ABERDEEN, S.D. – Northern State University’s Department of Music has been re-accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
Founded in 1924, the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities with approximately 639 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational and other music-related endeavors.
Dean of the School of Fine Arts Dr. Kenneth Boulton said accreditation is a process by which a program periodically evaluates its work and seeks an independent judgment by peers that it substantially achieves its own educational objectives and meets the established standards of the accrediting body.
"The NASM re-accreditation is a significant affirmation of our high level of music instruction, performance, and productivity," Boulton said. "In short, it means everything to the value of our undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as the commitment of our entire faculty."
Boulton added that the accreditation process typically includes an extensive self-evaluative report of the department; an on-site review by a team of evaluators; and a judgment by an accreditation decision-making body.
"The department is evaluated by NASM every 10 years," he said. "Accreditation reviews focus on educational quality, institutional integrity, and overall administrative support."
Northern State University’s Department of Music offers the following music degrees: Bachelor of Arts in Music; Bachelor of Music Education (K-12 Instrumental, K-12 Vocal; and K-12 Instrumental and Vocal); and Master of Music Education.
About Northern State University
Northern State University is a student-centered institution that provides an outstanding educational experience, preparing students through the liberal arts and professional education for their future endeavors. A regional university, Northern offers rigorous academics; diverse civic, social and cultural opportunities; and a commitment to building an inclusive environment for all points of view. Northern also offers a broad-based athletics program, sponsoring 15 NCAA Division II intercollegiate varsity sports that compete in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (NSIC). The university strives to enrich the community through partnerships such as its Educational Impact Campaign, which opened a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired; new athletic and recreation fields; and, soon, an on-campus regional sports complex. With the $55 million campaign, NSU has been the recipient of more than $120 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.