State Approvals
State Authorization Regarding Online and Distance Education
The following information explains Post University’s status regarding offering online education to students outside of Connecticut. Students located in any state may enroll in all online programming offered by Post University.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA)
Post University is an institutional participant in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). As a participating institution, it adheres to a common set of standards for offering postsecondary distance education among member states, districts, and territories. The Agreement establishes comparable national standards for the interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs. Post University continues to monitor developments in the relevant laws in each state. If authorization or licensure is or becomes necessary, Post University will take the necessary steps to gain approval.
NC-SARA Member States, Districts, and Territories
The chart below lists all current participating SARA states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Professional Credentialing Disclosure Statement
The United States Department of Education (DOE) and National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) require institutions to disclose to students, for programs specifically designed for certification or licensure, all requirements they must meet to attain the credential. This requirement applies to both online and in-person programs. Requirements for credentialing in fields such as accounting, education, and counseling vary from state to state. Students must contact the credentialing boards in the states in which they intend to work to determine any certification or licensure requirements. Students relocating during or after their education are responsible for researching the credentialing requirements for the state or territory to which they are moving. Students are further advised that some states’ laws require criminal background checks which could result in being disqualified from testing. Students with criminal backgrounds are strongly advised to check with their home states for additional information.
Accounting
The Associate of Science in Accounting and Bachelor of Science in Accounting degrees are not designed to fulfill Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure requirements in an individual state, however, the programs can be used to partially fulfill licensure requirements. The programs are also not designed to fulfill Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification requirements, although the programs can be used to partially fulfill these requirements (the other requirements can be found on the Institute of Management Accountants website: https://www.imanet.org/).
The Master of Science in Accounting, with the CPA Track, and Certificate in Accounting (Post-Baccalaureate) programs are designed to prepare students to sit for the Uniform Public Certified Accountant Exam.
The Certificate in Forensic Accounting is designed to prepare students to sit for the Certified Fraud Examiner examination. There are other requirements to earning this credential; learn about them on the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners website: https://www.acfe.com/become-cfe-qualifications.aspx
Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Post University does not guarantee licensure. It is ultimately the responsibility of individual students to be in charge of their own licensure process and to make sure that all requirements are met in obtaining licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body.
The following table shows whether Post University, with completion of the appropriate curriculum, does or does not fulfill the educational requirements for a specific license:
Specific Program Disclaimers
Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education
The Associate of Science in Early Childhood Education degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any educational credential, such as a state teacher’s license or an early childhood certification. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Learn about teaching certification requirements through the state departments of education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html. Learn about early childhood education credentials through the Council for Professional Recognition: https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/about/learn-about-the-cda/.
Bachelor of Science in Child Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Child Studies degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any educational credential, such as a state teacher’s license or an early childhood certification. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Learn about teaching certification requirements through the state departments of education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html. Learn about early childhood education credentials through the Council for Professional Recognition: https://www.cdacouncil.org/en/about/learn-about-the-cda/.
Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services
Graduates may seek employment in a wide variety of settings, including non-profits, state agencies, corrections, halfway houses, child and family service centers, and geriatric facilities. Students wishing to become credentialed counselors, will need to fulfill additional specific requirements. While the Master of Science in Counseling and Human Services is not designed to fulfill licensure requirements in an individual state, the program can be used to partially fulfill licensure requirements. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Post University does not guarantee licensure. It is ultimately the responsibility of individual students to be in charge of their own licensure process and to make sure that all requirements are met in obtaining licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body.
The following tables show whether Post University, with completion of the appropriate curriculum, does or does not fulfill the educational requirements for a specific license:
- Alcohol and Drug Counseling Licensure Disclosure by State
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Licensure Disclosure by State
Professional Counseling Certificate
Students may complete this certificate for personal or professional edification or may work towards completing requirements for a clinical mental health counseling license. While the Professional Counseling Certificate is not designed to fulfill licensure requirements in an individual state, the program can be used to partially fulfill licensure requirements. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Post University does not guarantee licensure. It is ultimately the responsibility of individual students to be in charge of their own licensure process and to make sure that all requirements are met in obtaining licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body.
