| With the proliferation of online education providers, it | | | | Colleges and Schools, the New England Association of |
| pays to be knowledgeable to ensure that you get the | | | | Schools and Colleges and the Western Association of |
| education from the best providers. It is reported that | | | | Schools and Colleges. It should be noted that both |
| there are more than 300 unaccredited universities now | | | | Universal Council for Online Education Accreditation |
| operating. In addition, it is even said that it is normal for | | | | (UCOEA) and Board of Online Universities |
| a large fake school to grant as many as 500 PhDs in | | | | Accreditation (BOUA) are not legitimate accreditation |
| a month. With the presence of many diploma mills | | | | bodies. |
| which will sell degrees to anyone willing to pay, there is | | | | Moreover, you should evaluate the school's teaching |
| thus a greater need to equip oneself with the | | | | faculty by checking what percentage of the teaching |
| knowledge in assessing online education providers. | | | | staff has doctorate degrees or master degrees. You |
| First and foremost, you ought to check whether the | | | | should also check how credits will be granted to you |
| institution is formally accredited. If the institution is | | | | as you do not want an institution that grants credits |
| approved by either the United States Department of | | | | solely based on your experience, which is |
| Education (USDE) or Council for Higher Education | | | | characteristic of diploma mills. |
| Accreditation (CHEA), you can be assured that this | | | | Furthermore, you should also inspect how the course |
| institution has passed strict inspection and the degree | | | | is delivered. You would of course opt for one where |
| programs are of good quality. The following are the | | | | the course is presented in rich multimedia using video, |
| agencies offer the most accepted form of | | | | audio, virtual labs, interactive activities and others |
| accreditation in the nation: The Northwest Association | | | | instead of one that is purely text-based. Student |
| of Accredited Schools, the Southern Association of | | | | support is also of vital importance. The institution should |
| Colleges and Schools, the Middle States Association of | | | | at best provide support through many media such as |
| Colleges and Schools, the North Central Association of | | | | live chat, phone, e-mail or web conferencing. |