State Authorization & Licensure

The US Department of Education has made several important changes (effective July 1, 2020) to federal laws that govern how colleges and universities operate when offering distance (online or remote) education. Online-only programs at Palo Alto University (PAU) are:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology or Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology*
• Master of Science in Psychology
• Master of Social Work
• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling*
• PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision  

* This only pertains to the Online program

Colleges and universities offering entirely online programs must secure approval from each state where enrolled students are located to ensure compliance with state-specific regulations. This state authorization permits institutions like PAU to conduct educational activities beyond their home state borders. Meeting these regulatory obligations involves a thorough review of state laws and regulations to maintain authorization, ensuring that PAU adheres to each state's unique requirements.

Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Education mandates that institutions provide proof of authorization in states where it is required to participate in federal student financial aid programs. At PAU, the Office of the Provost ensures ongoing compliance, manages authorization statuses, and communicates any changes.

Unapproved States

We are currently unable to admit students into our online-only programs if they are located in the following states. Please check back regularly for updates.

Example: Gabrielle lives in Indiana, and wants to enroll in our online MS program. Before she can enroll, 
PAU must have explicit approval from the State of Indiana to operate as an institution of higher education in their state. Until this happens, PAU cannot recruit for the MS program in Indiana, nor can PAU admit or enroll Gabrielle.

Licensure

Students who plan to seek licensure in a state or territory outside of California are required to research their region's specific laws and regulations before enrolling in a program. PAU does not give any assurances that its programs meet the requirements of other states or territories. 

PAU and its Faculty and Staff cannot offer reliable advice and PAU makes no determination whether the curricular part of the program meets licensing requirements of states and/or territories other than California. 

Master's Level: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)
Master's Level: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Master's Level: Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
All Programs: Out-of-California Licensure

Important Information about Student Relocation

Prospective and current students should be aware that relocating to another state or country may affect their ability to apply for or continue in certain programs. Since Palo Alto University must secure authorization or approval to offer online programs in each state, relocating to a state or country where PAU does not meet the required state requirements or has not yet obtained approval may have implications for your academic progress. Prospective students should discuss potential relocation with their Admissions Advisor, while current students should consult with their Academic Advisor if considering relocation during their studies.

Disclosures Regarding the Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA in CMHC)

Federal regulations require Palo Alto University (PAU) to disclose to applicants and students of an educational program that is designed to lead to professional licensure, whether the program:

• Meets a state’s educational requirements for licensure;
• Does not meet a state’s educational requirements for licensure; or
• PAU has not made a determination regarding whether it meets a state’s requirements.

Students should understand that licensure eligibility and PAU’s authorization to operate in a state are separate matters.

A PAU degree may meet a state’s educational requirements for licensure, even though PAU is not authorized to enroll distance education students who are residing in that state or arrange clinical training in that particular state.

Professional Counselor Licensure Disclosure

The PAU Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MA in CMHC) is a 60-semester-credit, CACREP-accredited counseling degree. The program is designed to prepare graduates to pursue licensure as professional counselors.

All 50 states currently require a 60-semester-credit CACREP-accredited counseling degree or less. PAU has determined that the MA in CMHC meets the current educational requirements for professional counselor licensure in all 50 states.

Meeting a state’s educational requirements does not guarantee licensure. States may impose additional requirements, including examinations, supervised post-degree experience, background checks, applications, fees, and other conditions. Students should consult the applicable licensing board to gain knowledge of the rest of the requirements. LINK to US List of Licensure Boards

Jurisdictions Where PAU Is Not Authorized to Enroll Distance Education Students or Clinical Training While Enrolled

While the degree meets licensure requirements in all states, PAU is not authorized in all states to offer the MA in CMHC to students residing or then physically located in the state. . PAU cannot offer the MA in CMHC to students physically located in the jurisdictions listed below. PAU also cannot approve practicum or internship placements in these jurisdictions.

Students may not reside in or complete clinical training in any of the following states or territories while enrolled in the MA in CMHC:

This restriction applies during enrollment and does not mean that the MA in CMHC fails to meet these jurisdictions’ educational requirements for professional counselor licensure.

After graduating from PAU, students may move to one of these jurisdictions and use the MA in CMHC toward professional counselor licensure because the degree meets the jurisdiction’s applicable educational requirements. Graduates remain responsible for satisfying all other licensure requirements imposed by the applicable licensing board.

Important Location Requirements for Current Students

Students enrolled in the MA in CMHC must:

• Reside in a state or jurisdiction where PAU is authorized to offer the program;

• Complete practicum and internship placements only in states or jurisdictions where PAU is authorized to arrange clinical training;

• Notify PAU before changing their state (or territory) of physical location; and

• Receive approval before beginning or changing a practicum or internship placement.

A student who relocates to an unauthorized jurisdiction while enrolled at PAU may no longer be eligible to continue the program from that location.

Five-Quarter-Unit Course Requirements

Some states require coursework of at least five quarter units in specified content areas. The MA in CMHC offers a variable-unit course structure that will enable students to satisfy these requirements if the students properly choose the appropriate unit structure of the courses.

Students are responsible for:

• Determining whether their intended jurisdiction of licensure requires five-quarter-unit courses;

• Confirming the requirements directly with the applicable licensing board , and

• Enrolling at PAU in the appropriate unit structure for the state(s) of their licensure goals

A student should not at PAU choose the standard unit structure when their intended licensing state (s) instead requires five-quarter-unit courses because doing so can adversely affect their eligibility for licensure.

Marriage and Family Therapist Licensure Disclosure

The MA in CMHC is a CACREP-accredited counseling degree. It is intended to prepare graduates outside California to pursue licensure as professional counselors—not as marriage and family therapists.

California

The California Board of Behavioral Science has determined that PAU graduates may apply the MA in CMHC degree toward California licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), subject to all additional requirements established by the California licensing board.

States Other Than California

PAU has not made a determination that the MA in CMHC meets the educational requirements for LMFT licensure in any state other than California.

Many states require an MFT-specific degree or accreditation associated with marriage and family therapy. Students seeking LMFT licensure outside California must consult the applicable state licensing board to determine:

• Whether a counseling degree is acceptable;

• Whether an MFT-specific degree or accreditation is required;

• Whether additional coursework or clinical training is required; and

• Whether the MA in CMHC can be applied toward the state’s LMFT requirements.

A determination concerning professional counselor licensure does not constitute a determination concerning LMFT licensure.