摘要：The purpose of this study is to examine practices of existing national program accreditation agencies in Turkey regarding accreditation of open and distance learning programs. Participants of this qualitative research include authorities of nine national program accreditation agencies in Turkey. Data were collected through a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. As a result, it was examined that none of the current accreditation agencies had accredited an open and distance learning program before. Moreover, it was determined that associate degree and completion of bachelor’s degree programs were out of the field of interest of the existing accreditation agencies. Besides, it was identified that only 32 of the 505 open and distance learning programs in Turkey were in the field of interest of existing national accreditation agencies. In this regard, issues regarding accreditation of open and distance learning programs and possible solutions were discussed. The study was intended to guide decision makers who establish policies regarding education as well as researchers and practitioners in Turkey.
