National Association of Schools of Art and Design

National Association of Schools of Art and Design is an organization that establishes standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees in the United States, focusing on art education at institutions such as the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Yale University, and California Institute of the Arts. The organization is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, similar to the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications and the American Bar Association. NASAD is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors and works closely with other organizations, including the National Association of Schools of Music and the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

● History

The National Association of Schools of Art and Design was established in 1944 with the goal of promoting art education and setting standards for institutions such as the Rhode Island School of Design, Maryland Institute College of Art, and School of Visual Arts. The organization has a long history of collaboration with other accrediting agencies, including the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. NASAD has also worked with professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Graphic Design and the Industrial Designers Society of America, to develop standards and guidelines for art and design education. The organization's history is closely tied to that of other accrediting agencies, including the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges and the Council on Education for Public Health.

● Accreditation

NASAD accreditation is recognized by the United States Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, and is considered a mark of excellence for institutions such as the University of the Arts (Philadelphia), Cranbrook Academy of Art, and California College of the Arts. The accreditation process involves a thorough review of an institution's art and design programs, including those offered by the Fashion Institute of Technology, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Parsons School of Design at The New School. NASAD accreditation is also recognized by professional organizations, such as the American Institute of Architects and the Graphic Artists Guild. The organization works closely with other accrediting agencies, including the National Architectural Accrediting Board and the Landscape Architectural Accreditation Board.

● Membership

NASAD membership includes institutions such as the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts, and University of Michigan School of Art & Design. Membership benefits include access to art and design education resources, such as those provided by the National Art Education Association and the College Art Association. Members also have the opportunity to participate in NASAD conferences and workshops, which feature speakers from institutions such as the Massachusetts College of Art and Design and the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. NASAD members also collaborate with other organizations, including the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Gallery of Art.

● Standards and Guidelines

NASAD establishes standards and guidelines for art and design education at institutions such as the Kansas City Art Institute, Maine College of Art, and Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. These standards cover areas such as faculty qualifications, curriculum development, and student assessment, and are designed to ensure that institutions provide high-quality art and design programs. NASAD also provides guidelines for institutions such as the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design and the Tyler School of Art and Architecture, which offer graduate programs in art and design. The organization works closely with other accrediting agencies, including the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools and the Distance Education Accrediting Commission.

● Institutional Membership Requirements

Institutions such as the University of Washington School of Art + Art History + Design, Columbia University School of the Arts, and Yale School of Drama must meet certain requirements to become NASAD members. These requirements include having a regionally accredited institution status, such as that granted by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education or the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Institutions must also have a separate art and design unit, such as the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University, and must offer degree programs in art and design. NASAD also requires institutions to have a substantial commitment to art and design education, as demonstrated by institutions such as the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University and the Weitzenhoffer School of Musical Theatre at the University of Oklahoma.

● Commission on Accreditation

The NASAD Commission on Accreditation is responsible for evaluating institutions such as the California Institute of the Arts, School of Visual Arts, and Maryland Institute College of Art for accreditation. The commission is composed of art and design educators and administrators from institutions such as the Rhode Island School of Design, University of the Arts (Philadelphia), and Cranbrook Academy of Art. The commission reviews self-study reports and conducts on-site visits to evaluate an institution's art and design programs, including those offered by the Fashion Institute of Technology and the Parsons School of Design at The New School. The commission also works closely with other accrediting agencies, including the National Association of Schools of Music and the National Association of Schools of Theatre, to ensure that institutions meet high standards for art and design education.

Category:Art and design organizations