Comments on: US report pins down bogus degrees http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/ Estd. in Ireland, July 2002 Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:42:59 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Dr Kevin Cooper http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-1009802 Dr Kevin Cooper Sun, 17 Jan 2010 03:12:30 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-1009802 Wow, I've always know people used to Lie on their Cvs but not to have dodgy qualifications at this level of professionalism. Do they not run background checks on nuclear scientists ? Employers have to say a lot about online degrees etc but they pale in comparison to this ! Wow, I’ve always know people used to Lie on their Cvs but not to have dodgy qualifications at this level of professionalism. Do they not run background checks on nuclear scientists ? Employers have to say a lot about online degrees etc but they pale in comparison to this !

]]> By: Ken Bullock http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-712128 Ken Bullock Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:26:53 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-712128 Having two RA degrees and a DETC degree, it seems clear to me that there is truly only two things that really matter in the realm of education in the United States. The first is the matter of legality. The United States Department of Education does not treat a regionally accredited degree any differently than a DETC degree. So, why should the instuitions? There is a lot of stupidity, ignorance, and cynicism in educational circles. It's true that there are RA schools that will not admit DETC graduates. Yet, it is also true that your RA credits may not transfer to an another RA school. Every school has set their criteria. For intance, Criminal Juctice in America may be CRJ 204 at one school. At another, it may be listed as CRJ 460. It may not transfer even though it was taught out of the same authored text. Second, who gives a damn except the money monger schools and old farts that profess nonsense. You and you alone must decide what is best for you. It is you, the student, that knows the true worth of your degree. Kudos to you for getting an education and the hell with everyone else. Some of the brightest minds in America are self taught while some of our set in there way professors and educators need to explore outside the box. Having two RA degrees and a DETC degree, it seems clear to me that there is truly only two things that really matter in the realm of education in the United States. The first is the matter of legality. The United States Department of Education does not treat a regionally accredited degree any differently than a DETC degree. So, why should the instuitions? There is a lot of stupidity, ignorance, and cynicism in educational circles. It’s true that there are RA schools that will not admit DETC graduates. Yet, it is also true that your RA credits may not transfer to an another RA school. Every school has set their criteria. For intance, Criminal Juctice in America may be CRJ 204 at one school. At another, it may be listed as CRJ 460. It may not transfer even though it was taught out of the same authored text. Second, who gives a damn except the money monger schools and old farts that profess nonsense. You and you alone must decide what is best for you. It is you, the student, that knows the true worth of your degree. Kudos to you for getting an education and the hell with everyone else. Some of the brightest minds in America are self taught while some of our set in there way professors and educators need to explore outside the box.

]]> By: Stephen Klarfeld http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-473509 Stephen Klarfeld Mon, 19 May 2008 17:27:11 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-473509 Kindly disregard my previous "comment", as it had nothing to do with the previous postings of this blog, but it was a bit more understandable in its proper context. (It is a phrase common among Italian-Americans, as many are aware). Anyway, the current webpage of the Texas Higher Education Board's list of institutions whose degrees are *illegal* to use in Texas is at www.thecb.state.tx.us/aar/privateinstitutions/notx.cfm Not surprisingly, Kennedy Western University and California Miramar/Pacific Western are on this list. SK Kindly disregard my previous “comment”, as it had nothing to do with the previous postings of this blog, but it was a bit more understandable in its proper context. (It is a phrase common among Italian-Americans, as many are aware).

Anyway, the current webpage of the Texas Higher Education Board’s list of institutions whose degrees are *illegal* to use in Texas is at

http://www.thecb.state.tx.us/aar/privateinstitutions/notx.cfm

Not surprisingly, Kennedy Western University and California Miramar/Pacific Western are on this list.

SK

]]> By: Stephen Klarfeld http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-473497 Stephen Klarfeld Mon, 19 May 2008 17:11:03 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-473497 Watch This (as I point to my crotch). Watch This (as I point to my crotch).

]]> By: Bill http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-381742 Bill Thu, 03 Jan 2008 17:09:54 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-381742 A “degree” from Kennedy Western is worse than no degree at all - it makes the “graduate” come across as either hopelessly naive or fraudulent. Couldn't agree more. Still unaccredited, they've recently changed the name to Warren National University to avoid the stigma of being investigated by the Senate and moved yet again. Claim to be seeking accreditation (again), but have blatantly stated that they will accept the old KW"U" credits, which were 55%+ life experience (by their own admission) and graduate courses consisted of 1 open book exam (from Senate Investigation) A “degree” from Kennedy Western is worse than no degree at all – it makes the “graduate” come across as either hopelessly naive or fraudulent.

