University of South Alabama DNP program

[forever in school]

The professional practices at the University of South Alabama. 1/3 of the way done with my doctorate and the school sends my cohort an email that says they no long will allow us to graduate on time. We will have to add one additional year to our degree plan because they have decided that they do not think we should go this fast. After contacting the board of accreditation we learned that the school is within their rights to change our curriculum whenever they like. We were told that if we wanted to graduate in 9 semesters they would allow us to do so if we changed our doctoral focus from what we had been accepted for. If we wanted to get the doctorate we applied for we were told that we would have to complete 3 more semesters. Many of my classmates and myself contacted lawyers. The lawyers we spoke with all state that the school is state school and as a result is protected from lawsuit. I'm am not saying not to go to USA. I am would just like to review the facts.

1) the accrediting body says the school can change degree requirement whenever it pleases

2) you have no legal recourse for losses, damages or lost wages as a result of their right to change degree requirements

3) no other school will take your credits if you leave (this is standard for most graduate programs) so you will have to start over if you go to another school.

Couple all this with the lack of instructor support. The entire time I have been at the university of South Alabama we my class has had only one lector. This program is one that requires you be completely self taught. If you do not learn best by reading 20 chapters and taking a test you will not do well.