Is ITU A Diploma Mill?

Is International Technological University A Diploma Mill????


http://www.itu.edu/accreditations.html

International Technological University is accredited by the following organizations:

Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)

International Technological University (ITU) is a senior college accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools to award bachelor's degrees and master's degrees.

Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE)
American Council of Education (ACE)
Project Management Institute (PMI)


ITU Is Working With Diploma Mill Operators To Sell Their MBA And DBA Degree In Malaysia And Vietnam. Someone forwarded me this link;

http://itu-link.blogspot.com/

Any Info On;

Is ITU Accredited To Run DBA Program By ACICS? and

If Not Then Would ITU DBA Is Accredited By US Government Or Any One Else? and

ITU Is Accepting 100% Transfer Credits From Diploma Mills Like Southern Pacific University Columbia Commonwealth University And Paramount University For MBA And DBA. Is this acceptable practice?

 

The American Council for Independent Colleges and Schools is a legitimate accreditor.

The Bureau of Private Postsecodary and Vocational Education offers California state approval to schools.

Having one's courses evaluated by the American Council of Education often helps nationally accredited (ACICS, DETC) courses transfer to regionally accredited schools more easily.

The Project Management Institute is a professional accreditor that accredits project management courses.

There is an old thread suggesting that ACICS must have a doctoral pilot project because one of their schools, Northwestern Polytechnic University, of Fremont, California, offers DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) and DCE (Doctor of Computer Engineering) degrees. However, when I brought this old thread up recently, someone suggested that NPU's doctoral programs are a joke. I would check the website www.acics.org to find out whether ACICS schools are allowed to have doctoral programs.

An accredited school is allowed to accept unaccredited credits in transfer. We've been through that issue on a recent NCU thread.

 

If the institution at www.itu.edu is, in fact, the same International Technological University that's listed on page 1 of the seven-page list of ACICS-accredited institutions (PDF) (and the only reason for doubt is that the web site says it's in Sunnyvale, and the ACICS PDF document says it should be in Santa Clara); and if it's truly ACE approved; and if it's truly BPPVE-registered/approved; and if it's truly PMI-accredited (and the only reason I don't know is because I've not bothered to look-up any of it except for the ACICS thing), then it most certainly isn't a diploma mill. It could not possibly be. As Ted correctly points out, these accreditors are U.S. Department of Education (USDE) and/or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) approved. So there's simply no possible way that ITU is a "diploma mill." Period.

Given that ITU is accredited by multiple USDE- and/or CHEA-approved accreditors; and given that the accusation is coming from and/or has anything even remotely to do with Malaysia and/or Vietnam; and given that some of the most outrageously incorrect and misleading information and accusations tend to come to this forum from that part of the planet -- and often from people with names like yours, I might add -- I'd say you should offer verifiable proof before (or at least along with) such accusations. Until we see something like that (and what you've offered so far doesn't qualify, by the way), I'd say you should shut the hell up. Provide verifiable proof of such outrageous accusations, or don't come here and try to incite a riot.

I remember reading through a couple PDF documents on the ACICS web site some months back, and mention therein of doctoral programs, and how to be accredited by ACICS to offer them, was made. So I assume that at least some ACICS-accredited institutions have the ACICS okeedokee to offer them. I have no idea if ITU is one of them. But I believe it's safe to assume that an ACICS-accredited institution could offer a doctoral-level program.

The U.S. Government does not accredit. The U.S. Department of Education -- a branch of the U.S. government -- approves private accrediting agencies (like ACICS, for example; or DETC, to name another) to do all the accrediting. Colleges, universities and institutes are usually very proud of who accredits them. If ITU were using another accreditor for its doctoral-level programs, you can bet it would be listed on its web site. Being from a country that still hasn't figured out what democracy actually means and/or how it works -- and likely never will, at least not firsthand -- it doesn't surprise me that you'd think such a thing were even possible. But, see, we don't operate that way in this country... not that anyone from your part of the world gives a crap (or will permit themselves to be impressed).

