Commonweath Open University

This is a fake and horrible 'university'. The 'degrees' are not worth the paper they are printed on.

Let's face it!!! The world hates this 'university' and their fraud 'degrees'. We have now documented the fact that the U.S., Western Europe and even Africa rejects this piece of crap 'university'. DO NOT GET SUCKED INTO THIS SCAM!!!!!

This is a fake 'university' that issues worthless degrees in my opinion. My opinion is based on the fact that the degrees are not recognized in the United States and Western Europe. 'Kevin' said " I am not worried about accreditation issues in some countries." We are talking about dozens of countries. There is a post above that clearly shows that even two African Nations will not accept the 'degrees' from COU. Don't even try to defend such a trashy establishment as COU. Some people have had their lives ruined by COU.

I just completed the MSc in Environmental Sciences. It is a great program and very affordable. The staff are very student friendly and there anytime you need them. I am not part of the computer generation, but I found this a very rewarding process. Check out COU if you want a good quality online program. The degree program combines rigour and accessibility. That is the most important thing for me. I am not worried about accreditation issues in some countries.

I cannot believe that the people who participate in this form are "accredited" or "unaccredited" university graduates. The vitriolic comments and jingoistic assertions are an embarrassment to read. In fact, I am ashamed of myself for having spent so much time following the .. well, it was not a debate ... the, the, shouting match. To coin a phrase,(hardly) ... "a pox on both your houses!"

To: For Real
(aka Anden, Chang, James, Hi Friend, Mary, Appreciation,& Folk)

You should be a shammed of yourself. You are a plant for this degree mill. The 'degrees' are useless in the vast majority of countries. Anyone with half a brain will do a little research and find that out for themselves. You are taking advantage of people's laziness; those individuals that are trying to get a 'quick and easy degree'. You have also fabricated 6 'reviews' all written in a two month period between May 31st and July 27th, 2010. They are all written in the exact same style; very short (typically two or three sentences) featuring horrible written English. Yet, you persist in trying to rip people off. There are many honest ways of making a living. I suggest you try one of those!

This is to anyone reading this forum. I have spent time trying to open your eyes to the fraud that is COU. They are a degree mill. I have provided you with sources from the U.S., Western Europe and Africa (both South Africa and Tanzania). Please do your research on this 'university' before throwing your money away! Please read this warning carefully:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

Here is a beauty from East Africa (Tanzania) which hates COU as well.

Minister Defends his PhD


The minister for East African Cooperation, Dr Diodorus Kamala, yesterday defended his doctorate degree in the wake of reports that a number of ministers and MPs have dubious academic qualifications. 

Dr Kamala acquired his doctorate degree from the Commonwealth Open University, which the Tanzania Commission for Universities (TCU) does not recognise.

Eight ministers and several MPs have reportedly acquired dubious degrees from foreign institutions that are not recognised internationally. 

They include the Commonwealth Open University where Dr Kamala and Dr Nchimbi acquired their doctorate degrees, according to their CVs on the parliament website. 

TCU has already warned Tanzanians to be on the lookout for foreign institutions offering "bogus" degrees.The TCU executive secretary, Prof Mayunga Nkunya, has advised Tanzanians seeking degrees abroad to first check with his commission on the status of universities they intend to join. 
He said that Tanzanians could also check with Tanzanian embassies in countries where such institutions claim to be based. 

After TCU listed the Commonwealth Open University as among institutions it does not recognise, Dr Kamala referred The Citizen to the UK Naric website which shows the agency has registered over 20 universities, including the Commonwealth Open University. 

Others are the International University (USA), Post Graduate Institute of Business Mgt (Sri Lanka), Society of Sales & Marketing (UK), Business Management Association (UK) and London Churchill College (UK). 

The list also includes the London Reading College (UK), London School of Business (UK), London School of Law (UK), American University of London (UK), ST. Albert's College & Graduate School (USA), Daffodil International University (Bangladesh) and Corporation of Executives and Administrators (UK). 

UK Naric also recognises the World Information Distribution University (Belgium), University of Enterprise (Ghana), University of NorthWest (USA), European Continental University (USA), British American University (USA), University College of Hospitality & Care (USA), International Board of Registered Chaplains, Mental Health Therapists & Practitioners (USA) and London Executive Schools (UK).

Minister defends his PhD
Gus Sainz 
Administrator 
DegreeDiscussion.com


Tanzania hates COU as well!!!!!

If COU is a "fake university" as you call it, why is it still in operation?  Obviously it must be a legal establishment regardless of accreditation status if it is still allowed to operate.  

It is important to stress that just because a school is not accredited it does not mean that they are inferior or illegal. For example, there are innovative non-traditional schools that may have not sought accreditation for legitimate reasons. When making decisions about it is important to not only consider the institution's accreditation status but your educational goals and learning needs as well. Just because an institution is accredited does not mean that you are
guaranteed a high quality education. Even if two institutions are accredited they may not allow you to transfer credit from one to the other. You should
avoid an accredited or unaccredited institution that grants degrees without ensuring students are properly qualified. I can assure you that you have to work a lot in order to get a COU degree.

I am interested in the MSc in Mathematics degree program. Can you give me some info about it?

This program basically covers the following areas: A Beginning Library of Elementary Functions, Additional Elementary Functions, Mathematics of Finance, Systems of Linear Equations: Matrices, Linear Inequalities and Linear Programming, Probability, Markov Chains, The Derivative, Graphing and Optimization, Additional Derivative Topics, Integration, Additional Integration Topics, Multivariable Calculus.

The MSc in Applied Matematics offered by COU is a degree program in finite mathematics and calculus. This look at some of the maths commonly used for business, economics, life sciences, and social sciences.

I would highly recoomend Commonwealth Open. For those who want to gain a body of knowledge from Commonwealth Open,I would say they will give you a great education.

I will not hesitate to recommend the University to friends and colleagues looking to do distance learning. I expect to complete the MSc in Mathematics course work this April.

Sorry "governmental employer".

I have completed with them my MA in International Relations. I showed course material and assignments to my govermental employeer and fully accepted. Wonderful course and academic integrity. Recommended.

I'm  unsure if I have commented on this site regarding COU. If  I have please forgive the error.

COU may or may not meet the needs of the individual. Careful attention is therefore suggested.
My personal experience  was very good. The degree satisfied my need and desire. I have encountered no difficulties whatsoever regarding acceptance. At the point of my attending COU,  it was or had a form  accreditation from a British authority. However, this  wasn't required since I'm licensed prior to attending.  COU did accept much of my previous doctoral work. This was important since I was ill and frankly, fighting for survival.

With all this in mind, I'm grateful for the opportunity to do my final doctoral work with COU. In every regard they worked professionally, efficiently and with academic integrity? In the end it depends on what is needed by the student. I would not hessitate to work with COU again, if need be. Use the thoughts of the hacks with caution

Here are some people really just stating the same thing over and over in numerous posts without adding any value to anyone.

I am a graduate from both COU and fully recognised universities in South Africa, so if I may give my opinion on this matter.

My COU qualification was not accepted for further studies in South African universities, but they did give me RPL and after doing additional subjects was awarded a fully recognised degree by a proper South African university.  I am now busy with a fully recognised (SAQA accredited) Master's Degree at a South African university.

Yes, COU might have qualifications that are not on the same standard as recognised by accrediting authorities, but they definitely do add value to your life.  Their motto has always been that study is not about what you learn, but about what you become.  That is definitely true in my life and what I learned from COU is in some instances more valuable that what I've learned at the recognised and accredited universities.

I guess at the end of the day it is a matter of what you want to do with your qualification.  If you want a COU degree to help you feel good about yourself and give your self-image a boost, go for it.  If you want to study and want to do it formally to benefit your own business or entrepreneurial venture, do it.

However, if you think you are going to find employment with a COU degree, think again.  If that is your purpose, please rather spend your money on a recognised institution and get a proper qualification recognised in your country.

Personally, I think the COU qualifications add much value to your life if you put in the studies.  Comparing the coursework and research I had to do for my COU qualification is in some instances even a notch above what the recognised universities require.  So that definitely added value to my life and I am glad about the COU experience and qualification I obtained.

Due to the COU studies, I decided where I wanted to spend my life and based on that, I continued my studies with a recognised South African university.  COU was the foundation from which I could build and for that I will forever be grateful.  COU instilled in me a desire for research and lifelong learning.

Thank you, COU.

That University only have a post office box in the BVI. There is no such school existing

I am impressed with the way you run your school!  You "hit the road running!" The theory is there, but the practical application of the theory is also there, getting you immediately involved in the process.

Hi 
 
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I'm looking for Dr.Rev.Potgieter - Pretoria
I studied a certificate in theology (1997-1998)How can I optain results

Your 'degree' is completely useless in most of the world! It is a disgrace that this website would even allow this so-called 'university' to even be listed!

I have completed a MBA degree program. I pursued other courses and the best approach to distance education is provided by Commonwealth Open University. COU is an institution where value is created for those with a goal. 

Why attend a 'university' that is not recognized by the majority of first world countries? The school is accredited by a vocational education accrediting body in the UK, not by a serious university accrediting agency! You forgot to mention that! In addition, COU is not recognized by any university or employer in the United States. This 'university' does not meet the standards of any First World Nation for a university (end of story)!

