Professional Licensure Disclosures
The University of Parkside offers several programs and credentials that may lead to professional licensure within the State of Wisconsin. Other states vary in what professions they require to be licensed and how licensure functions. For example, some states require an individual to graduate from an approved program. Other states may require an individual to meet certification requirements of a national organization, complete a specific amount of training, or pass a nationally administered certification exam. Frequently, licensed professionals must also complete continuing education on an annual basis.
If a student is planning to apply for licensure in a state other than Wisconsin after completion of their program, they should refer to the information below or contact the other state’s appropriate licensing board to determine whether the UW-Parkside program meets licensure requirements in that state.
Professional Licenses and Certifications – Definitions, Distinctions, and Disclosures
Excerpt from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
Licenses and certifications show that a person has the specific knowledge or skill needed to do a job. Typically, you earn these credentials after you’ve completed your education. Sometimes, you become licensed or certified after you’ve gained practical experience, such as through an internship, residency, or time on the job.
Earning a license or certification involves meeting standards, which often includes passing an exam. Licenses and certifications are usually valid for a limited term and must be renewed periodically. An employer may require either credential.
However, there are a few key differences in the way BLS uses these terms. As shown below, one of the biggest distinctions between these two credentials is that licenses are legally required by the government to work in an occupation; certifications are not.
License
- Awarded by a governmental licensing agency
- Gives legal authority to work in an occupation
- Requires meeting predetermined criteria, such as having a degree or passing a state-administered exam.
Certification
- Awarded by a professional organization or other nongovernmental body
- Is not legally required in order to work in an occupation
- Requires demonstrating competency to do a specific job, often through an examination process.
Sometimes, these credentialing terms are used interchangeably. For example, some states may refer to the credentials teachers need as certifications while others refer to these certifications as “add-ons” to general state licenses. The Bureau of Labor Statistics would define them all as licenses because they are issued by a state government and are legally required for many specific teaching positions.
Licensure and Certification Disclosures by State
The programs listed below represent select programs at UW-Parkside that are designed to provide the educational requirements for professional licensure in the State of Wisconsin. Further information about UW-Parkside’s state authorizations for online programs can be found here. General information regarding all academic programs may be found in the academic catalog.
Please note: licensure requirements are always subject to change. Although UW–Parkside will confirm the licensure requirements on a routine basis, it is strongly recommended that you inquire with the relevant state board to confirm that you understand and will meet the requirements for licensure before enrolling in your program of choice. Please direct specific questions to the director of each program by following the link under each licensure category. The information on this page is updated annually by July 1.
Teacher Education
Art Education Concentration in Art BA Program
The Art Education Certification Program meets the standards required by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Educators who complete a preparation program approved by the Wisconsin DPI and receive a license from the DPI are usually eligible to receive at least a one-year license from other states. All of UW-Parkside’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Wisconsin DPI. Wisconsin is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), which has a national reciprocity agreement for teacher licensure. Therefore, all teacher licensure programs at UW-Parkside have approved program status and are a part of the NASDTEC certification reciprocity agreement. This means that Parkside graduates will be eligible for at least temporary licensure reciprocity with other states. Obtaining a license in Wisconsin first makes it easier to utilize the reciprocity agreement for temporary licensure in a NASDTEC-participating state.
Please be aware the licensure requirements vary from state to state. Most states require that educators who were prepared in another state complete at least one state-specific requirement (e.g. a course or test). The temporary license gives educators the opportunity to work in a school while they complete the requirement(s).
States and/or regions are continually revising their teacher licensure rules and requirements, sometimes without notice. There are two public resources that share important information related to license portability.
- The Education Commission of the States publishes a comparison of state policies on teacher license requirements as well as each state’s specific information regarding additional assessments required for out-of-state teachers.
- The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement facilitates mobility of educators among the states and territories that have signed the agreement, which includes most U.S. states and territories including Wisconsin. Licensure requirements for out-of-state educators can be found on this interactive map tool by state.
It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Our listings are updated annually by July 1, but changes may occur at any time. You can find contact information for each state’s licensure office here.