Couldn’t agree more. Still unaccredited, they’ve recently changed the name to Warren National University to avoid the stigma of being investigated by the Senate and moved yet again.

Claim to be seeking accreditation (again), but have blatantly stated that they will accept the old KW”U” credits, which were 55%+ life experience (by their own admission) and graduate courses consisted of 1 open book exam (from Senate Investigation)

]]> By: Bill O'Reilly http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-350766 Bill O'Reilly Sat, 01 Dec 2007 00:56:14 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-350766 I was absolutely fascinated to read these entries on diploma mills, accreditation, experiential learning, etc. After receiving two bachelors degrees (Trinity, Regents--to fulfill teaching license credits), two masters (NYU and Harvard), I had to admit the enormous waste of effort and money that went into a great deal of my education. Although it propelled me into the field of education--as teacher, principal, high school founder--trying to bring some balance to a very lopsided area--education. I've been researching PhD by publication programs in the UK--looking for some way to bring closure to my own schooling, with the long-sought-after terminal degree. The result was my decision to create my own program which, based upon a unified body of original writing and research, may fill the gap between the elite money pits and the pathetic mills that actually sell diplomas that you can backdate, if you wish! The advantage of Emerson will be the publishing, online, of the body of work that represents the in-depth investigation that merited the degree, for all---prospective employers, peers and colleagues--to see, and hopefully to use. Please take a look at the site; www.emersonuniversity.org and I'd love to get your feedback: admissions@emersonuniversity.org Thanks! Bill O'Reilly, founder I was absolutely fascinated to read these entries on diploma mills, accreditation, experiential learning, etc. After receiving two bachelors degrees (Trinity, Regents–to fulfill teaching license credits), two masters (NYU and Harvard), I had to admit the enormous waste of effort and money that went into a great deal of my education. Although it propelled me into the field of education–as teacher, principal, high school founder–trying to bring some balance to a very lopsided area–education. I’ve been researching PhD by publication programs in the UK–looking for some way to bring closure to my own schooling, with the long-sought-after terminal degree. The result was my decision to create my own program which, based upon a unified body of original writing and research, may fill the gap between the elite money pits and the pathetic mills that actually sell diplomas that you can backdate, if you wish!

The advantage of Emerson will be the publishing, online, of the body of work that
represents the in-depth investigation that merited the degree, for all—prospective employers, peers and colleagues–to see, and hopefully to use.

Please take a look at the site; http://www.emersonuniversity.org
and I’d love to get your feedback: admissions@emersonuniversity.org

Thanks!

Bill O’Reilly, founder

]]> By: Stephen Klarfeld http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-318336 Stephen Klarfeld Thu, 08 Nov 2007 00:03:07 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-318336 The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board now recognizes CCU degrees earned since 2005, when the school became DETC-accredited. (CCU degrees issued from 1974-2004 are California state-approved but not recognized by the Texas Coordinating Board). SK The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board now recognizes CCU degrees earned since 2005, when the school became DETC-accredited.
(CCU degrees issued from 1974-2004 are California state-approved but not recognized by the Texas Coordinating Board).

SK

]]> By: Albert Llanes http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-207699 Albert Llanes Fri, 06 Apr 2007 00:07:03 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-207699 I saw Thomas Edison College mentioned above and want to set the record straight. Let me assure you, it’s a wonderful institution. I worked very hard to earn my Masters Degree there, it’s regionally accredited, and I am extremely fortunate to have attended. Additionally, I am very successful in my field, CTO, and thank Thomas Edison State College for helping me get there. I saw Thomas Edison College mentioned above and want to set the record straight. Let me assure you, it’s a wonderful institution. I worked very hard to earn my Masters Degree there, it’s regionally accredited, and I am extremely fortunate to have attended. Additionally, I am very successful in my field, CTO, and thank Thomas Edison State College for helping me get there.

]]> By: Gary C http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-183699 Gary C Fri, 26 Jan 2007 01:45:32 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-183699 I was considering enrolling in California Coast until I discovered that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has listed Calcoast as a substandard or fraudulent institution(class B misdemeanor if degree is used for state employment purposes) . Even after I e-mailed them and informed them of the institutions accreditation they still stood by their ruling. My question is would I be shooting myself in the foot by obtaining a degree from Calcoast and using the degree as part of my for employment in the future? The institution has no intentions of seeking regional accreditation. I was considering enrolling in California Coast until I discovered that the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board has listed Calcoast as a substandard or fraudulent institution(class B misdemeanor if degree is used for state employment purposes) . Even after I e-mailed them and informed them of the institutions accreditation they still stood by their
ruling. My question is would I be shooting myself in the foot by obtaining a degree from Calcoast and using the degree as part of my for employment in the future? The institution has no intentions of seeking regional accreditation.

