To some, an online school may seem like a questionable means of obtaining a college degree, but there are several accredited programs available on the Web for students desiring a high-quality education. Accreditation credentials are an important way a school can prove to prospective students and employers that the education it provides meets certain standards of excellence.
The Process of Accrediting Online Colleges
Accreditation in the United States is a voluntary process conducted by nongovernmental accrediting agencies. These agencies perform what essentially amounts to a peer review of the online school or its programs. The government only helps to ensure that accreditors truly are “reliable authorities” on educational quality, according to eLearners.com.
“There is no question whatsoever that this system has worked well, has served us well, and is responsible for making U.S. higher education the envy of the world,” wrote John D. Wiley, chair of the board of directors of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Wiley continued, “Institutions of higher education, their associations, and the American people all have a great stake in our ability to ensure that this system continues to function well and engages in continuous improvement.”
When an institution wants to become accredited, a multi-step process is required. Accrediting groups have already decided on certain standards of quality that help with evaluating a school, and the institution must conduct a self-study to compare its performance with the accrediting agency’s standards. Then, a team chosen by the agency reviews the school or program in person, and the agency provides notice in an official publication that the online college has achieved accreditation or preaccreditation status. Continued monitoring also takes place during the established accreditation period, and reevaluation occurs to ensure whether the accreditation or preaccredation label should still be granted.
Does accreditation differ for online colleges?
eLearners.com notes that accreditation procedures can be slightly different for an online school and a traditional college or university. In the case of distance learning, the review needs to include a look at whether the school has the faculty support and resources necessary to promoting a productive learning experience.