Job Discussion Forums

[usa_in_gulf]

That may have been true 15-20 years ago, but not in today�s world. I am by far not a �lone example�. My second BA (a resident program), obtained many years ago, was obtained while I was serving in the Army overseas. (Michigan State/Satellite campus located on base) My first MA (a resident program), which again was years ago, was obtained while I lived and worked overseas. (George Mason University/intensive summer courses/3 year program) My own educational background example could go on and on, but again, I am not unique. (And no, none of my degrees are 100% online. None are 100% because I am no spring chicken! Online degrees were not common in my younger days!)

Even my husband, who is Kuwaiti, obtained his MA from the University of Michigan (resident program) while he was a full-time employee of the Ministry of Interior in Kuwait. (Full work scholarship)

More important, than whether a degree is online based, resident, or a combination of both, is from which university the degree is from. Well known, accredited colleges and universities have solid online courses. And as we all know, some universities are simply lousy. For example, my brother-in-law obtained his MA degree from Cairo University but only spent one week in Egypt. And no, it was not an online degree. He simply bought certain individuals at the university a new refrigerator, stove, and washing machine. He received his �post-dated� transcripts and diploma the same week. He then spent the next two years of his government sponsored scholarship sitting at home!

I have served on different selection committees at some good schools. By my experience, the reputation of the institute is by far the more important factor.

[smedini]

A number of online/distance degrees have great reputations throughout the Gulf. You should contact a few directors of schools - not the schools' large, faceless HR departments but the directors of individual schools - and ask their opinions on some of the programs that are better known and accepted. You may not get a lot of answers but even one or two might help guide you. I was told by a director of a specific campus of a reputable employer in the UAE that my degree was a "well-respected qualification"...that was good enough for me !

IMHO
~smedini

[robitusson]

[veiledsentiments]

Storefront "universities" which provide a "certificate" if your check clears... no pesky courses and exams required.

Decent employers check these things... don't just look at the pretty piece of paper.

VS