The team at WalletPop recently went to work conducting some unofficial but wildly insightful research into just how widespread online diploma mill credentials are currently being used in the professional world.

By cross referencing the names of seven well-known unaccredited online diploma mills with individuals’ profiles on LinkedIn, they found:

• 23 people cite Almeda University on their credentials, including the managing director of a leading hotel
• Amstead University claims 12 graduates
• Belford University appears on 500 LinkedIn profiles
• 475 people claim degrees from Rochville University
• St. Regis University is named on 27 LinkedIn profiles
• Williamstown University was named on 27 profiles

According to the research, some of the people sporting these degrees hold highly-paid executive jobs in industries such as the military, government, pharmaceuticals and education. Education! How hypocritical is that!?

This has nothing to do with “getting caught” buying credentials from a diploma mill. Think about it - would you want your child, parent, or friend to be cared for by a doctor whose degree is not legitimate? Would you want to fly in an airplane that was inspected by an engineering who did not go through the proper schooling and training to ensure your safety?

Do yourself a favor and do your research. Did you know that many unaccredited institutions may claim accreditation by an agency that they completely made up? Visit the Department of Education’s database of accredited institutions. Each of the postsecondary educational institutions and programs contained within the database is, or was, accredited by an accrediting agency or state approval agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a “reliable authority as to the quality of postsecondary education.”

Or, research the accreditation agency in question. Look through the list provided by the Department of Education to determine if your chosen college is recognized by the right kind of agencies.

For more information on diploma mills and accreditation, visit these related posts:

• A National Fight Against Diploma Mills
• Fake Degrees Online: Don’t Get Fooled
• Legitimate Accreditation is the Key to a Legitimate Online Degree
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