Professional accreditation is a means of testing and evaluating undergraduate educational programs and recognizing those that meet the required standards in preparing graduates for professional practice. Because its mandate is the provision of applied professional education, over the past decade the University has given priority to obtaining accreditation of its programs wherever applicable. As a result, accrediting bodies provide input to the development of curriculum in a number of Ryerson programs.

The baccalaureate degree programs in Aerospace, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering are accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers. Like graduates from other accredited engineering programs, Ryerson students must acquire four years of relevant experience and successfully complete the professional practice and ethics examination of the Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) before they can obtain a licence. Access to graduate school is enhanced with the accreditation.

The Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science at Ryerson University currently offers six accredited engineering programs. The new Computer Engineering program is designed in accordance with the policy statement, guidelines and requirements of the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB). The faculty intends to invite the CEAB to visit and officially assess the new Computer Engineering program in December 2004. In accordance with the CEAB Policy Statement, and normal practices, the CEAB accreditation visit of the new Computer Engineering program is expected to be scheduled, and undertaken, during the Fall of 2005, the final year of the first graduating class. Accreditation of the new engineering program is granted only after students have graduated from the program. The accreditation decision concerning the new Computer Engineering program is expected in June 2006, but retroactive to the date of the first graduation ceremony.

The School of Interior Design offers one of only two university-level degree programs in Canada accredited by the Foundation for Interior Design Education Research (FIDR), the recognized accrediting body in North America for interior design schools. Accreditation of the four-year program ensures that the quality of education is maintained at a high level.

The School of Nursing has maintained its accreditation status with the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing since 1993. Successful accreditation signifies that the School has achieved a recognized level of ‘excellence’ based on national standards.

The School of Nutrition offers a baccalaureate degree program in Food and Nutrition. The nutrition and dietetics option was one of the first dietetics programs to have their accreditation renewed under the new Dietitians of Canada (DC) process in Canada. Eligible graduates of the accredited programs are required to complete a one-year internship or masters degree prior to becoming members of the DC. Graduates of this school continue to be very successful in their pursuit of internship and graduate school positions.

The School of Social Work’s baccalaureate degree program is accredited by the Canadian Association of Schools of Social Work. Graduates and students are eligible for membership in the Ontario Association of Social Workers. Graduates are eligible for membership in the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. Graduates are also eligible to apply to post-BSW, Master’s in Social Work programs across Canada. To receive membership in the Ontario College of Certified Social Workers, graduates must acquire two years of relevant work experience and successfully complete an examination. Graduates are eligible to apply to one-year, post-BSW, master’s in social work programs across Canada.

The School of Urban and Regional Planning’s four year degree program is one of only six undergraduate programs in Canada recognized by the Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP). The accreditation means graduates have a shorter time frame required in becoming full members. The CIP is the recognized body for professional planners in Canada. The program is also accredited by the Ontario Professional Planners Institute.

The School of Occupational and Public Health has remained the leader in undergraduate education for Canadian public health since 1960. It continues to meet unconditionally all the requirements of the Canadian Institute of Public Health Inspectors, the national accrediting body for such programs.

In September 2001, the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA) awarded the School of Health Services Management full certification. The Certification was unconditional and extends for a period of five years. The School of Health Services Management is the first Canadian undergraduate program to be formally recognized by the AUPHA.