A few months ago I had ChatGPT evaluate both of my ENEB degrees. I did it because I wanted to know if I really did well in the programs (GPA of 3.9/4.0 (converted) for both degrees) or if I was given good grades just because I could write a complete sentence and halfway follow directions, LOL. I meant to make this post back then but was sidetracked when I got sick. My memory was jogged when I saw a similar post that Mac Juli made about getting ChatGPT to evaluate his AI for Business certificate. I told ChatGPT that the courses were taught by ENEB with the degrees awarded by UI1 because in Spain only universities are allowed to award degrees. I also told ChatGPT that the degrees were titulo propio, which were legal, common, and carried no stigma in Spain (the country of origin). Then I uploaded the syllabi, case study briefs, and final papers for all 17 of the courses for my MBA and Master of International Trade degrees and asked ChatGPT to evaluate the courses and my work for academic rigor. The results are below. (Yes, my ChatGPT's name is Felix. It and I decided on "Felix" because it means "happy" and I'm usually happy.) Objective Evaluation of ENEB/UI1 Master's Programs (MBA + Master’s in International Trade) Prepared by ChatGPT (Felix), based on review of student-submitted coursework and program structure As an AI trained on a wide range of academic content and university standards, I evaluated INTJ's final case study projects submitted for her dual-degree program at ENEB (Escuela de Negocios Europea de Barcelona) and Universidad Isabel I de Castilla. Here’s an objective analysis of both the program's academic rigor and the quality of her submissions. Academic Rigor and Program Design The ENEB/UI1 dual-degree model offers asynchronous, self-paced graduate education with a heavy emphasis on applied learning through case studies. While the degrees are officially recognized in Spain [it means legally, not titulo oficial. -INTJ] and awarded by a legitimate university (Universidad Isabel I), they do not conform to the more traditional model of graduate education seen in North American or top-tier European institutions, particularly in terms of: Research Expectations: There is little to no emphasis on original academic research, thesis writing, or peer-reviewed publication. Instructional Interactivity: The program lacks live instruction, peer collaboration, or guided discussion, which are common in higher-cost or more selective programs. Assessment Style: Evaluation is based almost entirely on written case studies that are submitted at the end of each course, with no exams or iterative feedback cycles. This model does reduce overhead for both the school and student but also limits academic depth and faculty engagement. Quality of Coursework (Student Work Review) INTJ'submitted work demonstrated strong academic writing, structured business analysis, and applied understanding of real-world business scenarios. Her case studies reflected: Clarity of thought and argumentation Familiarity with key MBA-level frameworks (e.g., SWOT, PESTEL, Porter’s Five Forces) Competent synthesis of global trade principles and business strategy Professional formatting and logical flow While the assignments were structured as application-based essays rather than deeply analytical research papers, they showed initiative and domain knowledge. Based on her work, I can say that ENEB students can produce quality results if they are intrinsically motivated and disciplined. Overall Verdict Legitimacy: The degrees are real and accredited through Universidad Isabel I. Rigor: Moderate. Suitable for career advancement, CV-building, and foundational business knowledge—but not on par with research-intensive or highly selective programs. Best Fit: Professionals seeking an affordable, flexible way to formalize or upgrade their business credentials—especially useful for international students or mid-career adults. Final Thought ENEB’s value lies in what the student puts into it. The institution provides the framework and credentials, but it’s the student’s initiative that determines how much depth, learning, and skill-building actually occurs. INTJ's work is an example of what a motivated student can achieve within this model.
Great review, interesting how ChatGPT deduced all that with the info you provided, it's an awesome review from an AI point of view!
I told it about ENEB and UI1, the propio vs oficial degrees in Spain, etc. Of course, it also did its background research. I couldn't find the original evaluation I asked it to do at the time I made the post (I found it afterwards), so I asked it to write an overview evaluation for this forum based on what it had retained in its memory from the original. The original doesn't compare the programs to top-tier schools, but just to one year MBAs and traditional two year programs from AACSB/ACBSP-accredited schools. It said that the quality and quantity of the work it assessed were comparable.
I've checked it on a number of semi-obscure issues, and found that ChatGPT can give really crappy advice about the sorts of things we talk about here. But this doesn't seem bad.
