Distance Learning Degree Programs: Accredited or Not?

If you're reading this blog right now, you're probably interested in a distance university degree program. How do you know which of these programs are legitimate, and which are not?

Determining which universities are accredited can be a fairly complex process. One way, of course, is to ask other students or moderators on the degreeboard forum for their opinion of the school. Unfortunately, though, remember that an opinion is only an opinion. If the university is not a regionally accredited online degree program, you won't be able to use it for advanced education, no matter how good your educational experience was.

How do you know if an online degree program is accredited? First, examine the online degree university's website. If it is regionally accredited, the university will advertise this proudly. Be careful, though; a few universities have begun advertising accreditations that are not legitimate.

That said, how do you know what accreditations are legitimate? Direct your browser to the U.S. Department of education for a list of accrediting organizations and their regional accreditation bodies. Be especially careful of a university whose accreditation sounds very similar, but is not exactly the same as, an authorized accrediting agency!

If you are trying to determine whether an overseas university, such as a Dutch or UK university is accredited, search the UNESCO database, which provides a list of universities that are recognized by this international authority on education (when seeking degree equivalencies from another country, this is the database that educational evaluators use).

[Dennis Ruhl]

One point of view. Lot's of people have used nationally accredited degrees in their careers and many regionally accredited schools accept nationally accredited schools for entry into graduate studies. With a regionally accredited school more options are available.

The UNESCO list has had its warts.

[JohnDoe]

Originally Posted by Guest

If you're reading this blog right now, you're probably interested in a distance university degree program. How do you know which of these programs are legitimate, and which are not?

Determining which universities are accredited can be a fairly complex process. One way, of course, is to ask other students or moderators on the degreeboard forum for their opinion of the school. Unfortunately, though, remember that an opinion is only an opinion. If the university is not a regionally accredited online degree program, you won't be able to use it for advanced education, no matter how good your educational experience was.

How do you know if an online degree program is accredited? First, examine the online degree university's website. If it is regionally accredited, the university will advertise this proudly. Be careful, though; a few universities have begun advertising accreditations that are not legitimate.

That said, how do you know what accreditations are legitimate? Direct your browser to the U.S. Department of education for a list of accrediting organizations and their regional accreditation bodies. Be especially careful of a university whose accreditation sounds very similar, but is not exactly the same as, an authorized accrediting agency!

If you are trying to determine whether an overseas university, such as a Dutch or UK university is accredited, search the UNESCO database, which provides a list of universities that are recognized by this international authority on education (when seeking degree equivalencies from another country, this is the database that educational evaluators use).

You forgot to mention which RA university you were employed at......

[Redlyne Racer]

Originally Posted by Guest

Determining which universities are accredited can be a fairly complex process.

This actually is the easy part in the US. The CHEA website still has the best database for all accredited schools (regional and national): http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp

In the UK check the DIUS list of recognised and listed bodies: http://www.dcsf.gov.uk/recognisedukdegrees/

Relying only on a university website for factual info can be dicey. It's good practice to verify any school's claims.

And remember that accreditation is no guarantee of quality, or much of anything else really. That's where these discussion groups can come in handy. Just like buying cars, ask a guy who drives one what he likes or dislikes.

[tob55]

I must say that the whole discussion of accreditation, regardless of the type and form is interesting. From the perspective of an institutional representative going through the process, it can be a daunting task. Not necessarily because our Graduate School is avoiding the transparency accreditation requires, but because it is actually quite hard to find recognized agencies that will work with you through the process. Our current situation as a distance graduate school program is unique only in the sense that we are an international institution seeking US accreditation just so we can be on the same playing field as other higher education institutions.

With that said, our progress towards recognized certification and accreditation is taking place, albeit slowly. I suppose anything worth doing is worth doing right, so in the end it is a win-win situation for KEISIE Graduate School of International Education. I will say this though, there were in the past, as there currently are, many good to superior institutions of higher education who for whatever their reasons are, have chosen and continue to forego formal accreditation. They should not be criticized for making that decision. In the end, the value of any degree program is up to the learner. Some people choose to gain a degree for personal enrichment. In their case, involvement in an institution with or without accreditation is not the issue. Others choose to gain a degree for professional advancement. In their case, it is critical to make sure the institution they align their self to is accredited and recognized by agencies who's job it is to verify the quality and qualifications of the institution.

I for one would not criticize any institution of higher education, EXCEPT for diploma mills, as I have mentioned in previous posts to this forum. As I mentioned, the value of the institution is up to the learner. Sure, we would all like to be 100% sure we are not being taken advantage of, but it is not up to me or anyone else for that matter to convince you of quality or the qualifications of any educational offering. Check out the program of your choice and let the facts of the institution's track record speak for their self.

I applaud those of you who are participating in both types of institutions because it means we still have a voice about the type and level of education we seek. For our institution, we made the decision to seek formal accreditation out of necessity, and we have no regrets for making that decision. As the global focus on higher education improves, there will be fewer options for international academic programs to operate without accreditation. We have already discovered that.

Remember, this is just one opinion from someone who is in tune with the process, because we are presently going through it. I am not afraid to share the little bit of knowledge I have on the subject. There are many things I do not know, but I have done extensive research on this whole discussion, and I had to make a few comments about this discussion based on what I have seen personally and professionally. Weigh every comment from those who wish to question or criticize the legitimacy of particular higher education institutions, because it may be they have an ax to grind for some other reason.