St. Petersburg College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award Bachelor of Science degrees, Bachelor of Applied Science degrees, Associate in Arts degrees, and Associate in Science degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of St. Petersburg College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
SPC’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness & Academic Services (IR) provides information and analytical support to college-wide internal decision-making, external accountability, strategic planning, and ongoing continuous institutional improvement. Through collaborative leadership, the office supports a broad range of planning, research and assessment activities, including those that support student learning outcomes assessment, department/program review, as well as institutional and programmatic accreditation.
Why accreditation matters
SACS-COC accreditation means an institution is dedicated to providing quality higher education and ongoing improvement through planning, assessment, and quality enhancement.
- Credits from accredited institutions are transferable to and from other accredited institutions, ensuring students receive a credible, top-quality education.
- Only accredited institutions are permitted to award federal financial aid to students.
- By law, an A.A. degree from SPC grants you admission as a junior to one of the state's public universities.
In addition, the following programs are accredited or approved by state or national organizations. The last accreditation year indicates the most recent accreditation or approval decision following the completion of a self-study.
Bachelor's degree programs
Programs | Last Accreditation | Next Accreditation | Accrediting Agency/Final Approval |
---|---|---|---|
Education+ | 2010 | 2023 | Florida Department of Education - Bureau of Educator Recruitment, Development, and Retention1 Final Approval |
Nursing | 2021 | 2031 | Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education1, 3 Final Approval |
Paralegal * | 2018 | 2025 | American Bar Association1 Final Approval |
Veterinary Technology | 2021 | 2024 | American Veterinary Medical Association - Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities1, 2, 3 Final Approval |
+The Florida Dept. of Education grants approval to individual programs within the College of Education, which currently consists of three active B.S. programs.
*The American Bar Association evaluates the A.S. degree, B.A.S. degree, and the post-baccalaureate certificate during a single visit. This agency "approves" programs but does not "accredit."
Associate in Science programs
+ The Funeral Services program at St. Petersburg college is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education (ABFSE) 992 Mantua Pike, Suite 108, Woodburry Heights, NJ 08097 (816) 233-3747. Web: www.abfse.org
*Ongoing accreditation with yearly completion of Annual Program Assessment Report
The Physical Therapist Assistant Program at St. Petersburg College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703-706-3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: http://www.capteonline.org.
Lower-Division Certificate programs
Certificates | Last Accreditation | Next Accreditation | Accrediting Agency/Final Approval |
---|---|---|---|
Emergency Medical Technician | 2021 | 2023 | Florida Department of Health - Bureau of Emergency Medical Services1 Final Approval |
Paramedic | 2015 2021 |
2022 2023 |
CAAHEP - Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions 2 Final Approval |
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs
Certificates | Last Accreditation | Next Accreditation | Accrediting Agency/Final Approval |
---|---|---|---|
Paralegal | 2018 | 2025 | American Bar Association1 Final Approval |
Veterinary Technology | 2021 | 2024 | American Veterinary Medical Association - Committee on Veterinary Education and Activities1, 2, 3 Final Approval |
Education | 2010 | 2023 | Florida Department of Education - Bureau of Educator Recruitment, Development, and Retention1 Final Approval |
1Recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (USDE)
2Recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
3Recognized by the Association for Specialized and Professional Accreditors (ASPA)
Related Links
- SACSCOC 2018 Compliance Certification
- Ready, Set, Succeed! 2018 Quality Enhancement Plan
- Substantive Change
- Fact Book
Program Administrators