What should you list for degrees?

I have a friend who earned a Bachelor degree from an unaccredited school. The school is not a diploma mill and has been around for many years. The major for the degree was religion. My friend has also earned accredited degrees from mainly schools that are regionally accredited, and one that is nationally accredited. The question that I have is that the Bachelor degree was awarded first (this one was unaccredited) and the others were Associate and Bachelor degrees after (accredited ones). The reason for this is that the credits would not transfer to the accredited schools. Should the unaccredited degree be listed on a resume and if the degree was earned before, this could raise some questions, as to why did not do a Masters and would have to mention that it is an unaccredited degree.

I use to have the opinion that one must have all accredited degrees. However, if the degree that this person has earned a degree even if not accredited, it is worth something. Unfortunately, I think that in the professional world/academic world, if it is an unaccredited degree, it will not be considered, so this is understood. My only concern is whether or not this should be listed. Others have said that if you are to use such a degree for perhaps the ministry or religion, that this would be fine, but for the secular/professional world, that it might create problems. I guess the main idea is should it be listed, and just explained, or do you think it should only be relevant to the areas that are being applied for in jobs/career.

Don't mean to be long winded here -- but do any of you have any experience with this? Have any of you earned an unaccredited degree and listed it with accredited degrees? The last point that I would make is if the person did earn an unaccredited degree, but also has an accredited degree, wouldn't this help to bring some legitmacy to the situation? Any input and thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated.

 

I don't have any unaccredited degrees to my credit but I have an RA Associates degree that I don't list on my resume. My reasoning is that it is irrelevant to my current career track. On the other hand, I've had to complete application forms that specifically require you to list all of your academic degrees and I have included the Associates in the list because it further required you to sign the form below a statement saying that "all the above information is correct..." I'm guessing that some might disagree but I don't believe that including the unaccredited degree on a resume is required. On the other hand, I'm not sure that I'd eliminate it either. Chances are that your friend learned something during the process and even if it turned out to be a substandard degree, it doesn't seem like your friend is pointing to this particular degree as his main qualification for employment. I think it would be rather simple to put some spin on this and turn it into a positive thing.
Jack

 

reply

It would be good if someone has had any experience like this situation. I would appreciate whatever input I can get from this. Thanks.

 

I list only RA degrees if applying for a teaching (adjunct) position. Otherwise I list all degrees.

 

On second thought, I have only been listing the RA degrees. I started to think, what if the employer knows CCU is an unaccreditied school and they question the RA degrees. Some people still see online schools as substandard degree.

If CCU gets DETC, I will reconsider. I do list in my cover letter, for non-teaching positions, In addition to the education listed on my resume, I have taken computer, electronics, and business classes at DeVry Technical Institute, St. Petersburg Jr. College, and California Coast University.

 

You did not indicate the major of the other degrees. Personally I would not list the unaccredited degree. I generally do not list my UK academic credentials because (a) not many people know what they are, and (b) Why list something that is superceded by a better degree?

 

Re: reply

I think it would depend on the unaccredited degree. I hold an unaccredited BS Accounting from BJU. Although the degree is not accredited, I had no difficulty with the State Board of Accountancy when I sat for the CPA examination. I also have an accredited MBA. I have always listed both degrees on my resume. The fact that I did not have an "accredited" BS has not been an issue whenever I have applied for adjunct teaching positions at the CC level.

Just my .02

Bill

 

I list them all both accredited and not accredited, but with the disclaimer as in my singnature below<I have learned in the game is not what you know is who you know!

 

In terms of ethics, I'd have no problem listing it as long as it isn't a degree mill credential; in terms of practical utility, I can imagine an employer who wants an excuse to fire him going to his resume and seeing an unaccredited credential, even if it's not one that was required for the job.


Cheers,

 

Hi Vinipink - I'd like to argue a point with you
The accountants do, in fact, keep score. But, because they vie for clients, they also play the game. They may play on a separate playing field, but as long as they charge a fee, they play the game. That's got to be covered in the "Rules of Acquisition" somewhere.

Jack

 

Well Jack, I did not made the "Rules of Acquisition", I just happen to use it!