Meets Requirements:
Wisconsin
Does Not Meet Requirements:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Bilingual/Bicultural Education K-12 – Supplemental Licensure Program
The Bilingual/Bicultural Education K-12 Supplemental Licensure Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Educators who complete a preparation program approved by the Wisconsin DPI and receive a license from the DPI are usually eligible to receive at least a one-year license from other states. All of UW-Parkside’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Wisconsin DPI. Wisconsin is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), which has a national reciprocity agreement for teacher licensure. Therefore, all teacher licensure programs at UW-Parkside have approved program status and are a part of the NASDTEC certification reciprocity agreement. This means that Parkside graduates will be eligible for at least temporary licensure reciprocity with other states. Obtaining a license in Wisconsin first makes it easier to utilize the reciprocity agreement for temporary licensure in a NASDTEC-participating state.
Please be aware the licensure requirements vary from state to state. Most states require that educators who were prepared in another state complete at least one state-specific requirement (e.g. a course or test). The temporary license gives educators the opportunity to work in a school while they complete the requirement(s).
States and/or regions are continually revising their teacher licensure rules and requirements, sometimes without notice. There are two public resources that share important information related to license portability.
- The Education Commission of the States publishes a comparison of state policies on teacher license requirements as well as each state’s specific information regarding additional assessments required for out-of-state teachers.
- The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement facilitates mobility of educators among the states and territories that have signed the agreement, which includes most U.S. states and territories including Wisconsin. Licensure requirements for out-of-state educators can be found on this interactive map tool by state.
It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Our listings are updated annually by July 1, but changes may occur at any time. You can find contact information for each state’s licensure office here.
Meets Requirements:
Wisconsin
Does Not Meet Requirements:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Secondary Education Major Program
The Secondary Education Major Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Educators who complete a preparation program approved by the Wisconsin DPI and receive a license from the DPI are usually eligible to receive at least a one-year license from other states. All of UW-Parkside’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Wisconsin DPI. Wisconsin is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), which has a national reciprocity agreement for teacher licensure. Therefore, all teacher licensure programs at UW-Parkside have approved program status and are a part of the NASDTEC certification reciprocity agreement. This means that Parkside graduates will be eligible for at least temporary licensure reciprocity with other states. Obtaining a license in Wisconsin first makes it easier to utilize the reciprocity agreement for temporary licensure in a NASDTEC-participating state.
Please be aware the licensure requirements vary from state to state. Most states require that educators who were prepared in another state complete at least one state-specific requirement (e.g. a course or test). The temporary license gives educators the opportunity to work in a school while they complete the requirement(s).
States and/or regions are continually revising their teacher licensure rules and requirements, sometimes without notice. There are two public resources that share important information related to license portability.
- The Education Commission of the States publishes a comparison of state policies on teacher license requirements as well as each state’s specific information regarding additional assessments required for out-of-state teachers.
- The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement facilitates mobility of educators among the states and territories that have signed the agreement, which includes most U.S. states and territories including Wisconsin. Licensure requirements for out-of-state educators can be found on this interactive map tool by state.
It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Our listings are updated annually by July 1, but changes may occur at any time. You can find contact information for each state’s licensure office here.
Meets Requirements:
Wisconsin
Does Not Meet Requirements:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Early Childhood Education Major Program
The Early Childhood Major Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Educators who complete a preparation program approved by the Wisconsin DPI and receive a license from the DPI are usually eligible to receive at least a one-year license from other states. All of UW-Parkside’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Wisconsin DPI. Wisconsin is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), which has a national reciprocity agreement for teacher licensure. Therefore, all teacher licensure programs at UW-Parkside have approved program status and are a part of the NASDTEC certification reciprocity agreement. This means that Parkside graduates will be eligible for at least temporary licensure reciprocity with other states. Obtaining a license in Wisconsin first makes it easier to utilize the reciprocity agreement for temporary licensure in a NASDTEC-participating state.
Please be aware the licensure requirements vary from state to state. Most states require that educators who were prepared in another state complete at least one state-specific requirement (e.g. a course or test). The temporary license gives educators the opportunity to work in a school while they complete the requirement(s).
