State Regulations - Professional Licensure and Certification

State Authorization and Professional Licensure

All non-residents and international students (whether taking online courses or not) must check in with University of West Georgia (UWG) [email deregs-list@westga.edu] in order to ensure that UWG is allowed to enroll residents of your state or country. Non-residents should also read all of the details below.

National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements

UWG is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA) which allows us to provide online and on-campus 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 a student(s) from state professional licensing requirements. 

The U.S. Department of Education’s “Program Integrity” regulations require that each state has a student complaint procedure in order for public and private higher education institutions to be eligible for Title IV funds. GA-SARA is responsible for monitoring all written and signed student complaints against degree granting institutions authorized to operate in Georgia through SARA. The following link details the complaint process: GA-SARA Student Complaint Rules. Any complaints may be submitted using the form located here: GA-SARA Online Student Complaint Form.

Licensure Disclosures

UWG provides various programs that lead to professional licensure in Georgia and is dedicated to delivering precise information to assist students in their career planning. Different states have unique requirements for professional licensure and the process of obtaining it. In some states, graduating from an accredited or approved program is necessary, while others may mandate additional coursework, fieldwork, or training, and/or passing a state licensing exam. 

UWG makes every effort to ensure information about requirements for licensure or certification of approved programs is current; however, state and territory requirements might change. Separate from educational requirements, state licensure boards might require applicants to complete professional examinations, background checks, years of professional experience, residency requirements, other specific training, or other relevant professional tasks to prepare the student for transition to career or employment.

Students interested in professional licensure or certification related to their employment in a specific field of study in a state/territory other than Georgia are strongly encouraged to contact the appropriate licensing entity in that state/territory to seek information and guidance regarding licensure or certification requirements for professional practice prior to enrolling in a preparation program at UWG. UWG programs leading to professional licensure may not meet the educational requirements for licensure of certification in states outside of Georgia or an attestation may be required.

Students should review the information provided below about the University's programs to see which program(s) meets the educational requirements for licensure/certification in the associated career or professional practice in the student's state of residence (or state where the student intends to work).  UWG is continuing to work to confirm whether its programs meet the educational requirement for licensure or certification in states outside Georgia. 

UWG is constantly updating this information, and has prioritized programs and states in which students are enrolled at UWG. If you do not see your program of interest and state on the database, email deregs-list@westga.edu.

To learn about your program and your state, review the program Licensure Disclosure links below:

College of Education

• Professional Licensure or Certification Disclosure: Teacher/Service/Leader Education Programs (PDF)

Richards College of Business

• Public Disclosure for the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Management Information Systems (PDF)

Tanner Health System School of Nursing

• School of Nursing Professional Licensure Disclosure (PDF)

Note: State laws, regulations, and policies may change at any time. Changes in requirements can impact the program's ability to meet educational requirements for licensure. It is the responsibility of the individual completing the licensure or certification program to check with the professional board(s) for the state in which they intend to obtain a license for the most recent information and requirements.