Northcentral University Comments

1st the good:
The teachers are great. They provide feedback quickly. The comments are constructive and help the student to learn.

Now the opportunity for improvement:
This school is undergoing accreditation issues. Because of that they are making a great many changes that are not working out best for the students. 

If you were considering this school, I would wait until the management problems are worked out.

Once you pass into the dissertation phase, things get bad.  Administration has never considered the students as customers. They will never return emails or voicemails. Not sure why.

The two week review promise in the syllabus will actually take several more weeks. Meanwhile your tuition bills arrive right on time. Remember, this is a for profit college, and trust me, they will do everything to acquire every penny they can out of you, except treat you like a customer.

Contacting the academic advisor is a large waste of time. Not sure what these folks do, but it is nothing to help the student.

During the D process you will be on your own. The rules will change without notification. You will be taught little or nothing. You will be expected to find out everything on your own. When you ask for help you will be met with silence.

NCU remains a leader in on line learning. The degree is widely accepted and most people know that the negatives are those who have a personal "ax" to grind because they could not make the grade. You will be required to earn your degree.

This is not true nor a fair statement. Just because people stand up for their rights has NOTHING to do do with a personal "ax" or could not make the grade. Some things are just not right and fair. People like you may feel that they cannot change injustice into just situations.

I am a doctoral learner at NCU (not a member of the pr staff)and have a master's degree from a brick and mortar university. NCU is challenging and has experienced instructors.  NCU is regionally accredited and is in good status.  The negative comments posted on this web site do not represent my experience at the University.  NCU is as challenging as my experience with the University of GA and I took 5 doctoral courses there.  Do not be swayed by all of the negative comments of people who are either not disciplined enough to complete the courses or who are just negative.  Everyone in a doctoral program knows you have to work with a diligent focus.

It appears that NCU has "internet hounds." Anytime someone post negative comments about this university, several people come in and post glam reports praising the school. I'm looking on the different websites and I definitely see the pattern!

My education was terrific at fully accredited NCU! I had been in the work force for 15 years since my BS - so I knew how to focus my business studies. The result from my NCU MBA is a bounty of knowledge.

I began this program with great enthusiasm until about 2years ago when there were changes in staff and Dean. After completing my PhD abd, I have had nothing but change, mixed communication and misdirection. I have almost become immobilized, but am looking at transferring to another university where I can complete what NCU promised to help me achieve (my PhD). I feel at the rate I am going, I will never finish the dissertation process. I think the last accreditation process and change of owners has resulted in negative student satisfaction. I have paid way too much to not complete what I started. 

Former NCU PhD student. I highly recommend seeking other institutions. NCU was stated out of a garage by the same founder of Southern California University. Their bottom line is money. NCU primary owners are venture capitalists. I recommend that anyone interested in an online program, fully investigate the background of the institution. Apparently, regionally accredited is quickly slipping in their quality assurance. 

I have done a lot of research on NCU and I have not found anything that would tell me that the school is a Diploma Mill or anything like that. NCU is fully accredited and requires work not setting in class having someone else answer your questions.

I learned back in my undergrad program (B&M) that there are a lot of people out there that needs a teacher or a professor to hold their hand through everything. I think these people are just like a lot of High schools, pass because you were in class.

Well, I did my AA & AS degree online, my BA degree in a (B &M) school and I am 3 classes of receiving my Masters from Capella University. I have found that working on line requires a special person with some get up and go. People, you have to want something to earn it; I feel the NCU requires you to earn it; they don't give it to you like some college do. I feel that NCU is going to be a great college and I look forward to earning my DBA in Health Care Administration.

Before I go I would like you to ask yourself something, when you sit down with your degree in hand in front of a headhunter and when he or she ask you “Could you tell me how dedicated are you to work along on a project and how did your college prepare you to do this?” Remember, got to think fast and it better be a truthful answer because a HR Director such as me will check before hiring you.

I would recommend Northcentral University based on my finding of being a fully accredited school that weeds out the slackers and provides for a solid worthwhile education.

Whether you go to Capella, Argosy or NCU etc you get what you put into it. Every school has its unhappy customers and mainly because it is always the fault of the learner and not the school. If one is at the doctorate level, there is no hand holding. Compared to other online schools the programs are 100+ credit hours post your discussion question, respond to others discussion questions etc...to me is useless rigor added to make it appear to be more than what it is..Someone responding saying "nice post' enjoyed reading offers little or no growth to the learner. Get into an online program/school you enjoy do the research and get your degree..

Its basically that simple...for  most getting a PhD is a personal goal you have to earn it. PhD level you are not asking how, you are asking why and providing results. You want hand holding stay at a Community College and stay after class. 

If you maintian a full time job, a family, and a life. self-directed is the way to go unless you suffer from ADD.

I expect to complete my Ph.D. at NCU in early 2010.

It is the hardest thing I've ever done but like others have said, this is expected anywhere. At times I've wanted to give up.

While doing course work before I started the serious research part of this, I could compare my courses to all other schooling I have experienced. During my undergraduate studies, I did about half through traditional classroom methods at several different B&M colleges, and I did half by independent learning by a pioneering non-traditional education school, part of SUNY in NY State. This was before the days of the Internet. I was delighted that at this school, I was actually allowed to help design the learning goals and content of some of my courses! I liked the traditional courses taken at B&M schools too but for me, I'd rather not sit through lectures. I liked the independent learning experiences better overall, and definitely learned as much if not more that way. (I tend to sleep through lectures sometimes).

