Accreditation
Our Commitment to Excellence
Once a decade effort evaluates Loyola’s teaching, learning and effectiveness
The University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and was first accredited in 1921. The HLC is an independent corporation that was founded in 1895 as one of six regional institutional accreditors in the United States. The HLC accredits, and thereby grants membership, in the Commission.
In the United States, regional accreditors, such as the HLC, evaluate an institution’s effectiveness in fulfilling its educational mission using a set of quality standards, also known as criteria, evaluating and accrediting the institution as a whole. Along with assessing formal educational activities, the HLC also evaluates such things as governance and administration, student services, student learning, financial stability and institutional resources, institutional integrity, and relationships with internal and external constituencies. Accreditation, then, is a key indicator of quality assurance, an important benefit to both prospective students and institutional stakeholders.
Loyola's accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission was most recently reaffirmed in June of 2015, following a successful comprehensive evaluation and site visit. Loyola’s re-affirmation of accreditation follows the Open pathway, and as such, the next comprehensive institutional evaluation is scheduled to take place during the academic year 2024-25.
Specialized Accreditations
In addition to comprehensive, institutional accreditation, specialized accreditors evaluate particular units, schools, or programs within an institution. Specialized accreditation, also called program accreditation, is often associated with national professional associations, such as those for medicine and law, or with specific disciplines, such as business, teacher education, psychology, or social work. Individual academic units and programs within the University have also achieved specialized accreditation.
- The School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)
- The Medical School is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME, jointly sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association), and the Continuing Medical Education program is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Continuing Medical Education (AACME)
- The School of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- The Quinlan School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- The School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); formerly NCATE
- The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- The Institute of Pastoral Studies is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
A number of Loyola’s degree programs have specialized accreditation recognition, including Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology, which are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The BS in Engineering program is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). The Forensic Science program is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). The Theatre program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). In the School of Communication, the BA in Advertising/Public Relations and the MS in Global Strategic Communication are accredited with Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). In the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, the Master of Public Health program and the BS in Public Health are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the Dietetics internship program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the Medical Laboratory Sciences program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and the BS in Healthcare Administration program is accredited by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).
While not an accreditation, other program recognitions are the Chemistry/Biochemistry program in the College of Arts and Sciences which is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Paralegal Studies Program in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies which is approved by the ABA.
Professional Licensure
Some educational programs requirements are designed to lead to a professional licensure that is required for employment in an occupation. State licensing boards and professional requirements may vary by state and can change at any time.
In accordance with 34 C.F.R. §668.43, and in compliance with the university’s obligations as a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), Loyola University Chicago provides the following disclosures related to degree programs that are intended to lead to professional licensure or certification.
These disclosures are strictly limited to the University's determinations of whether these educational programs, if successfully completed, would be sufficient to meet various states’ educational licensure or certification requirements. Loyola University Chicago cannot provide verification of an individual’s ability to meet licensure or certification requirements unrelated to its educational programming. Students pursuing these degrees are strongly encouraged to verify their particular situation with their intended state’s licensing entity.
College of Arts and Sciences
Program: Clinical Psychology PhD
Program notes: The Clinical Psychology PhD Program in the Department of Psychology at Loyola University Chicago is currently – and has been continuously – accredited by APA since 1959 (see: http://www.apa.org/ed/accreditation). Please note that this table does not include an evaluation of state-specific requirements beyond that of educational or curricular requirements. State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including non-educational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements.
