Overview
Four parallel arts accreditors
Higher education in the arts is accredited by four closely related “National Association of Schools of …” bodies, each covering one discipline. They share a common structure and philosophy and are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Because the arts are not licensed professions, this accreditation is a quality and recognition signal, not a credential.
- NASAD — art and designDegree programs in art and design.
- NASM — musicDegree programs in music.
- NAST — theatreDegree programs in theatre.
- NASD — danceDegree programs in dance.
Why It Matters
What arts accreditation signals
- Program qualityEach association reviews curriculum, faculty, facilities, and standards specific to its art form.
- Transfer & graduate studyAccreditation supports credit transfer and admission to graduate arts programs and conservatories.
- Not a licenseThere is no license to be an artist, musician, actor, or dancer, so this accreditation is never legally required.
- Selective by choiceMany strong arts programs pursue accreditation; some excellent ones do not.
Read It Right
Accredited vs. not
As with journalism, the absence of NASAD/NASM/NAST/NASD accreditation does not mean an arts program is weak — reputation, faculty, facilities, performance and exhibition opportunities, and outcomes matter more. Treat accreditation as a positive signal where present and judge unaccredited programs on their merits.
Do It Yourself
Verify an arts program
Go Deeper
Official sources
Questions
Frequently asked questions
- Who accredits art, music, theatre, and dance programs? Four parallel bodies: NASAD (art and design), NASM (music), NAST (theatre), and NASD (dance). All are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Do I need an accredited arts degree to work in the arts? No. The arts are not licensed professions, so this accreditation is never legally required. It is a quality and recognition signal.
- What does arts accreditation signal? That a program meets discipline-specific standards for curriculum, faculty, and facilities — a positive marker of quality and preparation.
- Is a non-accredited arts program worse? Not necessarily. Many strong arts programs are unaccredited; judge programs on reputation, faculty, facilities, and outcomes.
- Are these accreditors recognized by the government? Yes, by the U.S. Department of Education. Arts accreditation is generally not a federal Title IV gatekeeper on its own.
- Do conservatories use these accreditors? Many music conservatories are NASM-accredited, and comparable arts schools use NASAD, NAST, or NASD, though some prestigious programs are not accredited by these bodies.
- Does accreditation matter for transferring arts credits? It can help, since accredited programs meet recognized standards, but portfolio, audition, and program fit often drive arts admissions and transfer.
- How do I verify an arts program's accreditation? Search the relevant association's directory — NASAD, NASM, NAST, or NASD — for the program.