Education: Sending Degrees to the Dogs

The FBI tries to throw the book at burgeoning diploma mills

Sassafras Herbert proudly displays her handsome diploma from the American Association of Nutrition and Dietary Consultants. The certificate entitles Herbert to a listing in the Official Directory of Nutrition and Dietary Consultants and special rates for malpractice insurance. The latter benefit is a good thing, because Sassafras is an eleven-year-old poodle. Her owner, Victor Herbert, a New York City physician, bought the diploma for $50 to prove a point. Says he: "Something that looks like a diploma doesn't mean that somebody has responsible training."

The business of selling bogus degrees to people...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!