Academic Catalog 2023-2024

Accreditation, Affiliations and State Authorization

Accreditation

Point Loma Nazarene University is numbered among those institutions of higher education that meet or exceed the rigorous standards of accrediting associations and commissions. Point Loma Nazarene University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), for which it periodically completes a self-study that addresses recognized standards and principles of excellence.

WSCUC may be contacted at 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, CA 94501, or by telephone at (510) 748-9001.

In addition, Point Loma Nazarene University has gained professional and program accreditation from the following agencies:

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs1
Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
California Board of Registered Nursing
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
Council on Social Work Education
National Association of Schools of Music

PLNU considers an institution accredited when it is accredited by an accrediting agency that is recognized by both The Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and the United States Department of Education (ED).

1

Fermanian School of Business programs only.

State Authorization

State authorization is a formal determination by a state that Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is approved to conduct activities regulated by that state or U.S. Territory. PLNU is not required to obtain state authorization in every state or U.S. Territory, and the University has opted at this time not to seek authorization in some states and U.S. Territories. In certain states, PLNU is unable to offer distance education courses or internship/field experience opportunities. Additionally, PLNU meets the criteria for an exemption from state authorization in certain states. Current information is available on the Educational Effectiveness website.