Digital Writing

I Spent $55,000 to get a Doctorate Degree, Which Took 5 years. In the Last 7 Months, I’ve left $70,000 on the Table — and Learned Ten Times More.

Here’s what I’m up to.

Fox playing Foosball — illustration by Fynn

In early 2021, I completed a doctorate degree in Education. It’s a specialization in Online Education. That degree at face value cost $55,000, without adding up the time needed to complete.

I started the degree in mid-2015. The program was largely online, and is a specialization in online education. I made the investment of finances and time for a few reasons.

1. To teach in colleges and universities. And to teach anywhere in the world.

• Once our 3 kids are grown (youngest is 13, and drew the illustration above), my wife and I hope to travel more. Having a doctorate degree opens up teaching opportunities around the world.

2. I wanted to take on the challenge and become an ‘expert’ in education. I’ve been involved in various forms of ‘community’ work for decades, and education is a key to that work.

I didn’t start post-secondary education until I was in my 30s. Purposely.

When I started in a community college in the early 2000s. I had a goal. I wanted to see if it was…