degree mills

SCUPS, Northwestern Cal Uni School of Law, Cal Coast.

1)Are these degree mills?

2)Legal?

3)Recognized


Has anyone studied at these institutions?

Their Professors seem qualified, all with RA degrees and Higher degrees.

They also make NO false accreditation claims.

SCUPS actually states (catalog) that it has no accreditation, only CA State approval.

Advise please.

Bozzy

 

Cal Coast says it has 8000 students enrolled

NWCU Law School has proctored exams and cannot be completed in less than three years(BSL/JD) non bar / 4 years for the Bar degree.

 

I am enrolled in Cal Coast BS/MBA program. I had 2 classes to complete for my BS. The quality of the program is very good for me. It may not suit everyone. Many people will advise you to get an RA degree, I guess that depends on your needs.

Cal Coast is a state approved school and has been around for a long time. I have heard that same about SCUPS. They are not degree mills, they are legal, and they are recognized.

 

In my opinion;

1) No

2) Yes

3) Depends

I say "depends", because it depends on what type of recognition you mean. All of them are "recognized" by the State of California in that they have state approval to operate. If you mean mainstream recognition, it would probably range from not at all in academia to much better in the corporate world.


Bruce

 

What kind of degree are you looking for? You may be able to get some better accredited options. Let me give you an example, someone once posted on aed they spent about 4900.00 on an MBA form Cal Coast. If for some reason you did not want an RA MBA then you could look at Andrew Jackson University with a DETC accredited DL MBA for about the same cost. It can at least make claims to being acredited and in the state I live in will qualify for some state employment where Cal Coast would just get you dirty looks.

North

 

I signed up for Cal Coast, they wanted me to take 11 courses all were open book. I was not impressed and when I found AED I understood the difference between RA DETC and California Approved. I chose to drop out (at that time I completed my studies and I needed to complete PAYMENTS to complete my Bachelor Degree


For about the same costs I changed to Charter Oak State College (RA)They have recognized my National Certification in Prosthetics and Orthotics (55 semester credits) and then it is on to Amberton University for an RA master's degree.

The difference in costs from RA to Cal Approved is too little and the difference in RA and Cal approved is too great.

Dan Snelson
a concentration essay from graduation

 

Good luck Dan! Appears that you made solid choices.

North

 

Thanks,

and why yes I do need a RA degree as my work just posted a job that I will be able to apply for WITH the degree but not without even though I have 25 years experience in my field.

Dan

 

Bozzy,

The schools you name are CA state approved, so yes, they are legal, and offer legal degrees. IMO, CCU is not a degree mill, yet I think you will find that the course requirements are not equivalent, in terms of substance, to RA programs. I checked into CCU at one time, and as Dan has noted, it appeared that the level of work was not on par with RA (although I never actually did any work via CCU). There are certainly people who have benefited from a CCU degree, but you will find that within academe the recognition of such a degree is extremely limited.

Best wishes in your pursuit.

Russell

 

Good luck Dan, be sure to share the big news when it happens!

Speaking of Amberton, can their graduate degrees now be done non-residentially? I haven't looked at them in awhile, and the last time there was some residency involved. I also remember them being one of the cheaper (cost wise) RA MBA's around.


Bruce

 

Regardless of what people say, there are some institutions that hire CCU graduates as faculty members, perhaps more for the individual qualifications rather than the degree but it happens quite often.

Here is an example of RA university with a CCU full time faculty member.
http://www.argosyu.edu/facultybyarea.asp?page=faculty&area=school&id=3

 

EXPLANATION OF COURSE OFFERINGS
New courses as well as course changes are included in this edition of the catalog. Students pursuing a degree under a previous edition of the catalog should refer to that edition to determine course requirements for their degree. Courses are designated by department name and number along with a descriptive title.
example: MKT3151 Marketing
1) MKT is the Department,
2) 3 is the Academic level [1=Freshman Level, 2=Sophomore, 3= Junior, 4=Senior, 5 & 6=Graduate],
3) 151 is the Department Code, and
4) Marketing is the Department Course Description


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MASTER OF ARTS
COUNSELING
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Counseling is designed for persons interested in becoming Licensed Professional Counselors (L.P.C.) in the State of Texas. The degree is organized to prepare graduates for counseling positions in both private and public settings. Graduates may work with either individuals or groups as well as functional and dysfunctional families. The curriculum is comprised of forty-eight (48) graduate hours and includes a minimum of 300 practicum hours. No student may enroll in a practicum course without completing all other degree requirements.