I have completed my PhD Programme in Information Technology February, 2011.
I am so impressed with COU and their committed Staff.
I recommended COU degrees to many of my colleagues. It is accepted in UK and in our countries.
Regards,

Gamal Karrar
Addis Ababa
ETHIOPIA

Which bogus accrediting agency are you referring to?
If you were referring to REAL agency then COU 'degrees' would be accepted in the U.S. and else where (which they are not)!

Which UK authority???????????????

This is ACRREDITED and ACCEPTED and AUDITED by a UK authority. 

NO! No university recognizes COU in Western Europe, Canada and the U.S.! No one is confused! They are not recognized; period!

Many are getting confuse about the credibility of The Commonwealth Open University. IS it really accredited? Spain Education Board does not recognize them, what about the United Kingdom? 

You must be a COU 'graduate'.

I am Dr. BSer. I would like to inform you about COU. 

Your so-called 'degree' from COU will not be recognized in the U.S., Canada, Europe (and not even in Africa). Only god knows where else your worthless paper will not be accepted. However, I must say that if you happen to be in the Caribbean you will not have any problems with acceptance and recognition. If you take the time to read the posts against COU (testimonials and articles) you will understand that this 'university' is truly a WASTE OF TIME AND MONEY!!!

Just to inform you about Commonwealth Open University.

I have a Bachelor of Education - BEd and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - BSc and was offerd a Honorary Doctorate in Engineering and Education - HonDUniv. I am very pleased with the efficient administration of COU and their expertise in their answering of emails Also my BSc was accepted by a UK registered Professional Body.

Thank you

Dr John H Wilkinson 
BSc  BEd  DPSE  CertEd  GCGI  LCGI  PE  PEng  FIET  MBCS  CITP  FInstLM  FInstCM

You said "This IS ACCREDITED !!! I did my homework and you must do your work here. Great School!" The accreditation you are referring to is not recognized anywhere except in the Caribbean. It is not even accepted in Africa! Do you understand that? If you really did your homework you would know that fool! Your 'doctor degree' is probably from COU! :-(

This IS ACCREDITED !!! I did my homework and you must do your work here. Great School!

"I studied with Mensana," said a former student who did not want to be named as she is operating as a medical practitioner with her degree. "The standards were terrible. Sometimes we came to class and nothing was prepared. There were lots of things that weren't kosher and every time we queried what was happening we were told a different story." 

When The Star called Marius Herholdt, he denied having anything at present to do with the university. 

"I'm no longer involved," he said. "SAQA wants all these overseas universities to register with them so we terminated our contract. This happened at the end of 2005, but there were still a number of students in the system that we had to finish up with. We are not enrolling any new students. Mensana is only a campus. We are open to any organisation who wants to lecture there." 

The Star, however, has in its possession a degree issued by Commonwealth Open University signed by Herholdt. 

Mensana spokesperson Gary Prince said they were being mixed up with Commonwealth Open University and were in fact called the Commonwealth Closed Corporation. 

"The activities of Mensana have nothing to do with that of Commonwealth Training cc. We apply a service to people who want us to facilitate their studies through any other institution."

By Angelique Serrao The Star 11/04/07.

South Africa hates COU!!!!!!

Since our foolish friend has tried very hard to paint me as an individual that is U.S./Western European Centric, let's read about what South Africa thinks about the Degree Mill otherwise known as Commonwealth Open University:


For your info here is a clipping from the Star newspaper (South African daily newspaper).:


There's Nothing Open about this University


Some are practising with their degrees from Mensana and Commonwealth Open

They were promised an international degree and after years of hard work were left with nothing to show for it. 

The Commonwealth Open University advertised internationally accredited degrees to South African students. But a month ago an article appeared in Rapport newspaper exposing Mensana college for admitting students on short courses that were not accredited with any South African institution. 

Concerned, some students of Commonwealth Open University contacted The Star, claiming they studied for degrees through Mensana. 

"My heart stopped when I saw that report," said one student. "I thought after all my years of hard work my (PhD) thesis might be worth nothing." 

After paying R20 000 (+/-$2900), she said all she had to do was bind her thesis and hand it in for marking. 

"I called Liezel Herholdt to ask what was happening after the report, but she told me it just involved the certificate courses and I won't be affected because mine is a degree. Professor Marius Herholdt (her adviser) told me over the phone that he applied for accreditation with SAQA (South African Qualifications Authority) and the CHE (Council for Higher Education) in 2006 but was just waiting for it to come through." 

The CHE told The Star that they had received many complaints about the two institutions - neither of which was accredited with them. The Department of Education confirmed it had written Mensana a letter after discovering they were not accredited as a higher institution in South Africa. It received a reply from Mensana saying it Mensana not offering higher education courses. 

SAQA said that they first find out whether international institutions are recognised in their own countries before giving them accreditation in SA. 

"Commonwealth Open University operates out of the Virgin Islands and it is not recognised by their own body in the UK," said Joe Samuels, the deputy executive officer at SAQA. 

The university is listed on website Wikipedia's list of unaccredited institutions of higher learning, which warns potential students that their degrees are also not accepted in the US.

You said "It's amazing, but not surprising that this gentleman believes that if the US does not validate something, it is not worth validating." I can only conclude that you cannot read properly. I clearly said that COu 'degrees' were not recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and in other countries such as South Africa. Here is what I have posted numerous times in this forum:

"I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'."

I recently read an article that a head minister of an African Nation (I believe it was Nigeria but I will check) was under fire for claiming a PhD from COu. They would not even recognize the so-called PhD from COu in their country (as well as not being accepted in South Africa). I have also said that if these 'degrees' from COu are accepted in your country, great for you! I am warning all who are considering this ‘university’ to check with their country’s accrediting agency and/or corporation at which they intend to use the ‘degree’ for promotional purposes before committing their hard earned money. What is wrong with that? Surely you cannot protest such a prudent step.   

So you see, it isn't just the U.S. that I speak of as you claim. It is essentially every where (or at least the majority of the world that will not accept COu 'degrees'). I repeat my warning to all reading these remarks. STAY AWAY FROM COu.

It's amazing, but not surprising that this gentleman believes that if the US does not validate something, it is not worth validating.  It takes me back to a survey that was conducted in the US where the interviewer asked the question "Do you believe that the US and the rest of the world should assist in alleviating poverty?"  The majority of the persons interviewed could not assimilate the question - for several reasons, including:
- They did not know that other countries existed outside the US.
- They thought the US WAS "the world".
- They could not rationalize the concept of poverty.

This is what we call in the "real world" a bubble mentality, where one believes that his existence is the only existence and his opinion the only one.

I have had the good fortune to work with "professionals" from the US.  I say good fortune because it proved to me time and again that their concept of "the world" is truly limited and as such, their recommendations or suggestions usually met with abject failure in the rest of the world - YES, there is a rest of the world!  It was only when they failed that they had to admit that the suggestions that my colleagues and I were proposing were the right way to go.  Today, the US benefits greatly from those suggestions which are still creating value and opportunity.

Needles to say, I am not from the US or Western Europe and my educational qualifications came from neither place.  You see, certification is one thing; actual thought and the application of learning and multiple intelligences is quite another ball game.  Additionally, I asked for an outline for a Masters' programme from and recognized and accredited US university in the behavioural sciences.  It was quite entertaining to me that I would have been able to do, as my electives, jewellery making, pottery, etc - nothing that actually related to my chosen field of learning.  I suppose that's the American psyche for you.

Still, I do not paint all American universities or scholars with the same brush, for I have had very productive and enlightening interactions and conversations with intellectuals and professionals from the US.  Their mental framework, however is that the world is their oyster, not just the US.  I would only recommend that persons such as yourself be more open to the reality that the "American" way or the "Western European" way is not the only way.  It is only then that we would see the folly of such terminology as "first world" and "third world".  There's only ONE world.

Please visit a psychiatrist before your condition gets out of hand.  The first response to my Appreciation post could not have been written by a sane person.

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

Thanks to Ken Hay for his information.  I did google search and found the profile of one PhD COU graduate who is a university teacher.  It fascinates me and since I am neither in the US or Europe I don't think it hurts.  I just like what I saw.

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

Mary said "I am graduate." Is this the quality of student CO'u' has? If you look closely at the quality of writing (and the lack of grammatical correctness)of CO'u' supporters and 'graduates' you realize why this is a sub-standard 'university'

I am graduate. I definitely recommend COU.

Why???????? July 4, 2010 at 9:46 p.m.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

You wrote:

"This is not to say that I am recommending COU. The decision is entirely yours, so is any consequence."

That's right! You better write this DISCLAIMER! People that believe your garbage may fall into this degree mill trap and you will be to blame.

Put your crack pipe down for a minute! This is a DEGREE MILL!!!!!!! Do you understand? Have you come out of your drug induced daze long enough to get it?

I know how painful it is for your to be told what you look like.  You only need to work on yourself as no one could do it for you.

From your writings I suspect that you must be holding some questionable certificates/degrees - which you would find very difficult to defend.  It's either your institution(s) withdraws their certificate from you or those institutions are themselves closed down.  You will be unmasked and brought to justice no matter how best you try to hide and cover up.  No US institution or company will hire you.  No place for lazy, careless guys in today's organizations.

