Should You Quit Graduate School?

Deciding to quit your graduate program is a significant decision. It requires a thorough assessment of your investment, time left in the program, reasons for leaving, and future career plans.

When to Consider Quitting

Program Doesn't Match Market Claims

If you realize that the marketing claims about the Master's (MS) program are exaggerated or misleading, such as marketing byBS(Bad Science), it's time to reconsider your commitment. Ensuring that the program aligns with industry standards and job market requirements is crucial for a successful career.

Program Changes Graduation Requirements

Dangerous and frequent changes in graduation requirements, which extend the time you need to graduate and force you into limited, part-time work schedules, can make the program a waste of time. Such practices can leave you financially strapped and emotionally exhausted.

Illegal Activities

Programs that engage in illegal activities like sexual harassment, wage garnishment, and budget manipulation should not be tolerated. Students have a right to a safe and ethical learning environment. If these practices are rampant, it's essential to leave as soon as possible to avoid harm.

Alternative Opportunities Exist

If you discover that your current program offers inferior opportunities compared to other programs where you can achieve better pay and a superior learning and working environment, it may be time to move on. Utilizing alternative resources can provide better value and a competitive edge in your career.

Invalid Industry Assumptions

Realize if your decision to attend the graduate program was based on false or misleading industry assumptions. If those foundational beliefs are now proven to be fake, useless, or ldquo;BS,rdquo; reconsidering your path might be necessary.

Support from Key Program Admins Lacks

If you discover that the program administration and faculty members do not provide adequate support or are unresponsive to your needs, it's time to leave. A supportive environment is crucial for success in any graduate program.

My Personal Experience

My situation with two diploma mills, Wright State University for a PhD in Psychology and Fordham University for an MS in Nursing and Psychology, was a stark reminder of the importance of due diligence when choosing a graduate program. Both institutions were riddled with legal offenses and dishonest marketing practices.

Diploma Mills and Legal Offenses

The programs at Wright State and Fordham were scams due to their inability to deliver on their promises. The marketing material was vague, and the content was a mix of useless and misleading information. The software used was outdated, and grading was fake. The “reward” for years of work was a piece of paper as useless as a square of wet toilet tissue. These experiences highlight the importance of verifying information before enrolling.

Program Administration and Faculty

Key administrators and faculty members at these institutions included Valerie Shalin, Deb Steele-Johnson, Kevin Bennett, Gary Burns, Martin Gooden/Bob Gordon, Andrew Rasmussen, Donna Heald, Eva Badowksa, and Monika McDermott. Their actions were unethical and harmful. It is essential that individuals in these roles be held accountable for their conduct.

Unethical Practices

The program involved academic extortion, bait-and-switch tactics, wrongful termination, and wage garnishment. These unethical practices were not only harmful to the students but also indicative of a broader systemic issue within the institution.

Critical Warning

Proceed with caution when considering these programs. The faculty and administrative staff should not be supported. Their conduct is unethical and harmful. The academic environment is not safe or conducive to learning and growth, and it is essential to distance yourself from such programs.

My experiences are a cautionary tale for others. Choose your graduate program carefully, do your research, and prioritize your well-being and future success.