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Avoid Degree Mills To Earn A Legitimate Online Education

By James Bulger

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 20Jan2012 Word count: 1434 Viewed: 31 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

There are numerous reasons to pursue your education online, whether you are looking at online degrees in business or any other area of expertise. You may live in an area that lacks high-quality schools that offer the programs in which you're interested. Or, you might prefer the convenience of earning your degree at home, sparing yourself the need to commute to classes at a traditional institution. Whatever your reasons, taking online classes can be an ideal method for furthering your education. But it's important to earn your diploma or degree from a reputable school. Only then will you - and perhaps your employer - feel confident about your grasp of the material.

One of the challenges to choosing an online school or college is to avoid degree mills. We'll explain what they are in the space below, and provide several tips to help you identify them. The quality and value of your education may depend on your ability to do so.

Diploma And Degree Mills Explained

Diploma and degree mills are businesses that sell diplomas and degrees. The student does not receive an education in the subjects chosen. He or she pays tuition, and in exchange is awarded a degree that is unaccredited and unearned.

There are two basic types of mills; one of them is often difficult to spot. The first type are entirely candid about their goal. The institution makes no effort to hide their business model. The enrollee understands that he or she is essentially buying a diploma or degree.

The second type is dishonest about their model. They give prospective students the impression that they offer a high-quality education. In reality, the coursework is sparse, the tests are too easy, and thus the degrees they offer have little value. A common selling point used to lure enrollees is that the student can expect to graduate and earn a degree (or diploma) in a very short time.

It's important to avoid mills since the "education" delivered by them is suspect (at best). Employers are unlikely to recognize the degrees. Moreover, legitimate online and traditional colleges are unlikely to accept the classes for credit.

Tips For Identifying Diploma And Degree Mills

Although the first type of mill described earlier is easy to spot, the second type is more difficult since they hide their intentions. So, it's worth being familiar with the telltale signs.

First, look for mention of accreditation on the school's website. If you see it, make sure it was granted by a recognized accreditor. If there is no mention, be wary.

Second, look for claims that you can earn a college degree in a few months. Most degrees require four years. Claims to the contrary are suspect.

Third, note how tuition is priced. A reputable online college will normally charge by the class or semester. A mill usually charges by the degree.

Fourth, if possible, find out how much work is involved for each class. If you're expected to take weekly tests, turn in weekly papers, and work on group projects in addition to other assignments, the school is likely legitimate. On the other hand, if you are only expected to take a couple tests and deliver a short paper, it is likely a mill.

Fifth, check whether students are given substantial credit for life experience. While such experience is occasionally relevant to a school's courses, mills often give too much credit. In some cases, the student can practically earn his or her degree by submitting a resume.

What To Do If Your Online College Is A Degree Mill

Many unfortunate web-based students learn too late that they have enrolled into a diploma or degree mill. If you discover that the school you're attending is offering a fraudulent degree, there are a few steps you can take. First, stop paying the tuition. Second, if you have already paid for your classes, demand a refund by registered letter. Third, submit a formal complaint with your state's attorney general's office.

Degree mills should be avoided when pursuing an online education. They offer little more than a piece of paper that employers and other schools are unlikely to recognize or respect.

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