As you come across correspondence schools that claim to be accredited, you might not be able to simply take their word for it. In many cases, you'll probably want to do some research to further validate the accreditation of the correspondence school you are considering. Continue reading to learn how you can find an accredited correspondence school.
Finding an Accredited Correspondence School
Schools offering correspondence or distance education can be accredited both regionally and nationally. You can find an accredited correspondence school by searching the websites of official accrediting agencies. State departments of education might also provide lists of accredited correspondence schools.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutAccreditedCorrespondenceSchools">Important Facts About Accredited Correspondence Schools</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Degree Levels</td><td> Certificate, associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctoral</td></tr>
<tr><td>Learning Formats</td><td> Video webcasts, online discussion forums, pre-recorded lectures, streaming seminars</td></tr>
<tr><td>Technical Requirements</td><td> Computer with internet access, up-to-date internet browser, microphone, adequate memory, access to a printer</td></tr>
<tr><td>Examples of Accrediting Agencies</td><td>Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---AccreditingInstitutions">Accrediting Institutions</h3><p>When it comes to correspondence schools, perhaps the most important accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education is the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). You can use the DEAC website (<i>www.deac.org</i>) and click on the heading, 'Accredited Institutions'. Enter the name of a correspondence school, the state where it is located and the subject you wish to study. If you have not yet decided on a specific school, you can simply click on 'Search Institutions' and all institutions accredited by the DEAC will be listed. A more general list of recognized national and regional accrediting agencies can be found on the U.S. Department of Education's website (<i>www.ed.gov</i>).
</p><h3 id="section---DepartmentsOfEducation">Departments of Education</h3><p>You can find accredited correspondence schools on a state-by-state basis by contacting state departments of education via phone, mail or email. All state departments of education also maintain websites where accreditation information might be available. Other state agencies and institutions can also be helpful in finding an accredited correspondence school. For example, some states have commissions or councils on postsecondary education. Others have boards for higher education. You might contact any of these organizations for information regarding correspondence school accreditation in a particular state.</p>
