I'm currently looking for a DL Ph.D. in Business/Management doable in 2-3 years. Someone mentioned the Ph.D. in Business offered by Northcentral University during a recent DL discussion. Can anyone comment his/her views or experience on Northcentral's Programs? I would appreciate any helps you can give me.
Feedback in the forum has been generally favorable about Northcentral. They are a candidate for accreditation by the regional accreditor which is a positive sign. However, they are not yet accredited and it is difficult to determine when and if full accreditation will take place. Overall, you must be willing to assume the risk of a Northcentral credential being accepted. John
John, Thanks. Northcentral's website, www.ncu.edu, shows its Ph.D. tuition is $230 per credit, which is probably the lowest comparing to Nova, Capella, Walden, etc. However, I agree with you, NCU's accreditation status could become an issue. I have seen that Walden and Capella have evolved from non-accredited to candidacy and to accreditation in a relatively short period of time, say two years? Do you see this trend will probably repeat to NCU? Based on your experience, have you seen any university failed to achieve full accreditation within a reasonable time frame? Additionally, what will happen to the students who are enrolled before a school receives its full accreditation?
Paul asks: Additionally, what will happen to the students who are enrolled before a school receives its full accreditation? Technically, they have an unaccredited degree. Some schools, seeing a profit opportunity, have offered pre-accreditation alumni the opportunity to do more work, perhaps update a thesis, and earn a new degree post-accreditation. And very few HR people or other gatekeepers will ask, "And did you earn your degree from Flapdoodle University before or after March 9, 1996, the date of their accreditation?"
I do not need to add to what Dr. BEar has stated regarding pre- and post- accredited degrees. I cannot give you a clear answer as to how fast or when NCU will attain accredited status. Capella's accreditation was very rapid and was done by many of the folks who had worked with Walden and understood the process for a DL model. I do not think that NCU will be accredited as fast. However, it is a plus for them that they are pursuing accreditation. For you, it is important to determine if the unaccredited degree from NCU will suit your needs. If you become a student I also think it is advantageous on your part to keep checking with the school on some type of periodic basis as to their move towards full accreditation so that you can get a reading and assess their progress towards RA status. The downside is that you are taking a risk. It is a risk that is somewhat reduced by the ccandidacy staus but you still could wind up with an unaccredited degree. The cost is also relativel low. If RA status is not achieved while you are there or much later and you need an RA degree then you may want to consider one of the other regular RA DL options. John
While each prospective student needs to make his/her own choice, I wouldn't take a risk with a non-RA doctorate. It's simply not worth saving a few bucks. Barry Foster
I think most school begin as non-accredited institutions - I know Capella did. I waited until I was told the announcement was impending before enrolling. If I had enrolled when I first requested information from them my degree would have been around $15K instead of the $30K. The $230 per sh at NCU is really low, and don't they have a price of $7,250 total for the doctorate without any residence requirements? I am considering studying for their PhD in Psychology - an upgrade for my PhD in Human Services - and then add a Clinical Post-Doctoral Certificate from Fielding. I am going to look at the founders of the institution to see what experience they have in the DL field. Capella had Harold Abel, et al, which almost assured accreditation. I am not sure of the background of NCU. For $7,250 - a lot of money for an unaccredited PhD - which will make you very little money. ------------------ Howard Rodgers
I appreciated it very much your and others' valuable input, which led me to reconsider my plan - I was pretty close to sign up with NCU. Now I become realized that "accreditation" is very important, at least for academia acceptance. Can you or someone comment Capella's DL Ph.D Programs? Is it doable in two to three years assuming one having previously completed an "ABD" will spend 10 hours on each course per week?
Hi Paul, I completed my PhD from Capella. It is very doable in 2 years if you have a plan and follow it. I would be happy to share my experiences with you as to how to proceed. [email protected] ------------------ Howard Rodgers
