Professional Licensure Policies & State Disclosures

• M.Ed. in K-12 Special Education (Licensure)

• Juris Doctor (J.D.)
• J.D. Flex – Part-Time Juris Doctor Program

• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
• M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling
• M.A. in School Counseling

For information about Regent’s accreditation status, please visit our accreditation page.

State authorization refers to the federal, state, and professional licensing board regulations that govern online and distance education offered across state lines. Regent University maintains proper authorization to ensure that degrees earned from Regent are recognized, and students can pursue their educational goals with confidence.

Regent University is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (NC-SARA), which facilitates the offering of distance learning programs—including online coursework and supervised field experiences—to students residing in states beyond Virginia. NC-SARA membership streamlines regulatory compliance across participating states.

Important Note: While NC-SARA membership allows Regent to provide distance education across state lines, it does not grant reciprocity for state professional licensing requirements. Educational requirements that meet Virginia licensure standards do not automatically satisfy the licensure requirements in other states.

For students in Virginia: Federal regulations and NC-SARA standards require specific disclosures for academic programs leading to professional licensure or certification. Regent’s professional licensure programs are designed to meet educational prerequisites for licensure primarily in Virginia. This means that upon graduation from a licensure program at Regent, students have fulfilled the minimum educational qualifications to apply for Virginia licensure.

For students in other states: Educational requirements for professional licensure vary significantly from state to state. A program that meets Virginia requirements may not meet the educational prerequisites for licensure in your state. Some states may require additional coursework, supervised fieldwork hours, background checks, passage of state-specific licensing exams, additional fees, or other requirements beyond degree completion.

For purposes of professional licensure disclosures and state authorization compliance, your location is defined as the state in which you are physically present when you begin your first semester in your licensure program at Regent University.

Your Responsibility: You are responsible for informing your program director and academic advisor if your location changes at any time during your enrollment. Changes in location may impact your eligibility to meet state licensure requirements, since the new state may have different educational requirements that your program does not fulfill.

During the admissions process, Regent University will collect information from you about your physical location and career goals to determine if you are eligible for your desired program.

Your Acknowledgment: When applying to a licensure program, you will submit an electronic form informing Regent (1) the state in which you will be physically present when you begin your first semester in your licensure program and (2) the state in which you intend to be licensed and practice your occupation after graduating. In most cases, this will be the same state, but some applicants may be aware of future relocation plans (i.e., a student serving in the military may not be in the same state when they begin and finish the program). Regent will review your attested information to render an admissions decision.

In accordance with federal requirements and as an NC-SARA participating institution, Regent delivers professional licensure disclosure statements to students as follows:

For Currently Enrolled Students:

• If you are enrolled in a licensure program and Regent becomes aware that our program no longer meets licensure requirements in your state, you will receive written notification and assistance considering your options (adjusting your degree plan, switching programs, withdrawal, etc.).
• Your Responsibility: During your educational journey with Regent, you will need to maintain access to and frequently check your student email address. If you need assistance with your Regent Portal and email access, please contact the IT Help Desk.

For Prospective Students:

• If you have indicated interest in a licensure program for which Regent’s program does meet licensure requirements in your state, you may be admitted, provided you meet all other admissions requirements.
• If you have indicated interest in a licensure program for which Regent’s program does not meet licensure requirements in your state, or if no determination has been made, you cannot be admitted to the program.

Upon application to Regent University, your state of residence and location will be determined based on your attestation (see above for more details).

Various federal and state regulatory agencies have a hand in regulating these requirements, but it will be your state licensing board that reviews your application, educational requirements, exam scores, and other items for licensure eligibility. Examples in our home state include:

• If you are applying for a teaching license in Virginia, you will submit your application for licensure to the Virginia Department of Education.
• If you are applying for a nursing license in Virginia, you will submit your application for licensure to the Virginia Board of Nursing.
• If you are applying for a counseling license in Virginia, you will submit your application for licensure to the Virginia Board of Counseling.

Regent offers the following online licensure programs:

• Education
  • M.Ed. in K-12 Special Education (General Curriculum Licensure)
• Counseling
  • M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • M.A. in Marriage, Couple & Family Counseling
  • M.A. in School Counseling

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of every licensure program offered by Regent. We offer other licensure programs restricted to on-campus attendance or only open to students in Virginia.

You may change to a different licensure program if all state requirements are met through your new program for the state in which you are located and receiving your education. Before changing programs, you should:

• Review the licensure and certification requirements for your state for the new program you wish to pursue.
• Confirm with the program director that the program meets educational requirements in your state.
• Understand that if the new program does not meet your state’s requirements, you will not be permitted to enroll.

We strongly encourage you to speak with both your program director and academic advisor about program as you consider making this change.

If you move to a different state after starting your licensure program, the program may not meet licensure requirements in your new state, and you may also face challenges securing required clinical placements, practicums, or internships in your new state.

Before relocating, we strongly encourage you to contact your program director to discuss how the move may affect your education and licensure pathway. This ensures you receive updated information for your new state and allows the university to assess any implications for your program completion and licensure eligibility.

No. Under current federal regulations, you will not be permitted to enroll in a licensure program that does not meet the educational requirements for your state. This policy ensures that students invest in programs that can lead to licensure in their state, and Regent maintains compliance with federal and state regulations. Your admissions counselor would be happy to discuss alternative programs available to you.

While some states have reciprocity agreements for certain licensed professions, these agreements are not universally applicable across all professions or between all states. Key limitations of reciprocity agreements include:

• Profession-specific variations – States define and apply reciprocity differently. For example, teacher reciprocity typically requires formally transferring your license from one state to another, while nursing reciprocity may allow you to practice in multiple states under a single license through an interstate compact. Since reciprocity arrangements are negotiated individually by profession, an agreement for one profession does not extend to others.
• State-by-state requirements – Each state establishes its own licensure requirements, including educational standards, clinical hours, examinations, and credential types. Not all states participate in reciprocity agreements for every profession.
• Differing credential structures – States may categorize and regulate professions differently. For example, one state may license counselors and therapists under similar requirements, while another state treats them as distinct professions with separate licensure pathways.

Reciprocity may be evaluated on a case-by-case basis but cannot be guaranteed for all licensure programs offered at Regent. Students should verify licensure requirements and reciprocity availability directly with the licensing board in the state where they intend to practice.

Regent University recognizes the unique circumstances of military service members and their families. If you are temporarily stationed in a state due to military orders where enrollment in your chosen licensure program is not permitted:

• Contact your program director to discuss your situation.
• Provide information regarding your military orders and temporary duty station.
• Work with your academic advisor to explore accommodations or alternatives.
• You may decide to defer enrollment until you are stationed in a state where the program meets licensure requirements.

Each situation is evaluated individually. Regent is committed to supporting military-connected students while maintaining compliance with state authorization and licensure regulations.

Your state’s professional licensing board website is the authoritative guide for licensure requirements. If you need help determining which regulatory agency to engage with or state website to utilize, our state-specific disclosures include the name and contact information for each licensing agency.

Regent University updates licensure information regularly, but state requirements can change. Always verify current requirements with your state’s licensing board before making enrollment decisions.

Understanding professional licensure requirements is an important part of your educational journey. If you have questions not addressed in these FAQs, please contact your program director and/or academic advisor. (For the education programs, please contact the SOE Certification & Licensure Official.) We are here to help you navigate these important considerations and achieve your educational and professional goals.