National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation NASPAA-COPRA

Overview

The National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA) Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation (COPRA) is the sole accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) for master's degree programs in public policy, public administration, and public affairs in the United States. Established in 1970, COPRA ensures that graduate programs in these fields meet rigorous standards of quality and are committed to public service values. As of the 2024–2025 academic year, NASPAA accredits 207 programs at 193 schools, representing approximately 66% of eligible member institutions .

Historical and Legal Framework

NASPAA was founded in 1970 to promote excellence in public affairs education. The Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation was established to develop and implement accreditation standards for graduate programs in public policy, public administration, and public affairs. COPRA operates under the authority of NASPAA's Executive Council and is recognized by CHEA as the accrediting body for these programs. The accreditation process is grounded in a commitment to public service values, programmatic improvement, and educational quality .

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

The mission of COPRA is to ensure that graduate programs in public policy, public administration, and public affairs meet high standards of quality and are dedicated to public service. The vision is to promote excellence in public service education through a transparent and rigorous accreditation process. COPRA's objectives include:

• Establishing and maintaining accreditation standards that reflect the values and needs of public service education.
• Providing a peer review process that supports continuous improvement in accredited programs.
• Ensuring that accredited programs prepare students to be effective leaders and professionals in public service.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

COPRA is governed by a commission consisting of faculty members and administrators from NASPAA member institutions. The commission operates independently to ensure impartiality in the accreditation process. Members of COPRA are appointed by NASPAA's Executive Council and serve staggered terms. The commission is supported by NASPAA staff and collaborates with other organizations to enhance the quality of public service education.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

COPRA's accreditation process is mission- and outcomes-based, grounded in an in-depth self-evaluation of programs using the NASPAA Accreditation Standards. These standards are intentionally designed to be flexible to each context, mission, and institution, providing room for innovation and adaptation while ensuring that programs meet essential criteria for quality and effectiveness . The accreditation process includes:

• Eligibility application and membership in NASPAA.
• Submission of a comprehensive self-study report by the program.
• On-site peer review visit by a team of experts.
• Decision by COPRA regarding accreditation status.

Accreditation signifies that a program meets national standards of quality and is committed to continuous improvement in public service education.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

NASPAA is a global network of over 300 schools of public policy, public affairs, and public administration located in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and South America. Membership benefits schools in numerous ways to help them improve the quality of their programs and the field overall . COPRA collaborates with international organizations to promote global standards in public service education and supports the mobility of students and faculty across borders.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

COPRA's accreditation process plays a crucial role in shaping the quality of public service education in the United States and abroad. By establishing and upholding rigorous standards, COPRA ensures that graduate programs in public policy, public administration, and public affairs prepare students to be effective leaders and professionals in public service. The accreditation process also encourages programs to engage in continuous improvement and adapt to emerging challenges in public service.

Summary

The NASPAA Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation is a vital component of the NASPAA network, serving as the sole accrediting body recognized by CHEA for master's degree programs in public policy, public administration, and public affairs. Through its rigorous accreditation process, COPRA ensures that these programs meet high standards of quality and are dedicated to public service. The commission's work supports the development of effective leaders and professionals in public service and contributes to the advancement of public service education worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is COPRA?
  COPRA is the Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation of NASPAA, responsible for accrediting graduate programs in public policy, public administration, and public affairs.
• How does a program become accredited by COPRA?
  Programs must be members of NASPAA, submit a comprehensive self-study report, host an on-site peer review visit, and receive a decision from COPRA regarding accreditation status.
• Is COPRA accreditation recognized internationally?
  Yes, COPRA collaborates with international organizations to promote global standards in public service education and supports the mobility of students and faculty across borders.
• What are the benefits of COPRA accreditation?
  Accreditation signifies that a program meets national standards of quality, is committed to continuous improvement, and prepares students to be effective leaders and professionals in public service.
• How often must a program undergo accreditation review?
  Programs are required to undergo periodic reviews to maintain their accredited status, ensuring continuous adherence to COPRA standards.

Organization Name

National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation

Acronym

NASPAA-COPRA

Year of Establishment

1/01/1970

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Affiliations or Memberships

Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

145

Address

1029 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 1100
Washington
20005 District of Columbia United States

Phone

+1 (202) 628 8965

Fax

+1 (202) 626 4978

n.a.

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Wikipedia Article

National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, Commission on Peer Review and Accreditation's Wikipedia article

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