Accreditation

Bowie State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE), North Orange Street, 4th Floor, MB #166, Wilmington, DE 19801. MSCHE is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Bowie State University’s accreditation was reaffirmed by MSCHE on March 10, 2022 following the self-study process.

Maryland Higher Education Commission coordinates the growth and development of post-secondary education in Maryland. The Maryland Higher Education Commission authorizes Bowie State University to confer academic degrees.

Academic Programs
State Authorization

Business Administration Programs

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) accredits the Business Administration (BS) and Business Administration (MBA) programs.

Computer Science Programs

The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits the Computer Science (BS) program.

Counseling Programs

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredits the Mental Health Counseling (MA) and School Counseling (MED) programs.

Education Programs

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) accredits the following programs: Early Childhood Education (BS), Educational Leadership (EDD), Elementary Education (BS), Elementary Education (MED), Elementary and Secondary School Administration (MED), Reading (MED), School Psychology (MA), Special Education (MED) and Teaching (MA).

The Maryland State Department of Education approves the Secondary Education (MED) and Secondary Education (BA/BS) programs.

Nursing Programs

The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN) accredits the Nursing (BS) and Nursing (MS) programs.

Public Administration Program

The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) accredits the Public Administration (MA) program.

Social Work Program

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits the Social Work (BS) program.

Technology and Security Programs

The Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits the Computer Technology (BS) program.

As a Maryland public institution of higher education, Bowie State University is committed to operating in compliance with all state regulations for its distance education programs as well as its on-the-ground activities.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) worked with various states to develop the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA). SARA allows participating colleges and universities to provide online courses and conduct certain activities outside of their home state without having to seek approval from state higher education regulatory entities. Forty-nine states and Washington, D.C., have joined SARA (SARA states). California has not. For more information, visit NC-SARA's website.

To become a member of SARA, the regional education board or compact and home state of an institution must approve participation in SARA. Maryland is an approved SARA state. In addition, the institution must be approved by NC-SARA. In June, 2021, NC-SARA approved institutional participation for BSU.

SARA Complaint Process

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC) Department of Program Review and Compliance (Department) oversees the quality, integrity, and diversity of postsecondary programs in Maryland for the benefit of students and consumers. The MHEC is also responsible for the academic integrity of higher education in Maryland, including ensuring that complaint processes are available for students enrolled in institutions overseen by the Department.

The MHEC serves as the “State Portal Agency” responsible for implementing the SARA, which includes ensuring that the complaint procedures for SARA institutions are available and implemented for students, as needed.

The resolution of complaints, apply to interstate distance education programs offered by participating SARA institutions to students in other SARA states. Only those complaints resulting from distance education courses offered by participating institutions to students in other SARA states come under the terms of the agreement.

The MHEC will investigate and resolve allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity by a provider, including the provision of false or misleading information. In addition to dealing with alleged fraudulent activity. The MHEC shall also investigate and resolve complaints that an institution is operating a course or program contrary to practices set forth in the C-RAC Guidelines in such a way that a student is harmed.

Complaints about a SARA institution’s in-state operations are to be resolved under the state’s provisions for handling complaints.

Complaint Process Steps

Access the Bowie State’s student concerns form.
If the institutional complaint process is not exhausted, the the complaint is referred to the institution.
If the institutional complaint process has been exhausted, MHEC asks students to submit a written complaint form, additional information and release.
Institution submits additional information and suggest an appropriate resolution.
If the resolution acceptable, STOP HERE.
If not resolved, continue to next step.
MHEC and the instituion negotiate in good faith to resolve the complaint.

Visit the MHEC Department of Academic Affairs webpage for additional information.

Distance Education

BSU is authorized to offer distance education in all SARA states and is offering distance education in compliance with all other states' laws. As such, the university is also offering distance education in compliance with the Department of Education's Title IV state authorization requirements. Changes in state of residence, therefore, shall not impact Title IV eligibility for students taking courses via distance education.