Thread: DETC vs Regional Accreditation

I'm looking at several schools right now. I've noticed that 2 of them are accedited through DETC. What are the pros and cons of persueing a degree at a DETC school vs a regionally accredited school?

RA is the generally accepted standard within the USA.

DETC is generally considered second rate accreditation.

DETC accredited classes/degrees are not as acceptable for transfer into RA schools.

DETC accredited degrees are not as acceptable in the work place as RA but are much more acceptable in this context than in academia.

Which degree are you looking at?

Thanks Bill.... That's helpful information. I've gotten the feeling that DETC degrees were considered a notch below RA. But it's hard to tell from all the literature that I've recieved.

manjuap.... I'm looking for an engineering program (associates or bachelors in mech. eng.). My first choice right now is Thomas Edison which has RA. But I've also come across 2 DETC programs that look tempting. One is through Thomson Education Direct, the other through California National U. Both look like decent programs. But I'm concerned about recognition. I don't want a degree from a program that is considered nothing more than a "matchbook cover school".... Are you aware of any other programs that might fit my needs?

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	Thomas University Thomas University Thomas offers an online Master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click The Link to receive FREE information on this school.

	Engineering Degrees Engineering Degrees Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs. Many engineers develop new products. During the process, they consider several factors. For example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers specify the functional requirements precisely; design and test the robot's components; integrate the components to produce the final design; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. In addition to their involvement in design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance. These engineers supervise production in factories, determine the causes of a component’s failure, and test manufactured products to maintain quality. They also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects. •Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates. •Employment is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, although growth will vary by specialty; overall job opportunities for engineers are expected to be good. •A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some positions may require a graduate degree. Click To Find Engineering Schools

Sorry! not aware of any RA-DL Mech degrees. Thomas Edison is also a good option.
All the best.

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Originally posted by macthumper
Thanks Bill.... That's helpful information. I've gotten the feeling that DETC degrees were considered a notch below RA. But it's hard to tell from all the literature that I've recieved.

manjuap.... I'm looking for an engineering program (associates or bachelors in mech. eng.). My first choice right now is Thomas Edison which has RA. But I've also come across 2 DETC programs that look tempting. One is through Thomson Education Direct, the other through California National U. Both look like decent programs. But I'm concerned about recognition. I don't want a degree from a program that is considered nothing more than a "matchbook cover school".... Are you aware of any other programs that might fit my needs?

University North Dakota offers DL BS degrees in Mech E, CE, Chem E, & EE.
http://rats.und.edu/conted/index.php?mpage=http://www.conted.und.edu/extended/dist_deg.html

Excelsior offers BSET (engineering technology) degrees in a variety of areas.

In my opinion an engineering manager, an Excelsior BSET is better than a DETC engineering /technology degree, plus it will get you into a masters program.

	Engineering Degrees Engineering Degrees Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs. Many engineers develop new products. During the process, they consider several factors. For example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers specify the functional requirements precisely; design and test the robot's components; integrate the components to produce the final design; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. In addition to their involvement in design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance. These engineers supervise production in factories, determine the causes of a component’s failure, and test manufactured products to maintain quality. They also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects. •Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates. •Employment is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, although growth will vary by specialty; overall job opportunities for engineers are expected to be good. •A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some positions may require a graduate degree. Click To Find Engineering Schools

Originally posted by macthumper
I'm looking at several schools right now. I've noticed that 2 of them are accedited through DETC. What are the pros and cons of persueing a degree at a DETC school vs a regionally accredited school?

Hey Mac,

What do you want this degree for?

Climbing the ladder at your current employer, switching career fields, personal knowledge (j/k)? What is the feeling you get from your company or companies you would like to work for as far as a real Mech E degree at a NA school and something possibly less at a school with superior accreditation?

Tony

Ian, I did look at Excelsior. At the time I couldn't find a ME degree program. They had an EE and some other engineering disciplines.

BTW, I've been a big fan of your music for years :D

Myoptimism, I have been in the engineering world for 20+ years. I have a trade school certificate in drafting (a lost art) but I have hit the point (actually well past the point) in my career where any advancement would mean I would need a piece of paper. I've been passed over for several jobs that I am qualified for simply because of the diploma (or lack thereof).... I've gotten mixed reviews on NA schools. Some companies think school is school regardless. Others want top of the line schools (with RA). I'd much rather spend my money and effort on a program that will be looked at favorably by as many companies as possible..... I also want to have the option of transfering my credits. My fear with a DETC program is that this will be close to impossible.

