Search Results matching tag 'accreditation'

The AACSB v. ACBSP v. IACBE and Bellevue University’s Accreditation

Cajun — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 11:37:00 GMT

The day before yesterday I had to gather all the different papers for tuition reimbursement from my employer. One of their requirements is that I have to print up the page from their website stating their accreditation and as I expected Bellevue was regionally accredited, no surprise there. What I did not expect was to see that Bellevue also has their business programs accredited by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). Who is the IACBE you ask? In a nut shell they are a competitor to the ACBSP and AACSB.

Well there are differences of course. AASCSB is usually regarded as the most famous of accrediting agencies for business schools and is the oldest form of business accreditation with requirements centered around research. Thus it is no surprise that the AACSB accredits many of the top business schools in the country and indeed the world. Interestingly enough though the AACSB does not require a school to be regionally accredited or have equivalency in their country as the IACBE does.

The ACBSP is more of a teaching accreditation in that the pedagogical approach itself is reviewed as are outcomes, not really so much focused upon original research performed by or sponsored by the university or college itself. This is probably the second most famous type of business accreditation and is often confused not surprisingly with the AACSB.

Lastly the IACBE is centered around educational outcomes and states right on their website in no uncertain terms that they really don’t care so much about inputs as inputs do not always determine the success of an output. It’s an interesting position in that they’re more concerned with “how does it work” rather than “how was it built”. Obviously to get a good result you have to have good inputs or recipes but the thing I like is that the accrediting body allows for each school to create their own recipe for success rather than dictating a process to them. This allows each school to focus on the end result and use their own innovation and unique competencies to reach that goal. Lastly the IACBE seems to have a uniquely international focus, this may explain their approach to their accreditation criteria.

So do I care that Bellevue was nationally accredited in their business programs? Not really, even though I assume the MSMIS is likewise accredited do to the managerial non-technical nature of the degree (perhaps not though, I'll check). I will say this though, if this is ever a check box I need to fill at least I will be able to do so. So at least it is not a criteria or need I needed met it is a nice to have I suppose. Hey it certainly doesn’t hurt.

Accredited or not ?????

royalpain — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 02:36:12 GMT

I have never studied online b4 and notice that most of the 'schools' mentioned on here are not accredited by the mainstream accrediting bodies...at least not that I am aware of. If someone knows otherwise - would love to hear of it. I want to complete a Bachelors in Hotel/Hospitality Management - but is kinda skeptical of doing it with one of these colleges and not be able to have my credits transferred later on to a traditional public institution.

I previously went to a 2 year Hospitality College and after completion I could not transfer my credits to any state college as I was told the school I went to was considered a 'career college' and that my credits were all 'useless. I was floored !! Still am...so here I am...wanting to know if anyone on here has ANY experiences in any related situations that they could share and help me understand this whole accreditation stuff...

I am looking at Phoenix or Strayer.

PS - the college I went to was accredited by NEASC....funny - they are real...but my college fell under some crap heading within their body that made it 'career' and hence not worth crap...BS if u ask me - but...I am the one in the loss for now...so anyone????????

Do your Research: All Licensure-Bound Students Pay Attention

JaynaB — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:24:00 GMT

So, you have made a decision to be a counselor, psychologist, or another type of professional that requires a state approved license or certification. You look at the school, you are pleased with the admission counselors, advising, and financial aid is smooth sailing. You have selected your concentration and have a pretty good idea of where your career will end up after your degree is done. Your first quarter/semester is pretty rigorous, yet it's not as difficult as you thought. You proceed through the program, giving your all, building relationships along the way.

After your program is done, you find yourself standing 7 feet tall with a great degree. Framed and crisp, your degree hangs in your office, living room, and it brings a smile on your face. So with your smart little degreed self, you contact your state department of licensure and certification for human service or health offices and find out that your hard work was all in vain. You wasted 2, 3, 4, and for some, 5 years. Tears roll down your smart face, as the administrator informs you that the program that gave your energy to, is not approved or accepted for licensure in your state. So what do you do??

