Educators who have made the decision to further their careers by pursuing a master’s degree have many options to choose from when selecting a school. One of the first of many decisions you will have to make is whether to enroll in an on-campus program or an online program. No matter the structure of the program, however, to ensure that your investment of time and money will get you the results you seek, you should select a school that is accredited.
Why Is Accreditation Valuable?
Accreditation is a rigorous process schools undergo to confirm their commitment to high educational standards. Because it is purely voluntary, not all colleges and universities are accredited. However, when competing in the job market, completing a program offered by a school that is accredited is universally considered to be a quality assurance differentiator.
- Accreditation is granted for only a specific time period. Educational institutions undergo re-evaluation in order to retain accreditation. Continuous accreditation signifies a school’s commitment to quality.
- Maintaining high academic standards is essential to obtaining accreditation.
- A degree from an accredited school is recognized and valued by potential employers.
Accreditation may also affect your request for financial support. Federal and, in some cases, state financial aid is available only to students enrolled in a school that has been accredited by an agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Texas A&M International University Accreditation
Since 1970, Texas A&M International University has been accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). According to SACSCOC President Belle S. Wheelan, Ph.D., a university that earns accreditation shows that it has “a purpose appropriate to higher education and has resources, programs, and services sufficient to accomplish and sustain that purpose.”
TAMIU College of Education, which maintains high admission and academic standards, is accredited by the Texas Education Agency State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC). The mission of the SBEC is “to improve student achievement and ensure the safety and welfare of Texas school children by upholding the highest level of educator preparation, performance, continuing education, and standards of conduct.”
TAMIU Education Programs Online
The College of Education at TAMIU offers four different Master of Science online programs. These fully accredited programs include:
- Master of Science in Educational Administration
- Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Bilingual Education
- Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Educational Administration
- Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction with a Specialization in Reading
These programs all feature the flexibility of multiple start dates throughout the year and an online format that allows working professionals to pursue their degree while still working full time.
TAMIU graduates are employed in more than 150 school districts throughout Texas.
TAMIU Memberships and Accolades
In addition to retaining SACSCOC and SBEC accreditation, TAMIU is a member of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities, the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, and the American Council on Education.
TAMIU is also proud to be a Quality Matters (QM) member institution. QM is a faculty-centered, peer review process designed to certify the quality of online and blended courses.
For more information about the multiple accreditations and many accolades Texas A&M International University has been awarded, please visit our Accreditation & Accolades web page.
Learn more about TAMIU’s online degree programs.
Sources:
TEA: State Board for Educator Certification
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
