Accreditation of university courses and its influence on the continuous improvement of the curriculum: a comparative study

Abstract

SINAES, the official accreditation body in Costa Rica, created by Law 8256, guarantees the quality of public and private higher education. Since 2010, the University has voluntarily joined SINAES, accrediting five programs. A specialized department advises on self-assessment processes for accreditation, including professionals in quality management and curriculum. This paper presents the results of an evaluation model that includes accreditation criteria, which is organized into components, criteria, standards and evidence, assessing the context, resources, educational process and results. A comparative analysis of Nursing, Architecture and Law identifies common and differentiated criteria based on quantitative and qualitative studies. In addition, the alignment with the institutional mission, the availability of resources and viability are evaluated. This methodological model systematizes objectives, actions and resources for a detailed comparative analysis.