I am now a college professor and have taught several traditional college courses, and now I teach fully online for two schools (not NCU). Students definitely learn as much or more online, if they stick with it. Like someone else said, if you want hand holding, then online is not for you, and NCU should probably be last on your list. 

But it is first on my list because I dislike the volumous contrived discussion requirements at other online schools, and group work.

Interestingly, I teach online for yet another school. My students are working on their Master's degrees. After reading my last group of evaluations I was dismayed to read how an adult was lamenting about the professor not giving enough guidance (seemed she wanted hand holding to the extreme) and she (I think it was as she but I'm not sure) even made the analogy: Would you put a group of middle school students together and tell them what they need to learn, list their assignments and just expect them to teach themselves and each other?

Oh, how I wished she would have said that to me in person so I could have answered her. First of all, the current trend, even in traditional public schools is for the teacher to do more facilitating, and less lecturing and step-by-step handholding, yes even at the middle school level. But even more important than that is the blatant comparison of herself to a middle school student. To me, that speaks volumes. If she feels she needs the same kind of learning support and methods as a typical middle schooler, she should not be enrolled in an online college. She probably should be working at McDonald's but even they expect their employees to grow up at some point.

How are you teaching Master's students as a Master's graduate? Where are you teaching?

I agree with rr.  This school is very unprofessional and a waste of my time.  I would advise anyone considering NCU not to.

North Central university is accredited by North_Central_Association_of_Colleges_and_Schools who is under The U.S. department of education. I've seen a post here and there of people missateing their accrediation . people who are ignorant.

I think there is an adjustment period as with any school or new activity for that matter. People who don't make the adjustment period trash the school (afterall, it's an easy target - 100% online). If one adjusts one learns how to choose good mentors, develop a helpful way of relating to ones advisor and staff members. One then finds that the school can provide a positive experience. Choosing good mentors, removing oneself from bad ones is helpful and communicating to the right people regarding the problems that come ones way starting with the advisor as a key contact.

NCU is an regionally accredited school that delivers its programs via the internet and requires no residency. Like most distance learning programs, students are expected to be highly independent and comfortable with self-directed study. This means that not everybody will be comfortable with NCU's education format - both students and employers alike. The current provost is a PhD graduate from Harvard and he's been pushing NCU towards greater heights.

Sure, NCU may be rigorous, but the fact is a pure online degree from NCU, or U of Phoenix, is not worth nearly as much as a state university or private accredited university. If one is seeking employment in teaching at a university, a pure online university like NCU is clearly not going to cut it!! Having a pedigree doesn't necessarily make one successful, but it certainly can open some doors. Let's see a Phd from UC Berkley or NCU??

For me, NCU seemed like a regular University except everything is done online. The coursework was not easy. There were several times I wanted to quit. I did not start well - had a very bad start. One instructor encouraged me to continue. My chair encouraged me not to quit too. You see, I would have wanted to quit a B&M school too. The point is that a couple of people reached out and encouraged me to continue. As a result, I have an accredited Ph.D. My advice to anyone who goes to NCU is to form supportive contacts with one or two instructors. You may need their encouragement later. Communicate clearly and frequently with your advisor - ask questions. Don't rely on getting accurate feedback from students and people not associated with NCU who post in blogs. At NCU (or any university) you either sink or swim. I swam and made it to shore but did not do that alone. I allowed people to encourage me.

I am enrolling at NCU. There is much talk, both negative and positive, about NCU.  It seems to be a fine university.  I will let you know when I complete my degree whether or not it is a great university or not.  For me, it is exactly what I want and need at this point in my life.  I was enrolled at Argosy University and NCU appears to be more of what I need.  I believe that if I work hard I will get what I am working for.  I believe if there are others who are considering NCU, you should get your own experience and not rely on the experience of others.  There are different situations for everyone who has attended.  Our situation may not be anything like theirs.  Don't decide your fate on the experiences of others. Get YOUR degree and remember, "This too shall pass."

I decided to contact the Higher Learning Commission regarding NCU's accredidation and they assured me that although the school was only granted another 3-years and there will be another review next spring, it would be very difficult for a school to lose accredidation and it would be over a very lengthy process, which students would be notified.  They mentioned that the school would basically have to go out of business.  

Since NCU has shown nothing but growth in the past year makes it unlikely to go out of business anytime soon.  However, it was recently acquired so I am curious as to the reasons behind the acquisition.  Does anyone have any insight on this?

After reading the comments here about the HLC giving NCU 3 more years of accredidation, after which another review, does anyone know what actions the school has taken in order to abide by their recommendations?

For reasons unspoken here, I considered myself extremely experienced in researching the credentials of universities and understanding excellent customer service.  Since I have dealt with NCU and enrolled into their Ph.D. Psychology program, I have to say that it has been the best experience to date!  The staff are knowledgable and quick turn every question I have had about my degree plan.  Trust me when I say that if you are looking for a solid university who is regionally accredited and cannot afford to attend time consuming residencies like so many other online institutions require, then NCU is the place for you!  Take advantage of the great programs at NCU with their monthly start ups and outstanding staff, you will not regret it!

My experience is a bit different from those above.  I never started my PhD program in earnest.  Soon after enrolling, I became quite ill and requested some accomodations to delay my start.  The very people who were so pleasant in recruiting me became tyrannical in working with me as per ADA guidelines.  I too am persuing legal remedies to the situation.  

As for Academics - I can't comment.  Never got that far. 

As for Customer Service - particularly for those with disabilities - the administrative support of such is quite lacking, IMHO.

Best wishes!