Anyone with 'Half a Brain' will check out this "university" carefully and realize that you are simply full of crap. They will go to CHEA and see that it is not accredited. They will click on consumerfraudreporting.org and read the consumer warning about this "university". They will do their homework and realize that you have deceived them. How do you suppose a so-called "university" like CO'u' gets on a consumer fraud alert list you jackass? It gets on such a list because it is a DEGREE MILL. Do you get it crack head? It is unfortunate that people like you have decided to act as a front for this degree mill. How do you live with yourself knowing that you are pedaling worthless paper? There are 'suckers' out there that you will probably be able to convince. What a way to make a living. You are disgusting!Here in the U.S. you would be hunted down and jailed!

Why???????? July 4, 2010 at 9:46 p.m.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

You wrote:

"This is not to say that I am recommending COU. The decision is entirely yours, so is any consequence."

That's right! You better write this DISCLAIMER! People that believe your garbage may fall into this degree mill trap and you will be to blame. 

Put your crack pipe down for a minute! This is a DEGREE MILL!!!!!!! Do you understand? Have you come out of your drug induced daze long enough to get it?

You are too lazy for my liking.  

You wrote:

"Ken Hay made some similar claims about CO"u" "faculty" doing great things within their area of study but could not produce a single name."

I followed Ken Hay's contributions with interest. Personally I would not expect Ken Hay to reveal anyone's name without the person's consent. S/he could not secure the individual's consent so he did not go any further. Is that why you concluded Ken Hay "could not produce a single name"? Your problem is that of selective perception. Ken Hay did give us readers a lead but you did not bother to find out because of your laziness, bias, negative attitude and pre-conceived wrong notion(s). S/he maintained that some COU graduates have published book chapters/articles in the same books/journals where leading scholars have. You expected him to spoon-feed you by mentioning names, etc when you have been dodging the same request. If you google up you will find out that Ken Hay was not wrong. But you are damned too lazy and myopic to find out. Also remember that the Ken Hay mentioned that the guy was not recommending COU. Ken Hay however maintained that some COU graduates are doing a good job. You claimed to have googled but failed to see this!

Frankly speaking, you are a negative advertisement of whatever institution you may claim to have attended. You are neither painstaking nor serious in your effort to find out.

After reading Ken Hay's submissions, I took the pain to search. Probably, S/he might have exaggerated on the achievements of some COU graduates, but he is not altogether wrong to have claimed that they have contributed book chapters and/or journal articles. I personally saw two book chapers, some abstracts and one conference paper presentation by one of them who is currently a senior member of faculty in an institution of higher learning.

(I know your won't make effort to find out but rush to ask for details from this contributor - lazy you!)

From your writings I suspect that you must be holding some questionable degrees - which you would find very difficult to defend.

I'd rather hire a sane and skilled COU graduate than make the mistake of hiring someone like you.

Readers Note:

This is not to say that I am recommending COU. The decision is entirely yours, so is any consequence.

Nice disclaimer at the end of your nonesense. Everyone knows COU is a degree mill and you must be a crack head for trying to sell this crap to people. The other poster is right; you are an island fool!!!

You are too lazy for my liking.

You wrote:

"Ken Hay made some similar claims about CO"u" "faculty" doing great things within their area of study but could not produce a single name."

I followed Ken Hay's contributions with interest.  Personally I would not expect Ken Hay to reveal anyone's name without the person's consent.  S/he could not secure the individual's consent so he did not go any further.  Is that why you concluded Ken Hay "could not produce a single name"?  Your problem is that of selective perception.  Ken Hay did give us readers a lead but you did not bother to find out because of your laziness, bias, negative attitude and pre-conceived wrong notion(s).  S/he maintained that some COU graduates have published book chapters/articles in the same books/journals where leading scholars have.  You expected him to spoon-feed you by mentioning names, etc when you have been dodging the same request.  If you google up you will find out that Ken Hay was not wrong.  But you are damned too lazy and myopic to find out.  Also remember that the Ken Hay mentioned that the guy was not recommending COU.  Ken Hay however maintained that some COU graduates are doing a good job.  You claimed to have googled but failed to see this!

Frankly speaking, you are a negative advertisement of whatever institution you may claim to have attended.  You are neither painstaking nor serious in your effort to find out.  

After reading Ken Hay's submissions,  I took the pain to search.  Probably, S/he might have exaggerated on the achievements of some COU graduates, but he is not altogether wrong to have claimed that they have contributed book chapters and/or journal articles. I personally saw two book chapers, some abstracts and one conference paper presentation by one of them who is currently a senior member of faculty in an institution of higher learning. 

(I know your won't make effort to find out but rush to ask for details from this contributor - lazy you!)

From your writings I suspect that you must be holding some questionable degrees - which you would find very difficult to defend.

I'd rather hire a sane and skilled COU graduate than make the mistake of hiring someone like you. 

Readers Note:

This is not to say that I am recommending COU.  The decision is entirely yours, so is any consequence.

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

Why?????? May 20, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

You said:
"After reading Ken Hay's submissions, I took the pain to search. He/She might have exaggerated on the achievements of some COU graduates, but he is not altogether wrong to have claimed that they have contributed book chapters and/or journal articles. I personally saw two book chapers, some abstracts and one conference paper presentation by one of them who is currently a senior member of faculty in an institution of higher learning.

For you, any institution (in any part of the world) that is unaccredited by a US (national or regional) accrediting agency is no institution and the graduates are good-for-nothing. From your writings I suspect that you must be holding some questionable degrees - which you would find very difficult to defend."

You are incorrect again. To begin with there are NO COu graduates that have contributed any substantial academic research or work at all....period! 

You are indeed an island fool! My degrees (both undergraduate and graduate degrees) are from Regionally Accredited universities here in the U.S. (from top 25 tier I universities) as well as a degree from a public, well known university in Germany. I have friends in university positions in Germany, France and Italy all of whom have said to me that COu "degrees" are not accepted in their countries. I already know that they are not accepted in the U.S. How would you explain the individual from South Africa that was scammed by this so-called "university"? You continue to ignore the facts and instead level personal attacks on me. My job is to continue to warn individuals about this school regardless of your personal attacks. I say to you, put down the rum and your crack pipe! Ken Hay and you are frauds!

You are just too lazy!

You wrote:

"Ken Hay made some similar claims about CO"u" "faculty" doing great things within their area of study but could not produce a single name."

I followed Ken Hay's contributions with mounting interest.  Ken promised to reveal the identity of a COU graduate.  But he could not secure the individual's consent so he did not go any further.  Is that why you concluded Ken Hay "could not produce a single name"?  Your problem is that of selective perception.  Ken Hay did give us readers a lead but you did not bother to find out because of your laziness, negative attitude and pre-conceived wrong notion(s).  He/She maintained that some COU graduates have published book chapters/articles in the same books/journals where leading scholars have.  You expected him to spoon-feed you by mentioning names, etc when you have been dodging the same request.  If you google up you will find out that Ken Hay was not wrong.  But you are damned too lazy and myopic to find out.  Also remember that the Ken Hay mentioned that he/she was not recommending COU.  Ken Hay however maintained that some COU graduates are doing a good job.

Unfortunately, you are a negative advertisement of whatever institution you may claim to have attended.  Your style is crude.  I think by the time you discover that a COU graduate have actually published book chapters and journal articles in some high impact books/journals, you would be dazed!

After reading Ken Hay's submissions,  I took the pain to search.  He/She might have exaggerated on the achievements of some COU graduates, but he is not altogether wrong to have claimed that they have contributed book chapters and/or journal articles. I personally saw two book chapers, some abstracts and one conference paper presentation by one of them who is currently a senior member of faculty in an institution of higher learning. 

For you, any institution (in any part of the world) that is unaccredited by a US (national or regional) accrediting agency is no institution and the graduates are good-for-nothing.  From your writings I suspect that you must be holding some questionable degrees - which you would find very difficult to defend.

I'd rather hire a sane and skilled COU graduate than make the mistake of hiring someone like you. You are fond of prevaricating and not skilled for success or excellence.

The problem is simple. CO"u" is not a university by U.S. or Western European standards. Here is what I wrote on January 27, 2010:

"You are very correct in stating that COu is unaccredited in the United States and in fact in Western Europe as well. I have studied and lived in the U.S. and Western Europe as well and know that they are not accredited there either. It is not really a matter of 'keeping an open mind'. It is simply a matter of fact that anyone living in the U.S. and Western Europe planning on using their academic degree for employment purposes should STAY AWAY FROM COu!

I also understand that COu is acceptable in the British V.I. and other places and that is fine. However it is NOT ACCEPTABLE here in the U.S. and Western Europe."

So, we are talking essentially about the entire 'First World'(I will check into Canada and Australia as well to see if CO"u" "degrees" are accepted there).

Therefore, when you said "They are not accredited in the USA, but they are not an American institution." it goes well beyond the scope of the U.S.

In addition, you said "I think they do not claim anything false." You need to read more carefully my friend. The posters on 1/14/10 & 3/22/10 will disagree with you there. They have been cheated by this diploma mill (according to several sources like CHEA and consumerfraudreporting.org).

Please give us the names of these 'team members' so that they can be researched. Ken Hay made some similar claims about CO"u" "faculty" doing great things within their area of study but could not produce a single name. The proof is in this forum. Check for yourself.

