American Band College

Is the ABC program accredited and recognized nationally?

The Master of Music with a specialization in Music Education degree is conferred by Central Washington University under the auspices of the Board of Higher Education. The CWU Music Department is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (*NASM), and CWU is fully accredited by regional accreditor, the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). In addition, all of CWU’s education programs are reviewed and approved by the Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB).

The American Band College Certification is awarded, in the form of a wood plaque, by the ABC masters' degree faculty to those completing the degree. Number of graduates through Summer of 2022 is over 1200, with candidates from all 50 states and 17 foreign countries. (CLICK HERE to see ABC Candidate Photobook.)

The American Band College program is nationally recognized and provides a path for graduates to apply for enrollment in other university doctoral programs.

*NASM, founded in 1924, is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges and universities. It has over 630 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials. Institutional Membership is gained through the peer review process of accreditation.