Accredited Online Masters of Legal Studies (MLS) Programs

What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a voluntary, rigorous process schools go through to prove the quality of the content of their education programs. Schools must attain a specified standard of educational learning in order to become accredited. If a school is accredited, then students can be better assured that the value and quality of the education they receive is up to par and a worthy of their time, resources, and investment. Moreover, accredited schools are accountable to the U.S. Department of Education, via the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs who ensures that schools maintain and enforce their education standards.

Who Accredits Schools?

Accrediting agencies are recognized by the US Department of Education. These agencies perform independent and objective assessments of schools and their programs. They measure, assess, and validate application procedures, educational content, financial stability, teaching staff, and degree criteria.

Online MLS Program Accreditation

When selecting an online master’s in legal studies program, you should note whether the program itself is accredited. MLS program accreditation means that law professionals have judged the program’s curriculum content to be of high educational quality. The entirety of the MLS program: admission standards, the coursework, professors, education content, degree requirements, and teaching methods are certified as meeting the high standards of the accrediting institutions.

Why is Accreditation Important?

The first thing a prospective student should do is ensure that a program is accredited. A master’s degree is a significant time and financial commitment. There are many reasons why you should attend only accredited schools:

• Prospective employers may give provide higher value to degrees from accredited programs
• Employers may require proof that a school is accredited to qualify for tuition reimbursement programs
• Only accredited programs qualify for federal financial aid, grants, or loans
• Professional licensure exam may include prerequisites on attending an accredited school
• Content of classes, quality of instruction, structure of program, and veracity of the degree are independently assessed as meeting the high standards of accrediting institutions

The U.S. Department of Education maintains the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs of all accredited schools.