A remarkable 3.9% increase in the number of higher education students taking at least one distance education course was reported in a 2015 Survey of Online Learning conducted by the Babson Survey Research Group. This surge, particularly at private non-profit institutions, underscores the growing embrace of online learning by both schools and students. Importantly, employers no longer differentiate between degrees awarded by online accredited colleges and traditional campus universities. Online programs offer the same high-quality instructors, resources, and course materials as their on-campus counterparts, with the added convenience of flexible scheduling that allows you to meet your work and family obligations uninterrupted. Graduates of accredited online universities are eligible for the same top career opportunities and increased salaries as their campus-based peers, in any field or discipline.
Key Takeaways
- The number of higher education students taking at least one distance education course increased by 3.9% from the previous year, especially at private non-profit institutions.
- Employers do not differentiate between degrees awarded by online accredited colleges and traditional campus universities.
- Online programs offer the same high-quality instructors, resources, and course materials as on-campus programs, with the added convenience of flexible scheduling.
- Graduates of accredited online universities are eligible for the same top career opportunities and increased salaries as their campus-based peers.
- Verifying a school’s accreditation status is crucial for ensuring you receive a quality education and that your degree will be recognized by employers and other academic institutions.
Understanding the Importance of Accreditation
Accreditation is a crucial consideration when selecting an online university or degree program. This process of quality assurance evaluates the services and operations provided by educational institutions to ensure they meet stringent standards set by accrediting agencies. If an institution successfully completes this lengthy and rigorous process, it will receive official accreditation, signaling to students, employers, and other academic institutions that the school is worthy of their trust and recognition.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental review of an institution’s academic and administrative capabilities. The accreditation process involves a thorough evaluation of a school’s curriculum, faculty, resources, student services, and overall educational quality. Schools that demonstrate they meet or exceed the accrediting agency’s criteria are granted accredited status, which is a valuable credential that speaks to the institution’s commitment to providing a high-quality education.
Types of Accreditation
There are several types of accreditation that online universities may hold, including regional accreditation, national accreditation, institutional accreditation, and programmatic accreditation. Regional accreditation, considered the gold standard, is granted by one of six regional accrediting bodies recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the U.S. Department of Education (DOE).
Accreditation Ensures Quality Education
Earning accreditation is a significant achievement that demonstrates an institution’s commitment to providing a high-quality education. Accredited schools must continuously prove they are upholding academic standards, investing in student resources, and producing graduates who are well-prepared for their chosen careers. This accreditation status assures students that their degree will be recognized and respected by employers, graduate schools, and other academic institutions.
How to find accredited online universities
When searching for accredited online universities, it’s important to thoroughly verify the school’s accreditation status. Begin by checking the institution’s website for information on their accreditation. Accredited colleges and universities typically display their accreditation details prominently on their homepage or “About Us” page.
Check the School’s Website
Look for clear statements about the school’s regional or national accreditation, as well as any programmatic accreditations for specific academic departments or degree programs. Accredited online universities should provide direct links to the websites of their accrediting bodies, making it easy for you to confirm the legitimacy of their accreditation.
Verify Accreditation Agency’s Legitimacy
Once you’ve identified the accrediting agency, research the organization to ensure it is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). These are the two main authorities that oversee the accreditation process for colleges and universities in the United States.
Look for Accreditation Red Flags
Be wary of any online schools that claim to be “accredited” but don’t provide clear details about their accrediting agency or the accreditation process. This could be a sign of a diploma mill, which are unaccredited institutions that falsely claim to offer legitimate degrees. Legitimate, accredited online universities will be transparent about their accreditation status and the quality standards they uphold.
Evaluating Online Degree Programs
As you explore the world of online bachelor’s degrees, it’s important to understand the different types of bachelor’s degrees available and how the reputation and recognition of online degrees may be perceived.
Types of Bachelor’s Degrees Offered
The most common types of bachelor’s degrees are the Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BS), and Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA). The BA is most commonly awarded in a liberal arts discipline, the BS is often more specialized in technical, career-oriented fields, and the BFA encompasses mostly visual arts coursework. Depending on your academic interests and career goals, you can find a wide range of online bachelor’s degrees to suit your needs.
Reputation and Recognition of Degrees
While the stigma surrounding online degrees has largely diminished in recent years, it’s still important to carefully evaluate the reputation and recognition of the institution offering the program. Accredited online universities with a strong academic reputation can provide the same high-quality education and career opportunities as traditional on-campus programs. By selecting an online bachelor’s degree from a well-respected, accredited institution, you can ensure that your degree will be recognized and valued by employers and other academic institutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding an accredited online university is crucial for ensuring you receive a quality education and that your degree will be recognized by employers and other academic institutions. By verifying a school’s accreditation status, checking the legitimacy of the accrediting agency, and looking out for red flags, you can confidently select an online program that meets your needs and career goals.
Whether you pursue a BA, BS, or BFA, an accredited online degree can open the same doors as a traditional on-campus degree. The flexibility and convenience of online learning allows you to balance your studies with work and family responsibilities, all while obtaining a respected and recognized credential that will enhance your professional opportunities.
By investing the time to thoroughly research and vet your options, you can ensure that your online education experience is just as valuable and rewarding as a traditional campus-based program. With the right accredited online university, you can achieve your academic and career aspirations without sacrificing quality or flexibility.