ArticlesBase.com - Free Articles Directory
Free Online Articles Directory
26.07.2008 Sign In Register Hello Guest
Email:
Password:
Remember Me 
forgot your password?


Five Ways to Spot a Diploma Mill

Author: Marianne Madden Author Ranking Blue | Posted: 01-06-2007 | Comments: 0 | Views: 30 | Rating:  (50) Article Popularity - Green (?) Got a Question? Ask.
Sign Up Now!

Adult students have a rich array of schools to choose from when selecting online or distance learning programs. Unfortunately, reputable degree programs stand alongside unaccredited diploma mills — fake schools that exist solely to make money and fleece busy adult student. On the Internet, it’s hard to tell a legitimate institution from a fake one. Here are just a few warning signs that a school is not worth your time or money.

1. Its site lists no names and little or no contact information. At the bare minimum, a legitimate school will list a phone number and physical address on its website. Be wary of “schools” that list only an apartment or a P.O. box. In the same vein, a legitimate school will list the names and contact information of faculty members, deans, and other officials, while a diploma mill will not (usually because they have no teaching faculty whatsoever).

2. A school claims to be small, yet offers a large number of majors. This is a good indication that a school has no teaching faculty, requires little to no work from its students, and is simply trying to net as many victims as possible.

3. The school is vague or ambiguous when speaking about its accreditation, or attempts to downplay the importance of being accredited. The bottom line is that a school needs to be properly accredited if you want your degree to be recognized by employers. Therefore, if a school downplays the importance of being accredited, they are more interested in your money than in supplying quality education. Similarly, don’t take a school at face value if they claim to be “fully,” “nationally,” or “globally” accredited – anyone can claim to be accredited, and anyone can claim to be an accrediting agency. To snare unsuspecting students, some diploma mills even set up fake websites for an accrediting agency. To be absolutely sure a school is properly accredited, check it against a list of known diploma mills (http://www.osac.state.or.us/oda/unaccredited.aspx), and research the school’s accreditation using the database of the U.S. Department of Education (http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/).

4. The school makes outrageous promises. Only a diploma mill will brag that they don’t require studying, essay-writing, or test-taking. Similarly, steer clear if a school claims to award degrees on the sole basis of portfolio assessments of life experience. Though some legitimate schools allow students to earn some credit through portfolio assessments or passing tests based on life experience, they are picky about what they accept and allow students to earn only a limited number of credits amassed using the portfolio system. Lastly, avoid schools that claim to award degrees in mere weeks or months.

5. The school offers degrees for a flat fee, rather than by course or credit hour. This is a good sign that the “school” requires little to no work and is not interested in teaching students anything.

When researching online or distance learning programs, don’t fall for the slick, official-looking websites that diploma mills use to lure students. A little independent research and skepticism can steer you away from diploma mills and toward a reputable program that can help you achieve your goals.

Visit DegreeScout.com for more information about diploma mills and online degree programs!

Rate this Article: Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/online-education-articles/five-ways-to-spot-a-diploma-mill-157349.html

Print this Article Print article   Email to a Friend Send to friend   Publish this Article on your Website Publish this Article   Send Author Feedback Author feedback  
About the Author:
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free!

Article Comments

Comment on this article Comment on this article
Your Name
Your Email:
Comment Body
Enter Validation Code: Captcha


Related Articles

Online Degree Advice-Choosing Your Path To Continuing Education
By: Albert Alexander | 14/11/2007 | Online Education
My first online course wasn't properly a course at all. It was more like an online discussion group, led by a friend who was familiar with the subject matter. Basically, he was guiding us through the classics of European literature, assigning us projects to help us to familiarize ourselves with the material.

How to Find the Best Graduate School for you
By: Craig Berger | 02/01/2007 | College and University
If you're going to continue your education, you're going to need to go to a quality graduate school. This article contains a few tips to help you find the graduate program that is ideal for your needs.

Checklist: What to Bring to College
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Ready to pack for college but not sure what you should bring? This article has a checklist of what you should bring with you to college along with detailed explanations.

How to Think Critically
By: Elizabeth Saas | 02/01/2007 | College and University
The ability to think critically will be a key factor in your success at college, and beyond. This article offers advice on how to think critically.

5 Study Tips for Graduate Students - to Help you Transition From Undergrad to Grad
By: Kristie Lorette | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Don’t know how to study and need a little bit of advice? This article is for you. It offers five study tips for graduate students which help you transition from undergrad to grad school.

