Day Forty-Nine...And The Winner Is...

It looks like the University of Washington has the best program for a Doctoral degree. They have a Doctor of Education (Ed.D) degree in Special Education and I can place emphasis on Deaf Ed. I've been researching online programs, but they don't exist. I talked with Malinda, my professor/advisor from Nebraska and she told me that I should find a program near me because there is a LOT of student/professor interaction that has to happen with this sort of program. So, I looked at my undergrad university, SPU, and they have an on-campus program, but it's VERY expensive! So, as much as I'd LOVE to go back there, I don't think I can. So, I've been looking at local schools...mainly UW. They have a few doctoral programs...Ph.D.s and Ed.D.s...so, I could choose Education, Special Education, Curriculum and Instruction, and something else...I can't remember. But, I'd probably choose Education or Special Education...that would enable me to get a teaching job at a university...which would be VERY cool! And, the cost is a LOT less.

Now, here's where it becomes an issue. Do I take out MORE student loans or do I say, "Ok, God...if you want me to do this, you have to pay for it?" Do I take it as a sign that if I DON'T get full funding without loans that God doesn't want me to pursue this? Do I bite it off and see what happens? Moob and I were talking about it tonight...she asked, "If you don't get any funding and you have to take all of your tuition/books/supplies, etc., out with student loans, are you willing to do so?" I don't know...honestly. I would LOVE to do it. I feel really excited and peaceful about pursuing the idea. I have some phone calls to make. Maybe I can set up an appointment with an advisor at UW and talk face-to-face with someone about it. That would answer some of the questions.