Professional Licensure and State Authorization
Professional Licensure
A number of programs offered at William James College are approved by Massachusetts professional licensing boards, which makes it possible for graduates to apply for a professional license in the Commonwealth. Students are also eligible for licensure in other states.* Below is a list of programs approved in Massachusetts along with links to more information on the licensure track programs and licensure in other states.
*In compliance with federal and state regulations, and SARA policies, William James College must disclose if these programs meet the licensure requirements in other states. See the links below for this state-specific information.
PsyD in Clinical Psychology
- Academic Program Information
- Massachusetts Licensure-Psychologist
- Licensure By State- PsyD in Clinical Psychology
MA/CAGS in School Psychology
- Academic Program Information
- Massachusetts Licensure
- Licensure By State-MA/CAGS in School Psychology
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (On-Campus)
- Academic Program Information
- Massachusetts Licensure-Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- Massachusetts Licensure Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
- LMHC Licensure By State- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (On-Campus)
- LMFT Licensure By State-MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (On-Campus)
- Addictions Certification and Licensure-MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (On-Campus)
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online)
- Academic Program Information
- Massachusetts Licensure-Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
- LMHC Licensure By State- MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Online)
MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
- Academic Program Information
- Massachusetts Licensure
- Licensure By State-MA in Applied Behavior Analysis
Leadership Licensure Program/Graduate Certificate in School Leadership (LLP/GCSL)
State Authorization
State authorization is the legal mandate that requires higher education institutions to be in compliance with the laws and regulations of each state where it conducts business. Each state has the authority to regulate educational activities that are delivered within and across its borders, including distance/online education. Additionally, states have the right to determine the process by which out-of-state colleges and universities can obtain approval. The need for higher education institutions to seek such approval depends on the requirements of each state's regulations and the types of activities an institution is conducting in the state.
William James College takes this requirement very seriously. There can be significant consequences to institutions that are not in compliance with state authorization regulations.
NC-SARA
The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) provides a regional approach to oversight of distance education and streamlines the process for institutions to become compliant in other states for distance education. Membership in NC-SARA is voluntary. NC-SARA ensures students are afforded various consumer protection benefits as well as access to quality programs by establishing a set of guidelines to which member institutions must adhere. You can read more about NC-SARA online. Membership in NC-SARA allows William James College to meet the basic state authorization requirements in other member states and provides some basic benefits to students including:
- increased access to educational offerings,
- improved resolution process for student complaints,
- improved overall quality of distance education,
- reduces the likelihood that institutions will pass on increased costs to students for having to obtain approvals in every state.
However, even with NC-SARA membership, institutions still must be compliant with professional licensing board requirements in other states if they want to enroll students in professional licensure programs.