California Southern University (previously called Southern California University for Professional Studies prior to June 2007) is a private American university that began its operations in 1978. The University offers associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs in business, psychology, criminal justice, and law. California Southern University is located in Irvine, California. The University was established in California on December 27, 1978, as a traditional distance learning school, and received its initial approval to offer degree programs from the California Department of Education. The University originally offered associate level programs, then expanded to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. During the 1990s, the University added distance learning programs in the fields of business, psychology and law. California Southern University is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC). The DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).