States and/or regions are continually revising their teacher licensure rules and requirements, sometimes without notice. There are two public resources that share important information related to license portability.
- The Education Commission of the States publishes a comparison of state policies on teacher license requirements as well as each state’s specific information regarding additional assessments required for out-of-state teachers.
- The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement facilitates mobility of educators among the states and territories that have signed the agreement, which includes most U.S. states and territories including Wisconsin. Licensure requirements for out-of-state educators can be found on this interactive map tool by state.
It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Our listings are updated annually by July 1, but changes may occur at any time. You can find contact information for each state’s licensure office here.
Meets Requirements:
Wisconsin
Does Not Meet Requirements:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
The Elementary Education Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Educators who complete a preparation program approved by the Wisconsin DPI and receive a license from the DPI are usually eligible to receive at least a one-year license from other states. All of UW-Parkside’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Wisconsin DPI. Wisconsin is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), which has a national reciprocity agreement for teacher licensure. Therefore, all teacher licensure programs at UW-Parkside have approved program status and are a part of the NASDTEC certification reciprocity agreement. This means that Parkside graduates will be eligible for at least temporary licensure reciprocity with other states. Obtaining a license in Wisconsin first makes it easier to utilize the reciprocity agreement for temporary licensure in a NASDTEC-participating state.
Please be aware the licensure requirements vary from state to state. Most states require that educators who were prepared in another state complete at least one state-specific requirement (e.g. a course or test). The temporary license gives educators the opportunity to work in a school while they complete the requirement(s).
States and/or regions are continually revising their teacher licensure rules and requirements, sometimes without notice. There are two public resources that share important information related to license portability.
- The Education Commission of the States publishes a comparison of state policies on teacher license requirements as well as each state’s specific information regarding additional assessments required for out-of-state teachers.
- The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement facilitates mobility of educators among the states and territories that have signed the agreement, which includes most U.S. states and territories including Wisconsin. Licensure requirements for out-of-state educators can be found on this interactive map tool by state.
It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Our listings are updated annually by July 1, but changes may occur at any time. You can find contact information for each state’s licensure office here.
Meets Requirements:
Wisconsin
Does Not Meet Requirements:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
English as a Second Language Minor Program
The English as a Second Language Minor Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Educators who complete a preparation program approved by the Wisconsin DPI and receive a license from the DPI are usually eligible to receive at least a one-year license from other states. All of UW-Parkside’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Wisconsin DPI. Wisconsin is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), which has a national reciprocity agreement for teacher licensure. Therefore, all teacher licensure programs at UW-Parkside have approved program status and are a part of the NASDTEC certification reciprocity agreement. This means that Parkside graduates will be eligible for at least temporary licensure reciprocity with other states. Obtaining a license in Wisconsin first makes it easier to utilize the reciprocity agreement for temporary licensure in a NASDTEC-participating state.
Please be aware the licensure requirements vary from state to state. Most states require that educators who were prepared in another state complete at least one state-specific requirement (e.g. a course or test). The temporary license gives educators the opportunity to work in a school while they complete the requirement(s).
States and/or regions are continually revising their teacher licensure rules and requirements, sometimes without notice. There are two public resources that share important information related to license portability.
- The Education Commission of the States publishes a comparison of state policies on teacher license requirements as well as each state’s specific information regarding additional assessments required for out-of-state teachers.
- The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement facilitates mobility of educators among the states and territories that have signed the agreement, which includes most U.S. states and territories including Wisconsin. Licensure requirements for out-of-state educators can be found on this interactive map tool by state.
It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Our listings are updated annually by July 1, but changes may occur at any time. You can find contact information for each state’s licensure office here.
Meets Requirements:
Wisconsin
Does Not Meet Requirements:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Special Education Major Program
The Special Education Major Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Educators who complete a preparation program approved by the Wisconsin DPI and receive a license from the DPI are usually eligible to receive at least a one-year license from other states. All of UW-Parkside’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Wisconsin DPI. Wisconsin is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), which has a national reciprocity agreement for teacher licensure. Therefore, all teacher licensure programs at UW-Parkside have approved program status and are a part of the NASDTEC certification reciprocity agreement. This means that Parkside graduates will be eligible for at least temporary licensure reciprocity with other states. Obtaining a license in Wisconsin first makes it easier to utilize the reciprocity agreement for temporary licensure in a NASDTEC-participating state.
