About The Academy
 

Universal Studies Academy
 We are fair with our tuition fees, making it possible for students
all over the world, to earn a college degree

About Universal Studies Academy:

Universal Studies Academy is registered in Palestine -Gaza City- under Registration No.563142322. It has been established in the year 2001 and got its license by the Palestinian National Authority in the year 2006.

Academy's Philosophy:

Universal Studies Academy prizes its independence and its international, multi-cultural and multi-racial student body and college. Universal Studies Academy believes in forging links between academic disciplines, between the world of learning and the world of work, and between nations, so many of which are represented by its culturally-heterogeneous student body. It is on the basis of these principles and values that Universal Studies Academy provides its special education. This includes:

• A commitment to academic freedom.

• A disciplined exploration of ideas.

• Rational discourse, clear thinking, and articulate self-expression.

• A tolerance of, and an appreciation for intellectual and cultural differences in a spirit of global awareness and responsibility.

• Fostering international understanding and humanitarian outreach through mutual co-operation among students, alumni and friends.

Our Vision:

Our vision is global. We believe that learning is not a terminal process or restricted by boundaries. Therefore, we welcome like-minded learners and educators from all continents.

Our vision is learner-centered. We believe that the academic and career goals of each learner are paramount, and treat learners as experienced equals in the learning process either through distance or through traditional learning.

Our vision is distance learning. We believe in strongly supporting learning in its many forms. We design programs to maximize effective learning and combine technology (eg. the Internet, multimedia).

Accreditation & Memberships:

1- The Council for Higher Education Quality (CHEQ), Palestine.
2- Society of Scientific Research and Studies, Palestine.
3- Palestinian Chamber of Commerce, Palestine.


On what basis is accreditation offered?

Non-governmental agencies or boards establish certain standards required of an institution or university in order to become accredited. Their core function is to promote high-quality distance education by identifying standards that outline the best educational practices. These boards or agencies evaluate the institute or university in the following areas:

• Institution's mission/vision
• Educational practices
• Administration
• Faculty
• Financial stability
• Policies and student services

Institutions meeting the standards set for each of these areas are granted accreditation.
 

Quality Policy:

We have developed a unique approach, which allows you to complete your higher education program by distance education while still meeting our high academic standards.

Universal Studies Academy will strive to continually improve the high levels of service and courses to their clients, through commitment and dedication of the management, and all staff in all Universal Studies Academy activities.

This will be achieved by:

• Enhancing the skills of Universal Studies Academy staff, through training and career development, recognizing that Universal Studies Academy employees are our most important resource.

• Encouraging and fostering a spirit of teamwork, so that everybody can contribute to the success and improvement of the University.

• Establishing, and reviewing the success of Universal Studies Academy quality objectives.

Our key quality objectives are the increased satisfaction of our students and customers, measured by the continued expansion of Universal Studies Academy student and customer numbers, continued expansion of courses, and the improvement of our quality management system through the effective implementation of organizational processes and best practice. This Quality Policy will be displayed in prominent positions throughout Universal Studies Academy facilities, and will form part of all new staff induction training. This Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its continued suitability.

Consistent with the philosophy of the Universal Studies Academy which is based on the obligation to perform its mission and carry out its functions and achieve their goals with honesty and integrity and responsibility at the highest level of excellence, the unit of quality control has been formed at the beginning of 2007 to make sure that the application of standards of quality in academic programs in various colleges and departments, as well as work on the development of such standards to meet the aspirations and objectives of the Academy. The unit also seeks to obtain the necessary accreditations for the Academy and its programs of councils, organizations and local and international bodies concerned with quality. The Academy has obtained the membership of the Council for Higher Education Quality (CHEQ) in 2007 after the Academy had met the quality standards of the Council's membership. The quality control unit also ensures to keep these standards in the level necessary to preserve the membership of the Quality Council.

▲ Top of the page
 

Graduate Programs:

Introduction:

In the year 2000, Universal Studies Academy began its preparations to put a distinguished learning options for its degree programs.

These degree programs have appealed to mature learners because of the independence and flexibility they allow. Our unique academic system ensures that each option provides full learner support.

1. Program of
Bachelor Degree

Universal Studies Academy have started the program of Bachelor degree in most majors, this program is 4 years long but the student can finish it earlier if he completes his courses faster. The applicant of this program should carry high school certificate or equivalent. Applicants should fill up the application form and send it to us to get the approval then he has to send all the required documents to get the letter of acceptance.

This program ends with a final research or with a final exam, this depends on the recommendation of the student's director. The U.S. Academy will assign an academic director to follow up the study of the student, to receive and review his assignments. An academic supervisor should be assigned for the student in other country, this supervisor will be a member of the Academy's teaching staff and lives in the country of the student.

The students of the academy could start their study any time of the year.

▲ Top of the page
 

2. Program of
Master Degree

Candidates of this program must complete 10 courses before starts working on his thesis. Candidates who are accepted are referred to as ‘researchers’. After completing the courses, a draft research proposal must be submitted for the Research Committee evaluation. Researchers may nominate their own mentors or be allocated one by the Research Committee. The mentor will work with the researcher to modify the proposal as necessary before the Research Committee gives their final approval.

