Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS)
The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools has been in existence in one form or another since 1887. Within the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, there are four separate commissions:
- Commission on Elementary Schools
- Commission on Secondary Schools
- Committee on Institution-Wide Accreditation (which bridges the elementary/secondary gap)
- Commission on Higher Education.
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education (CHE) accredits institutions that offer degrees in:
- Maryland
- Pennsylvania
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- New Jersey
- New York
It also accredits institutions in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and some international locations. It is a widely recognized regional accrediting agency. Although it does not accredit separate distance education programs, some distance learning programs are accredited as part of a larger institution. Institutions that only offer certificates are not eligible for accreditation by the CHE.
MSACS CHE Quality StandardsThe CHE encourages educational excellence on the part of its member institutions via a rigorous process of peer review. The Commission acts as a resource for educational institutions striving for continual improvement and maintenance of high standards. They uphold key core values that include: respect for each institution's unique mission, emphasis on effective teaching, and responsiveness to societal change, among others. The CHE publishes a list of educational institutions on its website, listing the accreditation status, highest level of degree offered, accreditation history, and other pertinent information, including any special focus (such as religious education).
The MSCHE accreditation process is designed to promote the educational health of its member institutions and provide an indication to the public of an institution's educational quality.
Article ReferencesThe Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
http://www.middlestates.org/
The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
http://www.msche.org/
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