The Odd Couple

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by Chsheaf, May 31, 2003.

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  1. Chsheaf

    Chsheaf New Member

    I just learned that Columbia Southern University is now associated with the regionally accredited University of Northern Alabama. Why would UNA ever associate itself with a DETC school. Especially one who has as bad a reputation as CSU.
    Albeit, maybe it is CSU who is trying to save face and improve their reputation.
    Either way, it seems like an odd association.
    :confused:
     
  2. Dennis Ruhl

    Dennis Ruhl member

    What bad reputation? It started out unaccredited, as does every school. I think most criticism centred around that alone.

    Maybe the University of Northern Alabama and the University of Western Alabama know more about education than you do, or is that unlikely.
     
  3. Chsheaf

    Chsheaf New Member

    I just don't see what purpose a RA school would have in teaming up with an NA school. I know from reading the posts that RA schools have more utlility than NA schools. Perhaps this will provide more use in the transfer of CSU credits.

    Didn't mean to offend you Dennis, my education is just beginning even though I am retired from law enforcement and an old man.
    Wish you well, thanks
     
  4. Dennis Ruhl

    Dennis Ruhl member

    The tone of my post was a bit snippy, sorry, just making a point.

    I think DETC schools are gaining better acceptance .

    Many brick and mortar schools have started DL programs, only to lose $millions . Perhaps associating with a successful distance university is a way to remove some risk to the B&M schools and provide some respect to CSU.
     
  5. Howard

    Howard New Member

    In both of these cases, I believe Columbia Southern University is simply supplying technology for the programs. There is no common coursework.

    And no, CSU was not always above board and just unaccredited. They have a pretty shady past.....claiming accreditation from an unrecognized accreditor and issuing degrees that were/are totally worthless.
     
  6. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    I have no problem with it; it looks like a win-win for both schools.


    Cheers,
     
  7. tcnixon

    tcnixon Active Member

    Re: Re: The Odd Couple


    Agreed. What it does is give both the University of North Alabama and the University of West Alabama the opportunity to offer complete degree programs online without the cost of the initial investment. Perhaps in the future, they may create their own framework, but, for now, it appears to be good business.

    In full disclosure, I am considering the school counseling program at the University of West Alabama, understand quite well the history of CSU, believe I know something about distance learning (at least for education programs), and I am satisfied that everything is above board. Of course I also did due diligence (called Alabama Department of Education and SACS).

    Something else to bear in mind is that Columbia Southern University is unknown but to a small group of people (and most of them are on Degreeinfo). There is no reputation at all.



    Tom Nixon
     
  8. Chsheaf

    Chsheaf New Member

    Tom, in your opinion would you ever suggest one enroll at CSU. I have been looking at their program for law enforcement. If one would just want an undergraduate degree with no intention to move on any further, would CSU to an adequate choice.
    Thanks
     
  9. Tom Head

    Tom Head New Member

    Depending on which Tom you're talking to: I'd go with a regionally accredited school, especially at the bachelor's level. Even if you don't go on to grad school, there are some employers, associations, and certifications/licensures that require a regionally accredited bachelor's degree. Given that several regionally accredited bachelor's programs (repeat after me: Charter Oak State College, Excelsior College, and Thomas Edison State College) are also faster and cheaper than CSU, I really can't see going with a DETC-accredited school for a first bachelor's. Maybe for a second bachelor's or a master's, but not for a first bachelor's.

    On the other hand, I would feel as comfortable considering Columbia Southern as any other DETC-accredited school. Tom's right: What little negative reputation it might have is certainly unknown outside of our little world here.


    Cheers,
     

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