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Accreditation BasicsBy Jamie LittlefieldAnswers to the Most Common ConcernsAccreditation is one of the top concerns of people who wish to learn online. A school accredited by the right agencies can grant degrees that lead to increased income and higher positions. But, a degree that is given by a “fake” school can turn out to be a huge waste of time and energy. Make sure you know the facts about accreditation before you register for classes with any online school. What is accreditation?Accreditation is the process of reviewing a school’s programs and policies to see if it meets certain criteria, generally set by an outside agency. When a school is found to meet the minimum criteria, it is granted accreditation.Why is accreditation important?Accreditation is meant to protect students, schools, and employers. It ensures that a school is teaching its students at a nationally acceptable level. When a student receives a diploma from a school accredited by the right agency, he can be assured that it will be accepted by all employers. Likewise, when an employer is looking to hire, she can be assured that a graduate from an accredited school has received the training necessary and didn’t just pay for a degree from a “diploma mill” school.Who can grant accreditation?Anyone can claim that they grant accreditation to schools and many do. However, not all accreditation is equal. Accreditation from the wrong source can be just as bad as no accreditation at all. In order to ensure that your school’s credentials are coming from the right place, make sure that its accrediting agency is approved by the National Educational Association (NEA). This agency is generally accepted as having the final say on which accrediting boards will be counted as legitimate. Students who are studying traditional academic subjects (such as math, English, or history) should make sure that their school is accredited by one of the six regional accreditation agencies recognized by the NEA.What if my school isn’t accredited?If you choose a school that isn’t accredited, you may find that many businesses won’t accept your diploma. It may be difficult to convince employers to take your degree seriously, particularly if it is in a traditional subject (math, English, history, etc.) If your degree is in a less traditional subject, one which most schools do not offer, it may be easier for employers to accept your degree.
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