Hi Guys,

I have just recently been accepted onto a MBA program via distance learning. It is from an accredited university.

I don't however have an accredited BA but an unaccredited one from a government exempt university.(Religious)

The Uni that has accepted me onto their MBA program are aware of this but due to my past educational credits and this BA, they feel I am qualified.

Now here's my dilemma, I can have a MBA in 1 year but I do not have an accredited BA. I have heard even though I will have a MBA, that the Thai MOE will still insist on a BA irrespective of the MBA being a higher achievement. I have heard about some foreigners in a similar situation as myself and am wondering what to do.

They will of course accept me for their BA program but I don't think I would have the willpower to stick with it for 3 years.

Any thoughts?

You are correct about needing the Bachelor's Degree in Thailand. We had a teacher who almost got refused his non-Immigrant B visa in Laos because his documents were for his Master's Degree but not his Bachelor's. Fortunately, he did have a copy of the Bachelor's Degree and they gave him the visa based on that, but after that, his T.L. and Work Permit were based on his Bachelor's Degree.

I have heard of people getting a higher teaching accreditation without having a Bachelor's and being rejected, but I have not personally witnessed it.

Yes, since the BA is the requirement that is the only degree they will accept. Korea was like that too. Years ago I had only transcripts for my Masters and that was accepted, but the following year they denied me and required the Bachelors only. I had to get transcripts sent over and it was a real pain.

If teaching is your main mission, then try and find a good 4 year university that has distance learning. There are some programs that allow you study there for 2-3 weeks and then do the rest via internet.

I would hate for you to spend that money on the MBA and not be able to use it for teaching jobs if that was your primary goal.

You may find a school that will allow you to transfer some/many of the classes you have already taken. This could give you a big, big jump on the Bachelor's.

Official documents of The Teachers' Council of Thailand which were published in the Government Gazette don't mention the degree level.

However, documents describing provisional teaching permit procedures state bachelor degree.

In my (EU) country was just last week a scandal about a very similar situation than yours.

There the guy finished his MBA, (had his degree from religious school), in a school they accepted his unaccredited BA...

The Min. of ED cancelled his MBA, citing that it was based a non-accepted BA.

I know, it is different country, but just think it is related, as the situation was exactly as yours.

I would probably go for that BA, especially if you find a Uni to give some credit for your previous studies. It just not worth the risk to lose time and effort for a MBA that might turn out worthless/illegally awarded.

In my (EU) country was just last week a scandal about a very similar situation than yours.

There the guy finished his MBA, (had his degree from religious school), in a school they accepted his unaccredited BA...

The Min. of ED cancelled his MBA, citing that it was based a non-accepted BA.

I know, it is different country, but just think it is related, as the situation was exactly as yours.

I would probably go for that BA, especially if you find a Uni to give some credit for your previous studies. It just not worth the risk to lose time and effort for a MBA that might turn out worthless/illegally awarded.

Which EU country is this? Seems somewhat bizarre.

In the UK you will be accepted onto accredited MBA or other Master's programs without necessarily having a Bachelor degree. There are other acceptable criteria.

In many Asian countries they expect the route will be bachelor, master's, doctorate. They are not so flexible in thinking as the West and therefore find it difficult to deviate from this hierarchical approach.

Universities in the UK will only go back so far to provide transcripts too. My old Uni go back 10 years, with the possibility of 2 more if you're lucky. Before 2000, forget it.

To the OP. If you want to teach in Asia, get the bachelor's first and make it vocational. It will help much more. You'll also find doing the Master's much easier. If you are wanting to teach then an MBA is the wrong degree any way.

What do you find bizarre?

The OP has the very same situation, a non-formal, non-accredited religious school bachelor degree...

In the example I mentioned ( and very similar situation) since the bachelor degree didntnt come from an accredited school, it actually deemed unacceptable for a Master's degree...even though the school thought to take the student, later he was denied the Master's by the Ministry, and the University was scolded for the mistake.

Else one could buy a non-accredited lifetime experience BA and next day be in a Master's program just the same?

The result: guy was wasted his time and money.

As for the country, really doesnt matter, does it? not the UK.

Most schools would have a vetting process for those wanting to attend a Master's Program. First there might be an examination, then an essay, then a good look at the courses you have taken and how they would relate to the degree you are seeking. Many of the religious schools aren't accredited because of specific courses they are lacking -- like science (evolution), etc. It might have nothing to do a different subject matter.

Best of luck.

OP. Look for an accredited Uni that has or can get an articulation agreement with your non accredited school. They may take most or all of your previous credits. This is what i did.

OP, I would suggest doing some research and look for an accredited Uni that has or can get an articulation agreement with your non accredited school. They may take most or all of your previous credits. This is what i did. Took 2 courses from the accredited Uni and was awarded the degree.