Degree mismatch, and american higher education.

I didn't realize it, but here is my 1,000th post on this blog 🙃.  I've been going back to my drafts folder to see what I saved over the years to comment. Most things I just deleted because I didn't have an interest in commenting on those topics any longer. Most were pre-pandemic, and things that seemed interesting while I was working on my dissertation proposal. Others were going to be reflections on working on things like journal editing, peer reviewing, and publishing.  I may return to those one day as my thoughts evolve, but for now, most things got trashed.  Here's one topic from before COVID (July 2018 to be precise).

Way back when, in the magical pre-COVID times, I came across this post on one of the instructional design-related groups that I was a member of: 

Been working on a PhD in Instructional Design from [University Name]. Have absolutely LOVED my coursework. However, most of my classes have been on pedagogy, methodology, transformational leadership and creative team building skills. There has been ZERO concentration on tech-building skills.
What tech programs do you think are the "bare-bones-must" as an ID'er?
I'm ABD and want to pause to brush up my skills so that my deliverables match industry standards.

I redacted the name of the university, but I will say that it's a for-profit, just to set the context.  I feel like in North American higher education, we have a very ingrained notion of "more is better." Perhaps this pairs well with the way we consume goods, I don't know.  What I've observed over the years is that there is a distinct lack of literacy on the part of students (or prospective students) when it comes to what the next phase of one's continued professional development is (or should be).  I've written about this elsewhere in my blog, but a doctoral credential essentially certifies that you know (or should know) how to (1) assess publications and "knowledge" in your field, (2) apply/do something with those, and (3) can conduct new research - and then present it in some medium - in appropriate scientifically rigorous and ethical ways.

You don't need a PhD (or EdD for that matter😅) to learn new tech tools.  Just start experimenting with new tools to see what they can offer. There is no better way than playing around to get a sense of what the tool can do for you. There are also countless blogs, promotional materials, and people showcasing their work.  All that stuff is also ephemeral.  Somewhere along the line, a professor should have told students that what is valuable to learn is the fundamental and current understanding of how we learn, and using that to encourage folks to become lifelong learners.  People who focus exclusively on tools in their studies (thinking here of Master's degrees) see the ROI of their degree plummet since all that stuff is ephemeral. Does anyone (other than hobbyists) create materials using Adobe Flash?  Nope.

I see this question come up on the Instructional Design subreddit as well from time to time. At the end of the day, you don't need a doctorate to work as an instructional designer.  Your 'bare-bones-must-haves' as far as tools go will change from industry to industry and from time to time. True wisdom comes not from the letters after your name, but from being part of communities of practice, having a keen sense of observation, and having the drive to experiment on your own.  Just my 2c.