College Degrees

Yes, Howard is a fine University with many excellent programs. Below are listed the programs particular to the Visual & Performing Arts at Howard.

B indicates bachelor degree.

• Art - General B
• Art History/Criticism/Conservation B
• Arts - General B
• Arts Management B
• Dance B
• Design/Visual Communications B
• Interior Design B
• Jazz Studies B
• Music - Piano/Organ B
• Music - Voice/Opera B
• Music Conducting B
• Music History/Literature B
• Music Management/Merchandising B
• Music Theory/Composition B
• Theater Design/Stagecraft B
• Theater Literature/History/Criticism B
• Theatre Arts Management B

For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (College Board) indicated directly below this answer section.

Answer 1: Yes only partially and some employers do not recognize there degrees as authentic. yes and no

Answer 2: Don't let the shills confuse you about "accreditation". If you do nothing to earn the degree (and unfortunately "life experience" counts as nothing -- as does the bogus online test) you get a degree worth nothing. In fact, if you try to pass it off as a real degree in a job application you will likely be committing fraud.

Answer 3: Answer 1 is completely incorrect. Even without looking-up CAST to see whether or not it's accredited, there is simply no such thing as "partially" accredited; and if the school really is legitimately accredited, then its degrees are authentic, whether or not employers "accept" them. And any employer which won't accept any degree from a legitimately accredited schools is probably one for which no self-respecting person would ever want to work. So, then, there's no such thing as "yes and no" as the answer to whether any school -- not just CAST -- is accredited.

Sadly, there are accredited schools with sufficiently checkered pasts that some employers don't think much of their degrees. University of Phoenix (UOP) comes to mind, but there are a handful of others. And UOP, to be clear, is "regionally" accredited by an agency approved by the US Department of Education (USDE) and the USDE-sanctioned Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). So, then, in other words, UOP has the exact same kind of accreditation as Havard, or Yale, or any well-known state college or university.

But just remember that accreditation is a MINIMAL standard... the standard below which the school simply cannot fall and still be considered accredited. At the other, higher end of the spectrum is the school's maximal or optimal quality. Harvard and Yale are up at that end of the scale, and most other schools, then, fall somewhere else along said scale. So accreditation doesn't speak to maximal or optimal quality; rather, it speaks only to minimal quality.

But a school's being accredited, even if it's on the lower end of the quality scale, still means that it's legitimate, and academically rigorous; and also that government loan money may pay for its coursewor; and also that its courses are generally transferable to other accredited schools, and that its degrees are generally acceptable to other accredited schools as requisite for admission into higher-level degrees programs.

And UOP, while almost literallly laughed-at by some employers (usually only ones who don't really understand how it all works), is nevertheless "regionally" accredited... which is generally considered to be the best kind of USDE- and/or CHEA-approved accreditation. UOP, then, in spite of its history, should be respected by all employers at least enough to acknowledge that its degrees are acceptable, generally speaking. However, certain jobs obviously require higher-level degrees. Many financial firms, for example, will not accept even a regionally-accredited Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree unless it's also accredited by the USDE- and CHEA-approved accreditor "The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business" (AACSB). And so it's okay for an employer to judge one school better than another, but it's always better if the school can point to the better school's objectively-determined better qualities, such as, for example, AACSB accreditation, in the case of business degrees.

But, of course, this answer is not about UOP. I only cited it as an example of an accredited school which, nevertheless, gets a bad rap from at least some employers... even despite its "regional" accreditation.


And Answer 2, while well-intentioned, gets it a tiny bit wrong, too. Here's the correct information...
Yes, degree/diploma-mill shills (usually owners of such places, or those who claim bogus credentials from them) will come in here and write that a given school is somehow credible when it is, in fact, not. That's what Answer 2's "don't let the shills confuse you" statement is all about; and the implication is that Answer 1 is maybe that kind of answer. I agree that it probably is.

It is, however, not true that "life experience counts as nothing." The reason Answerer 2 wrote that is because most degree mills use giving credit for "life experience" as their means of awarding "degrees" even to people from whom they do not require any real academic work; and so "life experience," as a means of earning college credit, has gotten a bad name in the minds of some who don't really know how it all works.

Completely legitimate and properly-accredited schools routinely give credit for life experience...

...but just not an entire (or even most of a) degree's worth. That's the rub. Degree mills will try to make the degree-seeker feel like they're legitimate schools by asking said degree-seeker for a resume, a life history, a transcript of all prior college work, and often a paper or two describing why the entire rest of the degree (atop the existing credits on the transcript) should be granted on the basis of "life experience." Almost no matter what the degree-seeker writes, the degree mill will give him/her his/her degree, based on however much "life experience" it takes to complete it, as long as said degree-seeker pays the degree mill's fee. Virtually no real academically-rigorous work is usually required; or, to strengthen the ruse, sometimes the student is asked to "enroll" in a "course" or two or three at the mill, in each of which a mere book is read and then a high-school-quality book report is written and submitted.

