Arizona State University Accreditation: A Comprehensive Overview
Arizona State University (ASU) has a long-standing commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement, reflected in its accreditation history and ongoing review processes. This article provides a detailed overview of ASU's accreditation status, processes, and related aspects, including state authorization, program reviews, and the role of various governing bodies.
Continuous Accreditation Since 1931
Arizona State University has been continuously accredited since 1931. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) most recently reviewed the university in 2023 to award degrees at the baccalaureate, master's, doctorate, associate, and professional levels. This accreditation signifies that ASU meets rigorous standards of quality and is committed to providing a relevant and valuable education to its students.
The Higher Learning Commission and the Open Pathway Process
ASU is reviewed through the HLC Open Pathway process, which follows a 10-year cycle. This process aims to assure quality and continuous improvement across the institution. As part of this process, Arizona State University underwent a comprehensive review visit by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in April 2023. During the site visit, a team of peer reviewers met with representatives from various areas of the university to verify that ASU continues to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation.
Accreditation from an independent organization like HLC reflects education quality and is tied to financial aid and professional licensure. Through the accreditation process, ASU Online ensures its students receive a relevant education by aligning with industry and national standards.
ASU Online Accreditation
Yes, Arizona State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission to offer all online degree programs through ASU Online.
Read also: Arizona Education System
Relevance and Alignment with Standards
Through the accreditation process, ASU Online ensures its students receive a relevant education by aligning with industry and national standards.
Important Note for Students Seeking Professional Licensure
Students should confirm with the appropriate certifying agency whether successful completion of any degree program at our accredited online university will meet the credentialing requirements of the country in which they intend to seek employment.
State Authorization and SARA
Universities are required to meet state regulations around the country in order to offer classes and degrees to students in various states. As an institutional participant in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), and as an HLC-accredited public, nonprofit institution, ASU has met the state authorizations for all states, districts and territories.
Dynamic Nature of State Authorization
While ASU is currently authorized or exempt from seeking state authorizations around the country, this process is dynamic and subject to change.
Professional Licensure Programs and State-Specific Requirements
ASU’s professional licensure programs are designed to prepare students for a license in the State of Arizona. Students who wish to practice in a state other than Arizona should check the professional licensure page each session for the most up-to-date information.
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ASU Policies
ASU policies will help you navigate your interaction with the university from residency and student location policies, to credit transfer protocol and compliant policies. Learn about ASU policies.
The University Program Review and Accreditation Office (UPRA)
The University Program Review and Accreditation Office is housed within the Office of the University Provost and is responsible for ensuring the quality education provided at Arizona State University.
Key Functions of the UPRA Office
The UPRA Office monitors institutional compliance with Higher Learning Commission (HLC) policies and assumed practices and coordinates the institutional reviews for continuing accreditation by the HLC. The UPRA Office works closely with academic units and programs that seek new accreditation or seek re-accreditation from external governing bodies. These accreditations ensure our programs adhere to industry and national standards.
Academic Program Reviews
The Arizona Board of Regents (2-208) requires academic program reviews at least once every seven years. Periodic program reviews provide a mechanism for faculty to evaluate the effectiveness, progress, and status of their academic programs on a continuous basis. The UPRA Office is responsible for oversight of program reviews. Our office coordinates the academic program review process, which covers all program inventory of an academic unit including undergraduate and graduate programs as well as other curricular and co-curricular offerings.
Centers and Institutes at ASU
Arizona State University is home to various centers and institutes that blend the passions of exceptional teachers and scholars across disciplines. Our centers and institutes address large, complex problems and challenges facing society in hopes of finding solutions and making the world a better place.
Read also: Understanding ASU Tuition
Counselor Training Center: A Model for Practical Experience
ASU provides science-based training in counseling and psychology programs grounded in culturally responsive practices and a commitment to the public good. Students complete 100 hours of applied clinical work in the center where they work with real clients from ASU and the broader community.
Student Perspectives
Hanna Ghabhain is in her final semester of the Master of Counseling immersion program and says her time in the Counselor Training Center was one of her most valuable experiences. “During practicum, I was in a tight-knit group with five other students. We each saw a small caseload of four clients under supervision, which provided ample time and space to focus on building our skills as counselors in a focused environment before going to an internship where our caseloads would be significantly higher,” Ghabhain said.
Internship Opportunities
After completing their required hours in the center, students are matched with an internship site where they accrue 600 hours of experience over the course of two semesters. The School of Counseling and Counseling Psychology has partnerships with more than 50 clinics across the Valley that meet its high standards of excellence.
