Online programs offered through brick-and-mortar institutions will be evaluated based on the same set of criteria used to assess classroom-based courses. For example, if a university is accredited regionally for a class on campus, an online offer will bring the same type of accreditation. This is especially useful for students who wish to transfer credits earned online to other universities.
This also applies to institutions accepting national accreditation, although often online courses in these schools will seek further accreditation through the Remote Accreditation Commission (DEAC) to add an additional level of legitimacy. DEAC was first recognized by the Ministry of Education as a leading accreditation commission in 1959. The College Accreditation Board also recognized it in 1996. Schools approved by DEAC must meet the same standards required by regional accreditation. The online college evaluation is divided into 12 topics, including missions and goals; objectives of education programs, curriculum and materials; educational services; student support services; student achievement and satisfaction; administrative qualifications and faculty; reception; advertising and recruitment; financial responsibility; education policy; facilities and equipment; and self-research and development.
In order for a school to even be considered for accreditation by DEAC, there are several requirements that must be met first. These include:
Eligibility Requirements for Accredited Online Colleges
1) Required to operate as an "educational institution or organization whose primary objective is to provide education or training" that meets five classifications around enrollment, qualified faculty, curriculum and educational support materials, appropriate student evaluations, and the number of studies completed online.
2) Must be properly "licensed, authorized, excluded or approved" by the appropriate institutional authorities for the country and compliant with all local, state, and federal requirements.
3) When applying, you should offer a minimum of two years.
4) It should be able to document that the institution is financially sound and capable of fulfilling its financial responsibilities.
5) Must show that those involved with the institutions - owners, board members, administrators, and others - behave ethically, free from any error.
6) Agree on the possibility of owners, officers, and managers undergoing background checks.
7) Can not take any pending or final action imposed by a state institution or accreditation to "suspend, revoke, withdraw or discontinue the legal authority of the agency to operate or refuse accreditation or re-accreditation".
Online Accreditation Step
Schools and online programs may apply for accreditation by DEAC. The steps involved in this process include:
1) The institution must first select the internal point person to take the DEAC Compliance Officer course and handle the application process on its behalf. After that, the school can begin writing self-evaluation reports (SERs), which involve the collection and analysis of data relating to various aspects of the institution, such as strengths and challenges, practices and procedures, objectives and outcomes, and overall effectiveness. This process involves requesting information from multiple stakeholders and key staff members to obtain a holistic self-analysis.
2) The agency must then file the application, along with fees, to DEAC. It started the formal accreditation process. The agency must also submit the name of the first 100 students enrolled 18 months prior to the application. DEAC will then post the name of the institution applying for accreditation on its website and in the publication, and ask colleagues to comment on the institution and its suitability to receive accreditation.
3) Early applicants underwent a readiness assessment by selected DEAC evaluators. This involves a full review of the SER and a written report that assesses the institutional readiness to go further into the accreditation process.
4) If the institution is considered to be ready, the next step is to submit a selection of course material for review by the subject matter expert. On-site checks are then scheduled and usually last one or two days, depending on the size of the institution. Students are also given surveys so far with questions relating to their views and experiences at the institution, including their level of satisfaction. DEAC will also survey a number of outside organizations that interact with the institution, including the Better Business Bureaus, Chambers of Commerce, consumer protection agencies, and federal and state agencies to learn more about the institution's reputation.
5) It receives subject specialist and survey reports prior to preparing for a question and answer session with a visiting committee. This group usually consists of evaluators and can also include educators, senior management, and business, technical, and service members. Staff members from state and federal agencies were also invited to observe the process. The examiner will seek verification of all self-analysis provided in the SER during their visit through observation, interview, examination of data and records and examination of files. Examiners will then write a report on their findings, usually accepted by the Examination Seat 4-6 weeks after on-site evaluation.
6) After reviewing the comment, the Chair will prepare a cohesive report for DEAC; the commission will then send a report to the institution and request a comment. This gives the institution an opportunity to respond to every question and report any movement forward to request corrective action.
7) After receiving comments from the institution, DEAC will make a decision based on all the research and findings presented. This decision will be granted to the institution within 30 days and DEAC will notify the accreditation commissions, other state and federal agencies, and the general public about the status of the institution's accreditation.
The Future of Accreditation And Affordability
In 2013, President Obama proposed that higher education institutions be more responsible for cost, value, and quality during his State Speech. To do so, Obama called for reform of the accreditation process, especially the addition of value and affordability measures to cope with the rise in college fees. In 2014, student loan debt exceeded $ 1 trillion, signaling a change is necessary.
The legislation governing these acts is held in the Higher Education Act, which is currently made for reauthorization by Congress. The Higher Education Affordability Act emphasizes four goals: improving college affordability, helping struggling borrowers, demanding accountability of schools to students and taxpayers, and better transparency to help families make more informed decisions.
Red Flag Accreditation: What to Avoid
Students who research potential institutions and programs should familiarize themselves with common red flags around accreditation, especially for online education. Some significant red flags include:
1) Does the online school also have a campus presence?
2) Although there are many reputable online-only schools, questionable institutions are out there.
3) Students should examine whether these schools have actual offices and correct documentation, especially smaller colleges.
4) How long does it take to get a degree?
5) Schools that promise a shortened time frame may be at the forefront and, therefore, may not be accountable to the appropriate governmental or accrediting body.
6) In general, if it seems good to be true, it probably is.
7) Does the commission accredit schools enrolled in agency registration approved by the Ministry of Education?
8) The so-called diploma factory provides online education as a bad reputation, as many will list fake accreditation bodies.
9) But not all online colleges are dishonest-make sure the university you're interested in holds the right and most recent accreditation of an organization recognized by DOE.
10) Does the school make it easy to get for student assistance?
11) It is important that the level of communication is perfectly maintained while doing online learning.
12) If the school is difficult to connect, it can signal a lack of or proper organizational control.
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