All coursework and degree programs used for initial certification, certificate renewal, adding certification fields, or class level advancement must be earned through an institution of higher education that meets South Carolina State Board of Education accreditation requirements.
The courses and degree program must be completed at a college or university that meets at least one of the following criteria:
- Accreditation for general collegiate purposes by a regional accreditation association, or
- Approval to offer educator preparation programs by the State Board of Education, or
- Accreditation by a national association with which the South Carolina Department of Education has a partnership agreement. Since 2015, the SCDE has held a partnership agreement with the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Regional or Institutional Accreditation Agencies
The South Carolina State Board of Education recognizes and accepts coursework and degrees earned through one of the following institutional accreditation organizations. Formerly known as regional accreditation agencies, these entities can now accredit institutions located outside of their geographic region.
Middle States Commission on Higher Education
New England Commission of Higher Education
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges
The Higher Learning Commission
Western Association of Schools and Colleges, Senior College and University Commission
The United States Department of Education's Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) provides a resource for verifying a college or university is approved by one of the institutional (regional) accreditation organizations listed above. Please note, however, that DAPIP includes other types of accreditation that are not accepted by the South Carolina State Board of Education.