Thanks for the direction, RR...and you're welcome, BeCool...

Take care!

Thank you everyone for your comments. Distance learning is very dynamic. Mike I read up on NCU's accreditation, thanks for the update.

From what I've read from holders of UNISA and UK degrees that post on various discussion sites, the academic equivalence is the same as a B&M.  UNISA has been around since 1877 and has a current student population of 200,000+.

Here are two good DL discussion sites that talk about a number of good distance education schools, including UNISA.

www.degreeinfo.com
www.degreediscussion.com/forums

Since I talked it up earlier, I feel obligated to share some of the negatives.
 - A UK or UNISA degree is from another country.  There are going to be academic snobs here in the US who will turn their nose up at your credentials.  Thankfully, this will happen a lot less than if your degree is from TUIU(previously TUI) or NCU.
 - The pace of your studies at UNISA may seem sluggish at times.  Patience and perseverance are the key words here.
 - A quality dissertation is required to get the diploma.  Prepare to work your tail off.
 - Travel may or may not be required.  This is very dependent on the degree program and discussions with school officials.  Negotiate any travel requirements before you start the program.
 - Doctoral programs can be completed in 3 to 5 years, although it is possible to finish in 2.
 - The yearly cost will change.  The dollar is very weak at this time.  Currently, UNISA doctoral fees are about $1,587/year.  In contrast, UK school tuition costs due to the exchange rate makes Walden University look less expensive.  Side note:  I like Walden, I just can't afford it or the student loans that I would still be paying 15 years after retirement.

Checking in to UNISA.  I have already heard back from a Dr. Michael Esselen.  I wonder about academic equivalence in American universities with a PhD from UNISA compared to B&M's in USA.  What are you thought, RR?

Mike - A shill is someone who fakes being a satisfied customer, with the goal of getting you to follow their advice.  I was a bit zealous in talking up UNISA, so I probably earned the false accusations.  Fair enough.

No, I'm not a shill for UNISA or any other college.  I am a disgruntled former-NCU student who hit the research phase of the program at the time of "the great NCU staff shakeup and purge of 2007-2008".  I was assigned mentors who weren't interested in teaching.  The university refused to correct the mentor issues.  I was dismissed.

My court case against the 1st mentor is set for July 15th.  Soon after that, I'll file against a second mentor.  The findings from both of those cases will be used in a civil suit against NCU.  I would welcome like-minded folks interested in a class action lawsuit against NCU.

I've been doing a lot of research since December 2007 on finding good, respectable programs outside of NCU that has little or no residency requirements.  The intent of my postings here is to highlight those schools that rose to the top of my lists.  Schools like Bellevue Univ., Dakota State Univ., Univ. of Illinois and UNISA.

I see too many posts about people "settling" for NCU when there are so many other programs that are less expensive and provide better academic rigor and value.  In my case, I also want to teach.  The word on the street is that online universities are frowned upon when trying to find an adjunct teaching position.

Mike is correct as well about the 3 year accreditation extension.  HLC could have extended accreditation for 3, 5, 7 or 10 years.  NCU got the minimum of 3 years.  Even with all of the HLC consultants on the NCU executive board and staff, they still only got 3.  Read into that what you will.

Be Cool...read my statement above about reaffirmation of accreditation.  I have already been to the HLC website and it states they have received 3 more years.

By the way...WHAT IS A SHILL?

Thanks for your comments folks. I guess I have a lot of research to do. I will be following NCU closely over the next weeks and months as I'm curious to find out the results of their accreditation. If anyone finds out anything please update us.

Looks like one to me.

BeCool - I'm assuming from your post that you are looking for a good doctorate program, what with you holding 2 master's degrees soon (congrats!).  Check out UNISA (University of South Africa).  The degree programs are considered as good as RA (regional accreditation, the usa gold standard in US education).  The programs are inexpensive at about $1,500 per year.  The doctorates are dissertation only, no coursework required.  There's a liaison in canada that help students in the americas navigate the UNISA admissions process at www.iaci-canada.com, free of charge.

Why spend $25,000+ at NCU when you can spend $4,500 at UNISA?  You'll also end up with a degree that's way more respected by the academic crowd should you want to teach.  

In the US, studies report a 50% to 70% dropout rate of students at the point where they transition from coursework to dissertation.  That's a lot of time and money that just went nowhere.  By starting at the disseration phase at UNISA, you'll know very quickly whether you want to and/or can do the work.  American universities know the attrition rate and bank on it.  Why do you think that you've already paid 2/3rds of the program costs before even starting the research/dissertation phase?

You shouldn't have to settle for NCU when there are better schools that are immediately available to you.  Check out Dakota State University and University of Illinois at Springfield for good online, reduced-residency programs.  

Good universities are creating online programs now.  Don't settle for NCU when you can wait 6 months and find that there will be a lot of new online programs to choose from. And from universities that don't have perceived accreditation issues.

I'm also borderline considering NCU. I'm currently wrapping up my 2nd master's degree online and hope to finish by end of the year. Like others, I'm worried about the accredidation process. However, NCU maybe the only choice for me. I work full time in law enforcement and I'm a military reservist. Argosy is way too much and I can't take off days/weeks at a time to attend forums with Walden, Capella or Nova. Does anyone have any options out there?

I was an NCU PhD student in the Business Administration program up until January, 2008.  During the first research class leading up to the dissertation, I encountered a couple of professors (mentors) that didn't participate.  In one case, the mentor only initiated contact once via email during the 16 week course.  When I brought the issue up to the attention of the Dean, she chose to academically dismiss me instead of correcting the issue by re-assigning an engaged and active mentor.  The university has not responded to any of my attempts to contact them via phone message, email or fax.

