Specialized Program Accreditation
There are two basic types of educational accreditation, one referred to as “institutional” and the other referred to as “specialized.” Institutional accreditation applies to an entire institution, indicating that each of an institution’s parts is contributing to the achievement of the institution’s objectives. NC State is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).
Specialized program accreditation normally applies to programs, departments, or schools that are parts of an institution. Certain individual programs and units at NC State undergo a regular reaffirmation of accreditation process. These processes are similar to university-wide accreditation, as they are peer-reviewed, with goals and standards designed for specific programs/units. The Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost maintains a directory of specialized accreditations held by NC State colleges, programs and units.
Compliance Requirements
Specialized program accreditation at NC State is guided by a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and informed by SACSCOC principles 14.1 (Publication of accreditation status) and 14.4 (Representation to other agencies). As outlined in the SOP, the Office of the Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost reviews each self study prior to submission in order to ensure compliance with SACSCOC principles 14.1 and 14.4.
Currently, NC State has 17 program-specific accrediting agencies. Each NC State degree program that is affiliated with a disciplinary/professional accrediting agency is accredited. The following disciplinary/professional accreditors are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (DOE):
- National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Per SACSCOC principle 14.4 (Representation to other agencies), NC State must accurately represent itself to all DOE-recognized accrediting agencies. The following university overview information has been provided to each DOE-recognized accrediting agency and programs recognized by other accrediting agencies should also use this language for their accreditation and/or external review documents.
University Overview Information
Founded in 1887, North Carolina State University embodies the ideal that higher education should create economic, societal and intellectual prosperity for all. The university began as a land-grant institution grounded in agriculture and engineering. Since then, NC State has become a preeminent research enterprise that excels across all major academic disciplines.
NC State is a powerhouse in science, technology, engineering and math. The university leads in agriculture, education, textiles, business and natural resources management. NC State is at the forefront of teaching and research in design, the humanities and the social sciences. And the university is home to one of the world’s best colleges of veterinary medicine.
The university’s 37,000-plus students learn by doing. They conduct original research and launch new companies. They forge connections with top employers and serve communities locally and globally. Through it all, they enjoy an outstanding return on their investment.
NC State is the largest of the 16 higher education institutions in the UNC System. As of Fall 2022, 88% of the faculty were full-time, 57% were tenured or tenure track, and 42% identified as female and 26% identified as non-white.
Tuition and fees for the 2022-2023 academic year for full-time resident undergraduate students were $9,128, and for full-time resident graduate students were $11,700. NC State maintained a $1.841 billion budget for fiscal years 2021-2022 and a $1.95 billion endowment for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021.
Academic Program Accreditation
Professional academic programs in a number of disciplines at NC State are accredited by specialized organizations that evaluate curricula, resources and program effectiveness in preparing students for post-graduate careers in specialized fields. Information on accredited programs is provided for disciplines within the following colleges.
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Education (BS) *Accredited through the College of Education | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) | 2022 | 2029 | 7 years | 2028 |
| Biological Engineering (BS) *Accredited through the College of Engineering | ABET | 2023 | 2029 | 6 years | 2028 |
College of Design
College of Design
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accreditation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Architecture (B, Arch) (M.Arch) | National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB) | 2018 | 2026 | 8 years | 2023 |
| Graphic and Experience Design (BGED, MGED) | National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) | 2022 | 2031-2032 | 10 years | 2030 |
| Industrial Design (BID, MID) | National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) | 2022 | 2031-2032 | 10 years | 2030 |
| Landscape Architecture (MLA) | Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB) | 2022 | 2028 | 6 years | 2027 |
College of Education
College of Education
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Counselor Education (PhD, MEd) (MEd concentrations are: Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, and College Counseling) | Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) | 2022 | 2024 | 8 years | 2023 |
| All teacher education programs, School Counselor (MEd, MS), School Administration (MSA) and School Social Work (MR) at initial and advanced levels. | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) | 2022 | 2029 | 8 years | 2028 |
College of Engineering
College of Engineering
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Accreditation Dates | Date of Next Comprehensive Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1948 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Biological Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1958 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Biomedical Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/2002 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Chemical Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1948 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Civil Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1936 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Computer Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1988 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Computer Science (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1987 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Construction Engineering and Management (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1958 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Electrical Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1936 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Engineering – Mechatronics Concentration (BS) (Joint Program with UNC-Asheville) | ABET | 10/1/2009 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Engineering-Mechanical Engineering Systems Concentration (BS) | ABET | 10/1/2011 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Environmental Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1993 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Industrial Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1948 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Industrial Engineering: Human Factors and Ergonomics (M, MS, PhD) | Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) | 2018 | 2024 |
