What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a review by experts of the quality of an institution’s program. In the United States, accreditation is the primary method that informs the public about whether a program is meeting standards set forth by its profession and providing a high quality education.
Is the Seattle University Counseling Program accredited?
Yes. Both the School Counseling and Community Counseling Programs are fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). CACREP is the premiere accrediting body for graduate counseling programs. There are over 600 CACREP-accredited programs in the United States. We hold the distinction of being one of five CACREP-accredited institutions in Washington and the only CACREP-accredited program in the Seattle metropolitan area. Additionally, the School Counseling Program is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). The counseling program also meets or exceeds the standards set for by the Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) in the state of Washington.
Why should I choose an accredited program?
Accreditation provides recognition that the content and quality of a program has been evaluated and meets standards set by the profession. The student, as a consumer, can be assured that appropriate knowledge and skill areas are included and that the program is stable, professionally and financially. The benefits of graduating from an accredited program are many.
For students, accreditation:
- Provides assurance that appropriate knowledge and skills are included in the program;
- Increases marketability for employment;
- Prepares students to sit for state licensure;
- Ensures fluidity in the licensure process;
- Eases the licensure process between states;
- Provides a foundation for future doctoral studies.
For employers, accreditation:
- Indicates that candidates for employment graduated from a rigorous program;
- Signifies that graduates achieved high quality standards and competencies;
- Ensures that graduates possess minimal knowledge and skills for success;
- Denotes that graduates are knowledgeable of current trends and best practices;
- Ensures that candidates for employment have potential for achieving success.