AAQEP Accreditation Reaffirmed for AIUS Education Programs
September 3, 2026, Chandler, AZ – The Association for Advancing Quality in Educator Preparation (AAQEP) has reaffirmed a seven-year accreditation for the educator preparation programs of the American InterContinental University System, renewing the status first earned in 2019.
After reviewing the evidence collected through a process of self-study and peer review, the AAQEP Accreditation Commission issued the decision at its July 28 meeting. The Commission’s action affirms that the programs meet all four AAQEP standards for completer performance and program practices. AIUS will host its next AAQEP site visit prior to June 30, 2033, to maintain accreditation.
Accreditation assures the quality of professional preparation programs through a nongovernmental, nonregulatory process of self-study and peer review. This standards- and evidence-based process serves two broad aims: accountability and continuous improvement. The AAQEP model is also designed to honor local context and to foster innovation and collaboration among institutions.
Dr. Joanna Dreiling, AIUS Dean for the School of Education, said, “This recognition provides important assurance to candidates, graduates, employers, and other stakeholders that the quality of AIUS curriculum, faculty, assessment, and program design extends beyond certification pathways. AAQEP accreditation also reinforces AIUS's commitment to providing standards-aligned pathways for graduate and doctoral study in education and leadership, helping professionals prepare to advance in their career paths and lead meaningful change across K–12 education, higher education, and broader learning organizations. This accreditation is a reflection of our shared commitment to educator excellence and a reminder of the important work we will continue to do together.”
AIUS’ current AAQEP-accredited programs include American InterContinental University’s Master of Education degree programs; and Trident University International’s Master of Arts in Education, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Leadership, Ed.D. Degree Completion program, and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Educational Leadership.
About the American InterContinental University System
The American InterContinental University System (AIUS) is composed of American InterContinental University (AIU), California Southern University (CalSouthern), and Trident University International (Trident). The AIU System was established in November 2020 to provide an effective framework for AIU and Trident to continue to serve their differing student populations distinctly. CalSouthern joined the AIU System in July 2022. Additionally, DigitalCrafts, which offers technology bootcamps, and Hippo Education, which offers continuing medical education, are also parts of the System. The AIU System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditor recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Visit aius.education for more information.
About AAQEP
Founded in 2017, AAQEP is a membership association and quality assurance agency that provides accreditation services and formative support to all types of educator preparation providers. The organization promotes excellent, effective, and innovative educator preparation that is committed to evidence-based improvement in a collaborative professional environment. AAQEP is nationally recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and is currently operating in 36 states and other jurisdictions, with over 200 educator preparation providers participating in the accreditation system. Visit aaqep.org for more information.
REQ2258567 08/2026