Is it illegal to use an unaccredited degree in Indiana?

Question

I read in a media report that Indiana has a law against using unaccredited degrees for purposely of obtaining employment. I have tried searching for the statute, but I cannot find it. I just want a citation for the law.

Answer 1

A quick check of the Indiana statutes reveals that the only references for an accredited degree are in the requirements for certain specific licensed professions. So, using an unaccredited degree when applying for one of those licenses would likely be treated as fraud.

Other than that, it depends on what the employer is asking for. I can't imagine most employers would consider most unaccredited degrees valid, and thus listing the degree would also likely be considered fraud in the contract.

If you have specific legal questions, you should contact a licensed attorney. The above is just general legal theory.

Answer 2

I have no cite for it, but a word or two of advice:

Many unaccredited institutions are *not* diploma mills, but their quality is still suspect. If you attended one, the best options are:

1) Bring documentation from the institution to the employer: degree, transcripts, curriculum, references and a means for an employer to verify the quality of your degree. If all your profs have legit degrees from legit schools, it'll speak well for you.

2) Take another year at a legitimate institution and try to transfer the credits into a second legit degree. Even if the second is a General BA, it could back up the credibility of your first degree.

The best option though, is not to attend such a school in the first place. Too many are frauds or religious schools that play fast and loose with legitimate graduation requirements and curriculum.

Answer 3

Please be careful. If your employer or perspective employer finds out that you are not telling the truth...you could be sued and forced to pay the company back all the money that they've given you.

Many employers use a third party to do the reference checks. Some use a database that exist to check credentials.The U.S. government has a department that they set-up specifically for that matter. Be very careful.

Answer 4

I don't have a citation of the law you're looking for, but I know that doing that in any state and almost any country is illegal and it is considered as fraud.

Answer 5

That law does not exist.

Answer 6

ya think ???