Accredited Online Colleges - martinez.k12.ca.us

Accredited Online Colleges

Accredited Online Colleges vs. Non Accredited Online Colleges

When choosing and applying to post-secondary programs, it can be quite easy to be swayed by the perks and attractions they offer. Before getting lured by the irresistible environments they paint, it is a wise idea to do some research and find out about their accreditation and the quality of their programs and staff. Most mainstream jobs and employers today require people who have been trained through accredited programs. Many students unknowingly sign up for unaccredited programs, only to often find that their time and money has been wasted, or that they have fallen for a scam. Read on to learn more about the downfalls of non-accredited programs and how to make the best decision for your schooling.

The reason for program accreditation is to ensure that it matches (or exceeds) a set standard for educational requirements as dictated by various organizations and professional groups. These organizations are in charge of setting standards for the course curriculum as well as teaching quality. In turn this allows industries to receive new but properly trained employees. There are several ways to find accredited programs in the field of your choice. Some trusted government and educational board websites offer lists and databases of accredited schools and programs. Alternatively, applicants can research schools in their area and look for accreditation details on individual websites or literature for new students. More than simply researching the accreditation of the school, make sure to also find accreditation information for the actual program in question. Some industry organizations (such as the American Dental Education Association) are also a great resource for information on educational requirements, recognized degrees and programs and other advice for students.

Non-accredited programs can pose several disadvantages for new graduates. The primary downfall is that if many companies in that field do not recognize a non-accredited degree, it can be extremely hard to find work. Furthermore, several graduate schools also require accredited degrees to make sure that all incoming students are on the same educational level. There are a few occasions when non-accredited degrees may come in handy. For example, some fields may be so obscure that they are not normally offered at accredited institutions, or perhaps there are no assigned standards in order to make the program accredited. Likewise, brand new programs that have not had a graduating class yet would be unable to obtain accreditation. In situations where a work or further education is not immediately dependent on the prospective degree (such as personal learning), a nonaccredited option is an acceptable choice. In some cases, institutions or online organizations that offer non-accredited degrees may also be running various scams. Diploma mills are one such entity to watch out for and avoid, since they illegally sell degrees to people without the appropriate learning process.

Be sure to always conduct adequate research before applying to any institutions. Most accredited schools offer ample information on their websites or brochures. If the information truly is hard to come by, try contacting the Admissions department and speak to someone about your concerns. While it does call for a little bit of legwork, it will definitely pay off in the long run and save students from putting in the time and expenditure into a degree that leaves them unemployable. With an accredited program, students can be reassured that they are working towards a degree that will help them to obtain the employment or additional schooling that they may seek later.

A Database of Accredited Educational Institutions What is Accreditation and Why is it So Critical? An Introductory Guide to Accreditation What Does Accreditation Help to Establish? Details on the Process of Accreditation Steps for a Program to be Accredited The Benefits of School Accreditation Learn About Accreditation Agencies and How They Function Use an Online Tool to Find Accreditation Programs in the U.S. and Abroad Tips on Finding an Accredited School Benefits and Risks of Taking a Non-Accredited Program Resources for Finding Different Types of Accredited Degree Programs Deciding Whether You Need an Accredited MBA Twenty Jobs That are Obtainable With a Non-Accredited Degree or No Degree Qualification Standards and Accreditation Learn about the Differences Between Accredited and Non-Accredited Programs Accreditation Organizations for Various Industries and Career Fields A Guide to Accreditation and How it Benefits Students (PDF) Non-Accredited Degrees and Diploma Mills (PDF)

The Importance of Online College Accreditation

College accreditation can be a little tricky to understand when applying to colleges or postsecondary schools, especially those that are online. Accreditation is a way of ensuring that post-secondary educational institutions follow a certain set of standards in the way they are run, how they teach students and how testing methods are carried out. More importantly, it ensures that students are taught what they need to know to later work in the career path they are training for. Accreditation is awarded to schools, by recognized agencies, based on the quality of their programs. Many employers and other higher educational centers require a degree or diploma from an accredited school as part of their prerequisites. Unfortunately, if a student has studied at an unaccredited college, they may find that the resulting degree is not accepted and is unusable in finding a job or seeking further education. Additionally, some unaccredited schools do employ scam tactics and end up swindling the students. It is

generally safest to fully research the schools and even ask for accreditation details if they are not already displayed, before submitting an application.

College Accreditation Definition Why is Accreditation Important ? Learn about the differences between institutional and specialized accreditation and how they apply to different schools. A Definition of Accreditation ? Accreditation helps to distinguish among schools that offer programs that meet a certain standard of quality and those that do not. Accreditation and Students (PDF) ? Accreditation helps students in the quality of education that they receive as well as their career and higher education prospects after graduation. What Does Accreditation Prove? ? There are many functions of accreditation, and it helps to inform prospective students as well as guide the faculty. How Does Accreditation Make a Difference ? Look through a series of articles and videos to learn how accreditation truly affects the public, including students, employers and faculty.