Satisfies Educational Requirements: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NM, NY (with additional requirements: Three (3) semester credits in biological bases of behavior; three (3) semester credits in cognitive-affective bases of behavior; three (3) semester credits in social bases of behavior; three (3) semester credits in individual differences; three (3) semester credits in psychometrics; three (3) semester credits in history and systems of psychology; three (3) semester credits in research design, methodology, and statistics), NC, ND, OH, OK (with additional requirements: Three (3) semester credits in Scientific and professional ethics and standards; three (3) semester credits in Research design and methodology; three (3) semester credits in Statistics and psychometrics; three (3) semester credits in Biological bases of behavior; three (3) semester credits in Cognitive-affective bases of behavior; three (3) semester credits in Social bases of behavior; three (3) semester credits in Individual bases of behavior), OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC, MP, VI
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements: CA, NJ
CA: https://www.psychology.ca.gov/; Although a doctoral degree in Clinical is required, additional coursework or experience beyond what is routinely offered at the Clinical Psychology PhD Program at Loyola University Chicago may be required in California, including pre-license curriculum or training in: human sexuality (10 contact hours); alcoholism/chemical dependency detection and treatment (one semester or quarter); child abuse assessment (7 hours); spousal/partner abuse, detection and intervention strategies (15 contact hours); aging and long-term care (10 contact hours).
NJ: https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/psy/; In addition to a doctoral degree from an APA accredited program like the Clinical Psychology PhD Program at Loyola University Chicago, New Jersey requires the following breakdown of credits and topic areas:
- Six (6) semester credits in Personality Theory and Human Development Theory;
- Six (6) semester credits in Learning Theory and/or Physiological Psychology;
- Six (6) semester credits in Psychological Measurement and Psychological Assessment;
- Six (6) semester credits in Psychopathology;
- Six (6) semester credits in Psychological therapy/counseling or Industrial/Organizational Psychology; and
- Six (6) semester credits in Research and Statistical Design
No Determination Made: AS, GU, PR
Quinlan School of Business: Accounting and Business Law Department
Program: BBA In Accounting/ MS in Accounting
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including non-educational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements. Following is a link that provides all pertinent details regarding state-by-state licensing requirements: https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/licensure/state-requirements/ and https://nasba.org/stateboards/
Satisfies Educational Requirements:
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements:
No Determination Made: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, AS, DC, GU, MP, PR, VI
School of Education
Program: Teacher Education
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including non-educational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements. Teacher Licensure disclosure information for each state can be found at https://www.luc.edu/education/academics/illinoisstatelicensure/teacherlicensure/ .
Satisfies Educational Requirements:
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements:
No Determination Made: DC, GU, MP, PR, VI
Program: School Counselor
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including noneducational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements. School Counselor Licensure disclosure information for each state can be found at https://www.luc.edu/education/academics/illinoisstatelicensure/schoolcounselorlicensure/ .
Satisfies Educational Requirements:
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements:
No Determination Made: DC, GU, MP, PR, VI
Program: School Social Worker
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including noneducational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements. School Social Worker Licensure disclosure information for each state can be found at https://www.luc.edu/education/academics/illinoisstatelicensure/schoolsocialworklicensure/ .
Satisfies Educational Requirements:
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements:
No Determination Made: DC, GU, MP, PR, VI
Program: School Psychology
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including noneducational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements. School Psychologist Licensure disclosure information for each state can be found at https://www.luc.edu/education/academics/illinoisstatelicensure/schoolpsychologistlicensure/ .
Satisfies Educational Requirements:
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements:
No Determination Made: DC, GU, MP, PR, VI
School of Law
Program: J.D. Program
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including non-educational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements.
Satisfies Educational Requirements: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements:
No Determination Made: AS, GU, MP, PR, VI
Stritch School of Medicine
Program: Stritch School of Medicine
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including non-educational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements.
Satisfies Educational Requirements: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, AS, DC, GU, MP, PR, VI
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements:
No Determination Made:
Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing
Program: Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including non-educational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements.
Satisfies Educational Requirements: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC, GU, MP, VI
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements:
No Determination Made: AS, PR
Program: Master of Science in Nursing
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including non-educational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements.
Satisfies Educational Requirements: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC, GU, MP, VI
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements:
No Determination Made: MD (Requires review of specific degree programs. MBON must review and approve all APRN Programs before certifying applicants as Advanced Practice Nurses, https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx), AS, PR
School of Social Work
Program: Master of Social Work
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including non-educational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements.
