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 Council for Occupational Therapy Education
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 and Student Location

State authorization is a formal determination by a state that Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) is approved to conduct activities regulated by that state. In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online (distance education) courses and/or offer internships within that state. Student location is based on where a student is physically located while taking courses. Students taking face-to-face courses are located in California, regardless of their home state at the time of application.

If a student moves to another state after admission to a program and/or enrollment in an online course, continuation within the program and/or course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized to offer distance education courses in that state. If a student wishes to conduct an internship outside California, they must select a state where it is permitted. It is the student's responsibility to notify PLNU of any change in their physical location, other than incidental travel. Refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online (distance education) and/or internships outside California.