Too many people have gone through all of the study and all of the work in distance learning programs only to find out that their degree or certificate is not accredited and therefore not accepted by prospective employers. Don't make that mistake. Take the time during your research into the many distance learning programs that are available to find out if the paper you receive at the end of your program will be worth all of the time and effort that you put into it. Look for the accreditation seal of approval before you sign up.
Accreditation is the process whereby a university, college or school is reviewed to see if its programs and policies meet certain criteria and standards set by an outside, or accreditation agency. If an institution is reviewed and found to meet the criteria and standards then it is granted accreditation. To you it means that the college or university is up to date according to the standards and more importantly it is a signal to your prospective employer that you have attended a solid, well-run program.
The real purpose of accreditation is to protect everybody in both the academic and working world. It ensures nationally acceptable standards of education for students and it enhances and protects the reputation of academic institutions. It also protects employers and companies that the product of this program will have the required technical skills and knowledge to perform at a certain level, and to compensate then fairly for their efforts.
All authentic accreditations must be approved by an agency operating under the authority and approved by the National Education Association. This applies to regular education programs as well as distance learning ones and if the accreditation does not have their seal of approval it may be worth the paper, or scroll it is written on.
If you elect to take your distance learning program from an academic or technical institution that is not accredited and approved by the National Education Association, then the impact could be severe. You may find that a lot of businesses will simply not accept your credentials or that they want to pay you a lot less than others with a degree or certificate that is duly accredited.
If you are going to do the work, make sure you will get the credit. Make sure that your online degree will be a ticket to a better future and not a one-way pass to nowhere. Get educated and get accredited.
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