...had any experience or knowledge of Rochville...

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Answer by kim
Submitted on 4/6/2004
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Excerpt from a recent newspaper article regarding Rochville University: Mike Mather Investigates Diploma Mills - Degrees Without Taking Classes Email to a Friend Printer Friendly Version Your NewsChannel 3's Mike Mather (Norfolk, VA, February 17th, 2004, 7:54 p.m.) Riley Golski is learning to count change, tell time and make compound words. By all measures, he’s one of the brightest students at Norfolk’s Taylor Elementary. So bright is Riley that his grasp of recreational sports recently earned him a college degree. He'll be the first to tell you he isn't qualified. “I don't know lots of stuff, yet,” he said, barely glancing up from the day’s coloring project. Riley’s degree came from a “diploma mill,” one of hundreds of Internet-based businesses that promise university credentials and transcripts for as little as a few hundred dollars. Investigators say it is a $200-million-a-year industry that often dispenses undergraduate and advanced degrees in exchange for little or no academic work. To see how much – or how little – one of these businesses would scrutinize the life and educational experience of an applicant, NewsChannel 3 applied to Rochville University using Riley’s unembellished accomplishments. Because of Riley’s athletic background, we asked for a degree in “exercise science” from a list of dozens. We paid $75 extra to have the transcripts reflect a 3.5 grade-point average. We were also given to option of “back dating” the degree to the date of our choice. Rochville granted the degree for about $300, no questions asked. The university also provided car decals and a verification service that potential employers would contact if they were unsure of the degree. “Usually the employer is interested in verification of the documents only, for which Rochville University provides an excellent verification system, where complete authentication of the degrees and certificates is provided,” the university wrote to us while we were still pretending to be Riley. “This service verifies that the degrees obtained are authentic and meet certain eligibility criteria.” Rochville University’s professional web presence didn't surprise Dr. Anne Savage. “It is very easy to set up a fake diploma mill, a fake school, on the Internet,” said Savage, who heads the distance learning department of Old Dominion University. That department allows students to attend or view classes without ever being at the university. Savage says she doesn't have much sympathy for degree-seekers who knowingly cut corners in the pursuit of phony credentials, but she also worries some questionable universities may be misleading well-intentioned applicants by overselling the clout of their degrees. In those cases, she says an applicant’s money would be better spent on an accredited school. “The fact that someone takes advantage of them breaks my heart,” she said. “It’s not right. It angers me.” A federal investigation is underway to see how many of the nation’s top government and Pentagon employees gained jobs or promotions by using credentials from either diploma mills, or other types of correspondence schools that are not accredited. “No contender for a job — whether it's in the private sector or federal government — should lose out to a candidate because that candidate holds a bogus degree,” Virginia congressional representative Tom Davis told the Associated Press last month. Davis, a Republican, is one of two legislators who've asked the Government Accounting Office to examine the resumes of top government and Pentagon leaders. The investigation was sparked when a Washington-based industry newspaper revealed a top government officer held degrees that didn't require academic work. An investigation by Government Computer News showed that Laura Callahan, the former deputy chief information officer of the Homeland Security Department, “bought” three degrees from Wyoming-based Hamilton University. According to the trade publication, Hamilton awards degrees based on life experience and not coursework. Callahan is on leave during the investigation. Davis has asked for a more broad investigation. The questioned education falls into two general categories. First, there are the diploma mills that award degrees based on an applicant’s “life experience” rather than on traditional academics. For a fee of a fee hundred to a few thousand dollars, an applicant can gain degrees the university promises to vouch for if ever questioned by an employer. The second type are schools that may offer degrees for a combination of academic work and life experience, even though their institutions are not recognized by traditional accreditation agencies. In some states, like Oregon, using a bogus degree to get a job or promotion can be a crime. That’s one reason the Oregon Department of Education keeps the largest known government listing of diploma mills and questionable universities. A NewsChannel 3 search of online resumes also found dozens of people in Virginia and North Carolina claiming education or degrees from both diploma mills and the unaccredited institutions listed by Oregon. We found teachers, clergy, authors, lecturers, military personnel, a high-ranking emergency medical director, and even a state delegate claiming degrees or education from questionable sources. The state delegate, Lionell Spruill Sr., lists “Pacific Western University” on his state resume. After a 1997 lawsuit, that Hawaii-based university now carries disclaimers on its web site that the academic curriculum is not accredited by any agency recognized by the Secretary of Education. Oregon lists Pacific Western University on its roster of “substandard” institutions. Spruill represents parts of Chesapeake and Suffolk. Despite what his resume listed last month, Spruill told NewsChannel 3 that he did not hold a degree from Pacific Western. “I took some correspondence courses” through the school, he said. “I did not get a degree.” When told his official House of Delegates biography listed him as holding a bachelors degree, he said, “that’s wrong.” He promised to fix the overstatement. Spruill’s current biography lists education at Pacific Western, but does not include a degree. The “Doctorate of Laws” Spruill lists on his resume is an honorary degree. As for Rochville University, it was easier to gain the degree for a first-grader than it has been to locate the school. None of the university’s numerous Internet pages lists an address. The fax number goes to Imlay, Nev. The school’s domain name lists an apartment building in Malden, Mass., as its address. The web site is routed through a server in St. Louis. When, still posing as Riley Golski, we asked Rochville administrators where the campus was, this was the reply: “Rochville University is an online Accredited University, operating from USA . All transactions and verifications are done electronically and all communication takes place via Internet, e-mail or fax.” When we contacted the school again, but this time as NewsChannel 3, no one ever wrote us back. But they did email us as Riley, offering a masters degree for $269. Here’s the information we supplied to Rochville University, on Riley’s behalf, in our application for a degree.: “During the past six years, I have studied numerous forms and disciplines of sports and recreation, to include the participation in a tennis academy at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.; extensive aquatics instruction at Mallory Country Club also in Norfolk; the study of soccer tactics and skill-building at various locations in Virginia; and graduation from a rock-climbing course in Virginia Beach, Va. I ask that you consider my years of study and participation in the fields of athletics, exercise, recreation and nutrition as meeting the requirements for a degree in Exercise Science.” Web links: State of Oregon’s list of diploma mills, unaccredited colleges and “substandard” institutions: www.osac.state.or.us/oda/unaccredited.html Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) searchable database of accreditation status: www.chea.org/institutions If you have questions about this story, feel free to email Mike Mather at mike.mather@wtkr.com Test Your Health Ideal body weight, cholesterol check, etc. Love is in the air… If you're single, now'sthe time to find a mate. Search local singles here. Defeat Depression Videos, slides and an interactive human atlas. Spring Spruce Up Tackle those much needed home projects with our help. All content © Copyright 2000 - 2004 WorldNow and WTKR. All Rights Reserved. For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.

