Distance learning programs seek accreditation to show high quality education. Regional accreditation is the most sought-after, while the Distance Education Training Council (DETC) is less highly regarded. Some schools operate without accreditation, but may not provide adequate education.
Like other colleges and universities, distance learning programs seek accreditation to show students and employers that the education offered by these programs is of high quality and respected. Distance accreditation is a process by which analysis of school programs is carried out. The accreditation agencies that participate in distance accreditation are the same ones that also participate in the college and university accreditation process, although there are other accreditation agencies that also carry out distance education. It is important to look at the accrediting agency when considering participating in distance learning programs, as some accreditations are better than others; It is also important to remember that accreditation may differ from country to country or region to region.
The most sought-after distance learning accreditation, like the accreditation of other colleges and universities, is the regional accreditation. In the United States, each regional agency covers certain states. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), for example, is responsible for accreditation in Maine, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Vermont, as well as some international schools in Africa and the Middle East. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) covers accreditation in California and Hawaii, as well as multiple US territories and international locations.
Another agency called the Distance Education Training Council (DETC) can also grant distance accreditation without accreditation from a regional agency. This agency is recognized by the US Department of Education, but the accreditation an institution obtains from the DETC is not as highly regarded as the accreditation obtained by regional agencies. Some employers, in fact, frown upon such accreditation and prefer candidates who have obtained a degree from a regionally accredited agency. Other educational institutions may also refuse to accept transfer credits from an institution that lacks regional accreditation and instead has a DETC accreditation. While this may not matter to many students who are trying to earn a professional certificate or are participating in continuing education, choosing a program with DETC distance learning accreditation over a regional agency can be the difference between being hired or being passed over for a job or even lose credits during a transfer.
Some schools choose to operate without accreditation at a distance. These types of schools are generally considered to be lower quality institutions that do not adequately focus on education. Some are for-profit schools that are trying to increase profits, as any business would, which often means that the quality of education suffers. This may or may not be true, but it’s worth researching the validity of the degrees and certificates awarded by these schools before enrolling.
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