In today's fast-paced digital world, online education has become a popular avenue for individuals seeking to further their education and career prospects. However, not all online degree programs are created equal, and it's crucial to be vigilant and discerning when considering such options.
In this article, we'll delve into five warning signs that an online program might be a scam, referring to the article posted by usnews.com on the warning signs that an online program is a scam.
What signs can be alerts to a possible educational scam?
1. Dubious Web Addresses: Legitimate educational institutions typically have domain names ending in ".edu." Be cautious of programs with unfamiliar domain extensions, as they might be indicative of a less reputable operation. Verify the institution's web address and ensure it aligns with established norms for educational websites.
2. Transparency in Academic Quality: Reliable online degree programs provide comprehensive information about faculty members, their expertise, and the curriculum. Prospective students should have access to details about the courses offered and the program's alignment with academic standards.
3. Lack of Administrative and Student Services: Legitimate online institutions have established administrative offices and provide robust student support services. These services encompass technology support, academic advising, and library resources. If an online program lacks evidence of such services, it could be a red flag indicating a potential scam.
4. Unrealistic Promises and Guaranteed Outcomes: Exercise caution when encountering online programs that promise guaranteed outcomes, such as high-paying jobs upon completion. Legitimate educational institutions refrain from making extravagant claims about future employment or earnings.
5. Understanding accreditation: Accreditation by organizations like ACICS (which was supervised by CHEA) and other agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education does not inherently ensure the quality of education provided by universities. In recent times, the United States has experienced an unanticipated crisis in accreditation due to concerns over insufficient academic standards and institutional accountability.
During CHEA's oversight, certain approved higher education accreditation bodies, including ACICS, faced the loss of their accreditation due to corruption within higher education institutions across the USA. Upon recognizing this issue, CHEA launched an investigation that spanned from 2016 to 2019.
Accreditation bodies like the Accreditation Service for International Colleges (ASIC), operating independently of government influence, enjoyed a more advantageous position in regard to the institutions they accredited compared to ACICS, which is recognized by CHEA. It's worth noting that while ASIC lacks recognition from CHEA, its accreditation approach remains distinct and influential.
In conclusion, whether governmental or private, accrediting agencies cannot solely guarantee the quality of education. It is essential to conduct thorough research and follow a diligent admission process to ensure that your educational pursuits align with your goals and expectations.
More information about the ACICS crisis under the CHEA recognition (Department of Education of the United States) here: Click here.
Embarking on a Ph.D. is a very important decision, in addition to the investment of time and money that it deserves, so it is important that you take into account those signs that could be a warning of possible scams. Before choosing an institution, factors such as accreditation and transparency empower your readers to make informed decisions about their academic pursuits.
For example, the educational trajectory is a sign of value, after the pandemic, the boom of online institutions has drastically increased the offer of institutions, but that they are online does not mean that they have the trajectory of offering a program reliable, providing the appropriate methodology and tools. Institutions like Atlantic International University maintain a credible online presence with an appropriate domain, reflecting their commitment to transparency, plus in this case, the reliability of more than 25 years dedicated to distance learning.
Take action and always look for the best for you and your future.