Important Facts About Accredited Correspondence Schools
| Degree Levels | Certificate, associate's, bachelor's, master's, doctoral |
| Learning Formats | Video webcasts, online discussion forums, pre-recorded lectures, streaming seminars |
| Technical Requirements | Computer with internet access, up-to-date internet browser, microphone, adequate memory, access to a printer |
| Examples of Accrediting Agencies | Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools |
Accrediting Institutions
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 (www.deac.org) 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 (www.ed.gov).
Departments of Education
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.
