Is Accreditation Really A Big Deal?
- Date: 2007-07-13 - Word Count: 370
Share This!
Students considering colleges, career schools and online degree programs are often confused by the concept and meaning of accreditation. And, they frequently confuse it with state licensure, which is very different.
To be accredited, a school, traditional college, or online college has to meet fairly rigorous standards of quality. State licensure, on the other hand, generally requires an institution to meet only the most minimal standards. Thus, a warning flag should be raised when a college emphasizes licensure in lieu of regional accreditation.
Students should be aware that a number of higher education institutions, particularly those engaged in offering online degrees and distance education programs, report that they are accredited by organizations which are not approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Whether these organizations are staffed by scam artists or well meaning educators, the so-called accreditation they offer is, practically speaking, entirely worthless in the eyes of most employers and accredited colleges.
For example, in their help wanted announcements, schools, colleges, and universities virtually always require that applicants hold degrees from institutions accredited by U.S. Department of Education recognized agencies.
Accredited colleges and universities will almost never accept transfer credit for courses completed at unaccredited colleges or colleges. And, they do not differentiate between colleges with no accreditation at all and those with so-called accreditation offered by unrecognized agencies.
Of course, students who want a degree only for personal satisfaction may initially not think accreditation is of much importance. But, if they reconsider, even those students should want to earn a degree that is viewed as a valuable credential; a degree that demonstrates that they have completed a rigorous academic program; a degree from a college or university that has proven that it meets the highest educational standards. That is why students should always find out which agency accredits a college they are considering, and go to the U.S. Department of Education website to be sure that the agency is government recognized.
Nobody can promise that, just because it's accredited, you'll be happy at an individual college or university. But accreditation does virtually guarantee you the advantages of qualified instructors and a well conceived curriculum. And, it means that employers are likely to recognize your degree as a meaningful credential which demonstrates motivation and expertise.
To be accredited, a school, traditional college, or online college has to meet fairly rigorous standards of quality. State licensure, on the other hand, generally requires an institution to meet only the most minimal standards. Thus, a warning flag should be raised when a college emphasizes licensure in lieu of regional accreditation.
Students should be aware that a number of higher education institutions, particularly those engaged in offering online degrees and distance education programs, report that they are accredited by organizations which are not approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Whether these organizations are staffed by scam artists or well meaning educators, the so-called accreditation they offer is, practically speaking, entirely worthless in the eyes of most employers and accredited colleges.
For example, in their help wanted announcements, schools, colleges, and universities virtually always require that applicants hold degrees from institutions accredited by U.S. Department of Education recognized agencies.
Accredited colleges and universities will almost never accept transfer credit for courses completed at unaccredited colleges or colleges. And, they do not differentiate between colleges with no accreditation at all and those with so-called accreditation offered by unrecognized agencies.
Of course, students who want a degree only for personal satisfaction may initially not think accreditation is of much importance. But, if they reconsider, even those students should want to earn a degree that is viewed as a valuable credential; a degree that demonstrates that they have completed a rigorous academic program; a degree from a college or university that has proven that it meets the highest educational standards. That is why students should always find out which agency accredits a college they are considering, and go to the U.S. Department of Education website to be sure that the agency is government recognized.
Nobody can promise that, just because it's accredited, you'll be happy at an individual college or university. But accreditation does virtually guarantee you the advantages of qualified instructors and a well conceived curriculum. And, it means that employers are likely to recognize your degree as a meaningful credential which demonstrates motivation and expertise.
Related Tags: education, online education, distance education, scholarships, adult education, financial aid, universities, online colleges, vocational schools, colleges, online degrees, higher education, career education, continuing education, career training, career colleges, vocational training, career schools, colleges and universities, education and reference, graduate education, employment and careers, graduate degrees
Daniel Kane has worked as a school counselor and university dean. He authored and maintains one website on online degrees another on online degrees and colleges, and more than a half dozen additional education sites.Don't reprint this article. Instead, reprint a free unique content version of this same article. Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Be Competitive With Computer Program
Do you speak the language of programming? No, I'm not kidding. Computer programmers and analysts hav - Make Green Living Your Career As An Environmental Protection Technician
The focus on green living is shifting from just reuse, reduce, recycle to the use of solar energy, e - The Whole Truth About Sat Tutoring
Preparing for the SAT examination can be a trying experience. It requires months of dedication, pers - Art And Design Foundation Studies Prepare You For A Creative Career
A career in the creative field of visual arts takes talent, skill and a strong foundation. There are - Specialization In Finance Is Most Desired Amongst Mba Students!
Specialization in MBA-finance is perhaps the most desired and sought after finance courses in India. - Online Degrees: The Different Method Of Education
Education is amongst the most vital things which an individual can have. It's very important in the - Why Online Education Is So Excellent
We're so accustomed to seeing college students go to school and obtaining their education the conven - Hr Degrees That Fit Your Career Goals
Figuring out which HR degree is right for you begins with clarifying your career goals within the fi - What Are Apprenticeships And What Are The Benefits?
By definition, Apprenticeships are a new generation of training which combines the study of a specif - Let Us Browse Through Some Of The Top Science Colleges In India
With an immense supply of talents, India is fast emerging as a perfect destination to locate high sk
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Tips For Getting Scholarships
College isn't cheap. It's a serious investment that can have a wonderful return. If you are concerne - Accenting Higher Education for Young Minds
There are so many universities in the UK, USA, Scotland and Australia. Approximately 4.8 million stu - 4 Sure Fire Ways To Immediately Boost Your Success In The Mba Group Discussion/ Personal Interview
Having cleared the written test for B- Schools such as IIM's, XLRI, IIFT, FMS- Delhi, it is importan - 3 Surefire Methods for Arts Graduate to Succeed in the MBA Group Discussion and Personal Interview
Being an Arts Graduate, you should do away with the notion that you would not be Good enough in the - Ways To Pay For Your Master Degree - That You May Not Have Thought Of Yet
Paying for any college education, including earning your master degree can be expensive. It is a maj - Importance of Career Planning
Career means profession, which we want to adopt for earning livelihood, and planning means proper fl - Key Factors to Consider With Bad Credit Student Loans
Education is important today, particularly for those who are less fortunate in life. It's their tick - Teacher's Training
In an attempt to boost student achievement, a public-school district teamed with a university to put - Acing the SAT Essay Test Even If You're a Bad Writer: A Step by Step Guide Part I
As if the multiple choice questions weren't enough, the New SAT requires test takers to provide a sa - College Scholarship Program Application Process
The necessary process to apply for a college program scholarship is not different from applying for