An Important Question/Consideration

Discussion in 'Accreditation Discussions (RA, DETC, state approva' started by Anthro71457, Jul 15, 2010.

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  1. Anthro71457

    Anthro71457 New Member

    I spent many years in traditional "sit down" schools and here is a question for everyone. I want to pursue my PhD. Preferably in Anthropology - I have the MA - to teach at a University one day. I have been told that I have more experience "in the field" than most PhDs that have been teaching for 20 years. The problem is I cannot quit everything (job, bills, life) to go back to school full-time and - NO UNIVERSITY - has an online PhD in Anthro (or most social sciences for that matter). So the question is what does someone like me in this situation do? Is there an alternative? I am totally frustrated about this. Also when I search online almost every ad or link is to the big 4 online schools (you know who I mean) for degrees that assist in business or the private sector or teaching in public school. Again, what do I do? I feel like I am just screwed. :(
     
  2. b4cz28

    b4cz28 Active Member

    SA schools have them and they will be accepted from what I understand.

    Boom here's a PhD right here in Anthropology from the Uni of SA.

    Unisa Cart - Info
     
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  4. b4cz28

    b4cz28 Active Member

  5. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I'm going to answer this question as if I actually know what I'm talking about. However, please keep in mind that the subject is professional, university credentialling in the field of Anthropology. Is there anyone on this board who might actually have real knowledge on this topic? Probably not. Despite this, please don't mistake my post for actual inside info.

    Anthropology is a fantastic subject area. I love it. I have no degrees or experience in this subject, just a whole bunch of PBS experience along with a few undergrad texts. My current understanding is that there are VERY FEW career opportunities within this discipline. Teaching and field work (that last term covers so much ground that it means almost nothing). The competition for teaching positions in Anthropology is totally fierce. It's similar to Sociology, English Lit., History, etc. Earning a DL doctoral degree may make a person "eligible" for application to any number of positions but it seems unlikely that it will make any candidate competitive. Every Ivy League school, every state university, every major European university produces PhDs in Anthropology every year. If you've got a good job and you need a PhD in order to put a check mark in the box in order to keep it or get a promotion then either UNISA or Lampeter will do. But I think you're due for a reality slap if you think that a degree from either school will make you a competitior for a new position in the larger university marketplace. When it comes to comparing the two programs it's really an apples and oranges situation. Anyone who tries to tell you that one school gives an advantage over another is mistaken. Beauty is truly found in the eye of the beholder. You can not say, with any assurance, that any given interviewer will favor one school over the other.

    In general, I am an advocate for UNISA degrees. My mention of the Wales degree program was simply to point out another possibility. Also, I think there's a PhD program in Anthropology at the University of Melbourne but I haven't had time to dig out the link.
     

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