
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08-01-2008, 05:30 AM
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For a PhD to pay off, you really need to think about becoming a Superintendent and get on that track. At 27, I would think this would be an excellent career path for you. So, in your case, I definately think that would be a goal worth pursuing. However obtaining a PhD that has no real value in the marketplace just to have a few extra initials along the way isn't going to help you much financially. So, look into what you need for PhD. You may need to go down the Principal track first or whatever along that path. Not really sure. My DH is a high school teacher and he looked into becoming a Principal, then our kids came along and anyway he was quite happy in the classroom so he didn't pursue it.
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08-01-2008, 07:11 AM
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My question is how long you plan on staying in this district? If the answer is, until you retire, go for the Ph.D. Yes, it may take awhile for you to recoup the cost, but come retirement and pension time, you will be happier and also if you move into a superintendent position as well. How about the Ph.D. in special education since that seems to be an area where lots of people are needed and with your educational administrational background, it might open up lots of jobs for you.
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08-01-2008, 09:21 AM
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Obtaining a PHD, IMO, should not be a financial decision. It should be something you want to do. I have a coworker that is doing it in 2009. We are in the accounting field and both CPA track. She knows that I will make more money in the 4-5 years it will take her to get her PHD but thats what SHE wants. She is fully aware of the opportunity costs. So that being said I dont think the PHD is for you if you are looking at this financially. (Of course there are exceptions)
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08-01-2008, 11:30 AM
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Obtaining a PHD, IMO, should not be a financial decision
It is absolutely a financial decision. It has to do with the cost of schooling, opportunity and income costs (lost time at work, etc) and also affects your future earning ability and career path. So, I don't see how it cannot be a financial decision. To spend years and years in school only to not be able to obtain a job actually using the PhD, what is the point?
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08-01-2008, 11:48 AM
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Quote:
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08-01-2008, 12:16 PM
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Quote:
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08-01-2008, 12:42 PM
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Okay here goes...
I actually DO have my principal certificate, and would like to become a principal someday. My passion is NOT in the classroom (although I do adore my students - I am more cut out for administration). I will look at PHD's in Leadership and so on. Thank you all so much! 
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08-01-2008, 12:44 PM
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True, but I wouldnt get a PHD if 1500-2000 pay increase is the only thing that the OP is seeking. But if the OP in his heart of heart REALLY wants a PHD I say go for it (It doesnt seem like it IMO). So based solely on the money the OP may feel like the PHD was a waste of time. Or the OP will get the the dissertation portion and would be totally unmotivated.... My point, OP, this is a REALLY personal decision....
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08-01-2008, 07:52 PM
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Thank you all.
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