Bottom Line: I believe CO"u" is a diploma mill. Every accrediting organization in the U.S. says they are a diploma mill. The "degrees" from CO"u" are not recognized in Western Europe either. Consumerfraudreporting.org refers to them as a diploma mill. My advice is to go to a real university and get a real degree.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

Your degrees and institutions are probably no better than COU!  You will soon be unmasked.

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

As an employer of labor I'd rather bring on board a graduate of COU with soft skills than have someone like you no matter where you claim to have graduated.  It is clear that you won't add value to any 21st Century organization/institution.  I think some COU graduates will out-perform a lazy and lying fellow like you!

The fact remains that you're damned too lazy to search!  You must be one of those who rush to speak and afterwards sit to think after blowing it!  You need help.  One person could have written all these but you attributed it (with false assurance) to the wrong person.  You must be dangerous.  I think you need to come out with your actual name, affiliation, qualifications and where you got them and what you are doing now.  Come out of the dark and let's know you.  It's like you passed through institutions that you did not allow to pass through you.  A shame!

Sorry but you are wrong. One person has made all of these comments and in fact has written the 'university' reviews from May 31 to the most recent one. You know this is true yet you continue this farce. Nice try!

Your writing skills need improving but that is besides the point. We will let the readers decide who is right and who is wrong. 

The point remains that this is not an acceptable 'university' in many, many countries. In addition to the U.S. and Western Europe, there is a post from South Africa that clearly states that this 'university' and its 'degrees' are not accepted there either. 

Your continual refusal to accept this fact is indeed comical and sad. I have said to you that if the CO'u' "degrees" are accpeted on your small island then that is great for you. However, I am here to WARN ALL INDIVIDUALS FROM THE U.S., WESTERN EUROPE AND OTHER COUNTRIES SUCH AS SOUTH AFRICA THAT THESE 'DEGREES' FROM CO'u' WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED!!!!! 

To all reading the posts in this forum:

I am warning you to check this 'university' out very, very carefully before you make a mistake as have so many of the others that have posted here. The 'degrees' that are 'awarded' by this 'university' will not be recognized in the U.S., Western Europe and apparently in other countries such as South Africa as well. Please, please check with your country's accrediting services and/or any corporation at which you wish to use the 'degree' for promotional purposes before committing your hard earned money. Thank you for your time and remember to STAY AWAY FROM CO'u'.

This is rather unfortunate.  You lied.  Too lazy to check your facts.  In fact, one is disgusted at your style. The one(s) who contributed under the pseudo names of Anden, Chang, Chang II, James must have laughed at your laziness in checking up.  I maintain that you need help!  May you come to terms with your evident deficiencies.

Can you read???? There are newspaper aticles posted here highlighting everyones rejection of COU. Even Africa rejects their bogus 'degrees'! Anyone considering this craphole of a 'university' is crazy!!!

Why would anyone listen to the rants of Anden, Chang et al. This guy is a 24KT a**hole. He entirely misses the point.
The world hates COU??? Anyone that may be considering COU do so with an open mind and wisdom. Doing so, you may in the end have what  you need, whether it be COU or not.

Repeat: Anden, Chang et al is a 24KT wacko.

Here is a post from this discussion forum that nicely illustrates the fact that CO'u' "degrees" are not accepted in countries outside the U.S.A. and Western Europe:

"OOOHH!!! March 22, 2010 at 7:55 a.m.

HI, i studied with COU in South Africa, had a huge graduation ceremony with more than 60 students, awarded qualifications from certificated to PHD. It was a great day for me. Until my employer offered to pay for my MBA studies in a different university,All universities told me is was a degree mill. The COU professor,Marius Herholdt told me they were still waiting for accreditation from SAQA (south african body than valuates education). This never happened. He then suggested i apply for recognition of prior learning to qualify for credits to study my undergraduate degree, (which I already receive from COU but was not recognised) or proceed to MBA via COU. I had doubts and today the institute is closed and he denies everything about his knowledge for COU. Except that all students have pictures & videos taken of him during the graduation. I LOST MONEY & TIME, AND MANAGEMENT KNEW THAT. Today Professor Marius Herholdt DENIES everything saying he was just an employee(himself & the south african institute are still on the COU website). I'm trying to register my undergraduate studies with a normal university, but no funds anymore. THIS UNIVERSITY IS A SCAM!!!!! I'm still very bitter and cannot be employed at any government dept, can only work for the naive companies.i suffered emotionally because everyone thought i bought it online and did not study for it.I even changed jobs as nobody believed i could be so stupid to be conned daylight."

Again, please check with your country's accrediting agency or government if the CO'u' "degree" is accepted and recognized. As you can see from this unfortunate individual in South Africa it was not accepted in his country either. Good luck and remember to STAY AWAY FROM COU!!!!!!

Why?????? May 20, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

To:
Hi Friend (a.k.a. Anden, Chang, Chang II, James)

You again are not fooling anyone. You are the very same person under several posting names. Please do not lie to us and tell us otherwise. 

You said:
"Even when you are presenting what seem to be a reasonable argument don't you think the mode of presentation is important? At times your writing, if you don't know, is drawing sympathy towards the institution you are writing against. You may be surprised that, unknowingly, you are becoming a vital advertising/marketing tool."

The only thing I can say that I agree with you on is the fact that my "argument" is reasonable. Actually, they are simple facts that I have stated. You cannot tell me otherwise. Anyone who takes the time to check CHEA or any of the sources I have listed in this forum will realize that CO'u' is a fraud. I am not "drawing sympathy towards the institution" at all (in fact, that truly sounds insane). Individuals can merely go to the sources I have listed and read them for themselves. Any potential student in the U.S.A. and Western Europe that checks these sources will realize that I am correct and you are completely wrong. You have no 'argument' against that. You cannot argue against these sources. Please feel free to present any sources that you might have to the contrary. I will say this one final time to all of the educated individuals out there living in the U.S.A. or Western Europe: check my sources listed under the post "why????". Make your own decisions based on the facts that I have listed. For those of you in other parts of the world, please check very carefully with the accrediting agency in your country (government or company for which you plan to use the degree) and check to see if CO'u' "degrees" are accepted. If they have never heard of the "university" or if they say that they will not recognize the "degree", then please do not make the mistake of going to CO'u'.

If that is what you are now living on and living for, get going! I wish you the best of luck in your career.  Let's hope it works.  

But you seem to be sour and acidic in your communication and, probably, in your personality.  A lot about a person is revealed through speech and writing. Even when you are presenting what seem to be a reasonable argument don't you think the mode of presentation is important? At times your writing, if you don't know, is drawing sympathy towards the institution you are writing against.  You may be surprised that, unknowingly, you are becoming a vital advertising/marketing tool.  I MEAN IT!  Why don't you take a short course in communication skills, even if it is a basic, elementary course?  This may go a long way to help you.  I am not saying this to slight you. It is a gap that you may need to fill.  It will go a long way to help you.

Actually, I do respect others' opinions. However, it is my duty to warn all of those potential students of CO'u' that their "degrees" from this "university" will not be valid in the U.S. and Western Europe. You do not respect that fact. Again, as I have said at least three times in this forum, if it works in your part of the world, great for you. Give me one GOOD reason why I shouldn't warn people that it is in fact illegal to use a CO'u' "degree" on their resume in the U.S.(many states). It is see here as a fraudulent degree.

To James

Don't bother about this guy any longer. He needs help in communication skills.  He does not respect others' views and opinion if such run counter to his.  When I realised that, I had to stop contributing to this discussion.  It' a waste of precious time bothering about what he holds, says or believes.  He has turned this site to a mud-slinging or battle arena.

That is too bad. You insult my country by saying that because some states have the death penalty we are uncivilized. You don't like my manners? What about your lack of manners? The facts are simple: If you wish to stay in your 'neck of the woods' a degree from CO'u' may be just fine. The Western World has very different academic standards. Why can't you understand that simple fact? Co'u' 'degrees' are not permitted for use in many states (if not all) in the U.S. In addition, my contacts in three Western European Countries including France, Germany and Switzerland say that the 'degree' from CO'u' will not be recognized in their countries. If you hard proof to the contrary, bring it on! Otherwise stop lying and posting messages (garbage) in this forum that CO'u' 'degrees' are 'well respected' every where in the world!!!!!!!!!!

It is not my review, but a mistake typing the title is not uncivilized. I don't find your jokes funny any more. I don't like your manners.

Civilized???? I laugh! You wrote:

"Here is illegal death penalty." 

You cannot even write in civilized English!

Here is what you wrote in a review (June 3, 2010) above:

"Very proffesinal"

Another joke! You are not fooling anyone! This school is an illegal operation and a diploma mill!!!!

Sorry but it is not illegal, at least in this civilized part of the world where I live. Here is illegal death penalty.

All the caring attention in the world will not help you when you are arrested because you used an illegal degree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Honestly I need to say that I continue to be impressed with the caring attention from COU, the course assignments, and the efficient administration that provides.

Ok! I would not recommend trying to use that "degree" outside of your "neck of the woods". Remember, trying to use it in the U.S. or Western Europe will land you in a lot of trouble.

Ok, you have your position and me a different one. I think COU may be an useful school for some people and very affordable. I have a friend with interest in art history, which is my field of expertise, and I recommended COU among other schools.