| Materials Science and Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1969 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Mechanical Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1936 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Nuclear Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1965 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Paper Science and Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/2003 - Present | 2028-2029 |
| Textile Engineering (BS) | ABET | 10/1/1988 - Present | 2028-2029 |
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology: Human Factors and Applied Cognition Concentration (MS, PhD) | Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) | 2018 | 2024 | 6 years | 2023 |
| Public Administration (MPA) | National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) | 2021 | 2028 | 7 years | 2025 |
| Psychology: School Psychology Concentration (PhD) | American Psychological Association | 2014 | 2021* | 7 years | 2018 |
| Advanced Studies School Psychology (MS/Certificate) | National Association of School Psychologists | 2021 | 2027 | 6 years | 2026 |
| Social Work (BSW) (MSW) | Council on Social Work Education | 2021 | 2029 | 8 years | 2026 |
| World Language and Cultures: Spanish/French/German/Chinese Education Concentrations | Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) | 2022 | 2029 | 7 years | 2028 |
| *This site visit has been rescheduled for Fall 2023 due to COVID-19 |
Poole College of Management
Poole College of Management
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accounting (BS, MAC) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) | 2020 | 2025 | 5 years | 2024 |
| Business Administration (BS, MBA) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) | 2020 | 2025 | 5 years | 2024 |
| Economics (BA, BS, MR, MS) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) | 2020 | 2025 | 5 years | 2024 |
| Master of Management (MGIM) | Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International) | 2020 | 2025 | 5 years | 2024 |
College of Natural Resources
College of Natural Resources
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural Resources (BS) | Society of American Foresters | 2016 | 2026 | 10 years | 2024 |
| Forest Management (BS) | Society of American Foresters | 2016 | 2026 | 10 years | 2024 |
| Master of Forestry | Society of American Foresters | 2016 | 2026 | 10 years | 2024 |
| Paper Science & Engineering (BS) | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET | 2017 | 2023* | 6 years | 2022 |
| Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management (BS) | Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions | 2017 | 2024 | 7 years | 2023 |
| Sustainable Materials & Technology (BS) | Society of Wood Science and Technology | 2015 | 2025 | 10 years | 2024 |
| *Review Complete, Awaiting Results |
College of Sciences
College of Sciences
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemistry (BA, BS) | American Chemical Society (ACS) | 2017 | 2024 | 5 years | 2023 |
Wilson College of Textiles
Wilson College of Textiles
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Textile Engineering (BS) | Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET | 2023 | 2029 | 6 years | 2028 |
College of Veterinary Medicine
College of Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Medicine (DVM) | American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education | 2021 | 2028 | 7 years | 2027 |
| *Review Complete, Awaiting Results |
Administrative Program Accreditation and Certification
Some student support programs, administrative services and animal care facilities are accredited by professional associations that have established best practice standards. Information on accredited student support programs is provided for the following administrative units.
Division of Academic and Student Affairs
Division of Academic and Student Affairs
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Skills Enhancement Program within the Academic Support Program for Student Athletes | International Tutor Program Certification within the College Reading & Learning Association (CRLS) | 2019 | 2024 | 5 years | 2023 |
| Cooperative Education (On-the-job experience in chosen field) | Council for Cooperative Education | 2019 | 2025 | 6 years | 2024 |
| Counseling Center | International Association of Counseling Services, Inc. (IACS) | 2015 | 2028* | 8 years | ongoing (annual report required), 2022 |
| Student Health Services | Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC) | 2022 | 2025 | 3 years | ongoing |
| Student Health Services | Commission on Office Laboratory Assessment (COLA) | 2022 | 2023 | 2 years | ongoing |
| UG Tutorial Center Program | College Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) International Tutor Training Program Certification | 2019 | 2024 | 5 years | 2023 |
| *This site visit has been rescheduled for a later date due to COVID-19 |
Environmental Health and Public Safety
Environmental Health and Public Safety
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Campus Police | Commission on the Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies | International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) | 2020 | 2020 | 2024 | 2024 | 4 years | 4 years | ongoing | ongoing |
College of Veterinary Medicine
College of Veterinary Medicine
| Program Name | Accrediting Body | Last Yr Accred | Next Yr Accred | Typical Cycle Length | Yr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Veterinary Hospital | American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) | Inspection 2021 | Inspection 2028 | 7 years | n/a |
| Lab Animal Facilities | Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) | Inspection 2022 | Inspection 2024 | 3 years | n/a |
Contact Us
Have a question about specialized program accreditation? We’re happy to help.
Dr. Fashaad Crawford
Vice Provost for Assessment and Accreditation
Holladay Hall 205A, Box 7101
919.515.3062
flcrawfo@ncsu.edu