Some Things To Consider When Researching An Accredited School

by Ray Grant

My son is making plans for his post secondary education. As we started doing research into the different programs and schools that are available we found that many offer accredited school programs but some do not. I found it very interesting that a school can be accredited for some of the programming that they offer but that does not mean that all of the programs are.

I wanted to learn more about why it is important to attend an accredited school, and if this has any impact on getting employment once you have completed your education. I spoke to the human resource person in the company that I work for and was told that if two candidates for a job have equal qualifications and experience the candidate that graduated from an accredited school will have the advantage over the candidate that has their education from a school without the accreditation. This is because an accredited school must meet standards that are set forth by the accrediting agency. This means that the education is much more specialized in that particular area. The accrediting agency insures that the school is concentrating on providing the excellence in education that each particular field needs. An accredited school is certainly the best choice to consider.

This was an obstacle for my son because he was considering going to a school because his best friend was going there, yet the program he was interested in was not accredited. Often time’s students seek out particular learning institutions for the wrong reasons. I know our neighbor’s son is going to the local university for the convenience of being closer to home so he will be able to commute. This seems to make sense and certainly saves money, but if it limits his chances of gaining employment because it is not an accredited school he will have wasted money. Another one of my son’s friends is going to the same school as his brother. Again this type of arrangement makes sense on the surface in regards to saving money. The school is accredited for the program that he is enrolled in and has a wonderful reputation for this particular area, but his interest area is not accredited and so he will be receiving a very general education.

It is important to research each of the programs that a school has to offer. You cannot make the assumption that because a school is accredited in one program area that all of the programs are accredited. Many of the larger schools may offer multiple areas of study and have accreditation in several specialty areas, but do not assume that this means all of the areas of study are accredited. Each school is separated into separate departments which are based on specific study areas. It is important to check with the specific department and ask about the accreditation status. This will assure that the degree that is received is considered from an accredited school.

Accredited schools are not limited to universities. Trade schools, technical colleges and community colleges also offer accredited school programs at their campuses.

Having fun, being with friends, being close to home, and going to an alma mater are all reasons to choose a particular school or location. But to maximize the potential for job placement after graduation going with the accredited school is the best choice.