My Dear Friend! 
The problem is simple. CO"u" is not a university by U.S. or Western European standards. Here is what I wrote on January 27, 2010:

"You are very correct in stating that COu is unaccredited in the United States and in fact in Western Europe as well. I have studied and lived in the U.S. and Western Europe as well and know that they are not accredited there either. It is not really a matter of 'keeping an open mind'. It is simply a matter of fact that anyone living in the U.S. and Western Europe planning on using their academic degree for employment purposes should STAY AWAY FROM COu!

I also understand that COu is acceptable in the British V.I. and other places and that is fine. However it is NOT ACCEPTABLE here in the U.S. and Western Europe."

So, we are talking essentially about the entire 'First World'(I will check into Canada and Australia as well to see if CO"u" "degrees" are accepted there).

Therefore, when you said "They are not accredited in the USA, but they are not an American institution." it goes well beyond the scope of the U.S.

In addition, you said "I think they do not claim anything false." You need to read more carefully my friend. The posters on 1/14/10 & 3/22/10 will disagree with you there. They have been cheated by this diploma mill (according to several sources like CHEA and consumerfraudreporting.org). 

Please give us the names of these 'team members' so that they can be researched. Ken Hay made some similar claims about CO"u" "faculty" doing great things within their area of study but could not produce a single name. The proof is in this forum. Check for yourself. 

Bottom Line: I believe CO"u" is a diploma mill. Every accrediting organization in the U.S. says they are a diploma mill. The "degrees" from CO"u" are not recognized in Western Europe either. Consumerfraudreporting.org refers to them as a diploma mill. My advice is to go to a real university and get a real degree.

After your message, I have checked with COU asking for details. I have some technical info about the satellite, but I am not expert. I also have the names of the team members and curriculum. I get seriousness and rigour in all their answers. I think they are a small school by distance learning. They are not accredited in the USA, but they are not an American institution. I think they do not claim anything false.

I just checked it out. You forgot to mention that your source was the CO"u" website! They can say anything they want. They are not legitimate and everything they say or print is suspect! Put down the pipe Chang!

Are you high? This sounds like complete bulls*it! 

Give us the names of the individuals involved in this supposed "collaborative project with coordinating professors from a variety of disciplines..."

This is a degree mill according to several sources. The 'degrees' from this 'university' have been outlawed in many states. They are not a legitimate university. If you cannot back up this trash that you have posted then get lost!

COU formally announced on December 15, 2009, the proposed development of a micro-satellite. The micro-satellite Igdal-1 will be a comparatively simple one weighing around 20 kg. It will have body-mounted solar panels generating about 40 Watt of electrical power and will be spin-stabilised. The micro-satellite development will be a good opportunity for the students and the faculty of Commonwealth Open University to get an insight into the various aspects of space technology. It will also help them to conduct meaningful application studies and gain experience in satellite mission operations. 

The Department of Sociology of the University is working on an investigation project on sociology of cyberspace. It is a collaborative project with coordinating professors from a variety of disciplines including sociology, anthropology, philosophy, business, art, and information technology. The sociology of cyberspace examines the contemporary revolution in human interaction via computer.

I really do not intend to continue this useless arguement.I had thought that my statement was quite clear.  However I would like to point out that all my dissertations were over 100 pages of A4 paper and that that experience helped greatly when I worked for my Masters of Education with the University of Sheffield.  I wished only to introduce some honesty in the debate. I have no desire to make sarcastic comments nor to make a point using dis-honest statements. I would also like to add that here in Trinidad and Tobago, we do not readily accept US degrees and would rather our citizens to obtain the more prestigous British degrees. I have made my contribution on this issue and have nothing more to add.

Anden;
So, if I understand you correctly, you wrote 6 thirty page papers and took a test in each of the six classes and they awarded you a BA. For our standards, that is simply a joke (sorry to be so direct). The CO"u" degree is laughed at here in the U.S. and in fact it is illegal to use (or attempt to use) those 'degrees' in most states. You are correct in not recommending this unrecognized degree. Good for you. This is what I would say to your final statement: There are many people, not just here in the U.S., that have been sucked into this scam known as CO"u". They have spent their hard earned money on a worthless degree! They have been misled!!! Have you read some of the experiences in this forum? This 'university' issues the degrees not even worth the paper they are printed on.

You said:
" I wished only to introduce some honesty in the debate. I have no desire to make sarcastic comments nor to make a point using dis-honest statements. I would also like to add that here in Trinidad and Tobago, we do not readily accept US degrees and would rather our citizens to obtain the more prestigous British degrees."

After living for four years in Western Europe I can tell you that you are absolutely wrong. I know from experience having both a degree from Western Europe (Germany) and the U.S. that British degrees are no more prestigious than U.S. degrees. You on the tiny islands of T&T may believe that to be true but Western Europe and the U.S. doesn't really care what you believe there. You also have misspellings in your statement. I guess that is what a prestigious British degree will get you.

Several years ago, I studied with COU in Trinidad in collaboration with a local institution.  The truth is my experience with the local institution was far from perfect and I would not repeat the experience for anything in this world.  However, the work that I did  for the BA was challenging.  I had to do a lot of reading, to submit six 15.000 words dissertations in addition to taking  examinations.  Even though, this degree may not be recognised the work it did put me in good stead when I went on to successfully complete my Masters In Education at the University of Sheffield, one of the most prestigous universities in England.  I do not know what happens in other countries where this degree is offered and I certainly would not recommend an un-recognised degree to anyone out there but in my experience as a lifelong learner what is learned can never be taken away even if one does not get recognised for it.

I cannot figure it out!!!! Why would anyone in their right minds even consider this 'university'. After reading all of these posts I have noticed that there is one fellow from the U.S. that has made excellent point after excellent point about CO'u'. This school is a fraud. It is that simple. Anyone who gets a 'degree' from this 'university' and tries to pass it off as legitimate is also a fraud. I believe that 'Why?????' said it best in his/her post on May 20, 2009:

"Why?????? May 20, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

This 'university' SUCKS! STAY AWAY!!!!

This 'university' SUCKS! STAY AWAY!!!!

Well....there you have it. Some of you wouldn't listen to my warnings. You went ahead and now you are sorry!!!!! Please go to a real university. Read about the poor idiots that were sucked in and now regret it. Don't be 'that guy'!

Dear Sir;
You wrote "THIS UNIVERSITY IS A SCAM!!!!!" Yes, you were screwed. I am truly sorry that you didn't do your research on this 'university'. Let me suggest you do an online degree program at an American University that is Regionally Accredited. You will then have a degree that will be recognized ALL OVER THE WORLD (to put it simply).

HI, i studied with COU in South Africa, had a huge graduation ceremony with more than 60 students, awarded qualifications from certificated to PHD. It was a great day for me. Until my employer offered to pay for my MBA studies in a different university,All universities told me is was a degree mill. The COU professor,Marius Herholdt told me they were still waiting for accreditation from SAQA (south african body than valuates education). This never happened. He then suggested i apply for recognition of prior learning to qualify for credits to study my undergraduate degree, (which I already receive from COU but was not recognised) or proceed to MBA via COU. I had doubts and today the institute is closed and he denies everything about his knowledge for COU. Except that all students have pictures & videos taken of him during the graduation. I LOST MONEY & TIME, AND MANAGEMENT KNEW THAT. Today Professor Marius Herholdt DENIES everything saying he was just an employee(himself & the south african institute are still on the COU website). I'm trying to register my undergraduate studies with a normal university, but no funds anymore. THIS UNIVERSITY IS A SCAM!!!!! I'm still very bitter and cannot be employed at any government dept, can only work for the naive companies.i suffered emotionally because everyone thought i bought it online and did not study for it.I even changed jobs as nobody believed i could be so stupid to be conned daylight.

You posted on April 15, 2009 with the same question. I responded on April 17, 2009 and still have the same answer:

RE: Gemibook
You MUST (not go to this) University.

--- Gemibook April 15, 2009 at 3:13 a.m.

Hi. Can anyone tell me about the status of MUST university. The MUST University website says the university is accredited by IAO. Is this MUST a legit university? Please answer asap. Thanks. ----

 It is a degreemill with an unrecognized accreditor. A scam. Stay away...far away.

Please listen to me very carefully before you make a huge mistake. In this day and age, you are able to go to just about any university from any where in the world thanks to online/distance education. You want to go to a regionally accredited university here in the United States. You can find tuition rates well under $200/credit and at about $225/credit at numerous state universities. It will be a recognized accredited degree that can be used anywhere in the world. If you decide to attend COu or u of the Caribbean, you will be getting a 'half-baked' unrecognized degree that can be used in a very, very limited geographical area. You may not want to stay in the Caribbean for the rest of your life. You may want to seek opportunity in the U.S., Canada or Western Europe. Your RA degree from the U.S. will allow you to use the degree any place you choose to live. I know for a fact that your regional 'degrees' from COu or u of Caribbean will not. Please, don't make a huge mistake as many others have.

Guys, what about the University of the Caribbean? Their fees are very very reasonable. Please check it out and help!!!!!!!!

I am sorry to have to tell you this but you made a complete fool out of yourself!!!!!!

