University Accreditation & Approvals
An Institutionally Accredited Online University
Institutional accreditation provides learners with a number of important benefits and opportunities. It is an affirmation of the rigor and quality of the university’s academic programs, and an assurance that the institution operates with integrity. Institutional accreditation also greatly enhances the transferability of credits and the recognition of the degree in both the academic community and workplace
CalSouthern is accredited by the following organizations:
Higher Learning Commission
California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (https://www.hlcommission.org/), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree programs at CalSouthern are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.
Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)
CalSouthern’s Bachelor of Business Administration, Master of Business Administration, and Doctor of Business Administration degree programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Review our Student Achievement and Program Data.
Licensure & Approvals
CalSouthern is licensed and/or approved by these following organizations:
Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education
CalSouthern is a member of the American InterContinental University System, which is licensed by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Aimed at expanding distance education opportunities for students, the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) is an organization that establishes comparable national standards for the interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System, which has been approved to participate in NC-SARA.
The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC)
California Southern University is recognized as an Approved Academic Education Provider for The Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC). The pre-baccalaureate Certificate Program in Addiction Studies (CPAS), the post-baccalaureate Certificate Program in Advanced Addiction Studies (CPAAS), and the MS in Psychology, with a Concentration in Advanced Addiction Studies meet nationally approved standards of education developed for the addiction/substance use disorders counseling profession. Program participants are assured that the continuing education (CE) credits provided will be accepted toward national credentialing by the NAADAC Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP), as well as by many of the individual state licensing/certification bodies in the addiction and other helping professions. Continuing education will be approved by CalSouthern, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider for CE credits. NAADAC Provider #111110, CalSouthern is responsible for all aspects of its programming. For more information, please contact www.NAADAC.org. Individuals interested in completing requirements for acceptability in other specific jurisdictions, please contact the appropriate regulatory authority directly to determine requirements.
The California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP)
California Southern University is approved by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP). CCAPP and its Education Board (CCAPP Institute) have granted approval to California Southern University's undergraduate Certificate Program in Addiction Studies (CPAS), graduate Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies (CPAAS), and MS in Psychology with a Concentration in Advanced Addiction Studies.
The 315 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Specific Education provided by California Southern University’s undergraduate Certificate Program in Addiction Studies (CPAS) may fulfill the educational requirement for the Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor I (CADC I) or Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor II (CADC II). The Certificate in Advanced Addiction Studies (CPAAS) provides 270 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education. The MS in Psychology with a Concentration in Advanced Addiction Studies (AAS) provides 360 hours of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) specific education required for the Licensed Advanced Alcohol Drug Counselor (LAADC).
For more information regarding CCAPP credential and to obtain a complete listing of all requirements, contact the CCAPP Credentialing Board at www.ccapp.us. Outside of California, learners are encouraged to contact their local certification authority.
United States Department of Education
CalSouthern is approved by the United States Department of Education for the deferment of all federal student loans. www.ed.gov
