Is a Distance Learning PGDBA or PGDHRM Viewed Like an MBA by Employers? Need Advice!

I have completed PGDBM (Personnel Management & Industrial Relations) - a one-year regular full-time course. I have 7 years of experience in HR and administration. Now, I am looking to enhance my CV by adding a master's degree. I have come across Symbiosis Distance Learning offering PGDBA and PGDHRM programs.

I am curious to know if these courses are regarded as equivalent to an MBA by companies. Which one would be a better choice - pursuing PGDBA in HR or PGDHRM? Your urgent suggestions are greatly appreciated.

For educational qualifications, always remember that formal education through a UGC-approved university is always best because all these roadside institutes are money-eating businesses. They offer informal qualifications. If you go abroad for work or advanced studies and research, a degree from private institutes may not be recognized by the overseas education system. They prefer formal university education degrees. Even embassies or immigration offices require degrees from universities approved by the University Grants Commission.

Premier institutes and B-School credentials may not be recognized overseas because they are deemed universities and not approved by the government of India.

First of all, both PGDHRM and PGDBA (with specialization in HR) are both Post Graduate Diplomas, not technically a Master's Degree.

Secondly, there is no point in wasting your time and energy going for PGDBA (with specialization in HR). Just go for PGDHRM as that is totally focused on HR. If you opt for PGDBA, besides HR, you would also have to study subjects on Marketing, Finance, etc., which are not really related to HR.

I did PGDHRM myself and want to tell those who call such courses/institutes 'informal' that I got my break in HR to a large extent because of PGDHRM from Symbiosis.

In the end, don't depend on anyone: make your own decision. If you are serious about pursuing a career in HR, go for a distance learning course from a reasonably good and recognized institute.

I am now pursuing a Master of Labour Management from Annamalai University, a 2-year degree course. If you are determined to acquire a degree, consider an MBA from Annamalai with specialization in HR, which would be a Master's Degree in HR.

Above all, be cool.

Cheers!

This is a classic example of false advertisement. A master's degree is a master's degree. It cannot be equated with PG Diploma courses just because these B-Schools or premier institutes do not have the authority to issue any degrees because they are not formal universities affiliated with the University Grants Commission. Such institutes are mushrooming every day in every corner of India, have no quality but just a money-making fancy college formula to spend money lavishly on education. After all, what matters is the quality of the brain that cultivates and yields the best Nobel scholars. These institutes have no credibility because they don't produce Nobel Prize nominees or winning students in their institutes.

First of all, both PGDHRM and PGDBA (with specialization in HR) are both Post Graduate Diplomas, not technically a Master's Degree. Secondly, there is no point in wasting your time and energy going for PGDBA (with specialization in HR). Just go for PGDHRM as that is totally focused on HR. If you opt for PGDBA, you would also have to study subjects on Marketing, Finance, etc., which are not really related to HR. I myself did PGDHRM and want to tell those people who call such courses/institutes 'informal' that I got my break in HR to a large extent because of PGDHRM from Symbiosis. At the end, don't depend on anyone: make your own decision. Since you seem serious about pursuing a career in HR, go for some distance learning course from a reasonably good and recognized institute. I am now pursuing a Master of Labour Management from Annamalai University; it is a 2-year Degree course. If you are bent on acquiring a degree, then you could go for an MBA from Annamalai with specialization in HR, and yes, it would be a Master's Degree in HR. Above all, be cool. Cheers!

Thank you so much, Brandon.

Already, I have completed a PG Diploma in Personnel Management (regular - one year). Now, I am considering pursuing an MBA or a Master of Labour Management, similar to what you are doing. If possible, please provide me with details regarding the fee structure and other information about the MLM program at Annamalai University.

Regards,
Rajeev Dixit

Hi Badlooser,

I always say: each is entitled to his own view. If you feel that institutes like Symbiosis are not recognized and credible, then God save such institutes. A regular MBA degree is always better, but not everyone is bright enough to enroll there. So, at least for people like me, such institutes are a blessing.

Rajiv: MLM would roughly cost you around Rs. 7000, including the exam fees; it is a 2-year Masters degree from Annamalai. You could also opt for MBA (HR) from Annamalai University, but that would be too concerned with other subjects like Marketing, Finance, etc., and would be more demanding on you, so think carefully before taking any steps.

The enrollment for this year is over; you may take admission in May 2009.

Please visit the website of Annamalai University: search on Google to get the exact link.

Above all, as I said: don't be discouraged by anyone; you seem serious and academically inclined, so all the best to you, dear.

Cheers!

Dear Rajeev,

If you want to add a master's degree, you can consider a part-time master's degree. It has huge value given your experience. While distance learning may enhance your business card, it won't contribute to your personal growth. Although they are postgraduate courses, they do not equate to a master's degree. Pursuing this path would result in you obtaining a diploma rather than a degree.

Thanks & Regards,

Sonali Wagle
wagle.sonali@gmail.com

I find a tricky question here.

This gentleman has completed a PG Diploma and now wants to pursue a Master's degree. There is nothing wrong with aiming for a Master's or even a PhD for that matter.

What advice would technically support his objective if we were to say "YES or NO"?

If we say "YES," which is obviously the first choice, and he decides "NO."

If we say "NO," and he decides "YES."

Don't we think logically that something is missing in this question? What is that?

Is it his confidence or his uncertainty in making a decision? This is surprising coming from someone who has already served for over 7 years in the HR field in various capacities.

Hi Mr. Badlooser,

This is a forum where various HR professionals come together to discuss a variety of topics, exchange suggestions, share ideas, and talk about experiences related to HR/IR/PM. It's a platform for open discussion.

Sir, if someone asks a question or expresses doubt here, does it imply a lack of confidence? It may surprise you that not everyone posting queries here lacks confidence or decision-making abilities. Nonetheless, I'll take it as a compliment.

Regards,
Rajeev