Institutional Approval

The University of Santa Monica is Approved by the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education under California Education Code 94310 to grant master's and doctoral degrees.

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 by the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education.

We have been operating under BPPVE administration until June 30, 2007, when it was deemed advisable by the California State Legislature to allow the regulations pertaining to the BPPVE to sunset so that a new regulations could be developed. It was believed that the new laws and regulations would be in effect by June 30th.

The new regulations were not completed by that time, so the legislature acted quickly to pass AB 1525, which extended the provisions of the BPPVE for one year. All schools were required to enter into a Voluntary Agreement to continue to abide by the existing regulations until the new regulations could be completed. USM immediately signed the Voluntary Agreement, thus extending our commitment to compliance until June 30, 2008. It was expected that the new legislation would be in effect by June 30, 2008.

Again, the new legislation was not completed by this extended timeline. Until such time as new laws for this sector are passed, USM continues to abide by the terms of the Voluntary Agreement.

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 8 to more than 250 annually. USM's faculty has also grown from the original two founding faculty members to over 25. 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 600 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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