Institutional Accreditation

Northwestern State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate, Baccalaureate, Master's, and Specialist's degrees. It is a member in good standing of the Association of American Colleges and also of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.

Reaffirmation of Accreditation

SACSCOC FAQ Page

Professional Accreditation

Biological and Physical Sciences

The baccalaureate degree in Biology and the baccalaureate degree in Physical Sciences do not have an accrediting agency. Both the baccalaureate degree in Biology with concentration in Veterinary Technology and the associate degree in Veterinary Technology are accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Business

All baccalaureate degree programs in the College of Business are accredited by the Association for Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business International.

Creative and Performing Arts

Both the baccalaureate and master's degree in Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The baccalaureate and master's degree in Music are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music. The baccalaureate degree in Theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. The baccalaureate degree in Music Education is accredited by both the National Association of Schools of Music as well as the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Criminal Justice, History, and Social Sciences

None of the baccalaureate degrees offered in the Department of Criminal Justice, History, and Social Sciences have an accreditation agency.  The accreditation agency for the MS in Homeland Security is awaiting approval from the Department of Education before it begins to accredit programs.

Educational Leadership and Technology

The Educational Specialist in Educational Leadership and Technology, the Master's in Educational Technology Leadership, and the Master's in Educational Leadership are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education. The Master of Arts in Student Personnel Services and the Master of Arts in School Counseling are accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The Master of Arts in Adult Education does not have an accreditation agency.

Family and Consumer Sciences

Both the baccalaureate degree in Family and Consumer Sciences and the baccalaureate degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism are accredited by the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences. The baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

Health and Human Performance

The baccalaureate degree in Health and Exercise Science has not sought accreditation.  The Master if Science in Health and Human Performance does not have an accrediting agency.

Language and Communication

None of the degrees offered in the Department of Language and Communication have an accreditation agency.

Mathematics and Engineering Technology

There is no accreditation agency for the baccalaureate degree in Mathematics.  The baccalaureate degree in Industrial Engineering Technology and baccalaureate degree in Electronics Engineering Technology are accredited by ABET.

Nursing

Both the baccalaureate and master's degree in Nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education. The associate degree in Nursing is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission.

Psychology

There is no accreditation agency for the baccalaureate degree in Psychology or the baccalaureate degree in Addiction Studies. The master's degree in Clinical Psychology has not sought accreditation.

Radiologic Sciences

The baccalaureate degree in Radiologic Sciences is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. No accreditation agency exists for the Master's in Radiologic Sciences.

Louisiana Scholars' College (honors)

There is no accreditation agency for the baccalaureate degree in Liberal Arts.

Social Work

The baccalaureate degree in Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.

Teaching and Learning

All baccalaureate and master's degrees in Teaching and Learning are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

University Studies

There are no accrediting agencies for either the associate or baccalaureate degrees in General Studies.

Internal Self-Studies

All degree programs without an accrediting agency must undergo an internal self-study.