Institutional Accreditation
Southern California University of Health Sciences is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500, Alameda, California 94501. Phone: (510) 748-9001.
Programmatic Accreditation
- The Doctor of Chiropractic degree program is awarded programmatic accreditation by The Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE), 8049 North 85th Way, Scottsdale, Arizona, 85258-4321; Phone: (480) 443-8877; Website: www.cce-usa.org.
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The following programs offered by Southern California University of Health Sciences are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM):
(1) Master of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine
(2) Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine
• including a Doctor of Acupuncture with a Chinese herbal medicine degree completion track
The programs listed above may offer courses via distance education.
ACAHM does not accredit any programs at the undergraduate/bachelor level.
Accreditation status and notes may be viewed on the ACAHM Directory.
ACAHM is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the specialized accreditation agency for institutions/programs preparing acupuncture practitioners. ACAHM is located at 500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, Minnesota 55331; phone 952/212-2434; https://acahm.org
(Updated 18 September 2023)
- The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Continued status to the Southern California University of Health Sciences Master of Science: Physician Assistant Program sponsored by Southern California University of Health Sciences. Accreditation-Continued is an accreditation status granted when a currently accredited program is in compliance with the ARC-PA Standards.
Accreditation remains in effect until the program closes or withdraws from the accreditation process or until accreditation is withdrawn for failure to comply with the Standards. The approximate date for the next validation review of the program by the ARC-PA will be September 2030. The review date is contingent upon continued compliance with the Accreditation Standards and ARC-PA policy.
The program’s accreditation history can be viewed on the ARC-PA website at https://www.arc-pa.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Accreditation-History-SCUHS-F-249.pdf
- The entry-level occupational therapy doctoral degree program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Candidacy Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 6116 Executive Boulevard, Suite 200, North Bethesda, MD 20852-4929. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA and its web address is www.acoteonline.org.
The program must have a preaccreditation review, complete an on-site evaluation, and be granted Accreditation Status before its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapist administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be an Occupational Therapist, Registered (OTR). In addition, all states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure
- The Certificate in Ayurvedic Wellness Educator and Certificate in Ayurvedic Practitioner programs have been granted accreditation candidacy by The Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission (AAC). www.ayurvedicaccreditation.org
State Authorizations and Disclosures
Alabama
The Southern California University of Health Sciences holds a Private School License from the Private School Licensure Division of the Alabama Community College System, 135 South Union Street, Montgomery, AL 36104, (334) 293-4500. Southern California University of Health Sciences is exempt from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education’s programmatic review.
A student who is a resident of Alabama and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here: https://www.accs.edu/about-accs/private-school-licensure/complaints/
Alaska
The Southern California University of Health Sciences’ programs are exempt from authorization under AS 14.48 and 20 AAC 17.015 because the programs are online or distance delivered and do not have a physical presence in the state. 20 AAC 17.900 (a)(12) defines physical presence as the presence of a facility, faculty, or staff within the state; in this paragraph, “faculty” and “staff” do not include site supervisors or mentors for local internships or practica, or adjunct personnel. PO Box 110505, Juneau, AK 99811-0505, (800) 441-2962
A student who is a resident of Alaska and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here: https://acpe.alaska.gov/ConsumerProtection
Arizona
Southern California University of Health Sciences has been granted a Regular Accredited Vocation and Degree AVD-00032 by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education (1740 W. Adams Street, Room 3008, Phoenix, AZ 85007; 602-542-5709; ppse.az.gov). (Updated 10 June 2024)
Arkansas
Programs offered by the Southern California University of Health Sciences in Arkansas have been certified by the Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board; 423 Main Street, Suite 400, Little Rock, Arkansas 72201, (501) 371-2000. Arkansas Higher Education Coordinating Board certification does not constitute an endorsement of any institution, course or degree program. Such certification merely indicates that certain minimum standards have been met under the rules and regulations of institutional certification as defined in Arkansas Code §6-61-301.
A student who is a resident of Arkansas and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here: https://www.adhe.edu/students-parents/colleges-universites/student-grievance-form/
California
Southern California University of Health Sciences has met the qualifications for exemption from regulation under the Act, pursuant to California Education Code (CEC) Section 94874(i): An institution that is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, or the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
The Doctor of Chiropractic program of the Southern California University of Health Sciences - Los Angeles College of Chiropractic is approved by the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners.
The Masters of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (MAcCHM) and the Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine (DAcCHM) programs at Southern California University of Health Sciences are approved by the California Acupuncture Board.
Connecticut
The Southern California University of Health and Sciences is registered with the Connecticut Office of Higher Education to offer its online programs to Connecticut residents. 450 Columbus Blvd., Suite 510, Hartford, CT 06103-1841, (860) 947-1800.
