Accreditations and Affiliations

Accreditations and Certifications of Academic Programs, Colleges, and Schools

Institutional Accreditation

Bethune-Cookman University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Bethune-Cookman University also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Bethune-Cookman University may be directed in writing to Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).     

Florida Department of Education Authorization

Bethune-Cookman University is a nonprofit, independent postsecondary education institution, chartered and located in, and authorized by the State of Florida to operate educational programs beyond the secondary level in Florida and grant postsecondary diplomas and degrees. The University, accredited by SACSCOC, is exempt from the Commission for Independent Education licensure and is eligible to participate in Florida’s student financial aid programs.

Distance Learning

Bethune-Cookman University is a member of the Florida State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (FL-SARA) and National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) to facilitate the delivery of distance education and to ensure consistent consumer protection practices for students engaged in distance learning activities.

Carnegie Classification

Bethune-Cookman University is classified by The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education as Baccalaureate Colleges: Arts & Sciences Focus.

Program Accreditations

Bethune-Cookman University is accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN); the Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration (ACPHA); Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) and Florida Department of Education (FLDOE); Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET); the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM); Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP); Commission on Accreditation for Athletic Training Education (CAATE); and Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH). Additionally, Bethune-Cookman University is recognized as a Program of Merit (POM) by the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE)–one of the Gerontological Society of America’s (GSA) six membership groups.

Collegiate Athletics Affiliation

Bethune-Cookman University is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), participating at the Division I level and is affiliated with the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) since 2021.

Religious Affiliation

Bethune-Cookman University is approved for listing as a United Methodist Church-affiliated university by the University Senate of the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry of the United Methodist Church.