Accreditation at Mount Mary University

Our academic excellence!

Mount Mary University encourages academic excellence. The university is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). All institutions accredited by the HLC must meet the criteria set forth by the HLC and be evaluated every 10 years. HLC continued the accreditation of Mount Mary University in January of 2023; the next Reaffirmation of Accreditation will be in 2032-2033. This ongoing accreditation reflects the university’s commitment to maintaining high standards in education, institutional effectiveness, and continuous improvement. In addition to our ongoing accreditation with HLC, Mount Mary University is also approved or accredited by other organizations listed below.

Since 1926, Mount Mary University has been fully accredited through the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

Mark of Accreditation Status Verification | The Higher Learning Commission

hlc status

Mount Mary University is approved by the State of Wisconsin to offer degrees to students. That means its degree programs meet state educational requirements in terms of institutional authorization, which allows it to legally operate and confer degrees in Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) is the state agency responsible for overseeing public education, including educator preparation programs. Mount Mary University's education programs are officially approved by the DPI, meaning they meet the rigorous state standards required to prepare future teachers and school professionals in Wisconsin. This accreditation ensures that graduates of Mount Mary’s teacher education programs are eligible for state licensure and are equipped to provide equitable, transformative, and sustainable learning experiences in Wisconsin schools and communities.

At Mount Mary University, the occupational therapy programs are designed to ensure that students develop the critical competencies required to become effective, entry-level occupational therapists (OTs) or occupational therapy assistants (OTAs). The programs adhere to the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education Standards, which are reviewed and updated every five years to reflect the evolving demands of the profession. Mount Mary actively engages in this comprehensive review process, ensuring input from faculty, students, fieldwork educators, employers, and other stakeholders to maintain high-quality, practice-relevant education that prepares graduates for successful licensure and professional practice.

At Mount Mary University, the dietetics program aligns with the standards set by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR), which protects and promotes public health by ensuring practitioner competence and quality nutrition care. Through rigorous coursework, supervised practice, and continuous professional development, Mount Mary supports students in meeting CDR requirements, preparing them for successful credentialing, lifelong learning, and impactful careers as registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs). http://www.cdrnet.org/

Mount Mary University’s social work program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), the national association responsible for ensuring high standards in social work education across the United States. CSWE, founded in 1952, accredits more than 900 baccalaureate and master’s level programs nationwide and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation as the sole accrediting agency for social work education. Through this accreditation, Mount Mary’s program prepares students with the knowledge, values, and skills needed to become competent, ethical, and socially responsible practitioners. CSWE’s commitment to advancing social and economic justice is reflected in Mount Mary’s curriculum, which emphasizes leadership, advocacy, and service to diverse communities.

Mount Mary University’s Interior Design program is accredited by the Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA), an independent, non-profit organization that accredits interior design education programs in the U.S. and internationally. For over 35 years, CIDA has been dedicated to advancing the interior design profession by establishing and promoting rigorous standards for entry-level education. Through its CIDA accreditation, Mount Mary ensures that students receive a high-quality, professionally focused education that meets industry expectations and prepares graduates for successful careers as interior designers. The program reflects CIDA’s commitment to academic excellence, creative development, and the evolving needs of the design profession.

Mount Mary University’s graduate-level Art Therapy program has been awarded accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), following a recommendation from the Accreditation Council for Art Therapy Education (ACATE).

Mount Mary University is Fully accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP) through 2031, ensuring high-quality training and enhanced licensure portability.

Graduates are eligible for the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services licenses:

Substance Abuse Counselor – Initial Training (SAC-IT) during enrollment
Licensed Professional Counselor – Initial Training (LPC-IT) upon graduation
To achieve full LPC licensure, an additional 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience and passing the National Counselor Exam are required.

Curriculum: The 60-credit program includes core counseling courses, specialized coursework in trauma counseling, addictions counseling, and psychopharmacology, and a 700-hour clinical internship.

Student Success: In the past year, the program reported a 100% completion rate, licensure examination pass rate, and job placement or doctoral admissions rate.

Flexible Study Options: Offers accelerated 2-year, full-time, and part-time study options to accommodate diverse student needs.

Professional Development: Students have opportunities to join Chi Sigma Iota, the international honor society for professional counselors, promoting scholarship, leadership, and advocacy in the field.

Mount Mary is officially recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a national accreditation agency, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) is an autonomous accrediting agency, contributing to the improvement of the public's health. CCNE ensures the quality and integrity of baccalaureate, graduate, and residency/fellowship programs in nursing.

CCNE serves the public interest by assessing and identifying programs that engage in effective educational practices. As a voluntary, self-regulatory process, CCNE accreditation supports and encourages continuing self-assessment by nursing programs and supports continuing growth and improvement of collegiate professional education and nurse residency/fellowship programs.

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