The intended research outcome should demonstrate competence in the subject area/profession at an advanced level. The length of a Master’s thesis is approximately 40,000 words.

Throughout the research period, the researcher will work closely with the mentor by any method chosen by them. This may be online, via telephone, fax, letters, and/or face-to-face.

At the end of each term, the researcher and the mentor must submit a progress report to the Research Committee. These reports are monitored closely so that the researcher can be guided and counselled accordingly.

When the mentor is satisfied that the thesis or dissertation is ready for examination, a report is given to the Research Committee for their recommendation and for external examination. External examination is by two independent academics who will report back to the Research Committee with their recommendations.

After receiving the various reports from the examiners, the Research Committee may recommend the award of the required degree, or resubmission with modifications and corrections. If it is rejected again the researcher may appeal and request the appointment of two external university examiners. In some cases an oral defense (viva voce) may be required. Rejection could lead to an outright failure or the awarding of a lesser degree.

How long will it take?

The registration period for this degree is 2 years long. The researcher can finish his study before that any time he completes and submits his thesis or dissertation for examination as approved by the Research Committee. Extensions are permitted (maximum of one year).

3. Program of
Doctor Degree

Universal Studies Academy offers two options at the Doctoral level. Please take a look and decide for yourself.

Options:

OPTION 1: GRADUATE PROGRAMS BY RESEARCH
OPTION 2: GRADUATE PROGRAMS BY PUBLICATION

Higher Graduate Degrees:

Option 1: By Research

What is this?

This option is applicable to those who can attest to their ability and competency to undertake research at the Masters or Doctorate level. There are no required courses for this degree. Candidates who are accepted are referred to as ‘researchers’. Universal Studies Academy follows the European model for research degrees. On this basis, standards and expectations are extremely high and demanding.

To be considered as a researcher, each candidate must possess appropriate academic qualifications, and the necessary background and research expertise qualifying him or her for the proposed topic. Acceptance as a researcher is considered on a case-by-case basis.

How is it done?

A draft research proposal must be submitted for the Research Committee evaluation. Researchers may nominate their own mentors or be allocated one by the Research Committee. The mentor will work with the researcher to modify the proposal as necessary before the Research Committee gives their final approval.

The intended research outcome should demonstrate competence in the subject area/profession at an advanced level (Masters) and/or contribute towards new or existing knowledge (Doctorate).

The length of a Doctorate's dissertation is at least 70,000 words. Presentation format must follow either the Oxford, Harvard or Chicago methods. On acceptance, researchers are given full details of all academic requirements.

Throughout the research period, the researcher will work closely with the mentor by any method chosen by them. This may be online, via telephone, fax, letters, and/or face-to-face.

At the end of each term, the researcher and the mentor must submit a progress report to the Research Committee. These reports are monitored closely so that the researcher can be guided and counselled accordingly.

When the mentor is satisfied that the thesis or dissertation is ready for examination, a report is given to the Research Committee for their recommendation and for external examination. External examination is by two independent academics who will report back to the Research Committee with their recommendations.

After receiving the various reports from the examiners, the Research Committee may recommend the award of the required degree, or resubmission with modifications and corrections. If it is rejected again the researcher may appeal and request the appointment of two external university examiners. In some cases an oral defense (viva voce) may be required. Rejection could lead to an outright failure or the awarding of a lesser degree.

It should be clearly understood that to undertake a research degree requires considerable investigative ability, writing skills and critical analysis. It is an option only to be chosen by those with these qualities.

How long will it take?

The registration period for this degree is 2 years long. The researcher can finish his study before that any time he completes and submits his thesis or dissertation for examination as approved by the Research Committee. Extensions are permitted (maximum of one year).

Who should do this program?

This option is not for everyone seeking a Masters or Doctorate degree. Unless you feel competent to undertake intensive research, you are advised to consider Option 2, no less demanding but structured to test and assess a candidate's ability, knowledge and expertise in his or her chosen area of specialisation. This is through instruction, projects and assignments.

 How much will it cost?

Please review the 'Tuition Fees' section .

When can I start?

This is the first day of any month, and the study begins the first date of matriculation when the student is approved as a researcher.

References

• Lester, J.D. (1998) Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide. 8th ed. New York: Harper Collins.

• Phillips, E.M. and Pugh, D.S. (2000) How To Get A PhD. 3rd ed. Buckingham: Oxford University Press.

• Davis, G.B. and Parker, C.A. (1997) Writing the Doctoral Dissertation. 2nd ed. New York: Barron's Educational Series.

▲ Top of the page
 

Option 2: By Publication

What is this?

This option is only applicable to those who have published extensively and made a significant contribution towards academia and research. Leading universities offer this opportunity to those worthy of recognition, and Universal Studies Academy provides the same possibility.

How is it done?

Noteworthy publications of the student in refereed academic journals, books, magazines and other media are taken into consideration. The publications should cover one main theme.

The candidate is expected to do a “summary” of all the main publications and theme(s) of their own work. This is not an “easy option”, as the summary must be succinct, relevant, and display the candidate’s expertise on the subject matter.

