What Is Accreditation, and Why Does it Matter?

Admissions, College Advice, Student Life

aerial view of campus buildings with an American flag at a Christian college in Dallas, Texas

If you're interested in pursuing a degree at a Christian university, you've likely heard that it's essential to attend an accredited institution.

So, what is accreditation, and why does it matter?

According to the U.S. Department of Education, "The goal of accreditation is to ensure that institutions of higher education meet acceptable levels of quality."

Let's further clarify the accreditation process, types of accreditations, and why it's important for prospective college students. We'll also dive into Dallas Baptist University's accreditations and why DBU is among the best Christian universities in the country.

What Is Accreditation?

Accreditation helps ensure that a student's investment in their higher learning education goes towards an institution that meets specific standards and provides a quality education.

In the accreditation process, independent accrediting agencies (private, non-governmental organizations) develop evaluation criteria and then conduct peer reviews to determine if a higher learning institution meets those criteria.

The Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education recognize accrediting agencies, which assess a school, department, or program.

Earning CHEA Recognition means an accrediting organization meets CHEA's "rigorous standards specific to academic integrity, student success, and accountability to the public."

The U.S. Department of Education regulates how schools receive and use federal aid funds and ensures equal access to education.

At the state level, each state authorizes a school to operate within it and ensures it complies with consumer protection laws.

What Happens During an Accreditation Review?

To earn accreditation, institutions and programs must undergo multiple stages of review, documentation, and analysis with an accrediting agency.

After passing basic eligibility requirements, the school or program prepares a self-study document that provides a detailed explanation of how it meets or exceeds the accreditor's standards.

Next, an accrediting review team visits the campus to review the document and ask staff, administrators, faculty, and students any questions they have. Different accrediting agencies may have different accreditation criteria and standards.

Questions an accrediting body may consider include:

Do faculty members hold appropriate credentials?
Are the school's recruitment and admission practices fair and transparent?
Does the institution prepare graduates to work in their chosen field?
What is the job placement rate post-graduation?
Does the institution have the financial and administrative means to fulfill commitments to students?

At the end of the process, the accrediting agency will decide whether to grant accreditation to an institution or program.

Institutional vs. Programmatic Accreditation

There are two types of accreditation: institutional and programmatic. When considering what school to attend, students should choose one with institutional accreditation. This is because institutional accreditation applies to an entire college or university, including all its departments and on-campus and online programs.

Programmatic accreditation applies to a particular degree program or department. For example, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) is CHEA-recognized and accredits business, accounting, and business-related programs at associate, baccalaureate, master, and doctorate levels worldwide.

A school might hold institutional and multiple programmatic accreditations.

Why Does Accreditation Matter?

DBU fully understands that following a Christ-focused educational path to earn a college degree is one of the most significant decisions and personal, spiritual, and financial investments you will make.

As Scripture encourages, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7 ESV)

As you prayerfully seek God's direction for which school to attend, remember that an earned accreditation ensures that a college or university you are considering has gone through an extensive and rigorous quality assurance review process, during which many standards and criteria are met.

What Accreditations Does DBU Hold?

In our mission to provide a Christ-centered quality higher education and produce servant leaders who can integrate faith and learning through their respective callings, DBU understands the importance of accreditation and the reassurance it gives current and prospective students.

DBU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees. Dallas Baptist University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels.

The Carter School of Business at Dallas Baptist University is nationally accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) to offer the following business degrees:

The Department of Music is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).

Visit the DBU Accreditation web page for more information and additional accreditations. If you have any questions, contact DBU. Our dedicated faculty and staff are ready and happy to help.