Wasn't regionally accredited when I attended credits worthless

Discussion in 'Accreditation Discussions (RA, DETC, state approva' started by Repooc08, Nov 10, 2013.

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  1. Repooc08

    Repooc08 New Member

    The college wasn't regionally accredited when I attended, but it is now. I graduated from The Art Institute of Philadelphia in 2002 with my AS. I then went back and in 2007 I received my BS. Because of the economy's down fall in the job market I lost my full time job doing graphic design (both degrees are graphic) Anyway, so my back up plan/dream was to become a art teacher. I started all the correct steps to start the alternative route program and passed all the test, and took a few classes the state said I needed to take! Only to find out that now the state is having an issue with my credits because when I went to college it was nationally accredited. In 2007 that is when The Art Institute of Philadelphia started the process for the college to become regionally accredited. I graduated a month after they started the processes. So now I'm trying to figure out ALL my options because I have 180 credits that basically I'm being told are worthless. I have checked into Thomas Edison State College and they said they can't credit bank or except ANY of my credits because of the time frame when I went the college wasn't accredited. Thomas Edison also said that ACE will not look into my credits for the same reason. I need more options on what to do. I'm going to keep fighting to get this straighten out without me having to basically go to college all over again. I can't be the ONLY person this has happen to PLEASE HELP ME!
     
  2. Delta

    Delta Active Member

    " Taken Some Courses or Completed Your Degree?

    If you hold an Associate of Arts (AA), Associate of Science (AS) degree or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) from an institution that is recognized as nationally or regionally accredited by the U.S. Department of Education, you should clear most of the lower-division general education requirements for a bachelor’s degree in Business or Information Technology. For Health Professions and Teachers College programs, a course-by-course evaluation is typically required. See a list of USDE-recognized national and regional accrediting agencies. " http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Agencies.aspx


    Transferring Credit to WGU | WGU Transcripts | Western Governors University Online

    Western Governors University may accept you for their Masters teacher certification program if the school you went to was "nationally" accredited at the time you were enrolled. see the list of accreditors. Worth a call!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 10, 2013
  3. Delta

    Delta Active Member

    I saw that the school was accredited by,
    "The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools has accredited the Art Institute of Philadelphia to award bachelor’s degrees, associate’s degrees and diplomas.

    Read more: The Art Institute of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA - TAIP - StateUniversity.com The Art Institute of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA - TAIP - StateUniversity.com
    "

    This is on the list of WGU. Good luck!
     
  4. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    Liberty University and University of Phoenix also accept NA credits, but I would avoid UoP like the plague. Excelsior College (much like Thomas Edison) accepts NA credits on a case-by-case basis.
     
  5. cookderosa

    cookderosa Resident Chef

    I understand your frustration, I was you. My first degree was with a college that is now RA but at the time of attendance was NA. I found it was faster and cheaper to start from scratch with Thomas Edison. It took me 18 months to complete an AA and BA with them, but now I have an RA undergrad degree.
    Now, since you already have an AS and BS, why not look into American Public University for a master's degree instead? They are RA but accept NA credits. This is one of the few schools that are open about this process. I know there are probably others, but randomly applying is costly and time consuming.
    My husband and I attended the same program, so his path is more like yours: NA associates and bachelors, RA masters.
    www.apus.edu
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 10, 2013
  6. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    The above looks like excellent advice.

    If APUS will accept NA Bachelors degrees, then why not pursue their RA Masters degree in education since it's only 36 credits long?

    Here are their programs:
    1. Scroll down to "E" for education
    2. Contact APUS
     
  7. Delta

    Delta Active Member

    I didn't realize APUS has programs that lead to certification as a secondary school teacher?
     
  8. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    The rules and laws vary from state-to-state, so it's impossible to give a definitive one-size-fits-all answer. However, as was noted earlier, Western Governors University may fit that bill the best.
     
  9. Repooc08

    Repooc08 New Member

    Thank you for the advice

    Thank you so much for everyone who responded!! I was starting to have no hope left, but now I'm going to look into these other options. I really don't want to have to start all over because of time and money. For whomever it was that asked I already have a AS and a BS degree from The Art Institute. Hopefully, something will work out for my situation. Thanks again I will update after I do some research and phone calls.
     
  10. LearningAddict

    LearningAddict Well-Known Member

    You'll be fine. There are enough schools that accept NA credits that you'll find one that meets your needs. And when in doubt, always ask if there is a way to challenge the current policy. Some schools will let you do that, some won't, but it's worth a try for a program that you really want to be in.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Nov 11, 2013
  11. me again

    me again Well-Known Member

    What state do you want to be certified to teach in?
     
  12. Repooc08

    Repooc08 New Member

    Nj

    NJ to teach, as of right now I got denied my sub certificate from 2 counties because of my college not being regionally accredited! Just another road block to face.
     
  13. John Bear

    John Bear Senior Member

    I has been 13 years since I did my survey on the acceptance of NA credits by RA schools. At that time, about 40% accepted them always or usually, 40% rarely or never, the rest in between. Gee, I wish someone would update this study. I'll be glad to assist, and have pretty much figured out how to do it inexpensively and quickly.
     
  14. Repooc08

    Repooc08 New Member

    John Bear, Thank you so much for responding. I have been looking into options and keep coming up with the same answers! How do you go about this?? Thanks
     
  15. davidlandis

    davidlandis New Member

    Just finding this thread right now and got really into it, what is finally happening Repooc08?
    Such information are always useful one day or another, wish I could get a better insight of the solutions you possibly found.
    Sincerely,
     

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