Accreditation and Affiliations Established in 1883, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.AccreditationMCAD is accredited by associations that review higher education institutions to ensure they meet critical standards:The Higher Learning Commission reviews the colleges and universities of a nineteen-state region. It is one of seven regional accrediting organizations in the country. The Minneapolis College of Art and Design is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.MCAD has been approved by the state of Minnesota to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education. AffiliationsMCAD is a member of organizations that advance art and design education, support private higher education, and promote academic quality:Association of Independent Colleges of Art and Design (AICAD): A consortium of leading art and design colleges in the United States and Canada.Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA): A national organization that promotes academic quality through accreditation, advocacy, and recognition of accrediting organizations.National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU): A national organization representing private nonprofit colleges and universities on federal policy issues, including student aid, tax policy, and government regulation.Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC): An organization representing Minnesota’s private nonprofit colleges and universities through collaboration, advocacy, and public outreach. Disclaimers In accordance with federal regulations and State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) policy, MCAD is required to provide current and prospective students with information on whether any academic programs or courses are designed for professional licensure and if so, whether they meet requirements in all U.S. states and territories. MCAD does not offer any academic programs or courses that are designed for licensure. Teaching Artist Minor The Teaching Artist Minor is not designed or approved for teacher licensure, certification, or endorsement in any state or territory. Graduates will not be eligible for any K-12 teacher license, certificate, or endorsement based on completion of this Minor. As a result, graduates may not be eligible to work in public K-12 school settings in all states/territories.