Hi All; I have a quick question in regards to NCU courses. Do they require a proctor? I read in the catalog that the faculty mentor may ask for a proctor to be present when an exam is taken, but what's the normal case? I'm considering taking a few courses at NCU to meet requirements that I have at Excelsior. I've read so many things, mostly good, about NCU on this board that I thought why not give them a try for a course or two. thanks. -Rob
Hi Rob. I have taken 14 + classes at NCU and have not had to utilize a proctor. All the course work was based on research, analysis papers, discussion reviews, projects, powerpoint demonstrations and final term papers. The use of proctors are rare at NCU. I'm sure you can use your local librarian, college testing center, or supervisor if it was ever needed. I wouldn't worry about it that much. If you have any other questions about NCU don't hesitate to ask. Craig
Craig, Do you find NCU"s online library and resources sufficient in itself without having the need to resort to other traditional libraries in order to complete your assignments and papers? Simon
Hi Simon. I would say that for most of the courses... absolutely. It may depend on your subject and interest of research. For some of my projects I went to local college libraries to enhance my database of research material. A learner should be able to complete a course through all the library services provided by NCU, but I would recommend utilizing other sources as well. Craig
Good to know, thanks. I think I"ll sign-up for one of the classes and see how it goes. I appreciate the input.
The one course I took at NCU required me to visit other research libraries - I used CSUDH, UC Riverside and my corporate library.
One would think that any distance learning doctoral program would have a comprehensive online library that would not necessitate a student needing other library sources. For instance Capella University has an agreement with John Hopkins University to allow their students to utilize their very comprehensive online library. I don't believe that NCU'S library approaches the scope of Capella's resources. In fact, Capella allows students to download dissertations for free while NCU charges students approximately $38 each! The same situation holds for downloading certain psychology articles whereby at Capella all articles are free while at NCU they are $11 each. The very nature of distance education would seem to require a university to provide comprehensive library resources that ensures students do not need to look elsewhere but on their computer to obtain the data they require to complete their research and papers.
NCU - DBA c.novick I've been looking at the NCU DBA also. Just curious if you would be willing to share your experience there via post or personal message. Curious also what your professional background and current employment status are to help put it into perspective. I'm working fulltime, and trying to decide if it is feasible to even consider a DBA. (I'm an insomniac, so that's helpful anyway)
Yes, NCU students are permitted to download NCU dissertations for free BUT not dissertations from other universities. These have to be payed for, while at Capella, they are downloaded for free. So, if one is a doctoral candidate and wishes to review a number of dissertations at approximately $38 each, as well as downloading a number of selected journal articles for each course at $11 each, we are talking about a significant increase in the actual money students are paying per course. When I was in the process of completing doctoral coursework I would download numerous articles and dissertations. If I had to pay for dozens of select articles and dissertations it would have been inordinately expensive. Therefore, I believe that any online university should not expect students to pay any additional money out of pocket for library resources that should be built in to the cost of their tuition.
The pervious post might be refering to LS6010 and it requires you to visit other librarys and use them. I went to the public library and the library at UNF.
I was taking aerospace management and many of the books and journals I needed were not available thru on-line libraries.
I do think about this topic...and likely will think on it more as I get closer to the dissertation phase at NCU. I believe that the cost of research, at NCU, will add significantly to my bill during the disseration phase. However, even if I spend another 2K downloading dissertations I still think I am saving a ton over Cappela, Walden, Fielding, or Union. Even if I were to spend another 20K downloading dissertations I would still be ahead from what I see. I doubt anyone will spend that kind of money on disserations, though.
This was my initial take on Simon's comment as well. I didn't have the time to type up a response – I just spent two hours trick or treating. I guess that’s the price you pay for rural living.
Re: NCU - DBA Hi AuditGuy. I would be happy to share any information to assist you in reference to the NCU DBA program. So far the course work has been interesting and a challenge. Plan on writing 30 to 50 + pages of research for each course. The mentors have been very helpful. I could go on ... but I would be happy to answer any specific questions. The DBA program is better for me as I am in executive leadership. I am excited to learn about the latest leadership philosophies and use them in practical situations. If you are thinking about teaching or a career in academia a Ph.D. may be more appropriate. My experience with NCU has been very positive and I have enjoyed my studies there. Craig
