Accreditation Statement

The Bachelor of Graphic Design and Master of Graphic Design programs in Department of Graphic Design at NC State University are fully accredited as the professional bachelor's degree and terminal masters degree, respectively, by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design in affiliation with the American Institute of Graphic Arts. The recently established PhD in Design/Information Design concentration received plan approval from NASAD and will be considered for full accreditation approval once it has graduated its first class.

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design is composed of schools and individuals representing the highest traditions and aims in the education of artists and designers. These members have proven, by the fact of their membership and activity in the organization, their deep interest in fostering high standards for art and design education. Through its annual meetings, NASAD provides a national forum for discussion of the broadest considerations involving the education of the artist and designer. NASAD is the only accrediting agency covering the whole field of art and design recognized by the US Department of Education. The American Institute of Graphic Arts is the professional association representing more than 17,000 graphic design professionals in the United States. AIGA is an affiliate member of NASAD and participates in the definition of standards and publishing of briefing papers on graphic design education.

To receive accreditation, programs in the Department of Graphic Design underwent a "single discipline review" by a team of NASAD visitors in February, 2001 and received the full support of the NASAD accreditation commission in October of 2001. The Self-Study prepared for this review is on file in the Department of Graphic Design office in Brooks Hall. The next periodic review of department programs will be in the 2005-2006 academic year.