Career Prospects
Ghabhain’s was matched with a private practice called Fit Mind Wellness, and following graduation in December, she will formally join the practice as a licensed associate counselor, where she will provide care to adult clients who experience complex post-traumatic stress. Pereira says many graduates are offered employment at their former internship sites.
Accreditation and Program Quality
“In a field that is highly competitive, where students have a lot of options for mental health training and educational training, students look for a program that has been properly vetted and approved with faculty that has expert training,” Pereira said. “We are able to recruit fantastic faculty, pull in amazing students, and that supports our communities even more, so it’s a cyclical process.”
Future Expansion
Bolstered by this accreditation, the school is well-positioned for continued expansion in a field that is rapidly growing. Most recently, the Master of Counseling degree has expanded its offerings with an online modality, as well as a school counseling concentration, opening pathways for graduates to become K-12 school counselors and addressing a statewide school counselor shortage. The school also provides counseling education from the undergraduate level to the doctoral level. The counseling psychology doctoral program, established in 1972, is accredited by the American Psychological Association and is one of the nation’s oldest accredited PhD programs. The bachelor’s degree in counseling and applied psychological science is the first and largest of its kind in the country, offering concentrations in substance abuse and addictions, sport and performance counseling, and counseling military members and veterans.
Community Impact
Deepening the school’s impact, the Counselor Training Center also offers services in Spanish and online and will soon open a second location at the Polytechnic campus to serve a larger audience. Soon, it will launch an assessment clinic to screen for ADHD and learning differences.
Commitment to Excellence
“We are invested in our students and their growth, and we believe in our commitment to excellence and community, and I believe that’s why we were accredited by MPCAC,” Pereira says. “It puts us in a position of consistently assessing and evaluating what we are doing and moving the needle."
Historical Overview of Arizona State University
Founded in 1885 as Territorial Normal School by the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature, the university is one of the largest public universities by enrollment in the United States. It was one of about 180 "normal schools" founded in the late 19th century to train teachers for the rapidly growing public common schools.
Early Years and Name Changes
Arizona State University was established as the Territorial Normal School at Tempe on March 12, 1885, when the 13th Arizona Territorial Legislature passed an act to create a normal school to train teachers for the Arizona Territory. The campus consisted of a single, four-room schoolhouse on a 20-acre plot largely donated by Tempe residents George and Martha Wilson. Classes started with 33 students on February 8, 1886. In 1923, the school stopped offering high school courses and added a high school diploma to the admissions requirements. In 1925, the school became the Tempe State Teachers College and offered four-year Bachelor of Education degrees as well as two-year teaching certificates. In 1929, the 9th Arizona State Legislature authorized Bachelor of Arts in Education degrees as well, and the school was renamed the Arizona State Teachers College.
The Matthews Era (1900-1930)
Under the 30-year tenure of president Arthur John Matthews (1900-1930), the school was given all-college student status. The first dormitories built in the state were constructed under his supervision in 1902. Of the 18 buildings constructed while Matthews was president, six are still in use.
The Swetman and Gammage Presidencies
During the Great Depression, Ralph Waldo Swetman was hired to succeed President Matthews, coming to Arizona State Teachers College in 1930 from Humboldt State Teachers College where he had served as president. In 1933, Grady Gammage, then president of Arizona State Teachers College at Flagstaff, became president of Arizona State Teachers College at Tempe, beginning a tenure that would last for nearly 28 years, second only to Swetman's 30 years at the college's helm. Like President Porter Eric Gasvoda before him, Gammage oversaw the construction of several buildings on the Tempe campus. He also guided the development of the university's graduate programs; the first Master of Arts in Education was awarded in 1938, the first Doctor of Education degree in 1954 and 10 non-teaching master's degrees were approved by the Arizona Board of Regents in 1956. During his presidency, the school's name was changed to Arizona State College in 1945, and finally to Arizona State University in 1958. At the time, two other names were considered: Tempe University and State University at Tempe.
Gammage Auditorium
Among Gammage's greatest achievements in Tempe was the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed construction of what is Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium/ASU Gammage.
Later Presidents and Expansion
Gammage was succeeded by Harold D. Richardson, who had served the school earlier in a variety of roles beginning in 1939, including director of graduate studies, college registrar, dean of instruction, dean of the College of Education and academic vice president. Although filling the role of acting president of the university for just nine months (Dec. 1959 to Sept. By the 1960s, under G. The next three presidents-Harry K. Newburn (1969-71), John W. Schwada (1971-81) and J. Under the leadership of Lattie F. Coor, president from 1990 to 2002, ASU grew through the creation of the Polytechnic campus and extended education sites. Increased commitment to diversity, quality in undergraduate education, research, and economic development occurred over his 12-year tenure. Part of Coor's legacy to the university was a successful fundraising campaign: through private donations, more than $500 million was invested in areas that would significantly impact the future of ASU.