A student who is a resident of Connecticut and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here:
Emily Bjornberg
Senior Consultant
Academic Affairs
Connecticut Office of Higher Education
450 Columbus Blvd, Suite 707
Hartford, CT 06103
860-947-1824 (office)
Emily.Bjornberg@ct.gov
https://veoci.com/v/p/181953/workflow/gjrt4qhrrvkv
(updated 12/8/23)
Georgia
The Commission requires that students utilize and complete their institution’s grievance procedure in an attempt to resolve any complaint or concerns before submitting a complaint to the Commission. If the institution’s resolution is not satisfactory, a student may then appeal to the Commission, but it will not investigate a complaint unless the student has exhausted all available grievance procedures outlined by the institution.
2082 East Exchange Place, Suite 220
Tucker, GA 30084-5305
www.gnpec.georgia.gov | 770.414.3300
Iowa
The Southern California University of Health and Sciences is authorized by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission to offer online programs to Iowa residents. 475 SW Fifth St., Suite D, Des Moines, IA 50309, (877) 272-4456
A student who is a resident of Iowa and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here: https://www.iowaattorneygeneral.gov/for-consumers/file-a-consumer-complaint
Maryland
Students who are residents of Maryland during their period of enrollment who wish to file a complaint can contact the Maryland Higher Education Commission.
Maryland Higher Education Commission
Office of Academic Affairs
6 Liberty Street, 10th Floor
Baltimore, MD
Phone 410-767-3300
collegiatecomplaint.mhec@maryland.gov
http://mhec.maryland.gov/institutions_training/Pages/career/pcs/complaint.aspx
Michigan
The Southern California University of Health Sciences is licensed by the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Opportunity, P.O. Box 30805, Lansing, MI 48909, (517) 335-4000.
A student who is a resident of Michigan and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here. https://www.michigan.gov/leo/bureaus-agencies/wd/pss
Minnesota
Southern California University of Health Sciences is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions” In addition, all registered schools shall publish in the school catalog or student handbook the name, street address, telephone number, and Web site address of the office.
Registration & Licensing
Office of Higher Education
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108
651-256-3965 or 1-800-657-3866
http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=1078
Mississippi
The Southern California University of Health Sciences is exempt from oversight by the Mississippi Commission on College Accreditation, 3825 Ridgewood Road, Jackson, MS 39211, (601) 432-6372.
New Mexico
The Southern California University of Health Sciences holds a Distance Education Authorization Certificate from the New Mexico Higher Education Department, 2044 Galisteo St., Suite 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505, (505) 476-8400.
A student who is a resident of New Mexico and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should contact the state agency using the information listed below or should visit the state agency’s website located here: https://hed.state.nm.us/students-parents/student-complaints
New Mexico Higher Education Department
2044 Galisteo Street, Suite 4, Santa Fe, NM 87505
HigherEd.Info@state.nm.us
505-476-8411
New York
The Southern California University of Health Sciences has received permission to operate its academic programs in New York from the New York State Education Department Office of College and University Evaluation, 89 Washington Ave., Room 960EBA, Albany, NY 12234, (518) 474-1551.
A student who is a resident of New York and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/ocue/spr/COMPLAINTFORMINFO.html
North Dakota
The Southern California University of Health and Sciences is authorized to operate in North Dakota under North Dakota Century Code 15-18.1. North Dakota University System, State Capitol, 600 E. Boulevard Ave., Dept. 215, Bismarck, ND 58505-0230, (701) 328-2960. Authorization to operate is not an endorsement of an institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.
A student who is a resident of North Dakota and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here: https://ndus.edu/state-authorization-sara/
Pennsylvania
The Southern California University of Health Sciences is registered with the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of Postsecondary and Higher Education as an out-of-state distance education provider to enroll Pennsylvania residents in certain online programs. 333 Market Street, Harrisburg, PA 17126, (717) 783-6788.
A student who is a resident of Pennsylvania and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here: https://www.education.pa.gov/Documents/Postsecondary-Adult/College%20and%20Career%20Education/Private%20Licensed%20Schools/Student%20Complaint%20Form.pdf .
Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Office of the Postsecondary Commissioner has approved The Southern California University of Health Sciences as a Non-SARA institution to offer online programs to Rhode Island residents. 560 Jefferson Boulevard, Suite 100, Warwick, RI 02886, (401) 736-1100.
A student who is a resident of Rhode Island and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here: https://riopc.edu/policies/student-complaint-procedures/
Virginia
Southern California University of Health Sciences is authorized by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia and meets the requirements for distance education certification as states in section §23.1-219 (F) of the Code of Virginia. This authorization is subject to periodic review and authorizes the University to offer distance education programs to Virginia residents. The Council may be contacted for a list of currently authorized programs. Authorization by the Council does not carry with it an endorsement by the Council of the institution or its programs. Any person desiring information about the requirements of the act or the applicability of those requirements to the institution may contact the Council at 101 North Fourteenth Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 or 804-225-2600.
A student who is a resident of Virginia and who wishes to make a complaint about the institution should follow the process outlined here: https://www.schev.edu/index/students-and-parents/resources/student-complaints.
