Evaluating a foreign degree in the USA is crucial for individuals seeking academic or professional opportunities in the country. This process, known as foreign credential evaluation, helps determine the US equivalency of international academic achievements. Many students and professionals wonder, “How can I evaluate my degree in USA?” to ensure their educational accomplishments are recognized.
The evaluation process involves submitting educational documents to specialized agencies for assessment.
These agencies provide evaluation reports that US institutions and employers can understand and use. Whether it’s a high school diploma evaluation or a foreign degree evaluation, the goal is to establish educational equivalence. This guide will explore the types of evaluations available, how to choose a reputable service, the documents needed, and how to use the evaluation report effectively.
Degree Evaluation in the USA
What is degree evaluation?
Degree evaluation, also known as foreign credential evaluation, is the process of verifying and converting educational qualifications from one country to the standards applicable in the United States.
This process helps universities, employers, and licensing boards understand the education level, coursework, and grades achieved in foreign educational systems in terms that are comparable to their own.
The evaluation involves a detailed review of credentials such as diplomas, transcripts, or professional licenses by qualified evaluators or specialized organizations.
Why is a degree evaluation necessary?
A degree evaluation is necessary for several reasons. First, it establishes a common ground for assessing educational credentials from diverse education systems.
This is crucial for international students and professionals seeking opportunities in the USA. Second, it helps determine the authenticity of academic documents, which is vital for maintaining the integrity of the educational and professional systems.
Third, it facilitates the transfer of academic credits, saving time and money for students who have completed coursework abroad.
Lastly, it provides employers and licensing boards with a clear understanding of an individual’s educational background, ensuring fair consideration for job opportunities or professional certifications.
Who needs degree evaluation?
Several groups of people need degree evaluation in the USA:
- International students applying for admission to U.S. colleges or universities
- Professionals seeking employment in the USA with foreign educational credentials
- Individuals applying for professional licensing or certification in fields such as medicine, law, engineering, or accounting
- Immigrants who need to demonstrate their educational qualifications for visa or residency applications
- Students who have completed part of their education abroad and wish to transfer credits to a U.S. institution
- Professionals applying for H-1B visas who need to establish a Bachelor’s degree equivalency
EEE Of America – Trusted Degree Evaluation Services
EEE of America stands out as a reliable provider of foreign credential evaluation services in the USA. This organization helps individuals seeking to have their international academic achievements recognized in the American educational and professional landscape.
Why choose EEE of America?
EEE of America has gained a reputation for its thorough and accurate evaluations. They understand the complexities of different educational systems worldwide, which allows them to provide comprehensive foreign education evaluations.
Their expertise in assessing various types of credentials, from high school diplomas to advanced degrees, makes them a go-to choice for many seeking to evaluate their degree in the USA.
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EEE of America offers a range of evaluation services to meet different needs. These include:
- Document-by-document evaluation: This service offers a general overview of educational equivalence.
- Course-by-course evaluation: This detailed analysis breaks down individual courses and their U.S. equivalents.
- High school diploma evaluation: This service is especially beneficial for international students applying to U.S. colleges.
- Foreign degree evaluation: This comprehensive service assesses the equivalency of degrees from other countries.
Pricing
Our evaluation services start at just $50, which is about 70% lower than our competitors. At EEE of America, we’re dedicated to offering competitive pricing while maintaining high-quality standards. For the latest pricing information, check our website or reach out to us directly.
TAT For Report Processing
The turnaround time (TAT) for report processing at EEE of America depends on the type of evaluation and the chosen service speed.
Standard processing typically takes a few weeks, while expedited services can deliver results in a matter of days. Clients can choose the option that best fits their timeline and budget.
Ratings
EEE of America has received positive ratings from many clients who have used their services. Users often praise the organization for its accuracy, efficiency, and customer service.
However, as with any service, it’s a good idea to research recent reviews and ratings to get a current picture of client satisfaction.
By choosing a trusted evaluation service like EEE of America, individuals can ensure their foreign educational credentials are accurately assessed and recognized in the USA. This step is crucial for those wondering, “How can I evaluate my degree in USA?” as it paves the way for academic and professional opportunities in the country.
