GRADUATE STUDIES IN THE US:
ACCREDITATION
Kyiv
EducationUSA
Advising Center
vul. Esplanadna 20 (6th floor), Kyiv – 01001
Tel.: (+380-44) 289-3952 / 289-3953
edusa@americancouncils.org.ua
www.americancouncils.org.ua
What is Accreditation?
 Accreditation is a system or process for providing public confidence and a tool for improvement
used by educational institutions.

It promises a basic level of quality in an educational institution through a process that examines a
school's faculty, course content, recruiting practices, admissions procedures, and more.
The purpose of accreditation is similar worldwide:
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to ensure quality education programs through the use of standards and rigorous evaluation criteria
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to stimulate institutions toward higher levels of quality and efficiency
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to provide a system for public trust and accountability

You can learn much about the reputation of an institution and the general quality of its academic
programs from its accreditation status.

In most countries education providers are nationally controlled and regulated, usually by a single
government agency such as a Ministry of Education. In the U.S. and Canada, however, there is no
centralized authority but regional accreditation bodies ensure high standards in academic
programs and institutions.

The associations or governing bodies that grant accreditation have responsibility for establishing
criteria, visiting and evaluating institutions, and awarding accreditation to those programs and
institutions that meet their criteria.
The Importance of Accreditation

The accreditation process ensures the school has been reviewed in terms of its academics, recruiting,
admissions, faculty, and more. It signals to us that the institution will provide quality education and
continuously work to improve its overall effectiveness and student outcomes.
CHEA, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, reminds us that accreditation also serves other
purposes beyond assuring academic quality to students and the public.

Accreditation is required for students to gain access to federal funds for grants and loans in the U.S.

Accreditation makes credit transfer among colleges and universities easier.

Employers look for accreditation status when evaluating credentials of job applicants and offering
financial support to employees
When you see that an institution is accredited by a recognized authority, you can be sure of its integrity and
commitment to students.
Types of Accreditation
Institutions and individual programs (faculties) within an institution participate in the accreditation process. The
two types of accreditation commonly used throughout the world are:

Institutional accreditation

Specialized, professional, or programmatic accreditation
Institutional accreditation is awarded when a college or university meets the prescribed standards of the
accrediting agency. The effectiveness of the entire school operation - including academics, administration, and
related services -- is reviewed and certified. This affirmation ensures a high degree of quality for the public and
is recognized throughout the education world.
Specialized, professional, or programmatic accreditation. Departments, programs, or schools within a
college or university that is institutionally accredited often seek specialized accreditation. Specialized
accreditation focuses on a narrower set of standards particular to that field of study - engineering, law,
teaching, and nursing are examples.
The licensing boards that regulate some professions may require a student to attend programs that hold
special accreditation, so it is important for the prospective student to know what is required to be a licensed
practitioner in their field.
The Accreditation Process

Accreditation is a completely voluntary, non-governmental review process in the United States.
Elsewhere around the world it is accomplished through government agencies and is often mandated
by law.

The accreditation process reveals whether or not an institution will hold the public trust and helps to
ensure high quality education. Once an organization is accredited it agrees to abide by the standards
set forth and to be measured against those, with periodic integrity and compliance reviews.

Legitimate accreditation processes around the world share three of the same basic characteristics: 1)
Self-Study/Evaluation; 2) External Inspection; 3) Recommendations.
Self-Study/Evaluation. In many countries including the U.S., self-study is at the core of accreditation.
Institutions do a comprehensive examination of all aspects of their mission, programs, and services. This
process involves students, faculty, staff, and the public, all who contribute to the creation of a report detailing
their findings.
In other areas of the world, the evaluation may be done by an outside agency or third party, but the findings
work toward common purposes:
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To determine compliance with established accreditation criteria
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To review alignment with stated philosophies and goals (both institutional and governmental)
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To evaluate student outcomes and overall effectiveness
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To make recommendations for improvement
External Inspection. After self-study/evaluation, a site visit is normally conducted to assess the strengths and
weaknesses of the institution. This consists of a professional team that examines data and conducts interviews
to determine if the institution is in compliance with established accreditation criteria. The team may offer advice
and then writes its own report and recommendations.
Recommendations. When the self-study/evaluation and external inspection are complete, final
recommendations are made to a commission or governing body. Both the evaluation report and that of the site
visit team are used to determine whether to grant, continue, reaffirm, or withdraw accreditation. With all of the
information at their disposal, a final recommendation is made by the commission or governing body.
Benefits to Schools and Institutions
Accreditation means students gain a better education through continuity and clarification of their programs.
Schools and Institutions can also:
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Gain access to federal financial assistance for students
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Enhance their reputation in the community and among employers
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Use established criteria for programs and operations
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Develop a systematic method for improvement and managing change
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Expand peer relationships and professional networking opportunities
Accreditation Definitions

"Accreditation is a system for recognizing educational institutions and professional programs
for a level of performance, integrity and quality that entitles them to the confidence of the
educational community and the public" - American Dental Association

"Accreditation is a means of self-regulation and peer review adopted by the educational
community. The accrediting process is intended to strengthen and sustain the quality and
integrity of higher education, making it worthy of public confidence" - Middle States
Commission on Higher Education

"Accreditation is a voluntary process in which educational institutions submit their programs
and credentials to regional evaluating organizations. These groups' approval guarantees that
certain minimum standards are met by all accredited institutions” - Western Interstate
Commission for Higher Education

"Accreditation is the process used in U.S. education to ensure that schools, postsecondary
institutions, and other education providers meet and maintain minimum standards of quality
and integrity regarding academics, administration, and related services. It is a voluntary
process based on the principle of academic self-governance. In international terms,
accreditation by a recognized accrediting authority is accepted as the U.S. equivalent of other
countries' ministerial recognition of institutions belonging to the national education system" U.S. Network for Education Information

"Accreditation in higher education is a collegial process of self-review and peer review for
improvement of academic quality and public accountability of institutions and programs" Council for Higher Education Accreditation.