I am not surprised!!!! I understand your desire Ken Hay to show that there is one COu grad that has actually achieved something noteworthy in their field however, as I suspected, it was all for naught. I don't believe there is one single COu 'grad' that falls into that category; not one! If we are talking about academia in the U.S. or Western Europe (as we are), a COu grad will not be accepted. That was one of my points. The other is that there are individuals out there that did not do their homework and did not research COu properly. They went ahead and did their studies there only to find out that their 'degree' was worthless and useless. That was my second point. I believe that this little exercise has proven both of my points very nicely. Therefore, as I did a number of months ago, I must ask 'why'?

Why?????? May 20, 2009 at 2:42 p.m.

1.Why go to a "university" that is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

I have just got a response to my request for the CV and permission further substantiate.  The response:

IT IS UNNECESSARY.

Thank you all.

I'll be waiting to see what comes of this.

I have requested for the CV of (and further information from) the guy I made reference to.  

If he agrees I'd be back with information that is likely to unsettle skeptics.  This is just becoming more and more interesting.  I hope I'd succeed in having it.  
Although I know how fruitless it could be to convince you it is not altogether useless to let you know that exceptions exist.

I hope I'm not stepping too hard on some toes.

Friend, stay tuned.

Don't get hung up on "smoke screen". I want everyone to focus on the facts. What would you personally say to the young lady/man who said:
"What I am going to say is like slapping myself left and right. I enrolled into COU couple of years back. Is horrible! All the credits they mention is nothing. Perhaps they provide you with one or two textbook(s) and you are required to complete some homework based on those books. 8 OR 10 subjects only based on that one textbook. In fact the assignments given is so simple and there are a total of 4 assignments and you get your Masters. Now tell me bout the credibility or validity of this degree. Non of the organisation accepted this degree of mine. I have to re-do another masters to get into better job!! Please consider about your investment. They are responsive when it comes to money matters or some minor administrative work. Basically no guidance was given. Think twice....."

What would you say to her/him Ken Hay? How would you feel if you wasted your hard earned money on a 'useless degree'; one that is not accepted by any employer as in her/his case? It is very sad. She was in a master's degree program and had to write 4 assignments to get the degree. She used the same textbook in 8-10 of the classes. This is clearly no where near the level of a masters program in the U.S. or Western Europe. Why can't you see this obvious fact? In stead you focus on "Not all COU graduates are failures in their chosen fields." You won't provide us with any names as I have (i.e. E.O. Wilson and Spencer Wells) so that we can verify the contributions of COu 'grads'. As I sad before, you seem like an honest fellow that is trying to make a point. I understand what you are saying, but it really is meaningless in the 'larger picture'of COu's validity.

I have agreed with you on the issue of non-accreditation.  I think this is most important to you.  But what I am saying is it is a fact that not all graduates from accredited institutions in the US and Western Europe are successful.  It is also a fact that not all graduates from unaccredited institutions are failures.  You may choose to disagree with this but it does not matter.  I am not aiming at convincing anyone but just to state the fact.

However, you are right to say that it is NOT ACCEPTABLE here in the U.S. and Western Europe.  I think any right thinking person will agree with you.

Not all COU graduates are failures in their chosen fields.  This seems to be a bitter pill to swallow especially for the one who feels 'nothing good can come out of Nazareth'.

I am afraid this is not acceptable. With all due respect, this is just a 'smoke screen'. Allow me to give you an example. An individual that is in the world of academia has their name in the public domain. Let's look at E.O. Wilson a Harvard University Sociobiologist. He has written several books and dozens of articles in his field. If I google Spencer Wells, a Harvard geneticist, low and behold there are numerous sites where one can verify his contributions as well. It is very easy to verify what their contributions have been to their fields. Maybe you can give us all specifics on what to google in order to find such individuals with COu backgrounds. 

You are very correct in stating that COu is unaccredited in the United States and in fact in Western Europe as well. I have studied and lived in the U.S. and Western Europe as well and know that they are not accredited there either. It is not really a matter of 'keeping an open mind'. It is simply a matter of fact that anyone living in the U.S. and Western Europe planning on using their academic degree for employment purposes should STAY AWAY FROM COu! 

I also understand that COu is acceptable in the British V.I. and other places and that is fine. However it is NOT ACCEPTABLE here in the U.S. and Western Europe.

No one gave me the individuals' names.  I did the search out of curiosity and felt humbled!  I don't have the permission needed to mention the names of two prominent individuals among them - both are currently senior lecturers in public institutions. I got further information about one of them:

Enrolled for a PhD with COU few years ago.

Registered in a leading university's library in Europe to prepare for his coursework.  According to him, he made use of not less than 35 books and lots of journal articles.  As a result he is well grounded in his area of specialization.

Attended a Doctoral Workshop in Europe after a year into the program.  There he met other doctoral students and professors from various universities across Europe. 

Attended an International Conference while still a Doctoral student and presented a paper.  The response of the audience did have positive impact on him.  He felt, for the first time:  "I can do it!"  After the presentation, he received an invitation to present at another international conference (offered free feeding and accommodation).

Attended three more international conferences in Europe to have learning experiences and rub minds with other colleagues.

While still doing his coursework, submitted two abstracts in response to call for papers and these were accepted.  The two papers did undergo double blind peer review twice and were published in 2009.  

From his PhD thesis (to complete the thesis he was on the field for 4 months for data collection) he has published one paper, has one accepted and working on the third.

He completed his PhD after 3 years of full-time, non-stop rigorous study.  He did not seek employment until he finished the program.

He has also written 2 conceptual papers which have already been published.  He has some other publications in form of conference proceedings, etc.  (All these after commencing the PhD program at COU)

I appreciate your position and contributions on this page.  But understand that there are exceptions!

Again, I am unable to mention names and affiliations.  I don't have the permission to do this.  But if you google right with an open mind, as I did, you are likely to come across one of them.  In case you come across one or two, express your interest in knowing about their experience.  They'd gladly respond!

I came to the conclusion that there is usually a price to pay in order to succeed in one's chosen field.  No matter where you study, if you refuse to pay the price, go the extra mile, you cannot accomplish much.  

COU is unaccredited.  But we  must not rule out the fact that some of their graduates have made and are making wonderful contributions.  This excites me!

This is not to say that I am recommending COU.  I am only emphasizing that we should not throw away the baby with the dirty water!

Can you give us any verifiable examples of individuals (graduates of COu) that have made any impact at all in any field? 

I would like some names of these individuals so that I can verify what you are saying. Why won't you release the names of these individual? If they are in academia and are part of other universities (i.e. teaching, researching etc) and have made wonderful contributions in their respective fields of studies, then we will be able to verify.
Thank you!

I agree that COU is unaccredited in the US and in some other countries. I won't advice serious minded individuals to enroll for the degree.  But I maintain that I know that a few of their graduates have actually made tremendous, I say, TREMENDOUS contributions having published in the same books (book chapters), journal articles, academic conference proceedings where research articles of graduates of accredited institutions appear.  It is a fact.  I have read some of these papers out of curiosity and I'm surprised.  I came across one of them who has successfully supervised Masters' and even PhD students and currently doing so.  I was shocked!  I searched it out and have confirmed what I saw.  I did this, however, with an open (and not closed) mind.  I respect these individuals for their achievements regardless of where they got their degree.  

Thanks for the warnings.  They are useful.  But I won't throw away the baby with the dirty water.  That COU is unaccredited does not mean that ALL its graduates are worthless.  "...the degrees are invalid and not recognized."  But surprisingly, some of the graduates are actually distinguishing themselves in RESEARCH, TEACHING AND CONSULTING.  I continue to wonder at this.

Let me end my contribution to this public comment by repeating that I got all the information via google, which is available to all.

Thank you and bye.

Really? I don't think so! There is not one listing for a COu grad having done anything at all in the world of academia. You seem like an honest fellow. I believe you are misinformed.How in the world do you reply to the poster "Hi" from January 12th? She/he wrote:

"What I am going to say is like slapping myself left and right. I enrolled into COU couple of years back. Is horrible! All the credits they mention is nothing. Perhaps they provide you with one or two textbook(s) and you are required to complete some homework based on those books. 8 OR 10 subjects only based on that one textbook. In fact the assignments given is so simple and there are a total of 4 assignments and you get your Masters. Now tell me bout the credibility or validity of this degree. Non of the organisation accepted this degree of mine. I have to re-do another masters to get into better job!! Please consider about your investment."

Here is an individual that spent thousands of dollars on a useless degree. She/he was in a Masters degree program. She/he had 8-10 courses based on one or perhaps two textbooks. That is a joke my friend. I did a Masters at a regionally accredited university here in the U.S. They required two to three texts per class. I had to read and study approximately 30 texts each averaging 500-550 pages in length. In addition, there were papers, exams, discussion threads etc. It was an huge amount of work that required at least 20 hours per week. According to our dear poster that attended COu, she/he had a total of 4 assignments and got a Masters. The poster goes on to ask a very important question regarding the validity of such a degree.

Our unfortunate friend has now found out that her "masters" from COu is not accepted anywhere (I could have told her that a long time ago. Unfortunately she did not read my comments dating back to September,2008). 

I did google Commonwealth Open University as you suggested. Not only did I not find a single instance of any individual holding a degree from that "university" publishing/contributing to the world of academia/research, I found a lengthy list of organizations warning about COu degrees not being valid including CHEA and the Office of Degree Authorization from several states. 