Unfortunately, NCU has forced me to explore legal actions against them.  A lawsuit is currently pending against one of the mentors.  After that lawsuit is resolved, I will be suing another mentor and then finally the school.

NCU is a for profit business entity.  If they cannot deliver on their promises of mentor conduct and quality, then NCU should be held financially accountable.  Minimally, any student who feels that they didn't get their money's worth from a class should be able to request a refund.  If the refund isn't given, then legal options should be explored.  Most lawyers will say that you will have to file the case in Arizona.  Not true.  Check out Compuserve vs Patterson as a precedent to filing an "internet transaction" case against NCU in a court local to you.  Show that case to your lawyer.  After reviewing my original enrollment document, I discovered that it was electronically signed.  No idea if NCU has corrected this loophole since I enrolled back in 2002.  This makes Compuserve vs Patterson all the more on point to submitting a lawsuit to a court local to the student.

The limitations of small claims court could also be in your favor.  In my local court, I can recover the complete cost of the course and the mentor/NCU cannot be represented by a lawyer.  Total cost out of my pocket is less than $60, along with an hour or two to get the documents and evidence together for each case.

Reaffirmed for 3 more years...just checked the HLC website.  Well, I'm probably going to begin my program anyhow for the simple fact it's the best coursework for Health Psychology by distance.  Take care, all!

Thanks for the input.  By the way, I have applied to the program and NCU has accepted the maximum transfer credits leaving one foundational class for the program.  I was pretty sure it was going to happen and everyone has been very helpful.  Man, do they push getting signed up right away though!  Figures... CYNTHIA, Hope this helps:  	

February 28, 2008

Letter to Members of the Northcentral University Community:

I would like to thank our faculty, staff, mentors, learners, partnering institutions, and representatives in our community for their assistance with the University’s Higher Learning Commission reaffirmation of accreditation process. As you know, this week Northcentral University hosted a five member team of consultant-evaluators from the Higher Learning Commission. This team reviewed and evaluated our status in regards to continued accreditation.

The team stated that they will be recommending to the Higher Learning Commission that continued accreditation be granted to Northcentral University. The policy of the Higher Learning Commission does not allow us to share any details of this recommendation with our community until the recommendation has been approved by the Board of Trustees of the Higher Learning Commission. The full process, from the team submitting its report to the Higher Learning Commission to the Higher Learning Commission’s Board of Trustees rendering a final decision on the team’s recommendation, may take up to three or four months.

Again, I want to thank you for your continued support and assistance during our reaffirmation of accreditation process.

Sincerely yours,



Clinton D. Gardner, Ph.D.

This was copied and pasted by my learner advisor who has been more than helpful each step of the way.  Talk soon.

i searched the NCU site very carefully and I could not find any message from any president saying that reaccreditation was awarded. NADA!!!
Have they removed it?
I am WORRIED!
And John, you are so wrong! Many colleges have lost accreditation, just google it.

Mike
If you receive your degree while they are accredited then the degree is valid. However, in real market terms, if the school has lost accreditation your degree came from a bad school.
However, I do not believe they will lose it. Very few schools in the US have lost it.

Randy
Of course it is recognized all over the US as long as they remain accredited.
The three year thing is worrisome... who is going to enrol now?

I just applied to the PhD in Psychology program with an emphasis in Health Psychology after having completed my MS in Psychology from another university.  I have compared the same core curriculum to other schools and find it more than comparable.  After reading these reviews, my only concern is the accreditation status of 3 years.  I'm not sure if that will be enough time for me to finish the program if NCU does not get reaffirmed.  I'm also worried that even if it gets reaffirmed and in another 3, 5 or 10, it does not, what will that mean about the reliability of my "NCU" PhD?  Anyone with some thoughts about direction of schooling and where I would find the best fit for distance learning?

Don't listen to the online school bashing...  Call your State's Dept. of Education, and ask them.  I asked my state, and it is accepted in my state.

I don't know how people can say that NCU is not recognized in FL when Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (based in FL) has or had a partnership with them for graduates of ERAU to take their PhD. They even pay 25% of my tuition.

Can you provide any evidence about FL NOT recognizing NCU??

Actually, Fielding holds the the ONLY APA accredited online PhD program.  It's very expensive though; the cost is approx $18,500 PER YEAR!!  They work in Knowledge Units (KU), vice Semester Hours.  So, your costs depends on how long you take to demonstrate competency in each course.  You can finish in 2 years or ten, but at that dollar amount your best bet is to finish up as fast as you can!!  You can check them out at fielding.edu.

I'm active duty military and looking for something that the Navy will pay for (max $250 per SH), with very little out of pocket cost to me.  Finishing my Masters without student loans hanging over my head felt pretty good, so I'm hoping to do the same for my PhD.  I appreciate everyone's comments, as it has given me much to consider while I'm making my choice.  I have to admit, the fact that these guys only received a 3 year extension makes me quite nervous.

I am a liitle bit puzzled by some of the reviews about NCU.  I have applied for admission.  I am having doubts about NCU not being a title IV university to receive federal financial aid for the students. They do offer private loans. I don't understand how private loans work as for as in-school deferment etc. I have spoken with an NCU enrollment advisor.  Everything I have heard thus far just seem to good to be true. The one on one mentoring, etc. Do you know any other online doctorate in education degree programs that has the one on one mentoring similar to NCU?  I prefer a non-cohort program.