The following tables show whether Post University, with completion of the appropriate curriculum, does or does not fulfill the educational requirements for a specific license:
- Alcohol and Drug Counseling Licensure Disclosure by State
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Licensure Disclosure by State
Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate
Students may complete this certificate for personal or professional edification or may work towards completing requirements for an alcohol and drug counseling credential. While the Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate is not designed to fulfill licensure requirements in an individual state, the program can be used to partially fulfill licensure requirements. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Post University does not guarantee licensure. It is ultimately the responsibility of individual students to be in charge of their own licensure process and to make sure that all requirements are met in obtaining licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body.
The following tables show whether Post University, with completion of the appropriate curriculum, does or does not fulfill the educational requirements for a specific license:
- Alcohol and Drug Counseling Licensure Disclosure by State
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling Licensure Disclosure by State
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any professional credential, such as a police officer certification. Professional credentials also have other requirements outside of education. Law enforcement and other public safety positions often require testing, specialized trainings, background checks, and more. Job requirements also vary by jurisdiction, involving the local, state, or national levels. Learn about law enforcement and public safety careers through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/, specifically: Police and Detectives, Correctional Officers and Bailiffs, and Emergency Management Directors.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any professional credential, such as a police officer certification. Professional credentials also have other requirements outside of education. Law enforcement and other public safety positions often require testing, specialized trainings, background checks, and more. Job requirements also vary by jurisdiction, involving the local, state, or national levels. Learn about law enforcement and public safety careers through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/, specifically: Police and Detectives, Correctional Officers and Bailiffs, and Emergency Management Directors.
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management
The Bachelor of Science in Emergency Management and Homeland Security degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any professional credential, such as a police officer certification. Professional credentials also have other requirements outside of education. Law enforcement and other public safety positions often require testing, specialized trainings, background checks, and more. Job requirements also vary by jurisdiction, involving the local, state, or national levels. Learn about law enforcement and public safety careers through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/, specifically: Police and Detectives, Correctional Officers and Bailiffs, and Emergency Management Directors.
Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership
The Master of Science in Higher Education Leadership degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any educational credential, such as a state teacher’s license or TESOL certification. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Learn about teaching certification requirements through the state departments of education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Master of Education
The Master of Education degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any educational credential, such as a state teacher’s license or TESOL certification. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Learn about teaching certification requirements through the state departments of education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration
The Graduate Certificate in Higher Education Administration is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any educational credential, such as a state teacher’s license. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Learn about teaching certification requirements through the state departments of education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Graduate Certificate in Learning Design and Technology
The Graduate Certificate in Learning Design and Technology is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any educational credential, such as a state teacher’s license. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Learn about teaching certification requirements through the state departments of education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching
The Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any educational credential, such as a state teacher’s license. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Learn about teaching certification requirements through the state departments of education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Graduate Certificate in Teaching English Language Learners
The Graduate Certificate in Teaching English Language Learners is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any educational credential, such as a state teacher’s license or TESOL certification. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Learn about teaching certification requirements through the state departments of education: https://www2.ed.gov/about/contacts/state/index.html.
Equine Veterinary Assistant Certificate
The Equine Veterinary Assistant Certificate is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any professional credential, such as a state veterinary technician license. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Learn about veterinary certification requirements, which vary by state, through the National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America: https://www.navta.net/.
Bachelor of Science in Human Services
The Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any professional credential, such as licenses for clinical psychology or therapy. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more.
Graduate Certificate in Infection Control
The Certificate in Infection Control prepares student to attempt the Certification in Infection Control (CIC) credential examination. Post University does not guarantee certification. Professional credentials include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. It is ultimately the responsibility of individual students to be in charge of their own certification process and to make sure that all requirements are met in obtaining certification. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body. The Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology issues the CIC. The full requirements for the CIC can be found here: https://www.cbic.org/CBIC/Get-Certified/Get-Started.htm
Associate of Science in Legal Studies
The Associate of Science in Legal Studies degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any legal credential, such as a state law license or a paralegal certification.
Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any legal credential, such as a state law license or a paralegal certification.
Certificate in Paralegal Studies
The Certificate in Paralegal Studies is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any legal credential, such as a state law license or a paralegal certification.
Master of Public Administration
The Master of Public Administration program is not specifically designed to prepare students for certification or licensure in any state. As licensure is a professional process, it is up to each student to fully understand the licensure process, as it varies from state to state and area of specialization. The faculty and staff in the Master of Public Administration program are here to support and advise students on program requirements, but it is ultimately the responsibility of individual student to be in charge of their own licensure process and to make sure that all requirements are met in obtaining licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body. It is the students’ responsibility to understand and comply with requirements in the state where they intend to work as an administrator or teacher. Please direct further questions to your Program Chair or Dean.
