Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) is the body for the accreditation of degree-granting higher education institutions in the Southern states
Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Northwestern State University 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).
National Accreditation
Biological and Physical Sciences
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 (AVMA).
Business
The baccalaureate degrees in Accounting, Business Administration, and Computer Information Systems are accredited by the Association for Advancement of Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSBI).
Creative and Performing Arts
Both the baccalaureate and master’s degrees in Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). The baccalaureate and master’s degrees in Music are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). The baccalaureate degree in Theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). The baccalaureate degree in Music Education is accredited by both the NASM, as well as the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Engineering Technology
The baccalaureate degree in Industrial Engineering Technology and baccalaureate degree in Electronics Engineering Technology are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).
Nursing
All nursing programs and program concentrations are approved by the Louisiana State Board of Nursing (LSBN).
The Associate Nursing Program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana at the College of Nursing, Leesville Off-campus Instructional Site, and Alexandria Off-Campus Instructional Site located in Shreveport Leesville, and Alexandria, Louisiana is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN), 3390 Peachtree Road NE, Suite 1400 Atlanta, GA 30326, (404) 975-5000. The most recent accreditation decision made by the ACEN Board Of Commissioners for the Associate Nursing Program is Continuing Accreditation.
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Northwestern State University of Louisiana is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
The Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree, nurse anesthesia role/population, at Northwestern State University of Louisiana is fully accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA) (https://www.coacrna.org/ ), 10275 W. Higgins Rd., Suite 906, Rosemont, IL 60018-5603, and can be reached at 224-275-9130), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.
Radiologic Sciences
The Northwestern State University Radiologic Sciences program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology located at 20 North Wacker Drive, Suite 2850 in Chicago, IL 60606-3182. The Committee may be contacted at (312) 704-5300 or via email at mail@jrcert.org.
Social Work
The baccalaureate degree in Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Education
The baccalaureate, master, and/or specialist programs in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Middle School Education, Secondary Education, Health & Physical Education, Music Education, Curriculum & Instruction, Educational Leadership, Educational Technology Leadership, and Special Education are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
The Master of Arts in Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP).
Other Degree Programs
All other degree programs, both at the undergraduate and graduate levels, are not required to seek program accreditation. These programs participate in an internal self-study to ensure academic rigor, student success, and viability.
