Accreditation Overview
The purpose of accreditation is to ensure that institutions of higher education meet appropriate levels of quality that range from student outcomes to faculty qualifications. In order for students to receive Federal Student Aid or scholarships from the U.S. Department of Education for post-secondary study, the institution must be accredited by a national or institutional accreditor. In addition, the institution must be approved by a recognized state approval agency, be authorized by the state in which the institution is located, and receive approval from the Department through a program participation agreement.
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is reviewed for accreditation by several agencies that perform external quality program review. The HSC receives regional institutional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Programmatic accrediting bodies include: American Osteopathic Association Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA), Accreditation Review Commission for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA), Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Management Education (CAHME), Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). In addition, other HSC at Fort Worth departments, such as the Division of Academic Innovation (DAI), HSC Police, Forensic DNA Laboratory, and Lab Animal Medicine have specialized accreditors.
The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of The University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Role of UAA in Accreditation
The Office of University Assessment and Accreditation (UAA) leads HSC Fort Worth in ensuring compliance with accreditation requirements. We do this by assisting the institution, colleges, and departments with their accreditation needs through:
- Familiarizing faculty, staff, and students with the accrediting policies, procedures, and standards.
- Involving faculty, staff, and students comprehensively in the evaluation and planning of accreditation activities.
- Serving as a resource for information, policies, procedures, and standards related to SACSCOC and THECB.
- Assisting units with programmatic accreditation through:
- ensuring self-studies address the standards,
- providing institutional data, information, and narratives,
- aiding in the organization, planning, and management of accreditation activities.
Accreditation Status
Accreditation Calendar
| Date | Activity |
| March 2024 | Begin Planning for SACSCOC Fifth Year Interim Report |
| April 22-23, 2024 | ARC-PA (PA Studies) Continuing Site Visit |
| July 2024 | SACSCOC Financial Profile Due |
| January 2025 | SACSCOC Enrollment Profile Due |
| March 2025 | Begin 1st Draft of SACSCOC Fifth Year Interim Report |
| March 1, 2026 | SACSCOC Fifth Year Interim Report Due |
| June 1, 2026 | SACSCOC Fifth Year Interim Visit |
Contact: SACSCOC Accreditation
For inquiries related to SACSCOC:
Please do not contact SACSCOC directly. Direct any inquiries to:
- Robert C. Haight, PhD, MPA; SACSCOC Institutional Accreditation Liaison (IAL) and Vice Provost for University Assessment and Accreditation (robert.haight@unthsc.edu).
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