Accreditation Matters

Chapman University and many of its schools and departments have been granted the stamp of approval by some of the world’s most exacting accreditation agencies. These associations provide guideposts and standards for institutions of higher education, and through a process of rigorous outside review, ensure schools meet defined levels of quality and performance. When an institution has received multiple accreditations, you know that it has passed the scrutiny of numerous outside reviewers and you can be guaranteed of its commitment to educational excellence. 

Chapman University—Chapman University is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), which is one of six regional accrediting associations that accredit public and private colleges and universities in the United States. Chapman University is also a member of the Independent Colleges of Southern California, the College Entrance Examination Board, the Division of Higher Education of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and the Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities.

George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) has accredited the George L. Argyros School of Business and Economics. AACSB accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Fewer than 5% of the world's business schools have achieved this elite distinction.

School of Law—The American Bar Association (ABA) has accredited the Chapman University School of Law, making it the 180th institution to achieve the ABA’s standards of excellence. The School of Law is also a member of The Association of American Law Schools (AALS).

College of Educational Studies—Chapman University is a member of the American Council on Education (ACE) and the American Association for Colleges of Teacher Education (AACTE). The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) has accredited Chapman’s teacher training and credential programs. The graduate program in School Psychology is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and is the only program of its kind at a private California university to be approved.

Athletic Training Education Program – The Athletic Training Education Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (CAATE) and represents the Joint Review Committee of Athletic Training (JRC-AT) Standards and Guidelines for undergraduate athletic training education. The ATEP program is part of the College of Educational Studies.

Conservatory of Music—The National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) has accredited our Conservatory of Music in the College of Performing Arts.

Department of Dance – The National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) has accredited our Department of Dance in the College of Performing Arts.

Department of Physical Therapy— The Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) has accredited our Doctor of Physical Therapy program in the Schmid College of Science.

Marriage and Family Therapy Program — The Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE) has conferred candidacy accreditation on our graduate Marriage and Family Therapy program in the Department of Psychology in the Schmid College of Science.