Be careful when enrolling for an online degree. Make sure that the university has valid accreditation. If it does not, your degree will not have any value for employment or for further studies. Search for online degrees from accredited universities. Many online institutions tout false accreditation credentials, so be sure to check and double check.

Accreditation for colleges
In this country, universities are generally accredited by regional accreditation agencies. There are also valid national accreditations, but regional accreditation has more value.

Regional and national accreditation
Regional accreditation agencies include Middle State Association of Colleges and Schools, New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, North Central Association of Schools and Colleges etc.

The three main national accreditation agencies are the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges & Schools, and Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

These are valid accreditations, but in some cases, there might be issues when it comes to credit transfer at other universities. Some regionally accredited universities do not consider national accreditation as being on par with regional accreditation. This is because traditionally, the accreditation process has been more rigorous with regional agencies.

Special accreditation needs
Some vocational and professional courses might need approval from special agencies. For instance, law degrees need accreditation from the American Bar Association. Teaching or education degrees might need the approval of the National Council for Teacher Education.

In some cases, accreditation might be needed on the degree or program basis, rather than institutional accreditation. Check the industry requirements for your field before you enroll. If approval is needed for the degree or the course itself, check for accreditation of the course.

Recognition for accrediting agencies
The accreditation agencies must themselves have approval from one of the following two entities – the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Many online programs advertise bogus accreditation from unrecognized agencies or claim international accreditation. Always check on the website of these agencies or at online educational websites that help identify fake degree courses to see if the accreditation is valid. Choose the best online universities accredited by recognized accreditation agencies.

Getting online degrees from accredited universities is becoming increasingly popular as a path to higher education, especially with people who have other commitments. Accredited distance education programs are also receiving wider recognition from employers.

However, the piece of paper stating that you have earned a Bachelor or Masters Degree loses all its value if the program or the institution offering it does not have proper accreditation. Your money and time would have been wasted. Always take the time to check the credentials of the college and/or the program before you enroll in a distance education course.