IS YOUR DEGREE WORTH ANYTHING?

AN AMERICAN EDUCATION IN MASS MEDIA: A LOOK AT THREE AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES IN ATHENS (NYC, DEREE, UIndy)

NEW YORK COLLEGE EDUCATIONAL GROUP -- FORMERLY KNOWN AS NEW YORK COLLEGE
What is New York College Group? Has anyone in NY heard of this college? NO! There is a prestigious institution named, New York University, but this university has no relation to New York College Group. Well, I did some investigating. There is no college in the United States called New York College. So, let me try and clarify the confusion -- New York College Group Athens offers degrees from various countries -- one being the United States. The degree they offer from the US is from an institution called, Empire State College, which is part of the State University of NY (SUNY) system. It's a SUNY college for ADULTS. It's for returning students, around thirty-five years of age. Warning: Recent high school graduates go elsewhere. So, why the name New York College Group when they offer degrees from other countries and not just NY? You got me. I certainly wouldn't pay top euro to study at an institution that doesn't know how to market itself correctly. This educational group has no campus and no real facilities for the students.
WEBSITE: No bios of instructors for the undergraduate communications program were listed (listed were instructors for the graduate program). Acting head of department only.
ACCREDITATION (Empire State College): Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
TUITION: Around 6,080 EUR per year to complete your degree in four years.

THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF GREECE: DEREE
This is the only university out of the three that has a campus. If you're going to pay top euro for a degree you might as well go somewhere that has facilities for the students that are up to par with the US standards. Also, Deree offers scholorships, grants and reduced tuition to students who excel academically. On the other hand, when I see a course listed as "Brand Building in Advertising" that concerns me. Branding and advertising are not the same thing. If you're offering a degree in communication -- you have to know the difference.
WEBSITE: No bios of instructors were listed. Head of the department unknown.
ACCREDITATION: New England Association of Schools and Colleges.
TUITION: Around 7,000 EUR per year to complete your degree in four years.

The American College of Greece is a "not for profit" institution. This means they do not advertise. It should be noted that an advertised university isn't necessarily better -- it's just better known.

UNIVERSITY OF INDIANAPOLIS
This university appears to have a broader program of the three, however, the calliber of education is my big concern. This instituion has no campus. The Department Chair/Assistant Professor -- Graduated with a PhD in 1999 and has worked at the university since 2002. Where is the work experience? No work experience, I might as well just read a book!
WEBSITE: Faculty PhDs listed. No bios of instructors were listed.
ACCREDITATION: Academic Quality Improvement Program and Higher Learning Commission.
TUITION: Around 6,000 EUR per year to complete your degree in four years.

All three programs lack hands on experience in television and radio production -- Most courses are based on theory. In the US, if they offer a mass media program, they offer the production facilities. Here, they find it too costly to invest in on campus production facilities and prefer to pocket the money. Nevertheless, they could develop internships with mass media organizations, so that students can work and earn credits towards graduation. Currently, the courses offered by these universities focus on advertising, public relations and journalism, so you're not getting a true mass media education. In addition, I have to question how much work/teaching experience these instructors really have.

Obviously, there are more qualified professors in the US to teach in American institutions and competition for these teaching positions is fierce, therefore, you're getting a level of expertise from your educators, whereas in Greece, there are limited educators with the right credentials -- hence you are not getting the same level of education. Afterall, America is the leading mass media market. It's been around the longest. It should be noted that some of the above aformentioned universities hire their own students right out of college, with no work or teaching experience. And if you notice, many of the educators in Greece are called instructors and not professors. There is a big difference.

After interviewing students from these universities I learned:

Students who studied in both the US and in Athens stated -- "the course work in Greece is much easier -- and it's much easier to get a better grade. "

"A student who had received a failing grade from an instructor -- mysteriously passed the course without retaking it."

"Student complaints offten go unresolved with the local institutions in Athens."

"In fear of retaliation from the local administrators, we are often afraid to take the matter of concern to the home university or the board of directors in the US."

So, there you have it -- If you want a mass media degree that's worth something -- I'd recommend studying abroad.

If you must study in Greece, I would recommend Deree -- for their on-campus facilities and reputation/accredidation. It's worth the extra cost. Second choice is the University of Indianapolis for their broad course selection (that's if these courses are offered every semester). Lastly, Empire. I would prefer to go to a university that doesn't promote themselves as adults (thirty-five years of age). What does this mean exactly? Is someone straight out of high school not an adult?

I have to wonder...what are these institutions teaching our children? But then agan...it's only business, right? Who cares about the level of education. Money talks! Bullshit educates!
antweaver