Accreditation

Accreditation Program Overview

The AAFCS Accreditation Program assures the public that accredited undergraduate family and consumer sciences programs provide the highest quality educational experiences and prepare students for professional roles to improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities.

Accreditation standards for university programs and the criteria embedded within the standards reflect the highest quality expectations defined by the profession. As such, they are based on research, best practices, and qualitative indicators of performance, especially measures of program effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity, including those related to student learning outcomes. As the profession evolves, standards for assessing quality may be redefined periodically.

The standards for accreditation are clear, valid for the profession, and reliably assessed by qualified peers. The process for accreditation is rigorous, useful, non-burdensome, and technologically sensitive. The standards and criteria for accreditation by AAFCS are applicable to all post-secondary family and consumer sciences programs, regardless of program differences such as size, scope, specialization, delivery methods, or public, private, or consortium affiliation.

 Accredited FCS Programs


AAFCS is pleased to recognize undergraduate programs for achieving accreditation status.


Accreditation Directory


Purposes of Accreditation


AAFCS accreditation has three basic purposes:

    1. To Advance Academic Quality. Standards have been designed to advance academic quality in bachelor’s degree programs in higher education. Standards emphasize student achievement and high expectations of teaching and learning, research, service, and outreach. Standards have been developed within the framework of the family and consumer sciences mission and philosophy.
    2. To Demonstrate Accountability. Units seeking accreditation have accountability standards that are consistent, clear, and communicated to the public and the greater higher education community. Results of educational outcomes are readily available and used in planning for change and enhancing the program.
    3. To Encourage, Where Appropriate, Planning and Implementation for Needed Improvement. Accredited Units are encouraged to plan, where needed, for change and for improving the learning environment. Units anticipate and address change in a timely and methodical manner. Student achievement is stressed. 

Accreditation Contact


Carol Anderson, PhD, CFCS
Director of Accreditation
703-636-7640

Email Carol