I am currently pursing a PHD with this school, that I began in 2009. When I started, my program was part of Tuoro University. This University program then became TUI for my program, and now it is called Trident for the program I am in. I wanted to attend this institution because when it was called Tuoro it had a great reputation. Several years it was rated favorably in the US News poll. However, when it became TUI and subsequently Trident things began to change. The instructors in my program suddenly retired or were let go during the many transitions, so there are few who are still present who I attended class with. This is a problem, since a relationship with your professors is often important for subsequent career opportunities. Secondly, the accreditation went through a period of probation. This was very concerning, since units are not easily transferred to other institutions at a doctorate level. So, overall, that was more drama than I had hoped for. Lastly, many times the on-line portion of the on-line school does not work. This is particularly true when there are software updates or if you are using operating systems that are out of sync with what the school is supporting at the time.

Kikko

Sacramento, CA

I began the TUI Ph.D. program in health sciences in Summer of 2001. I found the coursework to be interesting, and the professors were always accessible--they returned email queries quickly and were available and answered their phones during regular hours whenever I needed to speak with them. As with any program, you get out of it what you put into it. In some cases, I didn't find the courses to be the most academically rigorous--however, the open-ended nature of the assignments allows you to focus on areas of your interest and to really delve into a topic to the degree you want to. I found the dissertation phase to be the most difficult (and I suspect that many people do). I suspect that if I were on a campus, I'd at least have some encouragement from time to time, and people checking in to see how things are going. In this program, there was none of this--very little contact during the dissertation phase--even from my adviser. Just regular form emails prompting me to pay for the next session's tuition. I became especially frustrated by the cold/abrupt responses I was getting from the Ph.D. Program Adviser at the school toward the end of the process. However, everything went well, and I'm happy to have graduated. One big plus is that the school is fully-accredited, and fairly affordable compared to other non-residential degree programs. I looked at a number of them (Pheonix, Saybrook, Fielding Institute, Walden, Union, etc.) and they cost a lot more. If you're looking for an online doctorate that is not bogus--I suggest checking this out. I understand that Touro College recently sold this to a new group and it is now called TUI University--but the staff and faculty remain largely the same.

fun1

West Palm Beach, FL

I am 50% complete with my courses at TUI for my PhD. I have the attitude of give me the course material/readings, assignments, due dates and let me do the work. I don't want any extra/unnecessary items that drive up the cost and lengthen the time to earn my degree. I selected TUI because of the number of courses required to earn my PhD, no residency requirement, TUI is accredited, local (Southern California) and inexpensive, when compared to University of Phoenix, Capella and traditional higher learning institutes. Also, TUI was highly recommended by two of my associates. **Pros** - I like the learning approach. - The readings are not very lengthy and there are not chapter-loads of unnecessary readings. Course readings really get to the points - enough for your to complete the assignments. - Required to complete two written assignments every two weeks (called modules) - case assignment and SLP (session long project) components over an 11 week period. - Posting requirements are only one time per week. - The professors respond relatively quickly to emails, phone calls and grade assignments within a respectable time, usually 24 hours. - The course content is comparable with other PhD programs. - I feel like I am learning something new, but it is common sense. Easy to understand. - 4 credit courses - Staff is accessible during normal business hours by phone. - There is a physical location and they do exist (nothing fancy). So it is NOT a diploma mill. - Some courses are "Live" via the Internet. So, you can have a one-hour lecture and ask questions. They are usually during normal business hours. - Live sessions are recorded so you can listen to them 24/7. **Cons** - English is not many of the professors' native tongue and have hard accents, which makes it difficult to understand them, but you get use to them quickly. I have learned to train my ear and ask them to repeat, if necessary. Along with this, their written communication is not very clear, and somewhat disappointing since they have earned PhDs and should be better communicators - written and oral. - Some of the course material have errors - gramatical, dead/obsolete/disconnected links - and requires constant clarification, at times, but the professor are quick to respond and correct. - Postings are for attendance only. Does not add much value. The cons were evident from the beginning, but then I had to stop and ask myself, where else can I go to earn a PhD for the same cost, completion time, no residency, online and relatively high quality content. My answer was nowhere. So, I learned to deal with the cons, but always brought them to their attention. The good news is that things got better instead of worse, or I adapted. Nothing new or unresolvable surfaced. Overall, I am pleased with my experience and believe I selected the best institution for my circumstances, temperament and desires. However, after reading other comments, I will be sure to obtain stronger support, outside of the institution, when I begin my dissertation phase/ Thanks for the heads-up. I know not to be frustrated when the time arrives.   I think TUI is for the serious student, who is willing to do the work and do the time. You will find a high population of military students in the classes. You truly get out of it what you put into it. I think that is with anything, but it really is the case at TUI.