Satisfies Educational Requirements: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY, DC, PR
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements: NY (This state requires 60 credits for licensure and our new curriculum is 49. http://www.op.nysed.gov/prof/sw/lmsw.htm)
No Determination Made: MP, VI
Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health
Program: Dietetic Internship
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including non-educational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements.
Satisfies Educational Requirements: AL, AK, AR, CA, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MN, MS, MO, MT, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY, AS, DC, GU, PR
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements:
Licensing not required: AZ, CO, IN (certification only), MI, VA
No Determination Made: MP, VI
Program: Medical Laboratory Science
Program notes: State requirements are subject to change. These statements and program completion do not guarantee licensure. Students should review licensure requirements – including non-educational requirements such as certification/examination work experience, background checks, etc. – for the states in which they intend to see certification/licensure, and students who intend to change states should review their new states’ requirements.
Satisfies Educational Requirements: AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL (Must pass BOC, Fee; FL approved one hour course on HIV/AIDS within 6 months of license), GA (fee), HI (Must pass BOC, pay fee), ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA (Must pass BOC, pay fee), ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT (Must pass BOC, pay fee), NE, NV (Must pass BOC, pay fee), NH, NJ, NM, NC, ND (Must pass BOC, pay fee), OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV (Must pass BOC, pay fee), WI, WY, AS, DC, GU, MP (Must pass certification exam, pay fee), PR (Must pass BOC, pay fee), VI
Does Not Satisfy Educational Requirements: CA (Must pass ASCP BOC, take CA law online quiz; 3 semester hours of light and electricity physics, fee), NY (Take Anatomy & Physiology with lab, biochemistry with lab, must pass BOC, pay fee)
No Determination Made:
Specialized Accreditations
In addition to comprehensive, institutional accreditation, specialized accreditors evaluate particular units, schools, or programs within an institution. Specialized accreditation, also called program accreditation, is often associated with national professional associations, such as those for medicine and law, or with specific disciplines, such as business, teacher education, psychology, or social work. Individual academic units and programs within the University have also achieved specialized accreditation.
- The School of Law is accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA)
- The Medical School is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME, jointly sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the American Medical Association), and the Continuing Medical Education program is accredited by the Accreditation Council of Continuing Medical Education (AACME)
- The School of Social Work is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)
- The Quinlan School of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)
- The School of Education is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP); formerly NCATE
- The School of Nursing is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE)
- The Institute of Pastoral Studies is accredited by the Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
A number of Loyola’s degree programs have specialized accreditation recognition, including Ph.D. programs in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, and school psychology, which are accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). The BS in Engineering program is accredited by the Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET). The Forensic Science program is accredited by the Forensic Science Education Programs Accreditation Commission (FEPAC). The Theatre program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST). In the School of Communication, the BA in Advertising/Public Relations and the MS in Global Strategic Communication are accredited with Certification in Education for Public Relations (CEPR) by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). In the Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, the Master of Public Health program and the BS in Public Health are accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), the Dietetics internship program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics (ACEND), the Medical Laboratory Sciences program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) and the BS in Healthcare Administration program is accredited by the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).
While not an accreditation, other program recognitions are the Chemistry/Biochemistry program in the College of Arts and Sciences which is approved by the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Paralegal Studies Program in the School of Continuing and Professional Studies which is approved by the ABA.
Professional Licensure
Some educational programs requirements are designed to lead to a professional licensure that is required for employment in an occupation. State licensing boards and professional requirements may vary by state and can change at any time.
In accordance with 34 C.F.R. §668.43, and in compliance with the university’s obligations as a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), Loyola University Chicago provides the following disclosures related to degree programs that are intended to lead to professional licensure or certification.
These disclosures are strictly limited to the University's determinations of whether these educational programs, if successfully completed, would be sufficient to meet various states’ educational licensure or certification requirements. Loyola University Chicago cannot provide verification of an individual’s ability to meet licensure or certification requirements unrelated to its educational programming. Students pursuing these degrees are strongly encouraged to verify their particular situation with their intended state’s licensing entity.