How to Maximize your Study Time - in 4 Easy Ways
By: Kristie Lorette | 02/01/2007 | College and University
The key to maximizing your study time is using your time as efficiently and effectively as possible. This really breaks down to learning time management skills. This article tells you how to maximize your study time in four easy ways.

Work, Life & School - Get Balanced
By: Kristie Lorette | 02/01/2007 | College and University
Today's graduate students face more than just the workload of graduate school. Many of them work full-time, attend graduate school, and have a family and home life. Needless to say, it can be a challenge but this article can help with ways to balance work, life & school.

Bachelors Degree Online-Get More Out Of Life With An Advanced Degree
By: Albert Alexander | 14/11/2007 | Online Education
You've probably heard the statement, "College isn't for everyone." I totally agree with this. Not every single human being walking this massive planet needs to attend a four-year college and acquire a BA or BS in some particular major.

Got a Question? Ask.

Ask the community a question about this article:

Frequently Asked Questions

I want to subscribe books/text on behaviour ...
By: Pratibha | 06-07-2008
 I want to subscribe books/text on behaviour change communication. How do i get it , do reply me. Thanks

Looking for distance learning providers in the UK
By: supaswag | 03-07-2008
I am looking for a provider to gain a [online] distance learning Foundation Degree in Internet Marketing. I found Kaplan Open Learning and would like to find out if anyone has any experience with them. Their offers look very good.  

Safe Haven Babies and Mothers
By: judymamab | 20-06-2008
I am writing a paper for school and need information on what a mother who has dropped her infant at a safe haven must do, if she changes her mind and wants the child back. I know that there are alot of questions to be answered and certain things she has to go through, but need either a url or someone who can go into depth on the situation.

I study a lot, but I have test anxiety
By: ElexaAnn | 27-01-2008
Before a university exam, what can I do to relax and think best?

What are the expenses of the courses on line ...
By: LaTonia | 26-11-2007
What are the expenses of the courses on line verses the courses on campus?

Is it normal for a female to have whitish slippery ...
By: ann_85 | 14-10-2007
Is it normal for a female to have whitish slippery substance that is coming out from the vagina during sexual intercourse?

Q&A Powered by:
Powered by Yedda 

Latest Online Education Articles

Earning a Nursing Degree Online - Advantages & Considerations
By: Amelia Turner | 24/07/2008
Online education is an alternative where you can earn a nursing credential from anywhere you like and at the time when it's most convenient to you. Earning a nursing degree online has many advantages over the traditional learning setting, but there are a few considerations that you must look into before sign-up an online nursing degree program.

Adult Education Program – Should You Really Do This?
By: Lester Lee | 24/07/2008
There are many people who want to pursue an adult education program and there are also many education program choices to choose from. However, there are some decisions that you need to make before you sign up for any of these programs. One option is to look into the online adult education program.

Online Education Program For Everybody
By: Stephen Campbell | 23/07/2008
An online degree ensures that you are not limited to location because it can be accessed anywhere and at any time. A person in the remote part of Australia can earn a university degree from the University of London by just enrolling for their online education program.

Distance Learning and Its Benfits
By: vivekgupta | 23/07/2008
Distance learning is highly beneficial for those students who are unable to attend campus classes and crib for flexibility of time. With Distance learning, one doesn't need to confine themselves for certain number of hours on a given day, and can work to earn money side-by-side. Distance learning increases access to learning and widens our choices of institutions for learning. Students can retrieve loads of online database and study when ever they get free time.

Online Degrees and Education
By: vivekgupta | 23/07/2008
There are various benefits of online learning. Firstly there is a flexibility of time, where one can study at home and can earn money by continuing with their jobs. Students can enroll for these online courses anytime and anyplace, which means working students or while traveling for business or pleasure, one can attend class from any part and any corner of the world with Internet access.

Coursework Writing Services , Coursework Help
By: Ranjith | 23/07/2008
The writing of Coursework is rather a test or the research tasks. These types of writing differ in a model from organization, but are similar in a manner of studying sources. By writing a coursework, employ these sources which were employed in the class. If a professor gives you freedom of choice, be creator - add something new and interesting.

Kick Start Your Brain With Speed Reading Software
By: Francis Hesse | 22/07/2008
Using the right tools, learn how to enhance your reading experience.

How to Order an Essay Online?
By: David Lee | 21/07/2008
In point of fact, when students order an essay from custom essay writing service, the time and money is fully compensated. Students have nothing to lose. in fact, students are earning every possible advantage that can get by just buying an essay.

Article Categories






Give Feedback

Sign up for our email newsletter

Receive updates, enter your email below