How to Choose Recognized Online College Programs in the U.S.

Guidelines for Selecting Recognized Online College Programs in the United States

Guidelines for Selecting Recognized Online College Programs in the United States

As your high school journey concludes and college plans begin, many students prefer the flexibility of online education. Online degrees have gained immense popularity, but the rise in fraudulent institutions makes it crucial to choose accredited programs. Enrolling in a recognized online degree ensures your time and money are well invested.

What defines an accredited online degree?

Many students fall for alluring ads from non-accredited colleges that offer worthless degrees. To avoid this, confirm that the degree is approved by the U.S. Department of Education or by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Only these agencies can legitimize online college programs. Additionally, verify the accreditation agency’s authenticity, as numerous fake accrediting bodies exist today.

Understanding state approval and regional accreditation

While some students confuse state approval with regional accreditation, they are distinct. State approval allows a college to operate within a specific state but doesn't guarantee recognition elsewhere. For your degree to be widely accepted, seek programs accredited by recognized regional bodies such as:

WASC — Western Association of Schools & Colleges

NEASC — New England Association of Schools & Colleges

NCA — North Central Association of Colleges & Schools

NASC — Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities

MSA — Middle States Association of Colleges & Schools

SACS — Southern Association of Colleges & Schools

These regional agencies hold equal importance, and students can select any based on preference. Other nationally recognized agencies include:

DETC — Distance Education & Training Council

ACICS — Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools

ACCSC — Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges

Popular accredited online degrees

Whether preparing for traditional college or seeking online education, understanding top recognized degrees is vital. For undergraduate studies, common fields include Marketing, Healthcare Administration, Management, Computer Science, Business Administration, and Accounting. Other options include arts, design, criminal justice, and information technology.

For advanced studies, online MBA programs are widely available, open to both U.S. and international students, with specializations like International Business, Marketing, Human Resources, Finance, and Executive Management.

Online engineering options include Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Biomedical Engineering, and Engineering Management, providing a pathway to lucrative careers.

In information technology, degrees like Software Engineering, Cybersecurity, Data Science, and Computer Information Systems are popular choices, preparing students for tech-driven roles.

Recognized online degrees facilitate career advancement and offer flexible study options for professionals balancing work and education.