nasad

NASAD, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, is a United States nonprofit association of degree-granting art and design schools and programs. It serves as a national accrediting body for professional undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as painting, sculpture, graphic design, industrial design, photography, animation, and digital media. Through its accreditation process, NASAD aims to ensure that programs meet established standards and that graduates are prepared for professional practice and further study.

The accreditation process typically involves a self-study by the institution, followed by a site visit by a team of peer evaluators. The evaluation examines aspects such as the institution’s mission and learning goals, curriculum design, faculty qualifications, student services, facilities and equipment, admission and assessment practices, and governance. Based on these findings, NASAD grants accreditation status, which is reaffirmed on a cyclical basis with opportunities for institutional improvement.

Membership encompasses colleges, universities, schools within larger institutions, and independent design and art schools that offer accredited programs. NASAD provides resources to member institutions, including accreditation guidelines, handbooks, and a directory of accredited programs. It also supports professional standards in art and design education and engages in activities that promote quality assurance, program development, and articulation within the field.

See also: Accreditation in the United States, Art school accreditation.