Pursuing accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission is a voluntary activity in which the university conducts a rigorous self-evaluation and receives an independent, objective peer appraisal of our overall quality. We choose to initiate this process for a variety of reasons:
- It validates the quality of our academic programs.
- It is required for federal student aid eligibility.
- It is required for transfer of credit to and from most institutions.
- It helps employers determine the validity of a degree.
- It plays a large role in attracting and retaining students.
- It is required for many certification exams.
Baker University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
(312.263.0456, hlcommission.org), for degree programs in arts, sciences, and professional curricula at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Its accreditation has been continuous since first granted in 1913 and was most recently renewed in 2012.
Kansas State Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
Baker University is accredited by the Kansas State Department of Education and the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEPnet.org) and is a member of and approved by the University Senate of the United Methodist Church. KSDE and CAEP Annual Reporting Measures.
National Association of Schools of Music
Baker University has been accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) since 1994.
National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education
School of Education graduate programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
Kansas State Board of Nursing & Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The Baker School of Nursing’s bachelor’s program is approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing. The baccalaureate and the master’s degree programs in nursing are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (http://www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
The majors of accounting, business, and international business offered at the College of Arts and Sciences in Baldwin City are fully accredited at the national level by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Business administration and leadership degrees offered by the School of Professional and Graduate Studies at the associate, bachelor’s, and master’s level are fully accredited by the ACBSP.
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
Baker’s exercise science program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for the Exercise Sciences, making it the first and only fully accredited program in Kansas.
Professional Organizations
Baker University is a member of numerous professional organizations in higher education including the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Kansas Independent College Association, and others.