EIU Department of
Theatre

Accreditation

What Does National Accreditation Mean for Theatre Students?

Quality Assurance

Professional accreditation is the bedrock upon which all professions have built their reputations. It assures that those entering the respective field have been prepared to practice.

When a program is nationally accredited, it provides an assurance that the preparation program has met national standards set by the field at large and has undergone rigorous external and impartial review by professionals, policymakers and representatives of the public.

The level of excellence in the Department of Theatre is measured and assessed by the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

NAST, founded in 1965, is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities. It has approximately 178 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials.

Institutional Membership is gained only through the peer review process of accreditation. Individual Membership is available by application.

NAST provides information to potential students and parents, consultations, statistical information, professional development and policy analysis.