| Online distance learning has gained rapid popularity | | | | What does accreditation mean to a student? An |
| with the advent of the internet, which has proven to | | | | institutional accreditation agency evaluates the various |
| offer great supporting facilities and convenience for | | | | aspects of universities or colleges against minimum |
| online education. However, just like everything else | | | | standard criteria to determine if the particular |
| with pros and cons, the internet has also opened | | | | institution meets their list of basic requirements and |
| doors for the widespread sale of bogus online | | | | quality of education. College accreditation is necessary |
| degrees. According a report by USA Today, there | | | | to ensure that the education, facilities and support |
| were already 400 diploma mills in the year 2003 and | | | | provided by a college or university adheres to basic |
| the numbers are rising. In fact, many of these | | | | levels. On the other hand, specialized accreditation |
| unscrupulous operations are run by organizations in an | | | | evaluates excellence in individual program regardless |
| industry that is worth $500 million a year. | | | | of which institution the program is being delivered |
| However, amidst the negative hype about online | | | | within. In this type of accreditation, course content |
| education, there are actually many distance learning | | | | and program curricula is evaluated against pre-set |
| colleges offering valid degrees and diplomas. These | | | | standards of the institution. |
| institutions do not sell bogus certificates, but actually | | | | All accreditation does is to assure employers, |
| aim to provide quality education as alternatives for | | | | students and parents that the graduates who are |
| on-campus higher education. Valid online courses with | | | | awarded degrees from accredited colleges have |
| online video lectures as well as online library facilities | | | | undergone quality and adequate training in their |
| and test examinations conducted are often deployed | | | | respective areas of specialization. This also means |
| to ensure that students truly qualify in their areas of | | | | that colleges that are not accredited by the proper |
| study and graduate legitimately. Sadly though, many | | | | accreditation body would not have met the |
| employers only see the negative side of things, and | | | | standards imposed by the agencies. However, |
| easily brush off online education degrees as | | | | courses taken by prospective employees that are |
| equivalent to bogus degrees. | | | | accredited by the respective agencies would have |
| In view of the confusion, the National Education | | | | met standards imposed on the respective specialized |
| Board of the U.S. government has authorized 6 | | | | areas. |
| accreditation agencies to provide institutional | | | | It is totally up to the judgment and decision of the |
| accreditation to education institutions, as a measure | | | | employers on evaluating the validity of an online or |
| to differentiate legitimate universities from the | | | | on-campus degree. With the recent hike in bogus |
| crooks. This means that students choosing their | | | | degrees, employers can't help but be stringent in their |
| universities will be assured that these universities | | | | applicant screenings and consider those with degrees |
| would have met minimum criteria set forth by these | | | | that have been accredited. This may prove tedious |
| agencies for learning institutions. Additionally, there is | | | | and sometimes employers may get confused. |
| also The Distance Education and Training Council | | | | Therefore, if your accreditation is provided by an |
| (DETC) which provides accreditation specifically for | | | | agency recognized by the US Department of |
| distance learning institutions. The DETC is an | | | | Education, then you will need to explain to your |
| accreditation agency that is recognized by the US | | | | prospective employers on the background of the |
| Department of Education and the Council for Higher | | | | accrediting bodies. This way, you can avoid |
| Education Accreditation (CHEA). | | | | employers from sidelining your application based on |
| Furthermore, there is also specialized accreditation for | | | | something that they may be unclear about and |
| specific programs of different areas of specialization. | | | | increase your chances of being short listed for a job |
| These programs which are found to have attained | | | | interview. |
| excellence will be awarded accreditation by various | | | | Did you find this article useful? For more useful tips |
| professional accrediting agencies depending on the | | | | and  hints, points to ponder and keep in mind, |
| area of specialization. For instance, the International | | | | techniques, and insights pertaining to credit card, do |
| Association for Management Education (AACSB) | | | | please browse for more information at our websites. |
| gives accreditation to accounting related programs | | | | <a rel="nofollow" |
| while health programs are accredited by the | | | | onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview(' |
| American Health Information Management | | | | outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=" |
| Association. It is also important to know that only | | | | "> |
| accreditation agencies recognized by the Department | | | | < |
| of Education or CHEA are considered accreditation | | | | Â Â Â Â Â Â |
| agencies which are acknowledged. | | | | <a rel="nofollow" onclick="javascript:pageTracker. |