Question for Rich re-survey of unaccredited degrees

Hi Rich,

I see Honolulu University has quoted the study by Sosdian, Carol P. and Laure M. Sharp, The External Degree as Credential: Graduates' Experiences in Employment and Further Study. Washington, D.C., US Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 1978

See http://www.honolulu-university.edu/value1.htm

Is this the study that was fundamentally flawed in its data collection and findings, which both you and John have referred to over the years?

Cheers,

George

 

As I understand it, the problem is not with the study, but with how diploma mills like to mischaracterize it. John Bear has written: "the Sosdian study was done solely with accredited schools (and three candidates, who soon after became accredited)." So when these Honolulu people say "Out of every 100 successful applicants, only three reported some problems because of the lack of accreditation of their degree" -- well, now you know why.

 

Because George asked me, I'll respond. But Mark has it right. The Sosdian/Sharp study was a wonderful one, validating the "external degree." But as Mark points out, it was limited to accredited schools (or candidates). Also, it was limited to associate and bachelor's programs.

In retrospect, their findings are validated by mine, but in a weird way. My main contention is that employers don't know, don't check, and barely care. As John and others have pointed out, how's an employer to know how you earned your degree? At best, they'll know it comes from an accredited school. And as I've pointed out, it's likely they won't even check for that.

The Sosdian/Sharp study (in three parts) is available via ERIC.

The Sosdian/Sharp study was used by unaccredited schools' literature much more frequently in the first few years after its publication (in 1978). I'm not surprised it's still being (mis)used. I wonder if my own findings about the utility of degrees from unaccredited schools--especially state-approved schools-will be similarly used by degree mills?

 

Not until you make them public, Rich. When will this data be available? And don't forget, DegreeInfo should get first options at reading it--at least the more senior members of the forum.

If the focus of your survey was that employers "don't know, don't check and barely care," did you reflect in any way on how they react/respond once they find out the degree is not RA?

 

The study will be as public as any other doctoral dissertation. Copyrighted and on file with UMI.

Yes, I specifically measured reactions to accreditation.