M.S Southwest University

I did a search on Southwest University and all the posts are pretty old, so I just would like peoples feedback on this school. So far, I am aware that they offered unaccredited Ph.d's for a long time, and some sheriff up north got bad press for claiming a Phd from Southwest. I am also aware that they dropped the phd program and have since become DETC accredited.
I am just honestly looking for peoples opinion. I respect the regulars who post here, so opinions are all Im after.

Would a graduate from Southwest U. be looked at with suspicion because of their dubious past, even though they have since become accredited?
Is it too soon to tell if Southwest will maintain accreditation after 2008?

Also, if John Bear is readingid you visit the Southwest U. "campus" years ago? If so, did it consist of just a p.o box or anactually building.
Thank you for reading and I appreciate any feedback that is provided.

 

For many years, whenever the topic of sincere, honest unaccredited schools arose, I used Southwest as an example. I've been in touch with owner Reg Sheldrick for well over 20 years, although I only met him once.

There is no way DETC would even 'visit' much less accredit a school with no facilities. Southwest, at the time of my visit (and still, I suspect) had quite a pleasant suite of offices, perhaps a dozen rooms, in a small (2 or 3 story) and attractive (atrium entrance) office building in a New Orleans suburb.

Southwest had its share of road bumps along the way. They did drop the doctorates on the first foray with DETC, but apparently continued to offer them through a 'sister' school in Missouri, which DETC didn't like.

The vast majority of schools -- DETC and RA -- have their accreditation renewed, but no one can say until it happens. DETC is very good about telling schools what they need to do, if any problem is found.

Many schools will gladly provide the names of alumni who are willing to talk to prospective students. This is probably a wise thing to try to do. Some schools use the argument, "We don't want people bothering our alumni." But they can be asked. For the Edinburgh MBA, we routinely asked both students and alumni if they'd talk to others, by phone, mail, or email. More than 1/3 said yes, so we had a data bank of more than a thousand people to whom we could refer others. I am confident that was one of the important factors in the program becoming as big as it did.

If you do develop relevant opinions as you look into this, Lawman1, it could be very helpful to others if you shared them here.

 

Dr. Bear,
I greatly appreciate your very quick reply. Even though we have previously never conversed, I hold you in high regard as an expert in the field of DL. It is very assuring to hear your comments about Southwest being an "sincere, honest unaccredited school". Im glad Southwest cleaned up their act and became accredited. It gives people like me another viable option in the pursuit of education.
As a police officer, I would not hesitate to attend Southwest. Im not trying to climb the corporate ladder, or go on to earn a doctorate and teach. I am just a street cop who wants a Masters degree, and an NA degree suits me just fine.
Before I sign on the dotted line with Southwest, I just wanted to get up to date opinions on the school. So far, I like what I am seeing. Ill keep everyone posted on my decision, for those who care. Thanks again,
Frank C.