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rainlover · Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 18

I have spent the entire summer dealing with my administrator trying to get a straight answer about the acceptance of my MA degree by the Ministry of Higher Education- turns out they won't accept it. So this is a warning to those seeking uni jobs in the UAE. If you got your degree (regardless of from what school) online or through distance learning (which is NOT the same thing!!!!) your MA is not accepted. I busted by butt for 4 yrs doing my MA in TESOL through distance learning while working full time- from a very well known university, only to have it discredited. It's so frustrating. Especially since the contract had already been signed and afterwards they realized this -were they sleeping during the interview???- But now, I have to take a pay cut because I'm being hired with only a BA. Are all Middle East countries this way? I've got almost 10 yrs teaching experience at the uni level, and yet because I wasn't on campus to be observed, my MA doesn't count for a thing. Ah! Anyways, those looking for jobs in the UAE take note. Otherwise you may find yourself spinning your academic wheels for nothing.

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

If true, you are the first known distance/online MA to be refused by the Ministry of Higher Education in the Emirates. They have never been accepted by the Ministry of Education, but there are dozens of teachers teaching with them at university level in the Emirates under the MoHE.

Who is the employer involved?

VS

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sat Aug 28, 2010 11:08 pm Post subject:

rainlover · Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 18

Hmm. Well, it's definitely the Ministry of Higher Education. And the uni I'm working for is Al Hosn. This really raises a question for me, since, like I said- the contract had already been signed with the salary at the MA rate, and THEN I was told my MA was unaccepted, and things changed. Is there any way I can contact this MHE to confirm this on my own? I'd hate to think the uni is scamming me. But then how would I go about approaching them if I learned they were...it could get icky.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2010 1:12 am Post subject:

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

NCTBA, if you do a search of previous discussions, you will find that the MoHE has always accepted them, but the MoE has never accepted them. (which has always seemed rather bizarre, but you know... never use logic)

It sounds like Al-Hosn may not be under the MoHE?

Or they don't know what they are doing?

Or they are trying to screw you out of the MA level salary, rainlover.

VS

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2010 1:41 am Post subject:

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

Insubordination · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 394 Location: Sydney

I thought they had the same value. How do they know it's distance? Does it state it somewhere on your MA or do they know from your work history? Seems crazy because distance courses have evolved a lot in recent years. Good luck!

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2010 2:08 am Post subject:

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

rainlover · Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 18

I really wish I would've posted this earlier BEFORE I spent tons of money getting my transcripts and sending my paperwork to Ottawa to be attested! I've already signed the contract, and have even shipped boxes there- mind you they haven't arrived yet.
Honestly, the only way they figured out it was distance learning was via an email I sent the assistant mentioning it. Two weeks later the administrator emailed me with the news that online degrees were not valid, and I would have to take a pay cut. I even had the uni send sealed transcripts, but that didnt' seem to make a difference to the MoHE.
When I asked them to recheck, explaining the validity of distance learning, I waited almost a month for a response. I just figured they were dragging their feet, as usual administration customs tend to be.... But the answer was a clear and definite "no deal" on the MA. And now I'm wondering if I'm not being shafted.
Has anyone heard of anything similar happening- at Al Hosn or elsewhere?

turtlepi1 · Joined: 15 Jun 2004 Posts: 94

I guess it is possible they are acting in good faith, but it sure doesn't seem like it. The MoHE definitely accepts online degrees at the masters level. Now having said that it could be the particular university that is an issue.

But the piece that really sends up a red flag is that the MoHE shouldn't set your pay scale. It is the university. The MoHE might say you don't have the qualifications to work, but I don't believe they have a role in salary setting.

Then again perhaps Al Hosn has had a tighter leash put on them.
Would be interested to know how it turns out. Which university did you get your degree from if you don't mind my asking?

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

rainlover · Joined: 31 Dec 2009 Posts: 18

Well, they are registered under the MoHE&SR- if that's the same thing as the MoHE. I couldn't find anywhere on the site that indicated what credentials were acceptable or not. So, it's Al hosn's word against all of yours, I guess. Could it be a new policy they're adopting this year? Or again, is there a way I can contact the MoHE directly to make sure?