Accreditation, is it really the key to Online Degree Programs?

Accreditation is a big question when it comes to online degree programs. One thing you should be aware of is just because a distance learning school is licensed to operate does not mean that it is an accredited online college. Having a license just means that an online school can legally operate and offer degrees this is also true with campus base programs.

Licensed Not Accredited

The standard needed to get a license has some requirements for sure, but they are not very high.

Accreditation Agencies Not Recognized By The United States Department Of Education

You must also know that a lot of online colleges and universities and even campus based colleges and universities have accreditation from agencies that are not acknowledged by the U. S. Department of Education. Even though unrecognized accrediting agencies do a good job evaluating and insisting quality program from online colleges and universities and shun diploma mills their certification is not accepted in most of the academia and the professional world in general.

Online Degree Credits May Not Be Accepted

Also, many colleges and universities do not accept students transfer credits from online programs, institutions, colleges and universities that are not accredited by an acknowledged accrediting agency. An online college or university diploma that is accredited by an accrediting agency that is not acknowledged by the U.S. Department of Education in most cases will not be accepted by:

Colleges
Universities
Businesses
Government agencies

Check The Accreditation Of An Online Program

If you are not sure about the accreditation of a distance learning university, college or institute the government provides listing online if the accreditation agencies it recognizes.

Some Disregard Accreditation Act Their Own Risk

Depending on what your personal aims and needs are, you may want to disregard accreditation. However, most will advise you when you are enrolling in a program traditional or with online education it is a much better choice to pick a school, college or university accredited by an acknowledged accrediting agency.

Accreditation Is Not A Gold Seal Of Approval

Although accreditation is not a stamp of approval or a government gold seal of quality for an online college or university. It does let you know that there is some sort of quality control at the school, and that you can transfer credits from the institution and that many jobs will honor the online degree that you earned and paid for. Also, you will be able to be admitted to other accredited college, universities and programs if you choose to further your education beyond a bachelor degree.

Accreditation is the key to earning a quality online education and you will also have a better chance at launching employment where your online degree will be recognized because of its' accreditation status. So, if you must choose between accreditation or not; I think it is safe to say accreditation will come out a winner every time.