At a real and legitimate school that's accredited by a USDE- and/or CHEA-approved agency, no more than about one-quarter (1/4) of a degree will typically be awarded for "life experience;" and, additionally, the process for earning credit that way is so involved and time-consuming and rigorous that it's usually almost easier to just take the courses and be done with it.

So, for example, no more than one year's worth of credit for a four-year bachelor's degree will typically be awarded by an accredited college or university. So, in other words, if the accredited college or university is on the "semester credit hour" system, and so its bachelors degrees are worth 120 semester credit hours, then no more than 30 semester credit hours (one year's) worth of credit will usually ever be granted for "life experience."

And the process is arduous, indeed. The credit-seeker must first build a portfolio of his/her life experiences for which s/he believes s/he is due academic college credit (including written, independent, sometimes sworn) verification of them all); and then s/he must map all the skills and knowledge acquired from said life experience to the specific college courses for which the student wants "life experience" credit. Honestly, by the time the student goes through all that, s/he might as well have just taken the courses in the first place, and been done with them... especially if the school requires that the student pay the same for the life experience credits as would be paid if s/he had just gone ahead and taken the course, like everyone else (sans the cost of books, obviously).

So, even if a legitimate, accredited school were willing to award "life experience" credits -- even a whole year's worth (30 semester credit hours in the case of a four-year bachelors degree) -- such credit is rare, indeed... and usually, frankly, not really worth it, to boot! It's usually easier to just take the courses and be done with it.

Degree mills, though, will award "life experience" credit like it's candy... as long as the person (stupidly) seeking it is willing to pay the degree mill's price.

Answerer 2's comment about online tests is accurate. Fake schools sometimes make "degree" seekers take some kind of wacky online test. They mean nothing.

Answerer 2's also correct about how it's actually possible, at least in some places, to be committing some kind of crime by claiming a fake degree on a job application, or on a resume or business card, or in advertising, etc. In fact, the State of Oregon was the first to actually make it a crime (although it's not the crime of "fraud") to do it; and other states are following suit.

A school is not accredited unless it's accredited by an agency approved by the government (or the government, itself) of the country in which the school is physically located. Additionally, the school's credentials must be usable for purposes of employment in said country. And, finally, the country must have a provable, observable and palpable culture of educational accountability. The country of Liberia, for example, would automatically not qualify just on the third point because it has long been a haven for degree mills... all of which have the blessing of Liberia's corrupt government which is willing to "accredit" any school in its country that's willing to pay government officials the bribes to get it done.

In the United States, only the US Department of Education (USDE), and the USDE-sanctioned Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) can approved accreditors, any of which may be verified by simply looking-up the accreditor on either or both of the USDE and/or CHEA web sites at the links below.

If the alleged accreditor isn't on at least one of those two lists, then it's not a real accreditor. Period. Accept no lying explanations otherwise by good-for-nothing degree/diploma mills.

Any school which claims to be accredited may have said alleged accreditation verified by simply looking-up said school in either or both of the USDE and/or CHEA databases at the links below.

If the alleged school isn't in at least one of those two databases, then it's not an accredited school. Period. Accept no lying explanations otherwise by good-for-nothing degree/diploma mills. (The exception could be a school so recently accredited that it has not yet been keyed-in to the USDE and/or CHEA databases. But, in such case, checking the web site of the claimed accreditor should settle the matter in short order... either because the school is at least listed there; or, if it's not, then because someone at the accreditor will verify the school's accreditation by email or telephone call. Just make sure it's the real web site of the real accreditor that you visit, with with which you check.)

There are simlar web sites and databases in most countries which have government (or government-approved) accreditation; whose accredited degrees are useful for employment purposes in said countries; and which countries have cultures of educational accountability.

All anyone who wants to know if any school is accredited need do is hunt down such databases, verify that they're legitimate, and then look-up said school on them. If the school's not listed, then it's likely not accredited.

The questioner didn't specify in which country the "CAST University" about which s/he asks is located. And so it's simply not possible to answer his/her question, as asked. But now that s/he has all this information about how to figure it out for himself/herself, s/he should have no trouble getting his/her answer all by himself/herself.

Individuals who pursue a career as a physician come from a variety of educational backgrounds. Whichever the background, the individual must have a strong background in the following areas.

