In the United States, higher education institutions undergo accreditation processes through two types of accreditation agencies: institutional and specialized. The purpose of institutional accreditation is to ensure the overall quality of the entire institution. On the other hand, specialized (or program) accreditation agencies assess specific units, schools, or programs within the organization.
Institutional Accreditation
Since 1934, the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has consistently maintained its accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
Higher Learning Commission
230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
Chicago, IL 60604
800-621-7440 www.hlcommission.org
The HLC is duly recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as an institutional accreditor. This accreditation from the HLC serves as a guarantee to prospective students and other stakeholders that the institution’s course credits and degrees adhere to the quality standards of higher education. Moreover, institutional accreditation plays a vital role in ensuring quality by confirming that the institution actively pursues continuous improvement.
The HLC evaluates each institution based on various criteria including academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances, and resources. This comprehensive assessment helps to ensure that the Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota provides a high standard of education and operates efficiently in all aspects of its operations.
Specialty Accreditation
Saint Mary’s has program accreditation with a variety of programmatic accreditors. Programmatic accreditation ensures an academic program meets rigorous educational quality standards. This accreditation is voluntary and applies to a single degree program or school in an accredited institution. Programmatic accreditors conduct in-depth assessments of specialized or professional programs.
American Chemical Society
The undergraduate chemistry major program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to:
American Chemical Society
1155 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: 1-800-333-9511 (US and Canada)
614-447-3776 (outside North America) service@acs.org https://www.acs.org/
American Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
The Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology program at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979
TDD/TTY: (202) 336-6123 apaaccred@apa.org https://accreditation.apa.org/
American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry is accredited by the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB).
1120 Rockville Pike, Suite 302
Rockville, MD 20852-3110
240-283-6600 www.asbmb.org
Commission on Accreditation for Marriage and Family Therapy Education
The program’s next review by the COA is scheduled for May/October 2029.
Council on Social Work Education
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Master of Social Work (MSW) program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation. Accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’ Commission on Accreditation indicates that it meets or exceeds criteria for the assessment of program quality evaluated through a peer review process. An accredited program has sufficient resources to meet its mission and goals and the Commission on Accreditation has verified that it demonstrates compliance with all sections of the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. Accreditation applies to all program sites and program delivery methods of an accredited program. Accreditation provides reasonable assurance about the quality of the program and the competence of students graduating from the program.
International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE)
The School of Business at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota 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 member status page.
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s B.S. in Nursing and its graduate program in Nurse Anesthesiology are approved by the Minnesota Board of Nursing
210 Northland Drive, Suite 120
Mendota Heights, MN 55120
612-317-3000
Toll-free 888-234-2690
TTY Number 800-627-3529
Fax 651-688-1841
Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s Peace Officer Education Program is certified by the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST Board)
1600 University Avenue, Suite 200
Saint Paul, MN 55104-3825;
651-643-3060 https://mn.gov/post/
Minnesota Board of School Administrators (BOSA)
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s K-12 principal, Director of Special Education, and Superintendent licensure preparation certificate programs are authorized by the Board of School Administrators (BOSA), Minnesota Department of Education Building
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota is registered with the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pursuant to Minnesota Statutes sections 136A.61 to 136A.71. Registration is not an endorsement of the institution. Credits earned at the institution may not transfer to all other institutions.
Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota’s undergraduate and graduate teacher licensure preparation programs are approved by the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, Minnesota Department of Education
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has been approved to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. NC-SARA is a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.
National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA)
Saint Mary’s is approved as an Out-of-State Nursing School by the Wisconsin Board of Nursing; Board of Nursing, WI Department of Safety and Professional Services;
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has been approved and is legally authorized to do business in the state of Wisconsin as a private postsecondary school, subject to the provisions of 440.52 Wisconsin Statutes, and all administrative rules adopted pursuant to statutes. Approval included only those programs and those locations specifically approved by the Board.
Wisconsin Educational Approval Program (EAP)
4225 Madison Yards Way
Madison, WI 53705
608-266-1996 https://dspseap.wi.gov/