What Does Accreditation Mean to Students? To Parents?

If someone asked you if the institution you are taking a course from is accredited, what would you say? What does accreditation mean to you as a student?

Parents: Why should you consider an accredited sport management program for your child?

According to the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), accreditation is a means to ensure and improve higher education quality. Accreditation is a process that gives public recognition to institutions that meet certain standards. It is a promise that an institution will provide the quality of education it claims to offer. Accreditation assures the student that the institution operates on a sound financial basis, has an approved program of study, qualified instructors, adequate facilities and equipment, and approved recruitment and admissions policies.

​Questions to ask when visiting a sport management program:
1) Is the course, program or institution accredited?
2) What are the standards of quality? Is there an available summary of the most recent review?
3) If the course, program or institution is not accredited, is it certified for quality by another organization?
4) What external quality review is performed by this other organization and what are the standards? Is there a summary of the most recent review?
​5) How can the organization that accredits or provides other types of external quality reviews be contacted?
What questions do accreditors think you should ask to know if the school or program is right for you?
How do I determine my fit with the institution or program?
How can I tell if the institution or program is any good?
How do I know whether the institution or program will deliver what it promises?
How do I know whether I have the prerequisites/preparation/background required for a career field?
What about transfer of credit coming into a program – can I bring my prior coursework or credits with me from other schools?
Will my credits transfer, both in-state and out-of-state?
What is the likelihood that I will finish?
What if I want to go to graduate school?
Will I need more schooling after I finish this credential or degree to keep the job I want?

Academic programs, especially graduate programs, require that applicants demonstrate sufficient academic background to warrant admission, and therefore tend to prefer students who graduated from accredited programs over other students.