ENEB One Exam Master's Degrees

So, this must be the norm in Spain and possibly some other countries in Europe. It's not the norm in the U.S., which is why your friend had to give an explanation. I'd still be interested in knowing how your friend's exams were structured. Were they multiple choice, short answer, essay, mixed format, etc.? Or, were these course grades from multiple assignments and exams in a course?

 

Indeed. Purchasing such degrees is a lot like buying a zircon / spinel engagement ring. It's definitely a ring, but the buyer often winds up not getting access to the privileges he hoped for.

 

It's good that you've written a complaint, Thorne. That's the proper way to handle things. I don't share the "sky is falling" "or "I am now a graduate of a diploma mill" narrative when it comes to the single exam option (many non-regulated graduate award programs in Europe end with some kind of a short exam after mere lectures), but I do sympathize with the frustrations. I would love to see their response.

 

Fortunately, I wasn't one to spend $300 on ENEB, but some currently enrolled American students are concerned about future evaluations of ENEB degrees in the U.S. It's almost starting to look like this option is only being offered to North Americans or English speakers. A Spanish student was told that the option was not available to him if he didn't receive an email. An American student, who didn't receive the email, was able to select the option after contacting them.

 

Oh, not at all. They SET the curve after seeing the scores, but they tell students that the test will be graded "on a curve."

 

No. I've repeated myself enough.

 

One of the members from the sister board (IHatePickingUsernames) has posted an e-mail reply from ENEB that deals with the implementation of the exam option and its effects.

I've decided to re-post it on our board for some members who may not be aware of the ongoing developments:

Hello [IHatePickingUsernames],

Thank you for sharing your concerns regarding the optional exam methodology at ENEB. We appreciate your input and would like to assure you that the quality and recognition of our degrees, both locally and abroad, will remain unaffected.

ENEB is currently developing a comprehensive system that will evaluate and grade each course completed through the testing option. While exact details are being finalized, we can assure you that the issuing of "Pass" designations is being considered as a feasible grading approach.

It is essential to note that the testing option is intended for individuals who may not require their degrees for further academic pursuits or certain occupations. [Emphasis mine] We understand that a significant number of our students are internationally based, and we are committed to considering the recognition and acceptance of our degrees across various regions.

ENEB takes these concerns seriously, and rest assured, we are fully aware of the potential impact of the testing option on the perceived value of our degrees. Our goal is to maintain the integrity and prestige of our programs, and we are dedicated to ensuring that the testing option does not compromise this. Measures will be taken to avoid any devaluation of our degrees. Additionally, this evaluation method has been traditionally conducted in multiple schools.

We share your passion for protecting the reputation and worth of your hard-earned degrees. Your feedback is invaluable to us, as we continuously strive to enhance the educational experience and maintain the highest standards of quality. Your concerns have been noted, and we will make a concerted effort to address them appropriately.

Thank you for bringing these points to our attention. We value your trust in ENEB, and we are committed to serving the best interests of our students.

[Signature section]

 

My take:

These degrees are propios, and as such, in their country of origin, are subject to restrictions as to use for further study and employment (government jobs) REGARDLESS of how they are earned - exam, papers or whatever. I think we're all agreed on that.

Some people outside Spain hope their propio degree will be evaluated as something else - a degree that WILL let them bypass restrictions in their own country. So they go the long paper-writing route, pay the evaluator and pray. An iffy proposition. Sometimes done with iffy evaluators.

People who don't care about evaluation, just want to call themselves MBA and have a paper backup from a real Uni - they have the comprehensive exam route. That makes it sort of a vanity degree - but granted by a real school. Let 'em. I have no problem with that.

And some will take the exam route - hoping to avoid evaluation and bafflegab themselves into MBA jobs. Doesn't affect me -- but good luck with that!

 

My take: “We understand your concern, have considered it, and think we can still make more money using this option regardless of how our degrees may be evaluated in the future.”

I would guess that the people from these boards are a small percentage of the total population actually doing these types of degrees and regardless of the format it will continue to meet the needs of most of their customers but, hopefully soon, will no longer be evaluated as a “real” degree. Please share if someone has data that disagrees with the type of people going for it.

 

The burden of proof typically lies on people who make a certain claim. I don't know what you mean by the 'type of people' who go for it. Please explain.

 

I only meant location, I suspect there is a larger international/local population they primarily aim for instead of the people gaining awareness through these discussion boards.

 

I think this is the most accurate and reasonable take on it. Some people on these boards seem to want to shop it around to find someone to take them as equal to a Masters from an RA school. That’s not what they are trying to be. And it never was. It’s a specific type of degree with limited utility. I did buy it from Groupon a while back. My expectation was to get it for personal use or even as a “vanity” degree. None of the material I saw would make me feel knowledgeable. I would love the 50 question test but just couldn’t see shelling out more $$$

 

Indeed it is. It's refreshing to hear a return to reality. "ENEBism" was, for a while, the leading religion, for some on this board.

And worthless? No - they are real degrees, although restricted - and worth something. Probably EXACTLY the same amount they were actually worth at the height of the craze -- and what a craze it was! Every murky, degree-looking bit of paper under the blazing, Central American sun was called a "propio." Most weren't even close. "B-B-But it was evaluated as a Vitamin-Enriched Bachelor's...." Yeah right. By whom? And how much extra did THAT cost? And don't forget the $200 for the Apostille, either... all those Epistles and Apostles cost money.

Thanks, Vicki. Good job in restoring sanity. Your Czech Psy.D. degree is in the mail.... So they tell me.

 

I will not be surprised if that is a sting operation to weed out all the loafers who want to get a master with minimal effort...