Is Thomas Edison State University Respected?

Thomas Edison State University is a public university in Trenton, New Jersey. It's focused on adult and non-traditional learners and offers a variety of programs and several course formats.

It may be a public university, but is Thomas Edison State University respected? It is, and we break down why below.

Is Thomas Edison State University Accredited?

Thomas Edison State University is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE).

In the United States, institutions as a whole can be either regionally or nationally accredited. Regional accreditation is the most common and usually preferred over national accreditation.

There are six agencies in the U.S. that are responsible for regional accreditation, and each accredits the schools within the states in its geographic area of the country.

The MSCHE is responsible for the 'middle' states along the East Coast: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C.

Specific programs within an institution can also be programmatically accredited. The agencies that accredit programs at Thomas Edison State University include:

• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
• Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
• Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
• Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
• Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET

What Is Thomas Edison State University Known For?

Thomas Edison State University is known for academic excellence and for providing flexible, high-quality learning opportunities for self-directed adults.

The university was founded in 1971, making it one of the oldest in the country dedicated to working adults. It's named after inventor Thomas Edison, who thrived through self-directed learning.

Students can earn associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees in more than 100 areas of study through five schools:

• Heavin School of Arts and Sciences
• John S. Watson School of Public Service
• School of Applied Science and Technology
• School of Business and Management
• W. Cary Edwards School of Nursing and Health Professions

Thomas Edison State University's flexible learning methods range from online courses and prior learning assessments to credit transfer and credit-bearing exams.

Is Thomas Edison State University a Good Choice?

While what defines a 'good school' varies from person to person, for many, Thomas Edison State University is a good choice because of its multitude of flexible online programs.

The university charges low-cost tuition for both in-state and out-of-state students and allows students to transfer in credits or earn credit for prior learning.

Many students and alumni give the university four or five stars, citing helpful professors and staff and the ability to study while working or tending to family.

Acceptance Rates at Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University has an open admissions policy, meaning it accepts all students who meet its basic admissions requirements.

For undergraduate students, this means possessing a high school diploma, GED or secondary home school diploma that meets the requirements of their state of residency.

Students must also be at least 20 years old, or be 16 years old and meet one of the following qualifications:

• be an active military member
• be participating in a recognized apprenticeship
• have at least six college-level credits
• complete an online orientation course

Graduate students must have a bachelor's degree with a GPA of at least 3.0. Those with a lower GPA may apply and submit a personal statement for consideration.

Individual programs may have other requirements that students need to meet.

Online Programs Offered at Thomas Edison State University

Thomas Edison State University offers online associate, bachelor's, master's degrees, and doctoral degrees, as well as undergraduate and graduate certificate programs.

A general Associate of Arts degree is available, as well as associate degrees in fields like:

• business administration
• computer science and information technology
• criminal justice
• electrical technology
• engineering technology
• human services
• mathematics

Over three dozen bachelor's degrees are available in areas of study such as:

• business administration
• computer science and information technology
• criminal justice
• engineering
• liberal arts
• nursing
• social sciences

Meanwhile, master's degrees are available in fields like:

• business
• education
• cybersecurity and information technology
• homeland security
• nursing

Two doctoral degrees are available through Thomas Edison State University: a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

What Are Online Classes Like at Thomas Edison State University?

There are a few different types of online classes offered at Thomas Edison University, but all are flexible and available to students no matter where they live or work.

Traditional online classes are 12 weeks long and allow students to interact with their classmates and mentors. These provide a detailed schedule that guides students through course assignments, online discussions, and exams.

E-Pack courses are also 12 weeks but do not include interaction with others. These courses are designed around study materials and a series of online quizzes and conclude with a comprehensive exam.

12-week guided study courses are also available. Students complete their assignments independently using texts, study guides, video and audio recordings, CD-ROM, DVD, streaming video, and other materials.

Additionally, the university also offered credit for portfolio assessments, credit by exam options, and self-directed courses for incarcerated students.

Start Your Degree Today

Thomas Edison State University is a respected institution offering a multitude of degree options and course formats. With the guide above, you can determine if this is the right university for you.