<h2″>Types of Degree Evaluation Reports
When seeking to evaluate a foreign degree in the USA, individuals encounter different types of evaluation reports. These reports serve various purposes and provide different levels of detail about one’s academic achievements. Understanding these types can help in choosing the most appropriate evaluation for specific needs.
Document-by-Document Evaluation
A document-by-document evaluation is the most basic type of report offered by credential evaluation services. This evaluation provides a general overview of educational equivalence.
It includes a brief description of the international program, such as admission requirements, completion date, field of study, and the issuing institution’s accreditation status. The report also offers a comparable U.S. equivalency for the foreign degree.
This type of evaluation is often suitable for employment purposes, military enlistment, and immigration.
It can also be used for educational purposes when transfer credits and Grade Point Average (GPA) are not required. For those wondering how to evaluate their degree in the USA, a document-by-document evaluation can be a good starting point, especially if detailed course information is not necessary.
Course-by-Course Evaluation
A course-by-course evaluation provides a more comprehensive analysis of international academic programs. This type of report is typically needed for further education or when applying for specific programs that require detailed course information.
In addition to the information included in a document-by-document evaluation, a course-by-course report lists all courses taken, usually in semester or year order.
The report converts individual course grades and credits to U.S. equivalents, providing a clear picture of the applicant’s academic background.
This level of detail is particularly valuable for students with international educational backgrounds who are seeking to transfer credits to a U.S. institution or for professionals applying for licensure that requires course-specific details.
Grade Point Average Calculation
Many evaluation reports include a Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation, which is crucial for those seeking to continue their education in the USA. The GPA is typically calculated on a 4.0 scale, which is standard in U.S. educational institutions.
This calculation allows U.S. colleges, universities, and employers to understand the overall academic performance of an individual with foreign credentials.
For foreign education evaluations, the process involves converting grades from the original grading system to the U.S. system. This conversion takes into account the differences in grading scales and academic standards between countries.
The resulting GPA provides a standardized measure of academic achievement that can be easily understood and compared within the U.S. educational system.
Choosing a Credential Evaluation Service
When seeking to evaluate a foreign degree in the USA, selecting the right credential evaluation service is crucial. This choice can significantly impact the recognition of international academic achievements and the opportunities available to individuals in the United States.
NACES-approved evaluators
The National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) is a well-respected organization in the field of foreign credential evaluation. NACES-approved evaluators are known for their high standards and rigorous evaluation processes.
These evaluators follow strict guidelines to ensure the accuracy and reliability of their assessments.
NACES members are located across the USA and work with clients electronically from around the world.
This means that geographic proximity to an agency is not necessary when choosing a NACES-approved evaluator. Individuals seeking to evaluate their degree in the USA can select any NACES member organization, regardless of their location.
AICE-approved evaluators
The Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE) is another reputable organization in the field of credential evaluation.
AICE-approved evaluators adhere to stringent guidelines set forth in AICE’s Standards for preparing credential evaluations. These evaluators are known for their expertise, thorough evaluation methodology, and comprehensive reports.
AICE membership provides access to information, research, and experts in the comparative education field. This ensures that AICE-approved evaluators stay up-to-date with the latest developments in international education systems and evaluation practices.
Factors to consider when selecting a service
When choosing a credential evaluation service, several factors should be taken into account:
- Accreditation: Ensure the service is accredited by reputable organizations like NACES or AICE.
- Expertise: Look for evaluators with experience in assessing credentials from your specific country or region.
- Types of evaluations: Verify that the service offers the type of evaluation you need, such as document-by-document or course-by-course evaluations.
- Turnaround time: Consider the processing time for evaluation reports, which can vary from a few days to several weeks.
- Cost: Compare fees among different services, keeping in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best.
- Customer service: Look for services that provide clear communication and support throughout the evaluation process.
- Recognition: Ensure that the evaluation reports are widely accepted by U.S. institutions and employers.
Required Documents for Evaluation
When seeking to evaluate a foreign degree in the USA, individuals need to submit specific documents to credential evaluation services.
These documents are crucial for a thorough and accurate assessment of international academic achievements. Here’s an overview of the essential paperwork required for foreign credential evaluation:
Academic transcripts
Academic transcripts are a fundamental component of the evaluation process. These documents provide a comprehensive record of a student’s academic performance, including courses taken, grades received, and overall GPA. For foreign education evaluations, official transcripts are typically required.
