Accreditation is a crucial factor in determining the legitimacy and quality of distance learning universities. Here is a list of recognized accreditation agencies for distance learning institutions, primarily focusing on the United States, but also including some international bodies:
United States
1. Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
– Specializes in accrediting distance education institutions.
2. Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
– Accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region, including online programs.
3. Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
– Accredits institutions in the Middle States region, including those offering online programs.
4. New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
– Accredits institutions in the New England region, including online programs.
5. Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
– Accredits institutions in the Northwest region, including online programs.
6. Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
– Accredits institutions in the Southern region, including online programs.
7. Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
– Accredits institutions in the Western region, including online programs.
8. Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC)
– Part of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges, accredits community and junior colleges, including online programs.
International
1. Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) – UK
– Ensures standards and quality in UK higher education, including distance learning.
2. Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC) – UK
– Accredits open and distance learning providers in the UK.
3. European Association for Distance Learning (EADL)
– Promotes quality in distance learning across Europe.
4. International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).
– Accredits business programs globally, including online programs.
5. Accreditation Service for International Schools, Colleges and Universities (ASIC) – UK
– Provides accreditation for international institutions, including those offering distance learning.
6. Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA)
– Regulates and accredits vocational education and training providers in Australia, including online courses.
7. Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) – Australia
– Regulates and assures the quality of higher education in Australia, including online programs.
8. Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) – International
– Recognizes accrediting agencies worldwide, including those that accredit distance learning institutions.
Regional and Specialized Accrediting Bodies
1. Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS)
– Accredits private post-secondary institutions, including online programs.
2. Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
– Accredits engineering and technology programs, including online offerings.
3. Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
– Accredits nursing programs, including online programs.
4. Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
– Accredits business schools and programs, including online MBA programs.
5. International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary and Higher Education (QAHE).
– Accredits distance learning universities globally.
Important Notes
– Always verify the accreditation status of an institution through the accrediting agency’s official website or the U.S. Department of Education’s database.
– Be cautious of “diploma mills” that offer fake accreditation or are not accredited by recognized agencies.
Accreditation ensures that the education provided meets certain standards of quality and that the degrees awarded are recognized by employers and other institutions.