Masters degree program colleges and universities accredited by one of six accreditation agencies recognized by the US Department of Education.

The U.S. Department of Education does not accredit educational institutions and/or programs. However, the Secretary of Education is required by law to publish a list of nationally recognized accrediting agencies that the Secretary determines to be reliable authorities as to the quality of education or training provided by the institutions of higher education and the higher education programs they accredit.

The United States Department of Education, recognizes six organizations as accrediting agencies:

• MSA - Middle States Commission on Higher Education
• NASC - Northwest Association of Schools and of Colleges and Universities
• NCA - Higher Learning Commission of North Central Region
• NEASC - New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• SACS - Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• WASC - Western Association of Schools and Colleges

These six agencies cover the major geographic regions within the United States. The national Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) is an agency that accredits distance education programs and institutions. Each agency has its own set of evaluation criteria for accrediting a program or institution.

Selecting an Accredited Online Institution

Accredited online education is sought after by students today wanting a quality education. Universities and institutions that are recognized to have meet all requirements and are accredited by one of the six online education accrediting organizations are in high demand. We encourage students to ask about the accrediation of the online university they are interested in. If a school is unable to answer your questions about accreditation, then it maybe a sign to seek your online education else where. Remember, it is your education, and you are paying for it, so you are entitled to this information.

Why is Accredited Online Education Important?

There is a need for more education to get the jobs most desired in today's job market. Obtaining an accredited degree or continuing your education at an accredited school maybe one of the factors that could land you the job of your dreams. Universities that seek out the proper accreditation in their region, have taken it upon themselves to secure a standard of quality. When checking about accreditation for American institutions, refer back to the to this page to make sure its one of the six approved by the US Dept. of Education.