These should be sent directly from the issuing institution to the evaluation service in a sealed envelope to ensure authenticity. Some services may accept photocopies or scanned versions of transcripts for initial review, but official documents are usually necessary for the final evaluation report.
Degree certificates
Degree certificates or diplomas are essential for verifying the completion of a program of study. These documents should clearly state the degree earned, the date of award, and the issuing institution.
For a foreign degree evaluation, original certificates or certified copies are often required. In some cases, evaluation services may accept scanned versions of these documents, but it’s crucial to check the specific requirements of the chosen service.
Course syllabi
Course syllabi or detailed course descriptions are often necessary for a comprehensive evaluation, especially for course-by-course evaluations.
These documents help evaluators understand the content, depth, and rigor of the courses completed. Syllabi should accurately describe the course content and be contemporary to the time of study.
This information is particularly important for professional licensure evaluations in fields such as accounting, engineering, and landscape architecture.
English translations
For documents issued in languages other than English, certified English translations are required. These translations must be complete and accurate, reflecting all information listed on the original documents.
Translations should be prepared by qualified translators, such as members of the American Translators Association (ATA), the issuing university, or the ministry of education of the country where the documents were issued.
The translations must maintain the same format as the original documents and include the translator’s signature, date, and contact information.
The Evaluation Process
The process of evaluating a foreign degree in the USA involves several steps, each crucial for ensuring an accurate assessment of international academic achievements. Understanding this process can help individuals navigate the evaluation smoothly and efficiently.
Submitting your application
The first step in the evaluation process is submitting an application. Most credential evaluation services offer online applications for convenience. Applicants need to create an account, fill out the necessary information, and pay the required fees. It’s essential to review the application carefully for accuracy before submission, as errors can delay the process.
Document verification
Once the application is submitted, the next step is document verification. Evaluation services typically require original academic documents or certified copies. These may include transcripts, diplomas, and course syllabi.
The documents are carefully examined to establish their authenticity. In some cases, evaluators may contact the issuing institutions directly to verify the documents’ legitimacy.
Evaluation and report preparation
After verification, trained evaluators assess the documents to determine their U.S. equivalents. This process involves analyzing the academic programs, courses taken, and grades received. Evaluators use their expertise and up-to-date resources to convert foreign educational achievements into terms understood by U.S. institutions and employers.
- A description of the foreign educational system
- The U.S. equivalent of the foreign degree
- A breakdown of courses and credits (for course-by-course evaluations)
- The equivalent U.S. GPA (if applicable)
Timeframes and expedited services
The standard processing time for foreign credential evaluations varies among services, typically ranging from 3 to 5 business days after receiving all required documents.
However, many evaluation services offer expedited options for those with urgent needs. These rush services can reduce the processing time to as little as 24 hours, albeit at an additional cost.
It’s important to note that the total time from application submission to receiving the final report can be longer, as it includes document delivery time and any delays in obtaining necessary verifications.
To ensure a smooth process, applicants should start the evaluation well in advance of any deadlines they may have for admissions or employment purposes.
Using Your Evaluation Report
Once you have received your foreign credential evaluation report, you can use it for various purposes in the USA. This document helps translate your international academic achievements into terms that American institutions and employers can understand and appreciate.
For higher education
When applying to colleges or universities in the USA, your evaluation report plays a crucial role. It helps admissions officers understand how your foreign education compares to the American system.
Many institutions require a course-by-course evaluation, which provides detailed information about your courses, credits, and grades. This type of report is particularly useful if you’re seeking transfer credits or admission to graduate programs.
Remember to check with the specific institution about their preferred evaluation format.
For employment
Employers in the USA often struggle to interpret foreign educational credentials. Your evaluation report can give both you and potential employers confidence in your qualifications. It clearly states the U.S. equivalence of your degree, making it easier for hiring managers to assess your educational background.
This can be especially helpful when applying for positions that require specific educational qualifications or when competing with candidates who have U.S. degrees.
