The DETC web site (http://www.detc.org/degree.html#UNISA) lists UNISA as accredited, but through the "first-professional degree level only." What does this mean? The following excerpt is from the DETC web page. "The University offers certificate, diploma and degree programs at undergraduate and graduate level in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences, Economic and Management Sciences, Education, Law, Science and Theology and Religious Studies. (Note: DETC's accreditation is for courses, programs through the first-professional degree level only.)" I have been reading about UNISA and I get the impression that the PhD it is a research only degree. But, if the UNISA PhD lacks accreditation in the United States, then what good will a PhD from UNISA serve me in the U.S.?
Greetings. UNISA probably became DETC accredited as a sop for American distance learners. One can well argue that DETC gained more by being allowed to accredit UNISA than UNISA did by being accredited by DETC. Similarly, one can argue that a UNISA degree lacking DETC accreditation is more prestegious/useful/spiffy than one with it. My recollection is that DETC does not accredit any graduate degrees at all, so the lack of DETC accreditation for UNISA's graduate degrees cannot be considered a slight against UNISA. In any case, whether or not a foreign institution is accredited by an American ac creditor is not how the worth of foreign degrees is determined. Cordially, Richard Kanarek Formerly UNISA's (nee TSA) most distant distance learner.
Richard, How was your experience with UNISA? Did you finish your degree with UNISA? My concern is that if I were to earn a PhD from UNISA it would not be accepted in the U.S. The university has a lot of support from former and current students on this forum and looks like a wonderful university, but, for me, without U.S. acceptance, a degree from UNISA would be worthless. Of those that have finished their graduate degrees from UNISA, have you experienced any negative feedback in the U.S.? Thank you for your responses.
Most of the degree programs in the world are "unaccredited" by an American accreditor, but all of the reputable degree programs are accredited (in some way, by some official body).
Hello again, Determining weather or not a foreign degree will be useful to you before you actually begin pursuing such a degree is doubtlessly a splendid idea. Regrettably, I have no idea how you could reliably make such an assessment, and I certainly can't help you make it. If you are planning to stick with your current employer, and use a degree to move up, surely a chat with your personnel department is in order (although they will doubtlessly deny everything if/when you actually obtain a degree <g>). If you have your heart set on employment elsewhere, discrete enquiries might be called for (ditto). Some of the many brutal facts of life are that a degree obtained from a traditional, American institution, in the traditional, American manner <g>, will always be generally considered superior to a non-traditional degree, and (as an American) you can't get much more non-traditional than a distance, research-based degree from South Africa. A UNISA degree is unquestionably non-dodgy, and all but certainly better than no degree. Can you manage a traditional American degree on your financial/time budget? If not, then you really don't have much of a decision to make. If so, why are you considering UNISA? (These are rhetorical questions designed to inspire introspection. You don't really have to answer them. <g>) Regarding my experiences with UNISA, most of them would not be helpful to you. When I first contacted TSA (www.tsa.ac.za/welcome.htm), it was not even officially a part of UNISA (they were merged later). Further, I was pursuing undergraduate course work, not a graduate degree. I was, on the whole, very pleased with the one math class I took (I find my notes handy to this day), and I found the entire experience a fun adventure (as did the TSA staff; I always included Hershey bars and other American souvenirs with my correspondences <g>) but I'm not sure how much you can extrapolate from this. You do need to understand that UNISA, like far too many other foreign institutions, is staffed entirely with foreigners. These people seem to insist upon having their own traditions, habits, and even languages! (How outrageous! When will these people learn to assimilate! <g>) Enrolling with UNISA would mean needing to adapt to their policies & procedures. If you find the prospect appealing (an adventure by mail!) then you may consider it; otherwise you really shouldn't. Also keep in mind that the population in South Africa has recently quintupled (in so far as blacks are now people <g>). This has resulted in a considerable strain on SA's educational system. You may not receive the lavish customer/student service that you'd prefer (although I did find it better than what I received when I was a student in NY). Good luck! Cordially, Richard Kanarek
DETC immaterial to PhD The DETC accreditation is immaterial if you are planning on obtaining a doctorate through UNISA. DETC doesn't accredit doctoral degree programs. It would appear from the contacts on here and from what I have heard from my SA supervisor that most of the trouble you will experience you will experience with UNISA will be during the application process. You will be dealing with a bureaucratic staff and that can occur anywhere, even in the good old USA. Once you obtain your supervisor, most of your contact will be with them and if they are attentive you will be satisfied with your UNISA experience. If they are not (and that can happen anywhere as well) you will not be satisfied. The number of foreign professors in the USA has skyrocketed. This should make your foreign degree more acceptable. Also, if you make a point to present and publish that will be a factor in your favor. What are your other options, an online program from a new US school at 10 times the cost? You will have respectability issues there as well plus have a lot more cost.
UNISA is GAAP accredited and is listed in the UNESCO book of international universities. UNISA's received royal charter nearly 100 years ago. Once you get past the administrative red tape, the remainder of your degree program is relatively problem free (between yourself and your dissertation supervisors). regards
