Metropolitan State University has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) since 1975. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. HLC accredits degree-granting post-secondary educational institutions in the United States.
Shortly after its most recent reaffirmation of accreditation during the 2016–2017 academic year, Metropolitan State University elected to follow the Open Pathway for continued accreditation with the HLC. The Open Pathway is one of two options institutions have for maintaining their accreditation with HLC. It follows a 10-year cycle and, like the Standard Pathway, is focused on quality assurance and institutional improvement. During Year 4 of the cycle, institutions complete an Assurance Review to ensure they are continuing to meet HLC’s Criteria for Accreditation. Metropolitan State University submitted an assurance review (below) during the summer of 2021, which was accepted by the HLC with no findings and no required monitoring reports.
The Open Pathway is unique in that its improvement component, the Quality Initiative, affords institutions the opportunity to pursue improvement projects that meet their current needs and aspirations. The Quality Initiative is completed during Year 5 through Year 9, just prior to the next Comprehensive Evaluation for Reaffirmation, which Metropolitan State University is scheduled to participate in during the 2026–2027 academic year.
Accreditation Information
- Candidacy date(s): 03/22/1972–07/23/1975
- Accreditation Date: 1975
- Year of Admission to AQIP: 04/04/2003
- Most recent reaffirmation of accreditation: 2016–2017
- Year of Next Reaffirmation of Accreditation: 2026–2027
Contact the HLC by phone at 800-621-7440 or on the official website.
Specialized program accreditation and certification
Nursing: Baccalaureate, master-level, and the Doctor of Nursing Practice Family Nurse Practitioner programs are accredited through 2033. These programs were reviewed in April 2023 for reaffirmation of accreditation.
Social Work: Reviewed in April 2018 for reaffirmation of accreditation through 2026.
- Council on Social Work Education
- Metro State University Specialized Program Accreditations—Social Work
Human Services—BS in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Substance Use Disorders Post-baccalaureate Certificate, and MS in Co-occurring Disorders Recovery Counseling: Fully accredited through the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission through 2028.
Accreditation for business schools and programs: We are pleased to inform our current and future students, their employers, and the greater Metropolitan State community that the Baccalaureate and Graduate Degree Board of Commissioners of the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) www.acbsp.org has awarded Metropolitan State University’s College of Business and Management accreditation of its business programs.
Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (formerly the Minnesota Board of Teaching): Baccalaureate and master-level education programs are continually approved for licensure through 2030. The programs were reviewed in 2023 for reaffirmation of accreditation.
Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training: Re-certified through 2027.
- Peace Officer Standards and Training Board Recertification Letter
- Peace Officer Standards and Training Board Recertification Certificate
- Accreditation status document
Institute of Management Accountants: Curriculum endorsement for Certified Management Accountant credential on October 22, 2015.
National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education: through 2027.
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (PDF)
- National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education for the NSA-Validated Program(s) of Study (PDF)
The Society for Human Resource Management: Alignment with SHRM HR curriculum through 2025