National Association of Schools of Art and Design
The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), founded in 1944, is an accrediting organization of colleges, schools and universities in the United States. The organization establishes standards for graduate and undergraduate degrees. Member institutions complete periodic peer review processes to become, and remain, accredited. NASAD accreditation should not be confused with regional accreditation. While the association works with other professional organizations, including the AIGA, the American Craft Council, and the Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design, NASAD remains the only accrediting agency for higher education art and design programs in the United States that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.