Master of Science in Project Management
Post University does not guarantee certification, and there are certification requirements outside of education. It is ultimately the responsibility of individual students to be in charge of their own certification process and to make sure that all requirements are met in obtaining certification. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body. Learn more about project management credentials from the Project Management Institute: https://www.pmi.org/certifications, ScrumAlliance: https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified, Scrum.org: https://www.scrum.org/professional-scrum-certifications, and CompTIA: https://www.comptia.org/certifications.
Graduate Certificate in Project Management
Post University does not guarantee certification, and there are certification requirements outside of education. It is ultimately the responsibility of individual students to be in charge of their own certification process and to make sure that all requirements are met in obtaining certification. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body. Learn more about project management credentials from the Project Management Institute: https://www.pmi.org/certifications, ScrumAlliance: https://www.scrumalliance.org/get-certified, Scrum.org: https://www.scrum.org/professional-scrum-certifications, and CompTIA: https://www.comptia.org/certifications.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any professional credential, such as licenses for clinical psychology or therapy. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Learn about psychology credentials, which vary by state, through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards: http://psybook.asppb.org/.
Non-Licensure Nursing Programs Including:
- Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing
- Master of Science in Nursing (Education, Case Management, Management and Organizational Leadership, Informatics, Infection Prevention and Control Specialties)
- Doctor of Nursing Practice
The RN to BSN, MSN-Education, MSN-Case Management, MSN-Management and Organizational Leadership, MSN-Informatics, MSN-Infection Prevention and Control, and DNP programs are post-licensure nursing programs. This means that students must already be licensed as an RN and hold the appropriate nursing degree to be accepted for admission. Students must maintain an active and unencumbered RN license throughout their enrollment in the program. These degree programs are not designed to enable graduates to obtain any such licensure or certification in any state, or to secure any form of employment that might require such licensure or certification.
Master of Science in Nursing (Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Specialties)
The MSN nurse practitioner specializations are designed for students with an active, unencumbered registered nurse (RN) license. For more information about nurse practitioner certification exams, students should visit the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners at www.aanpcertification.org or the American Nurses Credentialing Center at www.nursecredentialing.org.
Students will need to fulfill additional requirements to become nurse practitioners. While the Master of Science in Nursing (Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializations) is not designed to fulfill licensure requirements in an individual state, the program may be used to partially fulfill licensure requirements. Professional credentials vary by state and include requirements outside of education, which may include exams, background checks, work experience, and more. Post University does not guarantee licensure. It is the responsibility of individual students to ensure that all requirements are met to obtain licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body but does assist students in understanding licensure requirements.
The following table shows whether Post University, with completion of the appropriate curriculum, does or does not fulfill the educational requirements for a specific license:
NC-SARA Member States, Districts, and Territories
The chart below lists all current participating SARA states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Alabama | District of Columbia |
Alaska | Nevada |
Arizona | New Hampshire |
Arkansas | New Jersey |
Colorado | New Mexico |
Connecticut | New York |
Delaware | North Carolina |
Florida | North Dakota |
Georgia | Ohio |
Hawaii | Oklahoma |
Idaho | Oregon |
Illinois | Pennsylvania |
Indiana | Rhode Island |
Iowa | South Carolina |
Kansas | South Dakota |
Kentucky | Tennessee |
Louisiana | Texas |
Maine | Utah |
Maryland | Vermont |
Massachusetts | Virginia |
Michigan | Washington |
Minnesota | West Virginia |
Mississippi | Wisconsin |
Missouri | Wyoming |
Montana | Puerto Rico |
Nebraska | U.S. Virgin Islands |
Information on SARA states is available at http://nc-sara.org/sara-states-institutions.
Out-of-State Educational/Field Experience
Courses and programs incorporating a “supervised field experience” are covered by SARA provisions. SARA defines a “supervised field experience” as a learning experience under the oversight of a supervisor, mentor, faculty member or other qualified professional, located in the host state, who has a direct or indirect reporting responsibility to the institution where the student enrolled. Examples are internships, practica, or field experiences.
