Accreditation
As an accredited institution, Pacifica Graduate Institute is committed to high standards of quality, integrity, capacity, and effectiveness. Pacifica’s academic programs are subject to review and approval on multiple levels:
The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) is an institutional accrediting agency serving a diverse membership of public and private higher education institutions throughout California, Hawaii, and the Pacific as well as a limited number of institutions outside the U.S. Through its work of peer review, based on academic standards agreed to by the membership, the Commission encourages continuous institutional improvement and assures the membership and its constituencies, including the public, that accredited institutions are fulfilling their missions in service to their students and the public good.
WSCUC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) as certifying institutional eligibility for federal funding in a number of programs, including student access to federal financial aid.
WSCUC is reviewed periodically for renewal of recognition by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Accredited membership in WSCUC is achieved and maintained after an institution undergoes a series of self-studies and peer reviews by educators from member schools. These reviews are planned periodically to ensure that each institution is achieving its mission, educational purposes, and other academically-oriented standards of quality, integrity, capacity, and effectiveness.
WSCUC Accreditation Status
In February 2025, Pacifica’s accreditation was re-affirmed. Current Accreditation Status: ACCREDITED
First Accredited: 1997
For standards of accreditation and information regarding the WSCUC, including information about policy and process for compliance complaints, visit: http://www.wascsenior.org, or contact WSCUC:
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
1080 Marina Village Parkway Suite 500
Alameda, CA 94501
telephone: (510) 748-9001
fax: (510) 748-9797
To comply with new ED requirements for proprietary schools, Pacifica Graduate Institute applied to the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) and in April 2014 was approved to operate by means of accreditation.
Any questions a student may have regarding this catalog that have not been satisfactorily answered by the institution may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education at 1747 N. Market Blvd. Ste 225, Sacramento, CA 95834 or P.O. Box 980818, West Sacramento, CA 95798-0818, www.bppe.ca.gov, (888) 370-7589 or by fax (916) 263-1897.
This approval to operate signifies that an institution is in compliance with state standards as set forth in the Private Postsecondary Education Act.
WSCUC Accreditation Documents
- WSCUC Commission Action Letter – Pacifica Reaffirmation – February 2025
- WSCUC Interim Report Action Summary – January 2023
- PGI Response to WSCUC Commission Action Letter – March 2021
- WSCUC Commission Action Letter to PGI – March 2021
- PGI Response to WSCUC SV Team Report – Jan 2021
- WSCUC Special Visit Team Report – fall 2020
Pacifica Graduate Institute is a regionally accredited, employee-owned graduate institute offering master’s and doctoral degree programs in
Depth Psychology, Counseling, Clinical Psychology, Mythological Studies, Consciousness, and the Humanities.
What does “accredited” mean?
Accreditation is a process through which an independent agency evaluates an institution’s academic quality, governance, financial stability, and student outcomes. Accreditation ensures that an institution meets nationally recognized standards of higher education.
Pacifica Graduate Institute holds regional accreditation, which is the highest and most widely recognized form of accreditation in the United States.
Regional Accreditation
WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)
Pacifica Graduate Institute is accredited by WSCUC, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
WSCUC accreditation means that Pacifica:
- meets rigorous academic and institutional standards,
- undergoes regular peer review and evaluation,
- demonstrates financial stability and institutional integrity,
- engages in continuous improvement and accountability.
Regional accreditation is the standard held by major public and private universities throughout California and the western United States.
Visit Pacifica Graduate Institute’s profile on the WSCUC website to view Pacifica’s recent reaffirmation history.
Review Pacifica’s Program Goals, Student Learning, and Persistence Sheets which include program information snapshots, licensure-passage rates, graduation rates by demographics, faculty-to-student ratios, and persistence rates.
State of California Authorization
California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)
Pacifica Graduate Institute is approved to operate by the BPPE under California law.
BPPE approval:
- authorizes Pacifica to operate as a degree-granting institution in California,
- ensures compliance with California consumer protection regulations, including publication of School Performance Fact Sheets (SPFS) for each program. View Pacifica’s SPFS and required BPPE disclosures as well as Pacifica’s Student Consumer Information Page for more compliance information.
- requires transparency around tuition, policies, and student disclosures.
BPPE approval is not the same as accreditation, but it is a required authorization for private institutions operating in California. California is not a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).
Students residing outside California who wish to enroll in distance education programs should review Pacifica’s State Authorization disclosures to confirm authorization status in their state of residence.
Federal Recognition
U.S. Department of Education (DOE)
Because Pacifica is regionally accredited by a DOE-recognized accreditor (WSCUC), the Institute is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
This recognition allows eligible students to:
- apply for federal financial aid (subject to program eligibility and satisfactory academic progress requirements),
- transfer credits in accordance with receiving institutions’ policies,
- pursue further graduate study at other accredited institutions.
- For program-level outcomes data, including graduation rates, debt levels, and earnings information, please visit the School Performance Fact Sheets.
Licensure & Professional Practice
Some Pacifica programs may lead toward professional licensure, depending on:
- the specific program,
- the state in which a graduate seeks licensure,
- evolving state regulations.
Licensure requirements vary by state and profession.
Pacifica provides program-specific licensure disclosures and guidance, but licensure is granted by state boards, not by the Institute.
Visit Pacifica’s State Authorization Page to see the states that Pacifica is authorized to enroll students in.
Students considering licensure-track programs are encouraged to review:
- program-specific licensure information,
- their state’s licensing board requirements,
- Pacifica’s state authorization disclosures.
See individual program pages for licensure pathway details.
How Pacifica Maintains Accreditation
Accreditation is an ongoing process, not a one-time approval. Pacifica:
- undergoes periodic institutional reviews,
- submits annual reports and data to WSCUC,
- engages faculty, administration, and governance bodies in continuous assessment,
- responds to recommendations and required actions from accrediting agencies.
This process supports academic rigor, institutional transparency, and long-term sustainability.
As of 2025, Pacifica Graduate Institute has received reaffirmation of accreditation from the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) for another six-year term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pacifica Graduate Institute “fully accredited”?
Yes. Pacifica Graduate Institute holds regional accreditation status with WSCUC, which has reaffirmed the Institute’s accreditation through 2031. Regional accreditation is the standard held by major public and private universities throughout the United States.
Is regional accreditation legitimate?
Yes. Regional accreditation is widely regarded as the gold standard in U.S. higher education and is held by major public universities and respected private institutions.
Does accreditation guarantee licensure?
No institution can guarantee licensure. Licensure decisions are made by state licensing boards. Pacifica provides education that may meet licensure requirements, depending on program and state regulations.
Can Pacifica graduates pursue further education?
Yes. Graduates have pursued additional graduate study, doctoral programs, and professional training at accredited institutions, subject to each institution’s admissions policies.
Still Have Questions?
Pacifica is committed to transparency and informed decision-making. If you have questions about accreditation, approvals, or licensure pathways, we encourage you to contact Admissions for program-specific guidance.
