Out of State Approval

State Authorization

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.