In the State of Florida, the only recognized online school is Capella University for their Masters Mental Health Counseling Program, which is CACREP accredited. However, there are no online universities that are approved by the APA for your PhD. Stay aware from Walden U. because they are not recognized in most states, especially Florida, since they are NOT CACREP accredited! I wasted 3 years in their psychology program and I am glad I decided to attend Capella instead of Walden for my Counseling Degree. In fact, Capella is the only online university that can offer a Masters in Counseling that is CACREP accredited. The online universities (Walden, Capella, etc.) that form you that they are accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools does not mean anything if you are interested in working towards your PhD in Psychology, because like I mentioned earlier APA does not recognize any online colleges. For this reason I decided to attend Capella's Masters Counseling program, so that in two years or so, I would be able to take the test for my LPC or MHLPC and see clients in a private practice.

NCU is a fine institution. As  a PhD learner, I am learning. The standards are high, courses intense,
and learning active!
I love NCU. Tuition is low enough that anyone in
Middle America can afford it!

I value the comments of all parties. I think that the Commision had an option to recommend 3, 5 or 10 years extension. If they recommended 3 years, it is better than 0 in my opinion. Does 0 extension means probation ?
Maybe the NCU administration will get their act together within the 3 years span and qualify for the 10 years during the next Commision visit.
Since the HLC has the final words, I would encourage the NCU administration to improve their level of service ASAP which could favorably encourage the HLC to give them a 10 years accreditation/reaffirmation. How does it take the HLC to make the final decision?

If cost is the issue, they could reduce the number of departments.(and avoid increasing the tuition)

I spoke with a few inside staff members at NCU as well as some Learners who participated in the visit(a good friend of mine was there) - and indeed it was an intense session with much 'digging' by HLC - questions about governance, student voice, dissertation support, and the like - from what I hear, students were very candid and critical of numerous administrative actions during the past 4 months. 
The 3 year reaffirmation is true -- as probation would cause great havoc for students - so let's see if the owner and new administration can wiggle their way out of this situation.
Learners are scrambling to finish while the place is still accredited.

Yeah, I here you, try to get something out of it instead of leaving with nothing...

Dear Another Opinion -- if I were a gamblin' woman, which I am not :) I would recommend that you consider finishing - assuming there is qualified staff to facilitate your research and dissertation experience. No institution will absorb all your credits so from a financial and practical point, I would hate to see you lose your investment - can you seek the CAGS from ncu -- should you decide to stop, you can at least secure the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies -- if the new administration has not eliminated this opportunity. Check the website to see if CAGS are still offered.
As long as the current owner remains SOLE owner and decision maker, ncu's future is bleak at best. The current board of trustees is comprised of predominantly local business folks who are friends of owner ...and so it continues.

Sounds like you have a lot of inside information, and it appears to coincide with recent actions of terminating full time faculty and other complaints posted on the net.
There were complaints that there was no support during the Dissertation track, etc.  Is there a chance they can correct the problems ?  You are right, the visiting commission makes the recommendation, the HLC have the final say.  The HLC, due to new Government requirements, take into consideration public comments regarding a school.  I believe that the HLC does, in most cases, go with the commission's recommendation.  Would you recommend people who may have a chance to complete their degree within three years (assumming accreditation is reaffirmed for three) to do so ?  There is an upside though, the recommendation may force them to run properly.  It may result in improving their programs, hiring proper faculty, etc.  I am concidering applying to another school, though I would have to repeat all coursework again if I do, and I have four left before starting research (assumming there is faculty there to supervise it)...

My cousin works at NCU and confirmed 3 year reaffirmation is to be the recommendation to the HLC commission. Seems there are major governance, financial, and ownership issues that are still not in full compliance - minutes of all Board meetings must be submitted within a week after the meetings are held - seems to be many gaps of information and action between board of trustees, owner, IMG (company that owns NCU - Dr Hecht sole owner) and ncu administration.
3 years is worst case scenario for ncu short of probation. Owner and president were hoping for 10 years -- guess HLC has some clout after all - my cousin added that HLC visiting team stated that the Chicago office had 4 inch binder of complaints against NCU. The visiting team will make recommendation to the HLC commission for 3 yrs - the Commission does NOT have to honor this recommendation, from what my cousin tells me.

How do you know they only recieved three years, isn't the official report out in the summer ?

I just read Bob's comments. I have to add my own thoughts regarding NCU.  As a Learner I was thrilled with my experience. Then the problems started when my chair was riffed. Then faculty were riffed. I got lots of double talk as to the WHY WHY WHY. Money?  Credentials? Lots of BS really.I was told my the new chair that the school of education was going in a different direction. What new direction? I cannot get feedback on my dissertation. I cannot get a straight answer on anything. This wasn't the way it was before.  In the end, it was politics-and the politics didn't involve trying to create a better learning experience.I am not naive. I don't expect people who are still there to tell me the truth, but I don't expect lies and nastiness. Well today the HLC finished their comprehensive visit for reaffirmation (I think this is the correct term).  Seems that they didn't get a GOLD STAR. They ONLY got 3 years as Bob said. 3 years????? UoP, Capella, Walden-well they all have ten years and they are for profits, so what happened? From what Bob says, and I can confirm because I spoke to someone inside who is leaving in a few days and has nothing to lose-it was all about governance. The HLC web site had NCU down for a focused visit last summer regarding governance. Lots of changes by the owner with the board and lots of changes in administration. Why? The inside opinion was a cover up by the owner for his financial foul play. So, I guess the accreditors aren't as foolish as they may have thought, which gives me hope for some quality assurance in higher education, especially in the for profit arena.They got caught with their pants down. Luckily 3 years gives Learners a chance to finish and get out with an accredited degree.  I am sure the new president will try to cover up like he did with that Hollywood style video he produced, but those of us who have a clue know that we finish-we get out, and leave these power ball players to play games with themselves-not us and our futures.  NCU is not a place to trust now folks. 3 years is not a seal of approval!!!  The fact that the business school dean posted -a WE GOT REAFFIRMED without giving us the real details shows me they cannot be trusted.

