Accreditation Commission Online Higher Education (ACOHE)
Championing Quality and Integrity in Online Higher Education

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Our Accreditation Process

The Accreditation Commission Online Higher Education (ACOHE) has established a structured and transparent accreditation process designed to assess and enhance the quality of online education institutions. This rigorous process ensures that accredited institutions meet ACOHE’s high standards, enabling them to deliver impactful and trustworthy online learning experiences.

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Ensuring Quality, Credibility, and Excellence in Online Education

Step-by-Step Guide
to ACOHE Accreditation

Institutions interested in accreditation start by submitting an inquiry and completing the official application form. This step helps determine the institution’s eligibility and commitment to ACOHE’s standards.

  • Eligibility Review: ACOHE conducts a preliminary review of the institution’s qualifications, including its programs and commitment to online learning excellence.
  • Application Form: Once eligibility is confirmed, the institution completes a comprehensive application detailing its academic offerings, mission, and goals.
STEP 1

Initial Inquiry and Application Submission

STEP 2

Self-Study and Documentation

After the application is accepted, the institution embarks on a self-study process. This self-assessment is a critical step that allows the institution to evaluate its current practices against ACOHE’s accreditation criteria.

  • Self-Study Guide: ACOHE provides a structured guide to help the institution conduct a thorough review of its practices in areas like curriculum, learner engagement, and technological infrastructure.
  • Supporting Documentation: The institution submits supporting documentation, including course materials, faculty qualifications, and technology resources, to demonstrate compliance with ACOHE standards.

ACOHE conducts a detailed evaluation through an on-site visit or a virtual review, depending on the institution’s location and preferences. This stage provides a comprehensive look at the institution’s operations, ensuring that practices align with the submitted self-study.

  • Evaluation Team: A team of experienced ACOHE evaluators, including education and e-learning experts, leads the review to provide a balanced assessment.
  • Interviews and Observations: The team engages with faculty, administrators, and students to gather feedback and insights, providing a well-rounded understanding of the institution’s online learning environment.
  • Report Compilation: The evaluation team compiles a detailed report on their findings, highlighting areas of strength and potential improvement.
STEP 3

On-Site or Virtual Evaluation

STEP 4

Decision and Feedback

Following the evaluation, ACOHE’s accreditation committee reviews the findings and makes a decision regarding the institution’s accreditation status.

  • Feedback Report: Institutions receive a comprehensive feedback report, outlining their achievements, areas for improvement, and any recommendations to strengthen their programs.
  • Accreditation Decision: Based on the evaluation, ACOHE will either grant accreditation, defer the decision pending improvements, or request further review.

Once approved, the institution receives official ACOHE accreditation, a testament to its commitment to excellence in online education. Accredited institutions are also awarded an ACOHE certification and granted access to use the ACOHE logo to demonstrate their achievement.

  • Official Certification: Institutions receive ACOHE’s official accreditation certificate, verifying their compliance with our standards.
  • Digital Recognition: Accredited institutions are listed on ACOHE’s public directory, enhancing their visibility and credibility within the online education community.
  • ACOHE Seal and Logo: Institutions may display the ACOHE accreditation logo on their website and promotional materials as a mark of quality.
STEP 5

Accreditation and Certification

STEP 6

Ongoing Quality Assurance and Re-Evaluation​

Accreditation with ACOHE signifies a commitment to continuous improvement. To maintain accreditation, institutions are expected to meet ongoing requirements, ensuring they stay current with evolving standards in online education.

  • Annual Progress Reports: Accredited institutions submit annual reports detailing progress, improvements, and any changes in programs or policies.
  • Periodic Re-Evaluation: Institutions undergo periodic re-evaluation to verify ongoing compliance with ACOHE standards and to assess any new initiatives or advancements.
  • Support and Resources: ACOHE offers resources, guidance, and networking opportunities to support institutions in maintaining and enhancing their quality over time.