Accreditation & Licensing
General disclaimer:
Established in 1899, South University is a private academic institution dedicated to providing educational opportunities for the intellectual, social and professional development of a diverse student population. Programs, credential levels, technology and scheduling options vary by campus, and employment opportunities are not guaranteed. Financial aid is available to those who qualify. Administrative office: South University, 709 Mall Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31406-4805 ©2012 South University. OH Registration # 11-07-1971T; Licensed by the Florida Commission for Independent Education, License No. 2987.
Institutional Accreditation
South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of South University.
The Art Institute of Charlotte is a campus of South University. South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate degrees, and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of South University.The Art Institute of Raleigh-Durham is a campus of South University. South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award certificates, associate degrees, and baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of South University.The Art Institute of Dallas is a campus of South University. South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of South University.The Art Institute of Fort Worth is a campus of South University. South University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of South University.
State Licensing
Alabama
The Montgomery campus of South University is chartered as an educational institution in the state of Alabama, and is authorized under Act No. 80-272, Regular Session, Alabama Legislature, 1980, to conduct programs within the state of Alabama.
Florida
South University, Tampa is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, toll-free telephone number (888)224-6684.
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, License No. 2987.
South University, West Palm Beach is licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, Florida Department of Education. Additional information regarding this institution may be obtained by contacting the Commission at 325 West Gaines Street, Suite 1414, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400, toll-free telephone number (888)224-6684.
Licensed by the Commission for Independent Education, License No. 2987.
Georgia
A nonsectarian, co-educational institution of higher education, South University in Savannah, Georgia, is authorized under the Georgia Non-public Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990 to confer doctoral, master's, bachelor's, and associate’s degrees.
Michigan
South University, Novi is licensed under the laws of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
North Carolina
South University’s High Point campus is licensed by The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina to confer Associate of Science, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, and Master of Arts degrees.
The Art Institute of Charlotte is licensed to award certificates by the North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges and licensed to award Associate and Bachelor degrees by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina.
The Art Institute of Raleigh–Durham is licensed by The Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina to confer Associate of Applied Science and Bachelor of Art degrees.
Ohio
South University, Cleveland holds a Certificate of Authorization for its academic programs from the Ohio Board of Regents, 30 East Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43215-3138, 614.466.6000.
South University, Cleveland is licensed by the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools 30 Broad Street, 24th Floor, Suite 2481, Columbus, OH 43215-3138, 614.466.2752. Any advertisement written or used by a school holding a certificate of registration with the Ohio State Board of Career Colleges and Schools must carry the name, address, and registration number as listed on its certificate of registration. The registration number must appear on each ad for South University, Cleveland, OH Reg# 11-07-1971T.
Online
A nonsectarian, co-educational institution of higher education, South University in Savannah, Georgia, is authorized under the Georgia Non-public Postsecondary Educational Institutions Act of 1990 to confer doctoral, master's, bachelor's, and associate’s degrees.
South Carolina
South University is licensed by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, 1122 Lady Street, Suite 300, Columbia, South Carolina 29201; 1.803.737.2260. Licensure indicates only that minimum standards have been met; it is not equal to or synonymous with accreditation by an accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Texas
South University, Austin holds a Certificate of Authorization acknowledging exemption from Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regulations.
The Art Institute of Dallas holds a Certificate of Authorization acknowledging exemption from Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regulations.
The Art Institute of Dallas is licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Private Career Education.
The Art Institute of Fort Worth holds a Certificate of Authorization acknowledging exemption from Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board regulations.
Virginia
South University, Richmond is certified by The State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North Fourteenth Street, Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600) to operate in Virginia.
South University, Virginia Beach is certified by The State Council for Higher Education in Virginia (James Monroe Building, 101 North Fourteenth Street, Richmond, VA 23219; 804-225-2600) to operate in Virginia.