I think you should give it up! COu degrees are not recognized in the U.S. or Western Europe. If you live in the British V.I. and it works there; great! Please don't try to sell it elsewhere....we know that the degrees are invalid and not recognized.

Hey Kay! 

You wrote:

"Can you give us any verifiable examples of individuals (graduates of COu) that have made any impact at all in any field?"

My Response:

Google up and you'd be in for a pleasant surprise.

I cannot afford to make another mistake.  Is University of Atlanta (Online) Okay.  I want to enroll in its DBA in Managerial Science?  Please advise.

Dear All,

What I am going to say is like slapping myself left and right. I enrolled into COU couple of years back. Is horrible! All the credits they mention is nothing. Perhaps they provide you with one or two textbook(s) and you are required to complete some homework based on those books. 8 OR 10 subjects only based on that one textbook. In fact the assignments given is so simple and there are a total of 4 assignments and you get your Masters. Now tell me bout the credibility or validity of this degree. Non of the organisation accepted this degree of mine. I have to re-do another masters to get into better job!! Please consider about your investment. They are responsive when it comes to money matters or some minor administrative work. Basically no guidance was given. Think twice.....

You said :
"Believe it or not, some of COU graduates are making tremendous impact in the areas of research, teaching and consultancy in various universities."
Here is my response:
Can you give us any verifiable examples of individuals (graduates of COu) that have made any impact at all in any field? I have a friend that is a genetics professor. I can google his name and view several academic articles covering his research and the Real Impact that he has made in his field. Provide us with an example. Do the same for a COu graduate if you can.

Believe it or not, some of COU graduates are making tremendous impact in the areas of research, teaching and consultancy in various universities.  I have greater respect for these than others who brandish diplomas and degrees from acclaimed accredited universities with little or nothing to show for it.  At the end of the day, it is your 'be', 'know' and 'do' that actually matters.  Labouring and sweating to discredit COU is indeed "much ado about nothing."

This is what Udendeh had to say on May 30, 2009:

"COU graduates are satisfied with their course curricula..."

They are the only ones that are satisfied with their course "curricula". No one else in the first world will recognize their course "curricula".


"..and when placed on a competitive examination with some graduates of the so-called elitist schools in the USA, the latter may not have any edge over those of COU." 

That sound you just heard was me falling off my chair because I was laughing so hard at this ridiculous statement. It is real bulls***. This so-called "university" cannot even begin to be compared to a real university in the U.S. Any one that hasn't been smoking drugs knows that!

"Its lecturers are among the best in the world."
Says who? Bozo the clown???? Mickey Mouse???? The fact is they (CO"u")are not recognized anywhere in the first world; I am just sick and tired of listening to you try and justify your worthless "degrees" period; end of story!!!!

The bottom line: CO"u" degrees are useless in the USA and Western Europe!

As I mentioned before, I have studied at some of the very best universities in both the USA and Europe. Recently, I have asked several of my colleagues that have also studied in the US (at UCLA, UC Berkeley, NYU among others) and Europe (Cambridge and the Sorbonne) if they have every even heard of CO"u". Not a single one has. It didn't surprise me at all. Therefore, statements such as
"It is very difficult looking at equivalency of qualifications but as an employer hiring teachers for tertiary education lectureships, demonstrable ability rather than pieces of paper is what matters" is complete nonsense. The so-called "Educator" is essentially trying to say that if you have a PhD from CO"u" and are in competition with a PhD from Stanford University (in Palo Alto,CA), you may just get the position over the Stanford grad because of "demonstrated ability". I say to the so-called "Educator" not in a million years here in the USA or in Western Europe! That may fly in British V.I. (home of such "universities" as Commonwealth Open "university" and Rushmore "university"), but it won't in the first world.

You said ".... and the ethnocentric views are understandable on a US site."

For your information, this is what it says about this site under the "about" tab above:

"Who runs this website?
I am an individual located in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada."

For a supposed educator, you sure don't do your homework, now do you?

I have two degrees and two state teaching credentials all from CHEA accredited schools. I also spent time studying in Europe (Germany to be exact) at a well known university (University of Frankfurt). So I am very familiar with Europe having spent many years there. When I mentioned the universities that my degrees were from, they were most impressed and knew of the schools immediately. They proceeded to tell me about colleagues they have that teach at those universities and the research they have done. Degrees from universities such as UCLA and Cornell are accepted everywhere in Europe and not a single university or employer in Europe would hesitate to recognize those degrees. I know this as a fact from my own experience. Therefore, you are completely incorrect. American Universities lead the world in research. Everyone knows this. I am surprised that you, as a supposed educator, do not. 
We have lost the focus of the discussion. The focus is the uselessness of a COU degree. If you have such a degree and were able to find employment in the U.S. or Europe, please disclose where.

An interesting series of comments. 
I note many assumptions about being able to work in the US with various degrees, which is a valid point should one plan to work in the US, and the ethnocentric views are understandable on a US site.
However, do bear in mind that most British employers look askance at American qualifications (accredited or otherwise) as work covered in the first two years of US Bachelors is only equivalent to A levels (taken in High School) in Britain and many Masters not as rigorous as a UK Bachelors.  
It is also worth noting that Online Distance Education is still relatively new, but that the British are more accepting of non-traditional routes to education. Some 'offshore' institutions within the Commonwealth, however, do struggle to be recognised:  to whom should they turn for validation?  They are neither American, nor British. 
Unlike the US, universities are not 'accredited' in the sense of being audited by an organisation such as Middle States, or by the CHEA, both of which are private organisations, but are rather granted the right to award degrees if they have university (degree granting) status conferred by the British Government. 
It is very difficult looking at equivalency of qualifications but as an employer hiring teachers for tertiary education lectureships, demonstrable ability rather than pieces of paper is what matters. Having a PhD from the most reputable of organisations is no guarantee that an employee is fit for the job.

If your PhD is from COU it won't be recognized here (USA). End of story.

Interesting discussion but the guy from the USA should note that accreditation is not always synonymous with high quality standard just as an elaborate website design is not analogous with the programme content. COU graduates are satisfied with their course curricula and when placed on a competitive examination with some graduates of the so-called elitist schools in the USA, the latter may not have any edge over those of COU. Remember that COU emphasises maturity, experience and background to leverage on inorder to effectively transform the aspirants.Its lecturers are among the best in the world. Udendeh- PhD

I will need to ask the administrator why in the world this so-called "university" is listed on this website. It is not an accredited university. CHEA does not recognize it. Nor do the governments of Western European countries that I know of. I don't know for sure about Canada and Australia; but if I were to guess I would say it is not recognized there either.
There are one or two others like CO"u" listed on this site. I don't know if they are aware of this fact.

1.Why go to a "university" that  is not recognized by CHEA?
2.Why go to a "university" that no American accredited university will recognize?
3.Why go to a "university" that no American corporation will accept?
4.Why go to a "university that is listed on consumerfraudreporting.org ?
5.Why go to a "university" that no first world country in the world will recognize?
6.Why go to a commonwealth open "university"

"Is this school a diploma mill? I don't know for sure, but consumerfraudreporting.org has commonwealth open university on their "List of Unaccredited Schools-Beware of Scams" page. It would scare me to get invloved with this "entity"".

So...we have a "university" that is unaccredited by CHEA, and is listed on the consumer fraud reporting website. 

Now I have read about many, many universities. Some of the universities are in the U.S. and some are foreign. I would say that 99.5% of the universities I have come across over the years have not been listed on CHEA as an unaccreditied university nor have they been listed on the consumer fraud reporting website. 

What does that say to you????? Please don't start in with that COU meets the needs of some individuals crap. The fact is, COU does not measure up....period. That is the one and only thing you need to know about the school. So stop making up excuses. If you really want a degree from an accredited university, then do your research and choose a school that you will be proud to list on your resume. That way you won't be spending the rest of your life defending your "degree" from a school like COU.

So, once again we hear from those who want to defend what cannot be defended. I hear curious essentially saying 'why have a process for accreditation? Why have any standards at all?' Then he goes on to say that this is some club for the elite and upper echelon (referring to accreditation). Now I'll say it again; you may be able to pass off a degree from COU as legitimate in the British V.I., but it will not work in the USA. If some of the people in this forum aren't interested in using their COU degree in the U.S., then go ahead. A word of caution; if you want to use that degree in any First World Country, you better find out if it will be recognized. I am sure you will find that it is not. That means only one thing; COU degrees are pretty much USELESS...... eh!

This is most curious.  What was mentioned above by someone is absolutely correct - many schools, that are now accredited, were... not long ago... unaccredited.  

I've been following this for a lot of years now and have watched this process.  If  Nachalous thinks that just having the degree MBA or whatever... is all an employer looks at when they hire, he's sadly mistaken or... deliberately misleading.  I'd wager that 50-80% or more, of a job seeker's chances will be covered on their interview, past work history, talent, etc.  Please keep in mind that even government jobs, don’t have unions or tenure for the folks that they hire, that require an MBA.  If they like you and you have the necessary qualifiers then they’ll probably give you a shot.  They can, and will... fire your butt if you can’t hack it – period.  But then... that's how I see it.  If you think have to have the accredited degree for a job in USA, then go that route and pay the big bucks – maybe better safe than sorry for you – right?  But, if you think you know your stuff, can articulate this and show it, then phooey on all of this elitist, upper echelon "I'm better than you ‘cause our club says so!" crap.  

