Why Is Accreditation Such A Big Deal?

When Choosing Your Online School:

- Consider Its Accreditation -

These days we all hear a lot about the connections between the economy, jobs, and a good education.  Statistics show that men and women with a college degree will earn between several hundred thousand and a few million dollars more than those without a college degree.  However, while all men and women may be created equal, not all higher education degrees are created equal.  It is true that there is a connection between a good job with higher pay and a good degree – that’s why it is so important to not only choose the right degree for you, but also to choose the right type of higher education institution.

How Does Accreditation Affect Me?

Degrees from traditional campus colleges and universities are accepted everywhere, but these days many people cannot afford either the time or the finances to attend a traditional school.  This means that online institutions are becoming increasingly more popular. 

Ten to twenty years ago an online degree or certificate was mocked and considered substandard when compared with traditional degrees.  Today online schools and the degrees, certificates, and programs they offer are finding an increased level of acceptance.  But the jobs available to those with an online degree depend a great deal on the type of accreditation the school was granted.

Reasons for taking online classes:

When deciding on your next career move and the school you will use to reach that goal, check to make sure your chosen learning institution will meet the accreditation requirements set by your chosen industry.  There are two main reasons for taking online classes:

1. People who want to learn for their own enjoyment and improvement.
2. People who are using an education to begin a career, find a better job, earn an industry certificate, or transfer to another school.

If you are a member of the first category then a non-accredited online school will meet your needs just as easily as an accredited school will.  However, if you find yourself in the second category then you need to be aware of the different types of accreditation and which one you will need.

Types of Accreditation:

1. Regional Agency Accreditation.
2. National Agency Accreditation.
3. Professional Organization Accreditation.

Regional Accreditation:

• Regional agencies are recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.  These are the same agencies that accredit traditional campus schools, both private and public.
• Degrees from schools with a regional accreditation will be accepted by all employers.
• Credits earned from an online school with a regional accreditation will transfer to other online schools and to traditional campus schools.
• Degrees earned from online schools with regional accreditation are equivalent to degrees earned from traditional campus schools.

The 6 Legitimate Regional Accreditation Agencies:

1. The New England Associate of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).  Accredits schools in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
2. The North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA). Accredits schools in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Navajo Nation, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
3. The Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA). Accredits schools in Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Central America, Europe, and the Middle East.
4. The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges (SACS). Accredits schools in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Latin America.
5. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Accredits schools in California, Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa, Palau, Micronesia, Northern Marianas, Marshall Islands, and other Australasian locations.
6. The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU). Accredits schools in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

National Accreditation:

• Many online schools are accredited by the Distance Education Training Council (DETC). The DETC is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.
• DETC accreditation is accepted by many employers, but some employers do not recognize DETC accreditation as valid.
• Many schools with regional accreditation will not accept credits from DETC accredited schools.

Professional Organization Accreditation:

• Many professional organizations (such as the American Library Association, the American Literary Association, the Association of Publishers, and the Medical School Association) will honor degrees accredited by their own organizations.
• Many employers within those specific fields will accept the degree, some will not.
• Some traditional campus schools will accept the credits, others will not.
• The degree is equivalent to degrees granted by traditional campus schools accredited with the same organization.

Non-Accredited Schools:

• Most employers will not accept the degree as valid.
• You may need to provide proof of education beyond the actual degree.
• Most traditional and accredited online schools will not accept transfer credits.

 

How to find out if your school is accredited, and which accreditation it holds:

It is fast and simple to learn if your chosen school is accredited by a regional accreditor, the DETC, or professional accreditation agencies.  The United States Department of Education Database offers online searches.  The CHEA website offers online searches, and the USDE website offers online searches.  Be aware that just because a school is recognized as accredited does not mean an employer must accept the degree.  Regional accreditation remains the most widely accepted accreditation for degrees of both traditional and online types.  However, with more and more employers beginning to accept other accreditations, each school offers valid choices.