Air University earns accreditation Published July 21, 2004 By Jon Sladek Air University Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. (AFPN) -- After an exhaustive three-year process, Air University has been granted initial accreditation by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools retroactive to Jan. 1.The commission accredits degree-granting higher-education institutions and entities that meet its administrative and educational requirements.Dr. Glen Spivey, Air University's chief academic officer, said he hopes this is only the beginning of a long and beneficial relationship with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools."Accreditation makes a definite statement to the general public and to other academic institutions because it is 'the standard' that all institutions know, respect and understand," Dr. Spivey said.It means Air Command and Staff College students can earn a master's degree in military operational art and science. Students attending the School of Advanced Air and Space Studies can earn a master's degree in airpower and art science, and Air War College students can earn a master's degree in strategic studies.Now accredited, Air University will undergo reaffirmation every five years to assure the standards of accreditation have been maintained. The initial affirmation will begin in 2009. (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)