Just yesterday I praised the distance education program of the University of Massachusetts (Amherst). Today, however, I'll give you the name of a school to avoid: California Coast University (CCU). Here's why:
~ The school, located in Santa Ana, California, is not accredited by the regional accrediting association (WASC).
~ Although CCU offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in business administration, neither program is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).
~ CCU accepts transfer credits from other institutions and also credit for exams taken through CLEP, ECE, TECEP, NYU Foreign Languages, DANTES, AP or GRE.
~ The institution will award up to 30 semester units (10 courses) at the undergraduate level for "life learning" (not defined).
~ CCU does not require that prospective graduate students take the GMAT or have a minimum GPA on undergraduate work.
In addition to these factors, the credentials of the staff concern me. Thong Nguyen, the dean of the School of Administration and Management, claims a DM (Doctor of Management) from another online university, the University of Phoenix. Professor Patricia Stubban has an MBA from the University of LaVerne, which is not accredited by AACSB. Linda Smith, professor of education, claims an EdD from CCU. Note that CCU canceled its doctorate program in 2004.
On the "good side", you can save money at CCU. The 13 courses required for an MBA will cost a mere $8,190 (plus books, fees, etc.). You decide.
For the record, California Coast University is accredited by DETC, which is a legitimately recognized agency. Also, University of Phoenix and University of LaVerne are both regionally accredited schools.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 4, 2007 10:08 AM | Permalink to Comment