It is very VERY important to know what you are leaping into when enrolling into a school or program. Now be aware, the online distance education process is still working its kinks out and many accreditation agencies are recognizing that more and more people are attracted to online learning. We want the academic advancement, so it's very easy to enroll in an unapproved APA-psychology program, a unapproved CACREP counseling program, or a program that isn't accepted by a large accredited body.

So what am I saying today...? Research, Research, Research....

I cannot stress it enough. My program is pretty straight forward, however it is not CACREP accredited. However, thank goodness, in TN it is not required to be licensed to perform therapy for an agency or medical institution. But it is mandatory to be a licensed counselor to own a private practice and for some higher paying positions they would prefer licensure. That is not the route that I am going in. But therapy is an option, just not one of my first choices. If I were still living in Houston, TX, my program choice would be a lot different. I would have chose the LPC-track at Capella and invested an additional year and a half getting prepared to take the counseling exam.

I read somewhere that a lady was mad at an online institution because she wanted to be a clinical psychologist and after she received her doctorate, she went to try to apply for licensure and was stopped in her tracks. Her program was not state-approved. She called the school a rip off because SHE didn't do her research. So for 3-5 years, she didn't bother to make sure that she would be able to practice! Silly of her, but it happens.

Online students, please research accrediting bodies, pay attention to what the documents are disclosing you. Do not be too quick to ask the admissions counselors who are they accredited by. This is information that you should already know. Admission counselors are supposed to sell you on the university. You think 2 steps ahead at all times.

I hope all of those who are going into licensure programs or schools have done their research. Universities are not responsible for your obligations. Do what you need to do to be successful and you will go far!

Happy Learning!

JaynaB

Re: Introduction and request for advice!

JaynaB — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 04:05:20 GMT

Hey there dandan,

Welcome to the site and hopefully you will find a slew of helpful resources available here. One thing that is good about life is that second chances does present itself. You have the opportunity to carry on a greater plan to better your future. I will have to agree with others, you really did not specify what your degree would be in? What or where does your professional passions lie? You have a GED and of course there is nothing wrong with that, and more universities have created sources to help manage time, study strategies, and other helpful tips to make your journey successful. Now working as much as you do can be an obstacle but not impossible, online studying is a commitment and you must devote your time, mind, and energy to your courses. Regionally accreditation is very very important. You want to go into a program that is FULLY accredited.

I commend you for your efforts and I hope that you chose the best university that will accomodate your vision and needs.

Axia College of University of Phoenix Student

xlegalx1x — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 17:21:11 GMT

I am currently enrolled in the UOP Axia my major is Criminal Justice. I was wondering if anyone has had previous experience with this college. I have only 4 nine weeks left until I graduate. I am worried this will not be an acceptable degree in Florida. Would anyone know? My student loans are mounting up quickly and any info would be great. Thank you

Question about American Military University?

Shaunta37 — Mon, 25 May 2009 21:56:52 GMT

Hello. I am active duty Air Force. I was checking out the Associates of Arts in Web Publishing and Bachelor's of Science in Information Technology at American Military University. I mainly want to open a Web Designer Business to create websites for Christian organizations (churches, non-profit organizations, and outreach ministries).

Are any of you military personnel that have attended American Military University Online? Are they a trustworthy college? Are they accredited regionally, nationally, and geographically? Can you give me a general explanation of what they are all about? I want to get my peers opinions before I go to an admissions advisor. You know how advisors can talk a real good game until they get you admitted.

I had problems with Kaplan University talking a good game, but not living up to what they are talking about. I also saw the crooket stuff Kaplan University was doing at www.ripoffreport.com. You guys ought to check that stuff out. What is your opinion about American Military University? Are they the same as Kaplan University?

Thanks.

BS in Web Development/Web Multimedia and Animation - Online College or Universities?

