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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.

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

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accreditation
Agricultural Education (BS) *Accredited through the College of EducationCouncil for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)202220297 years2028
Biological Engineering (BS) *Accredited through the College of EngineeringABET202320296 years2028

College of Design

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accreditation
Architecture (B, Arch) (M.Arch)National Architectural Accreditation Board (NAAB)201820268 years2023
Graphic and Experience Design (BGED, MGED)National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)20222031-203210 years2030
Industrial Design (BID, MID)National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)20222031-203210 years2030
Landscape Architecture (MLA)Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board (LAAB)202220286 years2027

College of Education

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr 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)202220248 years2023
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)202220298 years2028

College of Engineering

Program NameAccrediting BodyAccreditation DatesDate of Next Comprehensive Review
Aerospace Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1948 - Present2028-2029
Biological Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1958 - Present2028-2029
Biomedical Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/2002 - Present 2028-2029
Chemical Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1948 - Present2028-2029
Civil Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1936 - Present2028-2029
Computer Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1988 - Present2028-2029
Computer Science (BS)ABET10/1/1987 - Present2028-2029
Construction Engineering and Management (BS)ABET10/1/1958 - Present2028-2029
Electrical Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1936 - Present2028-2029
Engineering – Mechatronics Concentration (BS) (Joint Program with UNC-Asheville)ABET10/1/2009 - Present2028-2029
Engineering-Mechanical Engineering Systems Concentration (BS)ABET10/1/2011 - Present2028-2029
Environmental Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1993 - Present2028-2029
Industrial Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1948 - Present2028-2029
Industrial Engineering: Human Factors and Ergonomics (M, MS, PhD)Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)20182024
Materials Science and Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1969 - Present2028-2029
Mechanical Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1936 - Present2028-2029
Nuclear Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1965 - Present2028-2029
Paper Science and Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/2003 - Present2028-2029
Textile Engineering (BS)ABET10/1/1988 - Present2028-2029

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred
Psychology: Human Factors and Applied Cognition Concentration (MS, PhD)Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES)201820246 years2023
Public Administration (MPA)National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA)202120287 years2025
Psychology: School Psychology Concentration (PhD)American Psychological Association20142021*7 years2018
Advanced Studies School Psychology (MS/Certificate)National Association of School Psychologists202120276 years2026
Social Work (BSW) (MSW)Council on Social Work Education202120298 years2026
World Language and Cultures: Spanish/French/German/Chinese Education ConcentrationsCouncil for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)202220297 years2028
*This site visit has been rescheduled for Fall 2023 due to COVID-19

Poole College of Management

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred
Accounting (BS, MAC)Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)202020255 years2024
Business Administration (BS, MBA)Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)202020255 years2024
Economics (BA, BS, MR, MS)Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)202020255 years2024
Master of Management (MGIM)Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)202020255 years2024

College of Natural Resources

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred
Natural Resources (BS)Society of American Foresters2016202610 years2024
Forest Management (BS)Society of American Foresters2016202610 years2024
Master of ForestrySociety of American Foresters2016202610 years2024
Paper Science & Engineering (BS)Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET20172023*6 years2022
Parks, Recreation & Tourism Management (BS)Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions201720247 years2023
Sustainable Materials & Technology (BS)Society of Wood Science and Technology2015202510 years2024
*Review Complete, Awaiting Results

College of Sciences

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred
Chemistry (BA, BS)American Chemical Society (ACS)201720245 years2023

Wilson College of Textiles

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred
Textile Engineering (BS)Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET202320296 years2028

College of Veterinary Medicine

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred
Veterinary Medicine (DVM)American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education202120287 years2027
*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

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr 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)
201920245 years2023
Cooperative Education
(On-the-job experience in chosen field)
Council for Cooperative Education201920256 years2024
Counseling CenterInternational Association of Counseling Services, Inc. (IACS)20152028*8 yearsongoing (annual report required), 2022
Student Health ServicesAssociation for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC)202220253 yearsongoing
Student Health ServicesCommission on Office Laboratory Assessment (COLA)202220232 yearsongoing
UG Tutorial Center ProgramCollege Reading and Learning Association (CRLA) International Tutor Training Program Certification201920245 years2023
*This site visit has been rescheduled for a later date due to COVID-19

Environmental Health and Public Safety

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred
Campus PoliceCommission on the
Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies |
International Association of Campus Law
Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA)
2020 | 20202024 | 20244 years | 4 yearsongoing | ongoing

College of Veterinary Medicine

Program NameAccrediting BodyLast Yr AccredNext Yr AccredTypical Cycle LengthYr to Start Next Self-study to Prepare for Accred
Veterinary HospitalAmerican Veterinary
Medical Association (AVMA)
Inspection 2021Inspection 20287 yearsn/a
Lab Animal FacilitiesAssociation for Assessment and
Accreditation of Laboratory
Animal Care (AAALAC)
Inspection 2022Inspection 20243 yearsn/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