Each One Teach One Assignment

Online Schools: True or False?

In the words of Tim Dunlop, "If you build it they will come." How true that is. Fraudulent institutions are popping up all over the Web and making megabucks off unsuspecting consumers. When discussing the growing trend of online schools and digital degrees, I too think it is imperative to define all key terms. What is a degree mill? What does it mean to be "accredited?" Without understanding these concepts, you could find yourself out of thousands of dollars and holding little more than a recycled sheet of paper.

"Schools without walls" and online degrees may seem like the ultimate convenience. Nearly all your assignments can be completed over email or the Internet; you don’t have to quit your job or even leave your house to take classes. It seems too good to be true…and sometimes is. Legitimate online schools are accredited, which means they are reviewed over a number of years by an outside agency that determines whether they meet appropriate standards. This accreditation ensures the student(s) that they are not attending a "degree mill," which is "an organization that awards degrees without requiring its students to meet educational standards for such degrees established and traditionally followed by reputable institutions." (US Office of Education, 1974). In layman’s terms, they sell degrees with a questionable level of quality control. Degree mills often use aggressive and misleading advertising to scam individuals into paying excessive amounts for a quick education. These consumers are generally left with degrees that are not recognized or accepted by other schools or employers.

This is a prime example of false advertising, which as we all know is completely UNETHICAL. "How do they get away with it?" you might ask. They survive by operating in states with lax law governing schools, such as California, Utah, and Hawaii. They may sell only in other states or countries and often operate out of multiple political jurisdictions. They assume identities of well-known schools or other organizations. This is a problem that could potentially double if these institutions are not shut down. Being critical and checking for legitimacy is the only way a person can be sure that he or she is making the right choice.

Title: Ivory Tower Rip Offs - How Online Degree Mills Work
Web address: http://www.elearners.com/resources/diploma-mills.asp
Description: Information about degree and diploma mills is provided by a reputable source, eLearners.com. The author breaks the topic into 3 parts: how online degree mills work, how they survive, and how to protect yourself. Another link will take you to the page on accrediting agencies http://www.elearners.com/resources/accreditation.asp.

Title: NCAHF Position Paper on Diploma Mills
Web address: http://www.ncahf.org/pp/dipmill.html
Description: This paper is provided by the National Council Against Health Fraud but addresses the problem as a whole while discussing its impact in their field. Special terms are defined, which is helpful to a reader who is not yet familiar with diploma mills. The “harm” to students and other consumers is broken down into economic, direct, indirect, psychological, and societal.

Title: Online Schools Under Scrutiny
Web address: http://www.wired.com/news/print/0,1294,52207,00.html
Description: This article from Wired News is a bit dated (2002) but gives a history on the emergence of online schools. The author discusses two academies run by for-profit companies that prompted states to request more regulatory authority.

Title: School Guide USA
Web address: http://www.schoolguideusa.com/online-accredited-degrees.html
Description: This guide to online degrees and distance learning in the US defines the term “accreditation” and addresses its importance when choosing an online school. A list of accredited online schools/degrees are listed.

Title: The Online Universities Weblog
Web address: http://www.onlineuniversities-weblog.com
Description: This is a vast resource for the topic of distance education and online classes. Information can be a bit hard to find due to the scrolling blog format, but it provides a wealth of information. Links to articles and market reports and assessments are abundant. It provided a great resource, the Educational Bloggers Network, specifically for edu-bloggers and a listing of related blogs.

Title: Virtual University Gazette
Web address: http://www.geteducated.com/vugaz.htm
Description: This is a geteducated.com publication; the “diploma mill police” blows the whistle on fake online colleges. Consumers can verify accreditation status of any online program in the US for free at http://www.geteducated.com/diplomamillpolice.htm. Links are provided to a distance learning and college accreditation FAQ page as well as the top 10 signs that a school is not legitimate.

Title: World Education Services: International Academic Credential Evaluation
Web address: http://www.wes.org/ewenr/DiplomaMills.htm
Description: Diploma mills are defined, different types explained, and tips for spotting them are given. Additional resources are listed including Websites and articles dedicated to the topic. WES is recognized by the NY Times and can convert educational credentials from any country into US equivalents.


Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don't. ~ Pete Seeger