Henley-Putnam University

Jamie February 8, 2008 at 7:13 p.m.

From a faculty point of view, Henley-Putnam University is top notch. The faculty are all highly specialized in their field of expertise including professonal backgrounds from the CIA, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, DIA, Special Forces.

Henley-Putnam is proud of its outstanding faculty; more than 50 seasoned professionals with over 1,300 years of cumulative field experience—more than 22 years of experience for every instructor. Over 82% hold a masters or doctorate degree from prestigious institutions including the University of California at Berkeley, Yale, Cambridge, Stanford, and Georgetown. Over one-third of our instructors are published in their field.

Henley-Putnam University offers bachelor and master degrees in protection management, counterterrorism and intelligence. They are nationally accredited by the DETC, which is a recognized accreditor through the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.

Jamie February 22, 2008 at 5:42 a.m.

DETC (national) accreditation is just as valid as any regional accreditation, and the Secretary of Education has officially recognized DETC since 1959 and by the Council for Higher Education and its predecssors since 1975. There has been over 140 million graduates from DETC institutions since the 1890s.

The DETC meets precisely the same standards as do the regionals. They have vastly more experience and tougher, more stingent standards for distance learning than any other agency in the United States, as such, distance learning is their speciality.

DETC schools are now eligible to become a federal aid provider, so this is a null and void issue.

Again, the DETC and regional accreditors have to meet the EXACT same standards of quality to earn recognition through the US Department of Education and CHEA. In addition, the DETC accredits each and every course offered through their accredited institutions and are evaluated by subject matter experts. The regionals do not do this and only accredit the entire institution as a whole. DETC reaccredits schools every five years. The regionals do it every 10 years. The regionals have been put on notice by the US Department of Education for not focusing on student outcomes. The DETC was recognized once again by US DoE with no issues for the maximum amount of time (5 years).

You see, if you educate yourself and others about accreditation you'd be amazed of the quality differences between regional and DETC.

Jack T. April 22, 2008 at 9:16 p.m.

Jamie,

If DETC were "just as valid as regional accredidation" then schools such as New Mexico State University, Penn State University, etc... would seek national accredidation. DETC is, and always will be, concidered to be a complete joke by those who really know anything about higher education. Bottom line, if a school is not regionally accredited, avoid it at all costs because the "degrees" they "award" are nothing more than worthless pieces of paper.

Regards,

Jack

Kevin May 2, 2008 at 8:16 a.m.

Dhillon,
Good comments, but I want to point out that American Military University is regionally accredited as well as DETC. It's not quite the same as HPU. Both great schools though!

To Q Public June 27, 2008 at 7:09 p.m.

The Truth about DETC Accreditation

The first thing that must be addressed is what is the DETC and their history. The Distance Education and Training Council Accrediting Commission (DETC) is considered to be the premier accrediting authority of distance learning, accrediting more than 100 institutions worldwide.

Since 1926, the DETC has evolved as a highly respected public non-profit organization dedicated to accrediting and improving distance learning institutions. Since 1890, more than 135 million students have enrolled in DETC institutions.

DETC accredits some of the largest known institutions in the world including the military distance learning institutions operated by the Air Force, Army and Marine Corps. Since World War II, millions of veterans have studies with DETC institutions earning degrees and job enhancing skills.

Over 4 million students are enrolled in DETC institutions, and over 500 fields of study are offered, ranging from accounting to yacht design. DETC institutions offer instruction at the Kindergarten through the Professional Doctoral Degree level (e.g., Doctor of Business Administration and the Doctor of Education.)

DETC has enjoyed the official recognition of the U.S. Department of Education since 1959, and since 1975, DETC has been recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation or its predecessor organizations. This means that institutions like Henley-Putnam meet the same standards as applied by the regional accreditors, but DETC, given its specialty and vast experience in distance learning, and being the only recognized accreditor that focuses solely on distance learning, applies more rigors standards for distance learning. As a matter of fact, many regional accreditors that started to develop online courses went to the DETC for guidance and utilized their standards.

With its 80-plus years of history and its highly refined and federally recognized accreditation program, DETC offers distance learning institutions the most current, relevant and practical services for the 21st Century.

Jamie the Shill July 13, 2008 at 11:47 a.m.

Jamie has been exposed in the CSU blog as a shill who shamelessly promotes the universities that employ him. He works for Henley Putnam and guess who has been here to push it... Jamie the shill of course!

