Institutional Accreditation

SJSU was first accredited in 1949. Since that time, reviews for re-accreditation have occurred at least once every 10 years. The most recent review period began when the campus submitted its institutional review self-study in September 2021 [pdf] to the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). WSCUC accreditation aids institutions in developing and sustaining effective educational programs and assures the educational community and the general public that an accredited institution has met high standards of quality and effectiveness.

WSCUC's Institution Directory highlights critical information students generally need to report for scholarships and awards to confirm institutional accreditation. 

• Timeline

  • 1857: San José State is founded as a Normal School and becomes the first institution of public higher education in the state

    1935: Renamed San José State College

    1949: SJSU accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WSCUC)

    1960: The individual California State Colleges were brought together as a system by the Donahoe Higher Education Act of 1960

    1972: The system becomes California State University and Colleges

    1974: Renamed San José State University

    1982: The system becomes the California State University (CSU)

    2012: First joint doctoral program with California State University, Fresno - Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

    2015: WSCUC Reaffirmation of Accreditation Visit - reaffirmation of accreditation for 7 years

    2017: WSCUC Special Visit

    2021: Submitted self-study [pdf] to WSCUC in September 2021 and Offsite review in November 2021

    2022: WSCUC Reaffirmation of Accreditation Visit - reaffirmation for 6 years

    2025: WSCUC Special Visit 

    2027: Submit self-study to WSCUC in September 2027 and Offsite review in November 2027

    2028: WSCUC Reaffirmation of Accreditation Visit

• Core Commitments

  • The Core Commitments express the values underlying WSCUC accreditation. WSCUC calls on institutions to ground their activities in three Core Commitments. By affirming these Core Commitments and taking ownership of the accreditation process, institutions create learning environments that continuously strive for educational excellence and operational effectiveness in order to serve both students and the public good.

    Student Learning and Success
    The institution has clear educational goals and student learning outcomes. The institution collects, analyzes, and interprets valid and reliable evidence of learning as a way of assessing student achievement and success. The institution supports the success of all students and seeks to understand and improve student success.
    

    Quality and Improvement
    The institution is committed to high standards of quality in all educational activities and utilizes appropriate evidence to improve teaching, learning, and overall institutional effectiveness. Through strategic and integrated planning, the institution demonstrates the capacity to fulfill its current commitments and future needs and opportunities.
    

    Institutional Integrity, Sustainability, and Accountability
    The institution recognizes that the public has entrusted it with the critical responsibilities of upholding the values of higher education and contributing to the public good. It engages in sound business practices, demonstrates institutional integrity, operates in a transparent manner, and adapts to changing conditions.