A recent candidate’s resume cited an MBA from California Coast University, “a nationally accredited school.” Sad to say for the uninformed one can get suckered into paying half the usual price for a degree that is not worth even that much. The right accreditation is by the regional association for accrediting colleges and universities. If in doubt check the schools accredited by that association and see if the expected universities are there. If not then don’t go there.
And worse yet are the “paper mills” where one’s experience and a $3,000 fee can get you whatever degree you’d like. If one’s ego is so big or judgment so poor someone gets one of those sheepskins then don’t expect to be one of our candidates.
Degrees by the University of Phoenix are “OK”, as are degrees earned on-line by schools that have regional accreditation. But to this recruiter the quality of the school’s faculty and reputation of the school do mean a lot. Just remember, while the degree may get you invited to an interview it’s what you’ve done after that that determines if you get the job.
I have to disagree with you on your comment regarding nationally accredited universities not being worth much. As you said, while the degree may get you invited to an interview, it’s what you’ve done after that that determines if you get the job. I would think that the degree means a lot if it can get you to the interview. Moreover, if a candidate has years of experience to back that up, then why would you pass up on that candidate?
How a degree is viewed by an employer or recruiter depends on their knowledge of the differences in degrees and how important that is to them for the position the candidate is being considered. I deal solely with senior level positions so it’s important. When considering a candidate for president or VP level positions I would not suggest the client consider a candidate as having a valid degree if from school lacking regional accreditation.
From the candidate’s side, I expect a lot of push back, just as you’re doing, if their degree is from a school lacking regional accreditation. And if such a person’s goal tops out at middle management the degree may have served them well, when added to their experience, in getting them a job or a promotion. However, the higher up one goes on the corporate ladder the more important it usually is that the degree is from a school with regional accreditation.