Answer by GaryT
Submitted on 4/21/2004
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I have been in the composite industry for over 20 years and have had to tolerate idiots who have a degree but no practical experience. I was sick of supporting these people with my knowledge and experience. I have been recognized as a expert in my field, but with out a spare $9,000 I have been unable to proceed with my career, until I discovered Roch ville. They have opened a door to me that has been closed to me for to long. If some one applies for a degree for something that they now nothing about it seems to me that that the worst that industry will suffer is another grad with no experience and little knowledge. Good luck to any body with the experience and balls to do this. By the way I have just received my degree, and now I have been promoted with an increase of salary of $15,000 pa. I Could have only have done this because Roch ville helped. By the way the newspaper article, if the real person had applied not the crew than maybe they would have seen that he has barley literate.

Answer by GaryT
Submitted on 5/1/2004
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This is for Ben; The name us GARYT not GrayT. Don't tell me another no nothing grad from a uni paid for by mum and dad. Its time you people grew up and smelt what your shoveling. There are people out there that work hard and have years of experience in their field, only to be screwed over time and time again by snot nosed no nothing grads fresh from uni. Now Im not saying there all like this, some have the intelligence and humility to now that without that little thing called LIFE EXPERIENCE all there accumulated knowledge is just from books with no or little practical experience. Its easy to slag of or pick faults with places like Roch ville, but it seems to me, and I have checked, that a great deal of employers are looking for people with a great deal of experience and a piece of paper for academic reasons. Give the working man a chance I say. By the way I do not even live in the USA, let along work for Rochville or any parent company. I suggest BEN that you check your facts before spouting off.

