Job Discussion Forums

Zajko · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 2:27 pm Post subject:

True - and you make a valid point in that they use lists of accredited INSTITUTIONS (not courses). I'm not aware of many reputable universities which only offer degrees by DL and I'd be more than a little careful of any that did. But if your degree (however obtained) is from one of these institutions, in my experience you're unlikely to experience any problems.

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

When you get down to it, our opinion about it all matters not at all, it is the perception of employers, which is neither consistent nor predictable.

So, for now if they didn't ask, I wouldn't tell...

Personally I am happy that I was able to get mine on campus with a Fellowship... teaching my 10 hours a day with them and getting the degree. I loved have the library and the direct personal contact with professors and fellow students daily. That was the best part of it all... But, not everyone can give up working and still pay their tuition.

VS

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 2:40 pm Post subject:

veiledsentiments · Joined: 20 Feb 2003 Posts: 17644 Location: USA

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Good library in Dhahran if anyone needs it !

007 · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 4:33 pm Post subject:

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 4:49 pm Post subject:

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Junaid, according to you, those Saudi DL MA students who were expecting raises and promotions after completing the Bham program must have been very disappointed, having spent considerable time, money, and energy, and receiving leave time from their respective Saudi universities to attend the Bham seminar for DL postgrad students.

Perhaps I should contact them to see whether their degrees were not recognized by their government or universities in the end. Twisted Evil

Junaid · Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 26 Location: Riyadh, KSA.

Junaid · Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 26 Location: Riyadh, KSA.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

Spiral, as this is a Saudi forum, I�m speaking in relation to Saudi Arabia. And in KSA, there is no doubt that a normal MA is better regarded, appreciated and more sought-after than a DL one. Which leads back to my point that the former is better than the latter.

So making note of the fact that (at least two, to my personal knowledge) Saudi professors chose to pursue a DL MA is somehow a 'bizarre interpretation?" I have actually checked - they are both enjoying enhanced pay and benefits, thanks to their MA status.

I maintain that a reputable DL MA is absolutely acceptable, even in KSA. And I'm not alone Smile

Cleopatra · Posted: Thu Sep 06, 2007 7:05 pm Post subject:

To the best of my knowledge, Saudi professors do not have to go through the visa application process to enter their own country. As I mentioned above, it may be at that point that having a Dl degree raises problems.

I agree with Junaid. Even if DL degrees are in theory acceptable by all the relevant ministries and employers - and I'm not at all sure that they are - it's best to go for an on-campus degree if you have the choice. Of course, many people do not have that choice, in which case a DL degree may be OK as far as the Saudis are concerned.

Junaid · Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 26 Location: Riyadh, KSA.