Idonotwishtoprovide

Corona, CA

After over a year of attempting to obtain support from TUI on using an Apple computer for on-line class sessions, their system & use of a Microsoft based web portal left me without proper classroom functionality.  TUI will say many things to get your Money/commitment to start their programs but seem unable/unwilling to provide complete & timely support for Apple users.  Although it appears I will have to now pay for a class that I could not complete, the lesson learned here is to not ever trust or engage TUI in any of your educational plans.     Additionally, make sure that all of your current classes are dropped in the time limit even if there appears to be a "support person" working with you to solve a problem during that period.  As soon as you pass the drop date & your problem is not resolved, you will find the support slowed to a near crawl.  It is my mission in life to speak about these issues as long as I have mind to comment.  Summary, it is my opinion that TUI is not a learning institute that anyone should consider at this time.  I will update my post in the near future on this matter.  No more TUI!!!!! Never again!!!!

PartNative

Laguna Niguel, CA

Overall a great experience. Received my MBA. Classes very challenging (rigorous) - however PhD staff is actually willing to teach and assist. A lot of the work is self-paced (with due dates). Requires extensive research and critical thinking. Like all schools, some PhDs are easy graders, others are ball busters. I learned a lot and would recommend this school. However, this school is not AACSB accredited (it is a member, and supposedly in the process of becoming accredited). It does have a full-time research focused PhD staff that routinely submit papers (and are accepted) by the prestigious Academy of Management. PhD staff is top-notch. Not suprised if this school becomes the Four Seasons of online schools (where U of Phoenix is the motel 6).

graddegawarded

New Bern, NC

I am a PhD student in TUI University's Health Sciences program. I graduated from TUI with a master's degree when it was still called Touro University International several years ago. I also graduated from a local state college with an MBA and I found both academic programs to be very comparable. In both cases, some classes were outstanding while others were less-than-wonderful. I think you will find that to be true no matter where you got to graduate school in the US. Overall, though, TUI University offers a lot of interesting classes, good professors with great insight, and provides a framework for your self-directed study of the course topic. The PhD program feels very similar to the master's degree program. I am nearly finished with the coursework, but I have yet to begin the dissertation phase. As a previous poster mentioned, you get out of school what you put into it. TUI University is a very good, flexible and worth-while university.

DoctoralStudent

Alexandria, VA

I'm in the Master of Business Administration Program. I feel challenged, I'm learning a lot, and I am very happy with the responsiveness of the professors and school. It is WASC accredited (the better accreditation -- regional is better than national). So far I'm happy with the experience. I went to a pedigree school for my undergrad (Carnegie Mellon) and definitely feel these classes are on par... no different, just name difference.

joestool

Kailua, HI

I've been with this school for a little more than a year now.. and I've taken 5 classes during that time. I've been able to maintain a 4.0 gpa for all of them. I love this school, mainly because the workload is very easy to keep up with. The staff is very understanding about life's little hickups. If you want a great degree really fast.. this school is for you!

flacowboy1

Cottondale, FL