Bob Jones III: Additional Courses

"Dr" Bob Jones III, as you may know, does not have a terminal degree, but it also seems that he doesn't have any advanced degree outside of Bob Jones University. But that isn't quite the impression you get when you read his bio on bju.edu.

He was awarded bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BJU. He took additional graduate work at Northwestern University and New York University.

This doesn't exactly say how much, to what extent, or any other details, but it leaves you thinking that perhaps he was accepted at both schools and did real high level graduate work. However, it seems the truth is far less glamorous. This community page on FB words it as follows.

Jones completed his bachelor of arts (1959) and master of arts (1961) in speech from Bob Jones University and took additional courses in speech and drama at Northwestern University and New York University.

And finally Wikipedia says the following.

Jones completed his bachelor of arts (1959) and master of arts (1961) in speech from Bob Jones University and took additional courses in speech and drama at Northwestern University and New York University.

Courses? That is interesting, and a little bit different. "Graduate work" is different from "courses." Most schools in the north offer summer school options. In Boston just about every school offers a summer program. These are undergrad or graduate level courses taught by faculty of the university that the student takes for college credit. However, the student does not need to apply or be accepted. You can simply take the courses so long as you pay the money. It is still a sweet deal earning college credits, but it is a far cry from the normal understanding of "graduate work." Both Northwestern and NYU sound great on paper, but does it really count if you didn't get accepted there? Do summer school classes or one off courses count as graduate work? And should those schools be listed on your bio if you didn't graduate from there, or at the very least attain some professional/academic certificate?

Personally I think this is another, albeit very subtle, example of rewriting reality.