Articles

Where Accrediting Comes From And What It Does For Online Colleges

2011-08-02

With the advent of the Internet, many companies, services, businesses and more took to the online market to have an additional (and sometimes sole) method of conducting business. Colleges and universities were no exception, as many traditional universities added online courses and degrees in addition to their in-classroom offerings. Many other colleges and universities that conduct their programs and classes strictly online also cropped up. These are great options for individuals who seek a college degree but that don't have the time or money to invest in a traditional college. Online degrees offer flexibility and lower costs as compared to brick and mortar institutions. But before you select a degree program to pursue, it's important to understand the accrediting for colleges process so you know what to look for in a college.

Unlike other most other countries in which the government has an agency that approves accreditation for colleges and universities, the United States operates in a different manner. Private organizations that are independent of the government are set up for the process and determination of accrediting colleges. A non-governmental organization named CHEA (Council for Higher Educational Accreditation), along with the U.S. Department of Education, approves these accreditation organizations. Neither of these departments accredits individual institutions, however.

CHEA holds a directory of recognized accrediting bodies for colleges and universities, and this includes online degrees. They have strict guidelines that accrediting bodies must follow in order to legally accredit any university or institution. Essentially, a certain set of standards must be met by the higher educational institution that wants to get accredited. Accreditation is granted by the agency if these specific educational standards are met. The accreditation that is granted is recognized by the rest of the country as having met the standards and guidelines required of a higher educational institution, meaning they are able to provide students an education that will hold up in the academic and professional fields.

If an online college has received accreditation, this means that the classes and programs offered by the college provide a well-rounded education. Additionally, accrediting for colleges means that attending these classes will provide the same standards as would attending a brick and mortar, or traditional, university. For an online college to be granted accreditation, it has to have met the same standards set out for traditional universities with big names like Marymount University and Boston College. Students who choose the online program to pursue their higher education can rest assured that they are receiving a top notch education.

Accreditation occurs around the world and is meant to ensure the quality of education offered at any institution. Online colleges that get accredited offer excellent degree programs.