Qualitative study of collegiate aviation institutions and the collegiate aviation accreditation process

Abstract

Scope and Method of Study: A qualitative study to understand the decision factors involved as institutions of higher education in aviation consider undertaking CAA accreditation and to gather data related to organizational structure and resource allocation while completing the accreditation process. An online questionnaire was utilized to obtain institutional factual data, perceptions, opinions regarding the accreditation process, collect demographic, self-study organization, and financial data regarding aviation program accreditation and to assess perceptions of the participants.

Findings and Conclusions: Accredited respondents or institutions seeking program-specific accreditation indicated the accreditation process provides validation of academic programs by an external agency Data analysis indicates sentiment towards Council on Aviation Accreditation (CAA) accreditation resides in one of two distinct categories with no middle ground. Institutional administration and higher education culture consider external program specific-accreditation important because it validates what the department is teaching to students. Accredited institutions do not automatically accredit their entire program. Initially capital expenditure is one reason, and reorganization of additional programs until they can meet current standards is another.

Institutions which are not interested in seeking accreditation question the value and price of seeking accreditation. Smaller aviation programs are not aware that aviation-program-specific accreditation exists, considering their accreditation status is derived from the Federal Aviation Administration through Parts 61, 141, or 147 certification and question what benefit is derived for students from CAA accreditation. Several comments were received to indicate the majority of smaller aviation institutions or community colleges either have not heard about Council on Aviation Accreditation or do not accept program-specific accreditation.