]]> By: bob http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-181435 bob Thu, 18 Jan 2007 20:59:19 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-181435 The University of Alabama has an online mechanical engineering undergraduate program. There are some classes (labs) that you have to take in person, but the rest is distance learning. The University of Alabama has an online mechanical engineering undergraduate program. There are some classes (labs) that you have to take in person, but the rest is distance learning.

]]> By: Online Engineering http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-82969 Online Engineering Mon, 06 Mar 2006 20:08:48 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-82969 Where are there legitimate online classes for engineering? The only truly "online" program to be found it the KW program. ABET will not accredit online institutions because they don't validate the standard of "lab" time that ABET abides by. Currently, the Stevens Institute is studying the feasibility of online engineering, but to this day I have yet to find more than a physics or materials class (single class). If anyone knows of a great online engineering bachelor's program, I'm ALL EARS. Where are there legitimate online classes for engineering? The only truly “online” program to be found it the KW program. ABET will not accredit online institutions because they don’t validate the standard of “lab” time that ABET abides by. Currently, the Stevens Institute is studying the feasibility of online engineering, but to this day I have yet to find more than a physics or materials class (single class). If anyone knows of a great online engineering bachelor’s program, I’m ALL EARS.

]]> By: June http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-69828 June Mon, 08 Aug 2005 12:52:41 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-69828 Hi: It is shameful to see that though the US leads the rest of the world in the field of education. it is none the less this same country that leads the rest of the world in the number of degree mills operating in the US. This is attributed to the flexible laws that govern universities. As a result some uncouthless peoplke are living luxurious lives at the expense of the poor souls located in some poor African and Asian countries. The American World University is one such big business as they are offering A PHD for $1000. Are there any stringet measures that will shut down such schools from the Ameriacn soil. This is rip off !rip off !rip off ! Hi:

It is shameful to see that though the US leads the rest of the world in the field of education. it is none the less this same country that leads the rest of the world in the number of degree mills operating in the US.

This is attributed to the flexible laws that govern universities. As a result some uncouthless peoplke are living luxurious lives at the expense of the poor souls located in some poor African and Asian countries.

The American World University is one such big business as they are offering A PHD for $1000.

Are there any stringet measures that will shut down such schools from the Ameriacn soil.

This is rip off !rip off !rip off !

]]> By: Junigo http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-68735 Junigo Wed, 20 Jul 2005 05:41:43 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-68735 The American World University is operating out of an answering service in Pascagoula. Legislators are trying to bring in bills in Mississippi to curb such degree mills. This University was driven out of Hawii and Iowa for defrauding students. PHD's are awarded for a price of$1500. This is not approved by CHEA The American World University is operating out of an answering service in Pascagoula. Legislators are trying to bring in bills in Mississippi to curb such degree mills.

This University was driven out of Hawii and Iowa for defrauding students.

PHD’s are awarded for a price of$1500.

This is not approved by CHEA

]]> By: Jax http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-67395 Jax Thu, 23 Jun 2005 11:53:10 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-67395 We are going through this in our school district right now. Our superintendent "earned" his PhD from Kennedy-Western. He's been frantically searching for another job -- no one will hire him. I'll be surprised if he gets a look even in the desperation round of interviews (usually beginning August 15). His K-W "degree" can't be helping him. I agree with many here -- there are online degree programs that are worthwhile. I got my masters online from Univ. of Phoenix (which is accredited), and I can tell you that I have never worked harder for anything in my life. It was 19 months of grueling work - but I never had to get dressed and go to campus and sit for endless lectures and opening class activities like "if you were a car, what kind of...." Online ed. is the future - but like anything else available out there, we have to watch for the charlatans and shysters. We are going through this in our school district right now. Our superintendent “earned” his PhD from Kennedy-Western. He’s been frantically searching for another job — no one will hire him. I’ll be surprised if he gets a look even in the desperation round of interviews (usually beginning August 15). His K-W “degree” can’t be helping him.

I agree with many here — there are online degree programs that are worthwhile. I got my masters online from Univ. of Phoenix (which is accredited), and I can tell you that I have never worked harder for anything in my life. It was 19 months of grueling work – but I never had to get dressed and go to campus and sit for endless lectures and opening class activities like “if you were a car, what kind of….” Online ed. is the future – but like anything else available out there, we have to watch for the charlatans and shysters.

]]> By: Janet http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-64853 Janet Fri, 06 May 2005 16:57:07 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-64853 A "degree" from Kennedy Western is worse than no degree at all - it makes the "graduate" come across as either hopelessly naive or fraudulent. Yes, there are many legit alternatives for busy adults who have no time to attend classes. A “degree” from Kennedy Western is worse than no degree at all – it makes the “graduate” come across as either hopelessly naive or fraudulent.