Answer by GaryT
Submitted on 5/1/2004
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I would like to apologies for my previous statements, if I have offended anyone it was not my intention. It would seem however that all the negative comments about Rochville etc must have some foundation. I assume that there is plenty of evidence to proof thats they are committing fraud, as I also assume that it is a crime in the USA to lie about a service or product that is sold to the public. I can only say that they have seemed to have conducted a fraud of enormous proportions. If there proof of this, any evidence at all? Please post it here, if there is any!. The Rochville site has a large amount of facts on them, are they all lies? If so cant the police get involved? Evidence means independent, viable proof, not tv programs or hear say. Some people don't like these programs, OK. show me why! prove that they are liars with no credentials who defrauding people on a grand scale. Do this I will contact the police myself.

Answer by GaryT
Submitted on 5/2/2004
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Once again I,m Back. No answers to my questions I see!. I have done a little more research into this and have found at least 30 uni'sthat offer a similar service to rochville, it seem to me that even some of the "big name uni's are starting to offer course credits on "life experience" towards a degree!!. I feel, and many others agree, that if you have the experience and knowledge then any uni that will use this as credits is a good thing. I am sure there will be people out there that will abuse this system. People lie and cheat, thats human nature, I am quite sure there are plenty of traditional grads that have cheated to gain there degree. One more thing, Rochville has attempted to be accredited, maybe to a source that is unreliable, I don't know. A lot of the other Distance learning uni'sI came across have not bothered, even the so called "traditional types". If you have the experience and can feel you are being hampered by not having a piece of paper my advice is to seriously look at this type of degree, if not from rochville from one of the other uni's If you have to lie to achieve the degree, remember, you're only lying to your self. Be true to your self and your accomplishments and you will achieve.

Answer by joy
Submitted on 5/4/2004
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I see both sides, but personally, I think that if a person has true, extensive life experience, he should get credit for that experience. Just like a traditional student gets credit for doing practicum work. I do not think that anyone should lie about their life experience. This will definitely show up on the job that you do not have a clue about what you are doing. I would get a degree from Rochville or any university that offers credit for life experience. I Know of good quality private colleges that are now offering credit for life experience for returning adults. You also have to take some general foundational classes (math, science, English, etc, but it does exist. If all I needed was the "piece of paper" as long as I did not lie about my work experience than I feel I deserve to get credit for it. To me that is not "bogus" THAT'S REAL!

Answer by Gary T
Submitted on 5/6/2004
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It great to see that i am not the only person who can see that getting credits towards a degree through life experience is actually a good thing. I wish any body the best of luck with there career, and has the balls to try and better them selves, despite being ridiculed by a privileged minority. To answer shelti, "composite" is a blending of materials to form a single article, this can either be polymers and epoxy resin systems, or metal bonded items with stress factors built in to accommodate certain conditions etc. Most modern items are of a composite nature from cars to boats and planes. This is why I love the subject so. Remember, if you do decide to go down this road, make sure you know your subject.

Answer by jaded-dot-edu
Submitted on 5/6/2004
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Glad to have found this. Remember -- higher education isn't just BIG business, it's HUGE business... as Da Gov said in Blazing Saddles, "We have to protect our phony-baloney jobs, gentlemen!" Established, "old-school" (pardon the pun) institutions have an intrinsic need to protect their turf from these upstart online diploma mills. Now... I have to say I'm disgusted with the true diploma mills that proudly state "100% acceptance" of all applicants (paying applicants, that is) -- because, as the above article noted, you could order a diploma for your Schnauzer and they wouldn't bat an eyelash (or so it seems!). My concern is this: let's say I give a prospective employer my BA from Rochville. And let's say that employer takes 5 seconds from his day to Google "Rochville"... go on, try it. What do you get? Sure, their official site is the first hit... but then, it's SCAMOLA, BABY! Pages of Google hits saying, "hey, this is a diploma mill." Goodbye, credibility, hello, unemployment. Yes, it's like a mafia thang -- the legit schools are adamant that they will be the ONLY legit schools. There's still a stigma against online learning/diplomas for life experience, like it or not. Just my $.02. (And while I'm at it... please keep in mind that if you're going to spout off about how great a diploma mill school is, you'd do well to recheck your typing before hitting Submit. There are sure an awful lot of grammatical errors and typos in some of the above postings.)

