The mission of the American Academy for Liberal Education (AALE) is to promote excellence in liberal education by providing recognition of schools and programs that maintain the highest standards of liberal arts learning. In keeping with this mission, AALE accredits liberal arts programs through the master’s level in the United States. The review process and final decision are based on the AALE Program Standards of Excellence in Liberal Education.
What are the benefits of AALE Program accreditation?
Using the AALE Standards, post-secondary liberal arts programs benefit from engaging in a comprehensive self-study to explain how effectively the program realizes its stated liberal arts mission and meets standards of excellence for liberal arts learning. Successful applicants are publically recognized and join a membership dedicated to sharing best practices for high student achievement of liberal arts learning objectives; promoting the importance of teaching and instructional practices suitable for liberal education; and developing innovative ways to foster life-long learning that prepares students for productive engagement with the world.
What is the process for U.S. Program accreditation?
The process for AALE U.S. post-secondary program accreditation begins with an initial inquiry and consultation with AALE staff concerning eligibility requirements. The program submits an Application for Eligibility Review with accompanying documentation. Upon successful completion of the eligibility review, the program receives information on and a designated timeline for completing the application process. The formal application includes a self-study, a site evaluation visit and a formal response to the site evaluation visit report. Completed applications are forwarded to the Council of Scholars for recommendation and then presented to the Board of Trustees for final decision. Potential applicants for U.S. Program accreditation are encouraged to review the AALE website for a broader understanding of accreditation and to contact AALE staff with specific eligibility questions.
Additional AALE U.S. Program accreditation information and documents:
American Academy for Liberal Education
Advancing Excellence in Liberal Education