Choosing an accredited college or university program is crucial for maximizing a student’s financial investment. Accreditation types include regional, national, international, and specialized, with the purpose of ensuring quality courses and degree programs.
Choosing an accredited college or university program is essential to maximizing a student’s financial investment. The main types of accreditation are granted by regional, national and international agencies. Other types of accreditation cover specific areas of study, such as business, education, law, and medical accreditation.
The three main types of accrediting agencies are regional, national and international. The areas covered by accrediting agencies may differ based on the stipulations of each country’s department or ministry of education. For example, regional accreditation agencies are unique to the US. As the name implies, regional agencies cover different geographic regions, with a varying number of states in each. Regional accreditation is the most important type of accreditation for US colleges and universities.
National accreditation agencies are achieving greater recognition as valid and acceptable accreditation boards in many countries. Criteria to qualify for national accreditation may be determined in each country by the department or ministry of education or other governmental or non-governmental entity. Traditional schools or distance education programs can receive national accreditation. These agencies may also focus on specific types of programs and schools; for example, business and technology schools, career programs and non-traditional schools – such as religious schools, business schools and online programs.
Ensuring that mandatory global standards are met in specific fields is the focus of international accreditation agencies. Commercial accreditation and medical accreditation are two fields with numerous international accreditation boards that address the wide range of specialties. International agencies also oversee distance education and online education programs.
Accrediting agencies also exist for specific studies to ensure that students receive a complete and relevant education that prepares them to enter professions in areas such as business, education, health, law and technology. These agencies may also be known as private or professional accreditation agencies, as well as specialized or program-based accreditation. Rather than accrediting entire schools, they accredit specific programs at different schools. Specialized accreditation is an important consideration for many careers, and students should verify that their programs have maintained appropriate accreditation.
The purpose of accreditation is to ensure the quality of courses and degree programs at colleges and universities. Quality courses, programs, and institutions will provide credible content and competent instructors, as well as award credits that can be transferred to other institutions. Once the school has managed to obtain accreditation, it must maintain it during designated review periods.
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