No. And I don't believe it. You're either a troll, or you've been misled, or you don't really have or understand the facts of the situation... which is pretty typical of those who have been cluttering-up these fora with useless crap about unethical goings on in the nefarious and good-for-nothing Malaysia and Vietnam.

Either provide incontrovertible proof of your allegations, or keep your damned mouth shut around here. This ain't Southeast Asia. Your games don't fly in this place.

 

I live in the Silicon Valley area. People around here are familiar wih Santa Clara University but most people haven't even heard of ITU. I'm not suggesting that it's a mill, only that ITU isn't a major educational institution.

Be aware that more than one school is operating under the International Technological University name.

Here's one that claims (almost certainly falsely) to have been founded by the United Nations and (inevitably) UNESCO:

http://www.ituedu.org/English/main.php

It's apparently run by the same people who run this:

http://www.islamiccolleges.com/english/

Here's another website for it:

http://www.ituedu.ca/main.asp

Not that I know of. Here's the graduate progrms offered by the Santa Clara/Sunnyvale ITU:

http://www.itu.edu/graduate.html

My understanding is tha ACICS only has a few doctoral pilot programs going at this point.

The California ITU isn't authorized by the state to grant doctorates:

http://app1.dca.ca.gov/bppve/school-search/view-school.asp?schlcode=4305341

Again, not that I know of.

Are you are asking about a particular DBA program that's being offered in your region? If so, be careful. Con artists may be trying to create confusion by using the ACICS ITU's accreditation to induce prospective students to enroll in an unrelated program.

I think that it's difficult to say what's happening without more information than we have right now. But it certainly doesn't smell good.

Does your local ITU DBA program have a webpage?

Of course not.

But I'd like to be clearer about what's really happening.

 

Re: Re: Is ITU A Diploma Mill?

Have I just opened a “can of worms” or this guy is Vietnam veteran probably got screwed badly during Vietnam war. Thanks for warm welcome.

 

Re: Re: Is ITU A Diploma Mill?

ITU has indeed no authorization of what so ever to offer a DBA program (Neither by BPPVE or ACICS) yet they are doing it in Malaysia and Vietnam. Their agents confirm that ITU accept full credit transfer for degrees earned at Southern Pacific University or Columbia Commonwealth University and cost is $3000.

I have no hesitation in labeling them a DIPLOMA MILL and complaints have already been made to ACICS and BPPVE. They are the worse kind as they are “ACCREDITED DIPLOMA MILL”

The following information is not found at ITU web site but they are promoting it through their agents;

MINERVA VIETNAM WEB SITE

http://www.minerva-education.org/1024/programs.asp?page=proituedba

MALAYSIA AGENTS DO NOT HAVE WEBSITE

Please view their Catalog at blog below

http://itu-link.blogspot.com/
I
TU Executive Doctor of Business Administration (EDBA)

Duration:

• ONE and HALF year

Entry Requirements:

• Master degree with GPA 2.7 and above

Program Features:

• Accredited in USA and recognized world-wide including China and Taiwan government.
• EDBA suitable for working adult without TOFEL & GMAT.
• Distance learning with optional tutorial support.
• Complete study guide, textbook and online resources.
• EDBA can be completed in ONE and HALF year.
• Modular mode of study ensure flexibility

EDBA Program Content: (9 Modules)

1. Management Leadership Dynamic.
2. New Venture Creation.
3. Research Methods.
4. Investment & Risk Management.
5. Global Economic.
6. International Business Strategy.
7. Strategic Technology Management.
8. International Finance.
9. Doctorial Dissertation (50,000 words).

Assessment:

• Final Examination and /or Assignment.

 

Re: Re: Re: Is ITU A Diploma Mill?

No, we Vietnam vets are cool with the East.

Welcome!

 

Re: Re: Re: Is ITU A Diploma Mill?

From your information provided, e.g. http://www.minerva-education.org/1024/programs.asp?page=proituedba or http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/3604/1421/1600/Scanned%20Flyer%2021.jpg , they did not show any evidences for ITU to sell the degrees. They all are the course description only.

 

Re: Re: Re: Is ITU A Diploma Mill?

Good. I was going to suggest that these two organizations be contacted.

The Minerva Vietnam website certainly seems to be offering students a program in ITU's name that the parent school's website doesn't mention and that it doesn't seem accredited or approved to offer.

http://www.minerva-education.org/800/programs.asp?page=proituedba

Its interesting that this material is in rather good English. I wonder who they are trying to reach with this.

The root website just led me to a blank blue page.

http://www.minerva-education.org

I'm still unclear on what's happening.

Is this ITU using an offshore agent to give them plausible deniability while offering programs that they shouldn't be offering and making misleading accreditation claims about them? In other words, did the idea for this Minerva DBA program originate with ITU?

Is it ITU contracting with an overzealous and perhaps ethically challeged offshore agent? In other words, did the idea originate with the agent? (Why do universities like Herriot Watt (at least apparently another Minerva client) utilize local agents in the first place, rather than simply dealing with students directly?) Of course, if this option is the correct one, the question becomes why ITU permits their agent to do this.

Or is this an unauthorized attempt to use ITU's name to defraud prospective students? ITU might not even be aware of it.

Given the latter possibility, I'd contact ITU as well as the ACICS and BPPVE. See what ITU tells you. Of course, their predictable denials might not be entirely trustworthy.

 

Re: Re: Re: Is ITU A Diploma Mill?

Hi Danny,

Welcome to degreeinfo.com forum. There is nothing wrong with what you posted. I actually believe that what you posted is informative. Opinions about schools and accreditation vary greatly here. Whereas ACICS is a legitimate accreditation agency, it's not at par with regional agencies because most RA schools would not accept credits from ACICS accredited schools. It has been speculated here that some ACICS schools have received a go ahead to offer doctorates but this assertion is yet to be supported by anybody. The authoritative source on this issue still says that ACICS accredits programs only up to master's degree level. The source is here: http://www.acics.org/about/

A portion of the info on institutional accreditation by ACICS (last paragraph) states:

“ACICS, which was formed in 1912, has been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education since 1956 (just four years after the recognition process was introduced) as a national accrediting body for post secondary institutions offering primarily business and business-related programs of study at non-degree and associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree levels.”

Until anyone points me to another authoritative source that says that ACICS accredits doctoral programs, I will continue to believe that ACICS accredits programs only up maser’s degree level.

 

Re: Re: Is ITU A Diploma Mill?

Where can I find this document or these documents?

I don't believe that the above statement is called for.

 

Re: Re: Re: Is ITU A Diploma Mill?

Oh, yeah... that's it: Sour grapes. Of course it couldn't possibly be because of anything inherently wrong with Vietnam... that repository and bastion -- the very citadel -- of freedom, democracy, lawfulness and successful commerce in the suddenly and miraculously no-longer-third-world Southeast Asia!

I'm sorry, I don't remember offering you a warm welcome.

Tell you what... when you guys write me a check for all the losses I've experienced through Internet credit card fraud originating out of Vietnam and, especially, Malaysia; and/or when the good people in and/or from those places start showing a little responsibility and put a stop to such rampant criminal behavior that surrounds them instead of just looking the other way and allowing it to screw-up Internet commerce in other parts of the world, then my opinion might change. The problem is so big, as I pointed-out in another thread, that the only effective way to deal with it for web site owners is to just block access to our web sites from all IP addresses which ARIN has assigned to those countries -- which, of course, blocks access to both the crooks from harming us, as well as the honest people there from doing legitimate business with us... but the latter is a loss, believe me, that we're willing to absorb.

That those fraud- and other-kinds-of-financial-crime-ridden countries have a bunch of opportunistic, renegades who claim to be "agents" of legitimate institutions and then behave badly in said institutions' names comes as no surprise; and that people in those places don't know how to recognize what's actually going on there comes as even less of a surprise.

And here's the thing to always remember: Most of the time those who come here and waste everyone's time complaining about such problems in countries on the other side of the planet where people still bring their wares to market by ox cart -- and where absolutely anyone, no matter who they are, can be bribed as long as the money's right -- are nothing but agents of some competing institution themselves, looking to score points with the institution for which they are an agent by being able to point to the fact that they were at the presitigious DegreeInfo, smearing their competitor.