I. Required Graduate Studies: 3 Hours

RGS6035 Theory & Application of Research Methods ...................................3 hours
II. Major Requirements: 39 Hours

CSL6780 Introduction to Counseling & Guidance OR
CSL6775 Counseling Methodologies .................................................................3 hours
CSL6782 Theories & Methods of Counseling OR
CSL6757 Theory & Systems of Counseling ......................................................3 hours
CSL6800 Counseling Assessment Techniques ................................................3 hours
CSL6801 Life Span Development ........................................................................3 hours
CSL6803 Career Counseling and Guidance .......................................................3 hours
CSL6805 Group Counseling & Therapy............................................................. 3 hours
CSL6810 Issues & Ethics in Counseling............................................................ 3 hours
CSL6820 Diagnosis/Treatment of Dysfunctional Behavior ............................3 hours
CSL6825 Marriage & Family Therapy................................................................ 3 hours
CSL6830 Advanced Counseling Skills & Techniques.................................... 3 hours
CSL6832 Multicultural Counseling ....................................................................3 hours
CSL6840 Practicum I............................................................................................. 3 hours
CSL6845 Practicum II ...........................................................................................3 hours
III. Electives: 6 Hours

IV. Minimum Requirements:

36 semester hours applicable to the degree must be completed at Amberton University.
48 semester hours for a degree.
NOTE: Additional L.M.F.T. Requirements:
Students who are interested in becoming Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (L.M.F.T.) in the State of Texas must complete the following courses (IN ADDITION TO THE 48 HOURS REQUIRED IN THE MASTER OF ARTS IN COUNSELING):

CSL6822 Family in Crisis
CSL6824 Human Sexuality OR CSL6834 Adolescent Development
CSL6850 Practicum III

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MASTER OF ARTS
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
The Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Professional Development is a special graduate program designed to allow the college-trained person to expand his/her knowledge beyond the boundaries of traditional education. The program is intended for the student who has earned the bachelor's degree and seeks a terminal graduate degree that offers the broader educational experience not normally available through traditional programs. The degree is designed for those individuals who desire a learning experience that can be a helpful resource in decision making, leadership, and personal growth.

The curriculum is both broad and diversified, with major emphasis on the study of ideas. Courses include those that focus on the psychological, social, political, and business aspects of contemporary society. Essentially interdisciplinary and nonvocational, the Master of Arts in Professional Development does not emphasize specialization.

I. Required Graduate Studies: 6 Hours

RGS6035 Theory & Application of Research Methods ..............................3 hours
RGS6036 Ethics for Decision Making............................................................ 3 hours
II. Major Requirements: 30 Hours

Thirty (30) hours of graduate courses selected by the student from one or more of the following areas.

Business Administration
Communication
Counseling
Human Behavior and Development
Human Resources and Training
Psychology
Religion/Ethics
Sociology
III. Minimum Requirements:

24 semester hours applicable to the degree must be completed at Amberton University.
36 semester hours for a degree.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
GENERAL BUSINESS
The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in General Business is intended for those individuals who desire a broad-based business curriculum.

I. Program Prerequisite: 12 hours

Prerequisite to the M.B.A. program is a bachelor's degree in business; otherwise, the student must either have had the following classes or their equivalent or must take the courses.

