Popular Accredited Online Universities ensure that the system of distance learning now has a stamp of quality assurance in the form of a formal accreditation. What is the essence of a university education? You will find academic knowledge and learn practical skills at every step you take towards higher education right from school through college. But education at the university level supersedes what you have learnt before. A university teaches you to explore. Before you trust a place where your exploration begins it is essential to know the status, recognition and accreditation of the establishment. An accreditation is a stamp of quality that ensures the quality of education that a student receives at the university will be recognized by the academic, professional and business community. Realizing that an accreditation is integral to maintain a dignified position in the system of higher education, online universities too are offering courses under the accredited status.
Advantages of being an Accredited Online University:
Online education has become popular among the learning community who vote for an educational format that is quick, convenient and easy. Degrees earned from an online accredited university is thus an affordable alternative that gives due recognition to the effort the student gives towards earning a degree. When an online university is accredited it means it has the confidence of the employers and the learners, strives to improve its set standards, the procedure of evaluation is approved and is accountable as an educational institution.
What will an Accreditation Provide?
Why should you ensure if the online university you are opting for is accredited or not? It will make sure that your future prospects are secured when you attempt to utilize your online degree in the job market. Graduates from unaccredited universities are often dismissed by employers. Your academic ambition can also be dwarfed as you may not be eligible to pursue higher education with an unaccredited degree. Accreditation is also important when you opt for credit transfers in future. Moreover, financial support is also a parameter for university education. Federal aids and grants are provided to online degree seekers only if they pursue a course from an accredited online university.
Accrediting Organizations for Online Universities:
Usually the accrediting organizations that provide accreditation to traditional universities also provide the same for online universities. This proves that the programs offered at online universities are treated at par with full time campus programs. Online universities generally seek a regional accreditation and accreditations that are approved by government of the country. Distance Education and Training Council is an agency that offers accreditation to online colleges and universities. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognizes some accrediting organizations like:
SACS - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
NASC - Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities
WASC - Western Association of Schools and Colleges
NEASC - New England Association of Schools and Colleges
NCA - Higher Learning Commission of North Central Region
MSA - Middle States Commission on Higher Education
The online student community of a university is diverse. Students who opt for an online university in a different country should also check with the accreditation before investing in a degree. Some of the Global Distance Learning Associations also offers accreditation to online universities. These include:
Norwegian Association for Distance Education (NADE)
Open and Distance Learning Association of Australia (ODLAA)
European Distance Education Network (EDEN)
Canadian Association for Distance Education (CADE)
