Accreditation is the recognition that an institution maintains standards requisite for its graduates to gain admission to other reputable institutions of higher learning or to achieve credentials for professional practice. The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality.
Recognition of Accrediting Agencies
Institutions must have recognized accreditation in order to offer degrees and courses leading to degrees to Texas residents.
THECB Recognized Accreditors
THECB-recognized accreditation is required if an institution is offering degrees or courses leading to degrees in Texas.
US Department of Education-Recognized Accreditors
The US Department of Education (DOE) recognizes accreditors that the Secretary of Education determines to be reliable authorities as to the quality of education or training provided by institutions of higher education. The DOE publishes a list of nationally recognized accreditors. The DOE does not accredit individual educational institutions and/or programs and is not directly involved in the institutional or programmatic accrediting process.
The DOE recognizes only accreditors that apply for recognition; many do not. Along with its recognition decision, the DOE designates the scope of accrediting activities to which its recognition pertains.
Out-of-state institutions offering distance education to Texas residents must have accreditation from a US Department of Education-recognized accreditor.
Contact
Accreditor Recognition
Inquiries regarding accreditor recognition should be directed to Cathie Maeyaert.