U.S. Accreditation Explained

 

In the United States, accreditation is a voluntary process that involves an intensive self-evaluation of the institution whereby the institution must prove that it meets established standards. Three types of recognized accreditation exist in the United States: national, regional, and professional. Accrediting agencies reviewed and approved by the United States Department of Education (USDE) and/or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) are considered “recognized agencies.” CHEA is a nongovernmental agency that reviews and recognizes accrediting agencies that accredit degree-granting and postsecondary institutions.

 

Students who attend schools accredited by recognized agencies in the United States enjoy the greatest acceptance rate. Many employers and institutions in the United States are concerned about diploma mills (institutions granting degrees for little or no work) and therefore use recognized accreditation as the standard assurance of a quality education. In addition, accreditation benefits the student by proving the school’s business, academic, and ethical standards are regulated.

 

For more information on these agencies, please visit their web sites at:

 

• United States Department of Education: http://www.ed.gov/

• United states Department of Education, to search for a school or institution:

          http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/

 

• Council for Higher Education Accreditation: http://www.chea.org/

• Council for Higher Education Accreditation, to search for a school or institution:

          http://www.chea.org/search/default.asp

 

Westlawn Institute is Accredited by the DETC Accrediting Commission

The DETC Accrediting Commission is presently listed (and has been since 1959) by the U.S. Department of Education as a “nationally recognized accrediting agency.” Like the six regional accrediting agencies, DETC’s Accrediting Commission is reviewed periodically by the U.S. Department of Education to make certain that it meets the criteria for federal recognition as published in Title 34 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

 

The Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

 

You can find the list of programs accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and search for programs by subjects taught or degrees given at their website:

 

• Distance Education and Training Council (DETC): http://www.detc.org/

 

DETC

1601 18th Street, NW, Suite 2

Washington, DC 20009

Tel: 202-234-5100

 

 

Accreditation by RINA, in London, England

In addition to its accreditation by the DETC Accrediting Commission, Westlawn Institute’s Yacht & Boat Design Program is accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), in London England.

 

Universities and training providers whose academic and professional courses provide the knowledge and understanding which underpin the professional skills required by those involved in the design and construction of maritime vessels and structures may apply to have their course accredited by the Royal Institution of Naval Architects.

 

The Institution assesses such courses against the standards required for full membership of the Institution. It will consider the content of the course for its scope and applicability to the design and construction of maritime vessels and structures. It will also consider the methods and quality of delivery of the course, and the output standards set for successful completion of the course.

 

The Institution considers that the Yacht & Boat Design Program provided by Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology meets these standards, and therefore provides good preparation for those who wish to practice of yacht and boat design and construction.

 

RINA Chief Executive, Trevor Blakeley, stated, “Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology has a well deserved international reputation for its programmes, and it is a pleasure for the Royal Institution of Naval Architects as an international professional society to accredit its Yacht & Boat Design Course.”

 

• Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA): http://www.rina.org.uk/

 

RINA

10 Upper Belgrave Street

London, SW1X 8BQ, UK

Tel: 011-44-20-7235-4622