Please be aware the licensure requirements vary from state to state. Most states require that educators who were prepared in another state complete at least one state-specific requirement (e.g. a course or test). The temporary license gives educators the opportunity to work in a school while they complete the requirement(s).
States and/or regions are continually revising their teacher licensure rules and requirements, sometimes without notice. There are two public resources that share important information related to license portability.
- The Education Commission of the States publishes a comparison of state policies on teacher license requirements as well as each state’s specific information regarding additional assessments required for out-of-state teachers.
- The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement facilitates mobility of educators among the states and territories that have signed the agreement, which includes most U.S. states and territories including Wisconsin. Licensure requirements for out-of-state educators can be found on this interactive map tool by state.
It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Our listings are updated annually by July 1, but changes may occur at any time. You can find contact information for each state’s licensure office here.
Meets Requirements:
Wisconsin
Does Not Meet Requirements:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Music Education Concentration within Music BA Program
The Music Education Certification Program is approved by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). Educators who complete a preparation program approved by the Wisconsin DPI and receive a license from the DPI are usually eligible to receive at least a one-year license from other states. All of UW-Parkside’s educator preparation programs are approved by the Wisconsin DPI. Wisconsin is a member of the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC), which has a national reciprocity agreement for teacher licensure. Therefore, all teacher licensure programs at UW-Parkside have approved program status and are a part of the NASDTEC certification reciprocity agreement. This means that Parkside graduates will be eligible for at least temporary licensure reciprocity with other states. Obtaining a license in Wisconsin first makes it easier to utilize the reciprocity agreement for temporary licensure in a NASDTEC-participating state.
Please be aware the licensure requirements vary from state to state. Most states require that educators who were prepared in another state complete at least one state-specific requirement (e.g. a course or test). The temporary license gives educators the opportunity to work in a school while they complete the requirement(s).
States and/or regions are continually revising their teacher licensure rules and requirements, sometimes without notice. There are two public resources that share important information related to license portability.
- The Education Commission of the States publishes a comparison of state policies on teacher license requirements as well as each state’s specific information regarding additional assessments required for out-of-state teachers.
- The National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) Interstate Agreement facilitates mobility of educators among the states and territories that have signed the agreement, which includes most U.S. states and territories including Wisconsin. Licensure requirements for out-of-state educators can be found on this interactive map tool by state.
It is very important that individuals seeking licensure in another state obtain the most recent certification/licensure information directly from the state in which they seek employment. Our listings are updated annually by July 1, but changes may occur at any time. You can find contact information for each state’s licensure office here.
Meets Requirements:
Wisconsin
Does Not Meet Requirements:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Health Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Nursing may lead to licensure and certification. Please be aware that requirements for licensure vary from state to state. The lists below indicate whether the program curriculum does or does not meet applicable educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in U.S. states and territories.
If you have questions about the program’s current curriculum or satisfaction of a specific requirement, please reach out to the program contact provided on the program website for assistance.
UW-Parkside’s Nursing (BS) program is part of a consortial program with the UW-Milwaukee School of Nursing.
Meets Requirements
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Does Not Meet Requirements
Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), New Hampshire
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
The Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling is designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor. It is available as a hybrid or 100% online program. Successful completion of the educational requirements, and in some cases, an external national exam, qualifies students for a provisional or training license in the states identified below. Post graduation, additional supervised clinical counseling hours and examinations are required before a full or independent professional counseling license can be granted. Licensure decisions are made exclusively by the state’s counseling board and the list below indicates the U.S. states and territories where the program curriculum meets educational requirements for professional licensure. Requirements for licensure vary from state to state and students should follow the link to each state’s licensing board to learn more about those requirements.
UW-Parkside’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling MS program is constantly striving to increase the number of states for which our students can successfully gain licensure. This list will be updated on a regular basis when new states can be added.