I don't know if the institutions for which they're agents pay $10 bonuses for each post or what, but it's unmitigated BULLS_IT, and I'm sick to death of the otherwise intelligent people around here taking the bait and swallowing it hook, line and sinker.

We get all kinds of kunckleheads coming in here from those places trying to make whatever's going on there our concern and/or problem. They come in here and take a shotgun approach, making allegations against anyone with a pulse, and routinely getting the facts wrong... yet take no responsibility for having done so even when it's clearly shown that they did.

When anyone has the temerity to point out that the problem is that those places are still operating with a centuries-old, third-world sensibility and mentality, they get accused of racism and are called Asian haters... which, in my case, comes as one hell of a somewhat understandable surprise to the first generation ASIAN woman with whom I've been living for several years; who can certainly recognize anti-Asian racism when she sees it; and who certainly doesn't see it in me.

Danny Ng came in here, as so many have come in here before him, and made reckless accusations with nothing to back them up. He has, at this writing, still not offered anything in the way of verifiable proof of his claims... as is nearly always the case with these guys.

The bottom line is that ITU -- the real ITU -- is not a diploma mill. Does that mean that it's not capable of doing something millish which, when finally discovered by its accreditors may put it on probation or cause it to lose its accreditation altogether? Of course not! Do I believe that that's what's going on here, based on the reckless and unfounded allegation of someone who's very likely an agent for one of ITU's competitors? Of course not!

Pony-up some proof -- the kind that will stand-up in a U.S. court of law -- and I'll happily yield to the gentleman from Vietnam.

Until then, gimmee a freakin' break!

Warm welcome, indeed.

You know, I'm just not going to go through all the ACICS PDF documents to try and determine where among them I might have seen that doctoral reference. As I recall, it was among the Accreditation Criteria PDF files. It was a weird and isolated sentence or two -- maybe a short paragraph -- that anyone here, having read it, would have furrowed his/her brow and thought, "Wow... wait a minute... so does this mean that ACICS either has, can or will accredit doctoral programs?"

I don't know if it was a mistake, or if it was something leftover from something that ACICS used to do but does not longer; or if it was something that ACICS is planning on doing but had accidentally prematurely put in the document, or what. All I know is that I came away from having read it wondering if maybe ACICS is allowed to accredit doctoral programs, and maybe even has some guidelines written down for future use, but simply never does it, or just isn't doing it yet.

I cannot remember precisely where I read it, but I strongly believe it was somewhere in those accreditation criteria PDFs. I notice that said PDFs have all been revised in August 2005, and I will tell you right now that what I read was on ACICS's web site over a year ago. If it was a mistake, it may very well no longer be in any of those documents, but on my father's grave I swear that I read it.

I will add one other thing: At the time that I read it, I was very frustrated with the ACICS web site because so many of its PDF links were broken. I even emailed the webmaster and gave him what for for it. Thereafter, he corrected a bunch of them -- or at least thought he had -- and emailed me to tell me so. When I checked them, they all finally worked (in that they produced a PDF document and not just a "404 File Not Found" error), but some of them linked to woefully out-of-date versions of some of the documents (which I, in turn, reported to him and which he then promptly fixed). I suppose there's a possibility that a wrong or old version of one of the PDFs was where I read it -- a version that contained criteria that maybe ACICS was planning, but never followed-up on; or which it once included in its documentation because it planned on accrediting doctoral programs, but then it removed that information because it's now not going to (or isn't allowed to) after all. Who knows.

All I know is that I read it. I'm not mistaken. I read it. And it left me with the impression that while ACICS may not actually accredit doctoral programs, it could if it wanted to... and/or may be planning to. I didn't just imagine it.

If I have time, I'll try to find it. Or maybe I'll email ACICS and ask them about it... which, by the way, I'm loathe to do since I've emailed ACICS several times before with questions (other than those I asked the webmaster) and have not been responded to.

In the meantime, you're certainly welcome to go try to find it on the ACICS web site yourself. Believe me, that'll be much faster than your sitting around waiting for me to take the time to satisfy your curiosity.

