Many contemporary degree programs are designed across more than one academic field. A program may carry substantial work in artificial intelligence while also requiring rigorous study in data science, analytics, statistical modeling, data systems, and applied computing.
For such programs, the DASCA-ARTiBA Co-Accreditation Pathway provides a route for accreditation consideration under both frameworks, where the approved curriculum and supporting evidence are sufficient for review against the applicable standards of ARTiBA and DASCA.
The pathway is not an automatic extension of ARTiBA Accreditation or DASCA Accreditation. It is available where the submitted program falls within the applicable scope of both frameworks, or where an institution’s existing accreditation standing provides a basis for coordinated review, subject in all cases to the eligibility requirements of the accreditation being sought.
A single degree program may be considered through the DASCA-ARTiBA Co-Accreditation Pathway where its approved curriculum falls within the scope of both frameworks and meets the applicable eligibility requirements.
This route may be suitable for programs in artificial intelligence and data science, AI engineering, machine learning and analytics, intelligent systems, applied computing, computer science, engineering, information and communication technology, or related fields where AI and data science are both substantive components of the program.
Institutions with active DASCA-accredited programs may pursue ARTiBA Accreditation for eligible AI degree programs through the DASCA-ARTiBA Co-Accreditation Pathway.
Where ARTiBA determines that institution-level evidence previously validated through DASCA remains current and relevant, that evidence may be reused. Each submitted AI program is independently evaluated against ARTiBA’s eligibility requirements and Accreditation Standards.
The review examines AI curriculum depth, methods and model development, responsible AI, faculty capability, compute and laboratory readiness, assessment quality, and continuous program improvement.
Institutions may seek consideration through the DASCA-ARTiBA Co-Accreditation Pathway for eligible degree programs whose approved curriculum demonstrates substantial academic coverage across artificial intelligence and data science.
Relevant programs may appear under titles such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, AI engineering, artificial intelligence and data science, data science, analytics, intelligent systems, applied computing, computer science, engineering, information and communication technology, or related fields. Eligibility is determined by the approved curriculum and program structure, not by the title of the degree.
The applicant institution must be empowered to award degrees under the applicable national, regional, state, or other higher education framework and remain in good standing with the relevant authorities.
For same-program Co-Accreditation, the submitted program must fall within the applicable scope of both ARTiBA and DASCA. Where an institution enters the pathway on the basis of existing DASCA accreditation, each AI program submitted to ARTiBA must independently meet ARTiBA’s eligibility requirements. For taught programs, ARTiBA’s entry thresholds remain applicable: at least 24 term credit hours, or equivalent, of required AI coursework at the bachelor’s level and at least 12 term credit hours, or equivalent, of taught AI coursework at the master’s level.
Each accreditation is assessed against its own standards. Same-program co-accreditation requires evidence sufficient for review under both the ARTiBA Accreditation Standards and the DASCA Accreditation Standards.
The institution must be prepared to provide the evidence required for the applicable review. Current and relevant institution-level evidence may be considered for reuse, while program-specific evidence required by each accreditation framework remains mandatory.
The DASCA-ARTiBA Co-Accreditation Pathway enables an institution to build on an existing accreditation while pursuing accreditation under the second framework. The two accreditations are awarded independently and are completed sequentially rather than through a joint review.
Where an institution holds current DASCA accreditation and seeks ARTiBA Accreditation, ARTiBA independently evaluates the submitted AI program against its own eligibility requirements and Accreditation Standards. The review examines curriculum architecture, AI methods and applied system development, responsible AI, faculty capability, learning design and laboratory integration, student assessment, infrastructure, and institutional commitment.
Current and relevant institution-level evidence previously validated through DASCA may be considered for reuse in the ARTiBA review. ARTiBA-specific program evidence remains mandatory, and the ARTiBA accreditation decision is made independently.
The DASCA-ARTiBA Co-Accreditation Pathway operates sequentially and may proceed in either direction. Where an institution already holds current DASCA accreditation and subsequently pursues ARTiBA Accreditation, the ARTiBA review follows the process below. Where ARTiBA Accreditation is obtained first and DASCA Accreditation is pursued subsequently, the institution follows DASCA’s applicable accreditation process.
An institution holding current DASCA accreditation may pursue ARTiBA Accreditation for an eligible AI degree program through the DASCA-ARTiBA Co-Accreditation Pathway. ARTiBA confirms institutional standing and the submitted program’s eligibility before candidacy begins.
Where current evidence previously validated through DASCA exists, ARTiBA determines which institution-level evidence remains current and relevant and may be reused. Required updates and ARTiBA-specific program evidence are identified for submission. Where no prior DASCA evidence is available, the ARTiBA review proceeds through the applicable evidence requirements.
ARTiBA reviews the program’s academic purpose and governance, curriculum architecture, AI methods and responsible practice, faculty capability, learning design, and infrastructure.
ARTiBA reviews implementation and operating evidence to the extent applicable to the assigned review track, including assessment design and alignment, student progression, and evidence of how the approved academic design operates in practice. ARTiBA may seek additional documentation, academic explanations, or clarification at any point in the review.
The ARTiBA Accreditation Panel evaluates the completed record, consolidates its findings, and makes a recommendation to the ARTiBA Accreditation Council.
The ARTiBA Accreditation Council considers the Panel’s recommendation and independently determines the accreditation status.
Supports institutions whose programs are designed across artificial intelligence, data science, analytics, and applied computing.
Provides a defined pathway for institutions with active DASCA accreditation to pursue ARTiBA Accreditation, with appropriate reuse of current and relevant institution-level evidence and an independent ARTiBA review.
Enables eligible programs to hold separate accreditation under two related but distinct frameworks, reflecting substantive academic strength across artificial intelligence and data science.
Helps institutions communicate program quality to students, faculty, employers, academic partners, and professional stakeholders with greater precision.
Supports programs preparing students for roles and advanced study paths that require competence across AI, data science, analytics, and applied model work.
ARTiBA Accreditation and DASCA Accreditation remain separate accreditation determinations. Approval under one framework does not automatically confer approval under the other.
Where the same degree program is pursued under both frameworks, each accreditation is considered separately and in sequence. The program must independently satisfy the applicable eligibility requirements and standards of each accrediting body. Where an institution already holds active DASCA Accreditation, a qualifying AI program must still be independently assessed against ARTiBA requirements.
A program may be described as co-accredited only after both accreditations have been independently awarded and remain current. Co-accreditation does not constitute a separate joint accreditation decision.
Institutions holding current DASCA accreditation may submit an eligible AI degree program for ARTiBA Accreditation through the DASCA-ARTiBA Co-Accreditation Pathway. ARTiBA will review institutional standing and program eligibility, determine which current and relevant DASCA-validated evidence may be reused, and open candidacy where eligibility is confirmed.
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