| Accreditation is the most important thing you need | | | | England Association, the Southern Association and |
| to know about distance learning or online degrees. | | | | the Western Association. Attending one regionally |
| Accreditation separates the "real" schools that are | | | | accredited school allows you to transfer credits from |
| accepted by other schools, employers and | | | | on university to another. |
| professional associations. A diploma from a | | | | The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), |
| non-accredited school is probably a waste of your | | | | or The Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges |
| time and effort. | | | | and Schools (ACICS) may accredit Online or distance |
| Unfortunately, there are schools advertising for online | | | | learning colleges and university. |
| degrees that are considered "diploma mills". These are | | | | Become informed about the type of accreditation |
| for profit sites that may offer "fast" degrees that | | | | that is needed for the type of degree you are |
| will not be recognized by potential employers as | | | | seeking. The Council for Higher Education can provide |
| being an adequate education for the position you are | | | | you with a list of recognized accrediting bodies. Then |
| seeking. There are also online programs that promote | | | | make sure that the school you are considering |
| free credit for "life experience". Again, these credits | | | | actually has that accreditation. |
| may not be recognized as legitimate. | | | | This is probably the single most important thing you |
| There are many accrediting agencies. For instance the | | | | can do when checking out an online college degree |
| National League of Nursing accredits nursing schools. | | | | education program. You don't want to be at the end |
| The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher | | | | of your academic career and find out that you have |
| Education (NCATE) accredits Teaching or education | | | | invested time and money into a degree that will not |
| schools. Law schools are accredited by the American | | | | be valued by your employers, other school, or |
| Bar Association. Other professions have their own | | | | professional organizations. |
| accrediting bodies. | | | | You can start your search for school at an online |
| There are regionally accredited schools. The United | | | | website for online schools, but don't let your search |
| States is divided into 6 regions that accredits colleges | | | | end there. Do your homework, make sure you are |
| and universities: the Middle States Association, North | | | | going to a college or university that is accredited! |
| Central Association, Northwest Association, New | | | | |