• Biology (cell biology and biology of the organism)
• Chemistry (inorganic and organic)
• Physics
• Higher level math
• Communication (written and oral)
• Computer literacy
• Development of good critical thinking skills

Still, read the following carefully as per the U.S. Department of Labor.

The common path to practicing as a physician requires 8 years of education beyond high school and 3 to 8 additional years of internship and residency. All States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories license physicians.

Education and training. Formal education and training requirements for physicians are among the most demanding of any occupation-4 years of undergraduate school, 4 years of medical school, and 3 to 8 years of internship and residency, depending on the specialty selected. A few medical schools offer combined undergraduate and medical school programs that last 6 years rather than the customary 8 years.

Premedical students must complete undergraduate work in physics, biology, mathematics, English, and inorganic and organic chemistry. Students also take courses in the humanities and the social sciences. Some students volunteer at local hospitals or clinics to gain practical experience in the health professions.

The minimum educational requirement for entry into medical school is 3 years of college; most applicants, however, have at least a bachelor's degree, and many have advanced degrees. There are 146 medical schools in the United States-126 teach allopathic medicine and award a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree; 20 teach osteopathic medicine and award the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree.

Acceptance to medical school is highly competitive. Applicants must submit transcripts, scores from the Medical College Admission Test, and letters of recommendation. Schools also consider an applicant's character, personality, leadership qualities, and participation in extracurricular activities. Most schools require an interview with members of the admissions committee.

Students spend most of the first 2 years of medical school in laboratories and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, microbiology, pathology, medical ethics, and laws governing medicine. They also learn to take medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses. During their last 2 years, students work with patients under the supervision of experienced physicians in hospitals and clinics, learning acute, chronic, preventive, and rehabilitative care. Through rotations in internal medicine, family practice, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery, they gain experience in the diagnosis and treatment of illness.

Following medical school, almost all M.D.s enter a residency-graduate medical education in a specialty that takes the form of paid on-the-job training, usually in a hospital. Most D.O.s serve a 12-month rotating internship after graduation and before entering a residency, which may last 2 to 6 years.

A physician's training is costly. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, in 2004 more than 80 percent of medical school graduates were in debt for educational expenses.

Licensure and certification. All States, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories license physicians. To be licensed, physicians must graduate from an accredited medical school, pass a licensing examination, and complete 1 to 7 years of graduate medical education. Although physicians licensed in one State usually can get a license to practice in another without further examination, some States limit reciprocity. Graduates of foreign medical schools generally can qualify for licensure after passing an examination and completing a U.S. residency.

M.D.s and D.O.s seeking board certification in a specialty may spend up to 7 years in residency training, depending on the specialty. A final examination immediately after residency or after 1 or 2 years of practice also is necessary for certification by a member board of the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA). The ABMS represents 24 boards related to medical specialties ranging from allergy and immunology to urology. The AOA has approved 18 specialty boards, ranging from anesthesiology to surgery. For certification in a subspecialty, physicians usually need another 1 to 2 years of residency.

Other qualifications. People who wish to become physicians must have a desire to serve patients, be self-motivated, and be able to survive the pressures and long hours of medical education and practice. Physicians also must have a good bedside manner, emotional stability, and the ability to make decisions in emergencies. Prospective physicians must be willing to study throughout their career to keep up with medical advances.

Advancement. Some physicians and surgeons advance by gaining expertise in specialties and subspecialties and by developing a reputation for excellence among their peers and patients. Many physicians and surgeons start their own practice or join a group practice. Others teach residents and other new doctors, and some advance to supervisory and managerial roles in hospitals, clinics, and other settings.

For the source and more detailed information concerning this request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below this answer box.

Many people feel the hours of study are the most important. However, students can study for hours on end and retain very little. The more appropriate question is, "how can students study more effectively?" Some issues students must consider are as follows.

• Students need to develop good time management skills. They must realize there is a time to be in class, a time for study, time for family, time to socialize, and time to just be alone. The critical issue is recognition that there must be an appropriate balance.
• Students should acquire a vision; A clearly articulate picture of the future they intend to create for them selves. This will promote a passion for what they wish to do. Passion is critical and leads to an intense interest, dedication, and commitment to achieving career goals and objectives.
• The student must choose the best study schedule, a time they feel is comfortable, and in a place where there is little distraction.
• The student must take notes on the subject matter and rehearse them frequently.
• Students should not study hours on end. One should study 30 to 45 minutes then take a short break. Eat a snack, have a cup of coffee, play with the dog, etc., then return to study. This refreshes the mind, and often issues that may have been confusing before, become suddenly clear.
• The student must develop good critical thinking skills, taking everything into consideration particular to the subject matter.
• Students must not be afraid to ask for help when they have a problem understanding the subject matter. They need to do it immediately and not after days have gone by. They should not feel apprehensive to ask a faculty member, a friend, or go to the academic learning center at the school.

