Lesson 3 Discovering Online Universities
Understanding Accreditation

What is Accreditation and Why Worry About It?

Accreditation is the granting of approval to an institution of learning by an official review board after the school has met specific requirements.  Why should you be concerned with accreditation?  It's not only one way of helping to judge the quality of a program, but it can also impact your employment prospects later on. 

Finding Detailed Information on Accreditation

Accreditation is a complex subject.  One of the best places to learn more about accreditation is at AACSB International.  This site provides you with an overview of accreditation in the United States along with links to more detailed criteria and state agency information.

Many degree programs are "accredited."  The problem is some are accredited by "unrecognized" agencies.  Click here for information on "diploma mills."

The Major National U.S. Accrediting Agencies include...

• www.abhe.org
• Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada (ATS)
• Distance Education and Training Council (DETC)

Key regional accrediting agencies include...

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS)
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges