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Home > About Bluefield University > Institutional Accreditation

Accreditation: The Hallmark of Quality

Accreditation assures students, faculty, and our partners that our programs and degrees meet the high standards of a recognized agency.

Bluefield University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Accreditation is critical because it ensures that the courses you take and the degrees earned through Bluefield University will be accepted by other institutions that are also accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Strict standards for degree programs, courses, faculty, administration, and student support and services must be met in order to qualify for and receive accreditation.

If you have questions about Bluefield University’s accreditation, you should contact our Admissions Office at 800.872.0176.

If you have significant evidence regarding our non-compliance with SACSOC’s requirements and standards, you may contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033 or call them at 404.679.4500.

 

Specialized Accreditations

Our Teacher Education Program, which is designed to prepare compassionate, caring, and qualified teachers who are reflective practitioners, has earned Teacher Education Accreditation Council (TEAC) accreditation by the Inquiry Brief Commission of the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) for a period of seven years, from 10/24/2016 to 12/31/2023. This accreditation does not include individual education courses that the EPP (Educational Preparation Program) offers to P-12 educators for professional development, re-licensure, or other purposes. This accreditation certifies the Bluefield University Teacher Education Program has provided evidence our program adheres to TEAC’s quality principles.

The School of Nursing’s RN-to-BSN program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) for a period of 10 years, from April 2018 until December 2028. The traditional nursing program, master’s degree in nursing program, and post-graduate APRN certificate programs at Bluefield University are accredited by CCNE. CCNE is recognized by the Department of Education and is a specialized professional accrediting agency.

Bluefield University has been approved for veteran compensation.

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231