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Almeda University (also known as Almeda College, Almeda College & University, or Almeda International University) is an unaccredited American institution that offers various academic degrees through distance education, including a "Life Experience Degree".

History

Almeda was founded in 1997 and currently has an address in Boise, Idaho. Bears' Guide says that they could not locate the physical address of the institution and were told by reception that Almeda University is a "web only" institution. As of 2005, the Oregon State Office of Degree Authorization reported that Almeda had been closed by legal action in Florida but might still be operating there, had been based in Georgia for a brief time, and also was using an Idaho address.

Programs and courses

Almeda University offers associate, bachelor and master degrees using "Prior Learning Assessment" and also master and doctorate programs in business and theology that require the completion of a thesis or dissertation, according to its website. Almeda University also offers some 1,000 nondegree technical and business courses and certification preparation programs by e-learning.

Accreditation status

Legally, Almeda University is a corporation registered on the Caribbean island of Nevis. Almeda claims accreditation by the Council for Distance Education Accreditation, Interfaith Education Ministries (IEM) and the Association for Online Academic Excellence (AOAEX); none of these are recognized by the United States Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. On its website, Almeda states that its claimed sources of accreditation are not recognized by the US Department of Education, with the result that students cannot receive US federal loans or assistance under the GI Bill and Almeda degrees may not be recognized by academia or employers.

• Connecticut: According to the Connecticut Department of Higher Education, Almeda was ordered to cease operating in Connecticut in October 2001. After an investigation in 2002 indicated that Almeda was continuing to advertise its programs in Connecticut, the Department of Higher Education sent Almeda a second cease and desist letter and referred the issue to the Connecticut Attorney General for possible legal action.
• Florida: In 2003 the Florida Department of Education entered into an agreement with Almeda requiring the institution to cease operating in the state. Although Floridians can still get a degree from the online university, Almeda warns Floridians that its degrees may not be valid for public employment in Florida.
• Texas: Almeda is on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board list of "Institutions Whose Degrees are Illegal to Use in Texas."
• Other states: Almeda's website also warns Almeda degrees may not be valid for public employment in Illinois, Oregon, New Jersey, North Dakota, Washington and Idaho.

Reception

Almeda's academic standards have been criticized by a variety of education organizations. According to Bear's Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning, Almeda College and University is a web-only university that offers degrees based on an assessment of a candidate's "life experience". Bear notes that Almeda states that it is accredited by the Association for Online Academic Excellence, but that that association is itself unrecognized.

In 2004 the CBS affiliate in Albany, New York, ran a report on Almeda that featured Peter Brancato, who had filled out an application for an associate's degree degree on behalf of his dog, Wally. On the application, Brancato listed "Plays with the kids every day ... teaches them to interact better with each other ... Teaches them responsibilities like feeding the dog." Almeda granted Wally a "life experience" associate's degree in childhood development. Almeda claims Brancato perjured himself by creating a false identity using a fabricated name and date of birth. They write, "He completed an application that included a background of the following: Eight-years tutoring pre-K children, curriculum design and development, teaching coping skills, and volunteer coaching."

In 2006 a Naples, Florida, police officer was required to pay back a salary increase based on a degree from Almeda. Two Naples police officers were also temporarily terminated after investigation showed that they received diplomas from Almeda University. Both officers appealed, stating to investigators that they had talked to department administrators before submitting the degrees to verify that they qualified for the incentive program. On October 28, 2006, both officers were given their jobs back, with back pay, however received 10-day suspensions and were required to take an ethics course before the end of the year. In a similar incident in 2009, eight Washington state troopers who had obtained degrees from Almeda were required to relinquish the educational incentive pay they had received, but they avoided prosecution for fraud because prosecutors could not find evidence of criminal intent. Also in 2009, the Sacramento Bee reported that Sacramento city firefighters who had purchased degrees from diploma mills to get raises were having their raises revoked. Almeda University was listed as one of the institutions that had provided degrees.