BUS3104 Statistical Analysis I ..........................................................................3 hours
BUS3305 Management Processes & Information Systems ..........................3 hours
BUS3310 Market Structure & Competitive Analysis .....................................3 hours
BUS4113 Accounting & Finance for Managers .............................................3 hours
II. Required Graduate Studies: 6 Hours

RGS6035 Theory & Application of Research Methods................................ 3 hours
RGS6036 Ethics for Decision Making ..............................................................3 hours
III. Major Course Requirements: 15 Hours

ECO6140 Managerial Economics .....................................................................3 hours
FIN6186 Managerial Finance ............................................................................3 hours
MGT6177 Human Resource Management ......................................................3 hours
MGT6203 Strategic Management..................................................................... 3 hours
MKT6210 Marketing Management ..................................................................3 hours
IV. Business Administration Electives: 15 Hours

V. Minimum Requirements:

24 semester hours applicable to the degree must be completed at Amberton University.
36 semester hours for a degree, excluding prerequisite courses.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Human Resource Management prepares graduates to assume positions of responsibility in the management of human resources in both profit and not-for-profit organizations of all sizes. The program is designed to meet the present and future educational and developmental needs of individuals engaged in all facets of human resource management.

The degree accommodates students with baccalaureate degrees in either business or non-business fields. The degree provides students with opportunities to gain insights into the basic disciplines of business administration, to develop analytical skills, to cultivate an understanding of theory and operations in the functional areas of business, to improve interpersonal skills, and to become knowledgeable of each of the major activities and processes of human resource management.

I. Program Prerequisites: 12 Hours

Prerequisite to the M.B.A. program is a bachelor's degree in business; otherwise, the student must either have had the following classes or their equivalent or must take the courses.

BUS3104 Statistical Analysis I .....................................................................3 hours
BUS3305 Management Process & Information Systems .........................3 hours
BUS3310 Market Structure & Competitive Analysis ................................3 hours
BUS4113 Accounting & Finance for Managers ........................................3 hours
II. Required Graduate Studies: 6 Hours

RGS6035 Theory & Application of Research Methods ..........................3 hours
RGS6036 Ethics for Decision Making........................................................ 3 hours
III. Major Course Requirements: 15 Hours

ECO6140 Managerial Economics ...............................................................3 hours
FIN6186 Managerial Finance ......................................................................3 hours
MGT6177 Human Resource Management ...............................................3 hours
MGT6203 Strategic Management ..............................................................3 hours
MKT6210 Marketing Management ...........................................................3 hours
IV. Human Resource Management: 12 Hours

HRT6565 Development of Training Programs ........................................3 hours
MGT6172 Human Resource Management Law...................................... 3 hours
MGT6174 Issues in Organizational Staffing ...........................................3 hours
MGT6176 Compensation Management....................................................3 hours
V. Business Administration Electives: 3 Hours

VI. Minimum Requirements:

24 semester hours applicable to the degree must be completed at Amberton University.
36 semester hours for a degree, excluding prerequisite courses.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
MANAGEMENT

The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in Management concentrates on developing graduates capable of pursuing positions of responsibility in organizations faced with the challenges of a rapidly changing environment. The program is intended to meet the present and future educational needs of men and women striving for excellence in the world of business.

The M.B.A. degree accommodates students with baccalaureate degrees in either non-business or business fields. The degree provides opportunities for students to gain insight and skills in the basic disciplines underlying business policies, to develop analytical skills, to develop an understanding of both theory and operations in the functional areas of business, and to improve interpersonal skills.

I. Program Prerequisite: 12 hours

Prerequisite to the M.B.A. program is a bachelor's degree in business; otherwise, the student must either have had the following classes or their equivalent or must take the courses.

BUS3104 Statistical Analysis I............................................................................. 3 hours
BUS3305 Management Processes & Information Systems .............................3 hours
BUS3310 Market Structure & Competitive Analysis........................................ 3 hours
BUS4113 Accounting & Finance for Managers ................................................3 hours
II. Required Graduate Studies: 6 Hours

RGS6035 Theory & Application of Research Methods................................... 3 hours
RGS6036 Ethics for Decision Making .................................................................3 hours
III. Major Course Requirements: 21 Hours

ECO6140 Managerial Economics......................................................................... 3 hours
FIN6186 Managerial Finance ...............................................................................3 hours
MGT6177 Human Resource Management .........................................................3 hours
MGT6203 Strategic Management........................................................................3 hours
MKT6210 Marketing Management.................................................................... 3 hours
Any 5000/6000 level Management (MGT) Courses .........................................6 hours
IV. Human Behavior & Development, Human Resources and Training, and/or Communication Electives: 9 Hours

