Main Content
U.S. Regional Accreditation
The University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU), one of six regional accrediting organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. According to the NWCCU, regional accreditation is a process of recognizing educational institutions for performance, integrity, and quality; this recognition entitles them to the confidence of the educational community and the public. Accreditation also qualifies the institution and its enrolled students for access to federal funds that support teaching, research, and student financial aid.
When granted, accreditation by the NWCCU is not partial. It applies to the entire UW at the time of the most recent comprehensive evaluation. Accreditation indicates that the institution as a whole is substantially achieving its mission and that it meets the NWCCU’s expectations for compliance with accreditation criteria.
Accreditation of the University of Washington was reaffirmed in July 2021, after the submission of a comprehensive self-evaluation report as well as a site visit in April 2021.
Academic Program Review
“Reviews of all academic units including the graduate and undergraduate degree programs offered by these units are required at least every ten years and are conducted jointly by the Dean of the Graduate School and the Dean of Undergraduate Academic Affairs in cooperation with the relevant School or College Dean” University Policy Directory (Presidential Orders: Executive Order 20.4).
Provisional approval is granted to new graduate degree and graduate certificate programs by the Board of Regents for a period of five years. The Graduate School coordinates the five year reviews of all new graduate programs.
Additional information including review guidelines, planning resources, and a list of upcoming reviews can be found on the UW Graduate School's Program Review website.
Professional Program Accreditation
Specialized and professional accreditation in the United States certifies the academic quality of a specific degree program, ensuring that students receive an education consistent with standards of practice for that field or discipline. UW Tacoma programs hold the following accreditations:
