HELP!!! Doctorate at Univ. of Pretoria?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by MrsVee, Jun 18, 2010.

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  1. MrsVee

    MrsVee New Member

    Hello,

    I could really use a little help. I currently teach at a community college, and I my goal is to teach on the university level. Due to financial constraints, and several other factors, I am considering the doctoral program in Computer-Integrated Education at the University of Pretoria. However, I have a ton of questions and I could really use your feedback.

    Will a doctorate from Pretoria be accepted within higher-ed in the US? Also, does anyone know how the doctoral programs are structured? Can I complete the entire program by distance learning? I have reviewed their website several times but I would really appreciate any advice to help me along the way.

    Thanks in advance!
     
  2. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

  3. Haggai12

    Haggai12 Member

    Brother Cory Seibel recently finished his doctorate from UP. He would be another good one to ask:

    "Cory Seibel, assistant professor of pastoral ministries at MB Biblical Seminary, was awarded a doctorate in practical theology from the University of Pretoria in Pretoria, South Africa. Seibel's dissertation is entitled: "Intergenerational Reconciliation and Justice as Essential Dimensions of Missional Renewal in the Post-modern Transition". A celebration and dessert reception to honor Seibel was held Sept. 14 on the Fresno, Calif., MBBS campus.—MBBS" Seibel Awarded PhD | US Mennonite Brethren


    His page at MB Seminary: Cory L. Seibel
     
  4. RoscoeB

    RoscoeB Senior Member

    Hi MrsVee,

    I enjoyed my experience with Pretoria. My PhD is in church history.

    Enrollment was simple and straight forward. It was done via the school's website. Also had to submit copies of transcripts and diplomas, along with passport. Before enrollment, I contacted the school (after reading about Cory's experience) and asked if they had a prof who would supervise my research. I submitted a concept paper and they accepted me.

    The period of study was two to four years. I had to have it wrapped up the fourth year. My oral defense, which was by phone, was Jan. 14. Graduation was in April. I did not go to the graduation, so they sent my diploma, certificate of colors, and graduation brochure by mail. Received them about four weeks ago. I received my transcript by email as a pdf.

    Communication with my prof was mostly by email. I also had two U.S. profs as readers (not required, but I did this on my own). As I wrote, I submitted chapters first to my readers, then I forwarded everything to my supervisor for review. Near the end my dissertation (called thesis for the doctorate in S. Africa) was more than 500 pages (doubled spaced). My supervisor suggested cutting and a few revisions. I deleted two chapters and got it down to just over 300 pages. Also paid to have it professionally edited (which the school recommends).

    Before the oral defense, I was required to submit an article for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. The article had to summarize my findings. Because of some miscommunications, and the lack of time, I wrote the article at the last minute and my supervisor submitted it to a journal in S. Africa.

    Total cost for the entire program was just over $2,600.

    In terms of employment, I haven't yet applied for a teaching position, although I am considering it. My main reason for pursuing the degree was personal enrichment. It was something I wanted to accomplish. I've told people that if I never get to teach with it, I would still die a happy man because of what the achievement means to me. Because of my background and the struggles I grew up with in the Mississippi Delta, the degree has symbolic meanings that I will always appreciate. Beyond that, I intend to use it in my writing and published research.

    Should I apply for positions in my field, I think the degree would be recognized. I base this on several factors:

    1) I called a few schools and asked if the degree would be recognized;

    2) Quite a few members of my academic society have degrees from S. African schools (especially UNISA);

    3) When I presented at the academic conference, scholars from the U.S. and other countries all spoke highly of the school. Some congratulated me for studying with Pretoria;

    4) Pretoria uses a number of U.S. schools as external examiners for their theses and dissertations. One of my examiners was Dr. Vinson Synan, a noted scholar in Pentecostal history. The other examiner was from UNISA.

    5) PhD students are required to publish in peer-reviewed journals. As a result, the research is recognized by scholars in the U.S. and other countries, who read and publish in the same journals.

    Whether all this lead to employment, I can't say. I'm only sharing my opinions.

    I should also mention that a close friend of mine is now studying with Pretoria. She is pursuing the DPhil in linguistics after having been ABD for a couple of years. So far, she loves it. She recently submitted her proposal. She likes the working relationship with her supervisor.

    Hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

    Roscoe
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 19, 2010
  5. MrsVee

    MrsVee New Member

    Thank you all for your feedback!

    Thank you all for your help.

    Roscoe - I really appreciate that you shared your experiences. Your feedback has been extremely helpful. I may contact you directly when more questions arise.

    Thanks again! ;)
     
  6. KariS

    KariS New Member

  7. Lukeness

    Lukeness Member

    Open admissions can do that to your stats
     
  8. canadajoe

    canadajoe New Member

    Hi

    So to clarify this program can be done entirely at a distance?
     

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