Online college can be the perfect opportunity for adult learners, nontraditional learners, or those looking to advance their careers. But before you enroll, it’s important to understand what accredited certification means and if you need it to pursue a degree.
Accreditation is a process in which an institution evaluates another one. It is used as a quality control measure by many professional organizations and licensing bodies, as well as employers.
While there are many misconceptions about what the accreditation process entails, it is important to understand the benefits of accreditation and how it applies when considering an online program. If you’re thinking about going back to school to earn an accredited degree, here is everything you need to know about accreditation and online colleges first.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a process in which an institution evaluates another one. It is used as a quality control measure by many professional organizations and licensing bodies, as well as employers. Accreditation processes, such as regional accreditation, are either voluntary or mandatory. It is important to understand the difference between these types of accreditation.
– Voluntary Accreditation – Voluntary accreditation is awarded by private organizations. These organizations may be peer groups, industry groups, or government groups. They may be recognized as a nationally accredited school if they have been accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies.
– Mandatory Accreditation – Mandatory accreditation is awarded by a government agency. These accrediting bodies exist for specific professions, such as nursing, law, and medicine. Accreditation is required for individuals to receive reimbursement from federal agencies and/or to sit for state-administered licensing exams.
– Difference between Voluntary and Mandatory Accreditation – Accreditation is a rigorous process. It can take several years to complete and is the most important aspect of maintaining a high-quality education. Accreditation is the process of reviewing and evaluating an institution’s mission, goals, curriculum, and methods of instruction to determine if they meet certain standards.
Who Can Provide Online Degree Accreditation?
Accreditation is a process in which an institution evaluates another one. It is used as a quality control measure by many professional organizations and licensing bodies, as well as employers. Accreditation processes, such as regional accreditation, are either voluntary or mandatory. It is important to understand the difference between these types of accreditation.
– Voluntary Accreditation – Voluntary accreditation is awarded by private organizations. These organizations may be peer groups, industry groups, or government groups. They may be recognized as a nationally accredited school if they have been accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies.
– Mandatory Accreditation – Mandatory accreditation is awarded by a government agency. These accrediting bodies exist for specific professions, such as nursing, law, and medicine. Accreditation is required for individuals to receive reimbursement from federal agencies and/or to sit for state-administered licensing exams.
Why Online Degree Accredited Important?
Accreditation is a rigorous process. It can take several years to complete and is the most important aspect of maintaining a high-quality education. Accreditation is the process of reviewing and evaluating an institution’s mission, goals, curriculum, and methods of instruction to determine if they meet certain standards.
Accreditation ensures that your school meets the same standards as other schools. It also assures that your school is financially sound, has a qualified staff, and is committed to continuous improvement. Finally, it gives you a credible degree that employers and graduate schools recognize and trust.
What Does Accreditation Verify?
Accreditation is a rigorous process. It can take several years to complete and is the most important aspect of maintaining a high-quality education. Accreditation is the process of reviewing and evaluating an institution’s mission, goals, curriculum and methods of instruction to determine if those meet certain standards.
Accreditation ensures that your school meets the same standards as other schools. It also assures that your school is financially sound, has qualified staff and is committed to continuous improvement. Finally, it gives you a credible degree that employers and graduate schools recognize and trust.
How to Find Out Which Organizations Offer Online College Accreditation?
The first thing you need to do when researching online colleges is to determine if an institution is accredited. Accreditation is a rigorous process. It can take several years to complete and is the most important aspect of maintaining a high-quality education.
It is important to understand the difference between voluntary and mandatory accreditation before making a selection. To find out which organizations offer online college accreditation, visit the websites of the following organizations:
– The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) – This organization is responsible for Online degree accredited colleges and universities in California and Hawaii.
– The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) – NEASC accredits schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
– The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) – This organization also Online degree accredited colleges and universities in Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
– The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) – This organization accredits schools in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Final Words
The first thing you need to do when researching online colleges is to determine if an institution is accredited. Accreditation is a rigorous process. It can take several years to complete and is the most important aspect of maintaining a high-quality education.
Ensure the school you are applying to is accredited by a nationally recognized body. Choosing an unaccredited online college may leave you with a degree that is difficult to use and find a job with.