For immigration purposes
If you’re applying for a visa or green card, a credential evaluation can be a valuable asset. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) often requires these reports for visas that demand applicants to have the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree or higher.
For instance, if you’re applying for an H-1B visa or a Green Card, you’ll likely need a credential evaluation report to meet these requirements. Make sure to include the evaluation report in your application package, along with your original educational documents.
For professional licensing
Many professions in the USA require specific licenses to practice. If you’ve studied outside the U.S. and are seeking licensure, a foreign credential evaluation report can help you meet the educational requirements.
This is particularly important for fields like accounting, engineering, and healthcare. Different licensing boards may have specific requirements, so it’s crucial to check with the relevant authority in your field and state to ensure you’re submitting the correct type of evaluation report.
How Can I Get My Degree Recognized in the USA?
Getting a foreign degree recognized in the USA involves a process of credential evaluation. This process helps translate international academic achievements into terms that American institutions and employers can understand.
To have a degree recognized, individuals typically need to submit their academic documents to a credential evaluation service.
EEE Of America: Degree Evaluation Services And Reports
EEE Of America stands out as a leading provider of foreign credential evaluation services in the USA. They offer comprehensive assessments of academic credentials to determine equivalencies and standards.
Their goal is to ensure that foreign education is recognized in the United States, which is crucial for those seeking to study, work, or immigrate to the country.
The services provided by EEE Of America include:
- Education Evaluations: These assessments provide a detailed analysis of academic credentials, including the degree awarded, graduation year, institution attended, and field of study.
- Work Experience Evaluations: This service is particularly useful for those applying for positions that require specific professional experience.
- Position Evaluations: These evaluations help determine if a particular job role meets the criteria for specialty occupations, which is essential for certain visa applications.
- Expert Opinion Letters: These highly customized evaluations are prepared by industry authorities and can be used for visa applications, responses to Requests for Evidence (RFEs), or appeals.
- Certified Translations: For documents not in English, EEE Of America offers translation services to ensure all materials can be properly evaluated.
EEE Of America’s evaluation reports are widely accepted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), employers, colleges, universities, and state licensing boards.
This acceptance is crucial for individuals seeking to have their foreign education recognized for various purposes, including H1B visa applications, academic admissions, or professional licensing.
The evaluation process typically involves submitting academic transcripts, degree certificates, and other relevant documents.
EEE Of America’s team of qualified professionals, including those with doctorate degrees, review these materials to provide accurate and comprehensive evaluations. Their expertise in assessing foreign credentials helps ensure that international educational qualifications are properly recognized and valued in the American system.
<h2Conclusion
The process of evaluating a foreign degree in the USA has a significant impact on the academic and professional opportunities available to international students and professionals.
From choosing the right evaluation service to gathering the necessary documents and understanding the different types of reports, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring the recognition of international qualifications. This guide has shed light on the key aspects to consider when seeking to have a foreign degree evaluated in the USA.
For those looking to study, work, or settle in the United States, having their educational credentials properly assessed is essential.
If you follow the steps outlined in this guide and choosing a reputable evaluation service like EEE of America, individuals can confidently navigate the process of foreign credential evaluation. This paves the way for a smoother transition into the American educational and professional landscape, opening doors to new opportunities and experiences in the USA.
FAQs
1. How can I have my degree evaluated in the United States?
You can have your degree evaluated by a member organization of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which is a collective of 19 credential evaluation services adhering to strict standards and a code of good practice.
2. What is the process for verifying a bachelor’s degree in the USA?
The National Student Clearinghouse is the primary source for education verification in the USA, offering a comprehensive collection of enrollment and degree data nationwide.
3. Which organization provides the best evaluation for foreign degrees in the US?
ERES is renowned for offering superior foreign degree evaluations in the USA, catering to various professional licenses such as dentistry, architecture, and engineering, ensuring that your qualifications are properly recognized.
4. Are foreign degrees recognized in the US?
Foreign degrees need to be evaluated by a credential evaluation service to be recognized for credit or other professional purposes in the United States.
5. How can you validate a degree from another country in the U.S.?
In the USA, recognized services for evaluating foreign academic credentials include Josef Silny Associates in Miami, Florida, known for their user-friendly service, and World Education Services in New York City, which requires original documents for evaluation.