Two Cents July 24, 2008 at 12:40 a.m.

I've been debating enrolling with HP. The admissions coordinators definitely hound you to enroll, but then all of the universities I've spoken to do that. The price seems a bit steep though.
I'm not sure what all the fuss is over accreditation. If you plan on completing your degree with the same university you started at, it isn't an issue.
I think John Q. is just a spammer that works for some "regional" university and is out to discredit any and all online schools. Yep, you John Q., are a shill because you spam the other review sites as well.

Mark September 23, 2008 at 12:23 a.m.

Can anyone tell me, if this school is worth going to as far as there acredidation goes? If I recive a Master degree from them, will I get turned down by Federal agencies such as thr FBI CIA etc, just wondering?

H-PU October 3, 2008 at 4:23 p.m.

Henley-Putnam University has a newly coveted professional doctorate degree program in Strategic Security (DSS). This is a historical milestone for the university as it is the only accredited doctorate degree program of its kind and no other university in the world offers such a program. The university website will soon be updated with the details of the DSS.

Student October 20, 2008 at 11:17 p.m.

Mark,
Yes the CIA will consider the degree as valid. I don't know about any of the other agencies though. If you contact their recruitment department they will send you a link to a website on accredited schools. If the school you are considering is listed, they'll accept the degree.

Craig November 15, 2008 at 6:33 a.m.

Interesting topics all. But I have a question regarding courses at Henley-Putnam.

I am totally interested in the enrollment of the Masters Degree in Intelligence Management and the Doctorate Program. After reading the description, I realized that the Strategic Security Doctorates Degree covers only a few fields of Intelligence Management, Terrorism and Counterterrorism Studies, and Protection Management.

My question is: Does the Doctoral Strategic Security Degree allow you to take the same courses that are required in the Intelligence Management curriculum, or do you just follow the required curriculum for the Doctorates Degree?

From what I see, the Doctorate Program does not offer most of the INT courses like the Masters Degree does.
Thanks!

Daniel F. November 19, 2008 at 10:33 a.m.

John W,

Have you contacted these agencies directly to inquire about their views on HPU? Or are you just making that assumption based on the wording of their websites (which may not have specifically mentioned DETC)?

Either way, I have to disagree with your point. In April 2008, HPU entered an official agreement with the FBI to actually incorporate the agency's existing employees into its student and faculty bodies (you can run a google search for the press release). In addition, HPU has academic partnerships with the Center for Counterintelligence/Strategic Security Studies, and CTC International; both staffed by members of CIA, FBI, DOJ, etc.
HPU's current faculty include active and retired members of the CIA, FBI, DIA, etc who will not only provide you with a respectable education, but will also help you with job placement, particularly in the federal community.
From the standpoint of a student in the Master's program, I can tell you the degree is top notch. Very challenging and very rewarding. And certainly not regarded as worthless by the federal agencies.

Lastly, you mentioned you were looking at the Master's program in order to seek employment with a federal agency. Last time I checked, the minimum requirement for this was a Bachelor's degree (generally in any field, depending on what you're applying for). Is your BA not regionally accredited?

All in all, I would just ask that you verify your facts before posting alarming messages...and then provide a more evidence-based argument when you do (something more than just "look at their website"). These agencies' human resource departments are extremely robust and in most cases, their websites are far from complete when it comes to describing the hiring criteria. If I'm wrong, I'll admit it...but since learning about HPU, I've never heard the accusation that their degree is not federally accepted.

To John W November 19, 2008 at 3:47 p.m.

From the FBI website:

"To become an FBI Special Agent you must be a U.S. citizen or a citizen of the Northern Mariana Islands. You must be at least 23 years of age, but younger than 37 upon your appointment as a Special Agent. You must possess a four-year degree from a college or university accredited by one of the regional or national institutional associations recognized by the United States Secretary of Education."

Get your facts straight; as you can see they accept a bachelor's degree from a regional or NATIONAL institutional association. DETC is a national accreditor recognized by US DoE and CHEA.

Rich N. November 22, 2008 at 11:41 p.m.

The Masters program at Henley-Putnam is expensive. Tuition Assistance wouldn't be enough to cover the cost and I do not want to take out a loan. I was also told by my Army education couselor that I would have to pay up front the costs and would be re-imbursed later, and am wondering if there is any truth to this... What would be a good financial funding plan to help pay for a Degree at Henley-Putnam? ...as compared to American Military University who tuition costs and fees seem to be lower(I would like to attend HPU if not AMU).