If you have questions about the program’s current curriculum or satisfaction of a specific requirement, please reach out to the program contact provided on the program website for assistance.
Meets Requirements
Colorado, Idaho, Illinois (hybrid program only), Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, American Samoa*
*Indicates a state or territory where a state-issued license is not currently required to work in this field
Does Not Meet Requirements
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois (100% online program only), Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wyoming, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Applied Health Sciences, Medical Laboratory Concentration (BS)
The UW-Parkside Applied Health Sciences BS with Concentration in Medical Laboratory Science program may lead to licensure or certification. Graduates from the program are eligible to register for the MLS American Society of Clinical Pathology Board of Certification (ASCP BOC) exam. Completion of the certification exam is not required for graduation. Licensure is not required to work as a medical lab scientist in every state.
For states that do require licensure components of the law vary state-to-state, but licensure typically requires possession of acceptable national certification (e.g., ASCP BOC) and minimum education, such as completion of an NAACLS-approved program. UW-Parkside’s Medical Laboratory Science program is accredited by the NAACLS. In addition, licensure typically includes an annual licensing fee (some are bi-annual) and a provision for continuing education. If interested in practicing MLS in these states, please contact the program director or visit the NAACLS licensure page for more information and contact information for state-specific licensing boards.
Meets Requirements
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island. South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands
Does Not Meet Requirements
California, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Montana, Nevada, New York, North Dakota, Tennessee, West Virginia, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico
Architecture
Pre-Architecture Progam leading to Bachelors of Architecture (BArch)
UW-Parkside’s Pre-Architecture program may lead to licensure and certification after transfer and successful completion of the BArch degree. Please be aware that requirements for licensure vary from state to state. The lists below indicate whether the program curriculum does or does not meet applicable educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in U.S. states and territories.
UW-Parkside’s Pre-Architecture program is part of a consortial program with the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture & Urban Planning. Students transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in order to pursue a major in architecture must have taken a minimum of 24 credit hours and must have a GPA of no less than 2.50. Because admission into the architecture major is highly competitive, students should understand that those admitted to the program will have a GPA that is higher than 2.50.
Upon transferring to UW-Milwaukee, students may apply to major in the Bachelor of Architectural Science (BSAS), a four-year degree program that would require an additional graduate degree in order to become a licensed architect, or directly into the five-year Bachelor of Architecture (BArch) undergraduate professional degree designed to be a quicker, more affordable path to becoming a licensed architect. The BArch program is an all-in-one, nationally accredited degree, which means students will be prepared and eligible to sit for the state licensing exam in five years instead of six. Because the BSAS degree does not lead to licensure without additional graduate work, the list of state acceptances below reflects only successful graduates of the BArch degree program.
Licensure in architecture is managed by the National Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) and includes both internship and examination components. Formerly referred to as IDP, students are encouraged to participate in the NCARB Architectural Experience Program as part of the path to licensure. It is also possible to take the Architect Registration Exam (ARE) while completing the AXP program.
For further information about the program’s current curriculum or satisfaction of a specific requirement, please reach out to the UW-Parkside College of Arts & Humanities or the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture & Urban Planning.
Meets Requirements (BArch Only)
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
Does Not Meet Requirements (BArch Only)
American Samoa
Accounting
Accounting (BS) Program
Accounting (MBA) Graduate Program
The Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Master’s of Business Administration with Concentration in Accounting programs at UW-Parkside are not specifically designed to lead to licensure. As with most states, the state of Wisconsin does not currently require individuals to hold a license or to pass an exam in order to work as a Practicing Accountant within Wisconsin. However, some states do require individuals to obtain a license and/or pass an exam to practice accountancy within their borders.
If a student wishes to become a Certified Public Accountant, which is a separate license category than Practicing Accountant, then they must take additional steps including passing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Accounting graduates from Parkside have gone on to earn Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credentials. Parkside Accounting graduates who choose to take the CPA exam and apply for licensure should check with the licensure board in their state to confirm that they meet the board’s Certified Public Accounting license requirements.
