Accreditations and Associations
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a system or process used by educational institutions to improve their performance and increase public confidence in them.
The goals of accreditation processes are similar world-wide:
- To ensure the quality of educational programs through the use of rigorous standards and evaluation criteria.
- To encourage institutions to achieve higher levels of quality and efficiency.
- To encourage institutions to achieve higher levels of quality and efficiency.
AN INSTITUTION’S ACCREDITATION STATUS SAYS A GREAT DEAL ABOUT ITS REPUTATION AND THE GENERAL QUALITY OF ITS ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
The associations or governing bodies that grant accreditation are responsible for establishing criteria, visiting and evaluating institutions, and awarding accreditation to the programs and institutions that meet their criteria.
Furthermore, accreditation processes allow institutions to provide their graduates with better access to institutions of higher learning around the world. This is an increasingly important aspect of education given the complexity and competitiveness of the global world in which we live.
Accreditation by official institutions is indicative of a school’s integrity and commitment to its students.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACCREDITATION
Accreditation may be the best piece of information that we can use to evaluate a school. A successful accreditation process involves reviewing the school’s academics, recruitment practices, admissions and faculty, as well as other aspects. It shows that the institution provides quality education and strives to improve its overall effectiveness and student performance.
When you see that an institution is accredited by a recognized body, you can be sure of its integrity and commitment to its students.
TYPES OF ACCREDITATION
Two types of accreditation are used around the world: institutional accreditation and specialized, professional or programmatic accreditation.
INSTITUTIONAL ACCREDITATION
Institutional accreditation is awarded when a college or university meets the accrediting agency’s standards. During the accreditation process, the effectiveness of the entire school operation -including academics, administration and related services- is reviewed and certified. This type of accreditation ensures a high degree of quality for the public and is recognized throughout the field of education
SPECIALIZED, PROFESSIONAL OR PROGRAMMATIC ACCREDITATION
Departments, programs or schools within a college or university often seek specialized accreditation. This process focuses on a narrower set of standards that are specific to a field of study such as engineering, law, pedagogy and nursing. Professional licensing boards may require a student to attend programs that hold special accreditation, so it is important for the prospective student to know what is required to be a licensed practitioner in their field.