Programmatic Accreditation
South University, Montgomery, AL
The Medical Assisting 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, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, 727-210-2350.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing offered online and at South University, Montgomery is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN Degree Completion offered online and at South University, Montgomery is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program at South University Montgomery is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (1111 N Fairfax St; Alexandria, VA 22314; 703-706-3245; www.capteonline.org). State licensure is a requirement for professional practice in each state in which South University offers the PTA program. Specific information regarding application for licensure will be available to the student during the last term of study. Licensure or registration is not required in every state for the physical therapist assistant to practice. Complete information on practice acts and regulations can be obtained from individual state licensing boards.
The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies programs are approved by the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-7598 312.988.5522 800.285.2221.
South University, Tampa, FL
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing offered online and at South University, Tampa is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The Master of Science in Nursing offered online and at South University, Tampa is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN Degree Completion offered online and at South University, Tampa is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The RN to Master of Science in Nursing offered online and at South University, Tampa is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program has been granted initial accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 1-703-684-2782.
The Physician Assistant Studies program offered at South University, Tampa is provisionally accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. 12000 Findley Road, Suite 240, Johns Creek, GA, 30097; Phone: 770-476-1224. www.arc-pa.org.es at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404.679.4500 for questions about the accreditation of South University.
The Occupational Therapy Assistant program at South University, Tampa has applied for accreditation and has been granted Developing Program Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). ACOTE’s mailing address is; ACOTE, c/o Accreditation Department American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), 4720 Montgomery Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda, MD 20814-3449. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA. Once accreditation of the program has been obtained, its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
South University, West Palm Beach, FL
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing offered online and at South University, West Palm Beach is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The Master of Science in Nursing offered online and at South University, West Palm Beach is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN Degree Completion offered online and at South University, West Palm Beach is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
For print: The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies programs are approved by the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-7598 312.988.5522 800.285.2221.
For broadcast: The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies programs are approved by the American Bar Association.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program has been granted initial accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 1-703-684-2782.
The occupational therapy assistant program has applied for accreditation and has been granted Developing Program Status by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA), located at 4720 Montgomery Lane, P.O. Box 31220, Bethesda, MD 20824-1220. ACOTE’s telephone number c/o AOTA is (301) 652-AOTA. Once accreditation of the program has been obtained, its graduates will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination for the occupational therapy assistant administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). After successful completion of this exam, the individual will be a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA). In addition, most states require licensure in order to practice; however, state licenses are usually based on the results of the NBCOT Certification Examination. Note that a felony conviction may affect a graduate’s ability to sit for the NBCOT certification examination or attain state licensure.
South University, Savannah, GA
The Master of Science in Nursing at South University, Savannah is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN Degree Completion at South University, Savannah is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies and the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies programs are approved by the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-7598 312.988.5522 800.285.2221.
The Medical Assisting 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, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, 727-210-2350.
The Physician Assistant Studies program offered at South University, Savannah is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc. 12000 Findley Road, Suite 240, Johns Creek, GA, 30097; Phone: 770-476-1224. www.arc-pa.org.
The Physical Therapist Assistant program is an expansion program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 1-703-684-2782.
South University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 20 North Clark Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60602-5109, TEL (312) 664-3575, FAX (312) 664-4652, www.acpeaccredit.org.
The Anesthesiologist Assistant program at South University, Savannah is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Committee for the Anesthesiologist Assistant (ARC-AA). Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs 1361 Park Street Clearwater, FL 33756 727-210-2350.
South University, Novi, MI
Effective July 31, 2012, the Associate of Science in Physical Therapist Assistant at South University, Novi has been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association (1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA, 22314; phone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org). Candidacy is not an accreditation status nor does it assure eventual accreditation. Candidate for Accreditation is a pre-accreditation status of affiliation with the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education that indicates the program is progressing toward accreditation.
The Art Institute of Charlotte
The Associate of Science degree in Culinary Arts is accredited by The Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation.