Accrediting Agencies Accreditation Agencies ? Find regional and specialized accreditation agencies throughout the U.S. How Does Accreditation Apply? ? Look through a list of accrediting agencies and learn what types of accreditation they can offer. Regional Accrediting Agencies ? Find information and contact details of regional accreditation agencies across the nation.

Specialized Agencies Types of Accreditation (PDF) ? Read how specialized accreditation differs from institutional and which version applies to your program. Finding Accredited Institutions ? Browse through an official government database to find legitimate, accredited schools and colleges.

Other Resources and Information Accreditation in the U.S. ? While the Department of Education is not in charge of accrediting schools, it does oversee the agencies that do perform accreditation. Regional Accreditation ? Learn of some easy ways to check whether a college is accredited or not. Choosing Between Regional and National Accreditation ? Find out about the differences between regional and national accredited colleges and how to decide which is best for you. How to Research a School's Accreditation ? Read about how to find accreditation details about a school and how to detect scams and phony accreditation agencies. Differentiating Between Accredited and Unaccredited ? Learn how to sift through unrecognized schools or even programs.

List of Accredited Online Colleges

Everyone wants a chance at a better job, but some of us just don't have the time to attend college. However, in the digital age it is now possible to take courses from home. It can be easier to take classes online and get to the coursework when you have time. The U.S. Department of Education recognizes a number of agencies that accredit and review institutions of higher learning every year. There are hundreds of accredited colleges in the United States, but only some of them offer courses online. Below are fifteen, but there are many more out there. All you need to do is check the Department of Education's master list and then search for a college that offers online study.

Adelphi University Located in Garden City, NY, Adelphi University offers an array of online courses. These courses can be blended to achieve any one of the university's degrees. The courses and student-professor interactions occur by using the program Moodle. Adelphi is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Pittsburgh The University of Pittsburgh is so dedicated to online education that they have formed their own internal organization to handle it. PittOnline offers Masters Degrees in Elementary Education, Nursing, Social & Urban Research and Management Essentials. They will even help you to understand how their software works. The University of Pittsburgh is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

Lesley University Lesley University can be found in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It offers a number of Bachelor's, Graduate and Certificate programs to adult learners. The courses are designed to be interactive and teach students their individual value. Lesley University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Endicott University Endicott is tucked away in Beverly, Massachusetts. However its prestige isn't hidden at all. Their unique online graduate and professional studies programs allow students to conduct exams, give them access to lecture notes and even utilize multimedia such as audio and video resources. Endicott University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Quinnipiac University Located in Hamden, Connecticut, Quinnipiac is known for its flexibility and outstanding faculty. It also offers online Masters Degrees in various fields including Health Sciences, Information Technology and Human Resource Leadership. They also have a handful of certificate programs. Quinnipiac is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Bellevue College Many students find success at Bellevue College in Bellevue, Washington. However, it is no longer necessary to visit the campus to achieve an education from the facility. Bellevue

offers a number of online courses through the Blackboard Vista software. Bellevue College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.

Specs Howard School of Media Arts Specs Howard University teaches modern courses, so it is no surprise that they offer their courses online too. Their degrees include radio, video & film, graphic design and media arts. Whether you have a gift for media arts or you are looking to develop your skills, Specs Howard in Southfield, Michigan is awaiting your application. Specs Howard School of Media Arts is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Lincoln College Online Lincoln College is found in Southington, Connecticut and they offer online courses and degrees. Both Associates and Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice or Health Information Administration can be obtained without ever having to step foot on the campus. They also let you design your own degree plan. Lincoln College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.

Yorktown University (PDF) Yorktown University, which has its headquarters in Denver, Colorado, also have an option for online study. They use their own system, a program called Izio. For those who have never studied online, Yorktown offers a comprehensive tutorial for how classes work and also a run-through of using Izio. Yorktown University is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council

Temple University Temple University is one of the most famous in the country. The Philadelphia institution offers online courses through their Distance Learning Program. Courses available include Language, Biology, Art, Accounting and a variety of other subjects. Temple University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

University of Vermont The University of Vermont can be located in Burlington. It offers over one hundred courses at your fingertips during any season of the year. In addition to the courses, they have designed full programs that can be studied online such as Speech-Language Pathology. The University of Vermont is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Lasalle University Philadelphia's Lasalle University offers online courses through its College of Professional and Continuing Studies. Lasalle's online programs include Human Capital Development, Instructional Technology Management, Organizational Leadership and several others. Each of these programs is designed for the convenience of the students who are busy but still desire quality results. Lasalle University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

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