university
Columbia Pacific University

Columbia Pacific University

Shaping Visions, Building Futures, Globally Focused.

1415 3rd St, San Rafael, CA 94901, USA
Est. 1978

About Columbia Pacific University

Columbia Pacific University (CPU) was a non-traditional, distance learning institution founded in California in 1978. It offered bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees through correspondence courses across various fields such as business, education, and health sciences. Operating primarily as a home-study program, it did not typically require traditional campus attendance or residency for many of its degrees. The university initially received state approval from the California Department of Education in the 1980s. However, it later faced significant scrutiny due to concerns over inadequate faculty qualifications, insufficient library resources, and lax enforcement of dissertation requirements. Following a denial of its license renewal in 1997 due to non-compliance, the institution continued to operate, leading to legal action. Columbia Pacific University was ultimately ordered to close by a California court in 2000, with its degrees awarded after June 25, 1997, deemed invalid.
Program NameDetails
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BA)
Bachelor

This program combines architectural studies with a broad liberal arts curriculum. It emphasizes critical thinking about architecture's societal role and equips students with a strong intellectual foundation to explore the evolving field of architectural practice.

4 years
English
Not specified
Deadline: Not specified
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
Bachelor

This degree provides comprehensive architectural training and is the most direct path to becoming a licensed architect without requiring a graduate degree. The degree is accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board and contains the required academic coursework to pursue internship, and eventually, licensure.

5 years
English
Not specified
Deadline: Not specified
Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSc)
Bachelor

This pre-professional degree emphasizes the technical aspects of architecture. Since this degree type is not NAAB-accredited, it must be followed by a professional degree to pursue licensure.

4 years
English
Not specified
Deadline: Not specified
Master of Architecture (MArch)
Master

This program weaves together disciplinary expertise with the critical and technical skills necessary to recast the boundaries of the discipline, building on a legacy of innovation in architecture and design. The program examines architectural design concepts in relation to historic and contemporary issues.

3 years
English
$50,000+ per year
Deadline: January 3 (Fall Semester)
Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design
Master of Science

This program provides young professionals holding a Bachelor or Master of Architecture degree the opportunity to enter into an intensive, postgraduate study that encourages critical thought in the context of design speculation. The objective is to provide advanced training in design speculation.

3 terms (Summer, Fall, Spring)
English
Not specified
Deadline: Not specified
Master of Science in Computational Design Practices
Master of Science

This program prepares students and practitioners to pursue roles in architecture, urban design, and urban planning. It focuses on design, research, creative, civic, activist, or entrepreneurial roles.

Not specified
English
Not specified
Deadline: Not specified
Master of Science in Critical, Curatorial & Conceptual Practices
Master of Science

This program offers advanced training in architectural criticism, publishing, curating, exhibiting, writing, and research. It involves intensive academic study and independent research.

2 years
English
Not specified
Deadline: Not specified
Ph.D. in Architecture
PhD

This doctoral program addresses the development of modern architectural form and ideas as they have been affected by social, economic, and technological change. It encompasses the relations between the profession, practice, civil institutions, and the society at large.

Not specified
English
Not specified
Deadline: Not specified

Performance & Metrics

Institutional Stats
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Students
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Faculty
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Alumni
8
Programs
Accreditations & Affiliations
Columbia Pacific University was initially licensed by the California Department of Education. It received full institutional approval for a three-year period in 1986. However, it was never regionally accredited, as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) did not accredit non-residential distance learning institutions at the time. The university lost its state approval and was ordered to close by California court order in 2000 due to non-compliance with state regulations, including concerns about faculty qualifications and academic rigor. Degrees awarded before June 25, 1997, were considered legally valid by the courts.
Admissions

Columbia Pacific University Academic FAQ

Columbia Pacific University is Shaping Visions, Building Futures, Globally Focused.

Columbia Pacific University provides a comprehensive curriculum including: Bachelor of Arts in Architecture (BA), Bachelor of Architecture (BArch), Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSc), Master of Architecture (MArch), Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design.

Columbia Pacific University is situated in San Rafael, United States, offering a vibrant context for architectural study.

Yes, Columbia Pacific University holds accreditations from: Columbia Pacific University was initially licensed by the California Department of Education. It received full institutional approval for a three-year period in 1986. However, it was never regionally accredited, as the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) did not accredit non-residential distance learning institutions at the time. The university lost its state approval and was ordered to close by California court order in 2000 due to non-compliance with state regulations, including concerns about faculty qualifications and academic rigor. Degrees awarded before June 25, 1997, were considered legally valid by the courts..