 

Gegg:

Well.... Umm.... It seems that ACICS allows member schools to offer non-PhD doctorates (JD, Ed.D, DFA, and DBA).

Condition: The school must receive appropriate approval first from the state in which it is located or a national education agency, where such authority exists (whatever this statement means). If such authority does not exist, then …whatever

The info is here: http://acics.org/Publications/documents/T3-CH7_001.pdf

Section 3-7-200 --- State Authority

 

The last I heard, ACICS resembles DETC with regards to doctoral programs. Both accreditors have accredited a small number of pilot programs. One of the ACICS pilots is ITU's Silicon Valley neighbor, Northwestern Polytechnic University in Fremont.

 

Hmmmm. That definitely sounds familiar, but somehow it's not, I don't think, what I was talking about. I mean, don't get me wrong... it might be. But I thought I remembered seeing a bona fide PhD reference of some kind... and being surprised by it at the time, I might add.

But who knows... maybe you've found it. It's been just long enough ago, and the amount that I cared about it at the time was just low enough, that I just can't remember much more than the impression with which it left me. Now, that I do remember.

Dammit! Now you've got me goin'. I guess now I will go take the time to try and figure out precisely what I read back then. I hate it when this sort of thing happens. I absolutely know that I read it; and that it's probably in there somewhere; but I'm barely motivated to really dig to find it... except now you've got me curious. [sigh] I'll report back.

 

Yes... they are all in California. Each was approved by the State of California to award doctorates prior to ACICS accreditation.

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Is ITU A Diploma Mill?

MINERVA is a Fraud and so is their Malaysian Conuterpart. I believe ITU is equally involved, I send them a number of emails requesting information and clarification but no reply what so ever. They have been quiet and probably contemplating on what to do next!

MINERVA fraudently used UMT, DETC and UIU on their web site and upon alert these universities came hard on MINERVA and the link were gone in a day:

Here are the emails;

August 10, 2005

Mr. Ho,

Thank you for your concern. We realize it is still listed but without our authorization. We are taking appropriate action with authorities to have it removed. We have also reported it to the US ambassador to Viet Nam to investigate and stop this infringement.

Respectfully,

Celina E. M. Peerman, M.A., PHR
Director of Organizational Development
Domestic & International
Upper Iowa University
http://my.f352.mail.yahoo.com/ym/[email protected]
563-425-5251
www.uiu.edu/international

Mr. Ho,

Please be informed that Upper Iowa University has no relationship with Minerva as listed below in your email. The use of our name, trademarks or other proprietary information in this manner is unauthorized and fraudulent. Upper Iowa University will take appropriate action when such activity is discovered. Furthermore, if anyone should post information anywhere to the contrary, it may be understood to be libel or slander.

Sincerely,

Celina E. M. Peerman, M.A., PHR
Director of Organizational Development
Domestic & International
Upper Iowa University
http://my.f352.mail.yahoo.com/ym/[email protected]
563-425-5251


JDFrame wrote:
Attention: Raymond Ho

Dear Mr. Ho:

Thank you for your email message of 6 August 2005.

No one is authorized to promote UMT’s educational programs in either Malaysia or Vietnam, so if such promotion is being undertaken, it is without our approval. We have no knowledge of the four people you discuss in your email message: Messrs. Andy Ng, Chu Kok Ann, Johnny Ng, or Ms.La Dieu Mai. I just visited the website you mentioned, http://www.minervavietnam.com/ , and found no reference to UMT. I note, however, that the three schools listed on the site – Edinburgh Business School, Upper Iowa University, and International Technological University – are all accredited universities.

Best regards,

J. Davidson Frame, PhD, PMP
Academic Dean


Mr. Ho:

I would appreciate seeing the scanned brochure. Also, if in the future you see our programs advertised in Malaysia/Vietnam, please let me know, because as I mentioned earlier, we have no programs in these two countries. The usual way we find out about unauthorized promotion of our programs overseas is when we get phone calls from potential students asking for more details!

Best regards,
JD Frame

 

ITU is now officially recognized by China's Ministry of Education House

http://www.itu.edu/

http://www.jsj.edu.cn/mingdan/tjyx03.htm

What is this house is it the same as Chinas MOE?

