How to check if an online graduate degree is recognised 

Many people who just cannot find the time to attend full-time classes at a conventional university are turning more and more towards online graduate degree programs in order to further their education. Online graduate degree programs are becoming increasingly common as educators acknowledge the importance and need for more flexible university and college-level programs.

According to estimates by the Distance Education and Training Council states that there approximately four million students doing various courses through online schools. To cope with the demand almost all learning institutions offer distance learning in some form or the other.

Working towards earning an online graduate degree allows students to get a higher education while they continue with their already established daily routine between career and family. Online graduate degree programs are cheaper and offer different degrees of flexibility, which is a real boon to individuals with hectic schedules.

If you just looked up on the Internet you'd find numerous online schools and colleges offering you an endless combination of courses and degrees to choose from. It could be a bit intimidating at first. How do you know which online graduate degree is recognised and which is not? The key here is to find a renowned school or college that offers online accredited degrees.

Accreditation is critical.

Accreditation guarantees a minimum level of quality in the education that is imparted by an institution. It also ensures that potential employers as well as other educational institutions will recognise your online graduate degree for the true achievement that it is. If you obtain an online graduate degree that is not accredited you run the risk of it not being recognised by many potential employers and certain states as well.

Accrediting Organizations

Accreditation organizations in the United States are private and not affiliated with any governmental authority, though they are used by the government to maintain the educational standards in universities and colleges. Accreditation organizations review conventional as well as online universities, colleges and other higher education institutions for their standard of quality and efforts towards improvement. In countries other than the United States accreditation is done by the government itself.

The following accrediting organizations are recognised by the US authorities and accredit entire institutions of higher education. Before signing up for any online graduate degree program you should ensure that the online institution is accredited by any one of these recognised accrediting organizations.

• Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges (MSA), Commission on Higher EducationNew England Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Institutions of Higher Education (NEASC-CIHE)North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, The Higher Learning Commission (NCA-HLC)Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS), Commission on CollegesWestern Association of Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (WASC-ACCJC)

Accrediting recognition status is likely to change anytime so it is always advisable to check with either the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or United States Department of Education (USDE) for the current ongoing recognition status of any of the accreditation organizations.