Sept. 23, 2009: Dog Gets Online MBA

Chester Ludlow, a pug dog from Vermont, and GetEducated Diploma Mill Police watchdog, has been awarded an online MBA (Masters in Business Administration) by Rochville University—an online college that offers life experience degrees and diplomas.

Chester is believed to be the first dog to be awarded a college degree, a masters degree nonetheless, based on his life and work experience.

But did he earn his diploma—or did he buy it?

“The difference between earning a college degree online or buying one is key,” says Vicky Phillips, founder of GetEducated.com, a consumer group that publishes reviews and rankings of online colleges and works to protect consumers from diploma mill fraud.

Chester Ludlow, the pug dog, is GetEducated.com’s Diploma Mill Police mascot. In May, he submitted his resume—along with $499—to Rochville University online. A week later, on June 5, 2009, an express packet arrived from a post office box in Dubai. It contained Chester’s distance MBA diploma, two sets of college transcripts, a certificate of distinction in finance, and a certificate of membership in the student council.

The paperwork says the pug “earned” a GPA of 3.19 (for an additional $100, he could have graduated with honors).

All documents were issued in the dog’s AKC pedigree name: Chester Ludlow. Chester also received a Rochville University window decal for his car (though reportedly the canine does not drive).

Rochville University is one of scores of online universities operating from foreign post office boxes that advertise fast college degrees and instant diplomas for a flat fee. Rochville lists distance learning accreditation by the “Board of Online Universities Accreditation” and the “Universal Council for Online Education Accreditation.”  

The catch? Neither of these agencies is recognized as a college accreditor by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.

“It matters which agency accredits your online college,” explains Phillips. “Want to ensure your fellow alumni aren’t real dogs? Make sure your online college is accredited by a recognized agency.”

To help combat credential fraud, GetEducated.com operates a free service, The Diploma Mill Police. This service allows consumers to verify the accreditation status of any online university. It also helps employers screen resumes for fraudulent college credentials.

“Degree mills represent a billion dollar industry worldwide,” warns Phillips. “If you define a degree mill as any agency willing to award educational credentials or diplomas without concern as to whether or not learning actually occurred, then it appears Chester the pug has been the victim of a degree mill.”

Chester is currently starring in GetEducated.com’s education video: “Dog Earns MBA Degree Online.” In this video, Chester and his sidekick Bixby, a rescue puggle, dramatize the canine quest for credible online education.

The video has been produced by GetEducated.com to help online students understand the importance of college accreditation and to warn them of the rapid spread of the degree mill industry.


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