Hi gang, I have noticed lately that schools abroad are much more inexpensive than stateside schools for PhD Programs. I have considered: Walden, Nova, TUI, UoP, NCU, Fielding, Capella, and Touro. However, I noticed on another thread that someone paid less than $2,000 for an entire year at UNISA. My questions are: 1. Can I use a UNISA Degree and have acceptance comparable with the amount of acceptance that a school here (US) would provide? 2. I do not want to rule-out teaching in the future and Andy Borchers gives me a positive outlook on the possibilties with a DL PhD. Would a degree from UNISA or another school abroad (GAAP of course) be of assistance in me landing a teaching job (that, along with my Masters from SMSU and my other credentials). 3. How hard is it to correspond with those schools in foreign countries? I am sure that there are a lot of negatives (i.e., communication barriers, costs for international phone calls, mail delays, universal policy changes, etc.). I am close to making my decision, however, I would love the opportunity to save $12,000 per year by going to GAAP School Abroad, but the intangibles are the conveniences. Mike AA Burlington College, NJ BA Thomas Edison, NJ MS Southwest Missouri State Univ. PhD "Undecided" JD "One Day"
This issue has been debated extensivly in a number of threads. I have never been involved in the teaching field, but I know that a large number of professors and instructors at the schools I have attended had foreign degrees. If I recall, one of the issues was the difference between a foreigner earning a degree in his/her home country vs an American earning a foreign degree. Although, it doesn't make much logical sense that a South African with a degree fron UNISA is more qualified than an American with a degree from UNISA. But, when has the US education system ever been based on logical thought?
There is also the "snob element" to consider. By this I mean where the degree granting institution is located would also influence it acceptance. Now this is clearly just my personal opinion, but the culture of academe in the United States is more likely to value a research degree from a British university like the University of Wales or an Australian institution than the same degree from UNISA. Why?? Well I suspect that degrees from a "first world" nation would carry more weight one form a "second world" or "third world" nation. Unfair? Certainly. Irrational? Clearly!
I asked the same questions two years ago. Would a degree (especially a doctorate) from UNISA be recognized here in North America? There are two PhD graduates from South Africa who work as professors at Ryerson University in Toronto. The University and the Ministry of Colleges, Universities and Training do recognize degrees from SA. I can only suggest that before applying to UNISA, do a little research and contact your local university, WES, or the education authorities in your state and ask them if degrees from South Africa have any recognition in your jursidiction.
You didn't mention the field, what are you looking to get a degree in, I think that is an important variable to your question.
Kent State in Ohio has a UNISA graduate in their business department. Another option would be to get on at a school as an adjunct. It is possible to teach with a masters degree. Then, once you and the school are familiar with each other it will be more likely that they would accept the foreign degree.
To add to your question, a doctor of business leadership (DBL) is highly regarded in North America. If your objective is pursue this degree, then I highly advise you to do so.
I totally agree with this statement, a degree from a nation like south africa will be a lot harder to sell than one from UK, US, Canada or Australia. A degree from south africa would be very hard to justify. A degree from UNISA only makes sense if the prospect student cannot afford other possibility and it is a choise of degree or no degree. It also makes sense when the student is already a faculty member and only needs the degree for promotion.
UNISA degrees would be recognized in Canada but the main issue is to find a job with a UNISA degree. If you are faculty member already teaching at the university or college level and you get an UNISA degree then I can see the utility of it for a salary raise or promotion.
Thanks for the Responses! I did a search on this same topic and there was much debate but no definitizations on anyone's assertions. I guess that with any DL Degree there will the obstacle of trying to prove its merits as well as your own when you are trying to get a job...as a professor or otherwise. There are a few things that I have to contemplate: 1. I live out on the West Coast United States and I would like to be able to teach, as a means of supplemental income and I have taught in the Military and instructed ROTC Camps (not the full program). 2. My MS is in Administrative Studies and I guess that correlates with Public Administration, Organizational Management/Development, and Business Management; so I have been told by Fielding, NCU, and Touro. 3. I guess that my main concern is not utility in the world of "Big Business" because I have a pretty lucrative job...but I am looking at how I will be able to use my PhD. to do something that I love...without being forced to take B&M Courses at a school near where I live. Regards, Mike AA Burlington College, NJ BA TESC, NJ MS SMSU PhD "Undecided"
Re: Thanks for the Responses! With your current crudentials, you should be able to get a part time position, and maybe ask the school you want to teach in. If you are able to relocate based upon the school - you should look into what accrediation the school - the business school - holds. If you have a RA school, your school will probably want RA, if you have an AACSB school, your school will probably want AACSB. etc. Also, there are school that are asking for DL professor's, so look into that as well.
