Warren National University

I completed the PhD in Environmental Engineering in just under two years. As a working professional my only option for a PhD was online. I understood going into the program that this was an "industry recognized" non-accredited degree. The University no longer offered this degree after I graduated. I have no regrets of obtaining the degree, but it would have been more useful if the degree was accredited because many institutions and companies only recognize accredited degrees.

To me my WNU degree is worth an investment of my time, talents, sacrifice, and money. When you enroll in WNU, you have to list as exam proctor a professional with unquestionable integrity. My proctor was a reputable full professor and researcher in an accreditated college. She did her function with timeliness and care. WNU proved to be the right university for me. It allowed me to choose my courses, complete them at my own pace, and sought tutoring with professors when I have questions. I was very pleased with my dissertation supervisor who guided and encouraged me to complete my educational goal. It took me about 5 years to complete the Ph.D. The course materials were rigorous and I worked hard and long to assemble an original dissertation which was accepted for presentation in an international conference. I believe that the student should take ownership of his/her learning. That is what I practiced. WNU is a trailblazer. The accrediting agency that is a good fit for the mission and educational formats of entirely virtual university such as WNU has not come to be. A virtual university cannot be evaluated on the criteria for traditional universities offering online degrees. This is an issue that WNU has to face.