subject: Online Degrees from Accredited Schools [print this page] Online post-secondary schools are becoming more prevalent every day. There are numerous ads on television, advertisements in newspapers and pop-up ads that offer school information on the Internet. Distance education is a main source of getting a college education today. The main thing to keep in mind if you are interested in furthering your education via distance education is to chooseonline degrees from an accredited school.
There are many schools offering online degrees. And there are even more offering certificate programs. How do you make an informed choice? To find out which one you want to attend, you have to be willing to conduct research and not be afraid to ask questions. Do not rely solely on information that you receive from a representative when you call. Some schools offer degrees and diplomas that are not legitimate or recognized by other schools and employers. You need to know what to look for when making your decision.
First, you want to ensure that the school is accredited. Unfortunately, there are many different types of accreditation and not all of them are equal. You want to ensure that your online degree comes from a school that is accredited by an organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) is an example of an accrediting organization. The DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency. As defined by the DETC, accreditation, "assures students that the institution operates on a sound financial basis, has an approved program of study, qualified instructors, adequate facilities and equipment, approved recruitment and admissions policies, and advertises its courses truthfully." This is the kind of assurance you should look for when considering a school for your online degree. If the school is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the DETC, the school will have the DETC logo prominently displayed on their website with contact information.
Second, determine what memberships the school has or trade associations it belongs to. For example, if you are studying to become a medical transcriptionist, it would be important that your school be a member of the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). Research the area that you are interested in and see what associations and memberships are important to your chosen field. Then check to see if your school is a member of that association.
Choosing an accredited school ensures that you are receiving the highest standards available in the education industry. It's an assurance that the staff, online degree programs, admissions policy and more have been evaluated and determined to be worthy of an accredited school.
Online degrees from accredited schools also offer other advantages. Schools that are accredited can offer financial assistance and accept military tuition assistance for qualified applicants and degree programs. Receiving an online degree from an accredited school also gives weight to job applications and interviews. You want a reputable school and degree program standing behind you the higher quality the school, the more likely your chances are of securing a job and advancing your career.
The quality of your education starts with an accredited school. If investing in your education is worth your time and your money, then it is worth conducting research before you begin to choose the right education provider. Online degrees from accredited schools will help you achieve your goals and your dreams you'll have the right school standing by your side every step of the way.
