Understanding Accreditation
Types of Accreditation
In the United States, there are two types of accreditation - institutional and specialized. Institutional looks at the entire institution. Specialized accreditors, such as CACREP, look at professional preparation programs within institutions.
When programs are reviewed by CACREP, there are a few standards that address issues at the institutional level (such as financial aid), but most of the application and review focus on the program that offers the graduate degree in counseling. It is the degree-specific program that holds accreditation, not the department or college in which it is housed. Eligibility for CACREP includes having institutional accreditation, so the institutional issues such as financial viability and resources are addressed.