National Association of Schools of Theatre

FIU’s Department of Theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). NAST is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the agency responsible for the accreditation of all theatre curricula.

NAST was established in 1965 to improve educational practices and maintain high professional standards in theatre education.

The Association’s main role is that of a specialized, professional accrediting agency. Accreditation is the process whereby an association or agency recognizes an institution as having met certain qualifications or standards. In NAST, the process focuses upon two principal concerns: educational quality and institutional probity.

The review of educational quality is made according to nationally recognized standards developed by the Association with the full participation of its member institutions and in consultation with various professional groups in the field of theatre.

The review of probity is made by determining whether the institution is indeed providing the educational services it says it is offering to the public, and whether its own stated operational procedures are being followed.