PhD in Business - Curtin University Sarawak or NCU

Hello everyone. I wanted to get some opinions about what I see are my current options. I am interested in earning a PhD in Business. I intend to study accounting as my area of emphasis. I have a couple reasons for wanting to earn a PhD. First and foremost it is for my own personal satisfaction. Second, some day when I decide to return home, I hope to be able to teach part time in one of the local community colleges in my home town. Finally, it will differentiate me in my career and hopefully help me get ahead.

I am an American expat living overseas in Brunei. There is a branch of the Australian Curtin University just across the border in Malaysia. It is about an hour drive from my home and place of work. They have a PhD by research only that is estimated to take 2 - 4 years and the annual cost is just over $9,000 USD per year. I like this idea because it would allow me to work face to face with an adviser and be able to use physical campus facilities. My concerns about this university are that it is in Malaysia. I know it is tied to an Australian university, but even that I am not too comfortable with. Does anyone know how Curtin and specifically their Malaysia branch would be accepted by US companies and US community colleges?

My second option is NCU. Many people on the board have attended there. NCU's costs are about $12,000 USD per year and it would take me 4 years or more for sure. This would be the more expensive option but not excessively so. I am concerned about NCU's reputation with dissertations. I don't want to get stuck in some endless dissertation loop. I like NCU as it is a US institution and they do not require residencies. It is a long haul to get home and residencies in the USA could be difficult to manage with my work schedule.

I am open to other ideas, however I do prefer a PhD over DBA. I have looked into University of Liverpool because of their AACSB standing, but their price tag is a bit more than I care to swallow. I am a self-funded student and the money will be coming out of my own pocket.

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

Eric

 

Eric,
Curtin University is a better option in my opinion. You cannot go wrong with a government Australian University.
For profit schools have a lot of hidden fees, I don't know NCU but some auto enroll you in courses.
The other issue is credibility, NCU is accredited but doesn't have the reputation and the credibility of a B&M institution like Curtin.

 

I completed an NCU PhD while overseas. When I started, I was concerned that I would not be in any one place long enough to complete a B & M degree. Now, there are other options, especially since AACSB has relaxed their accreditation standards.

In retrospect, NCU was difficult, much more so than the level of its name recognition. However, the degree has helped open doors for me, not the least of which has been
Ivy League research grants, increased compensation, a leadership role in institutional accreditation, and internationally respected academic publishing opportunities and conferences.


I also think Curtain would be fine. Australian programs are generally rigorous, and I have considered further study options with various Australian institutions numerous times.

 

My apologies to Curtin University

I have an associate who works at the Curtin in Oz, and I'm sure she would appreciate the name being spelled correctly.

 

She's in Oz? Does she know "The Wizard behind the Curtin?" :jester:
Is her name Dorothy, perhaps? Just joking around. :smile:

Johann

"I don't think we're in Kansas any more, Toto."

 

Hilarious Johann,

Scoreboard: Missouri 163
Kansas 0

 

Australian Business School (AACSB, EQUIS and EFMD): Ph.D. Accounting by research
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Accounting - Postgraduate Research Degrees - ASB - UNSW

University of the Sunshine Coast: Ph.D. by research (A$23,000 Annual Tuition)
Doctor of Philosophy | University of the Sunshine Coast

University of New England: Ph.D. (Law, Accounting, Admin, Economics, Commerce) A$18,896 Annual Tuition)
UNE - The Professions - Your PhD by distance

Monash University: Ph.D.
Doctor of Philosophy, Monash University

Australian Institute of Business: Ph.D.
Doctor of Business Administration - SCU Course Options - 2014

University of Southern Queensland:
Ph.D.
Programs and Courses - Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)
DPST
Programs and Courses - Doctor of Professional Studies . (DPST)
D.B.A.
Programs and Courses - Doctor of Business Administration (DBAR)

Southern Cross University: D.B.A.
Doctor of Business Administration - SCU Course Options - 2014

University of Newcastle: online D.B.A. (A$18, 835 Annual Tuition)
Doctor of Business Administration / Program Handbook / The University of Newcastle, Australia

 

I suspect Curtin here is cheaper because it is Malaysia. People here just do not have the same buying power as Oz.

Thanks for the input.

Eric

 

One of the things holding me back from Curtin is what would happen if my company moves me before I finish the degree. I have asked them the question of if I get relocated before completion, would they allow me to finish via distance or travel back and forth as needed. They have not answered me yet. NCU does not have this negative.

FYI I typically get moved every few years.

 

Curtain University (Sarawak Branch) is as good as their Australian Campus. I was there last month for some research project, and inspired by their facilities / research work.