Accreditation

Degree Authorization

DigiPen Institute of Technology is authorized by the Washington Higher Education Coordinating Board (HECB) and meets the requirements and minimum educational standards established for degree-granting institutions under the Degree Authorization Act. This authorization is valid until May 15, 2008*, and authorizes DigiPen Institute of Technology to offer the following programs:

• **Associate of Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
• Bachelor of Science in Real-Time Interactive Simulation
• Master of Science in Computer Science
• Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering
• Associate of Applied Arts in 3D Computer Animation
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Production Animation

Any person desiring information about the requirements of the Act or the applicability of those requirements to the Institution may contact the HECB office at P.O. Box 43430, Olympia, WA 98504-3430.

NOTICE:
* DigiPen Institute of Technology has been authorized since 1996 and strictly adheres to the bi-annual authorization renewal process.
**NOTE: DigiPen is not accepting applications for the A.S. in Real-Time Interactive Simulation program for the Fall 2006 Academic year.

Accreditation

Accreditation is a voluntary system of non-government, self-regulation of the nation's education institutions. Through the accrediting process, institutions and their programs are evaluated and recognized for quality education. This recognition is extended through national, specialized, or regional accrediting agencies who themselves are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Accreditation is a formal status granted to an institution meeting or exceeding stated educational quality criteria. The purposes of accreditation are to assess and enhance the educational quality of an institution, assure consistency in institutional operations, promote institutional improvement, and provide for public accountability.

DigiPen Institute of Technology applied for accreditation with the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology (ACCSCT), recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an accrediting agency.

At its November 2002 meeting, the ACCSCT voted to grant accreditation to DigiPen Institute of Technology.

By becoming an accredited institution, DigiPen has joined in partnership with other educators and institutions committed to providing programs of quality and conducting their affairs with honesty, integrity, and dignity. We take this responsibility seriously and proudly embrace accreditation as a means of continuous self-analysis and the achievement of our educational mission and goals.