What
You Need to Know about Distance Learning Charter Schools
Adult
Education Degree Online.
5 Ways to Stay Motivated.
How to Earn an Online High School Diploma as an Adult
Earn an Online Associate's Degree
Unique Ways to Celebrate Graduation
What You Need to Know About DETC Accreditation
How To Check Any Online
School's Accreditation Status in One Minute or Less
======================================
What You Need to Know About DETC Accreditation
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the Distance Education
Training Council
The Distance Education Training Council (DETC) has been accrediting
correspondence schools since 1955. Today, hundreds of distance learning
colleges and high schools have been granted accreditation from the
DETC. Many graduates from DETC accredited schools have used their
degrees to gain promotions or to continue in their studies. But, others
have been disappointed to find that
|
|
their degrees do not
hold the same weight as diplomas from regionally accredited schools. If
you're considering enrolling in a school with DETC accreditaion, make
sure you get the facts first. Here's what you need to know:
The Good – Approved by the CHEA and USDE
Both
the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the United States
Department of Education recognize the DETC as a legitimate
accrediting
agency. The DETC has proved itself to have high standards and a
thorough review process. You won't find any diploma mills here.
|
The Bad – Trouble Transferring
The biggest problem with DETC accreditation is that regionally
accredited schools don't view it as their equal. While credits from
regionally accredited schools may transfer to other regionally
accredited schools easily, credits from DETC accredited schools are
often looked upon with suspicion. Even some schools with DETC
accreditation view transcripts from regionally accredited schools as
superior.
The Ugly – A Battle with Regionally Accredited
Schools
If you're planning on transferring schools or pursuing additional
study, be aware that each school has its own transfer policy. Some
schools may accept your DETC credits unconditionally. Some may not give
you full credit. Some may reject your transcript completely.
A study
conducted by the DETC showed that, of the students who attempted to
transfer credits to a regionally accredited school, two-thirds were
accepted and one-third were rejected. The DETC blames the rejected
credits in part on anti-competitive business practices in higher
education. Whatever the case, be aware that rejection is very possible.
A Solution – Plan Ahead
If you want to make sure that your transcript from a DETC accredited
school will be accepted when you transfer, make a list of potential
transfer schools. Call each one and ask for a copy of their transfer
policy.
Another good strategy is to check out the
|
|
Higher Education Transfer
Alliance database (
off-site link).
Schools in this alliance have agreed to be open to schools with any
type of accreditation that is approved by the CHEA or USDE –
including the Distance Education Training Council.