South University, Online Programs
The Master of Science in Nursing offered in only the online delivery format through the South University, Online campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN Degree Completion offered in only the online delivery format through the South University, Online campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The RN to Master of Science in Nursing offered in only the online delivery format through the South University, Online campus is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
South University, Columbia, SC
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing offered online and at South University, Columbia is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN Degree Completion offered online and at South University, Columbia is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
South University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 20 North Clark Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60602-5109, TEL (312) 664-3575, FAX (312) 664-4652, www.acpeaccredit.org.
The Medical Assisting 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, 1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, 727-210-2350.
The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies program, the Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies program, and the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies are approved by the American Bar Association, 321 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60654-7598 312.988.5522 800.285.2221.
The Art Institute of Dallas
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts program is accredited by The Accrediting Commission of the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation.
The Interior Design program leading to the Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, www.accredit-id.org, 206 Grandville Ave., Ste. 350, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.
South University, Virginia Beach, VA
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing RN to BSN Degree Completion offered online and at South University, Virginia Beach is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), One Dupont Circle NW, Suite 530, Washington, DC 20036-1120; www.aacn.nche.edu; telephone: 202.887.6791.
State Nursing Board Approvals:
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at South University, Columbia is authorized to operate by the South Carolina Board of Nursing.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at South University — Montgomery is authorized to operate by the Alabama Board of Nursing.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing and The Master of Science in Nursing Programs at South University, Tampa and South University, West Palm Beach are approved by the Florida Board of Nursing.
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at South University, Richmond and South University — Virginia Beach is approved by the Virginia Board of Nursing. South University’s Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education, 20 North Clark Street, Suite 2500, Chicago, IL 60602-5109, TEL (312) 664-3575, FAX (312) 664-4652, URL www.acpeaccredit.org.
The Physical Therapist Assisting program at South University — Tampa has been granted initial accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 1-703-684-2782.
The Physical Therapist Assisting program at South University — West Palm Beach has been granted initial accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation of Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 1-703-684-2782.
The Physical Therapist Assisting program at South University — Savannah is an expansion program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 1-703-684-2782.
The Physical Therapist Assisting program at South University — Montgomery is an expansion program approved by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy Association, 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, VA 22314; 1-703-684-2782.
The Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program offered at South University — Savannah is accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for Physician Assistant, Inc. 12000 Findley Road, Ste. 240, Johns Creek, GA 30097, phone: 770.476.1224, fax: 770.476.1738, www.arc-pa.org. *This accreditation status qualifies graduating students to take the national certifying examination administered by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA). The Physician Assistant program is a member of the Association of Physician Assistants Programs, the national organization representing Physician Assistant education programs.
The Physician Assistant Studies program offered at South University — Tampa is provisionally accredited by the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant, Inc., 1200 Findley Road, Suite 240, Johns Creek, GA 30097, phone: 770.476.1224, www.arc-pa.org.
*South University — Savannah does not guarantee third-party certification/licensure. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University — Savannah.
**Minnesota residents are ineligible to enroll into the Master of Science in Nursing or the RN to Master of Science in Nursing online programs.
Veterans Affairs Statements
The Savannah campus is approved for training veterans and other individuals by the State of Georgia Department of Veterans Services, State Approving Agency, Atlanta, Georgia 30334.
The West Palm Beach campus is approved for training veterans and other eligible individuals by the State of Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Division of Veterans’ Benefits and Assistance, Bureau of State Approving for Veterans’ Training.
The Montgomery campus is authorized by the State Approving Agency to train veterans under chapters 31, 34, and 35.
The South University Columbia campus is chartered by the State of South Carolina and approved by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (Veterans Education Section) for the training of veterans and other eligible persons.
The Tampa campus is approved for training veterans and other eligible individuals by the State of Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs, Division of Veterans’ Benefits and Assistance, Bureau of State Approving for Veterans’ Training.
Students interested in obtaining more information about institutional accreditation
should contact the Vice President for Academic Affairs at the South University campus
of interest.