Accreditations

Overview

Dunwoody is approved by a number of regulatory agencies both at the institutional and programmatic levels. Institutional approvals are required for Dunwoody to conduct business. All education offered in the United States and the financial aid to support students in pursuing their education is regulated by the U.S. Department of Education. Dunwoody is accredited by the U.S. Department of Education approved institutional accreditor, The Higher Learning Commission. Dunwoody is located in the State of Minnesota and as such must demonstrate compliance with all Minnesota laws and standards both in regard to state financial aid and quality of the education being delivered in or from the state. As such, Dunwoody is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. When applicable, programmatic approvals are carried out by specialized accreditation bodies associated with a specific area of expertise.

The U.S. Department of Education

The United States Department of Education’s mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access. Public Law 96-88 outlines four major activities for which the Department is responsible:

Establishes policies relating to federal financial aid for education; administers distribution of those funds and monitors their use
Collects data and oversees research on American Schools and disseminates this information to Congress, educators and the general public
Identifies the major issues and problems in education and focuses national attention on them
Enforces federal statutes prohibiting discrimination in programs and activities receiving federal funds and ensures equal access to education for every individual

The Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Dunwoody is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The HLC was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The HLC is recognized as an institutional accreditor by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and is required to conduct programmatic approval for the dissemination of financial aid. All Dunwoody programs obtain approval from the Higher Learning Commission for financial aid eligibility. The Higher Learning Commission’s telephone number is (800) 621-7440; the website is www.hlcommission.org.

Minnesota Office of Higher Education (MN OHE)

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level state agency providing students with state financial aid programs and information to help them gain access to postsecondary education. The agency serves as the state's clearinghouse for data, research, and analysis on postsecondary enrollment, financial aid, finance, and trends. Through collaboration with systems and institutions, the agency assists in the development of the state's education technology infrastructure and library programs. The mission of MN OHE is "to support the pursuit and completion of a higher education credential by every Minnesotan, regardless of race, gender, or socio-economic status, in order to enhance our democracy, the State's economic vitality, and individual quality of life." Within MN OHE is the Office of School Licensure & Registration. The role of this office is to protect consumers by ensuring that private and out-of-state institutions of higher learning register with the state and meet state standards to operate legally in Minnesota.

Dunwoody College of Technology is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.

Minnesota Office of Higher Education
Address: 1450 Energy Park Dr #350, St Paul, MN 55108
Phone: 651.642.0567
Website: www.ohe.state.mn.us

Dunwoody College of Technology is registered as a private, non-profit college offering programs in Minnesota on three levels: certificate, associate degree, and bachelor degree. This registration is renewed annually. Programmatic review and approval is also required of MN OHE for state and federal financial aid.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)

Dunwoody participates in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) to offer distance education in NC-SARA's network of U.S. states and territories. NC-SARA’s policies help protect students and provide benefits to both states and institutions carrying out distance education.

Specialized Accreditors

In addition to Dunwoody's institutional accreditation, some of the college's programs have specialized accreditors that evaluate and accredit professional and occupational education at the program level. A rigorous evaluation is completed by a specialized accrediting body and is often associated with a national professional organization or a specific discipline.

ABET, INC

ABET accredits college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. Dunwoody College of Technology's

ABET's Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) accredits Dunwoody's B.S. Industrial Engineering Technology.

ABET's Engineering Accreditation Commission (EAC) accredits Dunwoody's B.S Mechanical Engineering

American Council for Construction Education (ACCE)

The American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) is a non-profit organization dedicated to becoming a leading global advocate of quality construction education; and promoting, supporting, and accrediting quality construction education programs.

Programs accredited: A.A.S. Construction Project Management, B.S. Construction Management

ASE Education Foundation

The ASE Education Foundation accredits Automobile, Collision Repair and Refinish, or Medium/Heavy Duty Truck programs through a thorough, strategic review and offers accreditation to programs that meet the requirements of the industry’s instructional standards.

Programs accredited: A.A.S. Automotive Service Technology, A.A.S. Automotive Collision Repair & Refinishing

Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)

The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA) accredits interior design education programs at colleges and universities in the United States and internationally. CIDA advances the interior design profession as the definitive source for quality standards and accreditation in higher education and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and The U.S. Department of Education.

Program accredited: B.S. Interior Design

HVAC Excellence

HVAC Excellence accredits HVACR programs using established standards of excellence for HVACR educational programs. These standards are designed to ensure that the future workforce receives the quality of training required to provide the skills necessary for success in the HVACR industry.

Programs accredited: A.A.S. HVACR Systems Servicing, A.A.S. HVAC Installation & Residential Service, Sheet Metal & HVAC Installation certificate

Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JCERT)

The Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) promotes excellence in education and elevates the quality and safety of patient care through the accreditation of educational programs in radiography, radiation therapy, magnetic resonance, and medical dosimetry. The JRCERT is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and The U.S. Department of Education.

Program accredited: A.A.S. Radiologic Technology

National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS)

The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS) is a metalworking trade association that sets skills standards for the industry, certifies individual skills against the standards, and accredits training programs that meet NIMS standards.

Program accredited: A.A.S. Machine Tool Technology

National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB)

The National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB) accredits professional degrees in architecture offered by institutions accredited by a U.S. regional accrediting agency. NAAB accreditation is the primary means by which professional degree programs in architecture assure quality to students and the public. Most state registration boards in the U.S. require any applicant for licensure to have graduated from a NAAB-accredited program; obtaining such a degree is an essential aspect of preparing for the professional practice of architecture.

Program accredited: Bachelor of Architecture