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Step 1
Realize that not all online colleges or degrees are equal. Online universities and colleges can run the entire spectrum, from "diploma" mills to the most respected traditional variety. In choosing an online university you should know what your ultimate goal is. Is it to have a degree that will be respected by employers or are you just simply wanting to enrich your mind?
Colleges and Universities in the United States often are "Regionally Certified". This indicates that they are certified by one of six regional, nonprofit boards. The University of Texas for example is certified by the SACS or Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Other regional certification agencies include the MSA, NCA, WASC, NEASC, and NASC. A degree from an online school that is accredited by one of these would have higher status and recognition and therefore more value. -
Step 2
Contact The Distance Education & Training Council (DETC), which is a certification agency that is for online schools only. It has around 75 members.
Programatic accreditation is another type of accreditation that you may want if you are taking online classes to be a teacher for example. You may need to take online classes from a school that has been accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). State bar boards often require law degrees from schools accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA). -
Step 3
Choose an accredited school. Several agencies in the US specialize in accrediting business schools. Among these agencies, the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools Business International (AACSB) is considered by many academics to be the most prestigious type of business school accreditation
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Step 4
Find the degree program that suits your needs. Your choice in an online university should reflect your career or personal goals and should carry an accreditation that gets you your moneys worth.
Comments
eemie said
on 12/10/2008 Interesting!