V. Minimum Requirements:

24 semester hours applicable to the degree must be completed at Amberton University.
36 semester hours for a degree, excluding prerequisite courses.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
MANAGING e-COMMERCE
The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) in Managing e-Commerce offers students an opportunity to explore how electronic commerce is transforming business and society. More specifically, students will gain an understanding of the latest information and trends in e-commerce. In addition, course work focuses on marketing and finance in the e-commerce environment. The functional aspects of operating an e-commerce business are a primary focus of the program.

I. Program Prerequisites: 12 Hours

Prerequisite to the M.B.A. program is a bachelor's degree in business; otherwise, the student must either have had the following classes or their equivalent or must take the courses.

BUS3104 Statistical Analysis I .......................................................................3 hours
BUS3305 Management Process & Information Systems........................... 3 hours
BUS3310 Market Structure & Competitive Analysis .................................3 hours
BUS4113 Accounting & Finance for Managers .........................................3 hours
II. Required Graduate Studies: 6 Hours

RGS6035 Theory & Application of Research Methods ............................3 hours
RGS6036 Ethics for Decision Making ..........................................................3 hours
III. Major Course Requirements: 15 Hours

ECO6140 Managerial Economics .................................................................3 hours
FIN6186 Managerial Finance....................................................................... 3 hours
MGT6177 Human Resource Management .................................................3 hours
MGT6203 Strategic Management ...............................................................3 hours
MKT6210 Marketing Management............................................................ 3 hours
IV. Managing e-Commerce: 12 Hours

MGT6101 e-Commerce Essentials.............................................................. 3 hours
MGT6102 e-Commerce Marketing ..............................................................3 hours
MGT6103 e-Commerce Financing ..............................................................3 hours
MGT6104 e-Commerce Management......................................................... 3 hours
V. Business Administration Electives: 3 Hours

VI. Minimum Requirements:

24 semester hours applicable to the degree must be completed at Amberton University.
36 semester hours for a degree, excluding prerequisite courses.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

The Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) degree in Strategic Leadership is intended to prepare management personnel with the skills necessary to empower organizations to face challenges, create opportunities, and establish themselves as viable centers for productive work.

The degree is multi-disciplinary and integrates course work that focuses on leadership development rather than the typical broad-based business curricula.

I. Program Prerequisite: 12 hours

Prerequisite to the M.B.A. program is a bachelor's degree in business; otherwise, the student must either have had the following classes or their equivalent or must take the courses.

BUS3104 Statistical Analysis I .......................................................................3 hours
BUS3305 Management Processes & Information Systems .......................3 hours
BUS3310 Market Structure & Competitive Analysis ..................................3 hours
BUS4113 Accounting & Finance for Managers ..........................................3 hours
II. Required Graduate Studies: 6 Hours

RGS6035 Theory & Application of Research Methods ............................3 hours
RGS6036 Ethics for Decision Making ..........................................................3 hours
III. Major Course Requirements: 18 Hours

HBD6771 Conflict Management & Resolution.......................................... 3 hours
HBD6776 Leadership Theories/Practice......................................................3 hours
HRT6575 Organizational Change .................................................................3 hours
MGT6175 Management: Responsibilities & Practices OR
MGT6205 Management Systems..................................................................3 hours
MGT6177 Human Resource Management...................................................3 hours
MGT6203 Stategic Management...................................................................3 hours
IV. Business Administration Electives: 6 Hours

V. Electives: 6 Hours

VI. Minimum Requirements:

24 semester hours applicable to the degree must be completed at Amberton University
36 semester hours for a degree, excluding prerequisite courses.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MASTER OF SCIENCE
HUMAN RELATIONS AND BUSINESS

The Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Human Relations and Business is a multi-disciplinary program designed to meet the needs of administrators, managers, and leaders. The program recognizes the interrelationships between people, communications, and organizational goals. Specifically, the program is designed for individuals who, because of their technical success, have been promoted or seek to be promoted to managerial and leadership positions.

