Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

The most important item to consider when determining a school's credibility is to make sure that the school is accredited by appropriate organizations. Degrees from unaccredited schools do not have the same status that degrees from accredited schools do, something that many students discover too late.

The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), a division of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS), provides accreditation to universities and colleges in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S., as well as in a few other select locations. States that the MSCHE serves include Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland; it also serves Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The MSCHE, and other accrediting organizations, serve multiple purposes: to foster educational progress, to act as gatekeepers to maintain educational standards, and to provide a consistent yardstick by which to gauge an institution's effectiveness. The MSCHE evaluates schools as a whole, not merely programs within a school.

"The Middle States Commission on Higher Education is a voluntary, non-governmental, membership association that defines, maintains, and promotes educational excellence across institutions with diverse missions, student populations, and resources."

The MSCHE enforces strict standards when it comes to accrediting degree-granting institutions, thereby reinforcing public trust in its evaluations. The organization is a voluntary membership association; colleges and universities are assessed through peer-to-peer reviews based on a dedication to continuous improvement.

The MSCHE defines educational excellence within the context of each member institution's mission; these vary depending on the types of degrees granted as well as other factors. The primary focus is on student learning and effective teaching, as well as each institution's responsiveness to evolving global and societal needs. The MSCHE is committed to maintaining a transparent accreditation process, wherein each member institution's status is clearly defined.

Through the accreditation process, colleges and universities are able to regulate and improve upon their offerings, as well as benefit from interactions with peer institutions. Students who make sure their school of choice is accredited will benefit from this drive to improve educational effectiveness.

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation.

Article References

Middle States Commission on Higher Education
http://www.msche.org/