The plague otherwise known as a diploma mill is a topic that I have not addressed in a while. I receive news every day having to do with diploma mills because as someone who has been afforded a great opportunity in online/distance education, it really bothers me when (1) People take advantage of others for the sake of money and (2) people allow themselves to be taken advantage of by not doing their own research and/or wanting something quick and easy. The diploma mill is not as much of a factor as it was a few years ago, but they have not completely gone away. The good news is that the perpetrators of one of the biggest diploma mills in recent history are facing prison time and a significant fine.
A leader of a Spokane-based diploma mill pleaded guilty Wednesday to a federal charge of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud.
Dixie Ellen Randock, 58, a high school dropout, sold fraudulent college degrees and transcripts from more than 125 bogus online universities she created.
She faces a maximum three years in prison and $250,000 fine when she is sentenced in several weeks in U.S. District Court.
Her husband, Steven K. Randock Sr., and Dixie Randock's daughter, Heidi Kae Lorhan, are also expected to enter pleas soon. The final defendant, Roberta Lynn Markishtrum, is also reportedly negotiating a deal with the U.S. attorney's office. [SOURCE]
In doing some research in the past year or two, I find that the people who are most often caught with fake diplomas are people who work for the US Government or are in law enforcement. I have not made the correlation to why this is. Perhaps there is no correlation. It just seems odd to me.
This again goes to the point that anyone considering an online education should do their homework before signing up. Not only do you need to find a reputable school, you will need to find one that works for you. All of the schools that you find here on eLearners are good schools. Furthermore, see the list of regional agencies and make sure your school is accredited by one of them.
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) - Accredits schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA) - Accredits schools in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Navajo Nation, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA) - Accredits schools in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS) - Accredits schools in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Latin America.
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) - Accredits schools in California, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Palau, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Marshall Islands, and other Australasian locations.
Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU) - Accredits schools in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.
If you earn a degree from an online school that is accredited by one of these associations, you can be assured that it will be as valid as a degree from any regular university. Most employers and other universities will automatically accept your degree.
Scott Davis is a manager for a large media and communications company in Austin, TX. He has worked there since June of 2001. Scott has an Associates degree in Information Systems and a Bachelors degree in Management from Kaplan University. In 2009, Scott will have earned his MBA from Norwich University. He loves fan mail and feedback from his readers.
He can be reached here and welcomes all questions related to education, business and anything that crosses your mind. He has his own blog at
http://www.ScottDavis.info