What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a cornerstone of quality assurance and academic excellence at USCA. As an institution committed to providing exceptional educational experiences and maintaining the highest standards of integrity, USCA undergoes rigorous accreditation processes to ensure that our programs meet national standards of excellence. Accreditation not only validates the quality of our institution but also enhances the value of the degrees earned by our students.
Learn more about accreditation at USCA and how it contributes to our commitment to academic excellence and student success.
Institutional Accreditation
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
The University of South Carolina Aiken is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. The University of South Carolina Aiken may also offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of South Carolina Aiken may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC)
Membership in the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (COPLAC) signifies that an institution is part of a prestigious network of public colleges and universities committed to providing a high-quality liberal arts education. COPLAC institutions share common values and principles, including a focus on undergraduate education, small class sizes, close faculty-student interactions, and a commitment to fostering critical thinking, creativity, and civic engagement. Membership in COPLAC provides opportunities for collaboration, networking, and sharing of best practices among member institutions, enhancing the quality and impact of liberal arts education across the country.
Program-Specific Accreditation
In addition to institutional accreditation, many of our academic programs hold specialized accreditations from professional organizations in their respective fields. These program-specific accreditations further demonstrate our commitment to excellence and ensure that our students receive a high-quality education that aligns with industry standards.
Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)
The USCA School of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), a prestigious recognition held by only about 30% of U.S. business schools. This accreditation underscores our commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and student outcomes, ensuring our programs meet rigorous standards and effectively prepare students for the business world. AACSB accreditation not only validates the quality of our education but also enhances our global recognition, boosts employability, promotes continuous improvement, and fosters networking and collaboration. It positions our faculty as leaders in business research and thought leadership, keeping our curriculum relevant and forward-thinking to meet the changing needs of the global market.
ABET
The Process Engineering degree program offered by USCA's College of Sciences and Engineering is accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, under the commission’s General Criteria with no applicable program criteria. Being ABET accredited means that a program, such as our Process Engineering program, meets rigorous standards. This accreditation signifies that the program delivers quality education, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their respective fields.
ABET accreditation enhances the reputation of the program and demonstrates to employers and stakeholders that graduates have received a high-quality education that meets industry standards. Additionally, ABET accreditation promotes continuous improvement and innovation within the program, ensuring that it remains relevant and responsive to the evolving needs of the engineering and technology professions.
American Chemical Society (ACS)
USCA's Department of Chemistry and Physics is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Being approved and accredited by ACS signifies that a chemistry program meets rigorous standards set by one of the most respected organizations in the field of chemistry. ACS approval ensures that the program provides students with a high-quality education that aligns with industry standards and prepares them for successful careers in chemistry and related fields.
Accreditation by ACS validates the program's curriculum, faculty qualifications, laboratory facilities, and student resources, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to pursue advanced studies or enter the workforce directly. Additionally, ACS accreditation enhances the program's reputation and credibility, signaling to employers, graduate schools, and the broader scientific community that graduates have received a comprehensive and rigorous education in chemistry.
Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE)
USCA's School of Education is accredited by the Association of Middle Level Education (AMLE). Being AMLE accredited signifies that a middle level education program meets rigorous standards. This accreditation demonstrates that the program provides high-quality education and training to future educators, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the demands of today's classrooms.
AMLE accreditation validates the program's curriculum, faculty qualifications, clinical experiences, and outcomes, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to positively impact student learning. Additionally, AMLE accreditation enhances the program's reputation and credibility, signaling to prospective students, employers, and the broader education community that graduates have received a quality education and are ready to excel in their teaching careers.
Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP)
USCA's School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) until 2027. The School of Education's most recent CAEP review was conducted in March of 2020, and the following programs were approved: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle Level Education, Secondary (Science, English, Math, and History programs), Special Education (multi-categorical), and Music Education.
The Masters in Education (M.Ed.) Educator Leadership program was approved by the South Carolina Commission of Higher Education in 2019. All add-on endorsements were approved by the state of South Carolina. The M.Ed. Program will be reviewed by CAEP in 2027 accreditation review.
The CAEP annual report as well as the Title II Assessment Report can be found on the page linked below.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
USCA's School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE). To hold CCNE accreditation signifies that a nursing program has met stringent criteria. This accreditation ensures that the program delivers top-tier education and training to nursing students, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide competent and compassionate care across diverse healthcare settings.
CCNE accreditation affirms the program's commitment to excellence in curriculum design, faculty expertise, clinical experiences, and student outcomes, thereby assuring stakeholders of the program's quality and effectiveness. Moreover, CCNE accreditation bolsters the program's reputation and credibility, serving as a mark of distinction that distinguishes graduates as well-prepared and highly skilled nursing professionals within the healthcare community.
The Associate Degree in Technical Nursing program was initially accredited by the NLNAC in 1976 with reaccreditations in 1984, 1990, and 1998. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program was initially accredited by the NLNAC in 1988 and was reaccredited in 1996 and 2004. In October 2009, the application for initial Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) accreditation was submitted and accreditation was granted in October 2011. In 2016, CCNE extended the program’s accreditation for another 10 years to June 30, 2027.
Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC)
USCA's Department of Psychology is accredited by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC). Accreditation by the Masters in Psychology and Counseling Accreditation Council (MPCAC) signifies that a psychology or counseling program has met rigorous standards set by the council for quality and excellence in graduate education.
This accreditation ensures that the program provides a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum, qualified faculty, and sufficient resources to prepare students for successful careers in the field of psychology or counseling. MPCAC accreditation validates the program's commitment to continuous improvement and adherence to best practices in graduate education, enhancing the credibility and reputation of the program. Additionally, MPCAC accreditation may enhance opportunities for graduates, as many employers and licensing boards prefer candidates from accredited programs.
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
The Children's Center at USCA is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Accreditation by the NAEYC signifies that an early childhood education program has met rigorous standards of quality and excellence. This accreditation ensures the program provides a safe, nurturing, and developmentally appropriate environment for young children to learn and grow.
NAEYC accreditation validates the program's commitment to best practices in early childhood education, including curriculum, teaching methods, assessment, and family engagement. It also signifies that the program meets the needs of diverse learners and promotes positive outcomes for children's cognitive, social, emotional, and physical development. Additionally, NAEYC accreditation enhances the program's reputation and credibility, signaling to parents, educators, and policymakers that the program offers high-quality early childhood education.
National Association of Schools of Music (NASM)
USCA's Department of Visual & Performing Arts is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). NASM accreditation signifies that a music program has met rigorous standards of excellence in higher education. This accreditation ensures that the program provides a comprehensive and high-quality education in music, encompassing areas such as performance, composition, music theory, music history, and music education.
NASM accreditation validates the program's curriculum, faculty qualifications, facilities, and resources, ensuring that students receive a well-rounded and rigorous education that prepares them for success in the field of music. Additionally, NASM accreditation enhances the reputation of the program and may facilitate opportunities for students, such as transferability of credits and eligibility for certain scholarships or grants.
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