In 2011, the website U.S. News University Directory, operated by U.S. News & World Report, published an article about online education that included favorable mention of Almeda's master's degree program in psychology. Inside Higher Ed reported in June 2011 that the item was brought to its attention by the website GetEducated.com and that the U.S. News website removed the posting after being alerted that Almeda "is not recognized as a legitimate degree-granting university by the U.S. Department of Education or any mainstream accrediting agency." The website editors stated their commitment to "focus on accredited colleges and universities" and blamed an "editorial oversight" for the site's use of an Almeda press release as a source.

See also

• Diploma mill
• Educational accreditation
• List of unaccredited institutions of higher learning
• List of unrecognized accreditation associations of higher learning

References

1. ^ Unaccredited colleges, Oregon State Office of Degree Authorization, accessed March 20, 2008 and September 16, 2011
2. ^ "Institutions Whose Degrees are Illegal to Use in Texas". Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Archived from the original on 10 May 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-09 and 2011-09-16. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help); Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
3. About, Almeda College website, accessed September 16, 2011
4. State of Michigan List of Non-accredited Colleges and Universities, accessed September 17, 2011
5. Unaccredited Post-Secondary Educational Institutions, Maine state government
6. "Almeda University". Netcheck.
7. ^ Bears' Guide to Earning Degrees by Distance Learning, John Bear, Maria Bear, (2003-01-01), pp.187 Ten Speed Press, 215. ISBN 1-58008-431-1
8. Unaccredited Colleges, Oregon Office of Degree Authorization, archived by archive.org on December 29, 2005
9. ^ "Almeda University". Almeda University. Archived from the original on 14 October 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-15. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help) Cite error: The named reference "Almeda University" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
10. ^ "Almeda Policies and Procedures". Retrieved 2006-10-04.
11. ^ "Almeda University-Certifications and accreditations". Almeda University. 2006. Archived from the original on 13 August 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-18. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
12. "Accreditation Database and Information". Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Archived from the original on 20 August 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-18. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
13. "Actions against unlicensed colleges and private occupational schools in Connecticut Fall 2001-Spring 2003" (pdf). Connecticut Department of Higher Education. Retrieved 2007-01-17.
14. ^ Simmons, Kathryn (2006-07-17). "University not recognized by state of Florida". NBC2. Archived from the original on 2007-10-26. Retrieved 2006-08-18.
15. "Accreditation Database and Information". Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Archived from the original on 20 August 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-18. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
16. "Degrees for Sale". CBS6. 2004-02-19. Archived from the original on 24 August 2006. Retrieved 2006-08-18. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
17. "Perjury to prove a point". Almeda University. Archived from the original on 8 November 2006. Retrieved 2006-10-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
18. Kara Kenney (2006-07-17). "Police officers fired over fake degrees". NBC2. Archived from the original on 2007-03-30. Retrieved 2006-10-04.
19. Staff (2006-10-12). "City manager hears arguments in ex-officers' firings". Naples Daily News. Retrieved 2009-03-26.
20. Ryan Mills (2006-10-28). "Officers fired for online degrees rehired". Naples Daily News.
21. Sharon Pian Chan, Troopers with bogus degrees won't be charged, Seattle Times. Republished by Yakima Herald, February 3, 2009
22. Scott Gutierrez, No charges in online diploma inquiry, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, February 2, 2009
23. Robert Lewis, The Public Eye: 'Diploma mill' degrees for firefighters cost city $50,000, grand jury says, Sacramento Bee, July 9, 2009. Archived by archive.org on October 19, 2009.
24. Steve Kolowich, Ranking the Online Colleges, Inside Higher Ed, June 30, 2011

Almeda University is an online institution that has assisted an international learning community in earning their college degree online. For nearly fifteen years we've worked with students of diverse backgrounds, providing them with a unique learning experience to further their education. These frequently asked questions will hopefully help to answer questions you might have, while showing you that Almeda is the right fit for earning your degree online. Our numerous life experience degree programs are sure to meet your educational needs and enable you to advance your career.

