Press Release

Gemological Institute of America's Carlsbad Campus Receives School of Excellence and Excellence in Student Services Awards


The Institute receives six years of accreditation

CARLSBAD, Calif. – Sept. 18, 2023 – GIA’s Carlsbad campus was recognized by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) as an ACCSC 2023 School of Excellence. The recognition includes a five-year grant of accreditation and an additional year as a distinction reserved for ACCSC's highest-performing institutions. For the first time, GIA also received the 2023 Excellence in Student Services Award for operating an outstanding student services program. GIA’s Carlsbad campus was recognized as the School of Excellence in 2017 and 2012, during the last two accreditation cycles.
 
“GIA takes immense pride in these recognitions from ACCSC. The School of Excellence Award and Excellence in Student Services Award serves as a testament to GIA's unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of education and providing resources that empower and prepare the next generation of gem and jewelry professionals,” said Duncan Pay, GIA senior vice president of education and chief academic officer. “We are incredibly proud of our teams for continually raising the bar and achieving excellence.”
 
The School of Excellence Award recognizes ACCSC-accredited institutions for their consistent commitment to the expectations and rigors of the accreditation process, as well as a commitment to delivering high-quality educational programs and services to students and graduates. ACCSC conducted a comprehensive assessment of GIA’s educational programs and reports that the majority of the school’s graduation and employment rates from all programs offered exceeded the average rates of graduation and employment among all ACCSC-accredited institutes.


About GIA

An independent nonprofit organization, GIA (Gemological Institute of America), established in 1931, is recognized as the world’s foremost authority in gemology. GIA invented the famous 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat Weight and, in 1953, created the International Diamond Grading System™ which is recognized around the world as the standard for diamond quality.
 
Through research, education, gemological laboratory services and instrument development, the Institute is dedicated to ensuring the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards of integrity, academics, science and professionalism.