Drexel DNP or Capella EdD

[JenniferLou1025, MSN]

Hello Everyone!

I am looking to pursue a terminal degree. I had received my MSN (with a focus in clinical research) from Drexel University Online then obtained a job in Professional Development at the hospital I was working at as a staff nurse. I have really enjoyed the Professional Development role.

I choose to pursue my doctorate because I want to open more doors for my professional growth (whether this be nursing leadership in a hospital or a role in academia). I initially was determined to find an EdD program because I have heard that professors with their DNP may face more challenges and that an EdD or PhD is most appropriate for academia.

Finance is a factor. My hospital has academic partnerships with both Capella and Drexel. I have concerns with Capella's for profit status and how that would reflect in academia. Is this something I should be concerned about? Drexel has an EdD but it would be too expensive since my hospital only has a discount for nursing specific programs. I have attended and value the education I have received from Drexel. Using my discounts, both the Drexel DNP program and the Capella EdD programs would be about the same price. I see value in both curriculums.

I would appreciate some input about which degree may be perceived as having more value in academia: a DNP from a private research university or an EdD from a for-profit, online university?

And if anyone has any other program recommendations, I would welcome those.

Thank you.

[Neuro Guy NP, DNP, PhD, APRN]

Drexel. Used to be a professor there, so the quality is good. You can be Faculty with a DNP. I find that those universities that snub DNPs for positions might not always be so generous with EdD either. But both are very good degrees. A benefit of the EdD is the potential to learn formal pedagogy, unless it's an education administration focused program.

[saheckler, PhD, RN]

I would be really hesitant to get a doctorate, from a for profit university. I don't think it will hold the same weight, and I think that you are likely to have a better learning experience, stronger support, closer relationships with faculty, and much better networking at Drexel. I think a lot of nursing faculty have DNPs. If you are interested in doing research, a PhD would be much better preparation, but DNPs can do research too, and they certainly can teach. I think a DNP from Drexel would set you up nicely.

If you are interested in research, a PhD might be something to consider. A lot of PhD programs cover the full cost of tuition and fees, and pay you a small stipend (typically at least $12,000 a year, with many programs paying more like $24,000). If you love research and want to be faculty, the PhD might be an even better option for you. Otherwise, I think the DNP from Drexel is the way to go.

Best wishes to you in your doctoral program!

[Bumex, DNP, NP]

If you want a faculty position at a respected university, avoid capella and other for profits. I’ve mentioned before people with doctorates from for profits get passed over for stable full time faculty positions. If they are even hired, they only teach a lab or clinical section, and never lecture. They 100% never get tenure track positions.

[JenniferLou1025, MSN]

This has all been very helpful and confirmed what I suspected. It is definitely a lot to think about. I will keep Drexel in mind and continue my research. Thank you everyone for your input!