The Crow Era and the "New American University"
In 2002, Michael M. Crow became the university's 16th president. At his inauguration, he outlined his vision for transforming ASU into a "New American University"-one that would be open and inclusive, and set a goal for the university to meet Association of American Universities criteria and to become a member. Crow initiated the transformation of ASU into "One university in many places"-a single institution comprising several campuses, sharing students, faculty, staff and accreditation. Subsequent reorganizations combined academic departments, consolidated colleges and schools, and reduced staff and administration as the university expanded its West Valley and Polytechnic campuses. ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus was also expanded, with several colleges and schools relocating there. The university established learning centers throughout the state, including the ASU Colleges at Lake Havasu City and programs in Thatcher, Yuma, and Tucson.
Research and Economic Challenges
During Crow's tenure, and aided by hundreds of millions of dollars in donations, ASU began a years-long research facility capital building effort that led to the establishment of the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability, and several large interdisciplinary research buildings. The economic downturn that began in 2008 took a particularly hard toll on Arizona, resulting in large cuts to ASU's budget. In response to these cuts, ASU capped enrollment, closed some four dozen academic programs, combined academic departments, consolidated colleges and schools, and reduced university faculty, staff and administrators; with an economic recovery underway in 2011, however, the university continued its campaign to expand the West Valley and Polytechnic Campuses, and establish a low-cost, teaching-focused extension campus in Lake Havasu City.
Positive Outcomes and Continued Growth
As of 2011, an article in Slate reported that, "the bottom line looks good", noting that: Since Crow's arrival, ASU's research funding has almost tripled to nearly $350 million. Degree production has increased by 45 percent.
Addressing Sexual Violence
In August 2014 ASU president Michael Crow appointed a task force comprising faculty and staff, students, and members of the university police force to review the university's efforts to address sexual violence.
Integration of Thunderbird School
In 2015, the Thunderbird School of Global Management became the Thunderbird School of Global Management at ASU.
Governance and Administration
One of three universities governed by the Arizona Board of Regents, Arizona State University is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and is classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities - Very High Research Activity". The Arizona State Sun Devils compete in 26 varsity-level sports in NCAA Division I as a member of the Big 12 Conference. Sun Devil teams have won 165 national championships, including 24 NCAA trophies.
The Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR)
The Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) governs Arizona State University as well as the state's other public universities: University of Arizona and Northern Arizona University. The board is composed of 12 members including 11 who are voting members, and one non-voting member. Members of the board include the state governor and superintendent of public instruction acting as ex-officio members, eight volunteer Regents members with eight-year terms who are appointed by the governor, and two student regents, each with two-year terms, and each serving a one-year term as non-voting apprentices. ABOR provides policy guidance to the state universities of Arizona.
University Leadership
The Arizona Board of Regents appoints and elects the president of the university, who is considered the institution's chief executive officer and the chief budget officer. The president executes measures enacted by the Board of Regents, controls the university's property, and acts as the university's official representative to the Board of Regents. The chief executive officer is assisted through the administration of the institution by the provost, vice presidents, deans, faculty, directors, department chairs, and other officers. The president also selects and appoints administrative officers and general counsels. The 16th ASU president is Michael M. Crow.
ASU Campuses and Locations
ASU has four campuses in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, including the Tempe campus in Tempe; the West Valley campus in Glendale; the Downtown Phoenix campus; and the Polytechnic campus in Mesa. ASU has four campuses in the Phoenix metropolitan area and regional learning centers throughout Arizona, in addition to facilities located in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Hawaii. Unlike most multi-campus institutions, ASU describes itself as "one university in many places", implying there is "not a system with separate campuses, and not one main campus with branch campuses". The university considers each campus "distinctive" and academically focused on certain aspects of the overall university mission.
Tempe Campus
The Tempe campus is the university's research and graduate school center. Undergraduate studies on the Tempe campus are research-based programs that prepare students for graduate school, professional school, or employment. ASU's Tempe campus is in downtown Tempe, Arizona, about eight miles (13 km) east of Phoenix. The campus is considered urban and is approximately 660 acres (2.7 km2) in size. The Tempe campus is ASU's original campus, and Old Main, the oldest building on campus, still stands. Today's university and the Tempe campus were founded as the Territorial Normal School when first constructed and was originally a teachers college.
