State Authorization (NC-SARA)
What is state authorization?
State authorization allows institutions to conduct certain educational activities outside their home state (for MSUB, outside of Montana). Each state has unique authorization requirements. The US Department of Education requires institutions be authorized to provide education outside their home state. MSU Billings meets this standard through membership in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) which provides a voluntary, regional approach to state oversight of postsecondary distance education.
Professional Licensure
NC-SARA has worked with the SARA State Portal Entities (SPEs) and regional compacts to create the Professional Licensure Directory, which provides contact information for five programs that lead to a professional license. This professional licensure directory is general contact information, not regulations or requirements.
This resource will NOT house regulations or requirements. It is exclusively general contact information. We will update the contact information twice annually. We hope that this Professional Licensure Directory helps in your regulatory compliance.
Professional licensure information for students can be found under the Student tab.
Professional Licensure Directory
Physical Location Disclosure
Due to federal and individual state regulations, MSUB is limited in providing online courses and programs to students in certain states and countries. Acceptance into an online program or enrollment in an online course is based on where the student is physically located while taking the course(s). Activities such as completing clinical and internship requirements in a location outside of Montana are also governed by these regulations. Therefore, should an enrolled student CHANGE PHYSICAL LOCATION, he/she must notify the Registrar’s Office at least 3 months in advance. This policy applies to students who are taking online courses in a state/country outside of Montana (study abroad) and students who are planning to complete their clinical coursework or internship in a state/country outside of Montana.
Student Complaint Information
Below is a list of programs that are designed for professional licensure along with information to comply with 34 §C.F.R. 668.43 and NC-SARA Policy Manual v. 22.1 § 5.2.
Licensure is individual. Only licensure boards or agencies can determine whether a program has met requirements. These boards and agencies make that determination after someone graduates or completes the program and applies for a license. After all reasonable efforts, we have provided our best assessment of how our program matches up to educational requirements for the license. MSUB cannot guarantee the ability to earn any professional license, in any field, in any state or territory.
Additional requirements. Completing a program is typically only one part of the professional licensure requirements. Most states require that individuals meet additional requirements in order to qualify for licensure, including but not limited to additional coursework and training, supervised clinical experiences, and successful passage of state or national exams. Other licensure requirements typically include, but are not limited to, fees, background checks, years of work experience, references, fingerprinting requirements, etc.
Potential changes in requirements. Licensure information is reviewed and updated on an annual basis. Licensure requirements are subject to changes at any time. While a program may originally meet the educational requirements for licensure, changes in requirements could impact the program's ability to meet new educational requirements. Students should periodically check with the state licensure board or agency in the state(s) they intend to work in to confirm licensure requirements.
View Professional Licensure Program Information