The College of Education, Health and Human Sciences at the University of Memphis is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), www.ncate.org. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs at the main and Jackson Branch Campuses.

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) is a national accrediting body for schools, colleges, and departments of education authorized by the U.S. Department of Education. NCATE determines which schools, colleges, and departments of education meet rigorous national standards in preparing teachers and other school specialists for the classroom

NCATE accreditation responds to the public's expectation that colleges of education produce teachers and other school specialists who meet rigorous standards, and who can help students learn. In a public opinion poll conducted by Penn and Schoen, 82 percent of the public favors requiring teachers to graduate from nationally accredited professional schools.

To achieve accreditation under NCATE’s standards, universities and colleges must offer intellectually rigorous programs which are relevant to the needs of today’s classrooms. NCATE wants to know "what do candidates know and what are they able to do?"

Professional accreditation has played a critical role in the standard of living that we enjoy in America today. Much that we take for granted—from the bridges we cross to the highways we use to the health care we receive—are the result of efforts of professionals in various fields who produce and live by high standards. Accreditation standards are the bedrock upon which the established professions have built their reputation and garnered the esteem of American society.

NCATE Accreditation: What it Means to the Public:

• the school of education underwent rigorous external review by professionals;
• candidate performance is thoroughly assessed throughout the program and before he or she is recommended for licensure;
• the programs meet standards set by the teaching field at large, including classroom teachers.