To Rich N December 5, 2008 at 8:12 p.m.

How much does Henley-Putnam University cost?

All classes are 4.5 units. Current tuition for the Bachelors program is $264 per unit; therefore each bachelors level course is $1,188.00. Current tuition for the Masters program is $337 per unit; therefore each masters level course is $1,516.50. Current tuition for the doctorate degree program is $375 per unit; therefore each doctorate level course is $1,687.50. (This does not include course books which can run approximately $50-$150 per class). However, the University will provide a laptop computer and protective case after your have started your fifth course.

The nice thing is that you are provided with a laptop after your fifth course which is included in the tuition.

Can I use financial aid with these courses?

Henley-Putnam University does not provide financial aid but does offer a monthly payment plan and our programs are eligible for benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. Please contact the Admissions office directly at 888-852-8746 ext.1 to discuss these options.

So, you can see that you can get onto a monthly payment plan for their programs as well as benefits from the Department of Veteran Affairs if eligible.

Joe December 11, 2008 at 5:31 a.m.

Oach! HPU looks a little expensive for a DETC school. Those are the kinds of prices you pay at RA schools.

ZZZ December 17, 2008 at 3:26 a.m.

I agree with Renee-HPU is not a good choice for someone that really wants a career in this area. This is just a way for a bunch of people that have been in law enforcement in some fashion or had some connection with it to try to cash in on the current world situation by pretending to be a real school and hoodwinking people into thinking this degree means anything.

The Truth December 19, 2008 at 5:38 p.m.

From a faculty point of view, Henley-Putnam University is top notch. The faculty are all highly specialized in their field of expertise including professonal backgrounds from the CIA, FBI, U.S. Secret Service, DIA, Special Forces.

Henley-Putnam is proud of its outstanding faculty; more than 50 seasoned professionals with over 1,300 years of cumulative field experience—more than 22 years of experience for every instructor. Over 82% hold a masters or doctorate degree from prestigious institutions including the University of California at Berkeley, Yale, Cambridge, Stanford, and Georgetown. Over one-third of our instructors are published in their field.

Henley-Putnam University offers bachelor and master degrees in protection management, counterterrorism and intelligence. They are nationally accredited by the DETC, which is a recognized accreditor through the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.

Jim S. December 24, 2008 at 2:41 p.m.

Daniel F.

The post you responded to was well written! Yet, your response was not, which may reveal a little something about your credibility. Since I hold four regionally accredited academic degrees, including graduate degrees, I will assume that you will consider me an expert.

Jim

Daniel F. December 28, 2008 at 3:38 p.m.

Jim S.

While I would not challenge your expertise based upon your said credentials, I simply can not understand how you would consider the anonymous post to be well-written. I mean, to begin with, the guy (or girl) spelled the word, "sorry" as "srrry." And this somehow lends to MY lack of credibility??

Aside from alluding to the notion that the post was a grammatical disaster, I was simply challenging the fact-based premise upon which it was written. He said the instructors were unprofessional....well, I ask; how so? What contrasting experiences would this person have to offer that would suggest the instructors were less professional than those at another institution? He also purported that the university's credibility is comparable to a diploma mill. What about the curriculum would lead one to believe this? Certainly the US Dept of Education, CHEA and partnering federal agencies do not share this belief.
All I'm asking for are facts that support opinions. Personally, my experiences with HPU have been very positive and informative. I specifically highlighted the reason of 'thorough feedback' in my official review. Would it be too much to ask of a student who has apparently had a very negative experience to provide factual details so that the rest of us could evaluate the experience and make our own determinations?

I have a ? January 11, 2009 at 2:36 p.m.

Hello,

I would like to ask some current students who take the courses online how do you get the books and materiel's (e.g. are they sent to you via postage overnight?) Also, if there is a delay in receiving the books (e.g. 7-10 days) then when does your start date begin since there is a delay in receiving the materiel's. How does Devry handle this or how does it work?

All comments are welcomed!

Thanks

Daniel F. January 12, 2009 at 5:39 a.m.

Oh, and in response to your question about the books arriving late, I would just confer with your instructor on that issue. That happened to me one semester at Excelsior College; I ordered my books late and didn't receive them until 3 weeks into the semester. I let the instructors know right away and they assured me that if there were time constraint issues, I could just apply for an extension at the end of the semester and it would be no problem.

