Information for

Home » About » PBA Facts & Data » Accreditation

Accreditation

Palm Beach Atlantic University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the following degrees: bachelor’s, master’s, doctor of pharmacy, doctor of nursing practice, and doctor of philosophy. PBA also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about PBA accreditation may be directed in writing to SACSCOC at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Available Programs

Accreditations,
Certifications & Licensures

Palm Beach Atlantic University has received specialized accreditation, certification, or licensure from the following organizations:

The Palm Beach Atlantic University Lloyd L. Gregory School of Pharmacy Doctor of Pharmacy program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), 135 S. LaSalle Street, Suite 4100, Chicago, IL 60603-4810; (312) 664-3575; FAX (312) 664-4652, web site www.acpe-accredit.org.

Palm Beach Atlantic University is a Business Education Alliance member of the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business is AACSB accredited.  It was awarded initial AACSB accreditation in May, 2023.

Find more information here.

The PBA School of Ministry Graduate Department is accredited by the Commission on Accrediting of the Association of Theological Schools. The following degree programs are approved by the Commission on Accrediting: Master of Divinity and Master of Arts (Christian Studies, Intercultural Studies, Philosophy of Religion, and Community Transformation and Chaplaincy), and Doctor of Philosophy (Practical Theology). These degrees are offered at the West Palm Beach campus. The Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada is located at 10 Summit Park Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15275-1110, (412) 788-6505. See below for additional information about the Graduate School of Ministry programs.

The West Palm Beach campus baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, and Doctor of Nursing Practice program at Palm Beach Atlantic University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, 655 K Street, NW, Suite 750, Washington DC 20001, (202)887-6791.

The Orlando site baccalaureate degree program in nursing is under initial review.

Find more information here.

In April 2024, The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program was accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Program (CACREP). PBA is one of 24 institutions in Florida to earn this accreditation. This seal of approval underscores our commitment to meeting the highest educational standards and ensuring graduates are exceptionally prepared to support clients’ needs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for mental health counselors is projected to increase by 18 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Find more information here.

Find more information here.

Palm Beach Atlantic University is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Music located at 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, Suite 21, Reston, Virginia 20190-5248. Telephone: (703) 437-0700, Facsimile: (703) 437-6312.

Find more information here.

Find more information here.

Additional Information

Statement of Educational Effectiveness

The mission of PBA’s School of Ministry Graduate Department (GSOM) is to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and character for effective Christian ministry. This is accomplished through a cooperative effort between faculty, students, and other University departments and involves multiple levels of assessment and other student support services.

GSOM Learning Outcomes

All GSOM programs emphasize the following four learning outcomes:

  1. Evaluate and synthesize interpretive methods and traditions, and apply exegetical method to the interpretation of a biblical text.
  2. Analyze and evaluate the broader heritage of the Christian tradition, the more specific character of particular Christian traditions and communities, the ways these traditions transcend particular social and cultural settings, and the ways they come to unique expressions within such settings.
  3. Appraise the cultural realities and structures in which the church lives and carries out its mission and design a creative response to these realities.
  4. Develop the capacities for personal faith, emotional maturity and moral integrity that are requisite to a life of ministerial leadership.

The Master of Divinity (M.Div.), Master of Divinity and Master of Business Administration joint degree (M.Div./MBA), and the Master of Divinity and Master of Science Mental Health Counseling dual degrees (M.Div. + MSMHC) emphasize an additional fifth learning outcome:

  1. Cultivate the capacities for ministerial leadership within both the congregation and the broader public context

Direct measures of student learning from 2021-22 revealed that 100% of GSOM students met the prescribed for these degree learning outcomes.

Completions, Graduation Rates, and Placement Rates

Number of total completions (graduates) through summer 2022: 81 (64 M.Div.; 15 MACS; 1 MAIS; 1 Ph.D.)

With data available through the 2021-22 academic year, 55% of students who start a degree in GSOM progress to graduation.

Questions?

For questions about the accreditation of Palm Beach Atlantic University, contact the Commission on Colleges at:

1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097
(404) 679-4500 or www.sacscoc.org

Persons wishing to review documents related to the accreditation of Palm Beach Atlantic University should contact the University’s SACSCOC liaison at (561) 803-2059.