I. Required Graduate Studies: 6 Hours

RGS 6035 Theory & Application of Research Methods ................................3 hours
RGS 6036 Ethics for Decision Making ..............................................................3 hours
II. Major Course Requirements: 30 Hours

Business Administration Courses:................................................................... 9 Hours
Communication Courses:................................................................................... 6 Hours
Counseling, Human Behavior and Development, Human Resources and Training, Psychology/Sociology Courses: ......................................................................9 Hours
Electives:.............................................................................................................. 6 Hours
III. Minimum Requirements:

24 semester hours applicable to the degree must be completed at Amberton University.
36 semester hours for a degree.

As you can see from the catalog, they have some wiggle room for the classes.

They continue to add online classes and will transfer in up to 12 credits.

Dan

 

There are indeed CCU graduates serving as faculty at RA schools. In the county where I live, the local community college has a guy with a RA bachelor's and master's, and a CCU DBA. However, several observations are noteworthy:

1. Were these faculty hired before or after earning their CCU doctorate?

2. Were they hired because of the CCU doctorate or because of their other credentials?

3. Are the RA schools in question paying salary to these individuals based on the CCU doctorate? The faculty person at the community college of which I spoke told me that he did not receive salary at the DBA level, but based on his RA masters--and this is given the fact that the catalog lists his CCU DBA.

So, it is true that some CCU grads serve as RA faculty, but there are many nuances involved in the process.

Russell

 

I think that's the crux of the matter. However, in the previously posted example (Argosy), all the other faculty members had RA doctorates (one law degree), so you have to wonder if Argosy did indeed recognize the Cal Coast DBA for the position.

I know we have some Sarasota/Argosy students here, anyone know the story?


Bruce

 

Happens quite often? I would need to see many more URLs to justify such a statement. You *might* be able to get away with "It happens occasionally". Maybe. However, I've seen no evidence that it happens on a regular basis, but there is much evidence that it doesn't.


Tom Nixon

 

This could indicate that the school found the professor's CCU doctorate acceptable as a qualifying credential for the position. More likely, IMHO, the doctorate is not required for the position and is listed as a courtesy.

Rich Douglas

 

If you are completely sure an unaccredited degree will meet your present and future needs--and that is a very tough standard indeed--then CCU is a school you might consider. But prudence dictates you seriously consider taking your degree from an accredited school.

Rich Douglas

 

By whom? Certainly not by accredited colleges and universities. These degrees seem to have some utility in the workplace, but we're not sure how much. We're also not sure why. (It doesn't seem likely that employers deliberately accept unaccredited degrees, but maybe they do in some cases).

Rich Douglas

 

This is a function of California law regarding the nontraditional study of law. One may become an attorney by attending an unaccredited (ABA or State Bar) school if one studies for (I believe) 864 hours per year. One must also pass the Baby Bar after the first year of study for the rest of the hours to count. Of course, the candidate must also pass the Bar exam at the end of his/her studies. Also, California is one of the few states left where one may study independently under the supervision of an attorney or judge to meet the study requirements.

Based upon available statistics, studying the law via DL is a very difficult task indeed. One must navigate law school, the Baby Bar, and the Bar exam, not to mention the task of getting a job after graduation.

If half of students enrolling in a DL law school complete their first year and sit for the Baby Bar, about a quarter of them might pass. If half of those who pass the Baby Bar get to the Bar exam, about a quarter of them might pass. That is a small portion of the original bunch who set out (between 1 and 2 percent). You can push the figures one way or another; even in the best of scenarios it is a tough road.

Rich Douglas

 

I initially thought the same thing, but all the other faculty have RA/GAAP doctorates (one law degree), so it would seem odd indeed that this one person would be hired without an RA/GAAP doctorate.

You know me Rich, I'm not at all a fan of unaccredited schools, but it does seem like in this instance, the Cal Coast DBA satisfied the hiring requirements. I don't know if this was based more on the individual being a great teacher, or Cal Coast being one of the better unaccredited schools. Either way, it certainly is very much the exception rather than the rule.


Bruce