The states listed in “Meets Requirements” below do not require a license to be a Practicing Accountant within the state. The states listed in “Does Not Meet Requirements” require applicants to pass an exam and/or complete several years of experience to obtain a license before working as a Practicing Accountant within their states. Because Wisconsin does not require the exam or licensure our program would not meet the requirements in these states.
Meets Requirements for Practicing Accountant
Alabama*, Alaska*, Arizona*, Arkansas*, California*, Colorado*, Connecticut*, Delaware*, District of Columbia (D.C.)*, Florida*, Georgia*, Hawaii*, Idaho*, Illinois*, Indiana*, Kansas*, Kentucky*, Louisiana*, Maine*, Maryland*, Massachusetts*, Michigan*, Mississippi*, Missouri*, Montana*, Nebraska*, Nevada*, New Hampshire*, New Jersey (except for registered municipal accountant for public school accountant license)*, New Mexico*, New York*, North Carolina*, North Dakota*, Ohio*, Oklahoma*, Pennsylvania*, Rhode Island*, South Dakota*, Tennessee*, Texas*, Utah*, Vermont*, Virginia*, Washington*, West Virginia*, Wisconsin*, Wyoming*, American Samoa*, Guam*, Northern Mariana Islands*, Puerto Rico*, U.S. Virgin Islands*
*Indicates state or territory where a license is not required to work as a practicing accountant
Does Not Meet Requirements for Practicing Accountant
Iowa, Minnesota, New Jersey (only for registered municipal accountant for public school accountant license), Oregon, South Carolina
Student Location
In accordance with the U.S. Department of Education’s requirements set forth in Title IV, 34 CFR § 600.9, 34 CFR § 668.43 and the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), UW-Parkside is required to identify and record the location for its current students and any prospective students, in order to ensure that the university is authorized to provide educational opportunities in that location and for the purposes of individual direct professional licensure disclosures.
All programs that lead to licensure or certification, regardless of modality (in-person, hybrid, or distance education), must determine the location for a student and provide the student with the related professional licensure disclosures.
Location refers to:
- The physical street address where the student is physically living and/or frequently staying while enrolled in courses, programs, field experiences, or other educational activities or;
- the physical address for a site where a prospective student is physically living and/or frequently staying at the time the prospective student applied for admission to Parkside.
A student’s location address may or may not be the same as their permanent or mailing address. It might be an address for campus housing, such as a student’s residence hall or an off-campus apartment.
According to the Universities of Wisconsin System Administrative Policy SYS 121 UW-Parkside determines a student’s location at the time of initial enrollment in a professional or occupational licensure or certification program using the following definitions:
- A student who enrolls in a program that holds instruction primarily at a physical location on campus (on-campus instruction) shall be considered located in the state of Wisconsin. This determination is based on the student being located (in part or exclusively) in Wisconsin while receiving instruction and enrolling in a program designed, primarily, to lead to licensure in the state of Wisconsin.
- A student enrolling in a program that offers instruction in a hybrid learning format will be considered located in Wisconsin.
- A student enrolling exclusively in distance education will be considered located at their current address listed on their official application and/or acceptance into the program.
If you have questions, please email Associate Vice Provost Amber Handy at handy@uwp.edu.
Student Attestations
Many professions and certifications are governed by state or territorial regulations. These regulations often dictate specific educational requirements for licensure or certification. For this reason, some of UW-Parkside’s programs that lead to professional licensure and state certification may not meet the educational requirements of all states and territories.
Why am I required to complete an attestation?
Federal regulation, § 668.14(b)(32)(i) and (ii), requires students to complete an attestation at the time of initial enrollment at UW-Parkside into a professional licensure or state certification program that does not meet the educational requirements for the state or territory where the student is located. The attestation serves as a crucial tool to ensure that students engage in the decision-making process with full awareness and consent.
The attestation requires students to:
- Disclose their intentions and plans for professional licensure upon graduation from UW-Parkside and outline educational goals and future plans for employment.
- Acknowledge that they have been informed by UW-Parkside that the program for which they intend to enroll is not designed to meet the educational requirements for licensure or certification in the state where they are located.
- Attest to seek employment in a state that meets the educational requirements for licensure or certification.
