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Accreditation

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and many of its individual programs participate regularly in rigorous internal and external review processes for the purpose of maintaining accreditation.

Institutional Accreditation

Institution-wide accreditation is governed by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), the national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education that oversees colleges and universities in an 11-state area including North Carolina. All SACSCOC member institutions are required to undergo a full accreditation review every ten years and submit a Fifth-Year Interim Review Report between decennial reviews. The following is the official description of the status of UNC-Chapel Hill’s accreditation by SACSCOC. This statement should be used in any publications providing information on the University’s institutional accreditation.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Please contact SACSCOC only in relation to the University’s compliance with accreditation requirements. Normal inquiries about admission requirements, educational programs, and financial aid should be directed to the University.

Approved Academic Program Inventory

Through statutory authority, UNC System’s Board of Governors may authorize the establishment of new degree programs and the discontinuation of existing degree programs. All degree programs authorized by the Board may be retrieved using the Program and Degree Finder on the UNC System Office website, https://www.northcarolina.edu/apps/programs/index.php.

Student Achievement Indicators

As required by SACSCOC, the University sets goals for major indicators of undergraduate, graduate, and professional student achievement and evaluates and publishes its performance. More information on these indicators and outcomes can be viewed at student achievement goals and success.

Program Accreditation

A variety of external bodies also accredit programs in specific fields and professions offered by UNC-Chapel Hill.

The University is required by SACSCOC to demonstrate that it represents itself accurately and consistently to all U.S. Department of Education-recognized accrediting agencies with which it holds accreditation. The following summary of basic information describing UNC-Chapel Hill’s mission, governance, programs, degrees, student characteristics, personnel, research productivity, and finances is provided to each of these agencies annually.

Campus departments with programmatic accreditors are encouraged to use this information in the institutional profile sections of their self-studies and other correspondence with those agencies.

Substantive Change Policy

The University is required to notify SACSCOC of any substantive changes. Substantive change is a significant modification or expansion in the nature and scope of an accredited institution. For consultation about whether a program change requires SACSCOC notification or approval, contact the University’s Accreditation Liaison, Dr. Lynn Williford.

For more information, please contact us at the Institutional Research and Assessment.