Tuesday, October 31, 2006

Mail-Order College Degrees. Worth the risk?

By: Mark Rigney


I'm sure by now you've seen advertisements all across the net for "fake college degrees," or even "loophopes exploited; get your degree immediately."

Clearly, these companies are all advertising mail-order diplomas. Some are higher quality than others, but it all boils down to the same thing: a means for those who didn't complete school to show an employer or a prospective employer a sheepskin (or should it be a 'snakeskin' in this case?).

Quality varies, from cheaply photocopied rags to extraordinarily well-produced document sets with seals, and in some cases transcripts and even phone numbers for the 'registrar' to verify attendance. Caveat emptor.

If you're inclined to take this route, be certain you're aware of the risks as well as the benefits. the obvious benefit is that you may well gain enhanced prestige, pay, or promotions by virtue of your newly acquired Bachelor's or Master's degree. On the other hand, the significant risk is that of losing not only your credibility but your job and prized benefits if you're caught. You may well find yourself blacklisted within your industry, if your transgression is severe enough.

We won't discuss the moral implications here. I believe everyone should be accountable to their own conscience in matters like this. Your mom doesn't live with you any more. You might find it worth the risk, in order to move closer to your desired goal or lifestyle - others may well not.

Mark Rigney has been an entrepeneur for over two decades. His experience with hiring and with the education system led him to investigate the college diploma industry. Learn more about fake college degrees at http://degree-diploma.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Rigney

Sunday, October 29, 2006

Types of College Degrees: How Many Are There?

By: Samantha Sebring

There are many options for students seeking an education today. There are many quality two-year, four-year and graduate programs available online to students seeking a college education or for those simply looking to further their careers. Employers look at the completion of college or university coursework as an indicator that you are motivated to better yourself and move ahead in your career. Many online schools offer programs ranging from certificate programs all the way to masters degrees and beyond. Earning your degree online gives you the opportunity to start small - and possibly move on to earn an advanced degree - all at your own pace. The following gives you detailed information on the basic degree types available to students.

Certificate Programs offer a useful, concentrated study of a particular professional area. These programs can help you start a new career or develop your skills and knowledge, giving you powerful qualifications to enhance your occupation. A Certificate of Participation is awarded upon completion of your course or program. You may take individual courses for professional development or work toward a certificate in your chosen area of interest.

Diploma programs are a sequence of classes focusing on both theory and practice in a particular field. They are not as broad as degree programs and they usually concentrate on a particular area. Some diploma programs also offer an overview of several different areas. The terms 'certificate' and 'diploma' are often the same. Some universities refer to their programs as certificate programs while others call them diploma programs. There is not a common criterion to differentiate them.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree that can be earned in 2years. An associate degree program consists of three parts: general education requirements, major requirements, and electives. An associate degree is a 2-year degree given by either Community Colleges or Junior Colleges upon completion of an associate degree program.

A Bachelors degree by definition is an academic degree conferred by a college or university upon those who complete the undergraduate curriculum. A Bachelor's Degree is the conventional degree given by undergraduate colleges and universities in the United States.

For detailed information on all types of college degrees please visit us online.

About the Author:

Samantha Sebring is an inhouse writer for Online Degree Today.com. She has been writing distance learning education pieces since 2005.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samantha_Sebring

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Nationally Recognized Accrediting Agencies

The regional and national accrediting agencies linked to below are recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training offered by the institutions of higher education or higher education programs they accredit. The dates specified for each entry are the date of initial listing as a nationally recognized agency, the date of the Secretary's most recent grant of renewed recognition, and the date of the agency's next scheduled review for renewal of recognition by the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity. Unless otherwise noted in a Title IV note after the agency's name, accreditation by an agency included on the lists linked to below may be used by an institution accredited by the agency to establish eligibility to participate in Title IV programs.

(Note: S = Spring meeting and F = Fall meeting)

  • Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
  • Allied Health
  • Art and Design
  • Bible College Education
  • Business
  • Chiropractic
  • Christian Education
  • Continuing Education
  • Cosmetology
  • Dance
  • Dental and Dental Auxiliary Programs
  • Dietetics
  • Distance Education and Training
  • English Language Program
  • Funeral Service Education
  • Health Services Administration
  • Law
  • Liberal Education
  • Marriage and Family Therapy
  • Massage Therapy
  • Medicine
  • Midwifery Education
  • Montessori Education
  • Music
  • Naturopathic Medical Education
  • Nuclear Medicine Technology
  • Nurse Anesthesia
  • Nurse-Midwifery
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Nursing
  • Occupational Education
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Opticianry
  • Optometry
  • Osteopathic Medicine
  • Pastoral Education
  • Pharmacy
  • Physical Therapy
  • Podiatry
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Rabbinical and Talmudic Education
  • Radiologic Technology
  • Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
  • Teacher Education
  • Theater
  • Theology
  • Veterinary Medicine
  • Other
  • Source: http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg6.html