Answer by Gary T
Submitted on 5/9/2004
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Oops last posting was a typo!!!!. I agree with "jaded". Please type in "cheating at uni" in google, it surprised the hell out of me. Like I typed before, there are a lot of "uni,s" out there that offer a similar service to rochville, and, as stated before, most HR Dpts are looking for experienced people, the diploma is usually a requirement due to union issues.. FACT. HR Dpts will check experience, if at all. FACT To jaded, I wonder if you ever fly, as from my own experience over 40% of engineers in the aviation industry (especially in the service and repair sector)have their degrees from a "Diploma mill". Where do you think I got the idea from.....Next time you sit in a airplane think of that!!!! Here is a list of a few uni'sthat offer a similar service to Rochville, any comments on these places would be appreciated. (Oh and my grammar and spelling has always been bad, guess I rush to much, but have you seen a doctors latley!!! And they have PHd,s)http://www.almedacollege.org/degree-certs.html http://www.customdegrees.com/ www.suffielduniversity.com http://www.best-source-4-career-education.com/Online-Life-Experiance-Degree-Programs.html Try this one loads here: http://universityofamerica.tripod.com/links.html Http://www.degreeadvisory.net/A.html http://www.sorbonedu.com/sorbonengl.html http://www.universityamerica.edu/ And these are just a few. If people are going to these places, and they are, and if people are gaining there diplomas this way, and they are, does it not stand to reason that HR Dpts are aware of this. We can argue this point for ever, My degree works for me, and I know of quite a few others, high up in decision making, that it it works for them. In a ideal world I would have loved to have spent 4/5 years at uni to gain my degree, Instead I had to spend nearly 20 years at the sharp end to earn it. Whether gained from Rochville or any other establishment, It should make no difference.

Answer by Diploma Disabuse
Submitted on 5/11/2004
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I just saw a story on ABC nightly news about Lexington University, where there is no location but a mail room, and clearly a diploma mill. My parents were very old school and FORBID college, knowing I would not cross them. Now, at 47, my mother apologized to me and said she wished I could still go. My daughter is graduating from her 4 yrs. getting her BA degree. I am unclear how as an adult I can break away to do 4 yrs of study. I have so much experience in so many areas, it's scary. At a meeting once, the Pres. asked who held degrees, raise your hand. I was the only one without. He then asked, "Who holds a Life Degree?" I was the only one raising my hand. He said, "Those of you with degrees but no life degree are missing the boat" I interrupted and said I had a "PHD from the school of Hard Knocks"......he chuckled, and said that was more valuable than any college document. I agree, but society does NOT. I have been in real estate, as a broker/VP of the company....a mortgage lender, a banker, I hold insurance licenses and have used them, do have my LUTC I, as well as I know Sign Language fluently and can work with that sector of clients, but it all adds up to ZIP in the business world. I was overlooked for an Asst. Mgr. position because I didn't have a degree, but I was assisting the MGR already! I knew more than the manager. I stopped helping since I was paid a pauper wage compared to his salary. He'd been in retail, no experience in finance, banking, contract law, NOTHING. But his degree got him the position. I resent that, as someone who's attended seminars, workshops, read, read, and read. I didn't attend college, but it did not prevent me from LEARNING. I have some ethics issues w/having a bogus degree. If a degree can truly be granted on life experience, then I'm all for it. I'm going to ponder this Rochville situation. I hope more people respond as to if they do or do not have one, and how has the business world treated them, and did they get it in their field of expertise? To me, it's no different than clepping out of classes due to life experience. I hope to learn of more discussion on this most interesting subject. Thanks for all who share here.

Answer by GaryT
Submitted on 5/12/2004
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This discussion is getting very interesting.. I would like to add that in my last posting is an address to a uni based in France. It would seem that the French government has decided that that obtaining a degree through "Life experience is a good thing. The uni offering this service checks out, but does stipulate that it expected proof of any experience an applicant claims to have. This can't be bad!!, When I applied for my degree I supplied as much information as I could. Including a completed "project" complete with independent approvals for design and functions. I assumed that this is what a traditional uni would want. If any body decides to go down this path, then I suggest that you treat it as you would a normal uni (Only Faster). have a verifiable project, send copy's of results on courses completed, even get a recommendation from your employer on work done etc. This may not be necessary, but just maybe you would feel that the degree had actually been earned through hard work, which of course it would have been. The address to the french site is: http://www.sorbonedu.com/sorbonengl.html Try it out, you could be surprised.

