College of Education Accreditations

Higher Learning Commission

Pittsburg State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an independent corporation responsible for accrediting degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the North Central region. The HLC is a commission member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States.

Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

In 2012, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) became the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation or CAEP. CAEP's mission is to advance excellence in educator preparation through evidence-based accreditation that assures quality and supports continuous improvement to strengthen P-12 student learning.

National Strength and Conditioning Association

The National Strength and Conditioning Associate (NSCA) was founded in 1978 to bridge the gap between science and application to improve athletic performance and fitness. The Education Recognition Program (ERP) recognizes regionally accredited schools for their programs that continuously meet educational guidelines recommended by the NSCA. Within the ERP there are three separate recognition programs: Strength and Conditioning, Graduate Studies Program, and Personal Training Program. The Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation has been recognized by the ERP Strength and Conditioning Program.

Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Professions

Formally established in 1974, the Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism, and Related Professions conducts the process of accreditation for recreation, park resources, and leisure services curricula. The Council meets twice annually to review accredited programs, to revise and update the standards for accreditation and the procedures for program review, and to conduct the business of the Council. The 10 members include educators, practitioners, and a public representative. The Council was first recognized by the Council on Postsecondary Accreditation (COPA) in 1986 and is now in the process of completing its third review by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, (CHEA), successor to COPA. As a CHEA-recognized accrediting body, the Council meets specific procedural and organizational criteria necessary for effectively conducting the accrediting process.