The following is written by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to a psychologist.

Licensure. Psychologists in independent practice or those who offer any type of patient care-including clinical, counseling, and school psychologists-must meet certification or licensing requirements in all States and the District of Columbia. Licensing laws vary by State and by type of position and require licensed or certified psychologists to limit their practice to areas in which they have developed professional competence through training and experience. Clinical and counseling psychologists usually need a doctorate in psychology, an approved internship, and 1 to 2 years of professional experience. In addition, all States require that applicants pass an examination. Most State licensing boards administer a standardized test, and many supplement that with additional oral or essay questions. Some States require continuing education for renewal of the license. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) awards the Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) designation, which recognizes professional competency in school psychology at a national, rather than State, level. Currently, 29 States recognize the NCSP and allow those with the certification to transfer credentials from one State to another without taking a new certification exam. In States that recognize the NCSP, the requirements for certification or licensure and those for the NCSP often are the same or similar. Requirements for the NCSP include the completion of 60 graduate semester hours in school psychology; a 1,200-hour internship, 600 hours of which must be completed in a school setting; and a passing score on the National School Psychology Examination. For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated directly below this answer section.

It's not the kind of courses, it's the amount of credits that determines a students classification as follows.

The following is particular to colleges and universities that operate on a regular two semester academic year.

• Freshman - fewer than 30 credits
• Sophomore - 30 to 59 credits
• Junior - 60 to 89 credits
• Senior - 90 credits and above

The following is by and according to the U.S. Department of Labor and particular to the education and training required for Physician Assistants.

Physician assistant programs usually last at least 2 years. Admission requirements vary by program, but many require at least 2 years of college and some health care experience. All States require that PAs complete an accredited, formal education program and pass a National exam to obtain a license. Education and training. Physician assistant education programs usually last at least 2 years and are full time. Most programs are in schools of allied health, academic health centers, medical schools, or 4-year colleges; a few are in community colleges, the military, or hospitals. Many accredited PA programs have clinical teaching affiliations with medical schools. In 2007, 136 education programs for physician assistants were accredited or provisionally accredited by the American Academy of Physician Assistants. More than 90 of these programs offered the option of a master's degree, and the rest offered either a bachelor's degree or an associate degree. Most applicants to PA educational programs already have a bachelor's degree. Admission requirements vary, but many programs require 2 years of college and some work experience in the health care field. Students should take courses in biology, English, chemistry, mathematics, psychology, and the social sciences. Many PAs have prior experience as registered nurses, and others come from varied backgrounds, including military corpsman or medics and allied health occupations such as respiratory therapists, physical therapists, and emergency medical technicians and paramedics. PA education includes classroom instruction in biochemistry, pathology, human anatomy, physiology, microbiology, clinical pharmacology, clinical medicine, geriatric and home health care, disease prevention, and medical ethics. Students obtain supervised clinical training in several areas, including family medicine, internal medicine, surgery, prenatal care and gynecology, geriatrics, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and pediatrics. Sometimes, PA students serve one or more of these rotations under the supervision of a physician who is seeking to hire a PA. The rotations often lead to permanent employment. Licensure. All States and the District of Columbia have legislation governing the qualifications or practice of physician assistants. All jurisdictions require physician assistants to pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination, administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) and open only to graduates of accredited PA education programs. Only those successfully completing the examination may use the credential "Physician Assistant-Certified." To remain certified, PAs must complete 100 hours of continuing medical education every 2 years. Every 6 years, they must pass a recertification examination or complete an alternative program combining learning experiences and a take-home examination. Other qualifications.Physician assistants must have a desire to serve patients and be self-motivated. PAs also must have a good bedside manner, emotional stability, and the ability to make decisions in emergencies. Physician assistants must be willing to study throughout their career to keep up with medical advances. Certification and advancement. Some PAs pursue additional education in a specialty such as surgery, neonatology, or emergency medicine. PA postgraduate educational programs are available in areas such as internal medicine, rural primary care, emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, neonatology, and occupational medicine. Candidates must be graduates of an accredited program and be certified by the NCCPA. As they attain greater clinical knowledge and experience, PAs can advance to added responsibilities and higher earnings. However, by the very nature of the profession, clinically practicing PAs always are supervised by physicians. For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (U.S. Department of Labor) indicated below this answer box.