What is required?

The resulting summary should be between 20,000 to 25,000 words.

Who should do this program?

Candidates whose articles and research have been published widely should consider this program.

When can I start?

Approved candidates may begin at any time.

▲ Top of the page
 

Tuition Fees at U.S. Academy:

(All tuition fees were correct at time of print. In addition, all tuition fees are subject to change, and we strongly recommend that you contact the Academy before making any bookings to confirm total costs of the program as well as the availability of spaces for the session in question that you are trying to book).

For the purpose of encouraging students to continue their higher education and earn their degrees easily, U.S. Academy offers Low-Fees rule to make it possible to all students to register and get their diplomas. U.S. Academy will announce the new fees at the beginning of every new year. The U.S. Academy has the right to make modifications on the fees at any time without previous notice.

Notes:
• We offer a 10% discount to all students who pay in full at the time of registration.
• 5% discount is offered when the student register in Masters and Doctoral programs at the same time.
• The fees are mentioned in US Dollars, it could be paid in other major currencies.
• Please be noted to send the fees in full without deduction of transfer fees which is almost about $50.
• Please send us a copy of the bank transfer receipt to:

admission@usacademy.org

Tuition Fee in US Dollars:

Important:

- The student should accept to pay for his mail sent to him by the Academy through the fast mail carrier.

- * Additional Diploma:
When authenticate a diploma, AIA sends the original diploma to be authenticated and then bounded with other authentication papers. Therefore, we draw our students attention who wish to authenticate their documents to that they could request an additional diploma if they wish to use it separately. The cost of the additional diploma is listed above in the 'Other Fees' section.

----------------------------------------
 

Money Transfer

It's very important to send us a copy of the swift receipt by email.

For those who may face difficulties in sending their transfers to our bank accounts, please send your transfers through Xpress Money or Money Gram. Or to our bank account in Ajman Bank in UAE:

Ajman Bank
Wael Murad
IBAN: AE760570000011039861015
UAE

Swifts' Commissions:
Please take into account the swift commission fees when sending money orders and add value to the amount of the transfer, which is estimated at nearly fifty dollars.
 

+ It's very important
to send a copy of the swift receipt by email to U.S. Academy.

admission@usacademy.org

▲ Top of the page
 

How to Start:

Please follow the following steps:

1-   Print out or download the Application for Admission Form, fill it up and send it to us by fax or by email or hand it to admission office of the Academy.

2-   Wait.. After 3-5 days the admission office will send you a reply and inform you whether your application is initially accepted or not.

3-   After you get the initial approval pleas send the following documents:

a.   Preference Request: Print it out and fill it up by 2 academic referees.

b.   RTDA Form (RESEARCH, THESIS, OR DISSERTATION APPROVAL FORM).

c.   NADF Form (NOMINATION OF ACADEMIC DIRECTOR FORM).

d.   A copy of the ID of your academic director.

e.   Resume of your academic director.

f.    Any official document proves the Doctorate Degree of your academic director.

g.   A copy of the student's earned diplomas or academic certificates with the official stamps, plus any other certificates the student likes to send to us related to his area of specialization.

h.   4 new photos of the student or 1 (high resolution photo) to send by email for external students.

i.    A copy of student's ID or passport.

j.    A copy of the bank swift receipt.

4-   If you choose to study by publication, please send the following additional documents, considering that there is no need to send The RTDA Form,  you need to send an initial summary of 3-5 pages explaining what you had published, your research and studies in your area of specialization.

5-   After you send the previous documents, you will receive a certificate of Registration as a researcher + Academy ID card + Recommendation Letter + Electronic copy of the Student Book.

6-   During the official period of study (2 years), Researcher should complete his Thesis, dissertation or the final summary which should be written in 20 to 25 words. Send your papers by post in 2 covered copies or electronically (for external students) with binding cost.

7-   To authenticate your research, send RTDA Form directly, and when you get the initial approval send the documents mentioned in paragraph 3. Do not send NADF Form, instead send 2 recommendation Letters from 2 academic or researcher parties (institutions or individuals) certifies that the research is yours and you was working on it.
After you get Academy final approval, send an initial copy of your papers considering the international rules in writing research.
Papers will be referred to Research Committee which will give its recommendations either to make changes or modifications or to accept the papers.

8-   After the approval of the research, the researcher should give in an electronic copy and 3 hard copies of his final research.

9-   U.S. Academy will then send the researcher the certificate of authentication with one authenticated copy of the research by post.

▲ Top of the page
 

▲ Top of the page
 

Centers of The Academy:

1-  Academic Training Institute (A.T.I.).
2-  Scientific Research and Studies Center.
3-  English Language Center.
4-  Computer and Information Center.
 

Forms (In Word Format):

Application for Admission
Preference Request
RTDA Form
NADF Form
Book Summarization

Contact Us:

Address: Palestine, Gaza City, Yarmouk Street, Mushtaha building.
P.O. Box: 5353, Gaza.
Tele/Fax: +972 (or 970)-8-2828428
Email: Admission: admission@usacademy.org

President:  president@usacademy.org

Time Zone: (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

▲ Top of the page