The International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU) has been the leading agency for distance education institutions since its inception in 1994. The accrediting functions of the IACOU are performed by a Commission which was set up to consider the quality of education and curriculum of different educational institutions.

Course length ranges from a few weeks to over four years of study. Although most distance study institutions teach students entirely "at distance," some institutions offer courses which feature resident training as well as distance study. The purpose of these federally recognized programs was, and still is, "to foster and preserve premium, literally sound and widely accepted distance education."

IACOU doesn't neglect the distance study educators and conducts a professional development program for them. Seminars and conferences devoted to distance education are held annually and are open to all those - individual or institution - interested in distance education.

The aim of IACOU is to support the maintenance and enhancement of quality standards for distance learning education. It promotes institutional self-improvement and aids its members in the quest for acceptance and excellence. It accomplishes its mission by providing quality academic and technical education along with customized industry training that is responsive to the workforce needs of students and institutions.

The process of quality assurance by IACOU is to ensure quality in distance education teaching. A main objective is to provide guidance and information for students and educational institutions and to contribute to more transparency in the market of study programs.

IACOU serves quality assurance in an open education market by evaluating study programs on the basis of the degree program profile and by developing quality standards and evaluation criteria.

The goals of the IACOU are:

(1) To serve the members of the Commission and to help improve the interest and general welfare of the distance education and independent learning fields;

(2) To establish first-rate standards for the conduct of distance education institutions;

(3) To provide for suitable accreditation for organizations meeting the high quality standards;

(4) To promote the adoption of up-to-date educational standards in the distance education field;

(5) To co-operate with public and private agencies at all levels in the development of distance education;

(6) To promote exchange of information helpful to the advancement in independent learning fields;

(7) To work together with local, state and federal authorities in the maintenance of high standards in the fields of distance education and independent learning;

(8) To undertake activities necessary for the accomplishment of these goals.

IACOU offers its membership to those institutions which offer instruction, assessment, and student services in the field of distance education learning. These institutions must be accredited by the International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU).

All standing committees are appointed by the International Accreditation Commission For Online Universities (IACOU). The Committees are:

Standards Committee

The sole purpose of this committee is to investigate educational problems unique to distance education and training fields. It also surveys the efficiency and effectiveness of instructional methods and procedures while recommends policies, standards and practices to govern the members of the Commission. The Standards Committee shall also investigate and make recommendations on the standards of ethical conduct to the Commission.

Awards and Recognition Committee

The objective of Awards and Recognition Committee is to determine the individual(s) who deserve awards or recognition for distinguished services to the distance education and training fields. However, the selection of the recipients shall be the sole responsibility of the Committee.

Finance, Budget and Audit Committee

The duty of the Finance, Budget and Audit Committee is to study and recommend methods of determining equitable dues and fees. It shall also have the responsibility of preparing an annual budget for approval and presentation to the IACOU at the annual meeting.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee comprises of nominating officers and replacement members to the Commission. The Commission will elect its public members and officers while the members will elect the commissioners from IACOU-accredited institutions.