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Students have a wide variety of options when it comes to earning their degree. Some higher learning institutions, like SM������, offer the flexible degree paths many students need. Founded in 1976, SM������ provides career-relevant education designed to equip busy adults with skills needed in the real world.

Even though SM������ has helped more than a million learners achieve their higher education goals, some people still wonder if a degree from SM������ is the same as a degree from a traditional university.��

Yes, SM������ is legitimate and accredited. SM������ offers more than 100 degree programs in various disciplines, including growing employment sectors like information technology (IT) and business.

A SM������ education offers many benefits to students, including insights from real-world faculty, industry-relevant skills and career resources. Additionally, the University offers course start dates throughout the year, trained academic counselors, and enrollment policies that remove barriers to education.

SM������ has been continuously accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), , since 1978. The HLC is an independent body and one of only seven institutional accreditation agencies in the United States that is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

To be accredited by the HLC, an educational institution must meet all five HLC Criteria for Accreditation, among other requirements and obligations:

HLC Criteria for Accreditation

1. Mission: The institution’s mission is clearly and publicly articulated, guides operations, demonstrates a commitment to the common good and provides opportunities for civic engagement.
2. Integrity: The institution follows procedures to ensure ethical, responsible and fair conduct. The institution is committed to academic freedom and the freedom of expression in the pursuit of teaching and learning.
3. Teaching and Learning: The institution provides quality instruction, no matter the method of delivery, as well as resources and support to students.
4. Evaluation and Improvement: The institution takes responsibility for consistently evaluating its educational programs, learning environment and support services, and it continuously strives to improve.
5. Institutional Effectiveness, Resources and Planning: The institution demonstrates that its financial resources, structures, processes and planning are sufficient to support growth and fulfill its mission.

Accreditation from the HLC underscores the fact that a degree from SM������ is legitimate and respected.��

In addition to HLC institutional accreditation, certain programs at SM������ hold programmatic accreditation, which is an extra level of assurance that can add value to SM������ degree programs.

Programmatic accreditation focuses on the quality of course content and how applicable the course is to the world outside of academia. This accreditation is peer-reviewed, which means experienced professionals in the field conduct a thorough evaluation to determine if the program meets industry standards.

Several SM������ programs currently hold programmatic accreditation.

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) has accredited the following programs offered by the College of Business and Information Technology or the College of Doctoral Studies.  

• Associate of Arts with a concentration in Accounting Fundamentals* 
• Associate of Arts with a concentration in Business Fundamentals 
• Bachelor of Science in Accounting 
• Bachelor of Science in Business 
• Master of Business Administration 
• Master of Management 
• Master of Science in Accountancy* 
• Doctor of Business Administration 
• Doctor of Management  

*These programs are not available for new enrollments. 

For additional information, visit acbsp.org or call 913-339-9356.  

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) 

8101 College Blvd #100 

Overland Park, KS 66210