When is it justifiable for a person to list or use an unaccredited degree?

Discussion in 'Accreditation Discussions (RA, DETC, state approva' started by potpourri, Feb 11, 2012.

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  1. Johann

    Johann Well-Known Member

    I used to think they were "by and large exempt," but they're not quite. A knowledgeable poster here in the forum informed me (correctly) that - if I remember right - about 20-odd states had laws that allowed conferral of religious-only degrees by unaccredited schools. The rest don't.

    As far as the largest number being through RA schools - I really don't know. Besides the plethora of unaccredited schools in the states where they're allowed, there are NA religious schools, like Catholic Distance University (DETC) and many NA schools accredited by four CHEA-recognized (National) "Faith-based Accreditors," e.g. TRACS -- including one accreditor of Jewish schools. Those accreditors are here: http://www.chea.org/Directories/faith.asp

    All told, that's a LOT of non-RA institutions. Should add up to a whole pile of degrees -- I'll see if I can find out how many and get back to you.

    Johann
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Feb 13, 2012
  2. OutsideTheBox

    OutsideTheBox New Member

    It does depend there are many seminaries and similar schools that offer pastoral or rabbi etc. training without offering more than a degree in a related field if any are offered the government has no say in those, not without a court fight. Hasidim are a good example they have their own schools, own yeshivas and when a person is deemed ready goes into rabbinical work the state has no authority over that. Similarly the Universal Life Church (modesto) offers a perfectly legal set of religious degrees under California's exemption for under $100 again those are perfectly legal to issue and use if one wants to do so. But come on there is a difference between the two and I know that and you all know that but that 1st Amendment just has to treat both the same whether your a hasidim or a guy paying $29 for a degree from the ULC (modesto) online.

    And the states that don't allow it I would be curious for a challenge to happen for a strictly religious degree to see if that would hold up in court, say a small school offering a degree in Pastoral Studies for members of their faith. I suspect most don't wish to fight it out but I don't see where a states has the right to demand a religious program be accredited or approved seems to violate the 1st Amendment.
     
  3. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

     
  4. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Rather than respond point by point, I'll just respond to this. It seems like you're arguing based on practicality, but I'm not -- I'm arguing based on philosophy. When it comes to practicality, I won't argue with anything you're saying here. My only point is that while how useful a credential is can be measured, whether or not it is legitimate is, and can only be, a matter of individual opinion.

    I was surprised by your reaction, but then I read again what I wrote, and I can see that I sounded like a jerk. It wasn't my intention to suggest you're not an independent thinker, and while I expect you couldn't care less, for what it's worth I don't think that about you. All I can say is that it sounded better in my head. I sincerely apologize.
     
  5. sideman

    sideman Well Known Member

    Holy man! This is great! Now you two can kiss and make-up; just in time for Valentine's Day. :)
     
  6. BillDayson

    BillDayson New Member

    When is it justifiable for a person to list or use an unaccredited degree?

    When the unaccredited program is credible in academic terms.

    When is listing it a good idea? (a different question)

    When the people that you are communicating with are more likely to recognize the unaccredited program's credibility than they are to suspect that it's a mill.

    That's why the tiny number of credible non-accredited programs typically work best in special situations where employers and colleagues are already familiar with the program. Unaccredited programs don't work as well in generic subjects where people are less likely to be familiar with individual programs. That's when people are more likely to turn to accreditation to help them sort things out.
     
  7. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    But sideman . . . my heart belongs to you!:smlove2:When you I get that diamond?
     
  8. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    OKOK! Don't go getting all mushy.:grumble:
     
  9. sideman

    sideman Well Known Member

    I knew someday I'd break through that wall and steal the heart of Kizmet. You see folks, that's how you do it, on Valentine's day nonetheless! Diamond?! Gulp.
     
  10. Kizmet

    Kizmet Moderator

    Maybe a Dunkin Donuts gift card?:raincloud:
     
  11. Tim109

    Tim109 New Member

    I have listed my CCU degree on my resume from day one! I will have to admit, I had completed more than 4 years of technical credit at several different schools before enrolling at Cal Cost. I had the knowledge, just needed a degree!

    I would say, if you list it, you had better be able to back it up or you probably won't last long in your job!
     

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