requesting feedback on International Univ. of Grad. Studies

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Barbara Barr, Jul 13, 2004.

Loading...
  1. Barbara Barr

    Barbara Barr New Member

    Dear Friends: I am considering doing a PhD. at International Univ. of Graduate Studies and have heard some positive & negative things, including the discussion on this website re: Dr. Ben Weisman.
    Why it appeals to me is that I have an M.Div. from Princeton Seminary, a 3-year Masters program, for which only a masters is awarded. I also have an LCADC (Lic. Clinical Alcohol & Drug counselor). I.U. will apparently retro those hours (280 classrooms hours & 6,000 practical hours) to award me a Ph.d if I write a dissertaton and go to St. Kitts for 5 days.
    I realize it's not accredited in the States, but I'm not looking to teach, only to complete my educaton by writing a quality paper and essentially get the credit of a doctorate, which I believe seminaries should award for a 3-yr Master anyway. My further need is that I do work full-time and tried a doctoral program in NYC 3 yrs ago and found it just too much.
    What do you think? What have you heard? Be kind....

    Barbara Barr
     
  2. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    It sounds as if you don't plan to use the degree professionally. (If you did, you'd need to exercise caution, since its use might turn out to be a criminal offense in Oregon, Illinois, New Jersey, and a few others.)

    So it really comes down to what "complete my education" means for you.

    My belief is that many people in your situation, especially with a tough 3-year Master's already done, would look to one of the recognized research doctorate programs at an Australian, British, or South African school, which might actually be less expensive, and would be a far safer degree to carry about for the rest of your life. I've had mail from readers who seemed pleased with their situation at Cowan, Sturt, Southern Queensland, U of South Africa, Luton, and others.
     
  3. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    Hi Barbara - I've been involved in some of the discussions regarding IUGS on this forum though I don't recall anyone questioning Dr. Weisman's credentials. As far as I know, he's a well respected member of a New York university business school faculty. I can say that I've recently emailed the President of IUGS, Norma Ross, and asked her in a very forthright manner, where she earned her PhD. She has not yet replied. I originally became interested in this matter as IUGS advertises in the NASW News. Their advertisements indicate that Norma would be the doctoral advisor. In my email to Norma I indicated that one might be willing to earn a PhD from an unaccredited university (St. Kitts accreditation means nothing in the real world of higher education), but it could be a workable situation if the doctoral advisor, that being Norma, had a PhD from a reputable university. If my memory is correct, she states that her PhD is in "Psychoanalysis." I am personally unaware of any accredited university that offers such a doctoral degree and so I decided to ask her directly. As I stated above, I haven't yet received an answer. It is interesting that you have posted your question at such a time. Perhaps you, having done your own research, know the answers to my question. In any case, I believe that Dr. Bear has given you some good advice. Best of luck in your future studies.
    Jack
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 13, 2004

Share This Page