| The online degree programs are increasing in | | | | address is Stanford.edu which authenticates that |
| popularity and creditability, more and more prestigious | | | | they are genuine online universities. But the best way |
| colleges and universities offer complete online degree | | | | to confirm the accreditation of an online college or |
| programs taught by the same faculty who teach in | | | | university is to check with the US Department of |
| their classrooms. Many online programs offers by | | | | Education. |
| these prestigious colleges and universities are | | | | Currently, there are six higher education regional |
| reputable. Hence, earning a degree online can be a | | | | accrediting agencies which are recognized by the U.S. |
| good option for many students, but some "diploma | | | | Department of Education. These U.S. regional |
| mills" have hurt the integrity of such programs. | | | | accrediting agencies are: |
| If you plan to pursue a degree online, precaution | | | | - Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, |
| steps must be taken to avoid earning a "Fake" online | | | | Commission on Higher Education |
| degree. Some "diploma mills" have sophisticated Web | | | | - New England Association of Schools and Colleges, |
| sites and might seem like real universities but lack | | | | Commission on Institutions of Higher Education |
| college-level work and accreditation. You should | | | | - North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, |
| always check with the Council for Higher Education | | | | Commission on Institutions of Higher Education |
| Accreditation to see if their program is accredited. | | | | - Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, |
| Most of "diploma mills" are focus on fast production | | | | Commission on Colleges |
| and distribution of fake degrees. They just offer | | | | - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, |
| credit for life experience and if you pay your fees | | | | Commission on Colleges |
| you get your diploma. You don't have to worry | | | | - Western Association of Schools and Colleges, |
| about practical experience. If you pay a little extra, | | | | Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and |
| you can even graduate with honors and you can | | | | Universities |
| even complete a degree including Doctorate degree | | | | There are also many other national, professional and |
| in 5 to 7 days. | | | | specialized accrediting bodies that are recognized by |
| The problem arises when this life experience is not | | | | the U.S. Department of Education. They provide |
| accepted by state and federal laws and you facethe | | | | accreditation, guidance and quality assurance roles for |
| problem of looking for a suitable job. Today, most | | | | distance and online learning institutions, foreign learning |
| employers are smart, they will check your degree | | | | institutions and training providers. |
| against accreditation and they aware of those online | | | | If you are planning to pursue your degree online, |
| colleges which "Famous" in "diploma mills". So, make | | | | spend some time to check and confirm the |
| sure you are holding a legitimate degree when | | | | accreditation of your selected online college or |
| applying for a job position; the best way to avoid | | | | university. And make sure the organization that |
| this from happening to you is to check the online | | | | provides the accreditation to the college is recognized |
| degree program against it's accreditation before your | | | | by US Department of Education. Take these |
| register for it. | | | | precaution steps in advanced are better than |
| In general, accredited colleges and universities will | | | | regretting it later when you are holding a helpless |
| receive the .edu designation in their website domain | | | | "fake" degree. |
| name. For example, Stanford University's web | | | | |