(07-20-2025, 10:39 PM)SophiaPrincess Wrote: (07-18-2025, 07:54 PM)maxxor6868 Wrote: (07-16-2025, 09:42 AM)SophiaPrincess Wrote: (04-11-2024, 11:59 PM)bjcheung77 Wrote: FrHaseKopf, that one term would be $6K, if you do one UK level 8 diploma, it'll be just 1K for the cheapest one... For transfer purposes, it won't be equivalent, but may be very close to getting you to the half way mark for the DBA and you can do a top-up or transfer to a DBA that accepts it.
I've mentioned before the UK Level 8 Diploma is the first part of a two part series, a top-up/transfer is the final part. This can potentially be better as you can transfer these credits and the top-up to CTU or another program that doesn't require ABD as you're not doing an ABD completion program.
What is the benefit of transfering your Level 8 Diploma to a doctorate program "that doesn't require ABD as you're not doing an ABD completion program"? Does this refer to a doctorate that doesn't require a disertation? Other than CTU, which American doctorate programs accept Level 8 diplomas?
I don't hav emuch to add to this thread but I completed my DBA in one year at South. Personally I don;t see where a Phd would help me except if I wanted to go to Academia. That the only way I can see it helping me. For my field, the DBA is as far as I need and even than an MBA could do the job, the DBA was personal fulfillment and help make my resume stand out.
Congratulations Dr. Maxxor on your graduation. Would you mind sharing your experience with South and the DBA program? Do you recommend it for others seeking a DBA? Was it difficult to finish in one year?
I'd be happy to share my thoughts on the doctoral program at South College. Overall, it was pretty solid. In some ways, it reminded me of Western Governors University, but with significantly more material. I'd say about three times more in terms of paper writing and course content.
I wasn’t in the Capstone part of the program, so I can’t speak in detail about how difficult it is. That said, I’ve heard the Capstone was actually helpful for some students in finishing faster. Personally, I stalled at the dissertation phase, not because it was overly difficult, but because, oddly enough, I actually enjoyed writing the papers and digging into the research.
An important point is that you cannot finish the program in less than one year, and it’s very hard to accelerate beyond a certain pace. Realistically, even for motivated students, completing the program in under a year and a half is tough. The dissertation alone takes an entire term, and most people hit a wall there, no matter how fast they progressed earlier.
Like WGU, South College uses a competency-based approach, but there's a huge variance in instructor expectations and grading. Some instructors were strict to the point of being frustrating, where minor issues could result in significant setbacks. Others were more focused on whether your work was well-researched and aligned with the guidelines. This inconsistency could slow you down at times and was one of the more annoying parts of the experience.
Despite that, I’d still recommend the program. It’s affordable, employer-friendly, and fits well for someone who’s self-driven. It was exactly what I wanted in a doctoral program, something structured like WGU, but more rigorous and demanding. Honestly, knowing what I know now, I’d probably do it again. I’ve even considered WGU’s master’s in data analytics, mainly for career advancement and gaining more exposure.
In short, if you’re looking for a flexible, challenging, and budget-conscious doctoral program, South College is a solid option, as long as you’re ready to put in the work.
It has help me in my career so far, as I gotten a promotion with my job, and while it was not required, having that and my PMP showcase my willingness to take skills most of my higher ups only had in parts.