It 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.

[6] The university was regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) before being acquired by Perdoceo Education Corporation.

[7] CalSouthern was officially granted institutional accreditation under the American InterContinental University System by the Higher Learning Commission on July 5, 2022.

[10] California Southern University offers bachelor's, master's, and professional doctorate degrees entirely online.