What is Accreditation?

Accreditation in higher education is not a new concept. In fact, accreditation has been around for more than 100 years in certain regions of the world. Accreditation is a voluntary, non-governmental process that includes an external review of a school’s ability to provide quality programs. It is helpful in many aspects, from ensuring that students are learning relevant material to allowing a school access to funding. Accreditation reviews include self-evaluations, peer-reviews, committee-reviews, and the development of in-depth strategic plans. They also include reviews of a school’s mission, faculty qualifications, and curricula.

Types of Accreditation

Institutional Accreditation

There are two general types of accreditation a university can receive. The first is “institutional” accreditation or an overall review of the entire university. Institutional accreditation is typically done by a country’s national or regional accrediting bodies (such as the six regional accrediting bodies in the United States). These national agencies perform a review of the entire university, from its operating budgets to its student services. Depending on where the university is located, it must be approved by one of these agencies in order to grant degrees and be considered legitimate in the country in which it operates. In most cases, institutional accreditation must be maintained, meaning a school is reviewed every few years.

Specialized Accreditation

Once institutional accreditation is earned, most universities take accreditation a step further and seek “specialized” or “professional” accreditations for each of their disciplines. These specialized reviews are done by non-governmental, private agencies that are knowledgeable about a particular field of study. For example, a College of Medicine can apply for specialized accreditations that specifically review its medical programs. Specialized accreditation communicates to other schools, potential employers, and the general public that the university’s degree programs in a particular field have passed a rigorous review and that students are learning all they need to know about that area of study. Specialized accreditation also must be maintained every few years.

Specialized accreditation is important. It can affect the ability of students/graduates to find employment, transfer classes between universities, and pursue additional degrees at other institutions. However, not all specialized accreditations are alike. Some specialized accreditations are recognized only within their home countries and others are recognized worldwide. There are specialized accreditations that only evaluate community/vocational colleges and two-year programs and those that include undergraduate, master's, and doctorate degree programs. And, there are even accreditations that come from organizations that are not reliable.

Determining Which Accreditations Matter

Today, a lot of universities claim to be “accredited.” But, the question is by whom? Since not all accrediting bodies are recognized, it is important to always learn more about the accreditation a school holds. The best place to start investigating an accrediting body is through the government or educational ministry where the school is located. But, be careful. In some regions of the world, a school may not be recognized outside of that country. Therefore, if you wish to study in one country, but plan to begin your career or continue your education in another, be sure to determine if the accrediting body is recognized internationally.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), a U.S.-based advocate and institutional voice for self-regulation of academic quality through accreditation, maintains an international directory of accrediting bodies.

Learn More About AACSB Accreditation