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==Accreditation and legality== ==Accreditation and legality==
Almeda University claims to be "accredited" by Interfaith Education Ministries (IEM) and the Association for Online Academic Excellence (AOAEX),<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.almedacollege.org/certification-accreditation.html | title= Almeda University-Certifications and accreditations | publisher=Almeda University | date=2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref>, but they are none of these groups recognized by the ] or the ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.chea.org | title=Accreditation Database and Information | publisher=] | date= | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref> Almeda University claims to be "accredited" by Interfaith Education Ministries (IEM) and the Association for Online Academic Excellence (AOAEX),<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.almedacollege.org/certification-accreditation.html | title= Almeda University-Certifications and accreditations | publisher=Almeda University | date=2006 | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref>, but none of these groups are recognized by the ] or the ].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.chea.org | title=Accreditation Database and Information | publisher=] | date= | first= | last= | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref>


In 2003, the Florida Department of Education made an agreement with Almeda to cease operating in the state, but Floridians can still get a degree from the online university.<ref name="NBC2">{{cite news | url=http://www.nbc-2.com/Articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=7965&z=3&p= | title=University not recognized by state of Florida | publisher=NBC2 | date=7/17/2006 | first=Kathryn | last=Simmons | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref> On Almeda's website under policies and procedures, the university warns their degrees are not legal in Florida and six other states.<ref name="NBC2" /> In 2003, the Florida Department of Education made an agreement with Almeda to cease operating in the state, but Floridians can still get a degree from the online university.<ref name="NBC2">{{cite news | url=http://www.nbc-2.com/Articles/readarticle.asp?articleid=7965&z=3&p= | title=University not recognized by state of Florida | publisher=NBC2 | date=7/17/2006 | first=Kathryn | last=Simmons | accessdate = 2006-08-18}}</ref> On Almeda's website under policies and procedures, the university warns their degrees are not legal in Florida and six other states.<ref name="NBC2" />

Revision as of 11:42, 4 October 2006

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Almeda University is an unaccredited institution of higher learning that offers doctorate degrees in religion and theology, a "Life Experience Degree," and an online certificate program. Almeda University is not accredited by any recognised accreditation body. As such, its degrees may not be acceptable to employers or other institutions, and use of degree titles may be restricted or illegal in some jurisdictions.

Accreditation and legality

Almeda University claims to be "accredited" by Interfaith Education Ministries (IEM) and the Association for Online Academic Excellence (AOAEX),, but none of these groups are recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

In 2003, the Florida Department of Education made an agreement with Almeda to cease operating in the state, but Floridians can still get a degree from the online university. On Almeda's website under policies and procedures, the university warns their degrees are not legal in Florida and six other states.

Criticism and controversy

Almeda's academic standards have been criticized by a variety of commentators. According to writer John Bear, Almeda College and University is a "nonwonderful" web-only University that offers degrees based on an assessment of a candidate's "life experience." Bear notes that Almeda claims to be accredited by the Association for Online Academic Excellence, but that that association is itself unrecognized.

In a report that ran on Febuary 19, 2004, the CBS affiliate in Albany, NY ran a report on Almeda that featured a person who recieved an associate degree using the name of his dog, Wally. Part of the "life experience" listed on the application by Peter Brancato, Wally's owner, was "Plays with the kids every day...teaches them to interact better with each other...Teaches them responsibilities like feeding the dog"

In 2005, Wired News included Almeda University in an article about school accreditation and diploma mills.

In 2006, a Naples, Florida, police officer was required to pay back a salary increase based on a degree from Almeda. "On Almeda's website under policies and procedures, the university warns their degrees are not legal in Florida and six other states." Two Naples, Florida, police officers were fired after investigation showed they bought diplomas from Almeda University.

According to Better Business Bureau (BBB) records, the address listed for Almeda University, 10400 Overland Rd., # 224, Boise, ID is a private mail box company. This Idaho address is a central mail facility, not part of any Almeda University campus. Furthermore, any mail sent to 10400 Overland Rd, #224 is forwarded to an Almeda agent in another location.

References

  1. "Almeda University-Certifications and accreditations". Almeda University. 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
  2. "Accreditation Database and Information". Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
  3. ^ Simmons, Kathryn (7/17/2006). "University not recognized by state of Florida". NBC2. Retrieved 2006-08-18. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  4. Bear, John, Maria Bear (2003-01-01). Bear's Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning. pp. 59 Ten Speed Press, 215. ISBN 1-580-08431-1.
  5. Bear, John, Maria Bear (2003-01-01). Bear's Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning. pp. 187 Ten Speed Press, 215. ISBN 1-580-08431-1.
  6. "Degrees for Sale". CBS6. February 19, 2004. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
  7. Singel, Ryan (Feb, 02, 2005). "Database Fights Diploma Mills". Wired News. Retrieved 2006-08-18. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  8. "Better Business Bureau (BBB) Reliability Report for Almeda University". eLearners.com. June 30, 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-18.

See also

External links

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