Getting Accredited

Key documents

Quick guide

Get up to speed fast: Accreditation Process and Self-Study (PDF)

Accreditation manual

The detailed process, guidelines, and policies: Accreditation Manual, version 9.2 (PDF)

Application form

Download the fill-in form and return it by email: Application for Accreditation (PDF)

Is ACCGC accreditation right for your program?

ACCGC defines the academic discipline of Graphic Communications as a branch of technology with focus on the creation, production, management, and commercial application of visual products in digital and physical form.

Study may include combinations of business management, computer generated imagery, content management, data management, distribution logistics, graphic design, intellectual property law, network management, package design, photography, print production, production management, visual product design, project management, server management, videography, and web development.

Student learning outcomes for Associate degrees

Accredited Associate degree programs are expected to meet these five broad-based student learning outcomes, which can be accomplished through a variety of curricular approaches.

  1. Integrate design aesthetics, functionality, and relevancy into graphic communications products, optimizing user experience.
  2. Impact production efficiency and product quality across a variety of media by applying knowledge of graphic communications materials, technologies, and practices.
  3. Contribute to graphic communications project teams for design, production, and management.
  4. Recognize and practice legal and ethical responsibilities concerning the creation, use, and distribution of graphic communications assets or products.
  5. Communicate ideas through written, visual, and oral mediums to a wide range of audiences.

Student learning outcomes for Bachelor’s degrees

Accredited Bachelor’s degree programs are expected to meet these seven broad-based student learning outcomes, which can be accomplished through a variety of curricular approaches.

  1. Integrate design aesthetics, functionality, and relevancy into graphic communications products, optimizing user experience.
  2. Impact production efficiency and product quality across a variety of media by applying knowledge of graphic communications materials, technologies, and practices.
  3. Contribute to graphic communications project teams for design, production, and management.
  4. Recognize and practice legal and ethical responsibilities concerning the creation, use, and distribution of graphic communications assets or products.
  5. Communicate ideas through written, visual, and oral mediums to a wide range of audiences.
  6. Independently discover and apply new information to solve graphic communications design, production, and management problems.
  7. Apply tools and principles in graphic communications business development and production management.

Fees for new accreditation

  • $200 non-refundable application fee
  • $1,200 annual accreditation fee for Associate degree programs, less the application fee
  • $2,000 annual accreditation fee for Bachelor’s degree programs, less the application fee
  • Travel expenses for the three-member review team during the accreditation review process

Grants are available for small programs. Contact ACCGC to ask about eligibility.

Fees for re-accreditation

There is no additional application fee for re-accreditation in subsequent six-year cycles. Visiting team travel expenses remain the responsibility of the institution under review.