Answer by Boumei
Submitted on 5/13/2004
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I am very much intrigued. I never picked up my Associates degree, because I ran off and became a published artist and writer at a young age. Now, 18 years later when I apply for a job, whereas I am used to seeing Bachelor's or equivalent experience, I am being beat out by those who hold a Bachelor's degree - and I used to teach color theory on the side in Chicago to Art Institute Students! Where is the justice in that? For what I have accomplished in the realm of publishing is the equivalent to holding a Doctorate, if not a Professorship! I have spent years researching abnormal psychology, art, literature, and anything that is educational. Learning new techniques, poetry, etc. Computers didn't even exist when I started. To survive, I had to learn them both artistically, publishing-wise, and word programs. I would love to hear what anyone has to further say on this subject.

Answer by P.Smith
Submitted on 5/13/2004
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The Associate Degree that you so worship has cost nurses $1000 of dollars in additional salary. You are bitter old bag. Get off your ass and go back to school. The reason nurses are paid less than pharmacists and physical therapists is the fact that as long as nurses go to school for a two year technical degree as you did, salary will be commiserate with you educational level. PT salaries are on the rise, Pharmacist salaries on the rise. Why? Standard degree in PT is now a doctorate. Standard degree in Pharm is now a pharm D. Take your life experience and your technical grade salary and be satisfied. You and your attitude are part of the problem. You sound like an angry and bitter person. P. Smith RN BSN MS

Answer by Kade
Submitted on 5/14/2004
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I'm a young udnergraduate student, who had to put college on part-time bases for the sake of my family's financial position. I was studying psychology, but my primary interest was forensic psychology, and over the few semesters, I've developed a strong grasp for some of the fundamental concepts. Now I have no choice at hand, at the moment. I'm still not sure whether this gamble is worth taking, but sometimes you've got to explore every single option available. I should be thanking all of you in a certain sense. At first, the promises on the rochville website inticed and drew me towards the program. Then reading the reviews of all the skeptics here stimulated my doubts. Somehow the whole idea seemed hard to grasp and ironically a bit too simple to executed. Then I came across the reviews of those who've taken the risk, and survived to tell. Some of you have had positive things to say, and that's positively reinforced my will to take a risk. However, I'm still shrouded in doubt. Only time will tell.

Answer by attar
Submitted on 5/21/2004
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Wow What a topic People 80% of people cheat to get through university and who knows what percent cheat and buy a fake one this is the world we live in. the fundamentals of university is not just the academic aspect it is also a discipline factor most university students drop out and those that don’t cheat. I have many years experience in several fields and have no degree should it be awarded I think so but through a test when I was in high school I did not take math but I was enriched in elementary school my last year I took a test and achieved all my math credits honestly. Their should be an applied test that can be used for a life experience diploma a regulated test. Universities do apply honorary masters doctorates PhD’s this is a fact. If you pay for a diploma and do not have to actually sit down and get tested on their knowledge.

Answer by John
Submitted on 5/23/2004
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I love this debate. Go for what you want in life because we only live once. Let no one deter your dreams. I will graduate from a graduate course in December 2004. My thesis is written I'm waiting for approval from school and my peers. In the meantime, I have applied for a "second" master's degree from Rochville University. This is how it reads on my resume. Life experience is more applicable to situations where experience is touted over someone who does not have the experience to handle the situation. This is not to discriminate against students who went to a traditional 4 year college. Look at our baby-boomers who will be retiring in ten years from the work force. Now, there is life experience any university in this country should confer the title of degree on this generation. Please, follow your dreams, let no one hold back from you your God given right to health, wealth, and spiritually. To thos e individuals who are bitter that this format does exist. Do not blame it on the spirit to be creative. Rock on Rochville University.

Answer by Lodie
Submitted on 5/24/2004
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I see both sides of this. One side you have those that spend thousands and do book work daily, for years. On the other you have people that work their tails off in their given field and are over-looked for promotions. So the student doesn't have "life experience". The other has life experience and no "formal university driven book learning". What's the problem? In either case someone is lacking, yet looking to do better. I don't see a problem with purchasing a degree based on life experience....provided it really is on life experience. For those in school working so hard, you deserve a pat on the back. It isn't easy. Neither is the day to day work the rest do. I do not have a college degree. My partner at work has held his job for 17 years. When a position opened to head a department he was over-looked for lacking "any" degree (they don't care what kind of degree it is). They hired someone who had a minor degree in a field so far from the work that my co-worker had to train the newbie. Is that right? I considered Rochville because the same position is coming open again, but I worry because we are minor government employees. I am published several times over in child development, have been studying for 14 years now. This is not the field I work in though...still a degree would get me the job and an additional 20k a year!

