According to new regulations, in Virginia Beach, firefighters who want to sit
for the Fire
Department’s captain’s exam must hold either an accredited associate's degree
or 60 credits towards a bachelor's degree, as well as six years of experience.
However, because the department did not specify which accrediting
agencies were acceptable, three of the 24 candidates that took the exam
last week produced transcripts of "coursework" from two notorious,
highly dubious, unaccredited institutions, Almeda University and
Rochville University.
Writes the Virginian-Pilot, "Almeda University and Rochville University,
where some firefighters acquired associate degrees, convert life and
work experience to academic credits. The life experience programs cost
from $399 to $595 and take as little as five days to complete.
The correspondence program at Almeda University, which also offers
degrees in fire science, is accredited by the Council For Distance
Education Accreditation, the Association for Online Academic Excellence
and the Interfaith Education Ministries, according to Almeda’s Web
site.
None of these accrediting agencies are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education ...
Three firefighters with online degrees declined to comment for this story."
Nor are they recognized by CHEA).
That's a BIG FAT RED flag, people. Remember, it's not enough if a
school SAYS that they are accredited. Fake accreditation does not make
their offerings legitimate! Only trust colleges and universities whose accreditation is
recognized by either the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA (or both.)
If you choose to attend an unaccredited institution, keep in mind:
- that school will not be able to offer you federal financial aid
- you may not be able to transfer those credits to an accredited institution
- you may not be able to take part in any tuition reimbursement plans offered by your employer
- you may even face prosecution in several states for using an unaccredited degree!
Why take chances? All the online degree programs on eLearners.com are nationally or regionally accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or CHEA, the only two entities that are authorized to recognize accreditation agencies in the United States. Begin your search for online education today!