Online education has offered numerous students all around the world a chance to earn their degrees and complete their educational goals in an easy, convenient, and flexible way. Online educational programs give its students the freedom to study whenever, wherever they want. You can study at home, or at office, at a time and pace that suits you. When you pursue and online degree, you do not have to change your current lifestyle or leave your present job and give up on family responsibilities.

Online education is meant for everyone. There is always an option available for you, whether you want to start a new career path or advance your chosen career. It is particularly beneficial for students who are looking for a career in business, computer technology, health-care assisting, creative arts, counseling, legal and medical fields. Through an online education program you can earn certificates, diplomas and online associates, bachelors, masters, and even doctoral degrees.

Advantages of Online Learning

• Study whenever to and from wherever you feel most comfortable.
• Flexible study hours, allowing you the freedom to fit education in your already busy lifestyle.
• Fewer distractions from other students.
• You can take specialized courses in the topics which interest you.
• No commuting required; hence, no costs of travel to a college or university.
• You can study while keeping your job, studying can be fitted in at break and dinner times.
• Finish courses and earn your online degree faster than you would in a traditional school.

Although there are so many advantages of pursuing online education, there is one question which is always raised: Are Online Colleges and Universities trustworthy or not? The most important thing to do here is research all the potential virtual schools being considered thoroughly to determine if they’re reputable and accredited.

Purpose of Accreditation

• To ensure quality education programs through the use of standards and rigorous evaluation criteria.
• To stimulate institutions toward higher levels of quality and efficiency.
• To provide a system for public trust and accountability.

What is Accreditation?

The basic process through which institutions of higher education are assessed against particular standards to guarantee that high-quality education is being provided by it is known as accreditation. This process is accomplished by the faculty of accrediting agencies. The standards of evaluation generally include an assessment of the institution’s aim, goals and objectives, resources and resource allocation, student admission requirements, student support services and the quality of the faculty and educational offerings.

In the United States accreditation to institutes of higher education is not only awarded by the government as regional and national accrediting agencies award accreditation to online colleges and universities as well.

Types of Accreditation

• Institutional Accreditation

Institutional accreditation is awarded when a college or university meets the prescribed standards of the accrediting agency. School’s academics, administration, and related services are reviewed and certified.

• Specialized, Professional, or Programmatic Accreditation

Some departments, programs, or schools within a college or university seek specialized accreditation, which focuses on a narrower set of standards particular to that field of study, such as engineering, law, teaching, and nursing.

Why Is Accreditation Important?

The accreditation of an online college or university tells you about the worth of the degree or course that you are planning to take. An online degree acquired from an unaccredited institution may not be recognized by some employers or you may not be able to transfer course credits to other institutions.

It should be stated clearly in the documentation that the institution is “accredited”. Furthermore, it should list the name(s) of accrediting agency or agencies. Some unaccredited schools use phrases, such as “pursuing accreditation”, “chartered”, “licensed or registered”, “recognized”, “authorized” or “approved” that give the false impression of being accredited when its not.

It is also very important to review the accrediting agency and find out if it’s reputable or not.

How Can You Make Sure That the Accrediting Agency is Reputable?

To check if the Accrediting Agency is trustworthy or not, you should check if it is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. You may also check the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), which is a nongovernmental coordinating agency that recognizes accrediting agencies in the United States and helps to coordinate policy and research on accreditation issues.

Online colleges and universities are trustworthy and their degrees are valuable as long as they are accredited. If the online institution you have chosen is not accredited, then it is not reliable at all. So when deciding which online school you wish to acquire your online degree from, make sure you check its accreditation; remember, the institution is trustworthy as long as it is accredited.