Well, the HLC decided today to give NCU ONLY 3 years. As a Learner in the business school I can tell you I am not happy. The president, in his video to the Learners, said it was all about finances,but in speaking with my advisor after the HLC team left, it was clear that it was NOT about finances, but about governance (which is what the insiders were saying but was being denied by the adminitration). Evidently, all those changes didn't bode well to the HLC regarding stability. Firing over 20 full time faculty and removing a president who had grown enrollment despite the constant changes in the board by the owner ended up coming back to "bite" them.  So, all the strides to become legitimate in the eyes of the public were thrown away in less than 4 months. Now they have ONLY 3 years-despite the business dean saying WE HAVE BEEN REAFFIRMED-WELL SHE LEFT OUT THE IMPORTANT DETAILS. tHEY HAD 5 AS A BRAND NEW SCHOOL. They ONLY GOT 3 in reaffirmation-not exactly a sign of confidence!!!!Walden and Capella got TEN years!!  3 years means trouble and the HLC will be watching the owner and the board like a hawk to see what shenanigans they pull. I would caution anyone deciding on a doctoral to go elsewhere UNLESS they can finish in less than 3 years or be worried about their degree being worthless. This university has lost credibility. I finish my degree in less than one year-thank god!!!  Buyer BEWARE!!!!

It is a concern that the school is undergoing major changes right before the HLC visit.  It will be interesting to see what the HLC decide.  My understanding is the classes are all writing intensive.  So who is grading them and how are they being graded ?  Let's assume you have 20 students per class, and five classes to teach; a single 10 page assignment across 100 students yields 1000 pages.  How can one person grade all that within several days ?  Moreover, my understanding is that there are no lectures and communication with mentors is very limited.  Anyone have insight into the Dissertation process ?  Do you get to have one-on-one interaction with the Chair of your committee at least ?

ok folks, I have done a lot of due diligence in selecting an online institution for my PhD in business and have already applied to NCU as they seem to check out. However, I get really nervous when I see mass layoffs and budget issues. Could you tell me where the link is for the NCU learners video that you mentioned?All the videos listed on the web site seem to be you tube promotionals. Thank you in advance.

NCU does not offer any rigor. It is a pay your way to a degree process.

I am thinking about going to NCU. I have not been to school in 20 years. I would like someone to describe for me just what kind of work I will be required to do. Do the courses require the same amount of work? how many hour per week. Anything would help me in making my decision. 

Thank you

Okay, so the new president has a video for NCU Learners explaining all the budgetary juggling that has gone on these past months. He states that personnel were dismissed because of salaries - well those positions are still being filled therefore salaries continue AND the salaries for president, new provost and new COO approxmiate 1 million dollars. 

Such folly - and they think the students will not 'see through this smoke screen?' Seems like a mega dance right before HLC visit later this month!!

NCU recieved its accreditation in 2007.  It's not a Diploma Mill...check out this website>http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/InstDetail.asp. Its located on the dept of ed website.

check it out.

Yes, I have a cousin who still works at NCU and has informed me that the director of the writing program resigned and there is NO support personnel remaining in that department. Dramatic changes continue (25 total terminations since 12/6/07) and communication to learners and adjunct faculty is non existent. Full time faculty status is horrific at NCU: in education 2 full time for more than 1700 learners - none at NCU campus, Business has 4 full time faculty with none at NCU campus for more than 2500 students and Psychology has 3 full time faculty for 1300 students-2 at NCU campus. How administration will justify these faculty:student ratios to the Higher Leaerning Commission will be interesting.
My cousin states that staff morale is pitiful and folks are in fear of losing their jobs. I hope interested applicants do their due diligence - only time will tell - as folks there are NOT talking.

Yes, I have a cousin who still works at NCU and has informed me that the director of the writing program resigned and there is NO support personnel remaining in that department. Dramatic changes continue (25 total terminations since 12/6/07) and communication to learners and adjunct faculty is non existent. Full time faculty status is horrific at NCU: in education 2 full time for more than 1700 learners - none at NCU campus, Business has 4 full time faculty with none at NCU campus for more than 2500 students and Psychology has 3 full time faculty for 1300 students-2 at NCU campus. How administration will justify these faculty:student rations to the Higher Leaerning Commission will be interesting.
My cousin states that staff morale is pitiful and folks are in fear of losing their jobs. I hope interested applicants do their do diligence - only time will tell - as folks there are NOT talking.

Hi, Ph.D. from NCU would be accepted anywhere as they are regionally accredited. They are getting ready for their comprehensive visit at the end of the month, and I know from some of my learners -they are a bit concerned by the overwhelming changes that seem to be happening there in a short while. Seems lots of full time faculty and one chair-who I worked for and was absolutely dynamic and had great credentials, very proactive and well-just great! My thoughts from having once been a full time faculty at regionally accredited school is that they should not have been terminated which isn't good, especially since I knew these folks and they all had strong credentials and were into their learners. Isn't in keeping with what I see going on at Walden who seems to know how to grow and support academics. Even if you are a for profit you need to have a solid group of faculty who understand curriculum, teaching, etc. Doesn't seem like the new administration know what the heck they are doing, but then I don't want to be unfair as I am only an adjunct.  Seems student support part has gone down hill as they are cutting lots of heads, and my learners are contacting me asking me for help and I am an adjunct! Heck, I cannot even get anyone to answer me from the faculty perspective, and that never happened before. Anyway, it was a great place, time will tell.