Answer by Gary T
Submitted on 5/29/2004
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I have just come back from a trip to Australia, where I was involved in helping a University there setting up its composite department. I would have not been considered for this role if I did not have my degree!!. Like I said before, only do this if you can prove that you have the relevant experience, to lie is stupid as your only cheating yourself. This subject of "life experience Degrees" is a topic that seems to have many people talking, and to be quite honest most people agree that if you have the experience why should it not be recognized. All I can say is don't be stupid and apply for a degree you have no experience in, as this would not only be a waste of money, but would give credence to the "knockers" of this system. Be true to yourself and you'll be ok.

Answer by John
Submitted on 5/29/2004
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Hello everyboby, I recently purchased my masters in human services from Rochville University. I have attended a State University New York (SUNY) long distance learning course where you received the course outline and had to make phone contact with your mentor to discuss the course material that was sent by mail. I also received credit for life experience accumulated between school work and intern practicums. I will received my degree soon and will return to this little forum to inform others who return to this website to read the writing on the wall. I like what Gary T. had to say about "getting a degree" without having the experience to back up whatever it is you want the degree for. Granted we all want a better paying position and be able to pay off some bills would be greatly appreciated. So, until I received my degree and enter the fray for a better job. Just keep the faith, baby.

Answer by SomyunGuy
Submitted on 6/17/2004
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Well, I've been reading through the responses here, and I'm still a bit conflicted about the whole thing, and not for the moral reasons. I have completed approximately 95% of my 4 year B.Sc. Computer Science degree at a major university, but due to financial and family problems, I was unable to finish. During my studies I discovered that I often knew the computer-related subject matter better than the professors, and found myself being extremely bored over the course of the four year study period and helping them with their test marking, etc. I also have extensive work in the field, have published papers, tutorials, and a thesis on the subject. I find myself being massively underpaid for the job that I am doing (usually the work of 3 or 4 people) and am extremely unhappy. I don't have the money to go back and finish the remaining courses. Would you say that I deserve to have the B.Sc, or maybe a Masters? I just don't want to get caught with having a so-called "phony" degree, even though I have no problem with "life experience" degrees.... Anyone have any thoughts on this? Or do you know any schools that offer this and are not classified as "diploma mills"? Thanks.

Answer by Kade
Submitted on 6/28/2004
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I can relate to SomyunGuy. I believe our problem is similar. Many universities offer slightly mature students, say past the age of 23, a chance at doing their masters. However, even they require some previous experience in the required field. I believe such a degree should in some form, account for your hard work, and perhaps from there on give you chance to specialize and excel, backed up with real interest, rather than problems and boredom. I believe Rochville do send out the packages as promised. However, I have a question for GaryT. You seem to have solid work experience, and experience on its own as well. What should an individual do, when say their employer requires the address of the designated university? In this case of course, Rochville university.

Answer by oldfashioned
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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Call me old fashioned, but it seems to me - it is a classic example of wanting something without having to do the work for it. "Fast food" society, with a fast food degree. There are legitimate programs that offer life experience as a means to offer credit towards a degree. Getting credit towards a degree is far different than getting a whole degree. I applied to Rochville just to see what type of degree that would and could be awarded to me and I was certified for a Masters and a Doctorate degree. Often employers are looking for someone with a combination of experience and formal education. The degree based on experience is in my mind cheating, you are getting credit for experience twice, first for the orginal work history, and second for the degree which is based on work history. I find it very disturbing that for Rochville there is not one single contact name or address given, why do you think that is? Even look at the message by the so-called President of the University an illegible signature without the type written name. Good luck to the person seeking a physical address - you will not be given one. Why do you think employers ask for this type of information?

Answer by TwoMastersthehardway
Submitted on 7/1/2004
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To all the BS buyers: True, experience counts and is extremely valuable in the marketplace, but I think you misunderstand the concept of a College education. It's more than just learning about a narrow field of study; it's a broad study of many areas of learning. One of those being communication skills, which are obviously missing from many of the above responses. Also, it is totally inappropriate to assume that your missing degree is your problem. There are many-many examples of very successful people who didn't need a BS/BA to achieve results in the marketplace. Reassess what you want and be truthful. Also, if you went into a career with the fore-knowledge that it took an undergraduate degree to advance, then it's your problem; not the system, and getting a bogus degree simply adds to your personal dishonesty.

