Accreditation, Approvals, and Memberships

On This Page

Purdue Global is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). For more information, visit their website at hlcommission.org. Use the links under "Contact Us" to reach the Commission.

Professional Licensure

Important Note to Prospective Students: Certain state certification and licensure boards have specific educational requirements for programs to lead to a license or nongovernmental certification that is a precondition for employment in a recognized occupation.

Each program page in this catalog outlines whether the program is designed to meet educational requirements for a specific state-regulated occupation. Unless otherwise specified, the program was not designed to meet any specific state’s licensure or certification requirements. If certain licensed occupations, vocations, or professions are not explicitly listed, Purdue Global has not reviewed the licensure or certification requirements of those occupations, vocations, or professions, nor intended the program to meet such requirements.

Please note that licensure for certain state-regulated occupations may rely on national certification or licensure exams. Passing a national exam is not a guarantee of a graduate’s ability to obtain a state license. Purdue Global will work to disclose the most up-to-date information for prospective and current students. Students are highly encouraged to seek guidance from the appropriate licensing agency in their state of residence.

Students pursuing a professional licensure-track program who move to another state must contact a University representative within the first 30 days of moving to update their primary address and to discuss their licensure eligibility. See Address Verification for more information.

Program and School Accreditation and Approvals

Additional approvals and program and school accreditation are noted under each area of study.

Concord Law School

Concord’s degree-granting authority in connection with its students qualifying to take the California Bar Examination and obtaining admission to the practice of law in California (Juris Doctor Program) is based on its registration as an unaccredited law school with the Committee of Bar Examiners:

180 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105
Tel: 415.538.2000
Website: www.calbar.ca.gov

For detailed Juris Doctor (JD) information and disclosure language, see the Required Disclosures section on the JD program page. 

School of Business and Information Technology

ABET

Purdue Global's School of Business and Information Technology has received programmatic accreditation from the Computing Accreditation Commission (CAC) of ABET for the following program:

  • Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

With ABET accreditation, students, employers, and all those served by the University can be confident that a program meets the quality standards that produce graduates prepared to enter a global workforce.

ABET
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
Tel: 410.347.7700
Website: www.abet.org/

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs

Purdue Global's School of Business and Information Technology has received programmatic accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for the following programs:

  • Associate of Applied Science in Accounting
  • Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Accounting
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
  • Bachelor of Science in Finance
  • Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Science in Accounting
  • Master of Science in Management and Leadership

ACBSP promotes continuous improvement and recognizes excellence in the accreditation of business education programs around the world.

Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
11520 West 119th Street
Overland Park , KS 66213
Tel: 913.339.9356
Fax: 913.339.6226
Website: www.acbsp.org/

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards

Purdue Global's Master of Science in Finance with a concentration in financial planning is a CFP Board-Registered Program in financial planning education. The Master of Science in Finance with a concentration in financial planning meets the specific criteria for educating individuals who wish to fulfill the education component for obtaining CFP® certification.

Individuals who meet CFP Board's education requirement are eligible to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination. Successful completion of the education and examination components completes two of the core prerequisites to obtain CFP® certification.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™, and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements.

The Society for Human Resource Management

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) has acknowledged that the following programs fully align with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates:

  • Master of Science in Management and Leadership with a concentration in human resources
  • Master of Business Administration with a concentration in human resources
  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in human resources

The HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates were developed by SHRM to define the minimum HR content areas that should be studied by HR students at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The guidelines—created in 2006 and revalidated in 2010 and 2013—are part of SHRM’s academic initiative to define HR education standards taught in university business schools and help universities develop degree programs that follow these standards.

School of Health Sciences

American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)

The Purdue University Global Medical Billing and Coding Certificate program is approved by the AHIMA Professional Certificate Approval Program (PCAP). This designation acknowledges the coding program as having been evaluated by a peer-review process using a national minimum set of standards for entry-level coding professionals. This process allows academic institutions to be acknowledged as offering an AHIMA-approved coding certificate program.

A directory of AHIMA-approved programs, which includes Purdue Global’s certificate program, may be found at: http://www.ahima.org/education/academic-affairs/PCAP.

Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM)

The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management program is in candidacy status, pending accreditation review by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs

Effective May 15, 2020, the Medical Assistant Certificate (Online) program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
25400 US Highway 19 North, Suite 158
Clearwater, FL 33763
Tel: 727.210.2350
Website: www.caahep.org

Previously accredited ground locations in Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa, Lewiston, Maine (with an additional location in Augusta), and Lincoln, Nebraska, voluntarily withdrew accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) for the Medical Assistant Certificate program in August 2018, and the Des Moines, Iowa, location voluntarily withdrew accreditation for the certificate program in August 2019. All students enrolled in the certificate program at the above locations prior to voluntary accreditation withdrawal graduated from a CAAHEP-accredited program.

Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS)

Purdue Global, which offers the Master of Health Informatics and Master of Health Information Management programs, is recognized by the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) as an Approved Education Partner (AEP). As a HIMSS AEP, Purdue Global has met HIMSS’s rigorous standards for delivering world-class, effective health care and health IT education. HIMSS-approved educational programs provide advanced knowledge in health information and technology or health care and prepare candidates to sit for the CAHIMS or CPHIMS exam. 

A directory of HIMSS-approved programs, which includes the Purdue Global Master of Health Informatics and Master of Health Information Management, may be found at: https://www.himss.org/get-involved/approved-education-partner/find-an-aep.

School of Nursing

Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)

The baccalaureate degree in nursing, master's degree in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program, and postgraduate APRN certificate programs at Purdue Global are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

655 K Street, NW, Suite 750
Washington, DC 20001
Tel: 202.887.6791

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Behavior Analyst Certification Board

The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the course sequence of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis and the Applied Behavior Analysis Postbaccalaureate Certificate as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® (BCaBA®) examination given by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board®, Inc. (BACB®).

ABAI has also verified the course sequence of the Master of Science in Psychology’s applied behavior analysis concentration and the Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BACB’s Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) examination.

Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify. Please refer to the BACB’s website for full eligibility requirements (www.bacb.com).

The BACB can be contacted at:

The Behavior Analyst Certification Board
8051 Shaffer Parkway
Littleton, CO 80127
Tel: 720.438.4321

Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education

Purdue Global is recognized by the U.S. Fire Administration as an official Fire and Emergency Services Higher Education institution:

16825 South Seton Avenue
Emmitsburg, MD 21727
Tel: 301.447.1000
Fax: 301.447.1346
Website: www.usfa.fema.gov/

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress

Purdue Global's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences has received programmatic accreditation from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) for the following programs:

  • Associate of Applied Science in Fire Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Fire Science
  • Bachelor of Science in Fire and Emergency Management

International Fire Service Accreditation Congress
IFSAC Administrative Office
1812 Tyler Avenue
Stillwater, OK 74078

National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission

The online Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions, the online Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in addictions, and the online Graduate Certificate in Addictions are accredited by the National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC). The NASAC can be contacted at:

44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703.562.0211
Website: nasacaccreditation.org

National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA)

NALA, the professional association for paralegals, recognizes the Associate of Applied Science in Legal Support and Services and the Bachelor of Science in Legal Support and Services as meeting the coursework criteria for eligibility to sit for the Certified Paralegal Examination.

NALA Headquarters
7666 East 61st Street, Suite 315
Tulsa, OK 74133
Email: nalanet@nala.org

U.S. State and Other Approvals

State Authorization

Purdue Global is an institutional participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA). A list of current, authorized SARA member states is available at www.nc-sara.org/content/sara-state-status. As a participating institution, Purdue Global adheres to a common set of standards for offering postsecondary distance education among member states, districts, and territories. The Agreement establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. Purdue Global can be found on the NC-SARA website under the SARA member state of Indiana.