I am curious to know how most people finance their education at NCU if it is not accepted for Federal Aid. I have always used Federal Funds to finance my education. I recently completed my Masters in School Counseling. I am wanting to work on my Doctorate. Please inform.

Johnny: I work for the school board-they told me that if a masters is accepted in Florida, so is the PhD.

Brian: As far as APA goes, I was told by MY accredited university that APA recognizes no Masters program.

Johnny, I have similar concerns. NCU is not recognized by th APA, so some governments and institutions won't recognize the degree without APA recognition. Of course, to be fair, the APA does not recognize Capella, Walden, etc.

I have completed my Masters at Capella University in Counseling and my Masters at Walden U. in Psychology and now I am looking to do my PhD. I could not do my PhD at either on-line college because the PhD would not be accepted in the State of Florida. Can someone let me know if the PhD from NCU would be accepted in Florida? Thanks.

Contrary to your assertation, the site listed above(http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/InstDetail.asp) only VERIFIES that NCU IS Accreditated by the North Central Association :o)

"Northcentral University BEWARE"

all you have to do is conduct a simple search.... please find NCU's accreditation information on US Dept of Education's website at  http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/InstDetail.asp.

perhaps you SHOULD attend to further develop your researching skills....

After researching NCU for quite some time, I searched for and contacted several current students pursuing their degrees.  I was pleasantly suprised by the accolades offered by the students.

One thing that is unclear to me (even after corresponding with the NCU students) is the workload associated with the PhD program.  I'm am hoping that someone who is currently in the program or has completed the program can shed some intelligence on how many hours a week is dedicated to schoolwork.  I am a full time police officer and mother of 2 young children so I want to be cautious that I don't get in over my head.

I am interested in the Criminal Justice PhD but would be grateful for input from a student in any program at NCU.  I am hoping for a realistic overview.

Please email me directly:  kziman222@aol.com

Thanks in advance!
Kristen

Thanks everyone! This has been helpful. I'm a student at Univ. of Maryland (online) and I think I'm making the switch into NCU's Psych.program(s). 

Can someone explain the 8 week course terms?--How does this make the process quicker? How quickly can I accelerate through the BA Psychology program and then onto the Master Pyshc. ?

Thanks for your help! --Kelli

I came across NCU while searching for an accredited online school offering a doctoral program in business, after graduating from the University of Maryland's MBA program with a 4.0 GPA and membership in the Phi Kappa Phi honor society.  I was delighted to see that NCU offers: (1) 100% online classes, (2) no residency requirement (which saves a great deal of time, effort, and money...and may be the reason they don't qualify for federal loan funding); (3) a choice of either a DBA or PhD degree; (4) one-on-one mentoring rather than the usual teacher-class system; (5) a self-paced schedule that can allow me to accelerate the program, rather than to endure regular semester or cohort arrangements; (6) accreditation by one of the nation's six regional agencies approved by the Dept. of Education as well as the ACSBP, which only approves 25% of the nation's business schools; and (7) is priced at about half of others (this gap may close as the school's reputation becomes better known).  NCU is also partnering with international organizations to establish business schools overseas and was selected by the FBI for educating its agents.  Let's face it -- for serious adult learners looking for a quality, affordable education, NCU looks very good!

I'm hoping to finish my studies at Northcentral Univ. this month.  It has been a rewarding experience filled with research paper writing.  On my own account, I am not completing my PhD.  Its not because of NCU, its because my life's priorities have changed in the last eighteen months focusing on building a family and not pursuing a doctoral degree which for me was for personal enrichment.  My academic advisors have always been prompt in replying to emails.   My financing was through a private lender and I never had any interest in getting federal financial aid.  These academic programs are totally online which means no travel and lodging expense to attend a residency program or seminar.  Best of all, the university is regionally accredited, meeting the gold standard for higher education standards.  When I started the program, financially it produced more credit hours for the dollar than other private distance universities.  You cannot go wrong with NCU.

I am in the process of finishing my eleventh and final master’s course at NCU. I can honestly say that it has been a rigorous process. JA, I am sorry to hear that you feel you have wasted your money on that course, but you may have had a bad professor or simply did not try hard enough in the course. It is very easy to skip much of the reading and slack off on your assignments. However, you will realize that you are not getting away with it once you have to assimilate the knowledge that you should have learned into coherent research papers. This is the reason that some individuals are simply not meant to take online courses; you have to have self-motivation since you do not have a professor force-feeding you material for two hours each day. I can honestly say that I am learning more now that I do my own research on my own time than back when I was attending different brick-and-mortar institutes and zoning out in class. As far as what you said about the academic advisors not returning emails fast enough; I sent an email to my academic advisor (Susan Lohn) at 1532 yesterday and I was reading her reply at 1541. I sent my next reply at 1543 and she replied at 1645. I pretty much always get a reply within an hour or two of sending a question. Unless you expect an instant response, I consider that to be pretty quick. To each their own, and I cannot understand what your exact experience has been. However, mine has been a great one, as has the majority of the learners I have heard from.