One more question, how likely is it that an RA school (bachelor program) would transfer credits from a DETC school (associates program)?

I find it odd that there are so few undergrad mechanical engineering programs in the DL world. There are plenty of computer, electrical, etc but not much in the mechanical world. That's one reason I'm asking for suggestions.

	Engineering Degrees Engineering Degrees Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs. Many engineers develop new products. During the process, they consider several factors. For example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers specify the functional requirements precisely; design and test the robot's components; integrate the components to produce the final design; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. In addition to their involvement in design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance. These engineers supervise production in factories, determine the causes of a component’s failure, and test manufactured products to maintain quality. They also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects. •Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates. •Employment is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, although growth will vary by specialty; overall job opportunities for engineers are expected to be good. •A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some positions may require a graduate degree. Click To Find Engineering Schools

Originally posted by macthumper
....I find it odd that there are so few undergrad mechanical engineering programs in the DL world. There are plenty of computer, electrical, etc but not much in the mechanical world. That's one reason I'm asking for suggestions.

In general, IMHO, that's because most engineering DL programs are an outgrowth of the Continuing Education side, where they cater to people who already have a degree and want to move on in their field. Also it is easier for the schools, no labs required.

Your other option is the more traditional night school approach. Many programs now offer nigh and weekend classes. Of course this depends on where you are.

	George Washington University George Washington University GWU offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science; and Master’s Degrees in Education and Human Development, Paralegal Studies, Public Relations, Educational Technology Lead, MBA – Healthcare, and MPS in Security and Safety Leadership. GW University is a prestigious and well regarded school. Established in the heart of the nation's capital in 1821, GW provides innovative programs in more than 200 fields of study, including graduate certificate, master's and doctoral programs. Under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty, you will explore both theory and practice in courses that prepare you to meet the needs of an increasingly complex society. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

	Engineering Degrees Engineering Degrees Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs. Many engineers develop new products. During the process, they consider several factors. For example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers specify the functional requirements precisely; design and test the robot's components; integrate the components to produce the final design; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. In addition to their involvement in design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance. These engineers supervise production in factories, determine the causes of a component’s failure, and test manufactured products to maintain quality. They also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects. •Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates. •Employment is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, although growth will vary by specialty; overall job opportunities for engineers are expected to be good. •A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some positions may require a graduate degree. Click To Find Engineering Schools

Originally posted by macthumper
One more question, how likely is it that an RA school (bachelor program) would transfer credits from a DETC school (associates program)?

I believe that you'll find it very rare that DETC credits will be accepted at an RA school. It would probably be easier to use the previous learning to test out those credits at the RA school. On the other hand, if it were just a few credits then you might be able to convince admissions to accept a few credits. The problem is that the policy will likely say that the credits won't be accepted. However, schools will sometimes make some limited exceptions to their stated policy. So it is really hard to say.

What I believe can be said though is that the safest path is RA.

Here is a Mech Eng Tech bachelors from RIT. It appears to be online with a few residencies. The downside is the cost, very pricy. Perhaps you could fulfill gen ed courses at other schools and transfer them into this program or one like it.
RIT

Tony

Another couple of possible avenues are to go the DETC route, then qualify it (more so) with an online master's in Mech Eng, or there may be a foreign degree (GAAP) in ME or that maps more closely than current RA offerings.
Good luck.

See this thread:

http://www.degreeinfo.com/forums/sho...5298#post35298


Also if you do consider a DETC school, you might want to see if ACE has recommended credit for its courses.
The DANTES Catalog of Nationally Accredited Distance Learning Programs lists most DETC schools. The courses offered section indicates ACE recommendations if applicable. This catalog says:

"The numbers in the ACE/CCRS column refer(s) to credit recommendations in semester hours made by ACE/CCRS. No entry means that no recommendation was available. ACE/CCRS produces the The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs, which is the civilian equivalent of the ACE Guide. The ACE Guide contains credit recommendations for military training.

