Updating my Plans

Now that I am settled in my new home, and moving forward in my career, I am ready to start planning my advanced studies. Over the last couple years, I have considered several Universities and even took the step to apply to Regent University for their PhD in Communication. As time has passed, and I have become employed at the University of Phoenix, I realize that while I desire to study the courses at Regent, I see a much more practical path to PhD right at my place of employment. I do not forsee me changing careers at anytime soon. I like working in a University, and I want to continue to work in Higher Education Administration. I really feel that it suits me and fits my skills well. I am not sure what exactly I want to do down the road, but I feel that I am where I am supposed to be, job-wise, and that I am perfectly content to remain here until I retire (Lord willing!)

I have already started the process of applying to the University of Phoenix. I cannot officially apply until I have my conferred Masters degree. This will be in May of 2012, which is right around the corner, so to speak. I am eager to get it completed, and I am so thankful for my courses and study at Mercy College. It has been a great experience, and I am really blessed for the content and professors who have taught graduate English Literature. I have learned a lot about myself through these courses, and I have come to have a different mindset about the world, and our cultural differences. I really have a new way of thinking, and even though I studied English, I feel that my program has enabled me to see the world through more open eyes. I am far more accepting of the differences we have now; less judgmental, and less intolerant of people and their preferences for lifestyle. God has given me this precious opportunity to grow and develop as a mature woman, and to come to recognize that all people are loved by Him.

My new plan is to apply to the University of Phoenix in June of 2012, for an anticipated start date of August 7, 2012. My proposed program will be Ph.D in Higher Education Administration. This is a long program, 65 credits or 21 classes (probably less because some will be 4 credits and not 3). Still, the program is intensive, but since I will be taking one class every eight weeks, I am confident that I can do it. My anticipated graduation, barring no time off, will be 3 years or some time in 2015. This might be too soon, depending on my dissertation, but for now, that is my timeline.

God has given me such great peace about taking this path through higher education. I know it is the right way to go, and even though I felt so strongly about Regent and their program, I didn't have this kind of peace. This is the type of peace that says "Go this way, and find good success." I know my way here will be blessed, just like it has been through my time at Mercy College. I have had great success in graduate school, and I have no doubts that my success will continue through the University of Phoenix's program.