Program and State Availability

Please refer to Program Availability Information for Purdue Global’s individual program approvals and restrictions by state. Purdue Global’s institutional state approvals are summarized as follows:

Alabama

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Alabama regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Teaching Programs

SARA authorization to provide a program related to the preparation of teachers or other P-12 school/system personnel does not indicate eligibility for an Alabama teaching certificate. Applicants for an Alabama teaching certificate based on reciprocity must meet Alabama's test requirements and submit a valid, renewable professional educator certificate/license issued by another state at the degree level, grade level, and in the teaching field or area of instructional support for which an Alabama certificate is sought and for which Alabama issues a certificate. Applicants for Alabama certification in an area of administration must also document at least 3 years of full-time employment as an administrator in a P-12 school system(s). For additional information, see www.alsde.edu.

Alaska

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Alaska regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Arizona

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Arizona regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Arkansas

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Arkansas regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Teaching Programs

Arkansas students enrolled in the Master of Science in Education must sign a disclosure statement prior to the start of their program.

California

Purdue Global offers distance education and does not maintain a physical presence in the state of California. Therefore, Purdue Global is not required to register with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education.

Colorado

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Colorado regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Connecticut

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Connecticut regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Delaware

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Delaware regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

District of Columbia

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with the District of Columbia regulations to offer programs to residents of the district.

Florida

Purdue Global is licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education. Additional information regarding the University may be obtained by contacting the Commission:

325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414
Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400
Tel: 888.224.6684 (Toll Free)

Georgia

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Georgia regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Hawaii

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Hawaii regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Idaho

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Idaho regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Illinois

Purdue Global has operating authority granted by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Additional information regarding the University may be obtained by contacting the Board:

431 East Adams, 2nd Floor
Springfield, IL 62701
Tel: 217.782.2551

Purdue Global is approved by the Illinois Division of Vocational Rehabilitation.

Indiana

Purdue Global is regulated by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education:

Indiana Commission for Higher Education
101 West Ohio Street, Suite 670
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Tel: 800.227.5695 (Toll Free)
Tel: 317.232.1320

Iowa

Iowa College Student Aid Commission

Purdue Global is authorized by the Iowa College Student Aid Commission:

430 East Grand Avenue
3rd Floor
Des Moines, IA 50309
Tel: 877.272.4456, option 4 (Toll Free)

Additional Approvals

Purdue Global is approved by the Iowa Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Iowa Private Industry Area Council.

Iowa Board of Nursing

The Bachelor of Science in Nursing—RN-to-BSN and the Master of Science in Nursing programs offered online and the Associate of Science in Nursing program offered onsite in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines are approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing. The Doctor of Nursing Practice program offered online have received interim approval:

Iowa Board of Nursing
400 SW 8th Street, Suite B
Des Moines, IA 50309-4685
Tel: 515.281.3255

Kansas

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Kansas regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Kentucky

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Kentucky regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Teaching Programs

Note: The Master of Science in Higher Education degree is not recognized for rank change for K-12 teachers in Kentucky.

Louisiana

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Louisiana regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Maine

Maine State Board of Nursing

The Associate of Science in Nursing and the Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing programs offered onsite in Augusta are granted initial approval by the Maine State Board of Nursing:

161 Capitol Street
158 State House Station
Augusta, ME 04333-0158
Tel: 207.287.1133

Maryland

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Maryland regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Massachusetts

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Massachusetts regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Michigan

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Michigan regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Minnesota

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Minnesota regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Mississippi

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Mississippi regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Missouri

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Missouri regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Montana

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Montana regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Nebraska

Purdue Global is authorized by Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education. Additional information regarding the University may be obtained by contacting the Commission:

140 North 8th Street, Suite 300
Lincoln, NE 68509-5005
Tel: 402.471.2847

Nebraska Board of Nursing and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

The Prelicensure Bachelor of Science in Nursing program and the Associate of Science in Nursing program offered onsite in Lincoln are approved by the Nebraska Board of Nursing and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services. The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services can be contacted at:

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Regulation and Licensure
P.O. Box 95007
Lincoln, NE 68509-5007

Nevada

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Nevada regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

New Hampshire

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with New Hampshire regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

New Jersey

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with New Jersey regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

New Mexico

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with New Mexico regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

New York

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with New York regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

North Carolina

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with North Carolina regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

North Dakota

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with North Dakota regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Ohio

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Ohio regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Oklahoma

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Oklahoma regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Oregon

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Oregon regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Pennsylvania

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Pennsylvania regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Rhode Island

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Rhode Island regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

South Carolina

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with South Carolina regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

South Dakota

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with South Dakota regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Tennessee

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Tennessee regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Teaching Programs

Specific education master's degrees are not recognized for initial licensure in Tennessee and cannot be used to add endorsement areas to a Tennessee license. Prior to enrolling, you are strongly encouraged to confirm salary rating and license renewal policies with your school district and/or state department, when applicable.

