ACCREDITATION & APPROVALS
Institutional Accreditation
Understanding the Importance of Regional Accreditation in the United States
For students, choosing a regionally accredited institution means they are investing in an education that is widely respected and recognized for its adherence to these stringent quality benchmarks. California Institute for Human Science is regionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC),1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402, Alameda, CA 94501, phone: +1 (510) 748-9001. Regional accreditation plays a crucial role in maintaining the quality and credibility of higher education institutions in the United States. This is the highest form of college and university accreditation in the United States, and is granted by one of six regional accrediting agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. These agencies rigorously evaluate colleges and universities to ensure they meet high standards of academic excellence, institutional integrity, and educational effectiveness. Students are sometimes confused between regional accreditation and national accreditation. Anecdotally it sounds like national accreditation should be the higher of the two, but it is not. National accreditation, while still valid, generally applies to specialized or vocational schools and does not always demand the same comprehensive standards as regional accreditation. Nationally accredited institutions often focus on specific fields or trades, providing valuable and practical education in those areas. However, the credits and degrees earned from these schools may not transfer as easily to top-level regionally accredited institutions, which can limit students’ educational and career advancement opportunities. One of the primary benefits of attending a regionally accredited college or university is the assurance of receiving a high-quality education. Regionally accredited institutions undergo comprehensive evaluations that cover aspects such as curriculum quality, faculty qualifications, student support services, and financial stability. This ensures that students receive a well-rounded education that is up-to-date and relevant to their field of study. Additionally, regional accreditation facilitates the transfer of credits between institutions, making it easier for students to continue their education if they decide to transfer to another school or pursue advanced degrees. Moreover, employers often recognize the value of degrees from regionally accredited schools, frequently preferring graduates from these institutions due to their proven standards of excellence. Regionally accredited institutions also typically have more robust support systems, including career services, alumni networks, and partnerships with other educational entities and industries. These resources enhance students’ educational experiences and provide better opportunities for professional growth. In essence, regional accreditation serves as a mark of distinction that enhances the educational and professional prospects of students, ensuring they are well-prepared for future success. Public documents regarding CIHS’ WSCUC accreditation status are available at: https://www.wscuc.org
California State Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)
Understanding the Importance of BPPE Approval in California
The Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) plays a vital role in regulating and ensuring the quality of private postsecondary institutions in California, where CIHS is located. BPPE approval is necessary to be a degree granting institution in the State of California.
Established under the California Department of Consumer Affairs, BPPE oversees and enforces standards for educational institutions, ensuring they provide quality education and protect students’ interests. For universities in California, obtaining BPPE approval signifies a commitment to maintaining high standards of academic excellence, institutional integrity, and consumer protection.
BPPE approval is essential for California-based universities because it ensures they meet rigorous state standards regarding curriculum, faculty qualifications, financial stability, and student support services. This comprehensive evaluation process helps to guarantee that students receive a high-quality education that is both relevant and effective in preparing them for their future careers. Institutions accredited by BPPE are regularly monitored and reviewed to maintain these standards, ensuring continuous improvement and adherence to best practices in education.
In addition to validating the quality of education, BPPE approval enhances the credibility and reputation of a university. Prospective students and their families can trust that BPPE-approved institutions are committed to providing a valuable educational experience. This trust is crucial in a competitive educational landscape where students have numerous options. BPPE approval also ensures that the institution adheres to fair business practices, providing transparency in tuition costs, refund policies, and other important areas, thereby protecting students from misleading or unfair practices.
Moreover, BPPE approval is often a prerequisite for participating in various state and federal programs, including financial aid and professional licensure. This means that graduates from BPPE-approved institutions are more likely to be recognized and respected in their chosen fields, as their education meets the stringent standards set by the state of California. In essence, BPPE approval serves as a mark of distinction that enhances the educational and professional prospects of students, ensuring they are well-prepared for future success. For universities, it is an essential endorsement that validates their commitment to providing high-quality education and upholding the trust placed in them by their students and the community.
California Institute for Human Science (CIHS) is a private nonprofit institution approved to operate by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. Approval to operate means the institution is compliant with the standards contained in the California Private Postsecondary Education Act of 2009 (as amended) and Division 7.5 of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations.
A student or any member of the public may contact the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education about CIHS at:
Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 980818
West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818
(888) 370-7589
California Board of Psychology (BOP)
The Board of Psychology protects consumers of psychological services by licensing psychologists, regulating the practice of psychology and supporting the evolution of the profession in California. Their vision is a healthy California where its diverse communities enjoy the highest standard of psychological services. CIHS is a California-based, institutionally accredited university (by WSCUC, see above on this page). Accordingly, graduates from our PhD in Psychology – Concentration in Clinical Psychology is eligible to apply for the Psychology Licensure in California via the California Board of Psychology.
BOP Contact information:
Address:
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-215
Sacramento, CA 95834
Web page: www.psychology.ca.gov
Telephone: (916) 574-7720
Toll Free: (866) 503-3221
Fax: (916) 574-8672