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 the States Below

These programs do not lead to professional licensure and are authorized in selected states.

Licensure Programs

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.

Federal Regulations (Effective July 1^st, 2024)

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. in Counseling Psychology program meets all California educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). However, students are responsible for staying informed about non-educational licensure regulations.
• The M.A. in Counseling Psychology program also meets all educational requirements for the states and licenses listed below.
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Arizona
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Colorado
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Illinois
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Pennsylvania
  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) in Texas
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in New Mexico
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon
• Our Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program meets all educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Psychologist in the states listed below:
  • Licensed Psychologist in Arizona
  • Licensed Psychologist in California
  • Licensed Psychologist in Colorado
  • Licensed Psychologist in Illinois
  • Licensed Psychologist in New Mexico
  • Licensed Psychologist in Texas
• Our M.A./Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program meets all educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Psychologist in the states listed below:
  • Licensed Psychologist in Arizona
  • Licensed Psychologist in California
  • Licensed Psychologist in Colorado
  • Licensed Psychologist in Illinois
  • Licensed Psychologist in New Mexico
  • Licensed Psychologist in Texas

Student Responsibility:

Students enrolled in licensure programs are responsible for understanding and complying with all non-educational licensure requirements in their state, including but not limited to supervised practice hours, examinations, background checks, and continuing education. Students must stay informed of any changes to licensure requirements. We recommend consulting directly with your state licensure board or a legal advisor for the most current information.

Additional Resources:

• Federal regulations – 34 CFR §668.43
• Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE)
• Contact Information for Student Complaints by State