Answer by HonestDegree
Submitted on 7/5/2004
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Getting a degree based on life experience is simply dishonest. Sure, you may know more law than your neighbor the lawyer, or be more versed in practical psychology than the Ph.D. next door. But that knowledge does not give you the same foundation and background as a real university education. Though not a perfect system, universities graduate students who possess at least a minimum standard of knowledge verified objectively through testing. Conversely, degree mills do nothing to objectively evaluate the claimed life experience. I don't want to be in a building designed by an "engineer" who did not actually study engineering, and I don't want my body cut open by a "cardiologist" who did not study medicine and do his internship. If you get a degree from Rochville or some other life experience outfit, you may be able to fool others, but you can't fool yourself. You will also be doing a disservice to all those who believe in playing by the rules, and more importantly may actually cause real damage to innocent people who rely on the integrity and ability of those holing themselves out as experts. Is this really how you want to live your life?

Answer by Gator
Submitted on 7/5/2004
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I dropped out of college in 1991 to work for my then, soon to be wife and future daughter. Unexpected turn when I found out I was going to be a Dad. I was going to school to be a secondary Art teacher. I have ALWAYS wanted to do this. I have since worked odd jobs on and off quickly advancing to position of supervisor or assistant manager. (I am a fast learner and dependable, hard, worker). All along operating my own business since 1996, and for 3 years now, an online business to suppliment my income. I have quit working other jobs and ran just the succesfull business now for nearly five years. I am making between $30,000 and $40,000 a year depending how the year goes. This may be enough to live on, but it is not what I wanted as a child. I beleive I have the life experience to go into a classroom and teach teenagers much more than any 21 year old, fresh out of school would dream of teaching. Now with 2 mortgages, automobile expenses, employee wages, 2 businesses to run, and a family to support, do I have the extra time and money to attend college for another 3 years? Not really. If I sacrificed anything, the rest surely would crumble. Do I want to be a school teacher earning about the same wages I make now, instead of continuing with the business I conduct now? 100%!!! It is what I always wanted to do. I know I could do it....better than most, especially new fish out of school. Final question to you and myself, would I buy a degree from Rochville? If it was completely legitimate, yes. Knowing its not.....NO. Show me where I can work my dream job on the life experience I have gained and I would take it in a heartbeat. Untill then, I guess I will work 60 to 80 hours a week, 320 days a year to make the same wage I would if I were a teacher, working 40 to 50 hours a week, 190 days a year. If you would like to see what I do, visit my website http://gatorzap.com

Answer by GaryT
Submitted on 7/7/2004
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First to Kade; I have asked Rochville for an address, and they gave me thier admin offices in Sarasota Florida, Which I visited and confirmed a group of offices with 20 + employees. This is the address I will give in the future. To others who do not like this form of advancement, I agree, I did not wont to obtain my degree this way. But does it not seem a little unfair that as i have a wealth of experience it would not count? As I have stated on more than one occasion Rochville is not the only one out there! I have come across countless Unis that offer credit for life experience. I also agree that I would not like to enter a building designed by someone with a bogas degree, but the chances are the person who has a 'Normal' degree cheated. As stated before 80% of students cheat?????. And they still get a degree????? Now that does frighten me, people out there with NO experience with a degree from a normal Uni. Oh Boy!! Love em or hate em, this type of system is here to stay. This does seem to be a forum, to bash Rochville, are there no other 'Mills' out there?? Come on Guys and Gals lets be fair. Can any one suggest another. One last thing I have investigated Rochville, and found them to answer e-mails and letters promptly, I am critical of there acceptance procedure, which is open to abuse. But, as I have said many times, liars will be caught. No experience, No job.

