California Coast University
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Established | 1973 |
|---|---|
| Type | Distance education university |
| President | Dr. Thomas Neal |
| Students | 8,000 |
| Location | Santa Ana, California, United States |
| Website | http://www.calcoast.edu |
Contents |
[edit] Overview
California Coast University (CCU) is a nationally accredited distance education university, accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and recognized by the US Department of Education (USDE) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The school has long been fully approved by the State of California based on standards established in the California Education Code.
CCU currently offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, management, psychology and education. Academic programs are oriented to mid-career professionals and are based on distance education methodologies involving guided studies and independent research.
The school was founded in 1973 and is located in downtown Santa Ana, California. Approximately 8000 students are enrolled at any given time.
[edit] History
CCU originally used the name California Western University, opening in 1973 as a pioneer in distance learning. In 1981, the school changed its name to California Coast University following a lawsuit by California Western School of Law (CWSL) over name infringement. CCU has never been related to nor associated with CWSL, its parent (California Western University), nor its descendants, the United States International University or Alliant International University.
[edit] Accreditation
CCU is a California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education approved university[1]. In January 2005, CCU was awarded national accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), a recognized accreditor. Like California state-approval, DETC accreditation is institutional in scope and includes an on-site evaluation by third party inspectors. DETC has been recognized by the USDE to approve degree programs through the masters level. CCU offered doctoral degrees as a state-approved university since its inception; however, in order to be consistent with DETC guidelines, the university stopped admitting new doctoral students while allowing previously enrolled doctoral students to complete their degrees without interruption. As of June 2006, DETC started accrediting DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) and EdD (Doctor of Education) degrees under a pilot program. DETC is requesting recognition from the USDE to accredit professional doctorates in late 2006. CCU has stated its intention to reinstate professional doctorate programs under the new DETC guidelines at the earliest opportunity.