Through ACE/CCRS, college and university faculty evaluate workplace training offered by business, industry, labor unions, professional associations, government agencies, and other instructional entities and make college credit recommendations. ACE/CCRS evaluations may be helpful to students who later wish to transfer their credit to other institutions.

ACE/CCRS recommendations are updated annually and are published in The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs. DANTES distributes this book to education centers annually."

http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_w....htm?Flag=True

	George Washington University George Washington University GWU offers an online Bachelor’s Degree in Police Science; and Master’s Degrees in Education and Human Development, Paralegal Studies, Public Relations, Educational Technology Lead, MBA – Healthcare, and MPS in Security and Safety Leadership. GW University is a prestigious and well regarded school. Established in the heart of the nation's capital in 1821, GW provides innovative programs in more than 200 fields of study, including graduate certificate, master's and doctoral programs. Under the guidance of a world-renowned faculty, you will explore both theory and practice in courses that prepare you to meet the needs of an increasingly complex society. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.

Myoptimism- Thank you for the RIT info. I did look at them a while back. But 2 things turned me off. First was the $ (as you stated) and second was that they require some residency (for labs I believe). Seeing the way my life is, a partial residency would not work. The more I look, the more I seem to think that TESC is the way to go for me..... But I do thank you for you insight and help.

Charles- Thank you for the link the the other thread. That was more help to me than you know. I think I will avoid DETC schools at this time simpley because I don't want the headache of "fighting" for any future transfers.

You have al been very helpful Thank you for your insights and willingness to share your knowledge. This is helping me see what I really need to do. :)

Try this one, Macthumper:

http://www.odu.edu/ao/vstream/degree_programs.htm

This is ODU's videostream degree program (if you are familar w/ Teletechnet for VA,NC,SC, etc. then this is Teletechnet you can do at home via videostreaming).

They have a BS in Mech Engineering Technology. They also have a degree completion program through Navy College. That is a BSET in General Engineering Technology (Electro-mechanical option).

Best Regards,
Bill

	Boston University Boston University BU offers an online Master's Degree in Criminal Justice and a Transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy. The school is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized form of accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school. [/center]

	Engineering Degrees Engineering Degrees Engineers apply the principles of science and mathematics to develop economical solutions to technical problems. Their work is the link between scientific discoveries and the commercial applications that meet societal and consumer needs. Many engineers develop new products. During the process, they consider several factors. For example, in developing an industrial robot, engineers specify the functional requirements precisely; design and test the robot's components; integrate the components to produce the final design; and evaluate the design's overall effectiveness, cost, reliability, and safety. In addition to their involvement in design and development, many engineers work in testing, production, or maintenance. These engineers supervise production in factories, determine the causes of a component’s failure, and test manufactured products to maintain quality. They also estimate the time and cost required to complete projects. •Starting salaries are among the highest of all college graduates. •Employment is projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations, although growth will vary by specialty; overall job opportunities for engineers are expected to be good. •A bachelor's degree in engineering is required for most entry-level jobs, but some positions may require a graduate degree. Click To Find Engineering Schools

In my survey of 338 collegiate registrars two years ago (presented at the AACRAO registrars' convention in Seattle last year),

19% always accepted DETC-accredited degrees for credit transfer or admissions purposes

10% usually accepted it

8% sometimes accepted it

The rest ranged from rarely to never.

As part of his Union Ph.D., Rich Douglas is doing comparable research with corporate HR officers.

I hope that when he is done (probably next spring or summer), we can combine our findings into a formal paper on the topic.

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Originally posted by John Bear

As part of his Union Ph.D., Rich Douglas is doing comparable research with corporate HR officers.

I hope that when he is done (probably next spring or summer), we can combine our findings into a formal paper on the topic.

Spring.

	Argosy University Argosy University Argosy offers online Bachelor's, Master's and Doctorate in Business Administration, psychology, and HR-related degrees, with many specialty degrees, including organizational psychology, exercise psychology, HR, public administration, higher education administration, and many more. Argosy also offers the same degrees and more from 19 locations across the U.S., and is a leader in the distance/online education field. Argosy has one of the largest graduate student communities in the nation, and is regionally accredited, the most widely recognized accreditation. Click Here to receive FREE information on this school.