State Boards of Nursing may require additional notifications and requirements related to field and clinical experiences. Students will work with the clinical coordinator and compliance officer within American Sentinel School of Nursing and Health Science to ensure all requirements are met.
Additional California Disclosures
The State of California established the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic loss suffered by a student in an educational program at a qualifying institution, who is or was a California resident while enrolled, or was enrolled in a residency program, if the student enrolled in the institution, prepaid tuition, and suffered an economic loss. Unless relieved of the obligation to do so, you must pay the state-imposed assessment for the STRF, or it must be paid on your behalf, if you are a student in an educational program, who is a California resident, or are enrolled in a residency program, and prepay all or part of your tuition. You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF assessment if you are not a California resident, or are not enrolled in a residency program.
It is important that you keep copies of your enrollment agreement, financial aid documents, receipts, or any other information that documents the amount paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education, 1747 North Market, Suite 255, Sacramento, CA 95834, (916) 574-8900 or (888) 370-7589.
To be eligible for STRF, you must be a California resident or are enrolled in a residency program, prepaid tuition, paid or deemed to have paid the STRF assessment, and suffered an economic loss as a result of any of the following:
- The institution, a location of the institution, or an educational program offered by the institution was closed or discontinued, and you did not choose to participate in a teach-out plan approved by the Bureau or did not complete a chosen teach-out plan approved by the Bureau.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution within the 120 day period before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, or were enrolled in an educational program within the 120 day period before the program was discontinued.
- You were enrolled at an institution or a location of the institution more than 120 days before the closure of the institution or location of the institution, in an educational program offered by the institution as to which the Bureau determined there was a significant decline in the quality or value of the program more than 120 days before closure.
- The institution has been ordered to pay a refund by the Bureau but has failed to do so.
- The institution has failed to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federal student loan program as required by law, or has failed to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the institution in excess of tuition and other costs.
- You have been awarded restitution, a refund, or other monetary award by an arbitrator or court, based on a violation of this chapter by an institution or representative of an institution, but have been unable to collect the award from the institution.
- You sought legal counsel that resulted in the cancellation of one or more of your student loans and have an invoice for services rendered and evidence of the cancellation of the student loan or loans.
To qualify for STRF reimbursement, the application must be received within four (4) years from the date of the action or event that made the student eligible for recovery from STRF.
A student whose loan is revived by a loan holder or debt collector after a period of noncollection may, at any time, file a written application for recovery from STRF for the debt that would have otherwise been eligible for recovery. If it has been more than four (4) years since the action or event that made the student eligible, the student must have filed a written application for recovery within the original four (4) year period, unless the period has been extended by another act of law. However, no claim can be paid to any student without a social security number or a taxpayer identification number. IMPORTANT NOTE: As of April 1, 2024, the STRF fee is not currently being assessed by the State of California.
California Student Tuition Recovery Fund Fee
This fee is collected on behalf of the State of California for students whose Home of Record (HOR) is California*:
California Student Tuition Recovery Fund Fee | |
Undergraduate & Graduate *For specific information please go to https://www.bppe.ca.gov/lawsregs/strf.shtml. |
$0.00 per $1,000 of tuition STRF (Non-Refundable) $0.00 per $1,000 of Institutional Charges (As of 4/1/24) |
California Student Complaint Process for Online Students
If you are enrolled as an online student living in California, which is not a member SARA, and you have a complaint that cannot be resolved through Post University’s internal complaint process, you may file a complaint with the California Department of Consumer Affairs (CADCA). On behalf of California student residents, CADCA will evaluate complaints, identify the appropriate accrediting agency or governmental entity to handle the complaint, and request a response from the entity regarding the final disposition of the complaint. The address and contact information for CADCA are below:
California Department of Consumer Affairs Consumer Information Center
1625 North Market Blvd., Suite N-112
Sacramento, CA 95834
Phone: (833) 942-1120
Email: [email protected]
File a complaint with CDCA
International Students
International students are advised to understand and be apprised of the rules, regulations, and requirements related to online distance education programs in their country of residence. Students are advised to understand if their countries will recognize the online certificates or degrees and if it they will meet any licensure or certification requirements. International students are encouraged to contact their admissions representative if they have any questions.
Registering a Complaint with a State
To register a complaint in a student’s state of residency, please visit our State-By-State Complaint Process section.