Out of State Approval
State Authorization allows Lamar University to offer educational opportunities to students nationwide through compliance with state and federal regulations. The University must receive authorization from a state before allowing students from that state to participate in educational activities.
Lamar University has taken steps to protect its students and operations through nationwide compliance by participation in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA); obtaining authorization, approval, exemptions and waivers; or confirming that Lamar University can operate without such authorization because the state’s laws do not pertain to the university’s activities in that state.
NC-SARA
“The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement is a voluntary agreement among its member states and U.S. territories that establishes comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance-education courses and programs. It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.” -NC-SARA
Texas was approved as a SARA state in 2015, and is administered by the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB.) Current authorized SARA member states include 49-member states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
States That Participate in NC-SARA
Professional Licensure
Be aware that NC-SARA does not provide reciprocity for professional licensing boards such as education, mental health counseling, nursing, etc. For students considering an academic program that leads to a professional license or certification in a state other than Texas, contact your state’s appropriate licensing agency to obtain the applicable requirements, rules, and regulations for determining whether an online distance education program will meet your individual needs.
Many programs, both online and on-campus, may lead to licensure in other states, but additional coursework may be required by your state. Please review this chart and determine whether a Lamar University program will meet educational requirements in your state.
State Authorization and Professional Licensure Information By State
All programs are available to Texas residents. If you are physically located outside of the state of Texas, please select from the options below to determine which program(s) are available in your state.
Student Location Changes
Current and prospective students need to be aware of the importance of their physical location while enrolled in online courses/programs or completing internship, practicum, or clinical hours required by the program in which they are enrolled.
Students need to be aware that changing their physical location may impact their ability to take online courses, continue in online programs, or complete internship, practicum, or clinical hours. A change in location could impact your ability to get a certification/license.
For more information, review Lamar University's Student Location Policy.
Complaint Resolution
Lamar University and LU Online desire to resolve student grievances, complaints and concerns in an expeditious, fair and amicable manner. All students including those residing outside of the State of Texas while attending Lamar University who desire to resolve a grievance should follow the University's Student Grievance Procedure. However, if an issue cannot be resolved internally, a student may file a complaint with the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) portal entity. For LU Online students that would be:
Jessica Acton
Program Director
Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board
1200 E. Anderson Lane
Austin, TX 78752
512.427.6214
jessica.acton@highered.texas.gov
Students may also file a complaint with the accrediting agency for the university. Access information regarding complaint process for SACS.
Further Questions?
For further questions about state authorization or professional licensure, contact
Melaney C. Whiting
State Licensure and Authorization Officer
Lamar University- Distance Learning
4400 MLK Boulevard
Beaumont, TX 77710
(409) 880-7640
mwhiting@lamar.edu