What are some of the recognized institutes of accreditation for online
degrees?
Accreditation is very critical while opting for an online degree. An
educational institute is considered authentic and valid only when it and
its programs are recognized by accrediting agencies.
Strict standards are put forth by various accrediting agencies which
the universities need to adhere to and they are composed of educational
experts. If an institution meets the standards set by the agency, it is
acknowledged with accreditation status.
The United States has two different ways of identifying and recognizing
accrediting agencies.
They are either directly recognized by the US Department of Education http://www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html for federal financial aid purposes, or are recognized indirectly via a
private organization called "The Council for Higher Education Accreditation" http://www.chea.org in association with
the US Department of Education.
There are six regional accreditation agencies which are DE and CHEA Council
for Higher Education sanctioned which are MSA (Middle States Association),
NASC (Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges), NCA (North Central
Association of Colleges and Schools), NEASC (New England Association of
Schools and Colleges), SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools)
and WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).
Institutional accreditation is provided by regional associations of schools
and colleges, and by several national associations that limit their scope
to particular kinds of institutions. The Middle States Association is
a regional association of schools and colleges and is recognized by the
U.S. Department of Education. The Middle States Association is a member
of the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.
