Accreditation is the recognition that an institution maintains standards requisite for its graduates to gain admission to other reputable institutions of higher learning or to achieve credentials for professional practice. The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality.

A Reputation Built on Solid Performance

The Princeton Review consistently rates California State University, Stanislaus among the Best Colleges in the nation, a distinction awarded to only 15 percent of colleges and universities throughout the United States. The University is among the Top 100 colleges for bachelor’s degrees awarded to Hispanic students, and it is designated as a Hispanic-serving Institution by the U.S. Department of Education. The American Association of State Colleges and Universities recognized Stanislaus State as one of 12 public universities nationwide that demonstrate exceptional performance in improving retention and graduation rates.

Stanislaus State consistently receives high ratings from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). It is noted for small class sizes and a low percentage of student debt upon graduation.

Institutional Accreditation

Stanislaus State received its first full re-accreditations in 1999 and 2010 and 2019 from:

WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
985 Atlantic Avenue, Suite 100
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: (510) 748-9001
Fax: (510) 748-9797
www.wscuc.org

Specialized Accreditation

The following programs are accredited by their specialty organizations:

College of the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

  • Art - National Association of Schools of Art and Design
  • Music - National Association of Schools of Music
  • Public Administration - National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
  • Theatre - National Association of Schools of Theatre

College of Business Administration

  • Business Administration - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Intl.

College of Education, Kinesiology & Social Work

  • Education - California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
  • Social Work - Council on Social Work Education

College of Science

  • Genetic Counseling - American Board of Genetic Counseling
  • Nursing - Board of Registered Nursing; Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education

Online Programs Quality Assurance

All online and hybrid programs are reviewed and approved through the WASC Substantive Change process. Faculty can access resources to introduce some aspects of the online teaching experience from the standpoint of practical advice for the pursuit of pedagogical goals by visiting the Online Pedagogy page.

Faculty teaching courses in online programs normally participate in quality assurance programs: 


Visit the Accreditation website for more information

Updated: June 11, 2024