College of Education renews accreditation for masters, undergraduate program for next five years
Central Michigan University can add another department to its expanding list of accredited programs on campus.
The Master in Educational Leadership and the Master in Education programs have renewed accreditation status for both the initial certification process and graduate-level education programs.
The Teacher Education Accreditation Council Accreditation Committee awarded CMU a five-year accreditation status based on students' test results, an outline of the education program, success of alumni and review of coursework.
“We had to submit a brief outlining our program,” said Associate Dean of the College of Education Ray Francis. “The committee, which is based in Philadelphia, came to campus last March to verify what we said in the inquiry brief. The accreditation board then met to verify that we would be accredited for five years.”
Francis said the accreditation process takes years to complete, and it’s a continuous process to get ready for the next visit from the accreditation committee.
“Since the actual accreditation process takes about three years, we’ve already begun preparing for the next round of accreditation. The next on-site visit is scheduled for December 2016, and the next research report needs to be done at least eight months prior,” Francis said.
Accreditation is important for programs and allows them to be recognized as one of the best in the country.
“Gaining accreditation means we have a high-quality program," Francis said. "The certification includes on and off campus programs, as well as all masters programs involved with teaching."
Some education students are impressed with the credentials the program has earned and are eager to continue working toward their career choice.
Ashley Damm, a junior education major from Brooklyn, said the accreditation lends credibility to the program and inspires her to work toward her degree.
“Knowing that the school is accredited makes me feel like I have more incentive to work hard and get into the program," she said. "I came to CMU because of the education program, and knowing that it’s recognized as one of the best reaffirms this decision."
Some younger students also see the accreditation as more of a reason to be accepted into the education program.
“I have a good opportunity to be a part of a great program, and this makes me want to work even harder to get into it,” said Sebastian Andringa, a Cedar Springs freshman.
