Why Accreditation Matters When Choosing a Graduate Program

If you’re exploring master’s degrees in liberal arts, business, STEM, or another field, you’ve probably noticed that many programs advertise their accreditation. It can be difficult sometimes to distinguish which recognitions matter and signal quality of a curriculum, and even more so, to determine which ones truly matter to you as a student and professional.

In summary, accreditation is more than just a seal of approval. It’s a critical indicator of quality, credibility, and value. Below, we’ll explain what accreditation is, highlight some of the most respected accrediting organizations for graduate programs, and show how Our Lady of the Lake University (OLLU) meets those standards with its MBA and cybersecurity master’s programs as case studies on the topic.

 

What Does Accreditation Mean?

Accreditation is a formal evaluation process in which an independent organization assesses a university or degree program to ensure it meets high standards of education and integrity. Accredited programs are regularly reviewed for quality, which helps guarantee that the education you’re paying for is relevant, rigorous, and aligned with industry expectations.

For graduate students, accreditation offers several benefits:

• Confidence that your degree is recognized by employers and professional organizations.
• Eligibility for federal financial aid.
• Assurance that credits will transfer more easily if you continue your education elsewhere.
  
  

Key Accreditation Organizations for Master’s Programs

Different accrediting bodies focus on different fields of study. For master’s programs in business and technology, some of the most respected organizations include:

• Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP): Recognized globally, ACBSP focuses on excellence in teaching business and continuously improving academic quality.
• NSA/DHS Centers of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE): Awarded jointly by the National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security, this designation recognizes schools that meet rigorous standards in cybersecurity education.
• Regional institutional accreditors: Every legitimate university should also be accredited at the institutional level by one of the U.S. regional accrediting agencies, such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which accredits OLLU.

These organizations review everything from faculty credentials to curriculum design to ensure students receive a high-quality, relevant education.

 

How to Spot a Trustworthy Program

When evaluating graduate programs, it’s important to ask about both institutional and programmatic accreditation. Here are some tips for spotting a trustworthy program:

• Look for accreditation details on the school’s website. Legitimate programs are proud of their accreditations and list them.
• Research the accrediting organization to ensure it’s recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Be cautious of programs that don’t mention accreditation at all, or that list organizations that can’t be verified. 

Accreditation is your assurance that your time, effort, and tuition will pay off in a degree that employers and professional organizations respect.

 

Accreditation at OLLU: MBA and Cybersecurity Programs

At Our Lady of the Lake University, all programs are fully accredited by SACSCOC, ensuring institutional quality across the board. But OLLU goes a step further for its graduate business and technology programs, earning additional programmatic recognition.

MBA Program

OLLU’s Master of Business Administration is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP), a globally recognized accrediting body for business education. This means OLLU’s MBA meets high standards for curriculum quality, teaching effectiveness, and continuous improvement, giving you confidence that your degree holds real value in the job market.

Master’s in Cybersecurity

OLLU’s Master of Science in Cybersecurity is recognized as part of a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE) by the NSA and DHS. This prestigious designation is awarded to programs that equip graduates with the technical and strategic skills necessary to protect organizational information assets.

These accreditations reflect OLLU’s commitment to preparing students for real-world success with degrees that employers trust.

 

Choose a Program You Can Be Proud Of

When you invest in a graduate degree, you want assurance that your education meets the highest standards and that employers will recognize and respect your qualifications. Accreditation gives you that assurance.

At Our Lady of the Lake University, you can feel confident knowing you’re earning your degree from programs that have earned respected accreditations in their fields. Whether you pursue our MBA program, a master’s in cybersecurity, or any of the other leading master’s programs the University offers, you’ll graduate ready to lead in your profession with a degree you can be proud of.

Learn more about OLLU’s graduate programs and apply today.