WSCUC grants accreditation to OpenClassrooms, enabling the expansion of “apprenticeship-degree” model co-designed with Fortune 500 employers

The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), accreditor for more than 200 colleges and universities, today announced it has granted accreditation of OpenClassrooms, pioneering creator of registered apprenticeship programs that enable students to earn market wages while building valuable skills in fields ranging from cybersecurity to healthcare. With the accreditation, students enrolled in OpenClassrooms can now earn an accredited associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree in addition to completing debt-free, employer-sponsored apprenticeships and online skills training.

“This accreditation reflects a recognition that postsecondary quality and outcomes come in many forms. It also reflects growing demand from students and employers for degree pathways that incorporate both job experience and classroom learning,” said Dr. Maria Toyoda, president and CEO of the WASC Senior College and University Commission. “By aligning their programs with workforce needs, OpenClassrooms has demonstrated and developed in-demand skills while reducing student debt, and upholding the rigorous quality standards required to earn WSCUC accreditation.”

The announcement represents among the first instances of a major U.S. accreditor recognizing an institution whose primary focus is apprenticeship-based degrees — a significant milestone for OpenClassrooms, which already operates five U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs.

In recent years, interest has surged in so-called “alternative pathways” to a degree. According to recent research from the nonprofit Jobs for the Future, 74% of Gen Z youth want to earn skills that prepare them for in-demand jobs, and 58% believe employers should expand hiring from education-to-career pathways such as apprenticeships, certifications, and bootcamps.

Known for its evidence-driven approach to quality assurance, WSCUC conducted a comprehensive review of OpenClassrooms that included a self-study, peer review, and on-site evaluation — the same rigorous, multi-step process required of traditional colleges and universities. The accreditation affirms that OpenClassrooms meets WSCUC’s high standards for institutional effectiveness, student outcomes, and continuous improvement.

Since its founding in 2013, OpenClassrooms has grown to serve more than 60,000 degree-seeking students across more than 100 countries through flexible online programs created in collaboration with employers including Amazon, Capgemini, IBM, and Merck.

OpenClassrooms students also receive wraparound support, including mentorship, career coaching, paid on-the-job experience and direct connections to hiring opportunities.

“With demand surging for education that’s tightly linked to labor market needs, no one should be forced to choose between building the skills they need today and earning a valuable credential,” said Pierre Dubuc, co-founder and CEO of OpenClassrooms. “This accreditation takes us one step further in proving there’s another way — where learners can earn a market wage and a degree while working, gaining real-world experience, and connecting with employers who value their skills.”

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About WSCUC: The WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) is an institutional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. WSCUC’s outcomes-focused accreditation supports institutions in building and sustaining innovative educational programs and assures the public that accredited institutions meet rigorous standards of quality and effectiveness.

About OpenClassrooms: OpenClassrooms is a mission-driven, global B Corp–certified education-to-employment platform that prepares learners for high-demand careers through accessible, accredited training and registered apprenticeships. In 2024, OpenClassrooms was credited by over 43,000 learners for their positive career outcomes. A main impact metric that drives OpenClassrooms’ commitment to improving the lives of their learners. Founded in Paris and operating internationally, OpenClassrooms partners with academic institutions, employers, and governments to scale inclusive, outcomes-driven workforce solutions. For more information about OpenClassrooms, please visit: openclassrooms.com/en/