What is Accreditation?

Accreditation is a system for recognizing educational institutions and professional programs for performance, integrity and quality. This recognition is extended primarily through nongovernmental, voluntary associations. These accreditors establish criteria for accreditation, arrange site visits, evaluate institutions and professional programs, and confer accreditation.

Although accreditation is basically a private, voluntary process, it is often a consideration in decision making by governmental funding agencies, scholarship commissions, foundations, employers, and potential students.

Mission of the Planning Accreditation Board

Mission

The Planning Accreditation Board (PAB) ensures high quality education for future urban planners.

Core Values

The PAB embraces the following five core values:

Functions

In order to accomplish its mission, the PAB:

PAB, founded in 1984, is proud to be officially recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). PAB is a member of the Association of Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA) and adheres to the ASPA Code of Good Practice.

Useful Documents

History of Accredited Programs

This list includes all degree programs currently and previously accredited by the PAB.

Candidacy Information

Instructions for becoming an accredited planning program.

Accredited Planning Programs

The current list of PAB-accredited planning programs.

The Accreditation Document

(File Download: 301KB)

Programs undergoing accreditation review beginning Fall 2008 are to adhere to the criteria in the November 2006 version of The Accreditation Document