Roster of Accredited Programs

All NASPAA-accredited programs have successfully met the NASPAA Accreditation Standards for Professional Master’s Degree Programs in Public and Nonprofit Policy, Affairs, and Administration. Some universities have more than one NASPAA-accredited program; in this case each master’s degree program must meet NASPAA standards independently. Accreditation of a degree program extends to all campuses and formats where that degree is offered. NASPAA does not accredit schools, undergraduate degrees, or PhD programs.

2024-2025 Roster of Accredited Programs

NASPAA’s membership consists of 314 member institutions that offer undergraduate and graduate degrees in public affairs and administration. Of the total number of programs eligible to participate in peer review, 208 programs at 194 schools (66% of eligible member institutions) are accredited. On the roster, the academic year appearing immediately following the institutional name (or degree name when multiple degrees are accredited at the same university) indicates the academic year for the next regularly scheduled review. For example, if the year indicates “2024-2025,” then the self-study would be submitted by August 15, 2024, the site visit would take place sometime between late January and April of 2025, and the accreditation decision would be made by the Commission in June of 2025. This designated academic year does not preclude the Commission from authorizing a site evaluation prior to it. The program accreditation expires at the end of the designated academic year on August 31. The 2024-2025 Roster is effective September 1, 2024, and reflects COPRA actions from January 15, 2024 to August 31, 2024.

On an annual basis, the Commission issues accreditation actions for programs seeking accreditation. Programs receiving initial accreditation or full reaccreditation decisions demonstrated conformity with the NASPAA Standards after a thorough review by the Commission. The Commission bases its conclusion on the overall quality of the program, its performance of its mission, consideration of substantial conformance with the standards, and its assessment of overall program quality given the unique mission of that program. Programs receiving initial accreditations and reaccreditations, including positive one-year reaccreditations, are included on the Roster of Accredited Programs, updated each year.

2024 COPRA Accreditation Action Statement