What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a process by which an institute's programs and policies are reviewed against a set of standards developed by an outside agency (the accrediting agency), to establish that the institute is offering quality education. When the institute meets the minimum requirements of the accrediting agency, it is granted accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) itself does not accredit any educational institute, program, or course. However, the Secretary of Education has to publish a list of recognized accrediting agencies, as mandated by law. There are certain accrediting agencies that are directly recognized by USDE. You can check this out here, Recognized USDE accredited agencies. This list is important for federal financial aid. There are also another group of agencies that are recognized by 'The Council for Higher Education Accreditation', a private organization allied to USDE. Click the following link for The Directory of Organizations pdf. The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) accredits distance education institutions and programs. Though it is recognized by the USDE and accepted by employers, many regionally accredited schools do not accept the course credits from DETC. You can learn more about DETC at DETC Accreditation.

MSA, NWCCU, NCA, NEASC, SACS, WASC, are the six most common accrediting agencies recognized by USDE.

Why is accreditation important?
Accreditation guarantees quality education. The system ensures that institutes of higher learning maintain a standard of education that is worth the money, effort, and time of students. Since there is a constant process of monitoring, assessment, and evaluation, institutes cannot afford to go slack on quality issues. Students know that when they join an accredited institute, whether on campus or online, they are assured of an excellent faculty, a world-standard curriculum, state-of-the-art library, and other beneficial services. However, getting admission in an accredited institute does not guarantee your academic success automatically. Accreditation is definitely an important aspect in choosing a college, also read Schools and Degrees Offered for other information that might help a perspective student find a university that offers the type of degree program they need.

Studying in an accredited institute, recognized by USDE, also assures you of federal financial aid. Sometimes even state financial assistance is available, if you are studying in an accredited institute.

Another very important benefit of studying in an accredited college is that, if you want to change your institute in the middle of your program, then the credits you have already earned in your previous school are accepted by the new school. Your new college may refuse to transfer your credits, if your previous institute was not accredited.

Education from an accredited school is important for getting hired, promoted, or going into business. Employers not only prefer education from a recognized accredited school while hiring, but also while considering promotion. Even if you have applied for a professional license, it is usual for the state administration to consider, if you have studied from an accredited school.

Get to Know Some of the major Online Accredited Schools

The University of Phoenix, founded in 1976 by Dr. John Sperling, is the largest private accredited university to offer online courses. It has established itself nationally as an institute of excellence due to its consistent high success rate. It is nationally applauded for its learning assessment, excellent service and performance, and its quality education. Thousands of students have benefited from the programs. The 17,000 strong dedicated faculty and staff has consistently served millions of students across North America.

ITT Tech is another accredited online institute, specifically renowned for technical programs. ITT Tech is in Indianapolis; the online system reaches out with quality education much beyond the campus of the institute. It offers, at the moment, two online graduate degree programs, the Bachelor of Science degree in Information Systems Security and the Bachelor of Science degree in Technical Project Management for Electronic Commerce. The institute has designed its technology skills programs, so as to benefit online students along with campus students. However, students cannot enroll for the online program from a few countries like Afghanistan, Angola, Burma, Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Syria, and Yugoslavia.

At DeVry, you can opt for online degree programs such as Business Administration and Information Technology and Technical Management. This accredited institute has online programs, which are technology-based and totally geared to the changing needs of business, so as to prepare you for a successful career. The comprehensive e-learning provided here is one of the best in the country as far as standard of education and facilities such as virtual library, web-based resources, and easy downloads are concerned. The latest interactive information technology will aid you at DeVry.

Everest University Online, accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools, provides you with industry-specific expertise, practical job skills that cannot be expected from text books, and all this at your pace and convenience. The institute offers programs in business management, law enforcement, and accounting. There are some programs that grant an associate degree too. Online library, counselors, free tutoring, and a dedicated teaching faculty, are some of the features that make it one of the foremost choices in online education.

Click the following link to learn more about Accreditation from the United States Department of Education.

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