Dakota State vs Nova Southeastern: ScD or PhD?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by XOR(), Feb 17, 2012.

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  1. XOR()

    XOR() New Member

    I got accepted at both programs:

    DSc IS at Dakota State University and
    Phd CIS at Nova Southeastern University.

    My current job is paying for any of the programs. My concern is that Nova is known more as an "Online School" , eventhough they have a 300 acres campus in Florida. However, that is what people mostly know, that it is an online school.

    Dakota State is a B&M also, but the degree is Doctor Of Science. But is a small school from the Midwest that would be probably unknow on the east coast.

    I am concerned since the effort would be mostly equivalente in any program, that at the end the tittle would not be recognized.

    I am not sure which to accept. Any suggestions in terms of Dakota Vs Nova + ScD vs PhD ?

    Thanks.
     
  2. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    Since cost isn't an option, it really comes down to which program best suits your needs. NSU has the "online' reputation only because they were one of the early players in the game, it's a completely legitimate B&M school. Dakota State, while not well known, has the instant credibility of "_____ State University".

    As for the D.Sc. vs. Ph.D., I think that's really semantics.
     
  3. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    What Bruce said. It's too bad you're not paying for it yourself, that would make the choice easier. ;-)
     
  4. dl_mba

    dl_mba Member

    There is one thing to think about NOVA... There are way too many ABD's from NOVA compared to other schools.
     
  5. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    How can you find how many ABDs come from a school? Is it published like the graduation rates? I would love to be able to compare a few schools.
     
  6. dl_mba

    dl_mba Member

    Nova's PhD programs are not designed to finish within the stipulated time. I live a few miles from the school and use their Alvin Sherman Library(one of the largest in Florida) extensively for research. Nova would be first on my list. A few alumni i talk, they discourage me to get into their PhD program as the process of completion after the coursework is not streamlined to complete the degree. I also know somebody who took 10 years (with requested extension) to complete PhD in Computer science, the person was ABD for more than 5 years. Talking to that person, i was asked to look at other alternatives for PhD.
     
  7. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

    Thanks for the details. I have often thought...what if...because I considered Nova early on for my PhD/DBA. I live in Florida and Nova is well known.
     
  8. TEKMAN

    TEKMAN Semper Fi!

    There are pro's and con's for each school. As for your situation, I would choose Nova Southeastern University (not NOVA = Northern Virginia Community College) because cost is not a factor.
    - The school has better reputation than Dakota State University
    - Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D is well known than Doctor of Science (DSc)

    I am not sure about the residency at Dakota State University, but Nova Southeastern University requires two visits per semester. If you like to take mini vacation to Fort Lauderdale four times a year, then it would be a fun spot to travel.
     
  9. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    Sorry to go off topic, but I am curious. When did you receive your acceptance to DSU and when did you apply?

    Thank you
    IT
     
  10. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    1) I have a positive bias for state universities so I'd pick Dakota. 2) I don't think there's a significant difference between a PhD and a DSc. 3) It may surprise you to learn that people on the east coast have actually heard of South Dakota.:saroll:
     
  11. XOR()

    XOR() New Member

    I send all the application material by June 2010. They responded the following:

    "The Admission Committee has made their decision for the Fall 2010 session. Your application was not complete at the time, so we were unable to send it on to the committee. We invite you to take “special student” courses and defer your application to the Fall 2011 session. "

    I waited and then I got positive response by June 5 2011. Since I wanted to get more options, I differed my admission to 2012.
     
  12. mrtito02

    mrtito02 New Member

    I am currently ABD with Dakota State in their D.Sc. program. I started in August 2009 and expect to finish this August 2012. So that would be 3 years. I had also looked into Nova and heard about the lack of support during the dissertation process. In fact, I have a colleague of mine who is on year 7 with Nova and is still ABD. So I think they have a bit of a reputation of not being the most supportive during the dissertation process.

    I have enjoyed every bit of my program with Dakota State and it's a great school.
     
  13. ITJD

    ITJD Active Member

    Thanks, appreciated.

    I've applied for admission this fall and put my app in last November. Since I had been told that no decisions were to be made until July or August at earliest, I was interested to hear if that had changed any.

    Hope to see you in classes.
    IT
     
  14. dl_mba

    dl_mba Member

    I am actually planning to meet the Dean of SCIS and discuss the situation. Will update the forum on what i learn from this conversation.
     
  15. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    It doesn't get better than that.
     
  16. Ian Anderson

    Ian Anderson Active Member

    Being a technical person I think the D.Sc. title makes one stand out over a Ph.D. Perhaps this is because I grew up in the UK where the D.Sc. is often a higher doctorate.
     
  17. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    Both programs have an OK reputation. Many people with PhDs from Nova work as a full time faculty at B&M schools.

    I would go with the program that has the highest completion rate and that requires the leat amount of traveling. Price is also important. Check also the course work and make sure that they satisfy your future career goals.

    I wouldn't worry too much about the distance stigma, many PhD programs in particular in IS can be completed by distance and this will grow more in the future.

    The PhD designation is more well known but don't think than having D.Sc designation should mater much.

    You should also make sure that IS is the way you want to go. Enrollments in a IS programs have declined sharply in the last 10 years and academic work in this area is not so easy to get. Many colleagues with PhDs from good schools are struggling to get full time employment.
     

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