Hope this helps!

Aaron January 15, 2009 at 4:27 a.m.

So, what will be the total cost of a Master's Degree? Are we talking over $20K? $40K?

And do you have placement statistics for recent graduating classes, including hiring agencies, starting salaries, job titles when starting, and signing bonus (if any)?

Thanks, and if this is listed somewhere and I missed it, I apologize. I'm just trying to do my homework before beginning an online degree.

Reply to: "DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE..." review January 24, 2009 at 8:19 a.m.

Here we go again with anonymous slams on HPU that are not supported by any sort of fact-base. My friend, a mere bit of searching through the posts in this very column will reveal some discussion that specifically addresses your concerns. A quick visit to the FBI's website for one, will also confirm that the 3-letter agencies will accept degrees that are either regionally AND/OR nationally accredited (as is HPU).

Again, I'm not suggesting that every review should be positive. Certainly, a good mix of perspectives is healthy for a peer-review forum. But frankly, this site is going to lose all credibility if people keep making anonymous, knee-jerk lambastings without even explaining their reasons.

If you think that Henley-Putnam is a waste of time and won't serve your career intentions well, please tell us why. What experiences have you personally had that would support this idea?

-Daniel

possible new student February 2, 2009 at 5:24 p.m.

Okay, after reading all this I'm thoroughly confused. Does the government accept these degrees, do they not? Is there financial aid, is there not? Someone give straight answers please! Preferably a peson who has a degree form this school and a job within one of these agencies (NSA, FBI, CIA ect.)

Daniel February 3, 2009 at 4:25 p.m.

Great post, Phox!

Though, I didn't realize some of the PhD students had already graduated...I was under the impression the program just recently kicked off. Maybe was thinking of something else.

To 'possible new student': Your question is somewhat difficult to answer at this point because 1) HPU just recently (in 2007) converted to a fully accredited university---thus, the alumni community is still fairly small. I would imagine that at least a decent amount of them are currently working in government intelligence and/or law enforcement, as Phox pointed out examples of.

But then there's the big "Part 2" which basically encompasses the "which came first, chicken or egg" concept. HPU is a school that is naturally attractive to those of us currently working in government intel/LE. Personally, as a military intel analyst of 7 years with a T/S clearance, HP's degree will likely serve my future career needs/desires well because I will be coupling it with my on-the-job experience when I go to apply for jobs.

When you think about it, it's not really that much different from let's say, the military's aviation members who get degrees in avionics. Does it mean that a civilian who gets an avionics degree from Embry-Riddle per se will NOT get hired by Boeing or Lockheed, etc? Of course not. But certainly having the experience and then adding a specialized degree in your career field makes you a highly competitive applicant. (Also helps *big time* in terms of networking!)

I'm not saying that the military is the only way to break into the intel business, nor am I suggesting that HP's degree won't be valuable on an application to a non-intel civilian. My point is mainly that most of the 3-letter agencies are very selective and, like all other private companies, will save money where they can (ie: hiring someone who already has a clearance in order to save thousands of $$). Will they accept the degree? Yes, because it is accredited. But will they hire someone simply because they have HP's degree? I believe that's yet to be determined.

Hope this helps. Feel free to email me with any questions. navydaniel2@yahoo.com

To Phox March 20, 2009 at 6:21 p.m.

To Phox:

How in the world did your "senior director" already receive his/her doctorate from Henley when, per the Henley-Putnam website, the first class of doctorate students was just accepted Jan, 2009. This would imply that you "Senior director" finished her doctorate in roughly two months. This information comes directly from a news release from their website - its on the home page under "university news" front and center lol. The title is called "
Henley-Putnam University Welcomes the First Class of Doctoral Students in the Field of Strategic Security."

The school looks like a good program, but keep the BS to yourself - your making the university look terrible.

SecretSquirrel777 April 21, 2009 at 10:01 p.m.

