Diploma Mills: A Shady Side of Education
The pursuit of higher education is a cornerstone of personal and professional growth. However, the landscape of academia is not without its shadows. Diploma mills, institutions that offer degrees for a fee without requiring rigorous academic study, continue to be a persistent problem, devaluing legitimate education and potentially endangering the public.
Historical Context
The issue of diploma mills is not new. Back when Hong Kong was a British crown colony, Time-Life correspondent Hal Wingo and I became acquainted. Wingo's New York editors were working on an expose of the lucrative for-profit diploma mills. One of the cons had a Hong Kong address. Hal and I went to the Hong Kong address for the school and found it to be the location of one of Hong Kong's scarce vacant lots.
The Allure and Deception of Diploma Mills
Diploma mills attract individuals seeking a shortcut to career advancement or personal validation. These institutions often prey on those who lack the time, resources, or qualifications to pursue traditional education. They offer the promise of a degree without the hard work, critical thinking, and comprehensive learning that accredited universities provide.
The consequences of obtaining a degree from a diploma mill can be far-reaching. Individuals may be hired for positions they are unqualified for, potentially leading to professional errors and harm to others. Furthermore, the proliferation of fake degrees undermines the credibility of legitimate educational institutions and devalues the accomplishments of those who have worked diligently to earn their degrees.
Questionable Credentials in Healthcare and Beyond
The presence of diploma mills extends beyond the realm of academia, infiltrating various professions, including healthcare and the spiritual realm.
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For example, Marcus Bachmann and his wife, Michele, run a Christian clinic providing psychological assistance. One of the clinic staff members, a Mr. Wiertzema, said he had an M.A. from Argosy University. Argosy University is a for-profit diploma mill. Its degrees are worthless. His boss, Dr. Marcus Bachmann, also received his credentials from a diploma mill. His degree comes from the Union Institute, a Cincinnati-based correspondence school. Only accredited universities can offer or grant such a degree. The Bachmann & Associates Clinic receives heaps of pork via good old Medicare funds, just as if it were legitimate. Politico reported Marcus Bachmann is not licensed with any of the boards that certify mental-health professionals in Minnesota. That is not a problem for "Dr." Bachmann because the state of Minnesota allows unlicensed people to practice mental health care.
Many a television evangelist skips accredited university study for the diploma mills. I have been in several pastors' studies and am always disappointed when I see on their walls a diploma they bought from a catalog. They are not being honest with themselves or their congregation.
Argosy University: A Case Study
Argosy University serves as a stark example of the diploma mill problem. The institution faced significant scrutiny and ultimately collapsed, leaving students stranded and burdened with debt.
In 2012 I enrolled at Argosy University to complete my Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice. I got on the Dean's list twice. After finishing my degree I started getting calls from the Department of Education concerning my loans being re paid. Argosy has charged me $32,000 for my 2 years of online classes. I wasn't going to be at graduation because I lived in Kentucky and my 5 year old son was also attending school. She told me that my diploma was going to cost me $240! She refused to send it to me. I deserve my diploma, and would love to be part of the class action suite against them for overcharging me for my classes. Beware….look at other schools before settling on one and keep track of your financial aid.
Graduate and doctoral students, particularly those close to completing their programs, are finding it difficult to transfer to other institutions. Many universities won't accept graduate-level course credits earned at a different institution. “This has been stressful,” said Aretha Barnes, a student pursuing a doctorate in counseling psychology at Argosy’s campus in Tampa, Fla.
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Earlier this month the Trump administration cut off Title IV student aid to the colleges after Argosy failed to make financial aid payments to students. Some Art Institutes campuses also were affected.
APA's Response to the Argosy University Closure
The American Psychological Association (APA) has taken several steps to address the challenges faced by students, faculty, and staff affected by the closure of Argosy University. These actions include:
- Expressing deep concern for the well-being of students, faculty, staff, and alumni across Argosy’s campuses.
- Developing a nimble advocacy strategy to protect students and the public by promoting consistent quality in the teaching of psychology.
- Maintaining constant contact with relevant agencies and other affected accreditors to stay apprised of the rapidly changing terrain.
- Urging Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to immediately establish a real-time response center to address concerns from affected Argosy students and to provide timely, helpful updates and guidance.
- Expressing strong support for the Relief for Defrauded Students Act of 2019 (H.R. 3662), introduced in response to the closure of Argosy University.
- Publishing a list of previously unaccredited programs granted “accredited, inactive status” to teach-out Argosy University students.
- Creating a FAQ page and a Psychology Student Action Center to listen to members of the Argosy community and direct them to appropriate resources.
The APA also offers resources for students seeking loan discharge or borrower defense to loan repayment, and provides information on obtaining transcripts, diplomas, and enrollment verifications.
Transfer Options and Accreditation
The APA emphasizes the importance of program accreditation for ease of licensure, access to employment opportunities, and formal due process for grievances. The association encourages students from closed graduate programs to consider enrollment in another APA-accredited doctoral program.
Navigating the Aftermath of Argosy University
The closure of Argosy University has left many students with questions about their academic records, financial aid, and future career prospects. The following information may be helpful to those affected:
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- Transcripts, Diplomas, and Enrollment Verifications: Argosy states that these documents can be requested online through a third-party company called Parchment. Inquiries may also be made to the agency in a particular state that licensed a closed school.
- Student Records: Under FERPA, students have a right to view their student records. The APA recommends that students learn what is in their records, including information such as applications, contact information, grades, test scores, health and immunization records, disciplinary reports, and lists of courses taken.
- Federal Loan Discharge: Federal Direct Loans, Perkins Loans, and Federal Family Education Loans (FFEL) are eligible for discharge.
- Borrower Defense to Loan Repayment: This process can be used when a school has misled the student or engaged in other misconduct in violation of certain state laws.
Combating Diploma Mills: A Call to Action
The fight against diploma mills requires a multi-pronged approach involving individuals, institutions, and regulatory bodies.
- Individuals: Prospective students should thoroughly research any institution before enrolling, ensuring that it is accredited by a reputable accrediting agency. They should also be wary of programs that promise degrees in a short amount of time or with minimal effort.
- Institutions: Accredited universities should clearly articulate the value of their programs and the importance of rigorous academic standards. They can also play a role in educating the public about the dangers of diploma mills.
- Regulatory Bodies: Government agencies and accrediting bodies should strengthen oversight of educational institutions and take swift action against those that engage in deceptive practices.
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