Accreditation & Certifications
Northwest Commission on Colleges & Universities
Bushnell University is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Accreditation of an institution of higher education by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of institutional quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited college or university is one which has available the necessary resources to achieve its stated purposes through appropriate educational programs, is substantially doing so, and gives reasonable evidence that it will continue to do so in the foreseeable future. Institutional integrity is also addressed through accreditation.
Accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities is not partial but applies to the institution as a whole. As such, it is not a guarantee of every course or program offered, or the competence of individual graduates. Rather, it provides reasonable assurance about the quality of opportunities available to students who attend the institution.
Inquiries regarding an institution’s accredited status by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities should be directed to the administrative staff of the institution. Individuals may also contact:
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
8060 165th Avenue N.E., Suite 100
Redmond, WA 98052 (425) 558-4224 www.nwccu.org
The Office of Degree Authorization
Bushnell University is authorized as a degree-granting institution by The Office of Degree Authorization, Oregon State Board of Licensure. The Office of Degree Authorization is required by statute to provide for the protection of the citizens of Oregon and their postsecondary schools by ensuring the quality of higher education and preserving the integrity of an academic degree as a public credential. ODA administers laws, standards, and services that protect students, holders of legitimately earned degrees, institutions, businesses, employers, patients or clients, and licensing boards. All degree-granting private post-secondary institutions offering academic programs in Oregon, or to Oregon students from outside the state, must be approved by the Office of Degree Authorization.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
Bushnell University has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
On June 18, 2018, Bushnell University was accepted as a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). As a member of NC-SARA, Bushnell University has agreed to abide by national standards for the interstate offering of post-secondary distance education courses and programs. Membership to NC-SARA eases the institutional regulatory requirements at the states’ level, allowing for broader access to online learning to students in participating SARA states.
SARA State Complaint Process
Students enrolled in a course that takes place outside Oregon in a SARA member state must first follow Bushnell University’s Student Complaints Policy for the resolution of complaints. If a student is not satisfied with the outcome of that process, a complaint involving allegations of dishonest or fraudulent activity, including the provision of false or misleading information, may be brought to the Oregon SARA portal entity. The SARA portal entity in the state where the student is located will be notified that the complaint was received and may assist as needed. Resolution of the complaint by the Oregon SARA portal entity is final. Please note that grade appeals and student conduct appeals are not allowed under SARA.
Non-SARA State Complaints
Students participating in a course that takes place in a non-SARA state may file a complaint with the Oregon Department of Education, or may file a complaint in the state where the student is located.
International Accreditation Council for Business Education
The Academic Business Unit at Institution has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11960 Quivira Road in Overland Park, Kansas, USA. For a list of accredited programs please view our IACBE status page.
The International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) is the leading outcomes-based professional accrediting organization for business programs in student-centered colleges and universities throughout the world. The IACBE exists to promote, develop, and recognize excellence in business education.
To view the learning outcomes for the School of Business, please view the IACBE Public Disclosure of Student Achievement as follows: 2022-2023
Teachers Standards and Practices Commission
Teacher education and school counseling programs are approved by the Oregon State Teachers Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC). The Teacher Standards and Practices Commission was established in 1965 to maintain and improve performance in the education profession by approving teacher preparation programs offered by Oregon colleges and universities; by licensing teachers, administrators and other personnel employed in Oregon schools; and by taking disciplinary actions when educators commit crimes or violate Standards for Competent and Ethical Performance.
National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates, Inc.
Bushnell University- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department has been approved by National Board for Certified Counselors and Affiliates, Inc. (NBCC) as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 3050. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Bushnell University-Clinical Mental Health Counseling Department is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs
Bushnell University’s Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP), a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Bushnell University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is also approved by the Oregon Board of Licensed Professional Counselors and Therapists.
Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
The RN to BSN and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) programs at Bushnell University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (www.ccneaccreditation.org).
Bushnell University is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Immigration, and Naturalization Service for international and non-immigrant students.
Programs at Bushnell University are approved for the use of veteran’s benefits. The Oregon Veteran Educational Aid Program provides educational benefits to veterans pursuing approved training or coursework equal to the months of active duty service up to 36 months. Benefits are paid while pursuing classroom instruction, home study courses, vocational training, licensing, and certificates from accredited Oregon educational institutions.