- Confirm that UW-Parkside has provided program advising and alternative options and resources related to their pursuit of professional licensure or state certification.
UW-Parkside is committed to complying with federal regulations and demonstrating transparency. The university has implemented a student attestation process to ensure that students are fully informed about how the university’s professional licensure and certification programs align with the educational standards of a state or territory, empowering them to make informed decisions about their education and future career paths.
At this time only the Masters of Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting program is offered entirely online and therefore might enroll students who are located in another state. All other programs that lead to professional licensure or certification at UW-Parkside are offered in an on-campus or hybrid format. Therefore, all students enrolled in these programs are considered to be located in Wisconsin and do not need to complete the attestation process.
State Authorizations
What is State Authorization?
State authorization refers to the process through which educational institutions comply with the state authorization regulations and requirements of each state in which they operate. This is particularly relevant for institutions offering online, hybrid, or distance education programs, as they may enroll students from different states. The goal of state authorization is to ensure that educational institutions meet the standards set by each state’s regulatory bodies, promoting the quality of education and safeguarding the interests of students. Compliance with state authorization in accordance with the U.S. Department of Education’s guidelines is crucial for legal operation and to maintain the integrity of education across various geographical locations.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers a number of online and distance education degree programs. Our online and distance education offerings are reviewed and approved by faculty governance at UW-Parkside, the Universities of Wisconsin, and as part of the Higher Learning Commission’s accreditation requirements.
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA) allow participating colleges and universities to offer distance education programs and activities to students residing in member states without having to individually obtain approval or authorization from each state to operate.
In accordance with Wis. Stats. Ch. 39.85, the State of Wisconsin is an approved member of SARA through the Midwestern Higher Education Compact which regulates the manner in which participating institutions may offer distance learning education to students who reside in other states. The Distance Learning Authorization Board (DLAB) was created in 2015 under Wisconsin Act 208 to represent Wisconsin’s higher education institutions for SARA. Within DLAB, the Universities of Wisconsin act as the portal entity and responsible for overseeing the participation of eligible Universities of Wisconsin institutions in SARA. UW-Parkside has been approved by the Universities of Wisconsin and DLAB to participate in SARA.
UW-Parkside is a participating institution in NC-SARA. Information regarding Wisconsin SARA is available at DLAB.
SARA Member States & Territories
At this time, the following U.S. states and territories are SARA members:
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virignia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands
California is not a member of NC-SARA and currently exempts public universities from having to obtain approval to offer distance education programs in California. Therefore, UW-Parkside is authorized to offer distance education programs in all 50 U.S. states.
Details about which UW-Parkside programs meet accreditation standards for the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, and the Northern Mariana Islands are available in the disclosures section of this webpage.
Program Integrity – Complaints and Grievances
Pursuant to the United States Department of Education’s Program Integrity Rule, an individual may file a complaint against any of University of Wisconsin System’s public institutions alleging a violation of one or more of the following categories with the University of Wisconsin System Administration (“UWSA”).
Complaints that allege a violation of state consumer protection laws that include but are not limited to fraud and false advertising; Complaints that allege a violation of state law or rule relating to the licensure of postsecondary institutions; Complaints relating to the quality of education or other State or accreditation requirements.
- If a student has a complaint that involves distance learning education offered under the terms and conditions of SARA, they must file a complaint with the University of Wisconsin-Parkside to first seek a resolution: See Policy 51: Student Complaint Procedures for more information.
- If a resolution is not reached at the university level, the student may file a complaint with the Wisconsin Distance Learning Authorization Board (DLAB) through the State Authorization Reciprocity Complaint Process at the following link: http://www.heab.state.wi.us/DLAB/faq.html . For purposes of this process, a complaint shall be defined as a formal assertion in writing that the terms of this agreement, or of laws, standards or regulations incorporated by the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements Policies and Standards have been violated by the institution operating under the terms of SARA.
The terms and conditions of SARA can be found at http://nc-sara.org/content/sara-policies-and-standards.
Additional information can be found at http://www.heab.state.wi.us/DLAB/faq.html.
The University of Wisconsin-Parkside participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.
