Why Seek Accreditation? Value and Benefits!

There are a number of benefits – external value, enhanced reputation, ongoing improvement, and a commitment to public service education – that can strengthen your program.

Accreditation is Valuable to:

Your Program 

NASPAA accreditation ensures that accredited programs are visible to their peers, through achievement of accreditation, and as participants in the peer review process. The validation of quality assists in the creation of partnerships, exchanges of best practices, and student transfer.

Video Still from NASPAA 2016 Conference

NASPAA accreditation supports program improvement and student learning outcomes by requiring programs to demonstrate their contributions to advancing the knowledge, research, and practice of public service. At a NASPAA-accredited program, it is essential for faculty members to produce research and engage in service activities, appropriate to the mission of the program. 

Ultimately, NASPAA accreditation gives programs the ability to showcase the competencies and skills each of their graduates possess. The self-study process helps programs identify what their students learn, and can demonstrate, in future public service careers.

Students

NASPAA accreditation provides a reliable and trustworthy indication of value and quality to potential students. Accreditation signals that programs meet a field-wide standard of quality, continuously seek to improve their operations, and practice truth in advertising. Students can be reasonably assured that, at a NASPAA-accredited program, they will be provided the resources to complete their program, achieve established learning objectives, and obtain public service employment.

Employers

NASPAA accreditation is a signal of quality and reliability to potential employers that not only seek to hire skilled graduates with the skills they require, but also wish to partner with academic institutions as capstone clients or for internship placements.

Your Institution

NASPAA accreditation is an external stamp of program quality respected at the level of the university. An accredited program is typically a highly valued component of the institution.

Public Service Education

NASPAA accreditation is an expression of a program’s commitment to the field – to public service education as a discipline. NASPAA-accredited programs are leaders in the field of public service education. The NASPAA Standards and accreditation process serve to maintain and enhance the recognition and reputation of graduate public service degrees, globally.

Want to Learn More?

Click here to learn more about the benefits of accreditation, here to see why NASPAA accreditation is important, and here to learn more about the accreditation process.