Title: What Do I Need to Know About Online College Accreditation?
Headings: What Do I Need to Know About Online College Accreditation?
What Do I Need to Know About Online College Accreditation?
Content: According to a Peterson's article, called Colleges' and Universities' Accreditation Credentials, you should start your research with the regional accrediting agency that covers the state in which the school is located. They can tell you whether the school has a legitimate charter. Next, check to see whether there are specialized accrediting agencies that handle the particular program you're interested in. Accreditation is not only important for the quality and reputation of online colleges, but receiving a degree from an unaccredited college could affect the transfer of your credits to other schools and whether employers recognize your degree or certificate. In the United States, online colleges that are fully accredited have been recognized by one of six regional accreditation boards that also evaluate traditional campuses. These include: The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
New England Association of Schools and Colleges
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
Western Association of Schools and Colleges
In addition, the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation recognize the Distance Education and Training Council as a reputable evaluator of education programs that offer online degrees. Once an online program becomes accredited, it's more likely that a traditional school will accept its transfer credits and that employers will recognize its value.