Most clinical experiences are considered an approved part of the online modality and do not constitute a physical presence according to state-specified criteria in those states where Southern California University of Health Sciences has obtained approval or exemption. The allowance for clinical experiences as part of the states’ approval or exemption parameters apply to the following states:
Alaska
Arizona (subject to certain limitations - contact the program for details)
Colorado
Connecticut
Hawaii
Maine
Mississippi
Missouri (subject to certain limitations - contact the program for details)
Nebraska
New Jersey (subject to certain limitations - contact the program for details)
North Dakota
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Tennessee (subject to certain limitations - contact the program for details)
Vermont
Applications for additional state authorizations are pending. Any limitation or exception to clinical experiences will be addressed during the admissions process. Please contact the admissions office for further information.
Federal Authorizations
The University is authorized under Title IV of the Higher Education Act to offer eligible students financial assistance in obtaining postsecondary education (OPE-ID 001229-00).
The University’s Ayurvedic Wellness Educator Certificate, Ayurvedic Practitioner Certificate, Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Graduate Certificate in Human Genetics and Genomics, Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine, Master of Science in Human Genetics and Genomics, Master of Science in Medical Science, Master of Science: Physician Assistant, and Post-Baccalaureate Health Education Certificate programs are approved by the Veterans Administration for VA Educational Benefits eligibility. Changes to federal law may occur at any time without notice.
The University is authorized by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to issue the I-20 Certificate of Eligibility to allow eligible students to apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. The University has approval for the Doctor of Chiropractic, Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, and Master of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine programs.
Complaints to External Agencies
Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
The Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine (ACAHM) accepts and reviews complaints about ACAHM-accredited or candidate programs from students, faculty, staff, other institutions or programs and member(s) of the public that allege violations of ACAHM Eligibility Requirements, standards, policies, or procedures.
Accreditation Commission for Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
500 Lake Street, Suite 204, Excelsior, MN 55331
Phone: (952) 212-2434 | Fax: (952) 657-7068
The Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
Individuals lodging formal complaints against an ARC-PA program may do so by submitting a signed complaint in writing related to the program’s failure to comply with the Standards to the attention of the Executive Director:
Sharon Luke, EdD, PA-C, Executive Director
Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
3325 Paddocks Parkway, Suite 345, Suwanee, Georgia 30024
Phone: (770) 476-1224 | Fax: (470) 253-8271
California Bureau for Private Post Secondary Education (BPPE)
An individual may contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education for review of a complaint. The bureau may be contacted at P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818, (https://bppe.ca.gov/), Phone: (916) 574-8900 or Toll Free: (888) 370-7589, Main Fax: (916) 263-1897).
Council on Chiropractic Education
Individuals or entities lodging formal complaints against a Council on Chiropractic Education (CCE)-accredited Doctor of Chiropractic Program (DCP) must do so in writing to the CCE President. Please contact the Council on Chiropractic Education for specific guidelines and additional information:
8049 North 85th Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85258-4321
Phone: 480-443-8877 | Fax: 480-483-7333
E-Mail: cce@cce-usa.org | Website: www.cce-usa.org
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE®), has a formal policy regarding the filing of a complaint. ACOTE will investigate a complaint when it believes practices or conditions indicate the educational program may not be in substantial compliance with accreditation standards or established accreditation policies. However, ACOTE is not able to intervene on behalf of individual students or act as a court of appeal for faculty members or students in matters of admission, appointment, promotion, or dismissal. The filing of a formal complaint is considered a “last resort” to be taken after all other avenues for resolution have been explored.
Complaints - Download
Form for Complaints Against Programs - Download
Form for Complaints Against ACOTE - Download
Ayurvedic Accreditation Commission
The following are the procedures the Commission follows in addressing a complaint against an AAC accredited program [SCU’s Ayurveda certificate programs have accreditation candidacy]:
When an oral complaint against an accredited program is received, the complainant is provided a copy of this policy statement and advised that complaints must be submitted to Council in writing with sufficient documentation to substantiate the complaint.
When a written complaint against an accredited program is received, the Executive Director acknowledges receipt of the complaint in writing within 15 days. The Council will not review anonymous complaints.
AAC
351 Pleasant Street, #450,
Northampton, MA 01060
info@ayurvedicaccreditation.org
WASC Senior College and University Commission
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) has two established means for receiving comments from students, employees, and members of the public about its member institutions: (1) complaint and (2) third-party comment.
Individuals are encouraged to review WSCUC’s Complaints and Third-Party Comments Policy. As a general rule, complaints are written by employees and students who have grievances that draw into question the member institution’s adherence to one or more Commission Accreditation Standards or Policies. Third-party comment, on the other hand, tends to consist of more general comments of a substantive nature about a member institution.
Individuals interested in submitting a written complaint or third-party comment in accordance with WSCUC policy should follow the instructions for Third-Party Comment. Please contact WSCUC for additional information and to obtain relevant forms at:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
1080 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 500
Alameda, California 94501
Phone: (510) 748-9001 x300
Email: wscuc@wscuc.org
Website: www.wscuc.org
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