National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on Accreditation NAST COA

Overview

The National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on Accreditation (NAST COA) is a specialized accrediting agency based in the United States, dedicated to evaluating and accrediting theatre programs and schools. Established in 1965, NAST COA serves as a professional association for institutions offering degrees and credentials in theatre and theatre-related disciplines. It sets national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other theatre-related endeavors. According to uniRank, NAST COA is recognized for its role in maintaining high professional standards in theatre education.

Historical and Legal Framework

Founded in 1965, NAST COA emerged from the need for a dedicated accrediting body for theatre programs. The association's formation was a response to the growing recognition of theatre as a legitimate academic discipline within higher education. NAST COA operates as a private, non-profit organization and is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an institutional accrediting agency. Its legal framework is grounded in the principles of peer review and accountability, aiming to uphold high standards in theatre education.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

NAST COA's mission is to establish national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials in theatre and theatre-related disciplines. The association provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other theatre-related endeavors. Its objectives include:

• Promoting the quality and integrity of theatre education.
• Supporting institutions in meeting accreditation standards.
• Encouraging continuous improvement in theatre programs.
• Enhancing public understanding of the value of theatre education.

Through these objectives, NAST COA contributes to the advancement of theatre as an academic discipline within higher education.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

NAST COA operates under a governance structure that includes a Commission on Accreditation, which consists of a Chair and four delegate members, all elected by the membership at large, and one Public Member. With the exception of the Public Member, each Commission member must have experience as a visiting evaluator. The Commission is designed to be appropriately balanced to represent a variety of backgrounds and perspectives in theatre. This structure ensures that NAST COA remains responsive to the needs of its constituents while maintaining its independence as an accrediting body.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

NAST COA's primary role is to serve as a specialized, professional accrediting agency for theatre programs. Accreditation is the process whereby NAST COA recognizes an institution as having met certain qualifications or standards. The process focuses on two principal concerns: educational quality and institutional probity. Institutions seeking accreditation undergo a comprehensive review process that includes a self-study, an on-site evaluation, and a review by the Commission on Accreditation. This rigorous process ensures that accredited programs meet high standards and are committed to continuous improvement.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

While NAST COA primarily focuses on accrediting institutions within the United States, it recognizes the importance of international collaboration in the field of theatre education. The association is a member of the Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA), which fosters cooperation among specialized accrediting bodies. Through its involvement in ASPA and other networks, NAST COA engages in dialogue with international accrediting agencies to share best practices and stay informed about global trends in theatre education.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

NAST COA continues to have a significant impact on higher education by ensuring that theatre programs meet high standards of quality and integrity. The association's accreditation process helps institutions maintain academic rigor and provides students with assurance that their education meets recognized standards. Looking forward, NAST COA aims to adapt to the evolving landscape of higher education by incorporating new technologies and methodologies into its accreditation processes, ensuring that theatre education remains relevant and effective in preparing students for professional careers.

Summary

The National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on Accreditation, is a vital organization in the landscape of higher education, dedicated to ensuring the quality and integrity of theatre education. Through its rigorous accreditation process, NAST COA supports institutions in maintaining high standards and fosters continuous improvement in theatre programs. Its commitment to excellence contributes to the advancement of theatre as a respected academic discipline.

FAQs

1. What is NAST COA?

   NAST COA is a U.S.-based accrediting body dedicated to evaluating and accrediting theatre programs and schools across the United States.

2. When was NAST COA founded?

   NAST COA was founded in 1965.

3. What is the mission of NAST COA?

   The mission of NAST COA is to establish national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials in theatre and theatre-related disciplines.

4. How does NAST COA ensure quality in theatre education?

   NAST COA ensures quality through a comprehensive accreditation process that includes a self-study, an on-site evaluation, and a review by the Commission on Accreditation.

5. Is NAST COA recognized by any government agencies?

   Yes, NAST COA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an institutional accrediting agency.

Organization Name

National Association of Schools of Theatre, Commission on Accreditation

Acronym

NAST COA

Year of Establishment

1/01/1965

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

National

Recognized by

U.S. Department of Education

Affiliations or Memberships

Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21
Reston
20190 Virginia United States

Phone

+1 (703) 437 0700

Fax

+1 (703) 437 6312

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

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X (Twitter)

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LinkedIn

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YouTube

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Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

Not available

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