Q: Who can enroll at Almeda?

A: Anyone with a high school diploma and years of significant experience, skills, knowledge and/or expertise in a given field of study may enroll at Almeda University. We accept students from across the United States, and around the world. All students are evaluated on an individual basis according to predefined criteria.

Q: Do you approve everyone who applies? 

A: No, we do not. However, if you can prove that you have significant qualifications, education, skills or experience in your stated area of expertise, you will be seriously considered for Admission.

Q: Can I backdate my Almeda degree?

A: If approved by Almeda staff, you may backdate your graduation as far as 90 days. To receive approval, you must show that your experience and education corresponds with the timeframe of your request. Under no circumstances may your credentials be backdated beyond 3 months.

Q: Who approves student applications?

A: Almeda works in partnership with a number of academic and business professionals who are experts in their field. Once we receive your application, we will assign an appropriate assessor to review and evaluate your credentials according to the skills, knowledge and experience required for mastery of your chosen area of study.

Q: Do you have any residency requirements?

A: No. For maximum convenience, geography is not a barrier to prospective students who wish to earn a degree from Almeda. As a distance learning institution, Almeda facilitates learning through online technology rather than the physical constraints of traditional colleges institutions. Due to the benefits of this method, we can boast a range of students from across the United States, and around the world.

Q: Is Almeda accredited?

A: Yes. Almeda is accredited by several authorities, including the Interfaith Education Ministries (IEM) and the Association for Online Academic Excellence. The Interfaith Education Ministries (IEM) awards accreditation to innovative institutes who have established relationships with major corporations worldwide. IEM, founded in 1965, provides educational and professional credentials to qualifying institutes of traditional, non-traditional, religious and online and distance education programs of all types. Accreditation by this agency is not contingent upon being considered a religious institute. Although Almeda is not a religious institute and makes no claim to be, we do meet IEM's educational standards and thus qualify for their accreditation.

The Association for Online Academic Excellence (AOAEX) is a private accrediting agency that ensures online distance learning programs are credible and meet high standards of educational excellence. Accreditation by AOAEX ensures that degrees issued by Almeda represent legitimate credentials to be accepted by small, medium, and large companies across the United States, and around the world. However, this accreditation is not the same as regional accreditation, meaning we are unable to participate in the Federal Student Aid program or the GI Bill, and cannot guarantee that everyone will accept your degree. If you are unsure about whether your current or prospective employer will accept your degree, please contact them before applying to Almeda. We strictly adhere to AOAEX's high standards for experiential learning programs with the intention of seeking regional accreditation in the future. Any changes to Almeda's accreditation status will be announced immediately on this web site.

The CDEA accreditation audit process includes an assessment of: • recruitment policies and methods, marketing, publicity and promotion • counseling services, printed materials and online content •admission process, fee payments, contractual arrangements • student support, computer based training delivery methods •integration and maintenance of systems and services, record keeping, and archiving •commitment to high quality educational values, customer service and business practices. The services of CDEA are specific to international open and distance universities, colleges, schools and private institutions. Please view their website for additional information:

Q: How is Almeda different from traditional colleges and universities?

A: Almeda is a non-traditional, distance learning educational institution. Unlike traditional colleges and universities, we have no residency requirements, no buildings or campus, no full-time faculty, and we do not offer a catalogue of courses. Instead, we use the latest technology to reach students in their own space, allowing them to pursue their degree wherever they are. We recognize that not everyone has the time or money required to attend a traditional university. Our programs take far less time and money than the traditional route. thereby allowing you to advance your career without having to take time away from work or family.

Q: What types of degrees does Almeda offer? 

A: Almeda grants prestigious undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. These include Arts, Sciences, Business Administration, Communications and Computer Science.

Q: Can I acquire a medical or law degree through Almeda? 

A: No. Although Almeda confers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate degrees, we do not offer the field of medicine or law. This applies regardless of the amount of prior experience obtained.

Q: What do I get with my degree? 