Shaunta37 — Mon, 25 May 2009 20:55:48 GMT

Hello, I am active duty military and get tuition assistance. I am trying to pursue an online degree in Web Multimedia and Animation or Website Development. In the near future I want to open a Website Designer Business to create websites mainly for christian organizations (churches, non-profit organizations, and outreach ministries) to help increase their ministries.

Does anybody have any advice as too which online college or online university is trustworthy and a good choice? Does anyone have any idea how do I get a Website Design License to be able to create websites legally?

I tried Kaplan Online University, but found a lot of recent crooked reports in www.ripoffreport.com. I saw over 20 different reports stating that Kaplan is ripping off people constantly. It is a good thing I did my research before I enrolled into the college.

Maybe you guys know some other colleges or universities that are honest and trustworthy. I want to make sure I use my Military Tuition Assistance wisely.

Thanks.

Affordable online DBA (or PhD in Business/Management)

pbarany — Fri, 22 May 2009 14:48:23 GMT

Hi!

Nice knowledge-base and community you have here. I have read many posts and topics but I still couldn't find the education program that suits my priorities. Can you please recommend me one (or a few) in the fields of Business Administration or Management?

First of all, I'd like to study online, so I'm looking for a distant learning program on the doctorate level. I'm from Eastern Europe so programs without residency are strongly preferred, but once-twice visits still could be feasible. I'm not fooled by 'life experience' degrees so I'm definitely not going after such diploma, but an accelerated pace (maximum 2 years) would be a huge advantage, as long as the university is accredited by some honorable body. I'm not an expert on such accreditation agencies so whatever college/university you recommend I trust that it's no diploma mill. The last criterion is the price. Unfortunately I cannot afford a US online DBA of 10.000-40.000 $ based on my wage level. So I would be perfectly satisfied with an affordable online DBA /PhD from a recognized university in India, Hongkong, Thailand, South Africa or any other part of the world. Certainly higher international ranking (and therefore recognition) would be a benefit among such universities, but only as long as they offer a cheap, accredited distant learning program that doesn't take more than 4 semesters.

Thanks for your kind recommendations in anticipation.

Peter

Re: commonwealth open university

masterpainter22 — Mon, 18 May 2009 07:36:26 GMT

Commonwealth Open Univ. is not accredited in the us, it is a virtual UK higher-educational institution, it has accreditation with the United Kingdom Commission for Consistent Learning (UK-CCL) and is a member with the (CEC) Council for Education in the Commonwealth. It's not a USA based university, and as with any granted degree from abroad, it depends upon what you want to do with your degree in your home country. However, for the value (price) because its a virtual university, it may be worth your while to at least take a few courses and at least broaden your horizons.

Is It Real?

WheelCipher — Sat, 16 May 2009 11:30:00 GMT

I received an e-mail the other day from a fan who evidently reads my blog. The email was short and to the point. It simply asked if my degree from Kaplan University was real, or were they a diploma mill.

I was not sure what to think. In one of those rare moments where I was not sure what to say to such as question, I just replied, “It’s real. It got me into a very good graduate school.” What this tells me is that (1) people are not doing their homework and (2) there is some stigma out there regarding online degrees. I think that if someone had any questions about a certain school being a diploma mill, there would be enough information out there that would confirm or deny any suspicions that might exist. This is especially true here at e-Learners.

Second, I have personally witnessed what has been a tremendous (and legitimate) fear of online education subside to almost nothing over the past six years. The proliferation of diploma mills “back in the day” was a real fear and to some extent, is still a fear for some people.

What has transitioned over the past six years or so since I started my college career at Kaplan is a flood of credible accounts of people like myself taking the leap into online education. Sites like e-Learners, the media, and traditional brick-and-mortar schools adopting distance learning has done so much toward reducing the fear of diploma mills.

Furthermore, many people have been “outed” for listing diploma mills in their credentials. Every once in a while we see the article that talks about people in government and other high-ranking positions who took the easy way out. Awareness of the impact of diploma mills has caused the truth to float to the top. This is good for us.

The bottom line is that people need to do their homework. Do not be afraid to ask others who have been there. People need to understand accreditation. Define your dreams and go for it.