State Authorization

Georgia State University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) which allows us to provide distance learning programs (both online and in the form of supervised field experiences) and coursework to residents of states other than Georgia. NC-SARA membership, however, does not grant reciprocity or exempt student from state professional licensing requirements. As a result, licensing requirements in Georgia may not be recognized as sufficient to obtain a license in any other state.

NC-Sara Directory | NC-SARA

Student Location

Georgia State University has determined that the student’s permanent address will be used for the purpose of notifying a student whether a program meets licensure requirements where the student resides. Institutions must provide the institutional determination of where the student is located upon request.   GSU will determine where a student is located both at the time of enrollment un a program leading to licensure and after receiving information provided by the student indicating that the student’s location has changed.

Relocation

Relocating  to another state during the course of a program even if a student plans to continue a program online, -may impact licensure requirements. Before moving to another state, please contact your program coordinator or college to discuss authorization and licensure eligibility requirements.

International Students

Prior to enrolling in any program at Georgia State University, prospective students living and/or working outside of the United States should confirm with the appropriate certifying agency whether successful completion of any degree program at Georgia State will meet the credentialing requirements of the country in which they intend to seek employment. Students should also confirm that their immigration status can be maintained during any professional experience or time spent preparing for licensure exams, if they would not be enrolled at Georgia State University during these time periods.

Responsibility of Students 

Georgia State University makes every effort to ensure information about educational requirements for licensure or certification is current; however, state requirements may change. Separate from educational requirements, state licensure boards may require applicants to complete professional examinations, background checks, years of professional experience, residence requirements, training, etc.

Students interested in professional licensure or certification in a state other than Georgia are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state to see information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements for professional practice prior to enrolling in an educational program.

Students should review the programs below to see if the program you’re interested in meets the educational requirements for licensing/certification in your state (or state where you intend to work).

General Contact Information

To be connected to the appropriate program coordinator within your college, or if you are an international student requiring further assistance, please email Mary McLaughlin in the Office of Academic Affairs.

(NC-SARA) provides additional resources for students on their Professional Licensure Resource Page which offers a compiled list of licensing agencies based on five fields representing the vast majority of programs leading to licensure among participating institutions–Counseling, Nursing, Psychology, Social Work, and Teacher Education–as well as a searchable directory for additional areas of study.

These resources are intended to provide general information and do not include regulations or requirements.

If you have questions about an area of professional licensure not covered on this site or require additional clarification about the information published, please contact Mary McLaughlin, Sr. Director of Accreditation and Policy