Benefits for Tennessee K-12 teachers enrolled in the Master of Science in Education or the Master of Science in Education's educational leadership concentration include:

  • Salary increase and/or licensure renewal1
  • Career advancement, i.e., those completing the educational leadership concentration may gain the necessary leadership knowledge and skills to be eligible for a department chair or other nonlicensure administrative role

Benefits for career changers enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching include:

  • Increased confidence in the classroom while working with adolescents in current role
  • Greater preparation for state pedagogy exams and state-approved certification programs
  • Salary increase1

Benefits of the Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology include:

  • Entry into a career as an instructional designer or instructional technologist
  • Ability to fine-tune skills related to design, development, and evaluation of instructional programs, materials, and media

Texas

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Texas regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Utah

Purdue Global does not maintain a physical presence in the state of Utah and has been granted exemption by the State of Utah Department of Commerce.

Vermont

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Vermont regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Virginia

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Virginia regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Washington

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Washington regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

West Virginia

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with West Virginia regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Wisconsin

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Wisconsin regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Wyoming

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Wyoming regulations to offer programs to residents of the state.

Other Approvals

Commonwealth of Puerto Rico

As an approved SARA institution, Purdue Global is in compliance with Puerto Rico regulations to offer programs to residents of the commonwealth.

Guam

Purdue Global offers distance education and does not maintain a physical presence in Guam. Therefore, Purdue Global is not required to register with the Guam Council on Post-secondary Institution Certification.

Sanctioned Countries 

Purdue Global complies with U.S. trade embargo laws and regulations. Applications for admission and funding plans may be subject to additional review to ensure ongoing compliance with those requirements. Current students traveling or relocating outside of the U.S. may be unable to access the Purdue Global campus, services, and courses from countries or regions subject to economic and/or trade sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or other authorities. Contact the Office of Student Relations at StudentRelations@purdueglobal.edu for details.

Memberships

  • The Bachelor of Science in Human Services in Youth/Family Services and Administration and Master of Science in Human Services programs are members of the Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE). The CSHSE can be contacted at:

Council for Standards in Human Service Education (CSHSE)
1935 South Plum Grove Road
PMB 297
Palatine, IL 60067

  • The NAADAC (Association for Addiction Professionals) has designated Purdue Global as an Approved Education Provider for meeting nationally approved standards of education for the alcoholism and drug abuse counseling field. This approval includes the online Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions, the online Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in addictions, and the online Graduate Certificate in Addictions. The NAADAC can be contacted at:

44 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 301
Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel: 703.741.7686
Website: naadac.org

Additional Approvals

  • Purdue Global is a licensed testing center for the Travel Institute. Tests are offered at select University locations.
  • Purdue Global is an authorized participant of the Department of Defense Instruction (DoDI) 1322.25, Change 3 (Voluntary Education Programs), effective July 7, 2014; as a result, Purdue Global is authorized to receive military tuition assistance (TA) funds.
  • Purdue Global is approved and authorized by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to receive veterans educational benefit funds. NOTE: Purdue Global complies with Title 38/10 requirements, and notably Sec. 103 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018.
  • Purdue Global has SAA approval (state specific) for many of its programs open to enrollment for those eligible to receive Veteran Educational Benefits.
  • Purdue Global is authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant, alien students.
  • Purdue Global programs are recognized by the following agencies and federal laws:
    • Dislocated Workers Center
    • Iowa Workforce Development Center (TAA)
    • Job Training Partnership Act
    • Vocational Rehabilitation Services