DEGREE MILL Meaning and
Definition
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A degree mill is an institution or organization that offers and grants academic degrees with minimal or no academic requirements, qualifications, or standards. However, the degrees awarded by such institutions hold little or no legitimate academic value or recognition. Degree mills primarily focus on selling degrees rather than providing quality education or evaluating the educational capabilities of individuals seeking degrees.
These fraudulent institutions often operate by claiming to be legitimate universities or colleges, using official-sounding names and using misleading marketing techniques to attract potential students. They may offer a wide range of degrees, including undergraduate, graduate, and even doctoral programs. Typically, degree mills charge fees or tuition for their programs, which are often considerably higher compared to legitimate educational institutions.
The degrees obtained from these mills are essentially considered "fake" or "phony," as they do not demonstrate any genuine educational achievement, knowledge, or skills. Employers, educational institutions, and professional organizations do not recognize degrees from degree mills, as they lack accreditation and fail to meet the educational standards set by recognized institutions.
Degree mills are widely condemned and considered illegal in many jurisdictions due to their deceptive practices and fraudulent nature. It is important for individuals seeking higher education to thoroughly research and verify the accreditation and reputation of any institution before enrolling and pursuing a degree to avoid falling victim to degree mills.
Common Misspellings for DEGREE MILL
- segree mill
- xegree mill
- cegree mill
- fegree mill
- regree mill
- eegree mill
- dwgree mill
- dsgree mill
- ddgree mill
- drgree mill
- d4gree mill
- d3gree mill
- defree mill
- devree mill
- debree mill
- dehree mill
- deyree mill
- detree mill
- degeee mill
- degdee mill
Etymology of DEGREE MILL
The term "degree mill" is a compound phrase that combines the words "degree" and "mill".
- "Degree" refers to a qualification or title indicating the completion of a course or program of study at a college or university. It originates from the Latin word "degré" meaning "step" or "ladder".
- "Mill" in this context is used metaphorically, referring to a factory or machine that churns out a large quantity of products. It comes from the Old English word "mylen" which means a grinding apparatus or a place to grind grain.
The phrase "degree mill" emerged in the early 20th century to describe institutions or organizations that grant degrees with little or no academic requirements, often in exchange for a fee. The use of "mill" conveys the idea that these institutions function like factories, producing degrees quickly and without proper academic rigor.
