University Changed Degree Title Unbeknownst to Students

[jennandal]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia

Do I have any legal recourse in the following situation:
I began a master's program in October 2008 with a specific degree designation that I have documented from their program literature they sent me. Since that time, I am now ready to graduate only to find out they changed the degree title and program title without notifying anyone. I am essentially getting a degree I did not sign up for or pay for and do not want.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia

Do I have any legal recourse in the following situation:
I began a master's program in October 2008 with a specific degree designation that I have documented from their program literature they sent me. Since that time, I am now ready to graduate only to find out they changed the degree title and program title without notifying anyone. I am essentially getting a degree I did not sign up for or pay for and do not want.

Thanks for any help.

The degree is the same, the coursework is the same. I'm not sure I see the problem.

 

[Humusluvr]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia

Do I have any legal recourse in the following situation:
I began a master's program in October 2008 with a specific degree designation that I have documented from their program literature they sent me. Since that time, I am now ready to graduate only to find out they changed the degree title and program title without notifying anyone. I am essentially getting a degree I did not sign up for or pay for and do not want.

Thanks for any help.

What was the degree you signed up for, and what did it change to? What are you going to use the degree for?

Do you have a copy of your original degree plan that states what courses you have to take to get the degree?

 

[jennandal]

So I started (and yes I have the documentation listing the courses required for graduation) with the understanding that my diploma would be a Masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology. It has now been changed to a Masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology: Applied Forensic Services. My argument is multifaceted. None of the students were informed of this change I would presume because the school knew the change would make people think about leaving the program. The change implies a significant change in the quality of the degree. The change could have significant impact on the real world application in careers.

Although I understand the argument that "The degree is the same, the coursework is the same" I'm not sure that I agree. Whereas I understand that it is still a MA degree as originally intended, it is not the same degree as originally understood. There is a significant issue when a certificate course is offered by the same school requiring 3 courses for a certificate in "Applied Forensic Services." I would hope you are beginning to see the issue at hand.

 

[Zigner]

So I started (and yes I have the documentation listing the courses required for graduation) with the understanding that my diploma would be a Masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology. It has now been changed to a Masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology: Applied Forensic Services. My argument is multifaced. None of the students were informed of this change I would presume because the school knew the change would make people think about leaving the program. The change implies a significant change in the quality of the degree. The change could have significant impact on the real world application in careers.

Although I understand the argument that "The degree is the same, the coursework is the same" I'm not sure that I agree. Whereas I understand that it is still a MA degree as originally intended, it is not the same degree as originally understood. There is a significant issue when a certificate course is offered by the same school requiring 3 courses for a certificate in "Applied Forensic Services." I would hope you are beginning to see the issue at hand.

No, I don't see the issue. You are earning a MASTER'S, not just a certificate.

In any case, even IF you had a claim, you have no damages until you can prove that an employer would NOT hire you SOLELY because they tacked on "Applied Forensic Services" to the end of the degree title.

 

[Humusluvr]

So I started (and yes I have the documentation listing the courses required for graduation) with the understanding that my diploma would be a Masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology. It has now been changed to a Masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology: Applied Forensic Services. My argument is multifaceted. None of the students were informed of this change I would presume because the school knew the change would make people think about leaving the program. The change implies a significant change in the quality of the degree. The change could have significant impact on the real world application in careers.

Although I understand the argument that "The degree is the same, the coursework is the same" I'm not sure that I agree. Whereas I understand that it is still a MA degree as originally intended, it is not the same degree as originally understood. There is a significant issue when a certificate course is offered by the same school requiring 3 courses for a certificate in "Applied Forensic Services." I would hope you are beginning to see the issue at hand.

So, you are worried that a employer might mistake you for only having a lowly certificate, and not a highly esteemed Masters?

Then, make sure you format your resume

Masters of Arts in Forensic Psychology: Applied Forensic Services​

You would not even be applying for the same job types.

There aren't any damages. This is all how you play it out, and so far, you're rolling over and dying. Time to get someone to investigate! (ha)