Carolyn Cooper once toyed with the idea of getting an MBA, but instead became a professor of literary and cultural studies at the University of the West Indies.

When Cooper learned about Chester Ludlow—GetEducated's pug dog mascot—being awarded an online MBA from Rochville University, she again considered netting herself an advanced business degree.

"To think that a dog had more ambition than me!" Cooper wrote in a recent column in the Jamaica Gleaner. "I decided to apply to Rochville for a PhD in chemistry. Why chemistry? Why not? I have good chemistry."

Cooper manufactured the following chemistry "experience" on her application to Rochville: being "good at chemistry in high school" and working for 20 years at a Jamaican producer of household chemicals.

Within 15 minutes of emailing her application to Rochville, says Cooper, a representative from the school called her to find out if she had a bachelor's or master's in chemistry.

"When I said no, I was offered a package deal of all three degrees," Cooper writes. She then was told she had to make payment via credit or debit card.

Cooper refused to pay without being told whether she was indeed eligible for the degrees. A week later, she received a congratulatory email, advising her that "the 10-member evaluation committee at Rochville University has finally approved you for Doctorate Degree."

Total bill for her PhD: $659, including $599 for the degree, plus $60 for magna cum laude honors designation.

Cooper declined to proceed with payment, so she never actually received her Rochville degree. However, she writes: "Having had such spectacular success with getting my PhD in chemistry, I decided to set up my own university."

She then found out from the University Council of Jamaica that in her country, there are "absolutely no regulations" covering the establishment of a university.

"The council is a watchdog with no teeth: Pure bark," writes Cooper. "Chester Ludlow, MBA, could set up a university here and nobody could stop him."

Cooper is calling for more regulation to oversee higher education in Jamaica.

"It really is an important issue in higher education," she says.

Related Resources

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