The Start of My EdD Journey

I have officially started an EdD program! I am thrilled to be a part of the Boise State EdD in Educational Technology 2019 cohort! I know it’s going to be a ton of work, and I also know it’s going to be worth it in the end. This program is entirely online, and can be done in 4 years.

My goal is to blog throughout my EdD journey. I meant to have this starter post out 7 weeks ago, but my first class was time and brain intensive (and I loved it), and I didn’t have time to get it done. I’m not pressuring myself to post at regular intervals, just whenever I have time an energy. I will also share out smaller parts of my journey on Twitter and Instagram using #MariEdDJourney. I hope these reflective practices are useful for me as well as anyone considering this journey.

How did I get to now?

Since finishing my Masters in 2012, I knew I wanted to go all the way with my education. I love learning and I love school, so why not add on a doctorate? With how much work a doctorate is, simply wanting to get a terminal degree is not enough. Although I’m not decided on where I’d like to be in 5, 10, or 15 years, I do know I’d love to work with preservice and new teachers in a larger capacity; right now, I think I’d like to teach or supervise student teachers at the university level.

When researching programs, I looked at a variety of options, including online, in person, PhD, and EdD. I narrowed down my applications to the UC San Diego PhD and Boise State EdD programs; they had very different formats and focuses, and both aligned with my values and interests. I applied to both, then waited.

When I had my video chat interview with the UC San Diego PhD program coordinator, we both quickly realized the program wasn’t for me. It was 6+ years and full-time, meaning I could no longer teach. The program coordinator recommended their EdD program, with applications due in the summer. I told myself that if I didn’t get into the Boise State program, I’d apply to that one.

A few weeks later, Boise State sent me a follow-up questionnaire to fill out, then I had to record six asynchronous video interview answers. A couple weeks later, I received an email that I was admitted!

I started my first 7-week summer class in May 2019. My cohort seems awesome, and I know I’m going to enjoy getting to know them over the next 4 years.

Are you on this doctorate journey too? Considering a program, working on it, already graduated? I’m collecting advice on this Padlet — please add your own wisdom. I hope this can be a resource for myself and anyone else on this great adventure.