Answer by twomastersthehardway
Submitted on 7/8/2004
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Hey GaryT, if someday you have to give an essay on your life experiences to a prospective employer I hope you would have the good sense to have someone else read it first to correct all the errors in grammar and spelling. Each time you make a plea for Rochville as one of its "graduates," I think you do them no favor. GaryT, if you think you've got it down, try going to a real school to see if you do. If so, it should be a cakewalk for you, but I suspect it will not. Let me give you one of my experiences. Some time ago I decided to go to graduate school for a masters in business (MBA). Because of my long experience in business I had the opportunity to "test-out" of some of the courses, so I tried it only to fail miserably on the exams. My self estimate of the value of experience was bloated and irrational. What I thought I achieved by experience was way overstated and most humbling. For this reason, I question most statements on experience as being equal to education. They're not!!!

Answer by UOP_Longway2Go
Submitted on 7/8/2004
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twomastersthehardway is right. If you think you have all the experience you say you do, why not find out? Take the CLEP exams and avoid having to take classes. Most Accredited Universities like University of Phoenix will give you credits for passing CLEP exams: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html I am taking online classes at University of Phoenix to get my Bachelor's in Business/Management. Don't talk yourself out of it like most people with hard luck stories do when they say they don't have time. You can do it -all on the Internet, when it's convenient for you. But don't be fooled, the work is hard. You have to want it. As for the fake degree thing, I am doing research on it, but so far I do not see one offer yet that I could honestly put on my resume and not worry daily if I would get called out for it if someone found out. The difference is, I work for a Fortune 100 company. On the same token, if I was in a lower-end job like middle mgmt at a manufacturing plant, or public law enforcement, then I would certainly get a degree from Rochville or the like. Chances are in those areas of employment, you are far less likely to get caught using one of those degrees than someone with my job title. I am not tooting my horn or saying that I am better than anyone, but I do make over $150k a year as it is, and need a degree to move up the corporate ladder to executive level. At that level, credentials are certainly scrutinized, so I would be scared to get caught.

Answer by James E. Smith
Submitted on 7/17/2004
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I just read someone’s message saying they would have no mercy on someone with a degree from Roch ville University because they are cheating people that hold a degree from some other university. I'm a software developer and I've been cheated by people that have degrees. What about when that happens! I don't here much talk about respecting knowledge. Why would someone focus on paperwork when it is the knowledge that produces what companies need to survive? I remember my boss giving his friend credit for my work, I seen his friend's name on QA documents and my name where his friend name should have been. My source code never has any bugs and the QA manager could tell you that. No one knew why my name was in the wrong place on those papers but, I'm sure it happened more than one time. This happened around promotion time near June. His friend had a degree in Electrical Engineering so, the HR department believed he was producing better work then me anyway and wanted to promote him but, he was taking credit for my work. He was promoted and became my boss. The mistake was overlooked. They simply lied and got away with it. This happened at other companies also. They tried to use me as the fall guy and take credit for my hard work and give my name to upper management when ask about their mistakes that came from their own lack of knowledge. How do you deal with this type of injustice. So why should I care about how much classroom work someone performed to get a degree? It's easy for people with degrees to lie within on those that don't have degrees. If this university paper work was put to the side many phony people with degrees would be exposed. Where a person went to school or how long a person was in school does not make them capable of being a scientist, programmer, or engineer. I say this because school is only as effective as the student makes it and education can be acquired in more than one way. School is one important way of receiving an education but, because of the view of education as big business many schools have put more of their resources into look and feel and have neglected the quality of the education they provide. In addition to this many students are not interested in being personally enriched from their education, many students focus only on the paper work that say they were in school and received a degree. The lack of interest in the knowledge itself is what I worry about because, that is what our society depend on for technological growth. The summation of what I'm saying is that a man is what he makes himself.

Answer by Leonard B
Submitted on 7/18/2004
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About Rochville On-line degree I have a degree from them. Yes, maybe it is cutting corners but to me it was a fast way to obtain my degree. As far as to the merits of my degree from Rochville, well I had a company that I worked for “John Deere” who pursued information about my degree and they inquired on it creditability. They granted my degree not as a Bachelor Degree but as a Technical degree, which carried weight with the company. John Deere took 2 months checking out Rochville and its Accreditation’s. True, John Deere would not recognize my degree as a true Bachelor degree but they did honor it as a technical degree. Through my own experience, if a huge corporation like John Deere recognizes this as an Accredited University and the time and money they spent to investigate them out it finally paid of for me personally. So those who are search this university out for a quick degree, I would suggest them to you, but a word of warning. It does take sometime for a company to receive information about this university as I had to jump down Rochville throat in a matter of speaking to get them to release information to my employer. -Leonard