Learner

 

Re: Re: Re: Re: Is ITU A Diploma Mill?

One can get their DBA in one and a half year. No TOEFL or GMAT required, credit transfer from diploma mill accepted, GPA of 2.7 accepted. 9 modules and a dissertation. ITU DBA is very much identical to the unaccredited nonsense DBAs flourishing across Asia these days. What other indications you are expecting?
Information below is obtained from MINERVA VIETNAM WEBSITE that is still available at Archive.

http://web.archive.org/web/20040221032024/http:/minervavietnam.com/prg.asp

Are you seeking a program that understands the demands of your busy life, search no further than Minerva Vietnam Ltd.. We delivers the challenging, but flexible, programs to help you achieve your educational and career goals. Distance learning programs at Minerva offers educational opportunities unparalleled with famous universities in the world. With many complete degree programs available (and more added each semester), students can complete their degree without having to set foot in a classroom.

If you would like to see how distance learning program works, visit our programs offered:

Edinburgh Business School - Heriot-Watt University.
University of Portsmouth - carrying students to the forefront of technological change.
Southern Pacific University - MBA - A name of Excellence.
Columbia Commonwealth University - Taking the distance out of distance education.


The California School of International Management (CSIM) is authorized by the State of California to offer the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree and even their DBA seems to be better than ITU DBA: At least they are honest with their status:

“The degree does not carry “accreditation” status and may not be recognized in some countries”

http://www.csim.edu/dba/curric.htm

Introduction

The California School of International Management (CSIM) is authorized by the State of California to offer the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) degree. The School has been so authorized since its beginning in 1995, and has enrolled and graduated doctoral students from China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland, and the US. The degree carries full authority and recognition of California and is so recognized in the United States and in many countries in the world.

California State Approval Status

As stated, this doctoral program, and conferrable degree, and degree title (“Dr.”) is in permanent approval status granted by the State of California’s Bureau of Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education unit. The degree does not

carry “accreditation” status and may not be recognized in some countries. In the greater international community, a graduate of this degree program can be proud to carry the “Dr.” title in front of one’s name from an earned degree program recognized by the State of California, and in many countries of the world, and in a very large part of the international community.
Degree Requirements

The degree program requires that students be continuously enrolled for three years and complete a program of study consisting of thirteen courses plus a doctoral dissertation.
Each course is a five quarter-unit course. The total course quarter-units required are seventy-five, including the dissertation.

 

Minerva Vietnam Ltd (www.minervavietnam.com) is just a distributor to supply course materials, some administrative services, and non academic advice, related to the programme for students who wish to study independently in Vietnam.

http://64.233.179.104/search?q=cache:NGbIwXBxQm8J:www.ebsdba.com/pdf/LocDist.pdf+Minerva+Vietnam+limited&hl=en

Edinburgh Business School Distribution Representatives

For students who wish to purchase Edinburgh Business School courses locally, in local currencies, this list gives contact details of distribution representatives who can supply course materials, some administrative services, and non academic advice, related to the programme. For students who wish to study independently, Edinburgh Business School and Pearson Education provide dedicated support.

Edinburgh Business School will answer all academic queries and questions relating to individual examination applications. Please contact [email protected]. For all other queries, contact a specialist
Student Advisor:

VIETNAM
Minerva Vietnam Ltd
Distance Learning Office,
3Fl. 47 Ba Trieu St, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, VIETNAM
Tel: (+84) 4 934 5508
Fax+84) 4 934 5509
Email: [email protected]
Website: [email protected]
Contact: Ms La Dieu Mai

ITU (www.itue.edu) still listed at their website and there is no email replies from ITU since last two weeks. I hope someone in California can verify if they exist? I read somewhere that they only have 240 students.


http://www.itu.edu/contactus.html

ITU Address:

International Technological University
756 San Aleso Ave
Sunnyvale, CA 94085
Tel: 408-752-0991 / 408-752-0771
Email: [email protected]

All Academic Programs:

Gerald Cory, Ph.D.
tel: 408-752-0991
email: [email protected]


I wonder why an accredited university is using free emails.