Harcourt and Ashworth

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Jack Domings, Nov 17, 2001.

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  1. Jack Domings

    Jack Domings New Member

    Two schools that stand out as "hard to believe" institions are Harcourt Direct Learning and Ashworth College (formerly Professional Career Development Institute). Not sure what it is, but they don't seem respectable. They have the backing by DETC and CHEA, but do these schools have a bad rap? Has anyone here had any bad experiences?? How about transferring credits?
     
  2. Jack Domings

    Jack Domings New Member

    They have the backing by DETC and CHEA, but do these schools have a bad rap?

    I meant to say ACE instead of CHEA.
     
  3. Jack Domings

    Jack Domings New Member

    just happend to see other posts regarding Harcourt. I guess it has it's critics.

    Any word on Western Governors Univ??
     
  4. Ashworth College (formerly Professional Career Development Institute) -- I'd say it doesn't have a "bad rap" so much as it has zero name recognition.

    Also, as it gives only an associate's degree, I'd first look at community colleges in one's own state. Many offer a good mix of distance, day, weekend, and evening courses at reasonable tuition, and most have articulation agreements with the state universities.

    ------------------
    Kristin Evenson Hirst
    DistanceLearn.About.com
     
  5. Peter French

    Peter French member


    ...they are referred to on American Coastline's site, and American Coastline is 'apparently' now owned by an 'accredited institution' and may become a department of that institution, as the deal with Dr Dr Hoyer didn't work out...which means that they are probably..., I don't know as they would may not have the same sense of humour as I have, and may probably misunderstand me if i commented any further...

    Peter French
     
  6. Mary A

    Mary A Member

    Hello Peter - I went looking for the reference to Ashworth on the American Coastline site but didn't find it. I would appreciate it if you could provide me with a URL. I am somewhat familiar with Ashworth, and PCDI, and find your information surprising to say the least so would like to check it out.

    Thanks,
    Mary


     
  7. Peter French

    Peter French member

    Carefully read exactly what I stated ... and the Ashworth et al site in one the the boxes on the 'links' section at www.Amercoast.edu

    I am interested in your comments about Ashworth - the level of their offerings are not high, nor are their fees for that matter....?

    Peter French
     
  8. GAJ

    GAJ New Member

    Ashworth College does not have a bed reputation, but they can certainly improve their students services. They have difficulty returning phone calls and e-mail to students in a timely manner.

    They have great programs, only until you have a question. :)
     
  9. philosophy

    philosophy New Member

    Harcourt Learning and Ashworth College

    If you are talking about Education Direct, formerly Harcourt Learning Direct and International Correspondence Schools, this school does serve a purpose for students that are constrained by work and unable to do a college degree because of time schedule. Education Direct is respected, and I would say that for the most part there program has some level of respect of employers and schools that accept there credits. They have the accreditation of the DETC, and ACE. Either of these two accreditations usually is recognized by some colleges and universities that accept there credit based upon the accreditation and recommendation guide provided by ACE.

    Ashworth College is accredited by DETC, but not sure of whether they are recoognized by ACE. However, I would say that if you were to decided which one to go with for education, I would recommend Education Direct, as they have been around for a long period of time and publish most of the books that are used by colleges and universities. With regard to Ashworth College, the transfer policy is that they will only accept certain credits in for transfer. The last time I spoke with someone from Ashworth, it was told to me that they will not accept "Introduction to Business" from anyone, even if it is the same material that was taught in the other schools because they said that there "Introduction to Business" must be taken from them only and is not allowed to be transferred in. It sounded to me as though, this is mostly a way for them to make more money and get tuition from students. If a student went to Harvard, Yale, or Princeton, or even to a state college or university, and had taken "Introduction to Business" for them to say that they won't accept this in as transfer really makes me question there motive for not doing so.

    Education Direct on the other hand has been very good about giving up to 50% (30 credits) in transfer to there degree programs provided that the courses have the same content and instruction that is offered through Education Direct. So, for this reason, I have more respect for Education Direct.

    Some students have been able to do courses through Education Direct and have been able to transfer them to other colleges and universities. If one is able to do this then it would be advisable to seek getting a degree from colleges such as Excelsior, Thomas Edison State College, Charter Oak or from a college or university that will accept the credits in for transfer from Education Direct.

    In conclusion, no matter what there will always be people that will not accept these forms of education as a person who graduates from a regionally accredited school would have an advantage. Ultimately, you need to decide which direction is best for you, but also for the cost and program, Education Direct is somewhat respected. However, if the opportunity presents itself. regional accreditation is always the best route to take. Good luck! Hope that this answered your question.
     

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