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