Since I probably fall into the camp that some call by various names ("RA or the highway" or whatever), I thought a thread that looks at *exceptional* schools accredited either by DETC, state-approved, or that are unaccredited might be interesting. I'm hopeful that we all understand the meaning of exceptional. I think it would only be fair that no one nominate any schools from which they have graduated or are current students. I would like to offer Aspen University . While doing a little research, I had the opportunity to check out their website for the first time in a long time. I've always liked them, but the switch from ISIM to Aspen seems to have made a solid program even better. They have had DETC accreditation since 1993. They have a faculty that either has a Ph.D. or offers unique experience + a master's degree. They compare favorably with other schools. They offer a limited number of majors. I think that this is their key to success (and it certainly was for Northcentral). They have the opportunity to be quite focused in their approach. They have a long academic history. They offered the first online MBA in 1987, clearly before web-based programs. Plus, and quite importantly, we have never had (to my recollection) former and/or current students that did not express satisfaction at the quality of education. And I do like the name change. That whole ISIM was always a bit cumbersome for my taste. Would I go there? Well, they don't offer any programs in my area, but I certainly wouldn't have a problem recommending it to others (and may the RA gods strike me dead!). My guess would be that with a few changes, they could be headed toward regional accreditation, if they were of a mind. Any other exceptional schools? Tom Nixon
http://www.chumsci.edu College of the Humanities and Sciences. Relatively new institution with DETC accreditation, an interesting "Great Books" curriculum, a qualified faculty, and already establishing an academic presence within its field. Drawback? Expensive. You'd better be REALLY "into" the curriculum.
I'm assuming that you mean DL schools. How about the Academy of Art College? http://online.academyart.edu/degrees.html It's accredited by ACICS, FIDER and NASAD. (All USDoEd-recognized accreditors, the latter two being specialized accreditors for interior design and studio-arts), and a couple of its online programs in computer arts are supervised by Pixar Animation Studios ('Finding Nemo' etc.), which is a plus.
American Military University. They offer degrees in subjects not offered elsewhere, like Homeland Security, Terrorism, and Land Warfare. Highly qualified faculty and solid curriculum, I recommend them without hesitation. Bruce
Thanks, Bruce. I refrained from nominating AMU/APUS, because I am an alumnus. I have always championed, endorsed, and said good things about AMU/APUS, with the proviso that it is DETC accredited. When necessary, I'll explain the difference between national and regional accreditation. Hopefully, AMU/APUS will achieve its regional accreditation by the end of this year.
Our old friend David Yamada was enrolled at the Western Institute for Social Research (not the one in Washington, the tiny one in California). It seems to have a great reputation and could probably get through the accreditation process easily. However, they're so small that they can't muster the resources or justify the expense of becoming accredited. Look for them here: http://www.california.com/wisr/ They're my nomination. Jack
In my former life when I used to work in the medical field, I know of at least two people who were students of the California College of Health Sciences. One of those was able to go from an entry-level respiratory therapist assistant to a fully-certified and registered respiratory therapist via the CCHS program. If someone can accomplish that through a DETC program, it can't be all that bad, can it? Cy
I do not believe there is anything wrong with DETC accreditation. In fact, I believe that my own DETC accredited school, AMU/APUS, is at least the equal of many regionally accredited schools. However, many in academia perceive DETC accreditation as “second class” or worse. DETC's own surveys along with research by Drs. John Bear and Rich Douglas confirm this perception. In my own little informal survey most admissions officials stated that they would not consider accepting degrees and transfer credits from DETC accredited schools. Whenever I have recommended AMU/APUS, I have always addressed the fact that its accreditation is from DETC. This is the right thing to do, because many regionally accredited schools may not recognize degrees and transfer credits simply because it is nationally (DETC) and not regionally accredited.
My choice is University of St. Augustine in St. Augustine, Florida. This university is accredited by DETC but most of its programs have professional accreditation. Ike Okonkwo, Ph.D.