All – I am a current HPU student, full time CI guy, and a first time caller to this show… Can I just say; the argument about the national or regional accreditation status of this school is nauseating.
If I may, I would like to throw in my two cents with regard to what has been said already. Really, it boils down to how you want to go to school (in my opinion). If you are already in the IC or industry, but do not necessarily have the degree that says you are educated (maybe you got a basket weaving degree and that was enough at the time to get in, or the standard CJ, Business, or xyz), then HPU is a good fit (where I am currently). I will say this as well. I work in a DoD agency and have had the pleasure of working with all sorts of characters in combat zones and in areas that were friendly or not so friendly with every three letter agency I can think of. If you can show you are relevant to the real world and ongoing conflicts or collections efforts (or security etc for any LE agency for that matter), then you are relevant (regardless of the accreditation of your degree, which I think has been covered well). The IC and the industry (security, protection, and counterterrorism) is what it is. An institution that offers a specialized education in those areas is refreshing, certainly in the context of the shallow pool you have to swim in when you are looking for the types of degrees offered by HPU (go ahead try it… unless you are among the smaller group that has been through the halls of the JMIC/NDIC ?, it is slim picking).
And finally to agree with several other posters... take a class at HPU, then provide feedback. Do not sit from your lofty RA pedestal (I have cast stare’s at those lower than me at only nationally accredited schools unfortunately), then cast your judgment or doubt. I feel very privileged having been given the opportunity to be taught by folks who obviously know what they are doing. The work I have completed thus far has validated knowledge of either general information or tradecraft and operations knowledge, most of which had been obtained over years of collections, investigations, and operations spanning the coast lines and plenty from overseas as well. Do not ignorantly tromp around in a message board trying to tarnish an institution that offers an incredible opportunity for those who take it... ~S

John Q.Public July 19, 2009 at 3:46 p.m.

Sorry,waterheads!! I am NOT a shill..I am a student trying to find a GOOD program in which to invest my time and money.My experiences with "for profits" have been far from satisfactory and I get the same whiff of "cash over class" from HPU.If YOU want a nationally accredited and minor league degree that consists of 5 week classes and old intel farts relating tired war stories,by all means be my guest!! As to foreign schools-do you REALLY think that a National accreditation even remotely comes close to (for example)a UK school with a Royal Charter to operate?! I think not... So throw your money away,sign up for your "classes" and let the war stories begin!! If ignorance is indeed bliss,you guys are creaming in your culottes...

HPU Graduate August 7, 2009 at 4:38 a.m.

Yes, HPU's degrees are accepted for Federal employment. I am speaking first hand. GS-0132-14 here... so do not listen to all the incorrect comments. The programs offered are intense and the you will not find a better set of qualified instructors for this area of study.
The staff is excellent and the support you will receive is top notch. I have absolutely no complaints about HPU.

Misinformed September 8, 2009 at 5:39 p.m.

You're comments are inaccurate and ignorant at best. HPU is nationally accredited which meets the the same academic standards as that of the regional bodies. Both national and regional accreditors have to meet the SAME requirements mandated by the United States Department of Education and CHEA. Many credits won't transfer over to other institutions due to the highly specialized field of study at HPU. Get your facts straight before posting erroneous information. If you go to the CHEA and U.S. Dept of Education website you'll find HPU's national accreditor as being fully recognized.

Craig September 30, 2009 at 3:30 a.m.

I am currently a senior in college just looking to take a masters course in intelligence and HPU is my third option if I do not get accepted into schools such as Georgetown University and G.W. University. I have aspirations to get a security clearance and possibly work for one of the three-letter agencies with hopes that my accreditation is recognized by them.

If I do not get into the programs at Georgetown or G.W., I plan to go to HPU and possibly get a double masters and enroll again at either Georgetown or G.W. And this is where I raise the question; once I finish at HPU, and decide to go to a regional school, will they accept my credits? I am coming to the conclusion that the answer is no based on the discussions on this site. But after reading the HPU website, it states: "Given the uniqueness of Henley-Putnam’s curricula, very few institutions other than those with programs in intelligence, terrorism and counterterrorism studies, or protection will accept these credits in as much as it is determined by the receiving institution, not the granting institution. Similarly, for example, Henley-Putnam will not accept art history credits towards its master’s degree in terrorism and counterterrorism studies. However, a 2006 survey of DETC graduates showed 70% of those who attempted to transfer credits and degrees were successful." It also states: "DETC is equal to regionally accredited universities."

So, in my case, if I were to finish at HPU and go to Georgetown for a double masters in their intelligence program, technically they would recognize the credits given it is intelligence study-oriented. Right?

What are your thoughts or suggestions?

Richard October 7, 2009 at 10:50 p.m.

Might as well just join the military and get paid for your intel training. There will be no doubts as to your abilities after that. I understand that the military has certain requirements and that not everyone can join.....but if you can, join up instead of taking an online course that doesn't have a guarantee for employment attached to it.