Like others have said, check it out and see how it fits for what you want to do.  From what I’ve learned from my research, Great Britain basically originated distance education. They originally had two of these distance-only schools: one in London and the other in the British Virgin Islands (their commonwealth) to service this area.  The one in London evolved into a conventional and distance school but COU in the V.I. has remained as conceived.  So, there’s that, eh.  Good luck.

Waste of time and money!!!!!!!! Go to a real university!!!

RE: Gemibook
You MUST (not go to this) University.

I hope you are not planning on using your "degree" from COU in the USA. It will probably not be recognized by any employer. It certainly will not be recognized by any accredited university here. Nor will it be accepted in Western European countries like Germany (I know since I also went to school there). Don't you get it? Lester wrote a bunch of garbage with no real details or substance. What field is he in? Who are these "colleagues"? What "degree" is he getting from COU? Do you know what their "requirements" are for the "degree"? Did you read this: "Is this school a diploma mill? I don't know for sure, but consumerfraudreporting.org has commonwealth open university on their "List of Unaccredited Schools-Beware of Scams" page. It would scare me to get invloved with this "entity". I don't care what HAR says"? What about the fact that CHEA does not recognize them? Do you really want to be defending your "degree" for the rest of your life? What is wrong with you?

Hi. Can anyone tell me about the status of MUST university. The MUST University website says the university is accredited by IAO. Is this MUST a legit university? Please answer asap. Thanks.

Hi lester. I intend to study with COU soon. What else can u tell me about what u have experienced with them so far?

CHEA to answer your question. If you are planning on using your "degree" from COU here in the U.S.A., I wish you luck. I do not believe that any employer that checks out COU will accept your degree. Your idea of being accredited is like "being part of a club" was amusing. I would do a bit more research if I were you concerning the acceptance of your future "degree".

I am studying with COU and I am totally satisfied with their material. As a matter of fact I share their material with other colleagues who are study with other would be accredited universities and they find my material far superiour to theirs.

I think this whole accreditation business is like joining a club. What I find strange is that there is not a single accreditation body so who maintains the standard?

Is this school a diploma mill? I don't know for sure, but consumerfraudreporting.org  has commonwealth open university on their "List of Unaccredited Schools-Beware of Scams" page. It would scare me to get invloved with this "entity". I don't care what HAR says.

Hi! I'm "surprised". I commented in on Sept. 25th, 2008 on how this website looked to be done by a middle school student. I have enjoyed the exchange between HAR and What???. I wonder why in the world HAR is supporting COU. I would say to Thomas to take a close look at the website. To begin with, 120 points are needed for a Bachelor's degree at 20 points per class. That would be 6 classes total for the degree????? Most students here in the U.S. take 35-40 classes for a Bachelor's degree. Suspect is also the fact that when you look at the curriculum for the degree, only five courses are listed not six. No mention is made about electives, general education requirements etc. In addition (and further suspect) is the fact that COU offers 50% of the credit necessary for the Master's degree by awarding "life experience". Now, some may argue that this is done at other universities, but not 50% of a master's degree. The  master's degree only requires 40 points to begin with. There is no mention concerning how many points each master's class is worth. I believe a PhD is 50 points. Also, no mention about how many points each class is worth. Something is wrong here. I would say to HAR, go to a regionally accredited university's website such as , oh I don't know, say UC Berkeley or Standford's and check it out. Then you may understand the difference between COU and Regionally Accredited schools.

As I have said before, HAR/anonymous makes his point. What turns out to be bogus is getting stuck with a useless degree. I assume, Thomas, that you are looking for either a job or advancement since your desired degree is an MBA. I don't know many individuals that get an MBA "just for the hell of it". The lists I referred to are the ones by which you and your degree will be judged by your prospective employeer and any future schools you may want to attend. Now HAR/anonymous may have his feelings and opinions about "government entities that are biased" and he certainly has the right to feel and state what he wishes. I am telling you, Thomas, that important career and educational decisions cannot be made based on those opinions. As I said before, call CHEA, prospective MBA programs and companies. Speak them about the validity of the COU MBA. See what they say. Don't take my word for it. Best of luck to you Thomas.

I have no qualms with What??? I don't see what is bogus. I'm encouraging the questioner to do his homework,and do it well. He said nothing about getting a job or advancement. As I said, look at your needs and desire. COU may be most useful for those who do not require licensure and are looking for personal satisfaction. In the employment area, universal acceptance is not likely; case by case, perhaps, depending on your other educational background and experience. The lists that What??? refers to give very little information beyond  lack of accreditation for most that are listed. Look at who's the judge in this, keeping in mind such listings are generally paid for by goverment entities that are biased. You may also notice in doing your homework, Thomas, the Oregon originator has come into question about his motives and dealings (not that he is entirely off base). Lumping scams, mills and the unaccredited schools together is inadequete and probably quite harmful. I think one U/A school went to court and won. 

Needs, desires and personal homework, and see what fits for you.

HAR

Thomas;
What "anonymous" has said has some elements of truth to it. However, my understanding is that you are looking for an MBA program. Can I assume that you are in the United States? If so, then what I have said to you above is valid and what "anonymous" has said is bogus. You will probably never, ever get a job here in the U.S. in a position that requires an MBA if you get it from Commonwealth Open University. They (COU)are not regionally accredited by CHEA (or by DETC for that matter) and I believe that your chances will be slim to none for advancing your career. Do your own research. Read the blogs; contact CHEA and prospective employers. Ask them if a degree from Commonwealth Open University is valid. I believe, you will see that I am correct.

COU is not an American university whether it is GAP who knows. What remains, is how you want to utilze your degree. Some Non accredited schools are simply fine for what someone desires, some not. Unaccredited schools are not necessaily mills, as often portrayed. Each school should be evaluated individually. Many people have an axe to grind witn N/A  and non traditional ed, some for legitatmate reasons others have a black and white "attitude" toward accreditation and non traditional ed. . Many accredited non brick and motar schools do not get full endorsement by those in hiring positions. Distance learning is still seen as inferior to brick and motar, like it or not. For instance, many states will not accept distance ed for licensure in some professions. They simply do not have a means to evaluate non traditional ed. Accreditation just doesn't cut it for everything and everyone. 

Mind you, many now accredited universities were once N/A and provided excellent education  Saybrook, Walden, Transpersonal Institute,some have chosen not to take accred. root because of imposed limitations etc. 

Look closely at your needs, desires,and closely at the school and those with DIRECT experience with school in your area of interest, if possible. Everything is not black and white. That is one of the universal problems, the lack of the personal, subjective experience. Enough from me.

Thomas;
Please refer to three web pages: 
1. Oregon Office of Degree Authorization
2. Michigan Civil Service Commission
3. CHEA (Council on Higher Education Accreditation)

All these sites have Commonwealth Open University listed as an unaccredited school. Is it a degree mill? I don't know the answer to that. However, if the above three sites have the school listed as unaccredited and therefore basically useless, why waste your time with them? To get an MBA and not put yourself into a great deal of debt, I would look into the state colleges and universities in your state. Resident tuition, although not cheap, is reasonable compared to private schools. Get a degree that will be recognized not only here in the U.S., but internationally as well. Commonwealth Open lists their tuitions somewhere in the neighborhood of $4,800 for a graduate degree I believe (please correct me if I am incorrect). A state college will probably run you about double that (or less), but it will be worth it. I can give you an example. A bulletin from one of the California State Universities states their tuition (for extended studies) to be $212 per unit. They offer several master's programs online. The cost of a 30 unit master's program would be approximately $6,360. That is an educational bargin for an accredited master's degree. If you don't have the $1,560 difference in cost, save until you have the difference. It is that important.
Well, I hope that helps a bit.....good luck!

Please help , I attracted by their reasonable fees, is this a good university or a degree mill , I want to persue my MBA.

Here is my question: Why is this university listed as an unaccreditied school by degree authorization offices in several states in the USA such as Oregon? It is also not recognized by CHEA. I am very familiar with the European approach to education having attend the University of Frankfurt in Germany. I also know that the University of Frankfurt is not listed as an unacrreditied university or degree mill. 
Although I understand what you are trying to say, I still don't have an explanation of why COU is listed as a degree mill. The University of Frankfurt is recognized by the German government and any degree earned is fully recognized here in the U.S. A second question I have is what internationally recognized accrediting agency has accredited COU?

This is a legitimate institution with a flexible approach towards degree completion. For those with an interest in a self-paced approach this may be a reasonable alternative. COU offers the opportunity of a European approach for doctoral work also. Don't be mislead by COU's lack of flash on their website. Let the quality and responsivness of staff as well as student satisfaction be a better guide.

I was reviewing the list of schools at this website and was more than stunned to find this school listed. I understand that there are some questionable schools on this site, but I was floored when I came across this one. The Michigan Civil Service Commission puts out a very comprehensive list of "Colleges and Universities not Accredited by CHEA". There are close to 1,000 schools (by my estimation) listed. One of them is this university (Commonwealth Open University). I am also almost certain that I have seen this school listed as an unaccreditied university at the Oregon Office of Degree Authorization. So my question is "What is this school doing on this list?"

Is this even a school? The website looks quite simplistic; as if a middle school student put it together.