| While it is understandable for anyone who is just | | | | Database of Accredited Institutions and Programs. |
| beginning to look into an online degree to wonder | | | | Ensuring that an online degree program can be |
| which online programs are legitimate and which ones | | | | somewhat more difficult when you are checking up on |
| are scams, the truth of the matter is that the vast | | | | a trade school or any other institution that specializes in |
| majority of the degrees that are offered over the | | | | topics that outside of the formal university system. |
| internet these days are considered just as valid as any | | | | Thankfully, nearly all professional trades have formal |
| other degree. That having been said, there are a few | | | | organizations that provide their own accreditation to |
| easy things that every person can do to ensure that | | | | schools that meet their educational requirements. |
| the academic institution that they are considering is | | | | Again, do not simply take a schools word for it when |
| legitimate. In some cases this is simply a matter of | | | | they claim that they are accredited with a particular |
| common sense, while in other cases a potential | | | | organization. In some cases, you may need to contact |
| student will need to know how to read between the | | | | the professional trade organization on your own to |
| lines. Here is what you need to know in order to | | | | double check that a school is indeed accredited for |
| ensure that a degree program that is offered over the | | | | your particular field. |
| internet is legitimate. | | | | When you are in doubt of whether or not a school is |
| The easiest way to find out whether an online degree | | | | legitimate, you can also take a quick look at the online |
| program is legitimate is by simply checking to make | | | | lists of known diploma mills to see if the school that |
| sure that the academic institution offering the degree | | | | you were looking at is on that list. Diploma mills are |
| program is actually accredited. This is particularly easy | | | | companies that specialize in providing students with a |
| when you are looking at colleges and universities that | | | | supposed degree or certificate without requiring that a |
| are offering bachelors and masters degrees. If the | | | | student complete any real training. A number of |
| school that you are considering is not well known, | | | | government and private organizations provide lists |
| simply check online to see whether the institution is | | | | online of all known diploma mills so that students and |
| accredited. Do not take the school's representatives or | | | | employers know which supposed academic institutions |
| documentation as evidence. Instead, visit website for | | | | are fraudulent. |
| the United Stated Department of Education's | | | | |