| In general terms, accreditation is the means by | | | | To avoid this conflict, be sure to check whether |
| which a school is officially recognized as a provider | | | | or not an online school is accredited by one of the |
| of a satisfactory education that public institutions | | | | six major regional accrediting agencies. These |
| (i.e. employers) can trust. It is a voluntary process | | | | include the New England Association of Schools |
| that requires the school to meet minimum | | | | and Colleges (NEASC), North Central Association |
| requirements that are established by various | | | | of Schools and Colleges (NCA), Middle States |
| regional accrediting agencies. | | | | Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA), |
| The lack of one official accrediting agency creates | | | | Southern Association of Schools and Colleges |
| an opportunity for sub par online schools that are | | | | (SACS), Western Association of Schools and |
| trying to obtain students through any means | | | | Colleges (WASC), and the Northwest Association |
| possible. In other words, just about any | | | | of Schools and Colleges (NWCCU). |
| organization can say that they are an accrediting | | | | If your online school is accredited by one of the |
| agency, so potential online school enrollers should | | | | above agencies, your degree will be seen as |
| do their research before signing up for classes at | | | | legitimate by most employers. However, if your |
| a particular online school. | | | | online school is not accredited by one of the |
| Sadly, a number of online schools create false | | | | above agencies but by a false accrediting agency, |
| accrediting agencies in order to make candidates | | | | your degree may not be acceptable to most |
| think that they are trustworthy and established. | | | | employers. |