Founded in 1944, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) sets and evaluates professional standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees. NASAD accreditation indicates that a department has reasonable standards centered on knowledge, skills, and competence and has instruction of the highest quality while simultaneously encouraging varied and experimental approaches to teaching. NASAD assures students and parents that accredited programs provide competent teachers, adequate facilities, sound curricula, and are capable of attaining their stated objectives.
Radford University is one of only five institutions in Virginia accredited by NASAD. Fewer than 350 schools in the nation have received this prestigious accreditation!
Radford University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Dance. Founded in 1981, the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD) is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 83 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for dance and dance-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other dance-related endeavors.
The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA, formerly FIDER), brings professionalism and quality to interior design programs by identifying, developing and promoting quality standards for the education of entry-level interior designers. As a leader in the interior design profession, the Council is the primary accrediting agency for interior design education, leading the profession to excellence by setting standards and evaluating academic programs in interior design.
There are more than 150 programs accredited under The Council for Interior Design Accreditation Professional Standards. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, we are one of six accredited programs; one of only four public institutions.
Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA)
The Interior Design Concentration at Radford University is fully accredited by CIDA.
Radford University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM).
The University has also been officially designated an All-Steinway School by Steinway and Sons. In order to receive this designation, at least 90 percent of its pianos must be Steinways.
Music Education
The concentration in music education is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and is approved by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE).
Music Therapy
The curriculum in music therapy, in accordance with the recommendations established by the American Music Therapy Association Association (AMTA), provides eligibility to take the national certification exam administered by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT).