Trident University International

I just completed the phd program and let me just say it was an arduous but rewarding program. What I have learned is valuable to my next move into the research/teaching paradigm. The skills and knowledge I have ascertain has enhanced my critical thinking acumen and will serve me we'll in the future and beyond. would I recommend this program? Without a question.

I've been working on my PhD and very close to finishing now. I graduated from undergrad and grad programs from brick and mortar schools in the top 5% of my graduating classes. I chose TUI because I work full time and couldn't afford to stop my life for a few years to get a doctorate. What I learned is immeasurable and the skills I can apply to work and enhance my career. I have only good things to say about this school.

I was generally happy with the program. You get out of it what you put into it and it does require discipline. The difference between online education and traditional classroom education is the real life interaction. Technology can help bridge that gap to a degree. Given my career online was the only option open to me. They are serious during the dissertation phase you can't just "wing it" you need to be serious and can't be thin skinned. I was able to get my actual degree from Touro University International which I think improved my chance of using the degree in academia. I think Trident is still establishing itself after the purchase. They are catering to Military groups more heavily now than when I enrolled in 2003. As I said all and all not bad.

One comment concerning the Ph.D. Health Sciences dissertation phase. I was unable to complete my dissertation at this university. They refused to allow me to do a case study based on the history of health sciences in the Hebrew Scriptures (Tanakh). Specifically, I wanted to researching the Levitical Code & priesthood in terms of them being the proto-public health inspectors of antiquity. They actually insisted on a it being a researched-based rather than an historical case study. I believe it was due to the fact that TUI was a relatively new school (1998) and they were afraid this type of work might not pass academic muster.

Completed a PhD in Health Sciences from TUI. I have undergraduate and graduate degrees in Nursing from large, well known universities. After completing my degree at TUI I felt prepared to conduct scientific research in my speciality area. A world renowned teaching hospital/university must have felt that way as well. I was offered and accepted a T-32 National Research Service Award (Post Doctoral Research Fellowship). My interviewers were impressed with the coursework and level of rigor at TUI. I made a good decision by attending TUI.

Case based education utilizing peer reviewed research. Far advanced from the old text book, which is four years out of date by the time it reaches the students hand. If you need someone to hold your hand, this (or any other online school) is probably not for you. Check out the dissertations on Proquest from TUI doctoral candidates. Clearly the same rigor as any brick and mortar school.

I completed my Ph.D. in 2007. The course work required a great deal of research, synthesis and writing. Doctoral level work requires far more independence and rigor than masters level work. The dissertation is written by the student as proof thay can produce independent high-quality research. It was clear to me that my dissertation committee was not there to hold my hand, but rather was there to challenge the quality of my work and prepare me for the dissertation defense. I highly recommend Touro for quality and value.

I will not recommend TUI for doctoral level studies. The school can teach very well and you can learn something useful. However, their dissertation support is dismal at best. They often feel you are disturbing them when you call for assistance. They expect you to register session after session post coursework phase and they only respond once every session if any. The support level for their PhD program is shameful. I will not hesitate to recommend the school for Bachelors and Masters level work. For doctoral level work NO unless you want to work alone, get frustrated and possibly quit. At that time, your money is gone. I have two friends there now and they do not get support from their committee or the school. TUI needs to improve in their dissertation support. Despite what they say on their web site, the support level for dissertation is probably one of the worst any where.

I entered the doctoral program after completing bachelors and masters degrees at very large, well known, in-residence schools. I had been working in my profession for 4-5 years, and still had the GI bill to use, but no local programs that were in my specialty. At the time I enrolled, Touro was the only college/university with a fully accredited PhD that could be pursued regardless of where I lived. I did classes part time until I was ready to do my dissertation, so it took me many years to finish. To those considering TUI University, here are some things to consider. You have to be focused. It is easy to get behind if you don't keep track of the deadlines. They do their best to stay in touch, but keep in mind you are geographically isolated from the faculty members and other students because of the type of learning environment. Like all classes, you get out of them what you put into them. The dissertation phase is very stressful, because a) you are isolated as before, doing something much more rigorous than a senior paper or a master's thesis; b) they expect a great deal from you because this program is still in its (relative) infancy, and they want it to continue to become more respectable and acceptable. They will hammer you (as kindly as possible) to make sure that when your dissertation goes to defend and then on to UMI/Proquest it will make you, them, and Touro look good. Which is as it should be, really. The "owners" changed hands while I was finishing the dissertation, so I don't know how "TUI University" will be different from "Touro University International", but I doubt it will differ much from what I have seen. It really was a long hard road. But I did learn what I asked to be taught, and it was worth every penny.