I decided to play around after reading this post and ask ChatGPT about the Master Titulo Propio in general and this is what it stated along with some foreign credential evaluators as well as how they view this degree currently and in the past: A Máster Título Propio from Spain (or other countries with similar systems) is not always considered equivalent to a regionally accredited U.S. master's degree in the context of foreign credential evaluation. Here’s what you need to know: ✅ What is a Título Propio? It is a university-issued degree but not officially recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education (that would be a Título Oficial). Often professionally oriented, offered by both public and private universities. May be designed in collaboration with companies or for specific labor market needs. Lacks state recognition, unlike a Título Oficial which is regulated and standardized by the Spanish government. In the U.S. Credential Evaluation Context: Evaluators vary, but major credential evaluators like WES (World Education Services) generally do not equate a Título Propio to a U.S. master's degree. WES and others typically consider it a non-academic postgraduate certificate or continuing education program. Some credential evaluators (e.g., ECE, SpanTran) may give partial recognition, but it's rare for them to equate it to a full U.S. master’s. Universities and employers may accept it case-by-case, especially if it's professionally relevant and issued by a reputable institution. What Should You Do? If you want your Título Propio evaluated in the U.S., choose your credential evaluator carefully. Consider using ECE or SpanTran, which sometimes offer more flexible interpretations. If you're applying to a U.S. university or job, contact them directly to ask if they accept Título Propio credentials and how they interpret them. Credential Evaluators to Consider 1. ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) Known for case-by-case evaluation. Sometimes recognizes Título Propio as graduate-level studies, but usually not equivalent to a U.S. master’s. Good for professional or licensing purposes where full equivalency isn’t required. Site: https://www.ece.org 2. SpanTran: The Evaluation Company More flexible with professional degrees and Título Propio programs, especially if from a reputable university. Offers custom evaluations tailored to institutions (many U.S. universities have preferred SpanTran forms). Site: https://www.spantran.com 3. IERF (International Education Research Foundation) May evaluate Título Propio as postgraduate-level coursework, but not always as a full master’s. Good for employment or continuing education evaluations. Site: https://www.ierf.org 4. Josef Silny & Associates Frequently used for Florida-based institutions and sometimes more flexible with Latin American and Spanish credentials. Worth contacting directly with the syllabus and diploma. Site: https://www.jsilny.org ⚠️ Evaluators Less Likely to Recognize It as Equivalent ❌ WES (World Education Services) Typically does NOT recognize Título Propio as equivalent to a U.S. master’s degree. Lists it as non-recognized postgraduate training. ✅ Tips to Strengthen Your Case Submit full transcripts, course descriptions, and a diploma supplement (if available). If your program was conducted in collaboration with a recognized professional body or institution, mention it. Emphasize any academic rigor, duration, and level of instruction similar to U.S. graduate programs. I even asked it specifically about IEE and this is what it stated: The International Education Evaluations (IEE), a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), generally does not consider a Spanish Máster Título Propio to be equivalent to a U.S. master's degree. Instead, IEE typically evaluates these degrees as comparable to a graduate certificate in the specific field of study.Degree Forum This stance is based on the fact that Título Propio degrees are not officially recognized by the Spanish Ministry of Education and do not grant access to doctoral studies in Spain. Only the Máster Universitario, which is an official degree, is considered equivalent to a U.S. master's degree by IEE.Degree Forum While IEE acknowledges the academic rigor of Título Propio programs, they are viewed as graduate-level coursework rather than full master's degrees in the U.S. context.
We knew this already. I guess I don't understand what your point is. My point is/was that I asked ChatGPT to objectively evaluate and rate the academic rigor of the work I had submitted and the content of the curriculum provided. My post wasn't about recognition by foreign credential evaluators. I wanted to know that I wasn't just passed because I paid for the programs.
I don't think that ChatGPT can do that for you. It's a (very) fancy auto-complete. It doesn't "know" things, have objectivity, or the ability to reason.
It was just to test out ChatGPT to see what it would say about what we already knew. Some of it was not 100% correct as we have seen by comparing what ChatGPT said to FCE results about ENEB's Master degrees but it still gave pretty good predictions.
FCEs are members of a guild. The purpose of guilds is to gatekeep and protect the industry represented by the guilds, which in this case is the US higher education industry. That's why none of the NACES guild member FCEs will give ENEBs master's degrees equivalency with accredited U.S. master's degrees, even though every degree awarded in the US is a propio degree (created by the schools without the input or approval by the federal government). So what the FCEs say doesn't make them right and ChatGPT wrong. The FCEs are doing the job they promised to do when they joined the NACES guild. If they started giving master propio degrees equivalence to US master's degrees then US colleges and universities would lose a lot of tuition revenue, and we all know that many master's programs - especially the online ones - are cash cows for the schools (because online master's students can't get grad assistantships, etc.). Awarding equivalency would be doing the opposite of gatekeeping and protecting the US higher education industry. I'm hip to the FCEs' game. Also, I think many of them probably came as close as they could to giving full US equivalency without breaking the terms of their NACES guild membership agreements.
Is it? It sounds like a pretty accurate description of how LLMs work. I love conspiratorial thinking as much anyone, but FCEs are not the deep state cabal of higher education. FCEs certainly don't have an incentive to literally not do their one job in favor of protecting some other institution from losing revenue. Also, if you really think that all US institutions just issue titulos propios, then you don't understand what the term means. There are two bottom lines here: 1. ChatGPT is not a reliable source of information. 2. FCEs have different methodologies and can be arbitrary, so in all but the most clear cut cases all too often they end up issuing wildly different opinions from other FCEs.
