Understanding Accreditation

Understanding Accreditation

One thing that you will hear a lot about is accreditation.  This term sounds fancy and important, but really it is quite simple.  The WorldNet Dictionary says that accreditation is,

“The act of granting credit or recognition, especially with respect to educational institutions that maintains suitable standards.”  

This really does sum up what you need to know.

What does this have to do with you and your Online degree?  It is quite simple.  You need to enroll in a college or university that is going to provide you with the highest level of education for your money.  When you get your degree, you should know that you have what it takes to make it in that field. 

Not only will employers want to insure that your education has come from an accredited school, but you need to know how to do your job well.

What Does Accreditation Mean, Then?

What does it take for a school to be accredited?  Why is this type of school better?  An accredited school is one that has demonstrated that it is teaching what is required to educate students in that field.  Schools will need to have an outside company come in and observe their school.  They are looking for the board to decide that the school is approved for teaching the highest quality of information.

They will find out things like how the school provides education, what their resources are like (are they adequate) as well as determine if the school provides basic educational services that meet the demands and the minimums that are in place. 

There are several different ways that a school can be accredited.  Most of the time, the school will entirely be accredited, meaning that all of their courses are considered approved.  In other cases, just certain schools within the college or the university are accredited.  When you are applying for admission into the school, you should insure that it is fully accredited. 

For any school to become accredited, they will need to pay a considerable amount of money to do so.  In addition, the process is not easy nor is it everlasting.  The school is going to need to be re-certified as accredited every several years.  In addition, the accreditation process can take several years to complete. 

Why does any of this matter to you?  A school that is accredited is one that has gone through great lengths to insure that you are provided a good education by attending there.  A school that goes through all of this expense and time is a means of showing that the education they provide is effective in the field.