Notable Landmarks
There are many notable landmarks on campus, including Grady Gammage Memorial Auditorium, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; Palm Walk, which is lined by 111 palm trees; Charles Trumbull Hayden Library; the University Club building; Margaret Gisolo Dance Theatre; Arizona State University Art Museum; and University Bridge. Furthermore, the Tempe campus is home to Barrett, The Honors College. In addition, the campus has an extensive public art collection; It was named "the single most impressive venue for contemporary art in Arizona" by Art in America magazine. Against the northwest edge of campus is the Mill Avenue district (part of downtown Tempe), which has a college atmosphere that attracts many students to its restaurants and bars. Students also have Tempe Marketplace, a shopping, dining, and entertainment center with an outdoor setting near the northeast border of the campus.
West Valley Campus
Established in 1984 by the Arizona legislature, the West Valley campus sits on 277.92 acres (1.1247 km2) in a suburban area of northwest Phoenix. The West Valley campus lies about 12 miles (19 km) northwest of Downtown Phoenix and about 18 miles (29 km) northwest of the Tempe campus. The West Valley campus is designated as a Phoenix Point of Pride and is nearly completely powered by a solar array. The campus serves more than 4,000 students enrolled in at least a single course and offers more than 100 degree programs from the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, W. P.
Polytechnic Campus
Founded in 1996 as "ASU East", the ASU Polytechnic campus serves more than 4,800 students and is home to more than 130 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees in professional, technical science, humanities, social science and pre-health programs through the W. P. Carey School of Business/Morrison School of Management and Agribusiness, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, and College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. The campus - a desert arboretum - includes outdoor learning labs and spaces as well as leading-edge simulators and indoor lab spaces to support teaching and research in various fields of study. The 600-acre (2.4 km2) campus is in southeast Mesa, Arizona, approximately 25 miles (40 km) southeast of the Tempe campus, and 33 miles (53 km) southeast of downtown Phoenix.
Downtown Phoenix Campus
The Downtown Phoenix campus was established in 2006 on the north side of Downtown Phoenix. The campus has an urban design, with several large modern academic buildings intermingled with commercial and retail office buildings. In addition to the new buildings, the campus included the adaptive reuse of several existing structures, including a 1930s era Post Office that is on the National Register of Historic Places. Serving 11,465 students, the campus houses the College of Health Solutions, College of Integrative Science and Arts, College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions, Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College, and Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
ASU Online
ASU Online offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degree programs through an online platform. The degree programs delivered online hold the same accreditation as the university's traditional face-to-face programs. ASU Online is headquartered at ASU's SkySong campus in Scottsdale, Arizona. Online students are taught by the same faculty and receive the same diploma as on-campus students. In April 2015, ASU Online announced a partnership with edX to form a one of a kind program called the Global Freshman Academy. The program is open to all potential students.
Program in Planning Accreditation Board (PAB)
PAB accreditation indicates that the Program has undergone an external review and substantially meets the PAB standards and criteria. Programs granted accreditation demonstrated conformity with PAB Standards after a thorough review from the Board. PAB bases its decisions on the overall quality of the program, its performance relative to its mission and strategic plan, and its performance relative to PAB’s 7 standards, which encompass a total of 35 criteria and 17 curriculum sub-criteria. This information is a summary only. Please consult the school directly for in-depth information regarding programs, course offerings, and compliance with PAB standards.
W. P. Carey School of Business
The W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University is one of the largest business schools in the United States with nearly 20,000 students pursuing undergraduate, master's, and PhD degrees. Solutions for the planet mean developing problem-solvers from around the globe. From our world-renowned faculty representing six continents to thousands of outstanding students who join us every year from around the world, the W. P. Carey School welcomes diversity and encourages global thinking. Because of the reputation of the W. P. Carey School - and the quality of our academic departments and students - companies nationwide recruit our graduates and work alongside our faculty members to deliver key insights into our curricula and research.
MBA Programs
The W. P. Carey MBA is available in five distinct formats, depending on when and where you’ll learn - Full-time, Part-time, Online, Executive - meets students where they are to propel their future careers.
Specialized Master’s Programs
Our specialized master’s programs bring forward the resources of America’s largest university to give you the choice of degrees across business industries. Choose from degrees in accountancy, business analytics, finance, global logistics, information systems management, real estate development, and taxation - or choose for the two newest specialized master’s degrees, in economics or supply chain management, recruiting for the inaugural cohort this year. A more connected network of alumni and peers, a thriving business landscape powered by the entrepreneurial spirit - ASU's W. P.
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