Institutional Approval

The University of Santa Monica is approved by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education to grant master’s and doctoral degrees and online/distance learning programs.

The University’s status of “Institutional Approval” is the highest status an institution can achieve under the California Private Postsecondary Education Act. This status was created as a consequence of state legislative action SB 190, which was signed into law in 1989.

USM received its initial Approval to offer degrees in California in June of 1983 under the California Education Code Section 94310(2), which was administered at that time by the State Department of Education. In 2007, the Laws that provided oversight for state-approved schools expired, and the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (BPPVE) was dissolved. In the period of time from July 2007 to October 2009, USM voluntarily continued to be in compliance with state requirements for Approved Institutions.

New legislation was signed into law on October 11, 2009. A new Bureau, the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE), was established, and the new law took effect on January 1, 2010. USM was granted re-approval for the next several years by operation of law on January 1, 2010.

The legislation specifically mandates that schools be reviewed every five years and evaluated by qualified representatives chosen by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education. If, on the basis of this in-depth evaluation, a school is found worthy, it is granted approval and subsequent re-approval.

USM History

The University of Santa Monica was founded in March of 1976 in Los Angeles, California. The inspiration for the University came from its Founder, distinguished educator, internationally known lecturer, and best-selling author, John-Roger. His vision was of a graduate school of the highest caliber, where students from across the globe could come and learn how to live in this world, to be in the here and now, and to be involved in the unique process of spiritualizing themselves.

In 1978, John-Roger met Dr. H. Ronald Hulnick and Dr. Mary R. Hulnick, both of whom were on the faculty of New Mexico State University in the Department of Counseling and Educational Psychology, where they trained professional counselors at the master's and doctoral levels.

In 1980, the University Board invited Dr. H. Ronald Hulnick and Dr. Mary R. Hulnick as President and Academic Vice President, respectively, to design and implement the University's first program, now the two-year Master of Arts in Spiritual Psychology. Through their diligence, enthusiasm, sustained effort, and firm belief in Soul-Centered education, the Hulnicks have co-created a dynamic educational institution emphasizing relevant, usable information, skills, and experiences designed to support each student in the revelation of their Authentic Self, as well as a greater demonstration of mastery and excellence in their lives. Over time their dream of education for the whole person has resulted in Graduate Programs operating on the leading edge where psychology interfaces with spirituality.

Commitment to Excellence

The number of students graduating has grown from eight to more than 250 annually. USM's faculty has also grown from the original two founding faculty members to over 25 full- and part-time faculty members. In service to the University's commitment to maintaining excellence in the USM educational experience, the President and Board of Trustees have continued to limit student enrollment to 276 new highly-qualified students each year. Currently, over 500 students are participating in the Programs in Spiritual Psychology and Consciousness, Health, and Healing.

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History of Program Approvals

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