I have been planning to do a Phd for some time now, however, due to family and work commitments, unable to do so. I have only a few days ago found exactly what I was looking for, a PhD in Business Adminisation with specialization in Engineering Management from NorthCentral Unviversity in Arizona (acccredited by the Higher Learning Commission a commission of the Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The problem is, even though I checked this out on the USA department web site, as a prospective international student via diatance learning, I am concern about some US University that are Diploma Mills. Can anyone allay my fears, and advise me of any other authorities who can validate the universities accreditation credentials. Thanks

It's not very difficult to spot diploma mills. They usually offer you a degree for money and don't expect much else apart from life experience etc.

Appropriate universities have strict admission procedures in place and are explicit about the duration of the PhD program which in the US would take 4 years minimum.

On a first glance at the link (http://www.ncu.edu/), this is definitely NOT a proper university. Stay away from this one!

It's one of those "hidden" diploma mills. As you can see on the website, they appear to be a normal university (with credits required etc.)and are not as blatantly obvious as other institutions.

At the same time, they only display superficial information and create a false impression. Also, there is no real information concerning faculty etc.

Thanks O.stall, for the information, As you said it is very difficult, even those Uni that offers complusory resident period, sometimes come across as genuine. I even checked the US department of education, and they seems to be accredited.

why do you want to study distance and in the US?
One thing to remember is that a PhD is not a walk in the park, so any institution which hides that fact or is not honest about the time, efforts and capabilities required is probably a load of shit, accredited or not. With regard to the latter, please bear in mind that accreditation agencies vary in quality, so some accreditations mean nothing. Sad but true.

Even though this has been a life long ambition, I would not want to do one if it is not worth the paper its written on. Ideally, my preference would be a part taught/research with the final 1.5 years spent working on the Thesis. The problem, I am unable to find anything in the UK, that offers the above. Furthermore, I am working as a contractor (via agency) and would not necessary do a Phd alligned to a particular company requirements. The truth is, I dont believe with the best will in the world, I would be able to complete a three full time research based PHd, I would simple crack. The main reason why, I am planning to do this, is because I was considering migrating in 10 yrs or so, and would like to lecture part time.(The institutions I am interesting in working for, does not currently require a Phd for lectures) however, it is a great asset to have.