Yes, there are many legit alternatives for busy adults who have no time to attend classes.

]]> By: Stephen Klarfeld http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-63557 Stephen Klarfeld Fri, 22 Apr 2005 06:01:27 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-63557 I would look into schools like Excelsior College (asssuming your are looking into a bachelors degree-- their tuition is very reasonable-- and they are professionally (ABET) accredited. If you do some research, you will see that you can get a qualification for around the $7000 you are paying for the KWU degree-- from which you should really back out. I have heard of cases where people were able to back out of the tuition commitment upon issuing complaints with the BBB (Better Business Bureau) or (Wyoming) state authorities, since Kennedy-Western does not clearly state that there degrees are not accepted in many places due to their unaccredited status, especially for professional licensing purposes. At http://www.detc.org there are nationally accredited schools which you might find to be decent options, such as Grantham. DETC accreditation is recognized, but is not quite as good as regional or professional accreditation. Stephen Klarfeld PS You might want to check with your state/provincial authorities to see if an accredited degree (or any degree at all) is necessary to become a licensed professional engineer. The license, at least, should enhance your marketability. I would look into schools like Excelsior College
(asssuming your are looking into a bachelors
degree– their tuition is very reasonable–
and they are professionally (ABET) accredited.
If you do some research, you will see that you can get a qualification for around the $7000 you
are paying for the KWU degree– from which you
should really back out. I have heard of cases
where people were able to back out of the tuition
commitment upon issuing complaints with the BBB
(Better Business Bureau) or (Wyoming) state authorities, since Kennedy-Western does not clearly state that there degrees are not accepted in many places due to their unaccredited status, especially for professional licensing purposes.
At http://www.detc.org there
are nationally accredited schools which you
might find to be decent options, such as
Grantham. DETC accreditation is recognized,
but is not quite as good as regional or professional accreditation.

Stephen Klarfeld

PS You might want to check with your state/provincial authorities to see if an accredited degree (or any degree at all) is necessary to become a licensed professional engineer. The license, at least, should enhance your marketability.

]]> By: Ruben M http://www.gavinsblog.com/2004/05/12/us-report-pins-down-bogus-degrees/comment-page-1/#comment-61902 Ruben M Wed, 06 Apr 2005 17:09:49 +0000 http://www.gavinsblog.com/?p=1108#comment-61902 I am just learning that there are unaccredited schools and fake accrediting agencies, unfortunately for me, I just started an Engineering degree program with Kennedy Western University; before I started somebody talked me to make sure that this school was accredited but then I saw a certificate issued by the State of Wyoming and didn’t bother any more; but talking to a friend about my new goals, he warned me again about this school; so I decided to investigate a little further and still can’t get all my answers; one thing for sure; this school is largely mention among the schools with bad reputation but there is nothing that can confirm that; neither that it is not accredited by any school association or board; now, I think it just got a license to do business within the state, but; if that is the case, it is not going to help me when I get a Degree. Can anyone tell me, Is this Degree going to say the same words than an Accredited Degree or is it going to state: Unaccredited Degree Grant to: John Doe or Am I going to be breaking the law if I show this degree to an employer or if I don’t tell them that I got this from an unaccredited school? Is my resume going to be ignored by a lot of employers because I put down that I got a degree from Kennedy Western University? I already started paying tuition for a degree that is going to cost me about $ 7000, a lot less than an accredited school, but Is it Worth? I am just learning that there are unaccredited schools and fake accrediting agencies, unfortunately for me, I just started an Engineering degree program with Kennedy Western University; before I started somebody talked me to make sure that this school was accredited but then I saw a certificate issued by the State of Wyoming and didn’t bother any more; but talking to a friend about my new goals, he warned me again about this school; so I decided to investigate a little further and still can’t get all my answers; one thing for sure; this school is largely mention among the schools with bad reputation but there is nothing that can confirm that; neither that it is not accredited by any school association or board; now, I think it just got a license to do business within the state, but; if that is the case, it is not going to help me when I get a Degree. Can anyone tell me, Is this Degree going to say the same words than an Accredited Degree or is it going to state: Unaccredited Degree Grant to: John Doe or Am I going to be breaking the law if I show this degree to an employer or if I don’t tell them that I got this from an unaccredited school? Is my resume going to be ignored by a lot of employers because I put down that I got a degree from Kennedy Western University? I already started paying tuition for a degree that is going to cost me about $ 7000, a lot less than an accredited school, but Is it Worth?

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