Accreditation is a status granted to an educational institution or a program that has been found to meet or exceed stated criteria of educational quality. In the United States, accreditation is voluntarily sought by institutions and programs, and is conferred by non-governmental bodies. Accreditation has two fundamental purposes: to assure the quality of the institution or program, and to assist in the improvement of the institution or program. Accreditation, which applies to institution or programs, is to be distinguished from certification and licensure, which apply to individuals.

The Higher Learning Commission, earlier known as the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, has accredited Black Hills State University at the associates, the bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. The last accreditation visit of the HLC was in 2003. At that time, accreditation was renewed until 2013. The reason for this recommendation is the result of Black Hills State University’s historical strengths, its sense of mission and purpose that guides the University, its understanding of its various problems, and adequate resources available to conduct its educational programs.

Specific programs are accredited by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the South Dakota Department of Education and Cultural Affairs (DECA), the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the International Association of Colleges of Business Education (IACBE).

Dates of upcoming accreditation visits appear in Appendix A.