Online PhD Degree Programs from India

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by greenvalleyedu, Feb 20, 2010.

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  1. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    I think that these are all great questions and my hope is that we can develop some answers that are based on fact. I think Steve has asked a good question - - - what is the standard of comparison?
     
  2. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Mostly IGNOU, since there are people there who share my interest in OERs, but also Bharathiar University, since there's a study center within an hour of my house. Both are open to international students.
     
  3. raoshirvani

    raoshirvani New Member

  4. Garp

    Garp Well-Known Member

    A complicated endeavor just in figuring out their system of accreditation. The instances of fraud are of concern considering the amount of effort you will put in (don't want your degree tainted). While it is an intriguing idea to study with an Indian school, I would suspect it might be a harder sell if you are not from India to use it in academia than some of the better know distance learning options from South Africa and Australia.
     
  5. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    You may be right but as has often been pointed out, not all PhDs (or even most) are for the purpose of becoming a university professor.
     
  6. Garp

    Garp Well-Known Member

    That is a good point Kizmet and true. Which means that if you can navigate the Indian system and work with a good professor in your research area you could earn a doctorate that is inexpensive by Western standards and from a unique perspective.
     
  7. blackhammer.usa

    blackhammer.usa New Member

    India PhD

    On the subject of why? one would attend a college in India online for a Phd or MA/Msc.

    If the degree is accredited through proper India authority and transfers to USA then why not? Would you rather have a degree from UOP? But besides the very awesome price consider this. I am interested because my masters degree had an emphasis on Hindu Aesthetics-Any Humanities or Social Sciences persons may be interested in programs in this type of realm. Also-career changers can look into some of the MA options for different avenues for employment/opportunities.
    -Your thoughts?
     
  8. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    In few words, yes. A UoP degree is RA and will meet the minimum requirements of most jobs. Also, there will be no red flags in your resume.

    Try sending a resume with a PhD from an obscure online Indian school for positions that require a PhD while all your education and experience is from the US. Let's see how many replies you would get.

    Some Indian schools are recognized such as IIT, however, the Indian education market is flooded with low standard education institutions that can make look UoP like Harvard.

    I think we have also discussed schools from Panama, Mexico, etc. If you search in the forum, you will be able to see few pictures of many of these "Universities". In many countries, Universities can be opened in basements with almost no standards.
     
  9. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    The list of countries where this is true includes "United States of America".
     
  10. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    I agree, but if the degree is RA, it meets minimum standards something that in India you cannot be sure even if accredited by the Indian government.
     
  11. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Maybe, although that's not a fair comparison since regional accreditation isn't conducted by the U.S. government. Perhaps something like membership in the Association of Commonwealth Universities might be a better comparison?
     
  12. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    I agree, but is the University in question member of the association of Association of Commonwealth Universities? If so, it might pass the WES test and considered equivalent to a RA PhD.

    I believe that most of these educational opportunities are meant for people that just want self improvement and may be teach on the side. However, I don't see them as resume boosters that can give you a substantial advantage. In all fairness, the same can be said about a Doctorate from UoP.

    There have been people posting here with unrealistic expectations with similar degrees. If your expectation is just to do it to full fill your dreams of becoming a Dr, then go for it.
     
  13. Phdtobe

    Phdtobe Well-Known Member

    Education is Canada is very important. India has some of the most competitive institutions in the world. The Indian authority are very stern with institutions that are not meeting standards. At one time Phds by distance was stopped. Phds were withdrawn some graduates because of low standards. I think we should have confidence in Phds from India as good as from anywhere in the world.
     
  14. RFValve

    RFValve Well-Known Member

    I believe if the institution in India has AACSB accreditation or is a member of the association of common wealth universities, then we can consider it.
     
  15. msganti

    msganti Active Member

    IMHO for pure accreditation purposes (not considering the quality or value), UGC approval AND member of Association of Indian Universities) should suffice.
     
  16. raoshirvani

    raoshirvani New Member

    According to the blog below:

    Speakhr.blogspot.com

    The author exposes the fraudulent and dubious activities of Indian universities engage in distance education. The programmer is offered through their study center across the country with low standard or no standard at all. Fake universities or even accredited by UGC. The list reflect that there is a need for be cautious with Indian education and universities.

    Well, google search: fake universities. And Indian fake universities will come first.
     
  17. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

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