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State Authorization and Reciprocity

State authorization refers to federal, state and professional licensing board regulations that impact educational activities offered across state lines and programs that lead to professional licensure or certification. Compliance with these regulations ensures that a WSC degree will be recognized, WSC students will be eligible to sit for licensure in states other than Nebraska, and WSC students have access to state licensure information. Authorization requirements vary by state and program and may affect student program choice and course of study.

WSC makes every effort to ensure licensure information is current. However, licensure regulations are frequently revised. Therefore, WSC strongly recommends you contact the state licensing board where you intend to seek licensure to ensure your declared program will meet the state’s licensing/certification requirements.

State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)

The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. It is an agreement among member states, districts, and territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education. Visit the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA).

Key Points of SARA

  • SARA is voluntary for states and institutions.
  • SARA is administered by the four regional education compacts (Midwestern Higher Education Compact, New England Board of Higher Education, Southern Regional Education Board, and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education), they are now accepting applications from states in their regions. Once states are approved, they can begin to enroll eligible institutions.
  • Membership is open to degree-granting postsecondary institutions from all sectors (public colleges and universities; independent institutions, both non-profit and for-profit) accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.

Benefits for Students

  • Expands access to educational offerings.
  • Should lead to better resolution of complaints from students in SARA states.
  • Reduces a rapidly growing institutional cost that is in one way or another passed along to students.
  • Should enhance overall quality of distance education

More information about SARA

Map of approved states and institutions

Complaint Process

WSC provides an opportunity for enrolled students and the public in general to submit non-academic complaints. The policy, process, and procedures for submitting complaints is outlined in the Student Complaint/Grievance Procedures section in the student handbook. 

Individuals may also submit complaints to Nebraska's Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE), the NC-SARA portal agency. The complaint process is described on the CCPE website.

Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education
P.O. Box 95005
Lincoln, NE 68509-5005
402-471-0030

Contact

Brook Jech
Director of Education Services
Benthack Hall 111D
402-375-7373
[email protected]


Professional Licensure and Certification Disclosures

 

Wayne State educator preparation programs are designed to prepare students to apply for licensure or certification in Nebraska. Completion of a Wayne State program may not meet educational requirements for licensure or certification in a state other than Nebraska. 

If candidates are eligible to receive a full or temporary/provisional license while completing state specific educational requirements, that state will be listed as “meets requirements.” Some states require a background check that could disqualify a candidate from obtaining licensure. As such, it is the candidate’s responsibility to determine if their own circumstances pose any barriers.  

Students declared to be pursuing a licensure program who enroll in an online class their first semester at WSC and will reside in a “not meets” state while taking classes will not be allowed to start the program, unless they attest they plan to seek licensure in a “meets” state or switch to a licensure program that “meets requirements” for their state. WSC utilizes the local address (if provided) or permanent address to determine student location upon enrollment and are notified via email prior to classes starting if their program “does not meet requirements” per their determined student location. It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Director of Education with any location changes to another state at any point throughout the duration of their program at WSC.

Select your program below to review whether a Wayne State licensure or certification program meets educational requirements for licensure or certification in each state. 

Teacher Certification: If you need to get your initial Nebraska teacher certification or renew your existing one, learn how.

Undergraduate Education Programs

Curriculum and Instruction (MSE)

 

Special Education (MSE)

School Administration (MSE)

 

Counseling (MSE)