Why Do You Need to Choose an Accredited Online Degree Program?

If you decide to transfer to another college after completing your degree, most colleges and universities will only allow you to transfer credits from accredited schools. By choosing an accredited online degree program, you're choosing a program that is recognized not only by one or more educational agencies, but also other colleges and universities.

If you try to seek employment after graduation from a program that's not accredited, some employers may not want to hire you. This is because they may feel the education you received was not valid or adequate enough for the positions they have available.

How to find an Accredited Online Program

When choosing an online program, look for accreditation symbols on the school's website. Most schools have a page devoted to accreditation. If you're still unsure, you can contact the issuing agency to find out when the accreditation was given.

An online accredited degree is very important for your future. Whether you transfer to another school or you want to find a job, the school you attend can have an impact. Even though accreditation may not seem like much of an indication of the school's academic offerings, it’s a good place to start when you want to find the best investment of your time and money.

What is Accreditation?

Since the US doesn't have a special cabinet or department that monitors postsecondary education, accreditation was created so students could learn more about the quality of education they would receive when attending certain colleges and universities.

Accreditation is awarded to postsecondary schools by various agencies, both regional and national, that have their own requirements schools must pass in order to consider themselves accredited. A short list of these agencies includes the following:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities, Commission on Higher Education



• New England Association of Colleges and Universities, Commission Institutions on Higher Education



• New England Association of Colleges and Universities, Commission on Technical and Career Institutions



• Distance Learning and Training Council, Accrediting Commission

• Clearly outlined mission statement



• Program curriculum, outlines and objectives



• Instructional materials and testing materials



• Curriculum for online study



• Study instructions



• Learning resources



• Student affairs materials (distance learning)



• Evidence of adequate record keeping



• Student surveys



• Faculty and administration background information