Institutional Accreditation
Pacifica is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). More information on Pacifica’s accreditation is available here.
State Authorizations
The U.S. Department of Education requires institutions offering distance education to comply with state regulations. At Pacifica Graduate Institute, we understand that regulations for distance education vary by state. To comply with these regulations, we have obtained specific state authorizations for the relevant programs as necessary in certain states. Below is the current status of our authorizations (or exemptions), which we regularly update to reflect any changes.
Non-Licensure Programs—Currently Accepting New Students from Limited
States:
Pacifica is accepting new students in each program listed below from limited states based on its current state authorizations/exemptions:
- M.A. Depth Psychology and Creativity with Emphasis in the Arts and Humanities
- M.A./Ph.D. Depth Psychology with Specialization in Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Eco-Psychologies
- Ph.D. Depth Psychology with Specialization in Integrative Therapy & Healing Practices
- M.A./Ph.D. in Depth Psychology with Specialization in Jungian & Archetypal Studies
- M.A./Ph.D. Mythological Studies
- M.A./Ph.D. Psychology, Religion, and Consciousness
Pacifica Graduate Institute is authorized to enroll students from the following states for our non-licensure programs listed above:
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Florida
- Illinois
- Minnesota (only for M.A./Ph.D. Community, Liberation, Indigenous, and Eco-Psychologies, and M.A./Ph.D. Mythological Studies)
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
Licensure Programs–New Federal Regulations (Effective July 1, 2024):
The following Pacifica programs are designed to lead to professional licensure or certification following graduation. Pacifica meets the state licensure board requirements to enroll students from the listed states:
- M.A. in Counseling Psychology: Arizona, California, Illinois, Pennsylvania
- Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology: Arizona, California, Illinois
- M.A./Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology: Arizona, California, Florida, Illinois
Aside from the state authorization permissions described above, in accordance with a new rule issued by the Department of Education and effective on July 1, 2024, with limited exceptions, an institution may not enroll students by distance education in a program that leads to occupational licensure unless the institution has confirmed the program meets the educational requirements for licensure in the state in which the student is located upon enrollment or attests they intend to seek employment after graduating.
- Our M.A./Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program meets the educational requirements for occupational licensure as a Licensed Psychologist in Arizona, California, Florida, and Illinois. Students are responsible for staying informed about non-educational licensure requirements.
- Our M.A. in Counseling Psychology program meets all California educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. However, students are responsible for staying informed about non-educational licensure regulations. This program also meets all educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Arizona, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. Students are responsible for staying informed about non-educational licensure regulations.
- Our Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program, meets the educational requirements for occupational licensure as a Licensed Psychologist in Arizona, California, and Illinois. Students are responsible for staying informed about non-educational licensure requirements.
Responsibility of Students:
Current students are responsible for understanding and complying with any non-educational licensure requirements, and for staying abreast of changes to all licensure requirements. We recommend consulting with state licensure boards or legal advisors for the most current and relevant information.