V/R
Richard

Being a current student at NCU, BEWARE! Your so called "academic advisors" don't return my emails quick enough and NEVER asnswer their phone. As for the last "mentor" I had, what can I say other than I feel like I wasted 700 dollars on that class. My mentor taught me nothing. So if you future students want to waste your money and time than pay the 50 dollars and take the rediculous yet required search strategies class.

The in-residence requirements that you see for many online degrees is driven by federal rules that must be followed if you want to accept federal money, NOT by sound educational pedagogy.  NCU wanted to be 100% online, so they had to stop accepting federal money.

NCU is one of the best on-line universities in the nation. The negative feedback is most probably from those who have not attended or could not meet the standards and requirements. I have been attending this university since 1/04 and let me tell you, this is no give me intitution. You will learn and earn your degree.

It is really hard for me to believe that people call the Department of Education to check on if a school is approved. The DOE is not the place to call- the contact for information on NCU is the accreditation group. The DOE is only justifiable for those who must or want to have federal assistance. NCU chooses not to as it then must follow certain guidelines- financial in nature that it and numerous others do not want to do. So, the most important phone call is to The North Central Association of Colleges and School, the granting authority.

I thought the Federal School code was for the purpose of acepting students that need federal financial aide?

If that is the case, the NCU does not participate nor is assosiaciated with the leading of funds by means of federal financial aide.  From what I understood, if they were to participate in such funding, they would then be subject to a more standard regimen of learning.  I can not recall at the moment what those standards are, perhaps someone else has heard of such.

Open for any feedback, by all means.

I am not trying to offend anyone nor views.  I in fact would like to know the validity of the previous post's statement(s).

Thanks in advance,

ndk

NCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, a commission of The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, a recognized regional accrediting body. I taught at a "bricks and mortar" university for over 30 years and am now a mentor at NCU.  While I am obviously not a disinterested party, I know that the "diploma mill" label is not accurate.

I was interested in attending Northcentral university, but I called the Dept of education today 9/17/07 and this school does not have a Federal School Code and it is "NOT" approved by the dept of education.
Northcentral University is "Another Worthless Diploma Mill" sorry to say.

To those looking at Nova Southeastern U in Ft Lauderdale- it's an awesome school. I completed my doctorate online and was thrilled with the professionalism. I now need a business degree and I am considering going with lower cost than Nova's offer- but I am afraid "I will get what I pay for." Often, you will notice that the work you put into a course will reflect on what you get out of it.
Has anyone heard how many credits you can transfer into the NCU DBA program? I was thinking of a few courses at SCUPS, then transferring into NCU to complete the degree.

Regardless of the university, Harvard, Spellman, whatever, there will always be mixed reviews.  The key is to go with your gut instincts.  I am in the process of completing my masters at St. Joe's of Maine.  I just completed my application for NCU.  Am I concerned about their reputation?  Of course I am.  I don't care about the title 'Dr.'  I care about getting a GOOD education.  With that said I did my research and am satisfied.  Again, there will always be mixed review.  Just follow your instinct.  And yes it is good enough outside of NCU.

I'm in the market for a Doctorate of Education degree.  I am a parent of three and Between teaching, family and other obligations, Online Education is my only means towards progressing.  I'm torn between Walden University and Northcentral.  Anyone with Experience in their Doctorate of Education program?  Are the books included in the tuition.

Thats all I can say about the reviews posted in this forum. I am considering pursuing studies with this university and I am trying to find a balance between the positive and negative comments.

Regarding the negative comments about this university, I am confused as to why this university would be given all the legitimate accredation status it now holds.

I've spoken to one of the admissions counselors at Northcenbtral University regarding the EdD in Education degree.  It seems too good to be true!  I work and have three small children.  Does anyone have this similar situation going on currently?  

I currently have a mental health private practice and hav ethe goal of teaching on the university level.  Will other universitites honor a doctoral degree from Northcentral University?  I'm confused by all of the accreditation issues.

Dissertation research and composing the manuscript are lonely processes. Remember, it's your project and responsibility. You decided to pursue it. If you're pursuing a Ph.D., hopefully, one day you'll hear your chair of your dissertation committee say "congratulations doctor."

The dissertation manuscript format NCU recently adopted mimics the format used at many other institutions of higher learning. It's not an obstacle. It's a guide to success.

It's not a accrediting body issue. 

Note: this writer is pursuing a second doctorate ... this one at NCU.

I have been investigating several options for obtaining my doctorate.  I am currently an assistant professor at a community college in Cleveland, Ohio and I am looking for an accredited program that will give me what I need academically and enriched me professionally.  I just recently stumbled upon Northcentral through an internet search.  I have received extensive information from Capella, Walden, Union Institute, Nova Southeastern's external programs and I really don't know what would be best.  I just stumbled upon this forum and it is good to read the comments.  I just want to make an informed decision that won't turn into a waste of time and money.

My personal experience with NCU has been favorable.  It is a writing intensive school, which is like running a marathon -- it's one paper after another -- and it never seems to end.  However, I have to admit that I've learned quite a bit, as a result of all the writing.  They are also very strict about APA writing standards.  

I received a Masters degree from a local state university (not online) and it was a richly rewarding experience, due to the exchange of ideas in the classroom.  However, I seem to have learned more at NCU's online program because of the volumnious writing that is required.  In order to write all of those papers, I have perused hundreds and hundreds of professional journals -- and I did it with the convenience of an online library.  Professional journals are now just a keystroke away and the days of card catelogs are now a part of history, along with dinosaurs and Model T Fords.