5 Types of State Authorization
| Type | Regulation | Definition | Current Status | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Institutional Authorization (State Regulation) |
Varies by State | If your institution is serving students in another state, the state where that student is located when receiving the bulk of the instruction expects you to follow their state laws and regulations. | Continue to seek authorization in states, as required | |
|
Professional Licensure (State Regulation) |
Varies by State | If you have a program that leads to licensure in a profession (such as teaching, nursing, psychology, and a host of medical professions), the boards that oversee each profession may have additional requirements. For some professions they want to approve each and every institution that prepares students who participate in clinicals or sit for their licensure exams in the state. | See Detailed State Authorization Status List | Continue to seek authorization in states, as required for MSN and DNP programs |
|
On-ground Programs (U.S. Department of Education Regulation) |
34 C.F.R. 600.9 (a)(b) | In institution's home state, be able to identify the state oversight agency that authorizes you grant postsecondary degrees; identify the complaint process that a student can use to complain to the oversight agency about your institution. Regarding face-to-face programs in other states, institution must determine if you have any "on ground" programs in another state where it offers or will offer 50% or more of an educational program in another state. | See Federal On-ground Ruling Information | None at this time. |
|
Distance Education (U.S. Department of Education Regulation) |
34 C.F.R. 600.9 (c) | There is no Department of Education state authorization for distance education regulation currently on the books. The expectation is that institutions follow state regulations. | See State Regulations | Continue to seek authorization in states, as required |
|
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (U.S. Department of Defense Regulation) |
34 C.F.R. 600.9 | Institutions offering tuition assistance to students in the military had to sign a new MOU by Sept. 6, 2014. The MOU requires that institutions "comply with state authorization requirements consistent with regulations issued by the U.S. Dept. of ED. Education institutions must meet all State laws as they related to distance education, as required." | No MOUs in place | None at this time. |
Questions?
Please contact usfstateauth@usfca.edu for questions regarding State Authorization at the University of San Francisco.