A: With every Almeda degree, you receive the following additional products and services:

A degree printed on high quality low acidic paper and beautiful laser engraved plaque replica of your diploma for display in your home or office. The exact style of plaque is subject to change. All Alumni services and benefits, including career guidance, online learning resources and reduced tuition for future degrees. A student transcript based upon our assessment of your qualifications and all pertinent courses.Third-party verification for employment purposes. With your written permission, we will supply verification of your degree and date of graduation in writing to any and all inquiries from legitimate third parties. Note: we cannot respond to phone inquiries for security and confidentiality reasons. Verification requests should be faxed to us at (208) 379-4725.

Q: Are Almeda Degrees accepted in industry and business? 

A: Many employers pay our applicants' tuition! Our students come from Fortune 500 companies, government and military agencies, small businesses, and more. Acceptance of any degree depends on the individual company, agency, association, or board. We recommend checking with the institution concerned prior to enrollment.

Q: How will I be able to verify my degree to prospective employers? 

A: Your academic record at Almeda is kept confidential, however we will release the information to outside parties seeking verification for employment purposes with your written consent. When you grant Almeda permission to verify your degree, we will confirm your degree and date of graduation in writing to any and all inquiries from legitimate third parties. Note: We cannot respond to phone inquiries for security and confidentiality reasons. Verification requests should be faxed to us at (208) 379-4725.

Q: If I obtain a degree from Almeda, will I be able to transfer my credits or use my degree to enter a graduate or post-graduate program at another institution?

A: The short answer to this question is: some universities will; some won't. The reality is that few colleges or universities recognize credits earned at other institutions. This goes for traditional universities, such as Harvard or Yale, as well as non-traditional universities like Almeda. Therefore, if you wish to use your Almeda degree as the basis for further education or to transfer your Almeda credits to another educational institution, we encourage you to contact that institution before pursuing your degree at Almeda to see what their policy is on this matter.

Q: Can I transfer credits from other schools to Almeda? 

A: Yes. If you have completed college coursework at another educational institution, you can transfer those documented credit hours toward your Almeda degree. Some qualified candidates completely satisfy their general education requirements through transfer credit in addition to their life and work experience.

Q: Do you accept military education programs, such as the GI Bill? 

A: Presently, Almeda does not participate in Federal Student Aid programs.

Q: I earned an Associate degree from a local community college. How many of these credits will transfer to one of the Almeda University undergraduate degree programs? 

A: Almeda welcomes credits from nationally or regionally accredited community colleges. Because Associate’s degrees typically require general education courses, students are usually able to receive 60 hours of transfer credit for their associate degree coursework.

Q: How much does it cost to obtain a degree from Almeda? 

A: Almeda's tuition fees vary according to the degree or degrees you obtain. However, fees are the same for all students, regardless of their location. Please see our fees page for more specific information.

Q: Does Almeda offer a student loan or financial aid program? 

A: No. Payment of all tuition fees is entirely the responsibility of the student. However, because Almeda does not operate a campus or employ a full-time faculty, these fees are much lower than you would expect to pay for a degree from a traditional college or university.

Q: What if I don't have a computer or access to the Internet? Can I still obtain an Almeda degree? 

A: Regrettably, we do not provide "hard copies" of our application.

Q: I am not a USA resident. Can you help me get a USA Student Visa or an H1B Work Visa?

A: No. Almeda is online only and therefore there are no residency requirements. If you are seeking the Almeda University degree to gain entry into the USA, your request will be denied. Almeda will not provide or assist with any credentialing necessary to obtain Visas for foreign citizens. For information on obtaining a Visa for entry into the USA, please see http://travel.state.gov. 

Q: Do you issue diplomas to all countries?

A: No. Almeda University will not issue diplomas to individuals in restricted countries, which include: Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, and Sudan

External links

• Official website

• Unaccredited institutions of higher learning in the United States
• For-profit universities and colleges in the United States
• Distance education institutions
• Educational institutions established in 1997