Ok, I'll play. I limited the response to schools discussed on DI. Comprehensive Academic Evaluation Honorary Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) – Abide University Institutional Status: Unaccredited and non-traditional; Abide University is known for offering symbolic honorary degrees in spiritual and philosophical domains, often aligned with unconventional or informal traditions. Evaluation: This honorary D.Min serves as a symbolic recognition of one’s personal or philosophical contributions rather than a formal academic credential. It holds no utility for licensure, academic advancement, or professional practice but may reflect broader engagement with metaphysical or pastoral themes. 2. Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)– University of the Cumberlands Institutional Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Programmatic Accreditation: Business programs, including the Ph.D., are accredited by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE), which emphasizes excellence in outcomes-based business education. Program Characteristics: The Ph.D. is research-intensive and designed for scholar-practitioners. The curriculum includes advanced studies in strategic leadership, organizational theory, and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, culminating in an original dissertation. Evaluation: The IACBE accreditation confirms that the program meets industry-recognized standards for academic quality and continuous improvement. The degree is appropriate for roles in academic instruction, executive leadership, and consulting. While IACBE is not as research-centric as AACSB, it remains a legitimate and respected accrediting body for applied business education. 3. Master of Science in Industrial-Organizational Psychology – Walden University Institutional Accreditation: Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Program Orientation: The MSIO program focuses on workplace behavior, organizational assessment, and applied psychological principles in business contexts. Emphasis is placed on practical application rather than empirical research. Evaluation: While Walden operates under a for-profit model, the curriculum provides foundational expertise valuable in consulting, leadership development, and organizational change initiatives, particularly in healthcare administration. It's important to note that the MS in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is not a licensure program and does not prepare an individual to become a licensed psychology or counseling professional 4. Master of Business Administration (MBA) – Capella University Institutional Accreditation: Regionally accredited by HLC and business-accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Program Format: Capella offers both FlexPath (competency-based) and GuidedPath formats, with a focus on operational management, strategic planning, and applied business acumen. Evaluation: The MBA complements your Ph.D. by reinforcing executive skills in finance, operations, and strategy. It holds value in clinical entrepreneurship, practice management, and multidisciplinary leadership, particularly in private or integrative care settings. Synthesis and Professional Appraisal Your academic profile reflects an interdisciplinary portfolio spanning clinical practice, organizational psychology, and business strategy. All earned degrees are conferred by regionally accredited institutions, with key programs recognized by specialized accreditors such as IACBE, CCNE, and ACBSP. This positions you for leadership in integrated care, behavioral health systems, and rural health innovation. The inclusion of an honorary Doctor of Ministry, grounded in the ethos of Dudeism, underscores your openness to diverse philosophical perspectives. While not academically qualifying, it reflects a personal commitment to holistic care and existential reflection, attributes that may enhance therapeutic rapport and spiritual sensitivity in patient-centered models of care.
I understand full well what the term titulos propios means and I included the definition in my post. American colleges and universities don't get their degree programs approved and rubber stamped by the federal government and signed off by the POTUS. All of them are "own degrees". Since you think I'm wrong, how are they not? I'm willing to learn. Also, I'm not a conspiracy theorist. NACES' own website describes the organization as a trade association. Is a trade association not the same thing as a guild but in a modern context? If not, I stand corrected. But, at the time of writing this, I don't see that much difference between the two other than I used an archaic term to describe a modern organization. Am I being too literal? My handle isn't INTJ for nothing, LOL.
POTUS is not signing off on degrees but American schools do get their degrees approved by their institutional accreditors. If the accreditor says no, they (likely?) cannot offer that program. You can see chrisjm's thread here: HLC Recent Actions | DegreeInfo which includes approvals and denials. I think the accreditor exercising oversight separates American degrees from the propio.
Accreditor approval crossed my mind briefly but I thought I was making something up, so I dismissed it. It's not quite the same as direct government oversight, but it's close enough that it has the same outcome. I stand corrected. Thanks for explaining, Dustin.
Colleges and universities in the US aren't authorized at the federal level, but they are authorized at the state level. In the Spanish system, universities can offer two categories of degree. The first is título oficial, which is akin to what US institutions do, awarding a degree for a program offered by the institution itself. The second is título propio, in which the university has an agreement with a third party, such as a private training center, to award a degree based on a program conducted by that third party. The broader term for this practice in English is "validation". There aren't any US institutions that do it, but there are UK institutions that do. The biggest used to be the University of Wales, but they validated a lot of dubious third programs around the world and ended up imploding as a result. There are still a few other UK universities that do validation, though, like the Open University and the University of Middlesex. It is a trade association, yes, and if you want to call it a "guild" then I don't see why you couldn't. The part I was objecting to was how you suggested they purposefully water down their own evaluations to suit what US universities might prefer. Like Carl Sagan said, "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence."
Thanks for explaining. I've seen universities offering titulo propio degrees of their own on their websites and nothing was said about the third-party providers. I assumed they provided the curriculum and everything themselves.
